BusinessMirror February 14, 2025

UNKNOWNS IN GLOBAL

TRADE SPUR RATE

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

At the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) monetary policy meeting on Thursday, the seven-man Monetary Board said it “decided to keep the BSP’s Target Reverse Repurchase Rate at 5.75 percent.” BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. also noted that interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities remain at 5.25 percent and 6.25 percent, respectively.

Remolona told reporters at the briefing that, “Normally, we would have cut further. But something has changed.

“The thing that has changed is the uncertainty over what’s going on globally, especially the uncertainty over trade policy. But there are other sources of uncertainty.”

Remolona added that the seven-man Monetary Board “is not quite comfortable with evaluating the impact of that, the uncertainty itself. And we don’t quite know what the policies will be.” The impact of uncertainty, he stressed, is “very tricky to analyze.”

Balancing inflation, GDP

THE BSP chief also explained

to reporters the Central Bank’s structure of policymaking. “Normally, the BSP’s inflation concerns get a bigger weight.” However, Remolona said the Monetary Board takes account of growth, adding, “We don’t want to lose output unnecessarily.”

He continued: “If we can manage, we want to reduce inflation without reducing output. So that’s a balancing act but this time, the balancing act is more difficult than usual,” added Remolona.

In particular, the Monetary Board noted that domestic growth prospects continue to be “firm.” However, Remolona said uncertainty over global economic policies and their impact on the domestic economy has “increased significantly.”

With this, the BSP chief explained that before deciding on the timing and magnitude of further reductions in the policy interest rate, the Monetary Board “deems it prudent to await further assessments of the impact of global policy uncertainty and the potential

TP6.378 trillion as the government further made adjustments due to additional funding for unprogrammed and automatic appropriations. Preliminary data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed that P610.902 billion in additional funds were included in the national budget in 2024, bringing the budget to P6.378 trillion. As such, P531.374 billion went to unprogrammed appropriations while P79.528 billion was allotted for automatic appropriations. Under unprogrammed appropriations, P200.028 billion was added as assistance for government infrastructure and social programs. The

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) obtained P155.881 billion and P17.625 billion, respectively.

About P127.061 billion was also allotted as support to foreign-assisted projects, particularly to DPWH, DA, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The DPWH and DOTr also received more funding for the government’s counterpart of foreign-assisted projects worth P40.877 billion.

For the maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of infrastructure facilities, P13.5 billion was given to DPWH.

Moreover, local government units

By Lorenz S. Marasigan and Samuel P. Medenilla

RANSPORTATION Secre -

Ttary Jaime J. Bautista announced his resignation from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), effective February 21, citing health concerns. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has accepted his resignation and appointed Vivencio “Vince” Dizon as his successor. In his statement, Bautista expressed gratitude to Marcos for the opportunity to serve in government, describing his tenure as “most enriching, having served with utmost integrity.”

He said he “looks forward to a smooth transition, after which a much needed vacation to recuperate from two and a half years of intense public service.”

A separate announcement was made by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who confirmed Dizon will replace former Bautista effective on February 21, 2025.

“He [Dizon] is already authorized by the Office of the President to start the transition at the DOTr in coordination with the team of Secretary Jaime Bautista, who has resigned due to health reasons,” Bersamin said. Aside from being the former

Bautista quits, Dizon takes over DOTr

head of the BCDA, Dizon also served as Presidential Adviser for flagship programs and as Presidential adviser for novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) response of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

When Dizon stepped down from BCDA in 2021, BCDA earned P48 billion gross revenues—the highest in the last 27 years.

In a statement, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cesar B. Chavez said Dizon has extensive experience—26 years—in the legislative and executive branches of the government.

“He also received one of the highest civilian honors—the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Bayani for his important contributions to the Build Build Build program and the country’s response to the Covid 19 pandemic,” Chavez said.

He said Dizon is currently the Chief Regulatory Officer of Prime Infrastructure.

Dizon’s new designation comes amid the ongoing election ban, which includes the general prohibition against the appointment or hiring of new employees in connection with the 12 May 2025 National and Local Elections.

In a Viber message, however, Commission on Elections Chairman George M. Garcia clarified that the President has a continuing authority to appoint new officials even during the election prohibition period. Under the Comelec Resolution

Continued from A1

No. 11059, the Office of the President, the Office of the Vice President, Senate, House of Representatives, Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals, including the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, Senate Electoral Tribunal, and House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal were given continuing authority to appoint or hire new employees during the prohibition period.

Bautista’s tenure DURING his tenure, Bautista oversaw developments in the country’s transportation industry—from air to maritime and land sectors.

One of the key milestones was the privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) and other regional airports. This initiative aimed to improve the efficiency, service quality, and overall passenger experience by allowing private sector expertise to manage and upgrade facilities.

Also under Bautista’s term, the first phase of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 Cavite Extension was opened, expanding Manila’s oldest railway system to Sucat in Paranaque. This extension is expected to reduce travel time and provide a reliable alternative for daily commuters, significantly decongesting major roads.

Likewise, the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) officially commenced under Bautista’s leadership. The program aims to replace outdated jeepneys

and other public transport units with modern, safer, and environmentally friendly vehicles. Despite facing resistance from transport groups due to financial concerns, the initiative remains a cornerstone of the government’s transport reform agenda.

In the maritime sector, Bautista led the Philippines’ efforts to be included in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) whitelist, keeping Filipino seafarer’s employment opportunities secured, while strengthening the country’s reputation as a key player in the global maritime industry.

Plucked from retirement

BAUTISTA came out of retirement from his decades of leadership experience under the LT Group, most specifically Philippine Airlines, after Marcos asked him to join the Cabinet.

In an interview with the BusinessMirror before his retirement in 2019, Bautista said he wants to spend more time with his family, especially his wife, Joji.

Back then, he said he wanted to travel the world and tick off his travel bucket list, play golf, and see his grandkids mature. However, Bautista’s resignation at this time was apparently unplanned as he had even confirmed as speaker at an event of the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) on February 28.

Dizon is expected to continue

the initiatives aimed at improving the country’s transportation infrastructure and services.

These include the PUVMP, whose implementation remains a critical issue, with debates ongoing regarding timelines and support mechanisms for affected stakeholders.

Dizon will also inherit projects such as the Metro Manila Subway Project, the North-South Commuter Railway, the Mindanao Railway Project, and several other port projects that are lined up for implementation.

He is also expected to champion the National Transport Policy, which aims to establish a cohesive framework for economic governance in the transport sector. It focuses on integrating various forms of transportation, enhancing connectivity, and promoting sustainable practices.

Dizon has been in government service for the last 26 years. These roles include serving as the Presidential Adviser on Flagship Programs and Projects and as the President and CEO of the BCDA, where he played a key role in the massive Build Build Build program.

Additionally, he was appointed as the Presidential Adviser and Deputy Chief Implementer in the country’s fight against Covid-19. Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda added that Dizon’s skills in managing companies and government offices will help the DOTr further.

“I am sure he will bury himself in the work of the DOTr immediately. I am also certain of quick confirmation by the CA,” he said. See related story on A6 News.

Comelec busts claims of ‘pre-shaded’ballots

Continued from A16

Comelec has denied any ties to the group and urged candidates to report similar schemes immediately.

“We need to be the ones reporting these scams. Now that you know about them, if they approach you, entrap them. They’re just trying to take your money,” Garcia said.

Hacking ‘not possible’

WITH advanced technology in place for the elections, Comelec assured the public that hacking is highly unlikely, even during the transmission of results.

The poll body said this year’s counting system is “hybridized.”

Once the ACM has scanned all ballots, its 14-inch screen will display the scanned ballots for transparency.

Voters and poll watchers can take photos or videos of the displayed results for manual counting, which can then be compared with Comelec’s official count.

Afterward, Comelec will activate its “transmit-to-all” feature, simultaneously sending election returns to multiple servers, including those of the city board of canvassers, major political parties, election

Unknowns in global trade spur rate freeze

Continued from A1

effects of the actual policies.”

BSP’s risk-adjusted inflation forecast for 2025 rose to 3.5 percent, a little higher than the 3.4 percent that the Monetary Board had last December policy meeting, while the risk-adjusted inflation forecast for 2026 is unchanged at 3.7 percent.

“The risks to the inflation outlook have become broadly balanced for 2025 and 2026. Nonetheless, upside pressures are seen to come from the utilities sector,” Remolona said. Rice tariffs

HE added that the impact of lower import tariffs on rice remains the “main downside risk to inflation.”

As domestic growth prospects continue to be firm, Remolona said it’s possible that the country can grow by at least 6 percent this year.

“Yes it’s possible,” Remolona said, adding “Our models say it’s still within...our capacity itself is growing around that much. So if we do things right, then we will grow at 6 percent.”

‘Still in easing cycle’ DESPITE holding the interest rate at 5.75 percent under the Monetary Board’s wait-andsee approach due to global uncertainty, Remolona said, “We’re still in the easing cycle. We’re still not thinking about raising rates.”

With about five more meetings slated to happen this year, the BSP chief explained that the issue now lies with “when” the seven-man Monetary Board would cut rates, adding that in some of those meetings, “We’ll probably be easing.”

Remolona said the Monetary Board is still trying to figure out how much weight of uncertainty should be carried in their analysis as this is a “new phenomenon.”

“It’s a new phenomenon, so it’s hard to tell. But we’re discussing it with our friends in other central banks, and they’re doing

their own analysis, we’re doing our own analysis, and we’ll compare notes, and then we hope we will have an answer,” the BSP chief pointed out.

Economists’ view THROUGH the lens of economists, Emilio S. Neri Jr., Lead Economist at the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) said the BPI expects the policy rate to end the year at 5.25 percent.

“We expected a cut for this meeting, but this decision is still in line with our outlook for 2025. As we noted previously, we see limited room for monetary easing this year,” Neri said.

He explained that a narrowing interest rate differential could lead to capital outflows, while the country’s current account deficit heightens the vulnerability to external shocks.

Hence, he said “Keeping interest rates steady might be needed to mitigate these risks. We still expect the policy rate to end the year at 5.25 percent.”

While Neri saw a chance that the BSP could cut in June if the GDP growth in May continues to “disappoint,” he said this is still “highly uncertain” given the current stance of the Federal Reserve.

“Recent economic data in the US have been less favorable for a rate cut and there is rising expectation that the Fed will refrain from adjusting its rates until the 3rd quarter,” Neri explained.

The BPI Lead Economist pointed out that cutting interest rates while the Fed is on hold could put “downward pressure” on the Peso. However, Neri warned against cutting interest rates in the second half of the year, saying it might be more challenging as global conditions could change.

“The trade policies of the US government might push global inflation higher, limiting the ability of central banks to provide more liquidity,” Neri said.

watchdogs like Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, and National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections, and the media.

Physical copies of election returns will also be posted outside precincts, allowing the public to verify the results.

“There is no human intervention. From the precincts, results are transmitted electronically to designated servers. The [Department of Information and Communications Technology] has a mirrored system with Comelec, and all results transmitted to us will also be available in real time on the Comelec website,” Garcia added. With less than 100 days before election day, Comelec has already printed over 27 million ballots for the national and local elections.

Of these, around 3 to 4 million are considered “good ballots” after passing both machine and manual verification. The number of verified ballots is expected to increase further in the coming weeks as Comelec launches its additional verification site at Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City.

’25 budget…

Continued from A1 received P4.320 billion as support to the barangay development program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Further, P1.5 billion was disbursed to the DA for the Cold Storage Expansion Project while the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) obtained P410.825 million as fiscal support arrearages for Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy. Last year, the original program for the national budget was set at P5.767 trillion. This is composed of P4.019 trillion under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, P1.747 trillion in automatic appropriations, continuing appropriations from 2023, and unprogrammed appropriations. Unprogrammed appropriations may only be availed when revenue collections exceed targets, through new revenue collections from new tax or non-tax sources and approved loans for foreign-assisted projects. Meanwhile, DBM data showed that P3.482 trillion was disbursed to government departments while special purpose funds and automatic appropriations received P490.915 billion and P1.742 trillion, respectively. Figures from the DBM also showed that the release rate of the 2025 national budget slowed as of end-January. The DBM released P4.102 trillion or 64.9 percent of the P6.326-trillion allocation for 2025. The current release rate is slower than the 77.9 percent rate recorded last end-January 2024.

Broken down, the DBM released 69 percent or P2.912 trillion of the P4.221-trillion programmed budget for 2025 to finance its expenditures. Of this, P2.803 trillion or 75.9 percent of the P3.691 trillion budget was disbursed to various departments and agencies. The government also released 20.6 percent or P109.229 billion of the P529.595-billion allocation for Special Purpose Funds (SPFs), such as budgetary support to state-run corporations, allocation to local government units (LGUs) and calamity funds among others. The data also showed that P1.190 trillion or 56.5 percent of the P2.105trillion funding for automatic appropriations was already given as of end-January 2025. Ada Pelonia

Private lawyers, groups offer help to prosecutors in impeachment trial

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie & Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

AS the House of Representatives prepares for the impeachment trial of

Vice President Sara Duterte, the impeachment secretariat confirmed that it recently with several private lawyers and volunteer groups that offered help to the prosecution panel.

House prosecutors said while Duterte faces seven articles of impeachment, conviction on any single article would result in her removal from office and perpetual disqualification from holding any public position.

Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Paolo Ortega V confirmed the meeting, saying that key members of the impeachment team and secretariat were present, along with potential volunteer lawyers and prosecutors.

Manila Rep. Ernix Dionisio added that the meeting included a variety of legal professionals, some well-known and others less so.

Moreover, Ortega clarified that the meeting was primarily for familiarization and allowed potential volunteers to introduce themselves.

He emphasized that the House prosecution team is preparing for all possibilities, including a fast-tracked trial or proceedings in June. He stressed the importance of readiness, as they have no control over the trial’s timeline. Ortega, who represents La Union, also clarified that while the meeting was primarily for familiarization, it also served as an opportunity for potential legal volunteers to introduce themselves.

“Nothing too formal. [But] there are volunteers, but basically, it’s still in-house—we’re the ones handling it ourselves,” he said.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez briefly attended the meeting to express his support for the impeachment efforts, reiterating the need to uphold the principles behind the House’s vote.

Ortega conveyed that the Speaker assured the team of his support and the support of the supermajority that voted for impeachment.

When asked about Romualdez’s message to the prosecution team, Ortega said, “We have to stay true to what we voted upon.” Dionisio added that the presence of private lawyers at the meeting signals potential collaboration in the trial.

But Ortega clarified that it is common for private lawyers to assist in impeachment cases.

Need only one

DUTERTE faces seven articles of impeachment, and conviction on any single article would result in her removal from office and perpetual disqualification from holding any public position, said Dionisio.

“As far as we know, yes, as long as you’re guilty of one. You can file an impeachment complaint with just a single article, so one should be sufficient,” he added.

The impeachment complaint against Duterte includes serious allegations, such as plotting to assassinate President Marcos, misuse of confidential funds, and other charges.

When asked about the order of the impeachment articles, Dionisio clarified, “Honestly, I don’t think they were arranged from least to most serious. I believe all articles are equally important.”

Also, Ortega underscored the gravity of the first article, which pertains to the alleged assassination plot.

“For me personally, the most serious allegation is the active threat to kill the President, the First Lady, and the Speaker. That’s a major issue. That’s bad,” Ortega said.

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5, 2025, with 240 lawmakers voting in favor—far exceeding the required one-third threshold.

The Senate is now set to convene as an impeachment court to try the case,

Admin coalition invades Liberal Party stronghold

ILOILO CITY—The Administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas launched its campaign in the Visayas region in this city, a known Liberal Party stronghold, signaling its intent to gain wider support ahead of the May 12 elections as it emphasized its drive to secure all 12 Senate seats without resorting to negative campaigning.

ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo emphasized that their team will steer clear of negative campaigning, focusing instead on their track record.

“We will stay away from negative campaigning. We will not attack other candidates...Our approach will be performance-based—that’s what we agreed upon. We don’t like negative publicity,” he said in a news conference.

Led by House Deputy Majority Leader Julienne Baronda of Iloilo City, Team Sulong Gugma and the Ilonggos have welcomed President Marcos and the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates during the kick-off rally for the Visayas region in Iloilo City.

Joining Baronda in the grand welcome are former mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Love-Love Baronda. They were joined by an estimated crowd of 50,000 Ilonggos eager to show their support for Marcos and his senatorial slate.

“We warmly welcome President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas slate to Iloilo City. Through various assistance programs and infrastructure projects, PBBM has ensured that the government’s gugma [love] is felt and experienced by the Ilonggos. Today, we express our heartfelt gratitude for his contributions and future initiatives for the people of the heart of the Philippines. As the City of Love, we will make sure they feel our warmth and appreciation,” said Baronda.

The administration’s Senate slate includes former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Sen. Pia Cayetano, Sen. Imee Marcos, Sen. Lito Lapid, former Sens. Panfilo Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Sen. Francis Tolentino, Tulfo, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.

Moreover, Abalos said their campaign will be measured and issue-based.

“The theme is to take things calmly. It’s not wrong to tell the truth, but we will remain responsible in our statements,” Abalos said. Marcos endorsed the 12 senatorial candidates of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas by not only focusing on their track record in public service but also stressing they are free from the “taint” of the past administration.

In a strongly worded speech during the kick-off rally in Ilocos Norte last Tuesday, the Chief Executive said none of the administration’s senatorial bets is associated with the “bloody” Oplan Tokhang of the National Police (PNP).

where a two-thirds majority vote will be required for conviction.

No political motive

NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago on Thursday dismissed accusations that the agency is engaged in political harassment after it filed inciting to sedition and grave threat charges against Vice President Duterte.

At a press briefing, Santiago insisted that “no one is above the law” and that any person who commits a crime should be held accountable.

“We are not harassing the Vice President, in fact we accorded her respect when we gave her two opportunities to appear before us,” Santiago said.

Santiago was reacting to former Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo’s statement urging the NBI director to “go back to law [school],” noting that the complaint filed against the Vice President “has no basis in fact and in law.”

“There can be no crime of a ‘threat’ from the grave. Neither has VP Sara publicly and tumultuously incited the people to perform acts of sedition as defined by law or to go against the constituted authorities or to stop the enforcement of laws,” Panelo pointed out.

Santiago insisted that the complaint was filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ), not because she is a Vice President, but “because she committed a crime.”

He added that it was based on the findings of a panel of

investigators composed of five lawyers who evaluated all the evidence.

“The NBI will remain neutral, impartial and apolitical. We are just fulfilling our mandate...,” the NBI chief explained.

The NBI’ s complaint stemmed from Duterte’s statement made during an online press briefing last year claiming that she had hired a hitman to assassinate President Marcos First Liza AranetaMarcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez in case she gets killed. Duterte, however, refused to appear before the NBI for investigation in connection with her statement citing the agency’s lack of impartiality. She also denied having made any threat that would constitute criminal offense.

A4 Friday, February 14, 2025

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Palay farmgate prices lower in January

LBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

OCAL traders purchased unmilled rice at a lower price in January, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Preliminary data from the PSA showed that the average quotation for palay decreased by 17 percent to P20.69 per kilo in January from P24.92 per kilo last year.

On a monthly basis, the average farmgate price of palay last month dipped by 0.05 percent from P20.70 per kilo recorded in December 2024.

PSA data showed that the highest increase was observed in Eastern Visayas, where the average prices recorded a year-on-year growth of 28.4 percent.

The average palay farmgate prices in Eastern Visayas reached P24.79 per kilo in January, higher than P19.31 per kilo in the same

month last year.

Meanwhile, the sharpest decrease in average farmgate prices was recorded in Cagayan Valley, which shrank by 26.8 percent to P20.37 per kilo last month from P27.84 per kilo in January 2024.

This was followed by Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) which registered a 26.1 percent contraction to P17.41 per kilo in January from P23.55 per kilo in the same period last year.

All-time high

MEANWHILE, the farmgate price of palay or dry unmilled rice reached an all-time high in 2024.

Figures from the PSA indicate that the average quotation of palay jumped by 17.4 percent to P23.33 per kilo last year from P19.88 per kilo in 2023.

Historical data show that this was the highest average farmgate quotation since 2010. It was also the second time the country

Beware that scent for your sweetheart

IBy Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

N time for Valentine’s Day and the expected gift-giving spree among loving couples, the toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition called the attention of concerned authorities to the illegal sale of perfumes, a popular gift idea, containing a “reprotoxic” chemical forbidden in cosmetic products.

“Reprotoxic” substances are known elements or chemicals that adversely affect human reproduction.

To mark this popular celebration of love and romance, the group went store-hopping in Makati, Manila, and Quezon cities in search of perfume products listing butylphenyl methylpropional, also known as BMHCA, p-BMHCA, lilial, lily aldehyde, lysmeral or 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) and propionaldehyde as an ingredient.

The group targeted BMHCA because cosmetics containing this synthetic fragrance ingredient are now prohibited under Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Circular 2023-007. The ban took effect

on November 21, 2024, following a grace period of 24 months, as decided by the 36th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Cosmetic Committee Meeting held in 2022.

During the test buys conducted on February 2 and 3, the EcoWaste Coalition purchased 35 assorted products consisting of 16 brands, presumably imitation items, which list BMHCA as an ingredient, including eau de parfum, eau de toilette, fragrance lotion, fragrance mist, and body mist products.

The products, which come in different scents and sizes, are sold for P75 to P300 each at wholesale and retail stores operating in Makati City (Ayala Circuit Mall), Manila City (11/88 Shopping Mall, 168 Shopping Mall, and 999 Shopping Mall), and Quezon City (Divimart).

“Our investigation shows that cosmetics containing BMHCA can still be found on store shelves despite the ban, and sold to consumers who are unaware of the health risks of being exposed to such an ingredient that can damage the reproductive process and harm the health of the baby in the womb,”

said Aileen Lucero, national coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition.

“We have duly informed the FDA about our findings and encouraged it to crack down on importers, distributors, and sellers of BMHCA-containing cosmetics, noting that law enforcement action can also help raise consumer awareness about this lesser-known threat to public health.”

For his part, environmental health specialist Dr. Geminn Louis Apostol from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health said: “Health product regulators in the European Union and the ASEAN banned butyl phenyl methylpropional (BMHCA) in cosmetics to protect consumers from this synthetic compound that can harm the reproductive system, interfere with hormonal functions, and trigger allergic reactions. Studies have linked exposure to BMHCA, a reprotoxic chemical, to infertility, as well as causing harm to the fetus during pregnancy.”

“Banning BMHCA is indeed a step in the right direction. As there are other synthetic fragrance chemicals of concern, it’s important to require full ingredient disclosure

DHSUD eyes new city in Quezon

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

TO tackle the growing congestion in Metro Manila, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) announced on Thursday that plans are underway to develop a new city in Quezon province.

Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar revealed that it will cover almost 70,000 hectares, explaining that the goal is to follow President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ease the heavy traffic in the capital.

“ Kailangan magbukas ng panibagong developed na malaki na bagong siyudad Saan iyan ? So, nagbigay sila ng mga area diyan sa bandang Quezon na area malapit diyan sa Pacific Ocean,” Acuzar said during a media forum on

Thursday. Although the new city may not be visible right away, he assured that planning is already in progress.

“ Iyong new city hindi mo pa mararamdaman pero ipaplano na natin iyan para mabuo na natin iyong buong lupa na kailangan. Kasi importante maayos muna natin iyong lupa eh—kapag nabuo natin iyong lupa , almost 70,000 hectares, doon natin lalagyan ng plano ,” he added.

Based on the 2020 Census, Quezon province has a population of 1.95 million, making up 12.04 percent of the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) region’s population and 1.79 percent of the country’s total population.

The housing czar also drew comparisons to the city-building

efforts of other Southeast Asian countries, pointing to Indonesia’s Nusantara and Malaysia’s Putrajaya as models.

Sa Indonesia mayroon na rin sa Malaysia mayroon na rin Ngayon sa Pilipinas , kami, with the help of [Environment and Natural Resources] Secretary [Maria Antonia] Yulo-[Loyzaga] and [Public Works and Highways] Secretary [Manuel] Bonoan and Transportation Secretary [Jaime] Bautista sa aming grupo , nagtatayo kami ng isang plano para gumawa ng new city,” he explained.

While Acuzar was talking, however, the Palace announed that President Marcos has appointed former Base and Conversion and Development Authority chief executive officer Vivencio “Vince” Dizon as the new Secretary of Transportation, replacing Jaime

or transparency to inform consumers and reduce potential exposure to harmful substances,” he emphasized.

The US-based Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has identified some of these chemicals of concern in fragrances, many of which are associated with cancer, birth abnormalities, endocrine disruption and chronic health problems, including acetaldehyde; benzophenone; butylated hydroxyanisole; butylated hydroxytoluene; benzyl salicylate; benzyl benzoate; butoxyethanol; chloromethane; dichloromethane; diethyl phthalate; ethylbenzene; eugenyl methyl ether; formaldehyde; ethanolamines; methanol; oxybenzone; propylparaben; resorcinol; styrene; synthetic musks; titanium dioxide; vinyl acetate; and 1,4-dioxane.

