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PHL BONDS MAY BEAT ASIAN PEERS IN 2026

HILIPPINE bonds look well-placed to beat Asian peers in early 2026 as they offer attractive yields, with the debt expected to jump in value on the prospect of further interest-rate cuts, according to a Bloomberg analysis.

PHILIPPINE INFLATION-ADJUSTED YIELDS ARE ELEVATED

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TRASLACIÓN 2026: CALL FOR HUMILITY EXTENDS TO GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS By Justine Xyrah Garcia

T the annual Feast of the Jesus Nazareno on Friday, humility emerged as an urgent demand not only for devotees navigating the Traslación, but also for public officials who hold power. Balanga Bishop and former Quiapo rector Rufino Sescon said that “pagbaba” or lowering oneself is part of public service, not just a posture of faith. “In our country today, there are those who refuse to step down even when they are clearly at fault. They refuse to step down even if the public suffers. They refuse to step down even as the poor endure

hardship,” Sescon said during his homily in the Misa Mayor ahead of the Traslación. Without naming particular individuals, Sescon questioned officials who refuse to yield even when communities bear the cost. “They refuse to step down even when floods destroy communities, even if they no longer deserve their positions,” he added, before issuing a plea: “Tumigil na. Tama na. Maawa na kayo sa taong bayan [Stop it. Enough. Have mercy on the people].” Sescon said stepping aside when necessary is not an admission of weakness or wrongdoing, noting that “there are See “Traslación,” A2

SEA OF FAITH Amid chanting, swaying bodies and the relentless press of the faithful,

thousands of barefoot devotees reached for the andas (carriage) of the Black Nazarene as the centuries-old image inched its way back to Quiapo Basilica during the annual Traslación on January 9, 2026. By early afternoon, the Quiapo Church Command Post estimated about 686,600 attendees—including 556,600 along Ayala Boulevard and 130,000 in Quiapo proper—a massive turnout, though still far below the 8.12 million devotees recorded in 2025, one of the largest crowds in the procession’s storied history. NONIE REYES, BERNARD TESTA, ROY DOMINGO & JOEL PAREDES

DOTr amends traffic apprehension rules By Lenie Lectura

The study of six key emerging Asian debt markets across seven metrics shows peso-denominated sovereign bonds offer appealing yield spreads over US Treasuries and substantial inflation-adjusted returns. Indonesian bonds, on the other hand, are scoring the lowest in the analysis after outperforming peers last year. Philippine bonds started the year strong after Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona said this week that a rate cut is on the table in February. Inflation data continues to undershoot the central bank’s 2 percent-4 percent target, further

supporting bonds. “Recent gains in the Philippine bond market could extend amid relatively benign inflation, healthy bond spreads relative to US Treasuries and further rate cuts especially if economic recovery is delayed,” said Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. in Manila. For now, Philippine bonds are offering more value relative to their own historical trend. The 10-year government yield is currently around 6 percent, which is 0.3 standard deviations above the five-year average. Only See “Philippine Bonds,” A2

EPARTMENT of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Friday directed the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to cease the confiscation of licenses in traffic apprehension cases. In a memorandum issued on January 9, Lopez also revised the guidelines for settling traffic apprehension cases to 15 working days from 15 calendar days, “to afford both the government and the public sufficient time to resolve cases.” “This means that holidays and long weekends are not included in the number of days when the driver settles a violation,” he said in a statement.

If the driver fails to settle the case within 15 working days, the license will be automatically suspended or revoked. The new memorandum circular will take effect immediately. For erring drivers, their licenses will be placed under an administrative alert in the LTO system. On January 6, LTO chief Markus V. Lacanilao ordered an investigation into the complaint of a transport blogger against some members of the agency’s personnel. Lacanilao said in a statement that he also ordered the temporary suspension of the LTO personnel who confiscated the license of James Deakin’s son. See “DOTr,” A2

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 59.1480 n JAPAN 0.3771 n UK 79.5067 n HK 7.5912 n CHINA 8.4697 n SINGAPORE 46.0475 n AUSTRALIA 39.6114 n EU 68.9725 n KOREA 0.0408 n SAUDI ARABIA 15.7732 Source: BSP (January 9, 2026)