As a general rule, consumers are advised to seek products with FDA authorization, read product labels carefully, and avoid those products listing butylphenyl methylpropional as an ingredient, and when no specific information is provided other than the generic term “fragrance,” the EcoWaste Coalition said.

Bautista, who resigned due to the health reasons, effective February 21.

DHSUD is also working closely with local governments to help them with their Comprehensive Land Use Plans, ensuring future developments are aligned with long-term growth goals.

“On a partnership level with the local governments, gusto natin nakaplano po sila … And finally, for the longer term, we are also looking into new cities development. Tinitingnan natin saanang expansion areas ng ating metro areas,” said DHSUD undersecretary Avelino Tolentino III in the same media forum.

According to the TomTom Traffic Index, Manila’s global ranking for worst traffic dropped from first to 14th, but travel times have increased. On average, it now takes 32 minutes and 10 seconds to travel 10 kilometers, up from 25 minutes and 30 seconds last year.

breached the P20 per kilo mark since 2018 at P20.06 per kilo.

The highest increase was observed in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where the average prices registered a year-on-year growth of 29.6 percent.

The average palay farmgate price in BARMM settled at P25.08 per kilo in 2024, higher than the previous year’s P19.35 per kilo. This was followed by Western

Visayas which recorded a 26.6 percent growth to P25.14 per kilo last year from P19.85 per kilo in 2023.

“Farmgate prices refer to the prices received by farmers for the sale of their produce at the first point of sale net of the total marketing cost paid by the farmers,” the PSA explained.

“These prices are determined at the farmgate or first point of sale transactions and are also known as ‘producer prices.’”

Caap, PAF forge closer partnership for enhanced aviation security

By Nonie Reyes

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) and the Air Force (PAF) are strengthening their collaboration to improve the security and efficiency of the country’s aviation infrastructure.

A recent meeting between Caap Director General Manuel Antonio Tamayo and the Air Force commander, Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, on Wednesday 2025 highlighted the commitment of both agencies to address shared challenges.

The meeting covered a range of critical issues, including operational coordination at Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City, the Davao International Airport, Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, and Basa Air Base in Pampanga.

Discussions also touched on the Philippine Air Defense Identification Zone, cyber security, and joint training opportunities. The establishment of a PAF-Caap Joint Steering Committee is being considered to further streamline communication and cooperation.

“Discussions with PAF pave the way for more collaborative efforts to address both civil and military aviation needs in the country, ensuring that we remain responsive to growing security demands in our airspace,” said Tamayo. The strengthened partnership between Caap and PAF is expected to contribute significantly to the safety and security of the country’s airspace and the continued development of the nation’s aviation sector.

NBI rescues 2 women from African drug ring

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday said it had rescued two Filipino women from the African Drug Trafficking Syndicate (ADTS) that recruited them to smuggle illegal drugs from Malaysia to Hong Kong.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago presented the rescued Filipino women with their faces covered and names with held during a news conference.

The victims were offered $5,000 and all-expenses paid trip to Malaysia and Hong Kong in exchange for transporting packages from Malaysia to Hong Kong.

The NBI said the women accepted the offer as they were told that the packages merely contained Malaysian products ordered by Hong Kong businessmen.

The were repatriated last February 5 following a successful operation conducted by local police in Malaysia after a coordination made by authorities from the NBI- Dangerous Drugs Division (NBI-DDD).

“So, we were able to save them and bring them back to the country,” Santiago told reporters.

Prior to their rescue operation, the NBI received an intelligence information last month that at least two Filipino women were being recruited by the ADTS to pick-up a package, suspected to contain illegal drugs, from Malaysia and transport it

Continued from A3

Marcos also said the senatorial candidates have no relation to the alleged prophet, who was linked to the abuse of women and children.

to Hong Kong.

The information came from a series of controlled delivery operations and arrests conducted by the NBI in the previous months.

The NBI immediately launched an investigation, confirming the identities of the two Filipinas and their impending travel.

It noted that the ADTS is usually targeting Filipinos in financial distress and those fluent in English.

After verifying the identities of the women, a team from the NBI-DDD was immediately dispatched to Malaysia, working alongside the Philippine Embassy and the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) Narcotics Crime Investigation Division (NCID).

Aside from the rescue of the two women, the NBI said the operation led to the arrest of a female syndicate member and the seizure of 2.3 kilograms of cocaine.

“The arrest was made before the courier could give the cocaine to the two Filipinas,” Santiago said.

During investigation, the victims said they were recruited by a fellow Filipino who gave them allowances for food and sightseeing while waiting for their flight to Hong Kong.

The NBI said it has launched an operation to find their recruiter and other members of the syndicate in the country.

Former Sen. Manny Pacquiao stressed that the President’s statements were not attacks but rather “observations.” He also criticized candidates who resort to mudslinging. “The president did not attack anyone. Some candidates just love to fight and attack others. They’re not running for the country—they’re running for their families. If you take things personally, at the end of the day, it’s the people who will decide,” Pacquiao said. He added that corruption and poverty are the real enemies, not

Valentine’s Day 2025

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with actual hearts in mind

Making healthy choices together can be a “pro-relationship move,” said Dr Stephanie J. Wilson of the University of Alabama of Birmingham. So with that in mind, here are ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day in ways that might actually help the heart

By Michael Merschel American Heart Association News

VALENTINE’S DAY is a celebration of the heart. But some of the clichéd approaches to commemorate it – we’re looking at you, big red box of candy and decadent dinner out – are not that great for your actual heart. Don’t worry, this isn’t a story where we ask you to break up with the holiday or insist you replace that box of chocolates with a bag of kale. After all, an overall healthy lifestyle has room for occasional treats, said Rayven Nairn, a registered dietitian with Johns Hopkins University Student Health and Well-Being Primary Care in Baltimore. Although “you want to try to space out whatever sweets and treats that you do receive so that they’re consumed in moderation.”

Your relationship may already be affecting your health, whether it’s consciously part of your Valentine’s plans or not, research has shown.

Couples have a huge influence on one another’s health, said Dr. Stephanie J. Wilson, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. If one partner has diabetes or cardiovascular disease, the other can be at increased risk for that as well, she said. “If one partner is depressed, it increases the other partner’s risks for depression,” said Wilson, who has studied how relationships affect health.

“Making healthy choices together can be a “pro-relationship move,” she said. So with that in mind, here are ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day in ways that might actually help the heart.

Be aware of your influence

“We tend to be drawn to do what our partner is doing, whether or not we’re aware of it,” Wilson said. If your partner gets up early to exercise every day, you might feel inspired to do the same. But if you stock up on your favorite ice cream when they’re trying to lose weight, you’re putting up a barrier to health for them, even if it’s inadvertent.

So just being aware of your partner’s needs and supporting them is important, she said. You can put that knowledge into action for Valentine’s Day with a gift that helps them reach their goals. For example, if you know they want to exercise more, new running shoes might be wiser than candy hearts.

Let’s split up … that huge meal

Simple alterations to a traditional dinner-anda-movie date night can make for a healthier experience, Nairn said.

Going out to a fine-dining restaurant can work to your advantage because individual courses in, say, a four-course dinner tend to be small. Other restaurants offer heaps of food that can lead to what she calls “proportion distortion,” where people feel that when “all this food is in front of me, I have to finish it.”

To protect against that, she has a suggestion that could be seen as downright romantic: Get one big meal and a couple of appetizer-sized plates, and share them.

I t’s probably a good idea to get your beloved’s consent before you try this: Not everybody likes to share their meals, Nairn said. Even if they don’t, you can still use this technique to keep your own serving size reasonable, and take the leftovers home.

Do try this at home

Alternatively, you can skip the crowds and serve dinner at home. “I think that is more romantic, personally,” Nairn said.

In most cases, a home-cooked meal might be healthier than what you’d find at a restaurant, she said. But not always. “It all boils down to the preparation method, the ingredients that you use, and again, the portions and the serving sizes.”

Opt for meals that are grilled, baked, stirfried or sauteed, she suggested. “Those are usually going to be the better options.”

At home, because you get to choose the ingredients, you can choose whatever’s best. Also, “you get to make it more personalized,” Nairn said. “You get to put effort into it. It shows more care.”

How to handle the movie theater snack bar

“If you go to the movies, my favorite recommendation is definitely popcorn,” Nairn said. It’s a whole grain and naturally high in fiber.

Although you can’t take the excess sodium out of a tub of movie theater popcorn, you can skip the butter or “ask for the butter on the side,” she said. “That way you can control how much of that you put on it yourself.”

And downsize your drink, Nairn suggested, “especially if you are going to get candy or some type of chocolate to go along with it.”

A moving experience

Who says you have to make food the centerpiece of the day? Nairn noted that around Valentine’s Day, it’s easy to find deals on activities for couples, such as dance classes.

So get out and salsa, Nairn said. “It

Breaking the bank for love? Filipinos say ‘No’ to overspending this Valentine’s

While Valentine’s Day remains an important celebration in the country, Filipinos are taking a more budget-conscious approach compared to their American counterparts. And there’s a good reason for that—rising inflation is making daily expenses more difficult to manage, forcing many to prioritize essentials over luxury spending.

By John Eiron R. Francisco

VALENTINE’S DAY is just around the corner, and for many, it’s a time to express love through thoughtful gifts, romantic dates, and unforgettable experiences. But in today’s economic climate, how much are people actually willing to spend? Is there a set budget, or do some go all out for love?

A look at global trends shows that Valentine’s Day spending remains strong. In the United States, consumer spending on Valentine’s Day is expected to reach a record-breaking $27.5 billion this year, according to an annual survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. This surpasses last year’s $25.8 billion and slightly exceeds the previous record of $27.4 billion set in 2020.

The survey, conducted from January 2 to 7 among 8,020 U.S. consumers, found that people plan to spend an average of $188.81 on gifts and celebrations. The most popular purchases include candy (56 percent), flowers (40 percent), greeting cards (40 percent), dining out (35 percent), and jewelry (22 percent). Spending on significant others alone is projected to reach $14.6 billion, setting a new record. Whether they are celebrating a significant other or someone else in their lives, Valentine’s Day is meaningful for many people,” said Katherine Cullen, NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights. “Consumers are looking for special ways to treat their loved ones and can expect retailers to provide the best gift options and deals.” In the Philippines, while Valentine’s Day remains an important celebration, Filipinos are taking a more budget-conscious approach compared to their American counterparts. And there’s a good reason for that—rising inflation is making daily expenses more difficult to manage, forcing many to prioritize essentials over luxury spending. According to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), inflation in January 2025 remained at 2.9 percent, with food and non-alcoholic beverages seeing an increase from 3.4 percent to 3.8 percent. This means that groceries and dining out—two common Valentine’s Day expenses—have become more expensive.

The food inflation rate also climbed to 4.0 percent, driven by the rising prices of vegetables,

seafood, and meat. For example, vegetables, tubers, and plantains saw a 21.1 percent price hike, while fish prices jumped from 1.0 percent to 3.3 percent. Meanwhile, restaurant and accommodation services saw a decline in inflation from 3.8 percent to 3.2 percent, suggesting that some establishments may be offering promotions to attract budget-conscious customers. With these numbers in mind, it’s no surprise that many Filipinos are adjusting their Valentine’s Day plans. Instead of extravagant spending, many are opting for cost-effective but meaningful ways to celebrate.

Shifting priorities

A survey conducted last year by Social Weather Stations (SWS) among 1,200 Filipino adults revealed that 16 percent preferred to receive cash as a Valentine’s gift, while 11 percent valued love and companionship. Flowers (10 percent), apparel (nine percent), and any heartfelt gift (five percent) also made it to the list. However, this year, Filipinos appear to be shifting their priorities. Insights from Visa’s Green Shoots Radar Survey indicate that many are moving away from expensive material gifts and instead focusing on creating meaningful experiences. Rather than splurging on luxury items, Filipinos are choosing heartfelt, personal gestures to express their love.

Across the Asia-Pacific region, consumers are cutting back on non-essential spending, opting to invest in special moments with loved ones instead. The survey also found that personalized gifts, handmade creations, and intimate

dinners are gaining popularity. This trend reflects a deeper emotional connection, as more people turn to arts and crafts purchases—such as DIY gifts and hand-painted cards—to make their celebrations more special.

Budget-smart romance: Making every peso count

With inflation making daily expenses more challenging, Filipinos are also becoming savvier with their spending. Many are taking advantage of cashback rewards, loyalty points, and promotional deals when paying for gifts or dining out. By using these financial perks, couples can still enjoy romantic dinners, thoughtful gifts, and memorable experiences—without breaking the bank.

With Visa, couples can unlock added value with every purchase, from thoughtful gifts to special meals, making it easier to celebrate love while staying within their budget,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager of Visa Philippines. “It’s all about offering more ways to make the most of your budget so you can focus on creating memorable moments with those you love.”

While Valentine’s Day is often associated with grand gestures, this year’s trends suggest that Filipinos are embracing a more practical and heartfelt approach. Whether it’s a DIY gift, a meaningful experience, or a well-planned budget-friendly celebration, the message remains the same: love isn’t about how much you spend, but the thought and effort behind it. In

doesn’t necessarily feel like exercise,” she said, but dance is a great cardio activity. Not only that, it lets you and your partner socialize with other couples. That›s healthy because research shows people with strong social connections can live longer.

On the slower side, she said, an art- or craftoriented class can be good for mental health. Focus on one another Wilson said that taking a walk or playing a game together can foster communication and boost emotional intimacy. So can specific relationship exercises, such as sharing what has brought you joy lately and identifying and talking about what you appreciate about your partner.

Whether it’s over dinner or out on a Valentine’s Day walk, try reminiscing about how you met and your journey together, she suggested. There are benefits of sharing in positive emotions, reflecting on how your life is going well and feeling that your life is meaningful,” Wilson said. These good feelings can lead to a virtuous cycle, she said. Also, when you feel that your partner appreciates you, “it’s easier to return the gesture.”

No date? No problem

People without partners can get overlooked on Valentine’s Day, Nairn said. But they shouldn’t cut themselves off from a chance for fun.

“Some people might want to stay in because

they don’t want to see all of the other couples,” she said. But humans were made for connection. So gather up a group of friends and go out. That’s not to take away the day’s emphasis on love, she said, but “you can think of it as a way to love yourself a little as well.”

Getting in alignment

Even without an emphasis on health, not every couple will be in sync on their goals for the day, Nairn said. Maybe your partner is more interested in trying something healthy than you are, or maybe those candy hearts you loathe mean an awful lot to them. “If you know that it’s something that your partner looks forward to, then think of it as

a way of satisfying them on that day,” she said. “Just consider it a day of complete selflessness, more than anything, and hopefully your partner will do the exact same thing in return.”

But amid all the possibilities for the day, there’s plenty of room for health, Wilson said. “What better way to celebrate your love and celebrate your relationship than by investing in a longer and healthier life together?” American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved.

DepEd vows to sustain education initiatives despite $94 million USAID funding freeze

By Claudeth S. Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

THE Department of Education (DepEd) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining key education initiatives despite the temporary suspension of United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded projects, totaling $94 million or approximately P4 billion.

In a letter to US Ambassador

MaryKay Carlson, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara expressed the Department’s deep appreciation for USAID’s long-standing support in improving basic education in the Philippines.

However, he also emphasized the serious implications of the funding freeze.

To mitigate the impact of the suspension, DepEd is implementing a multi-pronged strategy, which includes requesting

USAID the proper turnover of project materials to efficiently use project resources, exploring alternative funding sources, and strengthening the capacity of the Curriculum and Teaching Strand to integrate key project interventions into the Department’s existing systems.

DepEd has also accelerated its textbook procurement for Grades 2, 5 and 8 to ensure that textbooks reach classrooms in time for School Year 2025-2026

opening.

“We will exhaust all means to sustain these programs, ensuring that the education of our learners is not disrupted. DepEd will maximize its existing budget, engage with existing and new partners, and absorb key components of these projects,” Angara said.

The affected initiatives—each playing a vital role in DepEd’s 5-Point Reform Agenda—include ABC+, which enhances early-

Party list, senators urge Dizon to fast-track transport reforms

By Butch Fernandez  @butchfBM

NEWLY named transporta -

tion chief Vince Dizon’s first order of business should be to dialogue with commuters and key stakeholders on the LRT-MRT issues and transport reforms, a party list said, even as two senators expressed hope he could “fast track the urgently needed reforms and projects under the department.”

“Akbayan invites the newly appointed Department of Transportation [DOTr] head Vince Dizon to a sit down to talk about public transportation issues such as the commuting public’s call to extend the operations of MRT and LRT, a halt to fare hike proposals, and the improvement rather than the removal of the EDSA bus lanes,” the party list said Thursday, hours after Malacañang announced Dizon’s appointment vice Jaime Bautista, who resigned for health reasons.

“We look forward to his term and we hope that he is open to the voices of the commuting public. We hope that he can rise to the occasion to transform the transport system to become responsive to their needs . Una na riyan ang dati nang panawagan ng Akbayan na i extend na natin ang MRT and LRT operations hanggang hating gabi para makinabang ang mga mananakay,” Akbayan

Partylist Representative Perci Cendaña said.

“Sa pag-upo niya sa February 21, sana ito ang una niyang asikasuhin . Late Valentine’s gift niya sana sa ating mga BPO agents at iba pang night shift workers,” he added. Currently, the operations of LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 trains only run until 10 pm.

Cendaña also urged the new  DOTr secretary to work with commuters groups and stakeholders to transform public transportation to make it up to par with neighboring countries, whose trains operate until midnight.

“Hanggang hatinggabi ang train systems sa Bangkok, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta at Singapore. We just have to properly invest in the maintenance and upgrading of our trains to ensure the safety and quality of commute. Kayang-kaya ‘to if the DOTr secretary will take on the challenge,” Cendaña said.

“Hindi lamang simpleng mananakay ang mga mamamayan. Katuwang sila sa pag transform sa public transportation. Bigyan naman natin ng bigat ang kanilang opinyon kasi sila mismo ang gumagamit ng mga tren, bus, atbp. uri ng transportasyon,” he added.

Poe, Villanueva on new DOTR chief

MEANWHILE , Senators Grace Poe and Joel Villanueva both welcomed Dizon’s designation with the hope he could help speed up things in the sector.

“We want to congratulate Secretary Vince Dizon on his appointment and thank him for taking on such enormous task at this critical time.

“We are confident that with his skills and experience, he could fast track the urgently needed reforms and projects under the department,” Poe said. She assured him of their support “in bringing relief to our commuting public and lasting solutions to our transportation sector.”

At the same time, Poe thanked “Secretary Jaime Bautista for his sincere and dedicated service and we wish him the best of health.”

For his part, Villanueva said Dizon’s “extensive experience in government, particularly as the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority [BCDA] and Presidential Adviser for COVID-19 response, will be invaluable in leading the department.”

Dizon’s leadership, he said, will be tested “in tackling the country’s traffic challenges, ensuring safe and efficient transport, and advancing transportation infrastructure which are vital in driving the country’s economic progress.”

Job gets done

“WHEN you need a job done, you hire Vince and the job gets done.”

This was assured by House Committee on Ways and Means

Chairman Joey Salceda after expressing his support for the appointment of Dizon as the new Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), following the resignation of former Secretary Jimmy Bautista due to health reasons.

“I am sure he will bury himself in the work of the DOTr immediately. I am also certain of quick confirmation by the Commission on Appointments,” he added.

He also highlighted his longstanding professional relationship with Dizon, citing their collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic and their joint efforts in key policy decisions, particularly in the passage of the tax reform program.

“Vince is a long-time friend. We worked together on key issues during the COVID-19 pandemic and after. I have relied on his advice for many important policy decisions. He was also an important ally as I presided over the passage in Congress of the tax reform program,” Salceda said in a statement.

Salceda praised Dizon’s work ethic, stating that his efficiency and dedication make him wellsuited for the role.

He expressed confidence in Dizon’s ability to lead the DOTr and looked forward to working with him once again to address the country’s transportation challenges.transportation.

With Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

Lacson proposes legislation to institutionalize Kadiwa program, aiming to lower food prices

ILOILO City—Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is proposing legislation to make the Kadiwa program a permanent fixture that connects farmers directly with consumers, aiming to lower food prices and combat inflation.

In a press conference in Iloilo City, the second leg of Alyansa’s regional kickoff series, Lacson said he believes institutionalizing Kadiwa stores through legislation will eliminate middlemen, a significant contributor to high agricultural costs. This would empower local government

units (LGUs) to directly manage the supply chain.

H e highlighted that some LGUs have already successfully implemented Kadiwa, demonstrating the effectiveness of government-backed farm-to-market initiatives in reducing prices.

Alyansa is a 12-member Senate slate backed by the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., running under the banner “Bagong Pilipinas.”

Aside from Lacson, Alyansa is composed of former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay, Senator Pia

Cayetano, Senator Lito Lapid, Senator Imee Marcos, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.

The Kadiwa program, originally introduced during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., was designed to stabilize food prices by directly linking farmers and fisherfolk to consumers, bypassing traders who manipulate prices.

The initiative faded over the years but was revived and expanded under President Marcos Jr. as part of his administration’s efforts to combat inflation and support the agricultural sector.

Lacson pointed out that some LGUs have already adopted the Kadiwa program, proving that government-backed farm-to-

Agency. . .

Continued from A16 PAOCC on a travel agency that issued fake documents to foreign nationals. Among those they faked were marriage certificates, birth certificates, at passports of foreign nationals using Filipino names.”

It surfaced during the public hearing that some foreign POGO

market interventions can be both feasible and effective in reducing costs.

“This has been practiced in other provinces where the [LGUs] are already intervening, intervening, that the farmers’ produce is also the one who buys and distributes to the Kadiwa stores, so that when the middlemen disappear, the price drops significantly,” he explained.

Although Kadiwa stores have largely been temporary measures, Lacson underscored the need for a national law that would make them a permanent fixture in the country’s economic framework.

Lacson’s push for a permanent Kadiwa system aligns with Alyansa’s broader mission to reduce the cost of living and strengthen food security, ensuring that both consumers and farmers benefit from direct market access without price manipulation.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

workers secured seemingly legitimate but fake documents with help from travel and visa consultancy agencies. Villar raised the possibility of an inside job within government agencies as these travel agencies appeared to have “connections” from the issuing government agencies.

“Along with PAOCC, I believe this is the ‘missing link’ in our investigation against POGOs.

grade literacy, numeracy and social-emotional learning; ILO-Ph, which strengthens comprehensive assessment framework and policies; and Gabay, which provides specialized support for learners with special needs. Meanwhile, the ALS Tracer Study and Opportunity 2.0 programs are set for completion in February 2025, and DepEd is working to ensure that their objectives remain on track.

Citing the longstanding

education partnership between the Philippines and the US, DepEd remains hopeful that considerations will be made to mitigate the impact of the suspension of ongoing projects.

“We recognize the tremendous impact of USAID’s contributions to Philippine education. While we await the resolution of this suspension, DepEd will move forward and ensure that PBBM’s reforms in education remain on track,” Angara concluded.

PHL, Cambodia ink deal to boost agricultural ties and investments

TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

HE Philippines and Cambodia forged an agreement to strengthen agricultural ties and investments, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), both countries intend to bolster collaboration in rice trade cooperation, contingent on the respective laws of both nations, while also looking at exploring trade in meat and vegetables.

“Cambodia will gradually be an important agricultural trading partner as the country diversifies its markets, particularly for rice,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement.

During a bilateral meeting on Monday, Cambodia’s Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Dith Tina invited the Philippines to invest in the former’s expanding rice production sector, noting opportunities to establish rice milling facilities.

Laurel expressed interest in the prospect, stressing the role of the DA’s Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) in such investments.

Aside from agricultural goods, the MOU also noted

enhanced partnerships in agricultural planning, animal feed development, animal health protection, irrigation management, and agricultural marketing systems.

Both countries also intend to explore the exchange of non-Geographical Indicationprotected plant commodities to foster agricultural diversity and innovation.

The DA said trade between the Philippines and Cambodia in 2023 totaled $80.50 million, with agricultural products accounting for $20.40 million.

Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the agency noted that the Philippines has a trade deficit with Cambodia.

“This strengthened partnership aims to promote sustainable agricultural growth, boost trade, and improve food security in both nations.”

The MOU on Agricultural and Agribusiness Cooperation was signed on Tuesday during the official visit of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet to the Philippines.

Laurel and Tina formalized the MOU in the presence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Hun Manet at Malacañan Palace.

MSME support key to economic growth, say ABP senatorial candidates in Iloilo

LOILO—Alyansa Para sa Bagong

IPilipinas (ABP) senatorial candidates pledged to strengthen support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), recognizing their vital role in the Philippine economy.

Former senator Manny Pacquiao stressed the importance of assisting MSMEs for economic recovery, promising to secure additional funding for the sector.

He noted that MSMEs make up 99% of businesses in the country, and their growth is crucial for national recovery.

ACT CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo proposed expanding the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), particularly for those in impoverished communities and the unemployed. He explained that the

These illegal agencies that issued fake documents surely have connections with various government agencies that issue such documents. This new discovery makes us realize that we barely scratched the surface of this POGO issue.”

For his part, Sen. Raffy Tulfo told the regulators and law enforcers to focus on the so-called “PIGOs” or the new e-gaming entities because, he said, PIGO may

program requires beneficiaries to complete TESDA training before receiving DSWD funding, focusing on skills development for business ventures.

Tulfo also highlighted the program’s support for cooperative formation, with successful community businesses eligible for additional funding after a few years.

Former senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson reinforced his colleagues’ stance. “If we do not help and strengthen our MSMEs, many will be affected,” he said as he pushed for improved access to funding through lending institutions.

The candidates’ MSME agenda resonates particularly in Iloilo, which is primarily an agricultural economy with wholesale and retail trade, forestry, and fishing industries. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

be a “worse evil” than POGOs as the former could turn Filipinos into gambling addicts or crime, while the POGOs have foreign victims. The PIGO (Philippine Inland Gaming Operator) is a license that allows gaming businesses to operate in the Philippines. PIGOs are intended for the domestic market and offer gaming activities like sports betting, bingo, and e-gaming.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

DHSUD 6th Anniversary

A BusinessMirror Special Feature

Building the future: DHUSD launches digital hub, turns over climate change-ready homes

The ceremonial signing of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Provincial Development Physical Framework Plan for cities and provinces also took place on February 13 to showcase the department’s commitment to improve sustainable communities.

By Vincent Peter Rivera

THE year 2025 marks the sixth anniversary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). Driven with its original purpose of making decent housing accessible to all Filipinos, it continues to embody the same commitment of building sustainable communities with quality, secured, and affordable housing for homeless Filipinos.

As one of the youngest government agencies, it was created on February 14, 2019 under Republic Act 11201 signed by former president Rodrigo R. Duterte. According to the Freedom of Information Philippines (FOI), DHSUD is mandated to plan, formulate policies, regulate, coordinate programs, and monitor performances related to housing, human settlement, and urban development concerns, primarily focusing on the access to and the affordability of basic human needs.

Meaningful celebration

With this year’s theme, “Six Years of Empowering Lives: Building Homes, Building Futures

for Every Filipino Family,” DHUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar is determined to lead the implementation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s flagship national housing program, the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino, also known as the 4PH Program, in the coming years. The department formally opened its weeklong celebration with an exhibit of ongoing 4PH projects and housing financial options offered by key shelter agencies. Free legal consultations and information about the 4PH projects, housing loans, and housing programs were also offered during the anniversary. On February 11 and 13, the DHSUD shared two episodes of “Kapihan sa DHSUD: Housing

Matters” on their Facebook page to highlight its programs by guesting local chief executives and beneficiaries.

The ceremonial signing of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Provincial Development Physical Framework Plan for cities and provinces also took place on February 13 to showcase the department’s commitment to improve sustainable communities.

In the course of its history, the DHSUD, as stated in a memorandum released under the official website of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), originated from the consolidation of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and

the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), in pursuant to Section 9, Article XIII of the Constitution which, “ensure that underprivileged and homeless citizens have access to an adequate, safe, secure, habitable, sustainable, resilient and affordable home.” The latter agency was, then, reconstituted to become the attached agency of the department called, the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC).

The memorandum also explained that the deparment holds three bureaus that serve as an extension of its role in policy development, regulatory functions, and advisory roles. First among the three is the Environmental, Land

Further, the Homeowners Association and Community Development Bureau is in charge of overseeing and regulating homeowners associations (HOAs) in subdivision projects and government housing projects.

Community engagements

The DHSUD continues to implement programs that aim to benefit Filipino communities. For instance, the 4PH Program consists of high-quality housing units crafted to adapt to the issue of climate change. Through streamline land use planning and coordination with various stakeholders, the program aims to build sustainable and resilient communities that can withstand flooding and extreme

Use and Urban Planning and Development Bureau which FOI mentioned as an institution that “performs human settlements planning-related functions including formulation of planning guidelines, national urban development policies and programs, technical assistance to relevant stakeholders and land use monitoring.” Meanwhile, the Housing and Real Estate Development Bureau is authorized to regulate the construction of real estate projects and proclaimed socialized and economic housing sites through the formulation, promulgation and imposition of administrative fines and penalties, under Presidential Decree 957 and Batas Pambansa 220.

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Friday, February 14, 2025

Israel threatens ‘all hell will break loose’ on Hamas in latest Gaza ceasefire crisis

By Tia Goldenberg & Samy Magdy

The Associated Press

ERUSALEM—Israel’s de -

Jfense minister on Wednesday vowed that “all hell will break loose” on Hamas if it fails to free hostages this weekend as planned, stepping up threats against the militant group as mediators worked to salvage their ceasefire.

There were signs that the gaps could be bridged. The dispute was

sparked when Hamas accused Israel of failing to meet some commitments under the truce, including the delivery of tents and other aid, and said it would delay the next hostage release on Saturday.

Hamas official Mahmoud Merdawi told The Associated Press there were “positive signals” the three hostages will be released as planned on Saturday but the group had not yet received a commitment from Israel that it would adhere to the deal.

An Egyptian official with

knowledge of the talks said the two sides were close to an agreement. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss private negotiations, said Israel had committed to delivering more tents, shelters and heavy equipment to Gaza.

Israeli officials had no immediate comment. Israel says it is fulfilling its obligations under the deal, which went into effect on Jan. 19 and has paused the 16-month war in Gaza, bringing respite to hundreds of thousands

UN report: Bangladesh crackdown on protests may have killed 1,400

By Jamey Keaten The Associated Press

of Palestinians.

In the ceasefire’s current first stage, which is to last 42 days, Israel is to deliver large quantities of aid. Hamas is meant to free 33 hostages taken during its cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, that sparked the war. Eight of them are said to be dead. Twenty-one have been released so far, along with hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody.

Israel and Hamas trade threats HAMAS’ threat to delay the hostage release sparked fury from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who vowed to resume the fighting if Hamas didn’t follow through and ordered troops to be strengthened around Gaza. They pulled back from the territory’s populated areas during the ceasefire.

On Wednesday, Defense Minister Israel Katz said he was echoing US President Donald Trump by threatening that “all hell will break loose” if there is no hostage release on Saturday as planned.

“If Hamas stops releasing the hostages, then there is no deal and there is war,” he said during a visit to a military command center. He said the “new Gaza war” wouldn’t end until Hamas was defeated, which would allow for Trump’s “vision” on transferring Gaza’s population to neighboring countries to be realized.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Kassem rejected “the language of US and Israeli threats” and called on Israel to implement the terms of the ceasefire deal. Among other claims, Hamas says Israel is not allowing an agreed-upon number of tents, prefabricated homes and heavy machinery into Gaza.

Trump’s remarks test the delicate truce

THE ceasefire’s stability has also been rocked by Trump, who has proposed relocating Palestinians out of Gaza to neighboring Arab countries so the US can “own” and rebuild the territory—not necessarily for its current inhabitants.

Jordan and Egypt, where Trump wants Palestinians moved, have repeatedly and vehemently rejected the proposal. Jordan’s King Abdullah II did so again after his meeting with Trump at the White House on Tuesday.

Trump has also suggested Hamas release all the hostages yet to be freed under the ceasefire’s first phase at once—which emboldened Israel to call for more hostages to be freed on Saturday. The releases have been gradual and almost weekly so far.

The latest ceasefire dispute came as Israel and Hamas were expected to begin negotiations on a second phase of the deal, which would extend the truce, bring about the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and see the remaining living hostages freed.

But there appears to have been little progress on those talks.

Netanyahu is under pressure from his political partners, on whom he relies to remain in power, to resume the war after the first phase. But he also faces surging outrage from many Israelis, who are stunned by the emaciated condition of the three hostages released last Saturday and want him to follow through with the deal.

Magdy reported from Cairo.

GENEVA—The UN human rights office on Wednesday estimated that up to 1,400 people may have been killed in Bangladesh over three weeks last summer in a crackdown on studentled protests against the nowousted former prime minister.

In a new report, the Genevabased office says security and intelligence services “systematically engaged” in rights violations that could amount to crimes against humanity and require further investigation.

Citing “various credible sources,” the rights office said it estimated that as many as 1,400 people may have been killed in the protests between July 15 and August 5—the day longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India amid the uprising.

Thousands more were injured in the weeks leading up to and after the protests, and the vast majority of those killed and injured “were shot by Bangladesh’s security forces,” the report said.

Over 11,700 people were detained, the report said, citing information from security services. It said that about 12 percent to 13 percent of people estimated to have been killed— or as many as about 180 people—were children.

In some cases, “security forces engaged in summary executions by deliberately shooting unarmed protesters at point blank range,” it said.

UN human rights chief Volker Türk cited signs that “extrajudicial killings, extensive arbitrary arrests and detentions, and torture” were conducted with the knowledge and coordination of the political leadership and top security officials as a way to suppress the protests.

The UN fact-finding team was deployed to Bangladesh at the invitation of the country’s interim leader, the Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, to look into the uprising and violent crackdown.

The human rights situation in Bangladesh continues to raise concerns, the UN office said.

While the government has changed, “the system has not necessarily changed,” Rory Mungoven, head of the rights office’s Asia-Pacific region, told reporters. “Many officials and people who had served or been appointed under the previous regime continue to function,” he said.

Such a situation creates “a potential conflict of interest” and could impede reforms and accountability, Mungoven added.

The investigators issued dozens of recommendations to the government, such as steps to improve the justice system and setting up a witness protection program. It also recommended banning the use of lethal firearms by security forces to disperse crowds unless they are faced with “imminent threat of death or serious injury.”

In a statement after the report was published, Yunus reiterated his government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and said it was crucial to reform the country’s law enforcement and justice sectors.

“I call on everyone working inside these institutions to side with justice, the law, and the people of Bangladesh in holding to account their own peers and others who have broken the law and violated the human and civil rights of their fellow citizens,” he said.

What began as peaceful demonstrations by students frustrated with a quota system for government jobs unexpectedly grew into a major uprising against Hasina and her ruling Awami League party.

A High Court decision in early June that reinstated the quota system was the “immediate trigger” to the protests, which were also fueled by long standing grievances about economic inequality and a lack of rights, the report said.

AP writer Julhas Alam in Dhaka contributed to the report.

The team of investigators said the interim government has reportedly made 100 arrests in connection with attacks on religious and indigenous groups. The report said “many perpetrators of acts of revenge, violence and attacks on distinct groups apparently continue to enjoy impunity.”

Australia accuses Chinese fighter of endangering Australian surveillance plane over South China Sea

By Rod Mcguirk The Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia—Australia has protested what it describes as an unsafe and unprofessional interaction over the South China Sea where a Chinese fighter is accused of releasing flares that endangered an Australian military surveillance plane.

A Chinese J-16 fighter released flares on Tuesday that passed within 30 meters (100 feet) of a P-8 Poseidon surveillance jet in daylight and in international air space, Defense Minister Richard Marles said on Thursday.

The Australian plane usually carries eight or nine crew. The plane was not damaged and no crew member was injured, Marles said.

“The J-16 was so close that there’s no way you could have been able to ensure that the flares did not hit the P-8,” Marles told Sky News.

“Had any of those flares hit the P-8, that would have definitely had the potential for significant damage to that aircraft,” he added.

Australia has protested in its capital Canberra and in Beijing on Wednesday and Thursday, Marles said.

The protest accused the two Chinese pilots of an “unsafe and unprofessional maneuver that posed a risk to the aircraft and personnel,” a statement said.

The Chinese embassy in Australia did not immediately response to a request for comment on Thursday.

The protest highlights that while bilateral diplomatic and trade relations have improved, relations between the two militaries remain dangerous.

The interaction is the first significant clash between Chinese and Australian forces that Australia has disclosed in nine months.

Australia accused the pilot of a Chinese J-10 fighter of unsafe and unprofessional behavior over the Yellow Sea in May last year by dropping flares in the path of an Australian navy Seahawk helicopter.

Australia said the helicopter pilot had to take evasive action to avoid the flares. There were no injuries or damage, although experts warned the helicopter could have been forced to ditch at sea if a flare had struck an engine.

China protested at the time that the helicopter had flown close to Chinese airspace and had attempted to carry out reconnaissance on a Chinese navy training exercise.

Friday, February 14, 2025 A11

Trump’s campaign promise to ‘deflate inflation’ collides with economic reality

By Josh Boak & Christopher Rugaber

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—As a candidate last year, Donald Trump suggested he could easily conquer inflation and ease voters’ fears about the economy.

“I will very quickly deflate,” he promised at a California rally. “We are going to take inflation, and we are going to deflate it. We are going to deflate inflation. We are going to defeat inflation. We’re going to knock the hell out of inflation.”

Wednesday’s consumer price index report showed that inflation is punching back—and President Trump could end up facing the same challenges that dragged down his predecessor, President Joe Biden.

The annual inflation rate has risen in the three months since the November election to 3 percent, with gasoline prices climbing despite Trump’s claims that his return to the White House would signal increased oil production that would lower energy costs.

Trump frequently makes far-reaching assertions about his power to bring about change only to find that it is no match for market forces.

It’s a humbling reminder that even US presidents are subject to the invisible hand of supply and demand, rather than the masters of it.

Consumer sentiment measures suggest the public already sees Trump’s plans to expand tariffs as increasing inflation. On Wednesday, the president called for interest rate cuts, even though rate hikes by the Federal Reserve helped lower inflation that spiked at a four-decade high in 2022.

The latest consumer price figures have unnerved economists and the financial markets because they suggest that strong consumer spending, solid job gains and a falling unemployment rate could reignite inflation. Steady demand, particularly from wealthier consumers, makes it easier for companies to keep raising prices.

The cost of goods—including toys and auto parts—rose last month even before the imposition of tariffs. Trump has placed 10 percent tariffs on China, in addition to announcing the removal of exemptions on his 2018 steel and aluminum tariffs. There are also potential tariff hikes on Canada and Mexico and a potential executive order that would increase tariffs to match the import taxes charged by other countries.

All of this means that baseline inflationary pressures could be at their highest level in decades.

“Disinflation may be dead, and we may be looking at a higher rate of inflation than we observed for the 20 years prior to the pandemic,” said Joseph Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM, a tax and advisory firm.

Trump’s call for lower rates puts him in opposition to Fed Chairman Jerome Powell.

“If inflation goes up in general, we will use our tools, which is the interest rate, to bring it back down to 2 percent over time,” Powell told a congressional committee on Wednesday. Powell also said that Trump’s calls to lower rates wouldn’t sway the Fed.

So far, the Trump White House’s main response to this challenge has been to blame Biden, an argument with a short lifespan as Trump is exerting more control over economic policy.

“The Biden administration indeed left us with a mess to deal with,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at Wednesday’s news briefing. “It’s far worse than I think anybody anticipated.”

But Trump allies are also starting to float new ideas for tackling inflation. Standing in the Oval Office on Tuesday, billionaire Elon Musk, the head of the president’s Department of Government Efficiency, proposed $1 trillion in spending cuts this year.

Musk, the world’s richest man who continues to control Tesla, X and SpaceX among other companies, wants to eliminate $1 out of every $7 spent by the federal government in order to bring the inflation rate to zero. It’s not clear based on lawsuits and Congress’ responsibility for government funding that Musk can deliver those savings.

“If you cut the budget deficit by a trillion between now and next year, there is no inflation,” Musk said. “And if the government is not borrowing as much, it means that interest costs decline. So, everyone’s mortgage, their car payment, their credit card bills, anything, their

Trump upends Ukraine policy, initiates peace talks with Putin

By Matthew Lee, Will Weissert & Zeke Miller The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—President

Donald Trump upended three years of US policy toward Ukraine on Wednesday, saying that he and Russian leader Vladimir Putin had agreed to begin negotiations on ending the war following a sudden prisoner swap.

Trump said he spent more than an hour on the phone with Putin and “I think we’re on the way to getting peace.” He noted that he later spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but he was noncommittal about whether Ukraine would be an equal participant in US negotiations with Russia.

“I think President Putin wants peace and President Zelenskyy wants peace and I want peace,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “I just want to see people stop being killed.”

Of his conversation with Putin, Trump said, “People didn’t really know what President Putin’s thoughts were. But I think I can say with great confidence, he wants to see it ended also, so that’s good—and we’re going to work toward getting it ended and as fast as possible.”

Trump noted that he would “probably” meet in person with Putin in the near term, suggesting that could happen in Saudi Arabia.

Trump speaking to Putin sent a potentially dramatic signal that Washington and Moscow could work to hammer out a deal to end fighting in Ukraine by going around that country’s government. Doing so would break with the Biden administration, which steadfastly insisted Kyiv would be a full participant in any decisions made.

Asked specifically about Ukraine being an equal member in the peace process, Trump responded, “Interesting question. I think they have to make peace.” In another blow to Ukraine’s Western-leaning aspirations, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said

at NATO headquarters in Brussels that NATO membership was unrealistic for Ukraine.

“I don’t think it’s practical to have it, personally,” Trump said later about NATO membership for Ukraine. He added that Hegseth had said “it’s unlikely or impractical. I think probably that’s true.”

After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the Biden administration joined other NATO members in vowing that membership in the Western military alliance was “inevitable.”

Trump said Wednesday of Russia: “I think long before President Putin, they said there’s no way they’d allow that.”

“They’ve been saying that for a long time that Ukraine cannot go into NATO,” Trump said. “And I’m OK with that.”

Response from Zelenskyy and the Kremlin

DESPITE all that, Zelenskyy sought to put a brave face on what many in Ukraine will see as a major disappointment. In a social media post, he said he had “a meaningful conversation” with Trump that included discussion of “opportunities to achieve peace” and Kyiv’s “readiness to work together at the team level.”

“I am grateful to President Trump,” he said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the conversation between Trump and Putin covered a good deal of ground, including the Middle East and Iran, but that Ukraine was the main focus.

Peskov said Trump called for a quick cessation of hostilities and

a peaceful settlement, and that “President Putin, in his turn, emphasized the need to remove the root causes of the conflict and agreed with Trump that a longterm settlement could be achieved through peace talks.”

“The Russian president supported one of the main theses of the US president that the time has come for our two countries to work together,” Peskov told reporters. “The Russian president invited the US president to visit Moscow and expressed readiness to host US officials in Russia for issues of mutual interest, naturally including Ukraine, the Ukrainian settlement.”

In the meantime, Ukraine has offered to strike a deal with Trump for continued American military aid in exchange for developing Ukraine’s mineral industry— which could provide a valuable source of the rare earth elements that are essential for many kinds of technology.

Trump suggested that aid would continue to flow but that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was in Ukraine working to get written assurances that the US would get access to its rare earth elements and oil and gas.

“We’re asking for security on our money,” Trump said, noting of Ukraine: “They’ve agreed to it.”

Zelenskyy tweeted earlier about the meeting with Bessent, saying “we value our partnership with the United States” and “strive to expand our joint capabilities.”

Asked about Trump’s views on Russia and Putin, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “I believe this nation views Putin and Russia as a great competitor in the region. At times, an adversary.” But she also noted of Trump: “At times, he enjoys having good diplomatic relationships with leaders around the world.”

Working more closely with Putin on Ukraine defies the long-held stance of Biden, who, together with his top national security aides, repeatedly insisted, “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”

Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s special Russia-Ukraine envoy, retired Gen. Keith Kellogg, will all be in Germany this week for the annual Munich Security

Conference, which Zelenskyy also will attend.

Calls follow US-Russia prisoner exchange

WEDNESDAY’S Trump-Putin call, and the resulting policy sea change, followed a prisoner swap that resulted in Russia releasing Pennsylvania schoolteacher Marc Fogel after more than three years of detention in return for convicted Russian criminal Alexander Vinnik.

The White House described the prisoner swap as evidence of a diplomatic thaw that could advance negotiations to end the fighting in Ukraine.

In a social media post detailing his call with Putin, Trump wrote, “We each talked about the strengths of our respective Nations, and the great benefit that we will someday have in working together.”

Trump also noted they “agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately.” The president appointed Rubio, CIA director John Ratcliffe, national security adviser Michael Waltz and his special Mideast envoy Steven Witkoff to lead those talks.

Fogel, who was deemed wrongfully detained by Russia, was arrested in August 2021 for possession of marijuana and was serving a 14-year prison sentence. He had been left out of previous prisoner swaps with Russia that were negotiated by the Biden administration.

Vinnik—the other person involved, according to two US officials—was arrested in 2017 in Greece at the request of the US on cryptocurrency fraud charges and was later extradited to the United States, where he pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to commit money laundering.

He is in custody in California awaiting transport to Russia, the officials said. The Kremlin confirmed that a Russian citizen was freed in the United States in exchange for Fogel but refused to identify him until he arrives in Russia.

Trump welcomed Fogel at the White House on Tuesday evening after his return to the US on Witkoff’s personal plane.

AP reporter Eric Tucker contributed from Washington.

Hegseth: Ukraine should drop NATO bid, prepare for negotiated peace with Russia

By Lorne Cook & Tara Copp The Associated Press

RUSSELS—US Defense Secretary

BNATO allies insist Ukraine must be included in peace talks as Trump touts Putin meeting

By Lorne Cook The Associated Press

RUSSELS—Several

BNATO allies stressed on Thursday that Ukraine and Europe must not be cut out of any peace negotiations as US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied that the United States is betraying the war-ravaged country.

European governments are reeling after the Trump administration signaled that it is planning face-to-face talks with Russia on ending the Ukraine war without involving them, insisted that Kyiv should not join NATO, and said that it’s up to Europe to protect itself and Ukraine from whatever Russia might do next.

“There can be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine. And Ukraine’s voice must be at the heart of any talks,” U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey told reporters at NATO headquarters, as the organization’s 32 defense ministers met for talks on Ukraine.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said: “For me, it’s clear…that Europe must be involved in the negotiations— and I think that’s very easy to understand,” particularly if Europe is “supposed to play a central or the main role in the peace order.”

Europe, he said, “will have to live directly” with the consequences, so “it goes without saying that we must be part of the negotiations.”

Hegseth denied that the US has betrayed Ukraine by launching negotiations about its future without Kyiv’s full involvement. After talks with Putin and then Zelenskyy, Trump said on Wednesday he would “probably” meet in person with the Russian leader in the near term, possibly in Saudi Arabia.

“There is no betrayal there. There is a recognition that the whole world and the United States is invested and interested in peace. A negotiated peace,” Hegseth told reporters.

Hegseth warned that the war in Ukraine must “be a wakeup call” for NATO’s European allies to spend more on their own defense budgets.

Twenty-three of the 32 member countries were

will not be US troops deployed to Ukraine.”

forecast to have met the organization’s guideline of spending 2 percent of gross domestic product on their national defense budgets last year, but a third still do not.

But Hegseth’s French counterpart, Sébastien Lecornu, described the wrangling over greater defense spending as “a false debate,” saying that governments and parliaments across Europe are already approving more weapons purchases and bigger military budgets while helping Ukraine stave off an invasion. Lecornu warned that the future of NATO itself is now in question.

“To say that it’s the biggest and most robust alliance in history is true, historically speaking. But the real question is will that still be the case in 10 or 15 years,” he said, after the US—by far NATO’s biggest and most powerful member—signaled that its security priorities lie elsewhere, including in Asia.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who was chairing Thursday’s meeting, said that whatever agreement is struck between Russia and Ukraine, it is crucial that the “peace deal is enduring, that Putin knows that this is the end, that he can never again try to capture a piece of Ukraine.”

Touting Europe’s investment in Ukraine, Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson said European nations provided about 60 percent of the military support to Kyiv last year and must be involved, especially given US demands that Europe take more responsibility for Ukraine’s security in the longer term.

“It’s very natural that we’re engaged into the discussions,” Jonson said.

His Estonian counterpart, Hanno Pevkur, underlined that the European Union has driven sanctions against Russia, has invested heavily in Ukraine’s defense, and will be asked to foot the bill for rebuilding the war-ravaged country.

“We have to be there. So, there is no question about it. Otherwise, this peace will not be long lasting,” Pevkur warned.

Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.

Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that NATO membership for Ukraine was unrealistic and suggested Kyiv should abandon hopes of winning all its territory back from Russia and instead prepare for a negotiated peace settlement to be backed up by international troops. Hours later, President Donald Trump said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to begin negotiations on ending the Ukraine war. In a social media post that upended three years of US policy toward Ukraine, the Republican disclosed a call between the two leaders and said they would “work together, very closely.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office said Zelenskyy and Trump also had a phone conversation. Taken together, the statements by Trump and Hegseth offered the clearest look yet at how the new administration might try to end Europe’s largest land war in generations.