A2 Saturday, January 10, 2026

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PHL BONDS Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi to visit Manila during regional tour MAY BEAT ASIAN PEERS IN 2026 J By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

Continued from A1

South Korea offers more value based on this metric. Moreover, the 10-year peso inflation-adjusted yield is around 4.2 percent, which is 1.3 standard deviations above the five-year mean. Philippine bonds also offer a yield spread of around 190 ba‑ sis points over US Treasuries. Citigroup Inc. initiated a long currency-hedged position into five-year Philippine bonds with a target of 5.3 percent-5.4 per‑ cent, strategists including Rohit Garg wrote in a note on Tuesday. The 5-year yield is currently at around 5.74 percent, according to Bloomberg data. Bloomberg’s EM Asia scorecard suggests that there is greater downside for Philippine bond yields relative to regional peers. Foreign investors who FX-hedge this position would be insu‑ lated from the weakness of the peso, which fell to a record low ver‑ sus the dollar this week. BSP governor Remolona said on Thursday that the central bank has so far resisted pressure to defend the local currency. As Philippine debt gains momentum, the outlook for Indone‑ sian bonds is dimming. Potential for gains in rupiah bonds has faded after yields on the benchmark bonds slumped over 90 ba‑ sis points last year, propelling the debt to the top of Asia’s leader‑ board in 2025. Meanwhile, the Philippine bond market is finding support from domestic economic struggles. Gross domestic product growth in the Philippines slowed sharply to 4 percent in July-September — well below the gov‑ ernment’s goal — as a graft scandal involving billions of dollars meant for flood control projects curbed consumer demand and state spending. The BSP has delivered 200 basis points in cuts since August 2024 to spur the economy. “Various indicators continue to show the Philippines economy may continue to be soft resulting in one or more rate cuts,” said Carol Lye, a portfolio manager at Brandywine Global. “This may help Philippine bonds perform further this year.” Bloomberg News

APAN Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi is scheduled to visit Manila on January 15 as part of a regional tour from January 10 to 18 that also includes Israel, Palestine, Qatar and India. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Motegi will meet counterparts across the trip to discuss the Gaza sit‑ uation and Indo‑Pacific developments.

Bilateral meeting and agenda

THE Philippines’ Department of For‑ eign Affairs confirmed Motegi will meet Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro in Manila on January 15. The ministers will review prog‑ ress under the Philippines–Japan Strengthened Strategic Partnership and discuss regional and global issues, including the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN chairship and tensions in the South China Sea. Readouts are expected to high‑ light cooperation on trade, infrastruc‑ ture, development financing, and se‑ curity coordination.

Security ties and the ACSA push

BILATERAL security cooperation has accelerated. The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) entered into force on September 11, 2025, establishing procedures and legal status for visiting defense person‑ nel and enabling joint activities such as combined exercises and disaster relief.

JAPANESE Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi AP

The RAA was first applied during Doshin‑Bayanihan in Cebu, where the Japan Air Self‑Defense Force and the Philippine Air Force conducted hu‑ manitarian assistance for earthquake victims. On 26 October, President Ferdi‑ nand R. Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed in principle to pursue an Acquisition and Cross‑Ser‑ vicing Agreement (ACSA) to stream‑

line reciprocal supplies and services, facilitate port calls and expand joint training and logistical support.

Development partnership and Official Security Assistance

JAPAN remains the Philippines’ larg‑ est Official Development Assistance partner, providing concessional loans, grants and technical cooperation through Jica and other channels. Tokyo’s ODA supports major in‑ frastructure, disaster‑resilience and capacity‑building projects and will likely feature in Motegi’s Manila talks. Japan has also added Official Se‑ curity Assistance (OSA) as a comple‑ mentary framework: since 2023, OSA to the Philippines totals ¥2.2 billion (≈P830 million) and includes coastal radar systems for the Philippine Navy and an air surveillance radar for the Philippine Air Force. Manila and Tokyo are expected to discuss delivery schedules, train‑ ing and how OSA projects will comple‑ ment any future ACSA or other opera‑ tional arrangements.