Hegseth’s warning to Ukraine that it should abandon its NATO bid and its push to reclaim all Russian-occupied territory signaled starkly to Kyiv that the administration’s view of a potential settlement is remarkably close to Moscow’s vision. Putin has declared that any peace deal must ensure that Ukraine gives up its NATO ambitions and withdraws its troops from the four regions that Russia annexed

in September 2022 but never fully captured. In sweeping remarks to NATO allies eager to hear how much support Washington intends to provide to the Ukrainian government, Hegseth indicated that Trump is determined to get Europe to assume most of the financial and military responsibilities for Ukraine’s defense, including a possible peacekeeping force that would not include US troops.

Making the first trip to NATO by a member of the new administration, the defense secretary also said the force should not have Article 5 protections, which would require the US or the 31 other nations of the NATO alliance to come to the aid of those forces if they are attacked by Russia.

The secretary’s comments were sure to dim Ukraine’s hopes of making itself

whole again and to complicate talks later this week between Zelenskyy and US Vice President JD Vance and other senior American officials at a major security conference in Munich.

“The United States does not believe that NATO membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement,” Hegseth told Kyiv’s backers as they gathered at NATO headquarters for a meeting to drum up more arms and ammunition for the war, which will soon enter its fourth year.

All 32 allies must agree for a country to join NATO, meaning that every member has a veto.

“Instead, any security guarantee must be backed by capable European and nonEuropean troops,” Hegseth said. “To be clear, as part of any security guarantee, there

At the White House later in the day, Trump commented briefly on Hegseth’s pronouncements on no NATO membership for Ukraine and no return to the country’s previous boundaries. Without calling Hegseth by name, he said: “I know that a new secretary of defense, who is excellent, made a statement today saying that he thinks it’s unlikely or impractical. I think probably that’s true.”

Other Western allies said the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO needs to stay on the table.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said NATO “is still the main guarantee of security for European countries.”

Asked about Trump’s phone call with Putin, Barrot said that abandoning Ukraine would “entrench the law of the strongest. It would be an invitation to all the world’s tyrants and despots to invade

their neighbors with complete impunity.” Hegseth insisted that NATO should play no role in any future military mission to police the peace in Ukraine and that any peacekeeping troops should not be covered by the part of NATO’s founding treaty that obliges all allies to come to the aid of any member under attack.

Article 5 has been activated only once, when European allies and Canada used it to help the United States in the wake of the September 11, 2001, al-Qaida attacks on New York and Washington.

Hegseth also said Europe “must provide the overwhelming share of future lethal and nonlethal aid to Ukraine.” Ukraine currently relies equally on Europe and the US for about 30 percent each of its defense needs. The rest is produced by Ukraine itself.

Speaking with the allies of Ukraine

See “Hegseth,” A13

www.businessmirror.com.ph

The World

Western allies and Arab countries gather in Paris to discuss Syria’s future amid US aid uncertainty

By Samuel Petrequin, Abby Sewell & Sylvie Corbet The Associated Press

PARIS—Western allies and Arab countries are gathering in Paris on Thursday for an international conference on Syria to discuss the country’s future after the fall of former Syrian president Bashar Assad and amid uncertainty over the United States’ commitment to the region.

It’s the third conference on Syria since Assad was ousted in December, and the first since President Donald Trump’s administration took over in the US.

Trump’s controversial decision to freeze foreign assistance has raised concerns in Syria, a country that had depended on hundreds of millions of dollars in aid from the US and now left in ruins by a civil war.

The Trump administration is pulling almost all USAID workers out of the field worldwide, all but ending a six-decade mission meant to shore up American security by fighting starvation, funding education and working to end epidemics.

While many Syrians were happy to see the rule of Assad come to an abrupt end in December, analysts have warned that the honeymoon period for the country’s new rulers may be short-lived if they are not able to jumpstart the country’s battered economy. An end to the sanctions imposed during Assad’s time will be key to that, but sanctions are not the only issue.

Billions in aid needed MORE aid is crucial to achieve a peaceful reconstruction during the post-Assad transition. The country needs massive investment to rebuild housing, electricity, water and transportation infrastructure after nearly 14 years of war.

The United Nations in 2017 estimated that it would cost at least $250 billion, while some experts now say the number could reach at least $400 billion. With few productive sectors and government employees making wages equivalent to about $20 per month, Syria has grown increasingly dependent on remittances and humanitarian aid. But the flow of aid was throttled after the Trump administration halted

North Korea demolishes family reunion center, further erasing inter-Korean ties

By Kim Tong-Hyung

SThe Associated Press

EOUL, South Korea— North Korea is demolish -

ing a South Korea-built property that had been used to host reunions of families separated during the 19501953 Korean War, the South’s government said Thursday, as it continues to eliminate symbols of engagement between the war-divided rivals.

Relations between the Koreas are at their worst in years, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continuing to flaunt his expanding nuclear weapons program and declaring to abandon long-standing goals of inter-Korean reconciliation, while describing the South as a permanent enemy.

The 12-story building at the North’s scenic Diamond Mountain resort, which has 206 rooms and banquet facilities for hosting meetings, had been used for family reunions since 2009. The Koreas last held a family reunion in 2018, after Kim initiated diplomacy with Seoul and Washington in an effort to leverage his nuclear program for economic benefits.

Negotiations derailed in 2019 after a failed summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump, who was serving his first term, when the Americans rejected North Korea’s demands for a major release of US-led economic sanctions in exchange for a

Continued from A12

known as the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Hegseth also insisted that Ukraine’s Western backers must abandon the “illusionary goal” of returning the country to its pre-2014 borders, before Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula and seized parts of eastern Ukraine.

“Members of this contact group must meet the moment,” Hegseth said to the

US foreign assistance last month.

The effects were particularly dire in the country’s northwest, a formerly rebel-held enclave that hosts millions of people displaced from other areas by the country’s civil war. Many of them live in sprawling tent camps.

The freeze on USAID funding forced clinics serving many of those camps to shut down, and nonprofits laid off local staff. In northeastern Syria, a camp housing thousands of family members of Islamic State fighters was thrown into chaos when the

partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities. The North has since suspended virtually all diplomatic activity with the South and ignored US requests to resume talks while accelerating the development of nuclear weapons and missiles.

Seoul’s Unification Ministry, which handles interKorean affairs, said it had confirmed that North Korea was demolishing the building, named the Reunion Center for the Separated Families, and urged the North to suspend the destruction. The North had previously removed a South Korea-built hotel, golf course and other tourist facilities from the Diamond Mountain resort.

“Demolishing the reunion center is an act against humanity that crushes the yearning of separated families, as well as a grave infringement of our state-owned property,” the ministry said in a statement. The ministry said the South’s government will consider “necessary” countermeasures, including legal action and international pressure, but it isn’t clear whether Seoul has any effective options.

In 2023, South Korea filed a 44.7 billion won ($30 million) damage suit against North Korea for blowing up a joint liaison office just north of their border in 2020. The lawsuit was seen as symbolic as there’s no clear way for South Korea to force North Korea to pay if it is found liable for damages.

approximately 50 member countries that have provided support to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. In his social media post, Trump said he and Putin “talked about the strengths of our respective Nations, and the great benefit that we will someday have in working together. But first, as we both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place” in the war.

Trump said the two leaders “agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately.”

group providing services there was forced to briefly stop work.

A workshop bringing together key donors from the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations, the United Nations and key agencies from Arab countries will be held alongside the conference to coordinate international aid to Syria.

Doubts over US support

UNCERTAINTY also surrounds the future of US military support in the region.

In 2019 during his first term,

Trump decided on a partial withdrawal of US troops form the northeast of Syria before he halted the plans. And in December last year, when rebels were on their way to topple Assad, Trump said the United States should not “ dive into the middle of a Syrian civil war.”

Now that Syria’s new leader Ahmad al-Sharaa is trying to consolidate his power, the US intentions in the region remain unclear.

A French diplomatic official confirmed the presence of a US representative at the conference, but said “our understanding is that the new US administration is still in the review process regarding Syria, it does not seem (the US position) will be clarified at that conference.” The official spoke anonymously in line with the French presidency’s customary practices.

The commander of the main USbacked force in Syria recently said that US troops should stay in Syria because the Islamic State group will benefit from a withdrawal.

Since Damascus fell on December 8 and Assad fled to Moscow, the new leadership has yet to lay out a clear vision of how the country will be governed.

The Islamic militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS—a former al-Qaida affiliate that the EU and U.N. consider to be a terrorist organization—has established itself as Syria’s de facto rulers after coordinating with the southern fighters during the offensive late last year.

French organizers said the three main goals of the meeting, which is not a pledging conference, are to coordinate efforts to support a peaceful transition, organize cooperation and aid from neighbors and partners, and to continue talks on the fight against impunity.

The conference takes place at ministerial level. Syria’s interim foreign minister Asaad al-Shibani has been invited and it will be his first visit to Europe.

Speaking this week at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, al-Shibani underlined the new government in Damascus’ desire to improve relations with the West and get sanctions on Syria lifted so the country could start rebuilding after the ruinous 14-year war.

Sewell reported from Beirut.

Trump, Modi meet amid trade tensions: Aiming to strengthen India-US ties

By Will Weissert The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump is meeting Thursday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has heaped praise on him and is hoping to avoid tariffs that the new administration has slapped on other countries in its opening weeks.

Modi is a nationalist and has talked up his warm relationship with Trump during his first term while cheering his winning back the White House. The Indian leader is looking to improve relations with Washington and the West overall, which have been frosty lately after Modi refused to condemn Russia for its war on Ukraine.

The trip comes after Modi’s ruling Hindu nationalist party’s

victory during a high-stakes state legislature election last weekend in India’s federal territory, including New Delhi. The prime minister said before leaving for Washington that the visit was a chance to “deepen our partnership” in key areas such as technology, trade, defense and energy.

The White House visit isn’t likely to be all smiles, though.

Trump has already imposed tariffs on China and says more are coming against the European Union, while threatening similar against Canada and Mexico and expanding tariffs on steel and aluminum he initially imposed during his first term.

Trump has repeatedly dubbed India a “tariff king.” In response, New Delhi has shown a willingness to buy more American oil while lowering its own tariffs on US goods, including on some

despite tariff threats

Harley-Davidson motorcycles, from 50 percent to 40 percent.

Also, India in 2023 dropped retaliatory tariffs on US almonds, apples, chickpeas, lentils and walnuts.

Then there’s a recent deal allowing US-based General Electric to partner with India-based Hindustan Aeronautics to produce jet engines for Indian aircraft in India, and the sale of USmade armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones.

Still, Trump has decried US trade deficits around the world and said he’ll work to shrink them, including during his meetings at the White House last week with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

The US is India’s largest trade partner, but the two countries have a trade deficit of $50 billion in India’s favor.

The Indo-US goods and services trade totaled around $190.1 billion in 2023. According to India’s External Affairs Ministry, the US exports to India were worth nearly $70 billion and imports $120 billion.

Another topic likely to be discussed is immigration. Modi can point to India’s having accepted the return of 104 migrants brought back on a US military plane—the first such flight to the country as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration and the US-Mexico border. For the Trump administration, meanwhile, India is seen as integral to the US strategy of containing China in the Indo-Pacific. Modi’s country is hosting a summit of a group of countries known as the Quad—made up of the US, India, Japan and Australia—later this year.

Gas explosion at Taiwan food court kills 4 and injures 26

TAIPEI, Taiwan—A gas explosion at a department store in Taiwan on Thursday killed four people and injured 26, fire authorities said.

The blast occurred at the food court on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung city, the Taichung Fire Bureau said. The higher floors of the upscale department store were blown out, raining debris on pedestrians below.

Zelenskyy said he had a “meaningful conversation”with Trump about “opportunities to achieve peace.” He said Trump shared details of his conversation with Putin.

“No one wants peace more than Ukraine,” Zelenskyy posted on X. “Together with the US, we are charting our next steps to stop Russian aggression and ensure a lasting, reliable peace. As President Trump said, let’s get it done. We agreed to maintain further contact and plan upcoming meetings.”

Talking to reporters after the NATO meeting, U.K. Defense Secretary John

Among the dead were two people visiting from Macau, Macao’s Tourism Office confirmed Thursday. Local media reported that they were part of a family of seven who were there for tourism. The other five were also injured are now being treated at local hospitals in Taichung.

Part of the store was under renovation, but it’s not clear if the work was connected to the explosion, Taichung Vice Mayor

Healey said Hegseth’s words would not go unheeded.

“We heard his call for European nations to step up. We are, and we will,” Healey said. Healey underlined that “Ukraine’s rightful place is in NATO. That is a process that will take some time.”

He also announced that Britain would provide Ukraine with a fresh $187 million “firepower package,” including drones, tanks and air-defense systems.

Cheng Chao-hsin told reporters at the scene. “If it’s found there were illegal actions or parts that violated renovation regulations, it will be dealt with appropriately,” Cheng said.

Dozens of firefighters were deployed to the scene at about 11:30 a.m. Parts of the building’s exterior were damaged and scattered fragments were strewn on the streets.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen

Over nearly three years, those 50 countries have collectively provided Ukraine with more than $126 billion in weapons and military assistance, including more than $66.5 billion from the US, which has served as the chair of the

told reporters at the scene that she felt the shock at her office nearby. She said the fire bureau would focus on a rescue operation first, but an investigation was also underway and officers were checking whether there were other sources of danger.

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te said he had asked all relevant government agencies to investigate the cause of the accident. AP

DISPLACED Syrian children play outside the Sarmada Health Center, which is now closed due to the suspension of US support for several organizations in northwestern Syria,

district, north of Idlib city, Syria, Sunday, February 9, 2025.

Abuse of party-list system endangers PHL democracy

THE Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) has sounded the alarm on a critical issue threatening the very foundation of Philippine democracy: the blatant manipulation of the party-list system. Once envisioned as a beacon of hope for marginalized sectors, the party-list has become a playground for political dynasties, retired officials, and wealthy businessmen, effectively silencing the voices it was meant to amplify. This hijacking must be stopped, and decisive action is needed to restore the system to its original intent. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Party-list system hijacked by elites, political dynastyies,” February 13, 2025).

The Party-List System Act, or Republic Act 7941, was born out of a noble aspiration: to ensure representation for the marginalized and underrepresented in Philippine governance. Farmers, workers, indigenous peoples, the urban poor—those historically excluded from decision-making—were to finally have a platform to voice their concerns and advocate for their interests. However, as CenPEG rightly points out, decades of flawed implementation and questionable court rulings have paved the way for powerful political families and big businesses to infiltrate and ultimately undermine the system.

Instead of championing the interests of the poor and marginalized, many party-list groups now serve as mere extensions of the ruling elite, further consolidating their power and influence. This distortion of proportional representation deprives legitimate sectoral groups of their rightful voice in policymaking, eroding the very essence of democracy.

As Kontra Daya’s recent study reveals, a staggering number of partylist groups seeking seats in the upcoming elections do not represent the marginalized, with many linked to political dynasties, big businesses, or facing corruption allegations. This is a clear indication of the extent to which the system has been compromised.

To reclaim the party-list system for those who truly need it, CenPEG’s proposed reforms are crucial and deserve serious consideration:

Strict enforcement of the original mandate: Only organizations genuinely representing marginalized sectors should be allowed to participate.

Disqualification of political dynasties and big business proxies: The party-list should not be a haven for political families or a tool for expanding business interests.

Transparency and accountability in accreditation: The Commission on Elections must rigorously scrutinize applicants and reject those failing to meet the law’s intent.

Legislative reforms: Congress must amend the law to explicitly prohibit traditional politicians and economic elites from exploiting the system.

The future of Philippine democracy hinges on our ability to restore integrity to the party-list system. It is time for civil society, grassroots organizations, and concerned citizens to unite and demand change. We must hold our elected officials accountable and ensure that the voices of the marginalized are once again heard in the halls of power. Failure to do so will only further entrench elite dominance and diminish the democratic space for genuine representation, leaving the Philippines with a democracy in name only.

BusinessMirror

Supreme Court to lawyers: Do not date your clients

APeyups

LAWYER is prohibited from romantic entanglements with clients under the updated Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) / A.M. No. 22-09-01-SC, which was approved by the Supreme Court En Banc on April 11, 2023.

The prohibition is indicated in Canon III Section 15, which states: “A lawyer shall not have dating, romantic, or sexual relations with a client during the engagement, unless the consensual relationship existed between them before the lawyer-client relationship commenced.”

A lawyer-client relationship arises “when the client consciously, voluntarily and in good faith vests a lawyer with the client’s confidence for the purpose of rendering legal

services such as providing legal advice or representation, and the lawyer, whether expressly or impliedly, agrees to render such services.”

The provision is under Canon III on the subject matter of Fidelity, which “pertains to a lawyer’s duty to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the land, to assist in the administration of justice as an officer of the court, and to advance or defend a client’s cause, with full devotion, genuine interest, and zeal in the

pursuit of truth and justice”.

Updating the 34-year-old CPR is in line with the Supreme Court’s rule that possession of good moral character is both a condition precedent and a continuing requirement to warrant admission to the Bar and to retain membership in the legal profession.

CPRA stated that “an ethical lawyer is a lawyer possessed of integrity. Integrity is the sum total of all the ethical values that every lawyer must embody and exhibit.”

The CPRA follows a values-based framework, divided into Canons on Independence, Propriety, Fidelity, Competence, Diligence, Equality, and Accountability.

“We want to be very clear that the lawyer-client relationship can clearly define what are your duties and what are your responsibilities. We don’t want any dating or romantic factor to blur these lines,” Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh said in an interview.

The provision earned different reactions from a Facebook lawyer’s

The creative destruction in religion

PEAGLE WATCH

OPULARIZED by Austrian political economist Joseph Schumpeter in his 1942 book “Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy,” creative destruction is the natural tendency in capitalism to innovate as new, better ways replace outdated ways. Those old enough remember the days of playing music in records. However, records are gone because cassette tapes creatively destroyed them. Cassette tapes then disappeared because compact discs (CDs) creatively destroyed them. CDs then generally disappeared because the universal serial bus (USB) creatively destroyed them. Recently, the USB is disappearing because cloud technology is creatively destroying them.

Creative destruction applies to religion, too. Paul Seabright, in his 2024 book “Divine Economy,” narrates the disruption in Christianity brought about by the discovery of cheaper printing in the mid-fifteenth century. Before that, the lay faithful depended on the monks who translated scriptures written in Latin. When printing became cheaper, it became possible for the lay faithful in general to privately own copies of the Bible, especially in languages that they could understand. The new, more convenient way of experiencing the scripture creatively destroyed the outdated way.

This is not to say that the new and more convenient creatively destroyed religious leaders per se. The Catholic leaders who were able to adjust, relate to, and build communities with the lay faithful who mostly

had access to the Bible in relatable languages outdated those who failed to adjust. In the 16th century Age of Reformation, Protestant leaders like Martin Luther used cheaper ways of sending messages to more learned lay faithful and, thus, accentuated the revolt against the Catholic Church and creatively destroyed its lagging sectors. In the Scientific Revolution from the 1550s to 1670s, the religious leaders of Europe, whether Catholic, Protestant, or Jewish, who accepted the new scientific ways, creatively destroyed those who stayed superstitious.

Nowadays, the Internet is founding new religious movements and making religious experiences easier and cheaper for people by allowing the lay religious to not rely on intermediaries like priests, pastors, imams, rabbis, gurus, and others in

traditional ways. It is not to say that the Internet will creatively destroy religious leaders per se.

Thanks to the Internet, fans buy less songs from song artists in traditional ways, but the Internet will not creatively destroy song artists per se. In older ways, song artists used to go on tours to promote their songs and profit from selling their albums. Because of modern technology, song artists who adjust by promoting their songs via the Internet and profit from selling tickets in their concert tours will creatively destroy song artists who continue the old ways.

Sexual abuse has always existed within religious organizations. Thanks to the Internet and social media, it has become impossible to keep them hidden. Consequently, and recently, religiosity has declined in North America and Europe because of the scandals exposed by technology. Since there is no scientific evidence to show that the rest of the religious world has higher or lower moral ground, the rest of the world may share the same fate as North America and Europe. Will a form of secular substitute creatively destroy religion? Not religion per se. As Seabright argues, religion gives “people a sense of purpose in their lives that secular institutions often struggle to articulate” (page 331). In the context of sexual abuse, those who listen to the suffering of victims and hold the guilty accountable will creatively destroy those that deflect accountability and are obstinate for reform. Those who will resort to transparency will

group:

“Sorry. It is not you it is my profession.”; “Sign this motion to withdraw appearance please”; “I don’t need love, I need cash. I am sorry”; “When both are in love there is no illegality”; and “Execute a waiver and quit claim with affidavit of desistance.”

Violation of said provision may lead to disciplinary proceedings whose purposes are to protect the public, to foster public confidence in the Bar, to preserve the integrity of the profession, and to deter other lawyers from similar misconduct. In cases involving illicit relationships, the Supreme Court penalized the erring lawyers either by suspension or disbarment, depending on the circumstances of the case. Disbarment is imposed where the misconduct and unrepentant demeanor shows a serious flaw in his character and the outright defiance of established norms, including the moral indifference to the sanctity of marriage and marital vows.

creatively destroy those who uphold the culture of secrecy that protects the public image of guilty religious leaders and their organizations. Adam Smith viewed that lack of competition in religion would be bad for society partly because it increased society’s theocratic tendency, and it made religious movements more sluggish and conservative than otherwise. For Seabright, Catholic prohibition on clerical marriage does not have biblical authority the same way that the Iranian government’s laws on veiling do not have Quranic authority. The difference is that in democratic societies, the Catholic Church has more intense competition, hence the relevant leniency to allow its married faithful to serve more, as opposed to theocratic Iran where religious authorities are increasingly seen to force their standing for pure political conservatism rather than religious inspiration. Thanks to migration, economic development, the spread of education, and, above all, the falling costs of information processing and transmission, the religious faithful have a wider range of options, allowing the religious movement to more easily reach a larger audience. The ones who can innovate to reach hearts and penetrate spirituality will creatively destroy the outdated, obstinate ways. Creative destruction will continue to change religions and the religious for good.

Dr. Luis F. Dumlao is

Kuwentong

Dennis Gorecho

Indonesia seeks new deals as ‘shocking’ Trump tariffs roil trade

By Chandra Asmara & Eko Listiyorini

INDONESIA is seeking to diversify its markets as global protectionism intensifies, while also taking steps to defend its local manufacturers, Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri said.

“Trump’s statements on tariffs are quite shocking in a lot of ways, but we think Indonesia could maximize its market potential if the US imposes tariffs on Chinese goods,” Roro said in an interview in Jakarta late Wednesday. “We are safeguarding our national trade, while expanding exports.”

US President Donald Trump’s plans for tariffs against countries ranging from Canada to China have stoked fears globally that all exporting nations may face more barriers to the world’s biggest consumer market. On Wednesday, the European Union trade chief spoke to US officials over their trade disputes, and all Canada’s premiers were in Washington to lobby against import taxes.

The risk of global trade turmoil is making Indonesia take a measured stance, while it continues to seek more trade deals and tighten protection for local manufacturers from cheap imports dumped in its market, said Roro, who at 31 is the youngest official in President Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet.

“We do not want to act too hastily in imposing any kind of import regulation,” she said. “Once the situation becomes clearer, the government will implement policies that are in Indonesia’s best interest.”

Southeast Asia’s largest economy has long sought deeper trade ties with the US but, unlike some of its neighbors, it does not have a free trade agreement or Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Washington. Instead, it relies on mechanisms like the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement to manage trade relations.

She noted that Indonesia is a member of the BRICS grouping, and that Trump has threatened to take action against members of the bloc, though there’s no indication yet that Indonesia has been targeted so far. Indonesian officials will meet the US ambassador next week, she said, without providing further details.

“If such extreme tariffs were imposed, we would diversify our markets, expanding into Asia, Africa, and Europe,” she said. “If the situation worsens and we lose the US market, I firmly believe that won’t happen. But if necessary, we will explore other potential markets.”

Beyond the US, Jakarta is actively negotiating new trade agreements to

. . continued from A14

The conduct complained of must not only be immoral, but must be grossly immoral.

Extramarital affairs of lawyers are regarded as offensive to the sanctity of marriage, the family, and the community that blemish their ethics and morality

Disbarment were imposed by the Supreme Court on several cases as the conduct put the legal profession in disrepute and place the integrity of the administration of justice in peril.

In Toledo v. Toledo (117 Phil. 768), and Hosoya v. Contado, (AC No. 10731, October 5, 2021), the Supreme Court disbarred lawyers who had abandoned their respective wives and families and cohabited with another with whom they had children.

In Obusan v. Obusan (213 Phil. 437), the lawyer had abandoned the wife and maintained an adulterous relationship with a married woman.

In Cojuangco v. Palma (481 Phil. 646), the lawyer abandoned his lawful wife and three children, lured

Silencing hearts

LOST in the feverish anticipation of Valentine’s Day is the Rape of Manila.

Except for the graphic sculpture at Plaza Santa Isabel in Intramuros, who remembers those terrifying days?

The risk of global trade turmoil is making Indonesia take a measured stance, while it continues to seek more trade deals and tighten protection for local manufacturers from cheap imports dumped in its market, said Roro, who at 31 is the youngest official in President Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet.

expand its export markets.

“For now, we will be more focused on negotiating Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements. One example is with Peru, where we are trying to substantially conclude the deal this year,” the deputy minister said. “We are also in process with Canada and are re-approaching the EU. There were some challenges with the EU, but at the same time they are starting to open up.”

She said there have been obstacles over climate change-related issues, but that Indonesia is working to finalize its agreement with the bloc. “One issue is with the EU deforestation law—it is basically a climate sustainability issue,” Roro said.

“Indonesia is also keen on India, and that is another country with which our government aims to build bilateral relationships and trade,” she said.

President Prabowo visited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi last month to boost economic cooperation. Modi is meanwhile making efforts to forestall any US trade action against India.

A big concern for Indonesia is its garment industry, where hundreds of thousands of jobs are at risk because of cheap clothing, often imported illegally from China. At least 80,000 jobs were lost last year, according to one estimate, and local companies have been pushing the government to raise non-tariff barriers to protect what’s left. PT Sri Rejeki Isman, the country’s textile giant, furloughed about 3,000 workers after its bankruptcy.

“Our findings in the field indicate that non-compliant imports come from various countries, not just China,” Roro said. “We are making efforts to mitigate this issue by collaborating across ministries, customs, and even law enforcement agencies, including the police and military.” Bloomberg

an innocent woman into marrying him and misrepresented himself as a “bachelor” so he could contract marriage in a foreign land.

In Dantes v. Dantes, (482 Phil. 64) the lawyer maintained illicit relationships with two different women during the subsistence of his marriage to his legal wife.

In Villatuya v. Tabalingcos, (676 SCRA 37), the lawyer entered into marriage twice while his first marriage was still subsisting.

“The title of lawyer is not an individual aggrandizement. We become lawyers only because we can ethically serve others. We become lawyers only because we understand that it is not the be-all of who we should be: that we continue to build who we are as we engage, assist, and empower others,” says Senior SC Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, who was my professor at the University of the Philippines College of Law.

Peyups is the moniker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com , or call 09088665786.

Known by the few as the Memorare monument, the marker is one of the rare reminders of war. To those who bother to stop and read, one should find this inscription: “This monument is erected in memory of the more than 100,000 defenseless civilians who were killed during the Battle for the Liberation of Manila between February 3 and March 3, 1945. They were mainly victims of heinous acts perpetrated by the Japanese Imperial Forces and the casualties of the heavy artillery barrage by the American Forces. The Battle for Manila at the end of World War II was one of the most brutal episodes in the history of Asia and the Pacific. The non-combatant victims of that tragic battle will remain forever in the hearts and minds of the Filipino people.” Between February 3 and March 3, 1945. The duration speaks of the length of terror, the days spanning death and suffering. It was on February 12, 1945, that some 41 civilians, including 16 La Salle Brothers, were massacred in the De La Salle University. According to many accounts, children as young as two and three years old were bayoneted together with the adults who were there at that time.

There was also a time in February of some years ago when newspapers carried a page remembering the Rape of Manila and asking people never to forget this day. This was the reason why the Philippine-Japan Friendship Month, celebrated for a long time in the month of February, was moved to another month. (At least, that’s

what we did in the Japanese Studies Program of the Ateneo de Manila University years and years ago).

You see, nations forget. People forget.

But good artists of the nation seldom forget. In our National Mu-

Not even the dark, ominous clouds dominant in the background could steal the splendor of the sunset in ochre and flame-yellow. Note the tiny figures of people running from the destruction.

Still, by 1942, Amorsolo seemed to be the photo-journalist in the field as he covered the “Burning of the Santo Domingo Church” in Intramuros. The strokes are hurried and even as the medium remains in oil, there is a watercolor consistency in the texture and tone of the painting, as if the artist is looking at the process of conflagration as it happens. The detail of the firemen and their hoses trained desperately at the crumbling walls of the church is remarkable.

In 1945, Amorsolo would be left with the “Ruins of the Legislative Building.” The monumental building

seum, there is Gallery VIII, which is informally known as the “War Gallery.” Found in the area are works depicting the horror of World War II in the Philippines.

The earliest depiction of the war could be Fernando C. Amorsolo’s painting of the “Burning of Manila.” It is dated 1942 and, while the artist on this canvas has moved from his bucolic interpretation of farms and meadows, still, the magnificent palette for which he is known is visible in the documentation.

has one side appearing almost melted to the left, the grandeur of designs ephemeral to the might of war.

The chronicle of war continues with Nena Saguil, in 1940, capturing the nearly withered gate of Fort Santiago. A painting dated 1949 would bring Saguil to Quiapo, the capital of the quotidian and popular, in shambles.

Ironically, two of the most beautiful illustrations of the war ruins of Manila are contributed by the great expressionist, Diosdado Lorenzo.

Done in soft mauve, beige, light blue and gray, the memories of Escolta and Sales Street are musings of the mind, recalling both the ruins and the beauty of the two places as they were once sites of commerce. And yet, the same artist goes on a rampage as he portrays for us, finally, “The Rape and Massacre in Ermita.” Done in a mise-en-scene, Lorenzo paints at the center a Japanese soldier in the act of kissing a woman whose breasts are exposed, her other hand parrying the mean face of the soldier while her other hand held a knife, a helpless attempt to defend herself. At the feet of these two is a woman lying dead; another Japanese soldier, his back to us, is lunging his bayonet into the chest of a man who could be the husband of the woman at the center. Another woman nearly naked is shown covering herself. Had she been raped?

On the extreme left, inside the crib, a little child looks confused, while above him a crucifix stands mute to the carnage. The artistry of war would reach its apotheosis in the works of Dominador Castañeda. His “Death March” has two figures dead on the spot, with one man bent low hopelessly; in the background are other figures holding on to each other as they march to their death. In “Ravaged Manila,” Castañeda places a nearly naked woman in the foreground, while around her are the dead bodies of a young boy and girl, and another child. At the back is a procession of men and women carrying their dead. In “Doomed Family” art asks us to remember these: the father of the family has ropes tied around him in the “shibari” or “kinbaku,” the Japanese art of rope bondage. He is turned away from us. At his foot is his wife, one breast shown, badly battered and raped, her long hair a hideous mass. The couple’s child is similarly tied as she stares into a space.

February, by the way, is National Arts Month.

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

Christian aid groups weigh life-threatening choices about who to help after USAID funding pause

By Tiffany Stanley | The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—In a warehouse in Haiti, nearly four metric tons of seeds cannot be distributed. Soon the planting season will be gone and with it, the best chance for those seeds to produce emergency food.

Across the world in South Sudan, a program treating severely malnourished children under age 5 has halted.

Both projects are led by World Relief, an evangelical organization whose work has collapsed in certain countries after the Trump administration froze most foreign aid and sidelined the US Agency for International Development.

Faith-based organizations that partner with the US government to deliver international aid are being hard-hit by the USAID shutdown, and are now facing their own layoffs, furloughs and severe funding shortages.

Remaining staff are being forced to make difficult choices about which lifesaving programs can continue without government funding.

“That’s what keeps me up at night,” said Matthew Soerens, World Relief’s vice president of advocacy and policy.

Two of the 12 largest non-governmental recipients of USAID funds are faith-based: Catholic Relief Services and World Vision. These Christian nonprofits serve millions of people globally and provide food, water and health care in conflict zones.

Catholic Relief Services—founded by US Catholic bishops in 1943— told staff to expect drastic reductions in their workforce this year, as much as 50 percent, due to cuts in US foreign assistance. CRS receives more

USAID support than any other nongovernmental organization. The US government funded nearly half of the 2023 CRS budget of $1.2 billion.

The Vatican’s global charity arm, Caritas, on Monday warned that millions of people will die as a result of the “ruthless” US decision to “recklessly” stop USAID funding, and hundreds of millions more will be condemned to “dehumanizing poverty.”

The State Department has offered select waivers for organizations to continue “lifesaving” humanitarian work. But many organizations that have received waivers say federal funding has not arrived for those exempted projects, and they have been unable to get meaningful guidance from the US government.

USAID headquarters staffers— in affidavits filed this week as part of a court challenge to the Trump administration’s dismantling of the agency—say they know of no one in USAID who has been told what process will be followed in accepting and reviewing waiver requests, and no funding is getting through to aid partners and programs.

World Relief received a waiver to continue its lifesaving work in one country—civil-war-torn Sudan— but it is still waiting on government payments for those programs and previously completed work.

“We can’t afford to misunderstand the instructions and spend resources

that we don’t have,” Soerens said. “We have some cash reserves, but like most nonprofits, we don’t sit on months and months’ worth of cash.”

Churches and private donors have helped World Relief raise $4.5 million in two weeks to support international aid and its work in the US with refugees. But the organization has furloughed employees and still faces a funding gap of $3.5 million for immediate needs.

Franklin Graham, an evangelical leader who prayed at both of Donald Trump’s presidential inaugurations, runs Samaritan’s Purse, an evangelical humanitarian organization that has received USAID funds. Graham said in a statement that “the details of the waiver process are not yet clear.”

Samaritan’s Purse has not stopped its emergency food and medical programs overseas, he noted, and less than 5 percent of the organization’s 2024 funding came from government grants.

“I think it’s a good thing for the government to assess and reexamine the various programs that the US is funding around the world,” Graham said. “We trust that the new leadership will analyze all of the information and make good decisions.”

A spokesperson for World Vision, a Christian aid group that is separate from World Relief, said the organization was working on securing waivers and resuming critical programs as soon as possible. “Our commitment to serving vulnerable communities through humanitarian and development work remains strong, and we will continue to comply with all relevant regulations,” its statement said.

The first Trump administration did some “incredible work” at USAID,

according to Adam Phillips, who led the USAID faith-based office during the Biden administration. Phillips continued some of the data-driven approaches to working with faith communities that the Trump team pioneered at the agency.

“It’s so mystifying to see what the second Trump administration is doing,” Phillips said, “because they’re really going backwards on some extraordinary commitments when it comes to faith-based partners.”

Supporters of USAID’s work argue it not only alleviates global suffering and promotes stability but also functions as a form of soft power to create goodwill and counter rivals like China and Russia.

Many conservatives have championed the type of public-private partnerships that USAID and religious groups traditionally have had. Indeed, when Trump again established a White House faith office, the Feb. 7 executive order said it wanted faithbased entities “to compete on a level playing field for grants, contracts, programs, and other Federal funding opportunities.”

Faith-based groups hope their humanitarian work will pass muster with the second Trump administration after a 90-day review is completed.

“At World Relief, we’re also pro-life Christians. We believe in the value of human life,” Soerens said. “Our hope is that the president and the secretary of state examine this as quickly as possible and get things moving on that genuinely lifesaving humanitarian support.” AP

Tito Genova Valiente ANNOTATIONS

reporters Nicole Winfield in Rome, Giovanna Dell’Orto in Minneapolis, and Gary Fields and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report.

Friday, February 14, 2025

Agencies told: Maximize AFASA enforcement on POGO assets

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

AUTHORITIES

were prodded on Thursday to fast-track implementation of the AntiFinancial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) enacted in 2024 in order to transform multibillion assets seized from crime into resources badly needed for government services.

The pitch was made by Sen. Mark Villar, chair of the Senate Banks committee, as he presided at a hearing on a Senate bill institutionalizing the reforms laid down in the aftermath of the January 1 total closure of POGO in the country. The hearing was under the aegis of the Games and Amusement committee, which he also heads. Senators were briefed on the status of the assets seized last year by officials led by Undersecretary

Gilbert Cruz of PAOCC, who cited at least two of the biggest such assets seized in the POGO crackdown, and which are now covered by temporary asset preservation orders: the Bamban, Tarlac POGO hub covering 10 hectares and with 36 buildings, which are the center of the cases filed against dismissed Mayor Alice Guo; and a big resort in Cebu from where authorities rescued dozens of illegally trafficked workers, mostly Southeast Asians.

Villar noted that AFASA allows the government agencies to use part of the proceeds from seized assets to compensate or help victims of crime or human trafficking, among others.

Nearly P7 billion worth of assets have been estimated seized, and the inventory goes on.

According to Cruz, an inspection of the Bamban POGO hub is set next week by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner. There are plans to transform the former POGO hub into a “camp and training site,” said Cruz.

Villar, the main sponsor of AFASA, noted that the newly enacted law allows authorities to use assets seized from illegal operations for government services. An example cited by Cruz: the 6-story building in Pasay raided for hosting illegal POGO a few months ago is now being used partly by the Bureau of Immigration as detention quarters to augment their cramped detention spaces. The temporary quarters set up in the building can house 1,000 detainees.

‘Get the big fish’ IN the same hearing, Villar prod-

ded authorities to “go after the big fish” behind the travel agencies and other raided outlets that yielded sensitive government documents subsequently used by illegal alien workers, including birth certificates, passports, BIR and NBI clearances, the DOLE’s alien employment certificate (AEP), among others. Senators were told that in all, 21 travel agencies have since been banned for illegal practices. It was Villar who filed the Senate resolution calling for an inquiry into the implementation of the President’s directive to ban the POGOs by January 1, 2025, prompting the initial hearing conducted a week after. Since the initial public hearing, various developments have transpired in the government’s implementation of the POGO closure. Villar tackled some developments, particularly the persisting presence of POGOs despite the lapsed deadline and the probable cause of their prolonged stay. Villar raised the results of recent PAOCC operations, alluding to a new angle to the issue, “Last February 4, an entrapment operation was led by

See “Agencies,” A6

Azcuna: No issue with July trial for VP, but. . .

FORMER Supreme Court Associate Justice Adolf Azcuna said Thursday that he sees no “unreasonable delay” in having the trial proper of Vice President Sara Duterte in July, but think Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero must take his oath as presiding justice of the impeachment tribunal to signal jurisdiction of the 19th Senate over the impeachment trial. Otherwise, said Azcuna on ANC, there might be a technicality issue raised when the trial transitions from the 19th to the 20th Congress, where, Escudero had said earlier, Duterte’s trial proper would likely commence even though the impeachment court’s processes, including the amendment of impeachment rules, begin with the 19th.

Sought for reaction to Azcuna’s point, Escudero replied to BusinessMirror : “We thank him and take note of his legal opinion and suggestion. We will consider this when we adopt the amended rules.”

Earlier this week, Escudero told Senate reporters that the trial proper of Duterte, who was impeached last February 5 by a vote of 215 members of the House of Representatives, would likely unfold when the 20th Senate is already in place, even though, he stressed, the 19th Senate already took jurisdiction of the complaint and can do preparatory work for a trial like amending the rules, during recess and when they reconvene for six session days on June 2. After that, the 19th Congress adjourns and the terms of new senators start on June 30.

Escudero has been under pressure to fast-track the trial, with some lawyers pointing to the constitutional mandate for the Senate to “forthwith” commence trial once it receives an impeachment complaint.

Butch Fernandez

Comelec busts claims of ‘pre-shaded’ ballots

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

AS the midterm elections draw closer, the Commission on Elections is once again reassuring the public that no “preshaded” ballots are being sold to secure victories for candidates.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia dismissed as “bogus” circulating claims of ballot tampering, emphasizing that the newly leased automated counting machines (ACMs) operate independently and undergo strict counterchecking.

“The machines cannot be manipulated because there are verification measures in place.

Ballots can even be manually counted. If someone tries to cheat, it will be obvious...The machine will read and count only what is actually marked,” he explained.

Garcia also revealed that certain groups have been approaching candidates, falsely claiming that ballots contain “secret markings” that would allow votes to be automatically shaded in favor of specific

candidates without voters noticing.

He refuted these claims, stressing that ballot printing is “highly secured” and monitored 24/7, with the entire process accessible to the public via the commission’s livestream.

“All ballots are tested in the machines to ensure they are blank. Don’t be fooled by talk of ‘invisible markings,’” he added. Earlier this week, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group arrested three individuals for allegedly offering to rig election results in exchange for P90 million.

The suspects, who introduced themselves as IT specialists, claimed to have access to the automated results through supposed connections within the Comelec. They were charged with robbery with intimidation or violence, robbery extortion, and violations of the Revised Penal Code, Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and the Omnibus Election Code.

See “Comelec,” A2

ROTARY RHYTHMS Rotary Club of Manila Vice President Joel Valdes shares a lighthearted moment with award-winning singer-songwriter David Pomeranz during a club meeting in Makati City. Known for hits like “Born for You” and “Got to Believe in Magic,” Pomeranz

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Unicapital sees main index reaching 7,800 pts end ‘25

By VG Cabuag @villygc

BROKER Unicapital Inc. sees the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) may reach 7,800 points by year-end, slightly down from its earlier assumption of 8,000 points.

Wendy Estacio-Cruz, the broker’s head of research, said they assume a 10-percent increase of earnings per share (EPS) of companies and a market price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 13 times.

“Our EPS growth forecast is derived from our earnings estimates for the index companies. We expect further policy rate easing to boost corporate earnings through a lower

cost of capital and increased consumer spending,” Cruz said.

The broker sees a bear case scenario for the main index at 7,200 points, still a 10-percent rise from end 2024’s 6,529 points.

“Our view is supported by the anticipated further reduction in policy rates by the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) in 2025. Downside risks to our view are prolonged elevated

interest rates and escalation of geopolitical tensions disrupting trade supply,” she said.

In a briefing paper on February 5, the Bank of the Philippine Islands said it believes “the scope for cuts this year remains limited.”

“Aside from interest-differential driven portfolio outflow, the economy’s sizeable current account deficit makes the economy more vulnerable to intensifying external shocks i.e. global trade tensions,” the lender said. “Cutting the policy rate aggressively could amplify this vulnerability and exert unmanageable pressure on the peso.”

Overall, the Philippines stock market currently lag behind its neighbors at just 10.5 times P/E ratio, relatively cheaper compared to the US main indices with the Dow Jones and the S&P 500 trading at 22.5 times and 24.8 times, respectively.

“Currently, the Philippines and

Indonesia (JCI) remain the most undervalued indices, trading at significant discounts to their 10year historical average P/E ratios.

The PSEi is trading at 10.5 times P/E, a 49 percent discount to its 10-year historical average, while the JCI is trading at 12.6 times P/E, also representing a 49 percent discount to its 10-year average,” she said.

For the sectoral indices, the broker said it sees the resilience of the power sector to continue as demandsupply gap remains a key concern.

“From 2024 to 2030, we expect electricity consumption per capita to grow by an average of 6 percent annually vis-à-vis the Philippine economy, outpacing the 4 percent growth in generation supply, Cruz said.

“In terms of the country’s energy mix, we see coal and gas to stay relevant despite the government’s strong push for green transition,” she added.

SIA exec: PHL economic indicators OK

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

SINGAPORE Airlines Ltd. (SIA) sees the Philippines as a “growing market” with significant growth potential, as it explores expansion opportunities in the country, a ranking executive said on Thursday.

In an interview with reporters on the sidelines of the company’s partnership launch with the East West Banking Corp., Country Head of SIA’s operations in the Philippines Liwei Tai painted a rosy 2025 for the carrier, citing encouraging economic indicators and increasing travel demand “It’s a growing market for sure. There’s a growing middle class… People really love to travel, whether it’s in the west or international. So for the travel trade in general, it’s something that we look forward to growing,” Tai said. “I do believe if people want to travel more, economic indicators are doing okay. So I’m sure people will be looking to travel outside of the Philippines.”

Tai spoke after government statisticians revealed data that gross domestic product rose less than ex-

pected in that fourth quarter of last year by 5.2 percent year-on-year, resulting in a softer pace of growth in 2024 at 5.6 percent versus the government’s target of 6.0 percent to 6.5 percent.

Nonetheless, Tai said the airline is “definitely looking at growth.”

“I can’t really say for sure how much it is, but I’m pretty confident that it’s going to be better than previous years,” she added.

The flag carrier currently operates four daily flights between Manila and Singapore, with its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, also serving the route. The airline has expanded its footprint to key provincial cities, including Cebu, Clark, and Davao.

The SIA Group will launch direct flights between Singapore and Iloilo in June.

“And if there’s any other opportunities, definitely we want to further grow our services here. So it depends on opportunities as they come along,” she said.

Reaffirming its commitment to the Philippine market, Singapore Airlines has strengthened its longstanding partnership with EastWest Bank through a series of promotions

and enhanced rewards for customers.

The latest collaboration offers EastWest credit cardholders exclusive discounts on Singapore Airlines tickets from February 13 to March 5, for travel between February 15 and December 31.

Holders of the EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Platinum and World Mastercard can enjoy cash rebates of up to P5,000 when booking flights through Singapore Airlines’ official channels. Additionally, customers can convert ticket purchases into six-month zero percent interest installment plans for transactions of at least P50,000.

Tai said the partnership with EastWest will help Singapore Airlines reach more travelers in the Philippines.

“EastWest is of course one of the biggest banks here in the Philippines. So they do have quite a big captive audience, not just in Manila but also in all the different places outside of Manila,” she said. “So we hope that through this very close partnership, we can help to grow the business for both Singapore Airlines and East West, not just in Manila, but all around the whole country.”

FPIP units feted for water plans by PEZA

THE Lopez-led First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) announced that two of its units received recognition from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) for their commitment to maintaining water safety within the economic zone. According to the FPIP, its units FPIP Utilities Inc. (FUI), and FIT Water Inc. (Fitwi) were awarded Certificates of Water Safety Plan (WSP) Acceptance by the Peza during an awarding ceremony held on February 11. The FPIP belonged to a small group of ecozone developers that earned the WSP acceptance certificates from Peza.

FPIP’s FUI unit provides 24/7, quality, and sustainable water services in FPIP’s main ecozone area, straddling the cities of Santo Tomas and Tanauan in Batangas, the statement read. The Fitwi provides a similar service in FPIP’s adjacent expansion site, known as First Industrial Township (FIT) in Tanauan, it added.

The first Peza WSP Review Committee, led by the Peza Environmental Safety Group, was composed of external members from the Depart-

By Rizal Raoul Reyes @brownindio

NVESTING in real estate invest-

Iment trust (REIT) will provide good returns as interest rates decline to more reasonable levels, according to the financial independent service provider and investment house Unicapital group, through its securities brokerage arm Unicapital Securities Inc. (USI)

In a news briefing last Thursday, USI Research Head Wendy Estacio-Cruz said the firm is bullish on the REIT market because of the healthy occupancy rates and strong balance sheets, which will support growth targets over the next three years.

“Currently, REITS under our coverage trade at an average 1-year forward yield of 7.7 percent , which is 140bps (basis points) higher than the 10-year government bond yield of 6.2 percent,” said Cruz. She pointed out that the Ayala Land Inc. AREIT is the broker’s top pick as it gives a high potential total return (TR) of 25 percent and has the fastest growing portfolio.

Moreover, Cruz said they also have given BUY ratings on Megaworld’s MREIT, which has a TR 36 percent and target price (TP) is

P17.00. Other BUY ratings are also given to Robinsons Land Corp.’s RCR ( TR 33 percent, P7.50 TP), and Filinvest’s FILRT ( TR 23 percent, P3.60). However, Cruz said Citicore Energy Corp.’s CREIT was given a HOLD rating (TR 6 percent, P3.20 TP) due to “limited potential upside.”

With strong growth in gross leasable area (GLA) and its continued dominance in deposited property value, AREIT is a key player in the REIT sector, according to Cruz. She believes REIT companies are on a positive trajectory to achieve their 2025 growth objectives.

By the end of 2025, we expect AREIT to reach 1.1 million sqm of GLA, with a total value of P118 billion, she added. RCR was the second on the list with 828,000 sqm and a total value of P112 billion.

Cruz said that MREIT is eyeing to close fiscal year 2024 with 500,000 sqm, and plans to embark on an expansion to 1 million sqm by the end of 2030.

According to the executive, REITs are also expanding their portfolio by diversifying their portfolios into other asset classes with reliable, recurring recurring income beyond office and retail, such as warehousing and hotels. Meanwhile, she said CREIT plans to acquire assets this year, but has disclosed its plans.

ment of Health (DOH), University of the Philippines-Manila and Maynilad Water Services Inc.