Motegi profile and diplomatic context

TOSHIMITSU MOTEGI is a veteran Liberal Democratic Party politician who has served as foreign minister under Shinzo Abe, Yoshihide Suga and Fumio Kishida. Reappointed in October 2025 after Sanae Takaichi became prime minister, Motegi previously visited the Philippines in 2020. Observers note his diplomatic reach and expe‑ rience managing Tokyo’s ties with key partners.

DOTr… Continued from A1

He assured that the agency will con‑ duct an “impartial and thorough” probe. Deakin alleged that there were irreg‑ ularities in the procedure observed by the LTO in settling the traffic violation case. On Thursday, he expressed surprise and disappointment regarding a press conference held by the LTO where the agency showed a video of the reckless driving incident committed by his son. He reiterated that the family is not contesting the violations cited by Sky‑ way traffic enforcers after the younger Deakin crossed a double solid line on De‑ cember 18, 2025. “If it’s reckless driving, it’s reckless driving. I just wanted clarification…I con‑ tacted Asec. [LTO Chief Assistant Secre‑ tary Markus Lacanilao] on December 20 to ask for a little clarification. He didn’t want to talk to me about it and he just said to go to the LTO and sort it out there. “So, I did that, and I hit several walls there. And then I didn’t bother contesting it anymore because we missed the five-day period, and I couldn’t get ac‑ cess to the CCTV so I just left it at that. So, you can imagine my surprise where a day or two later he’s holding a press con and he’s showing the entire coun‑ try this footage that I have asked for. I would imagine that due process would be extended to the person who’s requesting for it, the person who’s actually got the violation, should have the right to see their own evidence before the rest of the world,” Deakin said during a television interview. The LTO chief said Deakin’s son vio‑ lated laws for reckless driving and that the vehicle lacked proper registration and was carrying dealer-issued documents. “Technically, the vehicle has no pa‑ pers. The documents presented are from the importer to the dealer. What does that mean? It has not yet been sold to a buyer and should not have be driven on the road. Under our rules, driving an un‑ registered vehicle is considered reckless driving,” said Lacanilao.

Traslación 2026: Call for humility extends to government officials Continued from A1

times when refusing to step down is more shameful.” To devotees participating in the Traslación, Sescon reminded that humility applies to them as well. He said that genuine devo‑ tion involves lowering oneself with Christ for the good of others and of the nation, and that the call to “bumaba” includes avoiding compe‑ tition for space or visibility during the procession. Lowering oneself, he said, is not about getting physically closer to the image but about showing concern for fellow devotees. “Our stepping down is a sign that we care for others. Devotion is not measured by who climbs higher on the andas or who pulls the rope the hardest,” Sescon said. This year’s Misa Mayor at the Quirino Grandstand drew 117,000 attendees, according to the Quiapo Church Command Post. Hours before the Traslación began, the crowd swelled to 270,000 at around 3 a.m. The Traslación proper began at around 4 a.m., with the Jesus Naz‑ areno image and thousands of dev‑ otees traversing the 5.8-kilometer route toward Quiapo Church.

Route

SIMILAR to previous years, the Nazareno procession was not with‑ out challenges. In an afternoon briefing, Quiapo Church Technical Director Alex Irasga said the first stretch of the procession proved more diffi‑ cult than in recent years. The 2-kilometer route from the Quirino Grandstand to Ayala Bridge took 7.5 hours as more dev‑ otees tried to climb the carriage carrying the Nazareno. By 4 p.m.—or 12 hours af‑ ter the Nazarene left the Grand‑ stand—the image had reached Ar‑ legui Street, marking roughly half of the 5.8-kilometer route. “Unfortunately, more devo‑ tees were coming toward the front of the andas and climbing up,” Iras‑ ga said. “If you noticed, the carriage was leaning downward. It was not moving straight because of the weight of those climbing onto the front.” Earlier, the feast organizers said they would deploy police offi‑ cers who are members of the Hijos del Nazareno to man the top of the andas in hopes of preventing devo‑ tees from climbing the carriage. Irasga said the presence of police helped, even if many still