The committee carefully evaluated each submitted WSP, based on team and management support, system description, hazard identification and risk assessment, control measures validation, improvement plans, operational monitoring, and verification, among others. WSPs with passing overall ratings were recommended by the Peza to the Department of Health (DOH) for approval and issuance of certificates. In 2017, the DOH released Administrative Order 2017-06, which outlines the revised guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water in the country. The health agency deputized Peza to review the WSPs and ensure its implementation in the ecozones. All Peza-registered ecozones that manage or operate water supply systems are required to develop, submit, and implement WSPs.

Prior to the submission of their WSPs, FPIP’s water division units conducted for its personnel a rigorous preparation process so they would have a full understanding

of the movement, distribution, and properties of water within the ecozone areas. This included conducting several research and hydrological studies, such as surface assessment of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs; analysis of precipitation process, storm water runoff and infiltration rates; and understanding how seasonal variations and climate change can affect the availability of water. Both water service divisions likewise have initiated key projects and system enhancements to uphold their commitment to their water safety plans. Among these projects are the development of a river treatment plant, automation of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), construction of sedimentation tanks, and integration of a chlorination system.

According to Jeremaine S. Esguerra, head of FUI and Fitwi, “we made sure that all necessary preparations were made, equipping us with the essential resources and knowledge to develop solid water safety plans; one that we can also implement effectively.

Manila, Phnom Penh ink tax deal to boost trade

HE Philippines and Cambodia

Tinked a double taxation agreement (DTA) as part of efforts to boost business confidence, increase trade, and spur economic growth between the two nations.

“The signing of this DTA is a crucial step towards improving the integrity of our tax system,” Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto was quoted in a statement as saying.

“By eliminating tax barriers and ensuring a fair and transparent framework, we are not only attracting greater foreign investments into the Philippines but also reinforcing our trade ties within the region. This will position us as a strong and reliable economic partner,” Recto added.

The DTA was signed for the Philippines by Recto and Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn on February 11.

According to the Department of Finance (DOF), the agreement is designed to eliminate double taxation on income earned in the Philippines and Cambodia, prevent tax evasion and enhance economic cooperation, in line with commitments under the Asean Forum on Taxation.

“It is expected to reduce fiscal barriers and stimulate bilateral trade and investment, contributing to stronger economic ties between the two nations,” a statement by the DOF read.

In particular, the agreement covers different aspects of taxation, including income from business profits, dividends, interests, royalties, capital gains,

and other sources of revenue, ensuring a fair and efficient tax framework for businesses and individuals operating in both jurisdictions.

The deal also includes the exchange of tax information and dispute resolution mechanisms in line with the AntiBase Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) and tax transparency initiatives and standards.

The agency noted that the agreement was finalized following three rounds of negotiations between the two countries, with the third and final round completed in Manila in April 2024. This initiative between the two nations is set to take effect following ratification by the respective legislative bodies in the Philippines and Cambodia.

Meanwhile, the signing was witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet.

“[W]e welcome our formal cooperation on the avoidance of double taxation and the exchange of best practices in competition law that the Philippines and Cambodia both consider as critical to entice and facilitate greater bilateral investments and economic activities between our business sectors,” Marcos said.

The signing of the DTA was part of Manet’s two-day official visit to the Philippines on February 10-11, 2025 to bolster both nations’ relations and advance collaborations in key sectors as well as regional and multilateral cooperation. Ada Pelonia

Valentine’s day and associations

HAPPY Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day traces its origins to both Christian and ancient Roman traditions. It is named after Saint Valentine, a priest who lived in the 3rd century during the Roman Empire. According to legend, he defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on soldiers marrying by secretly officiating weddings. He was imprisoned and executed on February 14, around 269 AD. Later, the Catholic Church recognized him as a saint, and in 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I established February 14 as St. Valentine’s feast day.

By the Middle Ages, the day became associated with romantic love, particularly in England and France, where it was believed that birds began their mating season in mid-February. The tradition of exchanging love letters and tokens of affection grew from there, eventually becoming the modern celebration we know today.

While traditionally associated with romantic relationships, its significance extends far beyond, resonating deeply with associations and their work. At the heart of every association lies a commitment to service, advocacy, and the strengthening of communities: principles that align closely with the themes of Valentine’s Day. At their core, associations are built on relationships among members, partners, and stakeholders. Just like any meaningful connection, these relationships require nurturing, trust, and mutual support. Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder that strong associations, much like successful personal relationships, are built on shared values, open communication, and a deep sense of purpose. Investing in these relationships ensures long-term success and sustainability.

Association leaders and professionals can draw valuable lessons from Valentine’s Day by embracing its core attributes—commitment, connection, appreciation, and advocacy—for them to strengthen their organizations and member engagement. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Commitment to a shared purpose. Just as relationships require dedication, associations must remain steadfast in their mission. Association leaders should continually reaffirm their commitment to members, industry growth, and impactful advocacy.

2. Building and nurturing

Herculean feat to bring NPL ratio down pre-Covid levels

By Ada Pelonia

BAD loans logged by the Philippine banking system in December 2024 posted a one-year low, according to the latest data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Nonetheless, Reyes Tacandong & Co. Senior Adviser Jonathan L. Ravelas said that with sticky inflation and the challenges under “Trump 2.0, it would be a herculean feat to bring it [non-performing loan, or NPL, ratio] down back prepandemic levels.”

BSP data showed that gross NPL ratio was at 3.27 percent, the lowest NPL ratio since the

3.24 percent recorded in December 2023. This is also lower than the NPL ratio of 3.54 percent in November 2024.

As such, gross NPL reached P500.32 billion in December 2024 while the total loan portfolio (TLP) of the Philippine banking system was valued at P15.32 trillion in the same period.

The data also showed that gross

BOC touts efficiencies achieved via measures

IGITAL advancements and collaborative efforts drove improvements in customs processes last year, according to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

relationships. Valentine’s Day underscores the importance of meaningful connections. Associations thrive when they foster strong relationships among members, stakeholders, and partners through open communication and collaboration.

3. Showing appreciation. Expressing gratitude enhances relationships. Recognizing members, volunteers, and sponsors through awards, acknowledgments, and personal outreach can boost engagement and loyalty.

4. Creating meaningful experiences. Valentine’s Day is about making moments special. Association leaders can design memorable events, networking opportunities, and programs that leave a lasting impact on members and stakeholders.

5. Embracing adaptability and renewal. Just as relationships evolve, associations must continuously adapt to industry changes, member needs, and external challenges while maintaining their core values.

6. Encouraging acts of service and giving back. Valentine’s Day is a time for generosity. Associations can foster a culture of giving, whether through community service initiatives, mentorship programs, or industry advocacy efforts.

Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder that relationships, whether personal or professional, are built on trust, commitment, and shared purpose. Associations, in their pursuit of service and advocacy, exemplify these values daily. By leading with heart, fostering meaningful connections, and showing appreciation, associations can continue to inspire and uplift the industries and communities they serve.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate not only romantic love but also the love for a cause, the dedication to a mission, and the power of working together toward a better future!

Octavio Peralta is founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.” The views he expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror . E-mail: bobby@pcaae.org.

The BOC said it introduced new measures in 2024 that focused on easier import and export of goods while boosting the country’s competitiveness in global markets.

Among these initiatives is the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC), which boosts collaboration with business leaders and industry experts through regular discussions, intending to improve compliance, resolve issues, and address emerging challenges.

The agency also noted the ATA Carnet system, a globally recognized instrument that streamlines customs procedures by allowing the temporary admission of goods without the need to pay duties or taxes.

“Functioning as a universal customs pass, the ATA Carnet replaces a maze of paperwork with a single, standardized document that facilitates seamless movement across borders,” read a statement issued by the BOC.

“By cutting bureaucratic red tape, reducing costs, and expediting crossborder movement, the ATA Carnet enhances trade efficiency and unlocks greater global market opportunities for businesses.”

THE dollar weakened against most major currencies as prospects for an end to the war in Ukraine drove appetite for riskier assets.

The euro and eastern European currencies were among those leading the rally against the greenback, while European stocks climbed.

US President Donald Trump agreed in a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to start negotiating an end to the war, a change from previous US policy. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also presented an economic partnership agreement to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during a visit to Kyiv.

“Hopes of a Russia-Ukraine truce are fueling the positive vibes post Trump’s chat with Putin,” said Rodrigo Catril, senior foreign-exchange strategist at National Australia Bank Ltd. in Sydney. “A Russia-Ukraine truce offers the potential for a topside break” for the euro, he said.

The euro climbed as much as 0.6 percent to $1.0440, heading for a third day of gains—its longest winning streak this year. In the options market, short term sentiment has turned from negative to neutral, with traders on Wednesday mostly going for bets on further gains. Hedge funds have been unwinding bullish exposure on the dollar versus

The BOC also touted the implementation of the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which allows enterprises to enjoy lower tariffs on goods traded between the two countries.

The agency issued a new guideline under Customs Memorandum Order 11-2024, which aids businesses access these lower tariff rates by ensuring that the goods meet certain requirements.

“This move aligns with the government’s goal to strengthen the Philippine economy through enhanced trade relations and greater access to global markets.”

The BOC also noted its progress in the implementation of its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program, aimed at enhancing supply chain security and streamlining trade facilitation for trusted businesses.

It added that five companies have been fully accredited under the program, including Sony Philippines Inc., Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines Inc., Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corp., and Brother Industries (Philippines) Inc.

“The BOC is ushering in a new era of efficiency and transparency through bold digital reforms. By embracing innovation and cutting unnecessary bureaucracy, the BOC is not just improving trade efficiency—it is transforming the way government serves businesses and citizens alike.” Ada Pelonia

in Ukraine

the common currency, according to Europe-based traders familiar with the transactions who asked not to be identified because they aren’t authorized to speak publicly. A gauge of the dollar fell as much as 0.3 percent before paring the drop.

The euro has been dragged down recently by the European Central Bank pushing ahead with interest-rate cuts as the Federal Reserve takes a pause.

While the difference between European and US rates in the short term may not work in the euro’s favor, there is more scope for long-end bond yields to converge, Morgan Stanley strategists including David Adams wrote in a note. Even a partial convergence in 10-year yields could help push the euro up to the US bank’s target of $1.08, they said.

The switch in investor sentiment also drove gains in Asian currencies, with the offshore yuan rising as much as 0.4 percent against the dollar to a one-week high.

The dollar move “was sparked by euro buying, and then stops triggered on other long US dollar positions—dollaroffshore yuan, for example, breaking below 7.30,” said Alvin Tan, head of Asia FX strategy at RBC Capital Markets in Singapore. “There’s also a risk-on element to the move.” Bloomberg News

NPLs ratio were at 3.54 percent in November 2024 and 3.24 percent in December 2023. The gross NPL was at P520.48 billion in November 2024 and P449.06 billion in December 2023.

The TPL, based on BSP data, was at P14.72 trillion in November 2024 and P15.32 trillion in December 2024.

Meanwhile, the gross NPL ratio of Universal and Commercial Bank (UKBs) averaged 2.99 percent percent in December 2024, also a one-year low since the 2.96 percent posted in December 2023.

The gross NPLs of UKBs amounted to P424.68 billion while the total loan portfolio of these major banks reached P14.20 trillion in December 2024. The data showed the bad loans ratio of UKBs was at 3.24 percent in November 2024 and 2.96 percent in December 2023. These amounted to P441.05 billion in November 2024 and P379.80 billion in December 2023. Thrift banks FOR thrift banks, the NPL ratio was at 6.65 percent in December 2024. This is lower than the 6.85 percent posted in November 2024 and 6.46 percent recorded in December 2023. Gross NPLs were at P52.58 billion in December 2024, lower than the P54.18 billion posted in November 2024 but higher than the P47.16

AMERICAN multinational payment card services corporation

Mastercard Inc. officially announced last Thursday the launch of its Trace Financial Crime (Trace) tool in the Philippines, making it the first market in Asia Pacific to implement the advanced network-level solution.

A statement by the Purchase, New York, USA-headquartered firm read that Trace harnesses artificial intelligence to identify and prevent money laundering and financial crime.

“Powered by timely and large-scale payments data from multiple financial institutions, it provides holistic intelligence beyond an individual financial institution’s siloed view, enabling tracing of financial crime across a payments network,” it added.

The company said that in recent years, it saw a rapid rise in real-time payments (RTP) in use among individuals and businesses across Asia Pacific, “allowing transactions to be settled between accounts at different financial institutions within seconds—something which in the past often took a matter of days.”

However, this speed has also made it a target for money launderers and “mules,” who try to evade detection by moving funds rapidly between multiple accounts.

“Oftentimes, criminals also involve the accounts of unwitting civilians through methods such as romance and investment scams,” it added. The company said that last year, online scam complaints surged past 10,000 in the Philippines—more than triple the cases in 2023—and cybercrime losses neared P198 million.

“The Philippines has seen rapid digital payments growth, making it more important than ever to strengthen defenses against financial crime,” Mastercard Philippines Country Manager Simon Calasanz was quoted in the statement as saying. “With the rampancy of cybercrime affecting consumers and financial institutions alike, the urgency for stronger, more collaborative fraud prevention solutions has never been greater.”

Financial institutions have largely relied on semi-manual methods or in-house AI solutions to detect illicit payment patterns, but these typically rely on their own data and lack the holistic, network-level perspective needed to trace such far-reaching criminal activity. Oftentimes, investigations take weeks to complete. To address this, Mastercard developed Trace, which uses cutting-edge data science techniques to trace potentially fraudulent transaction patterns across a payments network, as well as providing proactive alerts to banks about suspicious accounts. Trace incorporates critical data points across an entire domestic network to identify money mules involved in financial crime (such

as frauds, scams, etc.), giving financial institutions a network-level perspective they wouldn’t otherwise have.

The Philippines is Mastercard’s first Asia Pacific market to implement Trace, in collaboration with local interbank network BancNet (the switch operator of local RTP service InstaPay), with the partners having onboarded 36 domestic banks. The solution allows participating financial institutions to quickly and accurately trace dispersed illicit funds across the RTP system, identify money mule activity throughout the network, and proactively highlight suspected money laundering accounts—all of which will allow them to better adhere to the country’s new Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (Afasa).

“The launch of Trace in Asia Pacific marks a transformative step toward safeguarding the integrity of RealTime Payments while combatting the corrosive effects of financial crime,” Mastercard Executive Vice President Matthew Driver was quoted in the statement as saying. “By ensuring that transactions remain secure and compliant, Trace helps to protect consumers and financial institutions, while also fostering trust in the digital economy—which will be critical for the region’s economic growth. Mastercard is proud to have collaborated with BancNet on its pilot rollout in the Philippines and is ready to collaborate with other stakeholders across the region to implement Trace to create a stronger, more resilient global financial system.”

“As scams grow more sophisticated, advanced tech-powered prevention and monitoring capabilities are critical. Our partnership with Mastercard and leveraging Trace gives us and the network participants t he intelligence to help detect fraud faster, making scam prevention sharper and more effective,” CEO Elmarie S. Reyes was quoted in the statement as saying.

Trace is the first network-level solution for RTP systems developed to proactively identify money mules and trace the dispersion of funds. Trace is network-agnostic and can be quickly and effectively implemented within the payment networks across the region, helping to protect customers from fraud and scams as well as supporting regulatory obligations.

The United Kingdom is the only other market in the world to have implemented Trace. Launched by Mastercard in 2018, the solution is now being used by 21 financial institutions and tier-one banks, covering 90 percent of the United Kingdom’s Faster Payments Service network. Since its launch, Trace has helped identified thousands of mule accounts and is continuing to aid uncover hundreds of new money mule accounts every month.

Octavio Peralta

A ssociation World

GerardS.Ramos

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES

Remembering Gaita

IT’S probably an understatement that many are still in shock by the passing of Chef Margarita A. Forés.

Gaita has touched many lives: from farmers and fisherfolk in Capiz, where she would buy the prawns and diwal (Angel Wing clams) she would serve at Grace Park; ordinary fans of her restaurants, especially of Cibo, which became a go-to for affordable Italian cuisine; to her many colleagues in the food and restaurant business.

“Is there anyone who can [take the place] of Gaita,” a common friend wondered, after delivering to me the news of the former’s passing. A culinary icon who had influenced many young chefs, Gaita seemed to have exceeded whatever career plan she had set for herself.

Aside from a thriving restaurant and catering business, she was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, then in 2019 the United Nations World Tourism Organization installed her as Ambassador for Gastronomy Tourism. (See“World-renownedchef andrestaurateurGaitaForéspassesawayat65inHK,” BUSINESSMIRROR,February11,2025.)

In her personal life, she expressed so much pride about her only son, Amado, who was reaping accolades himself in the international arena for his restaurant’s creations. She was also looking forward to organizing the impending nuptials of Amado to his fiancée, Carmela, I’m told.

Although she studied cooking under Italian nonnas, Gaita was such an advocate of Philippine cuisine. Which led her to frequent collaborations with government agencies on gastronomy projects. She had suggested to Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez to hold Madrid Fusion

Manila, where foreign Michelin-starred chefs and our own prestigious chefs interacted, tasted each other’s dishes, and cooked with each other.

Last year, she spoke at the First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific in Cebu, where she shared her experiences of traveling across the country and eating the various dishes each province or region had to offer. (See“Whatisgastronomy tourism,”BUSINESSMIRROR, June28,2024.)

Most people probably don’t remember that prior to founding Cibo, and Pepato (which closed in 2010), Gaita had put up a small restaurant, Area Café, tucked away in an almost hidden corner of SM Megamall. If my memory serves me correctly, this was probably sometime between 1994 and 1996. My friends and I were amused at the location because the café sat right across Slimmers’ World. On hindsight, she was already flexing her muscles, preparing for her future solo ventures. Even then, she worked hard. Gaita was always there at the café, speaking to customers, sometimes taking our orders, and serving us our food. (Later, my foodie friends, some of whom were her own relatives, expressed their admiration as Gaita defied the common perception of rich folks’ children just wastefully spending their inheritance.)

And then it was gone. I don’t think Area Café lasted more than a year, what with that location. I doubt I told Gaita that my friends and I were among her earliest fans; we were at that café almost every other week, having a late merienda/ early dinner. We loved her flavorful pastas and sandwiches, which were affordable even for struggling young journalists like me, and my friends who were government employees. Then a few years later, Cibo was born in Greenbelt, Makati. The rest, as they say, is history. Until her passing, Gaita was preparing to open yet another restaurant, Margarita, in Makati, and she had just launched the second branch of Lusso at The Podium in Ortigas.

Here are a few of her colleagues and friends, sharing their fondest memories of Gaita:

CHEF MYKE ‘TATUNG’ SARTHOU: I love her laugh, when she giggled at my jokes. She often did. I was amazed at how curious she was about things and how sincerely interested she was with the answers, especially when it comes to food and ingredients. She had a presence, but

was aproachable always. Gaita was one of the people who believed in me when I was starting out and gave that extra push that gave me the opportunity to represent the Philippines for Madrid Fusion in Spain. I will miss her.

RAMON “CHIN-CHIN” UY: Gaita was really the first person who truly believed in what we were doing almost 20 years ago when we were just starting organic farming. We founded Slow Food Negros together back in 2011. She was so inspiring and influenced many aspects of who we are today. We wouldn’t be where we are if it weren’t for her. She was the first chef to support us, purchase our ingredients, and give importance to what we were doing. Her passion for our food and our farmers was so contagious. We were planning a big Slow Food Terra Madre Asia Pacific event this year in Negros, our hometown.

CHEF MIKO CALO: I’m still very stunned by the news. Gaita was a pillar of our community; a gracious and generous woman who was such an inspiration to us. We lost our matriarch, but we will strive to continue what she has started.

BSP DEPUTY GOV. BERNA ROMULO-PUYAT: Gaita was always so calm and collected—nothing ever seemed to faze her. We traveled the world together, from Paris to Bhutan, Berlin to Madrid, St. Petersburg to Turin, planting rice with our women farmers and sharing Filipino flavors everywhere we went. She championed our cuisine with such heart, elevating local ingredients, celebrating our farmers, and proving to the world that Filipino food belongs on the global stage. She cooked for heads of state from all over the world, proudly showcasing the richness of our culinary heritage. But the one time I saw her panic? When Martha Stewart’s flight was an hour late. (The Department of Tourism, which Romulo-Puyat used to head, had organized an event then.) I didn’t realize until then that she was such a huge fan—she even had one of Martha’s first books! She was pacing, checking her watch, and probably ready to cook a welcome feast right at the airport. That was Gaita—passionate, dedicated, and always striving for perfection. Fare thee well, Manang G. Thank you for feeding us, and inspiring us not just to cook better, but to see beyond ourselves and do great work for our country. We shall miss you. n

AMBASSADOR ENDO KAZUYA ATTENDS 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF YOUNG FILIPINO FARMER LEADERS TRAINING PROGRAM IN JAPAN

ON February 3, 2025, Ambassador Endo Kazuya attended the 40th anniversary ceremony of the Young Filipino Farmer Leaders Training Program in Japan at the Department of Agriculture (DA).

This program is being implemented by the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture,

Forestry and Fisheries of Japan and the DA Agricultural Training Institute. Every year, Japanese farmers host young Filipino farmers, allowing them to learn agricultural skills and knowledge in Japan. To date, the program has produced around a total of 540 Filipino graduates.

During the ceremony, both graduate trainees and host families shared their

achievements and experiences. In addition, a business networking event was held, creating a platform to foster further collaborations between the farmers and Japanese companies interested in food and agriculture.

In his speech, Ambassador Endo emphasized the importance of the relationship between Japan and the

Inner Healing

Philippines in fostering agricultural development, as agriculture is a key industry in both countries. He also expressed his optimism for future collaborations between Japan and the Philippines in business, technology, and human interaction, highlighting the importance of sustaining and enhancing bilateral ties.

hSCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Get in the game and have some fun. Socializing, participating and stretching your mind will encourage you to explore an exciting adventure. An aggressive attitude will help you reach your goal when you engage in challenging activities that satisfy you mentally, physically and emotionally. Make romance and love a priority.HHHH

iSAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Put your emotions on the back burner and focus on how best to spend your time, money and talents. Pick up the pace and delve into physical fitness, smart living and opportunities leading to a better lifestyle and greater prosperity. It’s up to you to make things happen. HH

j

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Update essential documents, investments and promises. Discuss plans with those affected by your choices, and bring about worthwhile changes that help you fulfill your obligations and make you feel good about what you achieve and contribute. Base your decisions on what’s necessary, not desired, and follow through. HHHHH k

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

PISCES

SNOOTY CELEBRITY

THIS celebrity is known for being funny and down-to-earth but her real-life personality is very far from that. One time, the celebrity visited an establishment upon the owner’s invitation.  The establishment’s staff requested if they could at least have a picture with her but the celebrity said something along the lines of, “This was not part of the agreement.” The staff did not even want one-on-one photos. They wanted a group shot. Away from the camera, the celebrity is very snooty and aloof. People have also noticed that lately, she has been rude to her fans and even the studio audience. It’s like she is always annoyed with them. The celebrity has fooled her fans with her fake down-to-earth attitude but not the people who have worked with her.

NO TO EXCLUSIVE CLUB MEMBERSHIP

THE semi-retired celebrity and her politician husband want to be a member of an exclusive club but they have been rejected not just once but twice. The board of the exclusive club does not want their kind not because they are connected to the entertainment scene.  They are afraid the husband, who is known for nepotism, will bring his loud and rowdy relatives there. The couple may have a lot of money and good connections but they definitely have a social circle that can best be described as dubious. The wife is always decked out in designer stuff but people still say she lacks class and good taste. Last we heard, they are trying to be a member of another exclusive club somewhere in the south.

DISAPPOINTED FANS

THE views on this content creator’s vlogs have dropped significantly. It’s not just that vlogs, particularly long-form ones, are no longer very popular these days.  Fans of the content creator said they are no longer excited by their content.  For example, the old vlogs used to be about the life of the content creator with a few glimpses of their family. Now that the content creator is rich and famous, their content suddenly shifted to luxury items and nonstop traveling. So while the fans fell in love with the content creator because they were funny,  they have unsubsribed because the vlogs no longer “spark joy.”

GOLDDIGGER

SO just days before the wedding of the rich businessman to the retired celebrity, his family was begging him to call it off. The reason is that they dug into the retired celebrity’s past and did not like what they learned. They did not know that she has a reputation for being a golddigger. She has also been involved with men who have unsavory reputations. The celebrity is also known to make a scene in public when she does not get her way. Before the rich businessman, she almost married the son of a tycoon but his family found a way to separate them.  The tycoon’s son is now married.

Sailing thru southern civilization for the Arts Month

WHAT does it mean, with two women from feuding families facing each other in the forest: Is this the beginning of peace or will they lunge at each other to signal the beginning of conflict again? Away from the world of men, do women tend to embrace reconciliation and harmony?

There was an awkward silence from the crowd of mostly students. We were at the Philippine Science High School in Butuan for the film education workshop conducted by the National Committee on Cinema (NCC) under the National Commission for Culture and Arts. There were four of us officers from the NCC: Butch Ibañez, Head; Ryanne Murcia, Secretary; Juliet Cuizon Licaros, Assistant Secretary; Josh Isidera of NCCA; and this writer, who serves as Vice-Head. I was asking those questions after we had finished screening the award-winning film Women of the Weeping River by Sheron Dayoc.

The filmmaker is from Mindanao and the film talks about a much misunderstood aspect of Mindanaoan culture, the rido or ridu. In the introduction to the book Rido: Clan Feuding and Conflict Management in Mindanao, it has been referred to by Wilfredo Magno Torres III as “feuding, revenge killing, blood revenge, vendetta, intertribal warfare, and clan conflict.” The author also speaks of rido as “characterized by sporadic outbursts of retaliatory violence between families and kinship groups as well as between communities...” and “occurs in areas where government or central authority is weak and in areas where there is a perceived lack of justice and security.”

Earlier, the emcee for the event could not help but comment on the film for the questions the compelling and disturbing film drew from him. As happened, the silence was brief for soon the participants that morning began to ask questions not only about the film and its theme but also as to how it was made and presented. The whole point of the exercise was to disabuse the crowd of the common tendency to be actor-centric, to focus on the actors or, as in the case of commercial cinema, the stars. In film education, we remind the audience that there are two languages operative in cinema: the film language, basically how the camera becomes the narrator, and the spoken language of the characters in the film. The film is also a composite of many elements: cinematography, editing, production design, music and sound design, directing, and many others. Ryanne Murcia, the assistant director of the film and also one of its acting coaches, came in to tell the participants that the film utilized non-actors. I would not be surprised if those who were there were shocked at this fact primarily because the characters they saw on screen were all real and compelling. And that the film won not only the Best Film and Best Director awards from the Gawad Urian, which remains the most prestigious prize a film can receive in our country, but that Sharifa Pearlsia P. Ali-Dans, who played the role of Farida, was adjudged the Best Supporting Actress that night in 2017.

In the words of Manunuri Gigi Javier Alfonso: “Dayoc’s superior visual storytelling, with the river as a strong metaphor, narrates the story of conflict and despair loudly shrieking of a horrible reality.” For the other Manunuri Nic Tiongson, “… the film’s greater achievement is in its ability to make us understand how rido destroys people as human beings, how it dismisses tenderness as weakness and replaces compassion with hatred. In this, the film succeeds because both conflict and character are simultaneously developed in the scenes that show the characters’ innermost thoughts and feelings.”

Women of the Weeping River, a mighty example of how regional films have claimed their stellar spot in the world

of Philippine cinema, was a fitting tribute to celebrating the opening of the National Arts Month and announcing the host for the 17th Cinema Rehiyon, NCC’s flagship project. Cinema Rehiyon is a gathering of regional filmmakers as represented by their full-length, documentary, animation, and short films. Noncompetitive, this film festival, which has been considered by film magazines before as one of the “coolest” events this side of the world, is an exemplar way of trying to understand as well as depict the splendor of cultures among our islands and ethnicities by way of cinemas, which are unfettered and freed from the demands of profit and commercialism.

In one of the firsts in the history of Cinema Rehiyon, the logo of Cinema Rehiyon was unveiled in a welcome program the local government of Butuan held upon arrival of the NCC team on February 8, 2025.

It was an auspicious event happening in a place that holds the enviable reputation of being a pre-colonial city-state, a site of civilization. The area is noted for the extant balangay, with artifacts dating back to the 10th century and the 13th century. This discovery marks the importance of Butuan and, we can say, the Philippines, in their role in Southeast Asian maritime history.

This historical antecedent has inspired the local government of Butuan to develop the theme “Balangay: Sailing Across the Regions of Philippine Cinema.” During the program, the message from City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada was delivered through Councilor Reynante Desiata. In that message, the local government of Butuan has expressed its gratitude to NCCA for giving the city the honor and the responsibility as host of the 17th Cinema Rehiyon. NCC Chair Butch Ibañez returned the honor to the good people of Butuan, thanking them for being gracious enough to host the Cinema Rehiyon. The festival is scheduled to be held on May 19-24, 2025. Junlou Tordos is the festival director.

Councilor Cherry May Busa, Councilor John Gil Unay, Councilor Eduardo Gonzales, Councilor Victor Vicente Plaza, several partner agencies and representatives from the academe were in attendance. n

PARIS — A Paris court found a filmmaker guilty of sexual assault on French actor Adèle Haenel when she was between 12 and 15 in the early 2000s, in the country’s first big #MeToo trial.

Filmmaker Christophe Ruggia was sentenced Monday to two years under house arrest with an electronic bracelet plus a two-year suspended sentence. Ruggia had denied any wrongdoing.

Haenel, now 35, was the first top actor in France to accuse the film industry of turning a blind eye to sexual abuse after the #MeToo movement broke out. In 2019, she accused Ruggia of having repeatedly touched her inappropriately during and after filming of the movie LesDiables, or The Devils, in the early 2000s.

Haenel appeared relieved, breathing deeply, as Monday’s verdict was being released. She was applauded by some women’s rights activists as she left the courtroom.

The court ruled that Ruggia “took advantage of the dominant position” he had on Haenel at the time. “During quasiweekly meetings at your home for over three years you had sexualized gestures and attitudes,” as Haenel was “gradually isolated” from her loved ones, the court said in a statement.

Ruggia’s lawyer said her client would appeal.

He “maintains that he has never touched Adèle Haenel,” the lawyer, Fanny Colin, said. “Sentenced in these conditions and on the sole basis of her words seems to us not only unjustified but dangerous.”

Haenel, star of the 2019 Cannes entry Portrait of a Lady on Fire, has in recent years vocally protested what she’s called an insufficient response to sexual abuse in French filmmaking.

At the César Awards in 2020, she walked out of the ceremony after Roman Polanski won best director. Polanski is

still wanted in the United States decades after he was charged with raping a 13-year-old girl in 1977.

In 2023, Haenel announced she was quitting the French film industry that she denounced for “complacency toward sexual aggressors.” She published an open letter in which she said Cannes and other pillars of the French film industry are “ready to do anything to defend their rapist chiefs.”

While #MeToo initially struggled to find traction in France, some other actors and film industry workers have since spoken out.

Renowned French actor Judith Godrèche attended Monday’s verdict at the Paris courthouse. “It was a very moving and a very important moment that reminded me of things that, in my case, may go unpunished,” she told reporters with tears in her eyes.

Last year, Godrèche accused film director Benoît Jacquot of having raped and physically abused her in a six-year relationship that began when she was 14 years old. Jacquot, who has more than 50 director credits in film and television, was handed preliminary charges of rape, sexual assault and violence in July 2024.

Godrèche is also accusing another film director, Jacques Doillon, of sexual abuse while he was directing a film when she was 15. Both Jacquot and Doillon have denied the allegations. In a separate case, French actor Gérard Depardieu is to go on trial in March on charges of sexually assaulting two women on a film set.

Depardieu, who has denied any wrongdoing, is accused of using “violence, coercion, surprise or threat” in the alleged sexual assaults that prosecutors say took place in 2021 on the set of Les Volets verts, or The Green Shutters. AP

‘All-Out Sundays’ launches matchmaking singing contest

GMA Network’s high-rating musical variety show All-Out Sundays (AOS) is on the lookout for the most kilig singing duo in its new segment, “Sing Kilig,” beginning this February 16. Just in time for the love month, this unique competition is sure to bring good vibes, chemistry, and impressive vocal talent from the aspiring singers.

Twelve boys and 12 girls – who are all complete strangers – get into a blind date-style match-up. They sing a duet without meeting or seeing each other prior to the contest.

As the duos sing their hearts out onstage, the AOS artists cast their votes to determine if the pair should meet face-to-face for the first time and move on in the competition. As the competition progresses, pairs will be eliminated until only one “Sing Kilig” pair remains.

AOS love team and real-life couple Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz share tips on how to showcase chemistry on screen. According to Julie, “Kailangan maramdaman ang song at hindi basta kinakanta lang. Sing for each other.” Rayver has a similar response: “Para ma-build ‘yung chemistry agad, kailangan ng rapport. Tsaka kung paano sila kumanta, kailangan ma-feel talaga nila ‘yung moment together.”

Who among the kilig singing duos will win the

Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz

JCI Manila Ushers in New Era with ‘Built Different’ Leadership, inducts new president

JUNIOR Chamber International Manila (JCI Manila) officially welcomed its new leadership as Jan Adrian “AP” Padiernos was inducted as the 2025 JCI Manila President in a grand ceremony at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport City, Pasay. The event, attended by 500 guests, including international and local members, sister chapters, dignitaries, and esteemed guests, marked the beginning of a bold new vision for the organization under the theme “Built Different.”

The ceremony was graced by notable guests, including Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who commended JCI Manila’s continued contributions to nation-building, and Dennis Anthony Uy, CEO of Converge and Philippine Special Envoy to Korea for Digital Transformation, who shared insights on technology and innovation in the country.

Special video messages from Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo and 2025 JCI World President Keisuke Shimoyamada reinforced the organization’s commitment to leadership,

collaboration, and impact.

JCI Manila, founded in 1947, has been at the forefront of leadership development in the Philippines, shaping the country’s business and civic landscape. With a membership of dynamic young leaders, the organization remains committed to creating positive change through impactful programs and initiatives.

The 2025 Induction and Turnover Ceremony marked the transition of leadership from 2024 JCI Manila President Calel Gosingtian to 2025 President AP Padiernos. In a powerful moment,

Padiernos took the gavel and presidential medallion, symbolizing his commitment to leading JCI Manila into a new era.

In his inaugural address, Padiernos laid out his vision for JCI Manila, defining “Built Different” as more than a theme—it’s a mindset and a movement.

“Built Different means breaking barriers, pushing limits, and redefining what it means to lead. Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about purpose. It’s about making intentional choices that create lasting impact,” said Padiernos.

His leadership framework centers on three key pillars:

■ Intentional Actions – Ensuring every initiative creates meaningful change. Enriching Experiences – Developing programs that elevate members and communities.

■ A Unique Approach – Challenging conventional leadership and fostering innovation.

■ Padiernos called on JCI Manila members to embrace change, lead with purpose, and build a legacy that lasts.

With JCI Manila set to host the JCI World Congress in 2026, Padiernos emphasized that 2025 will be a defining

Wilcon Depot Breaks Ground for New Stores in Dasmariñas, Cavite, and Bacnotan, La Union T

WILCON Depot, the Philippines’ leading home improvement and construction supply retailer, is strengthening its nationwide presence in 2025 as it continues to expand beyond its 100-store count. Marking another milestone in its commitment to serve more Filipino homeowners and builders, the company held back-to-back groundbreaking ceremonies on January 31, 2025, for its upcoming stores in Brgy. Salawag, Dasmariñas City, Cavite, and Bacnotan, La Union. The ceremony in Dasmariñas City was graced by Dr. William T. Belo, Wilcon Depot’s founder and chairman

emeritus, and Dasmariñas City Vice Mayor Rex Mangubat. It highlighted the company’s commitment to bring top-quality home-building and improvement solutions closer to Filipino homeowners and builders.

Simultaneously, Wilcon Depot also held a groundbreaking ceremony in Bacnotan, La Union. This progressive town has witnessed remarkable commercial, industrial, and tourism growth over the past five years, and even more developments are underway. The expansion into Bacnotan underscores Wilcon Depot’s dedication to supporting local communities by providing access to a wide range of high-quality construction and home improvement products.

With more stores mushrooming in key locations across the country, Wilcon Depot continues to emphasize its commitment to deliver excellent products, and innovative solutions to every Filipino.

For more information about Wilcon, visit www.wilcon. com.ph or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or subscribe and connect with them on Viber Community, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Or you may contact Wilcon Depot Hotline at 88-WILCON (88-945266) for inquiries.

Winford Resort & Casino Manila Welcomes the Year with Luxury, Luck, Exciting Rewards

THE Lunar New Year celebrations may have ended, but the excitement at Winford Resort & Casino Manila is just getting started. Following a dazzling welcome to the Year of the Snake, complete with a traditional lion and dragon dance, prosperity rituals, and festive feasts, Winford is keeping the momentum going with exclusive gaming promotions, thrilling entertainment, and world-class hospitality. As a symbol of wisdom, resilience, and transformation, the Year of the Snake inspires new opportunities for fortune and unforgettable experiences at Winford. Whether you’re seeking high-stakes action at the casino, a luxurious getaway in our elegantly designed suites, or an indulgent culinary experience at our signature restaurants, there’s always something exciting waiting for you. “Our Lunar New Year festivities were just the beginning,” said Jeff Evora, President and COO of Winford Resort & Casino Manila. “This year, we’re bringing even more premium gaming tournaments, exclusive member perks, and top-tier entertainment to create truly memorable experiences for our guests.” Located in the heart of Manila’s Chinatown, Winford blends rich cultural heritage with modern luxury, making it the ultimate destination for entertainment, relaxation, and fortune. Don’t miss out on upcoming promotions and events—visit www.winfordmanila.com and experience the best of luck, luxury, and leisure at Winford Resort & Casino Manila!

USHERING in the New Year into Winford Resort & Casino are their top executives, from left, Darwin Cusi, Director for Gaming Compliance; Jeff Evora, President and Chief Operating Officer; Allan Abesamis, Director for Facilities Management

year to prepare the organization for this historic event. The World Congress is expected to bring thousands of young leaders and changemakers from around the globe to the Philippines, showcasing the country’s leadership, innovation, and impact on the global JCI stage.

“Hosting World Congress 2026 is not

HE Century Properties Group is further developing Azure North in San Fernando, Pampanga, with the introduction of Mykonos Tower, a mid-rise residential building that offers an alternative to the estate’s high-rise towers. Alongside this, the newly launched Azure North Waterpark and Playpark bring additional recreational spaces, enhancing the estate’s position as a modern urban community.

Mykonos Tower is a 12-story residential building with 374 units, providing a midrise option within the growing community. The development offers studio units (26 to 28 square meters) and one-bedroom units (44 square meters), catering to different residential and investment needs.

All units are turned over bare, allowing homeowners to personalize their living spaces. The tower includes 24/7 security, concierge services, and a fire safety system, ensuring a well-managed and secure environment.

Azure North’s expansion includes additional community spaces designed for recreation and social interaction. The Azure North Waterpark, with its high-kinetic water slides, provides an entertainment feature for residents. The Azure North Playpark includes a basketball court, children’s playground, pet park, and landscaped green spaces, offering diverse outdoor activity options.

Azure North is positioned within a 7.8-hectare estate, strategically located near the NLEX San Fernando exit and within a 90-minute drive to Metro Manila via Skyway 3. Its proximity to schools, hospitals, retail centers, and business districts makes it an attractive option for both end-users and investors.

“Mykonos Tower and the expanded amenities reinforce Azure North as a complete residential community with well-integrated lifestyle features,” said Carlo Antonio,

THIS Valentine’s season, Conrad Manila makes for a romantic setting for couples celebrating their love for each other, with its thoughtfully crafted gifts, indulgent culinary treats, and sweet surprises, made even more memorable with a heartwarming fireworks spectacle by the bay.

“At Conrad Manila, we understand the importance of showing love and endearment, especially to the person you care about. The curated and inspiring experiences we have in the hotel this February, which include intimate dining and meaningful Valentine’s Day gifts, are tailored to create lasting memories that lovers will cherish forever,” Conrad Manila General Manager Fabio Berto passionately shares.

Brasserie on 3

he declared. For more information, visit www. jcimanila.org or follow @JCImanila on social media.

With the launch of Mykonos Tower, Azure North Waterpark, and Playpark, Century Properties strengthens Azure North’s position as a key residential and lifestyle development in Central Luzon. As the estate grows, it continues to provide modern housing options within a well-planned urban setting. For more

CELEBRATE love by the bay with a sumptuous spread of exquisite flavors and hearty dishes. Make this special day an affair to remember with those who matter.

Love by the Bay l 14 February 2025 Lunch: P2,900 nett per person Dinner: P3,988 nett per person (inclusive of one round of sparkling wine, coffee or tea)

Highlights: cochinillo, premium carvings, oysters, charcuterie, and live band performance

This Valentine’s weekend, couples can indulge in an exceptional dining experience, as it coincides with the opening of the 12th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition at the Mall of Asia Complex. Let beautiful moments spark, as the fireworks light up the sky, while delighting in a scrumptious buffet at Brasserie on 3. Guests are welcome to step outside to the restaurant’s veranda and enjoy the dazzling fireworks with a standing view.

Bursts of Flavors and Fireworks l Every Saturday, 15 February to

just an event; it is our moment to show the world what JCI Manila stands for. We will rise to the challenge, build strong foundations, and prove that we are truly Built Different,”

Century Properties Expands Azure North with Mykonos Tower, New Community Spaces

Motoring BusinessMirror

KIA PHILIPPINES BRINGS IN THE NEW SORENTO TURBO HYBRID

Story & photos

by Randy S. Peregrino

CMOBILITY subsidiary

AKia Philippines has added the new Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid to its electrified lineup, representing a key milestone in its commitment to sustainable mobility and innovation. For the first time in its 23-year global history, the Sorento nameplate has a hybrid powertrain, replacing the previous turbodiesel motor variants in the Philippine market.

“ACMobility is proud to support Kia’s electrification movement with the launch of the new Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid. As part of Kia’s electrification initiative, today’s launch complements the brand’s electric vehicle offerings. And with the bolstered expansion of our EV charging network, we are ensuring Filipino families have the infrastructure they need for a seamless and eco-friendly driving experience. This launch is a key step forward in promoting fuel efficiency, performance, and sustainability, all reaffirming our shared commitment to a greener, electrified future,” said Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, CEO of ACMobility.

Kia claims the new model underscores the brand’s ongoing commitment to expanding its lineup to offer customers advanced hybrid and electric technologies. The Sorento Turbo Hybrid is a significant step in Kia’s dedication to making the future of mobility not only sustainable but also accessible to all who desire innovative and reliable mobility. Kia’s focus on electrification is at the core of its mission to deliver cleaner, more intelligent, and more dynamic mobility experiences for today’s modern drivers.

Boosted hybrid

THE latest Sorento’s Turbo Hybrid setup consists of a 1.6-liter turbocharged Smartstream Gasoline Direct Injection engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion traction battery. This intelligent hybrid system generates over 230 hp and 367 N-m of torque. Power is transferred to the wheels via a sixspeed automatic transmission. Both the front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD)

variants have selectable drive modes (Eco, Sport, and Smart). The Terrain Mode Selector (snow, Mud, and Sand) is exclusive to the SX AWD variant to maximize traction over various driving surfaces.

Additionally, the Electrification Vehicle Motion Control (E-VMC) system provides a comfortable, responsive, and adaptable driving experience. E-VMC technology enhances handling, ride comfort,

AFTER Chairman Alfred V. Ty of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), it’s TMP President Masando Hashimoto’s turn to have the floor.  This was during the recent Toyota Thanksgiving Party for Media & Friends at the Grand Hyatt in BGC Taguig City. Take it away, Masando-san.

“MAGANDANG gabi sa inyong lahat at maligayang bagong taon! Welcome to all of our media friends and partners to a trip: A biyahe, if you will, that takes us through heritage and through culture, both Toyota’s and the Philippines’.

“2024 has been a wild ride, and we are always thankful for your unwavering support. We hope that you have witnessed Toyota’s mantra of providing mobility for all as we

and safety during evasive maneuvers. It features E-Handling, E-Ride, and E-Evasive Handling, which assist systems that use the electric motor to improve riding comfort and driving stability.

Moreover, the Sorento Turbo Hybrid’s Smart Regeneration feature maximizes the system’s battery regeneration function by automatically selecting regeneration intensity based on vehicle distance,

speed, and road slope when coasting. It ensures the traction battery will operate at optimum levels in every drive.

Premium cabin experience INSIDE , it is all about combining luxury with technology. There are premium materials, leather upholstery, and power-adjustable seating with seat ventilation. Moreover, the EX+ and SX variants

have dual 12.3-inch digital displays and a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system. The 12inch touchscreen infotainment system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Other premium convenience features include Wireless Charging for mobile phones and Smart Tailgate operation (EX+ and SX trims). Other exclusive features

newest offering is designed to set new standards in mobility,” said Buendia, Chief Executive Officer of Kia Philippines.

2025 holds many possibilities–Hashimoto

explore the ways our customers travel and enjoy our vehicles and the services we provide. 2025 will only prove to be more challenging, and we hope you continue to support our evolution throughout this journey.

“Of course, we have to relive the glory of our most ambitious (launch) event yet: Ang pagbalik ng Toyota Tamaraw. The Tamaraw carries on its heritage of being a true Filipino icon, and we plan to further that legacy throughout this year with the launch of additional conversions and additional services, catering to any and all customers. This is also in line with acquisition and value chain options, including 10 percent downpayment, trade-in options, and Periodic Maintenance promotions. 2025 will truly be the year of the Tamaraw!

“A biyahe requires mobility, and Toyota Mobility Solutions Philippines also delivered this year (Take a bow, Ms Tini Arevalo). With the expansion of KINTO One, Toyota’s full-service lease, we

are continuously learning about our customers, especially among multi-national companies across NCR. In doing so, we were able to set a record last year with 376 contracts set.

“We will continue to explore the world of leasing by studying our approach to their needs. With a revamped strategy focusing on benefits such as zero CAPEX (Capital Expenditures) and stable cash flow, we will help others find their journey by and through acquiring our vehicles.

“Our biyahe also strongly involves environmental strategies, and our Beyond Zero philosophy is our focal point for reducing our carbon footprint and going beyond.

“Our main focus has been on HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) with our customers seamlessly adopting it overtime, adapting to the hustle and bustle of many Filipinos. We continue to strengthen our multi-pathway approach and have showcased other powertrains, including the Corolla Cross H2 Concept that was

showcased to you and President Marcos last October alongside the bZ4X, with the new Urban Cruiser having its world premiere last December. Along with the clamor of PHEVs, we see the potential of an expanded electrified line-up, and this may come sooner than you think.

“Lastly, a biyahe should also have excitement, thrill and pushing of one’s limits. Toyota Gazoo Racing had a thrilling 2024, with our TGR Philippine Cup and GT Cup bringing racers, media and motorsports fans to battle it out on the real and the virtual track. The pressures from racing on the track and from witnessing action on the virtual track are truly unforgettable.

“In 2025, our goal is to make our motorsports more accessible, to make Gazoo Racing a center hub for the automotive and motorsports community. Whether through a potential Tamaraw inclusion, joint events with other brands, or even a street circuit, we want to prove motorsports is truly in our DNA and can be in yours.

“Again, this biyahe through 2024 would not have been made possible without you. 2025 holds many more possibilities, and we cannot wait for you to join us in exploring them.

“Tara na! Magsamasama tayo sa biyaheng 2025! Maraming salamat po!”

Start your engines, fellas!

Mitsubishi Skills MITSUBISHI Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) recently held the 23rd Mitsubishi Skills Olympics (MSO) at the MMPC Training Center in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, with much success, Nelda Castro reports.

The annual event showcased the skills and expertise of MMPC’s dealer personnel, aimed at selecting participants to the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s (MMC) Global Service Skills Competition in Japan.

This year, Carworld Inc. emerged overall grand champion, securing top awards across multiple categories and demonstrating the highest level of excellence.

This year’s competition was made even more significant with the introduction of two new categories, the Warranty Officer Contest and the Sales Customer Relations Officer (CRO) Contest. These additional categories further expand the platform to recognize all the vital roles within MMPC’s dealerships. All finalists in all categories will also travel to Japan this year with all expenses to be covered by MMPC.

PEE STOP Nissan Motor of

PHL curlers down Japan to reach medal rounds

By Josef T. Ramos

the Filipino curling squad has a shot at a medal in the Asian Winter Games after the mixed doubles team of Marc Pfister and Kathleen Dubberstein came up just short against China, 5-6, in the bronze medal match last Saturday. In f igure skating at the HIC Multifunction Hall, Cathryn Limketkai scored a total 137.19 points to land on the ninth spot in the women’s singles free skate after tallying 91.91 points while Sofia Frank ranked 11th with total 120.5 points after collecting 76.50 in free skate.  But their scores and the other 19 participants paled in comparison to Kim Chaeyeon, who won with a 219.44, Japan’s three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto with silver on a 211.90 performance and Japan’s Hana Yoshida with 205.20 for bronze.

No excuse  ISABELLA GAMEZ and naturalized Filipino-Russian Aleksandr Korovin offered no excuse after placing fourth place in the mixed pair free skating competition on Wednesday evening.  T he Filipino pair—one of the country’s medal prospects in the continental games—accumulated a total of 155.62 points behind their impressive repertoires but not enough to steal the show from the pairs from Uzbekistan, the People’s Republic of Korea and Japan.

Gamez, however, offered no excuse for not making it to the podium, saying she was a little bit mentally out in their four-minute routine with music theme “Somewhere in Time.” They

registered 99.99 score in free skate, but still remained short of getting even closer to the bronze medal.

“It’s just the nerves that really caught up to me. I just wanted to represent our flag so much and be strong, but mentally I wasn’t there,” the 26-yearold Gamez said.

“So that’s what we need to improve for us to be successful and raise our Philippine flag.”  Gamez, a two-time national champion with 30-yearold Korovin, praised her partner for doing a great job in their debut, where they obtained 55.63 points for fourth place in the short program last Tuesday and qualified for the free skate the next day.

“For us, it’s not what we need to do physically, but it’s what more mentally. We need to do a quick change mentally. You know I really let myself out. Aleksandr did good, he did his job, and he did everything,” she added.

“Me? I was just a little under the weather, but I let myself go today.”

Uz bekistan’s Ekaterina Geynish and Dmitriy Chigirev nailed the gold medal with 176.43 total combined points from short program and free skate while Tae Ok Ryom and Kum Chol Han of North Korea bagged the silver with 168.88 points.

Japan’s Yuna Nagaoka and Sumitada Moriguchi tallied 168.35 and got the bronze medal.

Gamez and Korovin are the first pair from the Philippines and Southeast Asia to participate in the final of the 2023 World Figure Skating Championships and the first medalists for the country in pairs skating on the international level.

“Improvement since three years ago? Yes, so it’s a big jump, but we still need to be more confident in ourselves,” Korovin said.

Kim takes 1-shot lead; Pauline stays in hunt

PAULINE DEL ROSARIO was left frustrated by the tricky greens on the closing holes at The Country Club but still came up with a solid round of 71 on Thursday to stay within striking distance halfway through the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Worldwide Link Philippine Ladies Masters 2025

in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

The Epson Tour campaigner was one-under through nine and was close to the leaders at midday but slid with two bogeys on the final three holes, ending up in joint sixth, three strokes behind new leader Kim Ahyeon.

A s the Philippine contingent struggled on moving day, del Rosario seized the opportunity with a fearless performance, proving her mettle in a field teeming with international talent. Her aggressive play, particularly in the first 12 holes, which she played in three-under, showcased the tenacity and experience that could propel her to a breakthrough win in this $200,000 event, the Korean Dream Tour’s inaugural foray into the Philippines. However, TCC’s notoriously demanding closing stretch proved unforgiving. A wayward drive on the par4 16th resulted in a bogey, and a costly three-putt on the final hole further dampened her charge.

“I felt pretty bad bogeying the last hole,” said del Rosario, frustrated by her struggles on the unpredictable greens. “I guess it was my putting and feel for the speed of the greens.”

Despite the late stumble, del Rosario remains a strong contender at 140. Her earlier surge, highlighted by birdies on Nos. 10 and 12, demonstrated the caliber of play needed to contend against an elite international field.

W hile del Rosario briefly threatened for a share of the lead, Kim Ahyeon surged ahead with a blistering front-nine 31. The Korean standout capitalized on her hot start, firing birdies on Nos. 1, 2, 4, 8, and 9. She held firm on the challenging back nine, protecting her lead with a composed string of pars to finish at seven-under overall (137). Thai Parinda Phokan birdied the par-4 17th to cap a 70, securing solo second at 138. Meanwhile, Kim Yeosoon (68), Wang Li-Ning (69), and Han Nakyoung (70) all posted matching 139s, setting the stage for an intense and unpredictable battle in the $200,000 tournament, co-sanctioned by the Korean LPGA, the LPGA of Taiwan, and the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

“I just tried to put my ball in the fairway and make more birdies,” said Kim, who came into the tournament following a 36th-place finish in last month’s Indonesian Open. Kim acknowledged the difficulty of the back nine, where swirling winds and

T he duo is set to compete in the 2025 Four Continent Figure Skating Championships from February 19 to 23 at the Mokdong Ice Rink in Seoul, South Korea to strengthen their bid for next year’s Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games.

McClung goes for third straight title in NBA Slam Dunk Contest

SAN FRANCISCO—About a year ago at this time, Mac McClung thought his dunk contest days were done. He’d been in the contest at

contest left in him. “I love the contest, man,” McClung said. “It’d be an action in fear not to do it again. So, I’ll do it—one last time.” The 6-foot-2 McClung—a standout guard in the G League who has appeared in only five NBA games—is headed back to All-Star weekend, looking to become the first person to win the league’s dunk title in three consecutive years. Nate Robinson is the only three-time dunk champion, though his didn’t come in back-to-back-to-back years.

firm greens tested her precision.

“I

Philippines’

and

YOYONG VELEZ and Raul Miñoza each scored 53 points to power Del Monte to a successful title defense in the Philippine Airlines Senior Interclub tournament at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Bacolod City on Thursday.

Velez, Miñoza star as Del Monte bags PAL Senior Interclub crown

every day for the last month.” Del Monte made its move early, taking a three-point lead over Luisita at the turn. Miñoza was 1-under, while Velez was even par. Both players faced challenges in the last two holes.

via countback. The

based squad posted 143 points, with contributions from Ronnie

(49), Steven McDonald

and Rolando Punzalan

“I ’m not going there to lose,” Buzelis said.

A dded Jackson: “I just want to be myself and put on a show.”

Castle is confident as well, though he acknowledged he expects to feel some nerves on Saturday night.

“I get nervous for most games,” Castle said. “I think it’s just going to be another event for me.” W hen this weekend is over, they’ll all head back to their NBA jobs. McClung, for now, continues to wait for a real opportunity.

With Crispin Aparilla adding 47 points, Del Monte finished with a tournament-best 153 and wound up nine points clear of Luisita and Manila Southwoods.

We thought we had the strongest team in the final round,” said Velez, the long-time team captain. “Our strategy paid off.”

I t marked the first time Del Monte won the tournament outside its home course.

Miñoza made double bogey on the 17th after his approach shot veered left into a flower bed. He was given a free drop but couldn’t save bogey.

On the other hand, Velez mishit his three-wood second shot after opting to lay up on the 18th.

“They forwarded the tee. I was torn between going over the pond or playing it safe. I had a poor tee shot and was in a bad position for my next shot,” Velez explained.

In the end, they had nothing to worry about.

Southwoods rallied with 146 points to tie Luisita. Don Breganza matched Plana’s 51 points, while either Thirdy Escano or Rusty Bayani’s 44 counted. Canlubang finished fourth with a total of 559, following a closing 140. Damasus Wong scored 49, Santiago Santos had 46 and Josefino Hernandez scored 45. The 76th staging of the PAL Interclub supported by Platinum sponsors PRIMAX Broadcasting

“Nobody can say now that we can’t win outside Del Monte,” Velez said, paying tribute to his teammates for their dedication. “We have been practicing

“The wheels fell off,” said Manila Southwoods’ Junjun Plana, who closed with 51 points. Luisita took second place, edging

Tanduay and Asia Brewery are minor sponsors and Citadines a hotel partner.

His five NBA games have come with four NBA teams—one with Chicago, one with the Los Angeles Lakers, two with Philadelphia and one with Orlando. He has scored 33 points in those games, 20 coming in one contest with the 76ers at Brooklyn on April 9, 2023. He hasn’t scored an NBA point since that day. AP

McClung breathed new life into the dunk contest and got rave reviews from some of the NBA’s biggest names when he first won it in 2023, then went airborne over Shaquille O’Neal to win it again last year. Now he goes for three in a row in San Francisco on Saturday night, with San Antonio rookie Stephon Castle, Chicago rookie Matas Buzelis and Milwaukee second-year wing Andre Jackson Jr. providing the competition.

Southwoods

Tarlac-

Littaua

(48),

(46).

Network and Asian Journal, with Mastercard as gold sponsor, RMN as silver sponsor, ABS-CBN Global as bronze sponsor while VISA, Philippine National Bank, SM Bacolod,

THE

Isabella Gamez

Aleksandr Korovin are proud of their performance. AP

Editor: Francine Medina | Project Manager: Rodel Suarez

BOC AT 123: RENEWED FOCUS ON INNOVATION, EFFICIENCY, AND ACCOUNTABIITY AS PRESIDENT MARCOS LAUDS AGENCY’S SWEEPING REFORMS

Beyond modernization, the President lauded the Bureau’s strong revenue performance, reporting a record-breaking PhP931.046 billion in 2024—an increase of approximately PhP40 billion from the previous year. These collections directly support national programs, including infrastructure, education, and essential public services.

“MORE than a century ago, the Bureau of Customs was founded with the vision of being a credible customs administration that upheld good governance.

“ Today, that goal remains in sharp focus. Many may not real-

ize how the Bureau’s achievements contribute to our collective

progress,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos in his speech commemorating the 123rd founding anniversary of the Bureau of Customs on February 7 at the Philippine International Convention Center. Its accomplishments are often measured by the revenues that support our economy, our schools, our hospitals, and the contraband seized before it reaches the wrong hands,” he added.

The President was guest of honor at the milestone affair that gathered

key government officials and customs personnel to highlight the agency’s achievements, ongoing modernization efforts, and steadfast commitment to integrity in public service.

In his address, President Marcos emphasized the Bureau’s vital role in the nation’s economic development, citing its contributions to revenue collection, trade facilitation, and border security. Acknowledging past challenges, he expressed confidence in the agency’s transformation under its current leadership.

“I shall be direct: Throughout its 123-year history, the Bureau of Customs has never had an easy time. Various controversies and corruption allegations have eroded the public’s trust. But we are changing that. We will allow your accomplishments to speak the truth,” the President stated, underscoring his administration’s commitment to reform and transparency.

The President commended the BOC’s digitalization efforts, noting its 96.99% digitalization rate as of

December 2024. He highlighted the automation of 161 out of 166 customs processes, significantly reducing inefficiencies and curbing opportunities for corruption. He also recognized key innovations, such as the Overstaying Cargo Tracking System, the Enhanced eTravel System, and the ATA Carnet Monitoring System, which have streamlined customs procedures and improved operational efficiency at ports and airports.

Continued

MOVING FORWARD. From left, President Ferdinand R. Marcos congratulates the BOC for its significant reforms and modernization efforts; BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reiterates his agency's commitment to serve with integrity and compassion; and BOC officers and employees alike sing the National Anthem, honoring the country and people on the day of the bureau's historic milestone. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOC.

BOC 123rd

BOC USHERS IN NEW ERA OF EFFICIENCY AND INTEGRITY WITH 2024 KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

These figures, stressed President Marcos, are relevant in the development of educational and infrastructure systems, among others.

THE year 2024 was filled with challenges for the Bureau of Customs (BOC). Despite disruptions such as changes in trade agreements, non-tariff barriers, and snuggling, the agency was able to achieve a 96.99% digitalization rate. And for these, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos congratulated the agency for its commitment to enhancing trade facilitation.

In his speech at the gathering, Marcos praised initiatives such as the Overstaying Cargo Tracking System, the Enhanced e-Travel Sys-

tem, the ATA Carnet Monitoring System all safeguards against inefficiency. He also mentioned that in 2024, the BOC collected P931 billion —around P40 billion higher than its P890 billion collection in 2023.

He said these figures are relevant in the development of educational and infrastructure systems, to name a few.

The President explained, “For instance, the 2024 collections can fund more than 7,500 train cars, more than 18,600,000 laptops, around 62,000,000 tablets for our schoolchildren, or roughly 7,750,000 schol-

arships for our university students.

“Ibig sabihin, sa tamang pagkokolekta ng taripa sa ating mga pantalan, mas mabilis ang biyahe ng ating mga kababayan, magkakaroon ng sapat na kagamitan sa pag-aaral ng ating mga anak, at mapapagtapos natin sa kolehiyo ang mas marami pa nating mga kabataan.”

The president encouraged all BOC officials and employees to always prioritize the welfare of teh people with honesty and compassion for all Filipinos.

Moving forward with its continued service fo the nation, here are the

key accomplishments of BOC last year: REVENUE COLLECTION

n Overall Collection Performance. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) recorded a total preliminary revenue collection of P931.046 billion from January 1 to December 31, 2024, inclusive of tax credit certificate payments, representing a growth of 4.60%, amounting to P40.600 billion compared to P890.446 billion revenue collection last 2023.

n Non-traditional Revenue

BOC

Sources. From January to December 2024, notable non-traditional revenue sources include P2.710 billion from audit findings and voluntary disclosures, and P172.019 million from public auctions.

n Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Landbank of the Philippines. On 04 March 2024, the MOA with Landbank of the Philippines was signed. Through this MOA, BOC can utilize the Landbank Link.BizPortal to facilitate the payment of miscellaneous fees by using any of the digital payment options being offered by the bank. To supplement the MOA, the parties also signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement and Data Sharing Agreement last October 2024.

n Renewed Partnership with Maya Philippines, Inc. On December 19, 2024, the BOC renewed its Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Maya Philippines, Inc. to advance electronic payment systems for stakeholders. The MOA integrates Maya’s payment platform into BOC operations, allowing easy payment options for fees, duties, and taxes through online channels, POS terminals, and Smart Padala centers. MOA with Maya Philippines, Bureau of the Treasury.

TRADE FACILITATION

n Digitalization Efforts. As of December 31, 2024, the BOC’s digitalization rate has reached 96.99%. In 2024, three (3) systems were implemented: Overstaying Cargo Tracking System, Enhanced e-Travel System, and ATA Carnet Monitoring System. n Over Staying Cargo Tracking System (OSTracker). The OSTracker is a monitoring system that provides updated data on the disposition activities (auction, condemnation, donation, etc.) of all overstaying cargo/containers in all ports and generates disposition report n Enhanced E-Travel System. The eTravel System, which is part of the eGov Application, centralizes information from travelers and crew arriving and departing from the Philippines. It allows for electronic submission of baggage and currency declarations, improving convenience, streamlining processes, and ensuring efficient data management.

n ATA Carnet Monitoring System. The ATA Carnet Monitoring System is a system that tracks the processing of ATA Carnet vouchers under the platform for ATA Carnet.

AT 123: RENEWED FOCUS ON INNOVATION, EFFICIENCY, AND ACCOUNTABIITY AS PRESIDENT MARCOS LAUDS AGENCY’S SWEEPING REFORMS

Continued from C1

Beyond modernization, the President lauded the Bureau’s strong revenue performance, reporting a record-breaking PhP931.046 billion in 2024—an increase of approximately PhP40 billion from the previous year. These collections directly support national programs, including infrastructure, education, and essential public services.

The BOC’s intensified crackdown on smuggling was also highlighted, with the agency seizing PhP85.167 billion worth of illicit goods in 2024—nearly double the previous year’s total. These operations have bolstered fair market competition and protected local industries. In line with the Administration’s efforts against agricultural smuggling, the BOC turned over confiscated frozen mackerel to the Department of Agriculture, benefitting approximately 150,000 families.

Additionally, the agency has reinforced accountability measures. President Marcos reported that 56 importers and customs brokers engaged in illicit activities were deaccredited, 45 criminal complaints were filed, and 18 convictions were secured. Disciplinary actions were also taken against erring customs personnel to uphold ethical standards within the organization.

“For the law to be fair, it must apply to all, especially to us public servants. The people have placed their trust in us, and they deserve nothing less than our utmost diligence, integrity, and accountability,” the President noted.

The event also recognized outstanding customs personnel with Leadership Awards, honoring individuals who have demonstrated exemplary service and dedication

SITE VISITS. President Marcos and BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio check out the latest innovations activated by the agency. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOC.

LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD. Choir serenades guests while photos of BOC through the years are flashed on a LED screen.

PROUD MOMENT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos pose with Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, and officers and employees of BOC during its 123rd Anniversary celebration on February 7 at the PICC. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOC.

It manages a centralized database that stores information about all ATA Carnet documents issued.

n National Single Window (TradeNet). The BOC continues to support the onboarding of Trade Regulatory Government Agencies (TRGAs) for the full implementation and utilization of the National Single Window (NSW). As of December 31, 2024, four (4) TRGAs are fully operational, including the BOC, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Tobacco Administration (NTA), and the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB). Additionally, 18 TRGAs are in Phase 1: Staging/testing environment; 18 in Phase 2: Requires the development of business process/workflow in staging environment; and 33 in Phase 3: Requires the development of additional module and enhancements, of the implementation process.

n Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program. As of November 31, 2024, the BOC has accredited five (5) companies under the AEO Program. Among these, three (3) companies have successfully completed the Level 2 application, demonstrating their advanced compliance with security and trade standards, and two (2) companies completed the Level 1 application. Likewise, 18 companies have shown interest in joining the AEO Program.

n ISO 9001:2015 Certification of BOC Ports and Offices. As of December 31, 2024, seventeen (17) Collection Districts, three (3) subports, and one (1) stand-alone office have been awarded the ISO 9001:2015 certification, reflecting their continued adherence to the stringent quality management standards set by the ISO. Other offices and collection districts are currently at various stages of the certification process.

generation of P172 million from public auction of 146 containers of assorted goods and condemnation of 186 containers and donation of 26 containers to various government agencies.

In 2024, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) ramped up its efforts to combat the illicit vape trade, seizing over PhP5 billion worth of smuggled vape products in the first ten months of the year. Notable actions included condemning 14,100 boxes of forfeited vape products worth PhP1.48 billion in April and additional seizures in August, totaling 28,200 boxes.

In a separate initiative aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal of achieving food security, the BOC seized 21 containers of frozen mackerel valued at PhP178.5 million. After confirming the shipment was safe for consumption, the BOC donated the mackerel to the Department of Agriculture (DA) on December 14, 2024. This donation, benefiting approximately 150,000 families, was distributed across marginalized communities and care facilities as part of ongoing efforts to address food insecurity and promote public welfare.

n Revocation of Accreditation

From January 1 to December 31, 2024, the BOC revoked the Customs accreditation of 56 importers and customs brokers.

n Legal Action Against Violators. From January 1 to 31 December 2024, the BOC filed a total of 45 criminal complaints against importers and customs brokers for violation of Republic Act No. 10863, known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and other related laws, rules and regulations, before the DOJ. For this year, BOC secured eighteen (18) criminal convictions as of 31 December 2024 against erring individuals involved in the unlawful importation of various goods.

n Fuel Marking Program. From January 1 to December 31, 2024, the BOC marked 19.947 billion liters of fuel, generating P242.36 billion in taxes under the Fuel Marking Program. Under this program, the BOC seized 1,006,154.41 liters of fuel (diesel, kerosene, and gasoline), vehicles, trucks, and vessels, with a combined estimated value of P94.791 million, from 41 apprehensions.

n Installation of New Scanning Machines. The BOC has also made a significant advancement in airport security by installing premium scanning machines at key international airports early this year. The deployment of the two (2) units of Rapiscan 920CT Hand-Carried Baggage Scanners; two (2) units of RT T110 CT Checked-in Baggage Scanners; and three (3) units

of Tek84 Intercept Body Scanners underscores the BOC’s commitment to enhance the detection of illicit items and ensure the safety of passengers.

A s of December 31, 2024, a total of 112 scanning machines are fully operational nationwide. Of these, 75 scanners are deployed at international airports, enhancing detection capabilities for more efficient and accurate inspections, while 37 scanners are stationed at seaports to further strengthen customs inspections and improve overall operational efficiency.

OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

n Public Awareness Campaign. On August 13, 2024, the BOC launched the Customs Community Caravan, marking the first of its kind in the agency’s history, under the strong leadership of Commissioner Rubio. The first Caravan took place in Pasig City to raise awareness about parcel scams, followed by another in San Juan on November 25, 2024.

This initiative targets community leaders and residents, empowering them to identify, prevent, and report fraud. The campaign includes educational workshops, informational materials, and community engagement activities. By promoting transparency and trust, the Caravan seeks to en-

hance public confidence in customs processes and reduce scams. This initiative reflects the BOC’s commitment to community engagement and public safety. The BOC will continue to conduct additional caravans in various locations, reinforcing its dedication to serving the community and ensuring public safety.

n Hiring and Promotion. From January to December 2024, the BOC has made significant strides in strengthening its workforce through hiring, promotions, and transfers. During this period, 222 personnel were promoted, reflecting the BOC’s commitment to recognizing and advancing deserving employees. Additionally, 315 new hires were brought on board including those who transferred from other government agencies, contributing fresh talent to the bureau. In total, 537 personnel changes occurred, demonstrating the BOC’s continuous efforts to enhance its human resources and organizational capabilities.

n Learning and Development Programs. As of December 31, 2024, the BOC conducted 429 capacitybuilding and training programs, with 10,215 participants. Of these programs, 140 were initiated by the BOC, 207 were local invitations, and 82 were international invitations.

n Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council. On February 2, 2024, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) established the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) to enhance collaboration between the BOC and industry stakeholders. This initiative aims to address customs issues more effectively and foster a more integrated approach to trade facilitation.

A s of December 31, 2024, the Central CICAC had grown to include 59 member organizations, reflecting strong engagement with key industry players. Additionally, the Central CICAC conducted eight (8) meetings during this period to discuss important matters and gather insights from members. The District CICACs have also expanded to 122 active member organizations, demonstrating widespread participation and commitment across various regions. This collaborative framework underscores the BOC’s dedication to improving customs processes and strengthening partnerships within the industry.

n BOC Policy Reform Initiatives. The BOC has so far issued two (2) CAOs and eleven (11) CMOs from January to December 2024.

BORDER PROTECTION

n Seizures. From January 1 to December 31, 2024, the BOC recorded over 2,100 seizure operations, confiscating P85.167 billion worth of smuggled goods. Counterfeit goods, multiple various items, cigarettes/tobacco/ecigarettes/vape products, vehicles and accessories/ vessels, and illegal drugs are among the top-seized commodities.

n Disposition of Forfeited Smuggled Goods.

From January to December 2024, the BOC disposed a total of 358 overstaying containers, resulting in revenue

BOC IN ACTION. Modernization, strong revenue performance, and intensified crackdown on smuggling are among the solid accomplishments of BOC last year. Photos courtesy of BOC.

AMID A HARVEST OF AWARDS, YOUR SUPPORT COUNTS MOST

THE pandemic tested the media industry, forcing newsrooms around the world to overhaul the way they do their job while following strict health protocols in order to survive a deadly infection.

The BusinessMirror, the country’s premier national business daily, was tested like everyone else, and survived, even continuing to live up to its promise to provide a broader look at today’s business.

In November 2021, the business broadsheet was recognized as the “Business News Source of the Year” for 2020 by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (Ejap), the country’s premier organization of business reporters, editors and wire agencies. It was a 4-peat for BM, having gotten the same honors for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019.

And, as in the past Ejap awards, it also swept half of the individual categories, with its seasoned reporters adjudged as best in their respective coverages.

Earlier in 2021, the BusinessMirror was given the Pro Patria Award by the Rotary Club of Manila, for “its commitment of valuable resources for the protection of free expression and its resilience in disseminating fair and truthful information resulting in an informed and enlightened citizenry.”

It was just the latest recognition from the prestigious Rotary Club, which named it “Business Newspaper of the Year” for 2018-2019, and again in 2020. In all, it has received six top

Rotary journalism awards in its short 16-year existence.

The BusinessMirror has also consistently reaped top awards in the Brightleaf Journalism Awards for Agriculture and the Philippine Agricultural Journalists-San Miguel Corp. (PAJ-SMC) Binhi Awards, also for the best in agriculture journalism.

The BusinessMirror was also repeatedly adjudged the leading daily in biotechnology journalism, a recognition bestowed by the Jose G. Burgos Jr. Biotechnology Journalism Awards.

T he “broader look” mantra also drew recognition from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) which named the BusinessMirror, at its first awards rites in 2018, as the inaugural “Data Champion.”

In the first “Bantog Science for the People” awards for media from the Department of Science and Technology, the BusinessMirror got the top award for the Institution category for Print; and the grand prize in the individual category for science journalist Stephanie Tumampos.

In 2018, Environment Reporter

Jonathan Mayuga received the Luntiang Aligato award from the Climate Reality Project, a nonprofit organization founded by Nobel Laureate and former US Vice President Al Gore.

T he Broader Look at biodiversity was also recognized. It was named among the Asean Champions of

Biodiversity, for the Media Category, by the Asean Centre for Biodiversity. T he Broader Look also extended to the paper’s corporate social responsibility. It organized and staged the first-ever recognition rites for the best of the Philippines’s friends in the world, with the “MISSION PHILIPPINES: The BusinessMirror Envoys & Expats Awards.” The initiative won a Gold Anvil in 2019. Distinguished institutions in government have also repeatedly recognized the BusinessMirror’s role in spreading the word about the work they do—information that shines a light on good governance and committed public service to uplift people’s hopes. Most notably, these are the Social Security System and Pag-IBIG Fund. Sixteen years, two of them in a pandemic, have tested the promise of a Broader Look. But they are also a measure of the unstinting support of friends—advertisers and news sources alike—and readers who continue to believe in that promise.

THANK YOU, EVERYONE. YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT IS OUR MOST IMPORTANT TROPHY.