climbed, because they were also able to prevent injuries among dev‑ otees who attempted to get close to the image. Asked why more devotees ap‑ peared intent on climbing against the flow, Quiapo Church spokes‑ person Fr. Robert Arellano said this could be attributed to various reasons—including prayers for the country. “Each devotee, each citizen, has his or her own story. Every‑ one comes from different situ‑ ations. Is this connected to our current social conditions? Pos‑ sibly yes, possibly no,” he said. “With the millions of devotees, each one who joins and partici‑ pates has his or her own story.” Initial data from the Quiapo Church Command Post showed that 645,200 people were within the vicinity of Manila for the Naza‑ reno Feast as of 3 p.m. Of these, 545,200 individu‑ als joined the procession while 100,000 devotees were in Quiapo for hourly masses scheduled until 11 p.m. Organizers said the surge in participants could prevent this year’s Traslación from beating the 2024 record of 15 hours. “If the current pace continues, we might see a repeat of the 21hour duration in 2025,” Arellano said. “As for the time, even if this lasts two and a half days, the Hijos, the balangays, and the devotees are prepared....We tried to move faster but we are always ready if it takes longer,” he added. As of 5:30 p.m., the procession remained stalled along Arlegui Street due to the counterflow of devotees. The original ropes of the andas had been replaced, while only three of its four wheels remained func‑ tional due to continued pressure from the crowd moving against the image. The longest Traslación on re‑ cord occurred in 2012, when the image of Jesus Nazareno took over 22 hours to reach Quiapo Church.

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Saturday, January 10, 2026

More farm to market roads seen DSWD ready with decrease in construction cost for possible Mayon eruption T T

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is ready for a possible Mayon eruption, with sufficient volume of family food packs (FFPs) prepositioned in the different warehouses in the Bicol Region. SOCIAL Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian made the assurance in a televised interview on Friday following his visit to Albay province to personally assess the situation and prepare for any eventuality. “Rest assured that the DSWD, sabi ko nga sa mga local governments, maraming family food packs na nakaimbak sa iba’t ibang mga bodega natin sa Albay [like what I said to the local governments, we have plenty of family food packs stocked in various warehouses in Albay],” Gatchalian said. Even before the raising to Alert Level 3 status, he said the DSWD had already prepositioned in Albay province 150,000 boxes of FFPs and other food and non-food items (FNFIs) on orders of President Marcos. “Ang instruction sa amin ng ating Pangulo is ang preparation hindi iyan ginagawa kapag may sakuna na, 365 days a year wala kaming ginawa kundi mag-imbak nang mag-imbak. Umaabot ang ating national stockpile to almost four million family food boxes spread across 1,000 warehouses nationwide. So, kung may nangyari na ganito, ready tayo tumulong kaagad. Ora mismo nandoon na [On orders of the President, we preposition relief supplies 365 days a year. Our national stockpile has reached four million FFPs spread across 1,000 warehouses nationwide. If something happens in a certain place, we are ready to respond immediately],” he said. In addition to the initial 150,00 food packs prepositioned in the Bicol Region, Gatchalian has ordered the immediate release of an additional 100,000 FFPs on Wednesday. “Pinaghahandaan talaga natin kung mag-escalate ito [We really prepared if ever the situation escalates],” he said. Gatchalian also emphasized that the DSWD will implement a cashfor-work (CFW) program to assist families residing within the sixkilometer permanent danger zone whose sources of livelihood have been disrupted. Based on the latest Disaster Response Operations Management, Information, and Communication (Dromic) report, the DSWD has so far provided more than P6 million worth of humanitarian assistance to affected families and individuals. The initial aid consists of 2,880, 960 ready-to-eat food boxes, and 1,949 non-food items. The National Food Authority in Bicol (NFA-5) meanwhile assured that it has ample palay and rice stocks to support relief operations for local governments affected by the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano. Julie Llenaresas, assistant regional manager of NFA-5, reported that the agency has 766,600 bags of palay and 103,517 bags of milled rice in stock, with each bag weighing 50 kilograms. “As of now, we have sufficient stocks, especially rice,” Llenaresas said. “During the harvest season, we were able to procure a lot of rice, particularly in Camarines Sur. That’s why we have a large quantity of rice that can be distributed as relief goods to the affected Mayon families.” Llenaresas said should Mayon alert status escalates and remains high for as long as six months, neighboring NFA regions are prepared to augment the rice supply. “If it lasts for six months, the neighboring NFA regions are ready to issue augmentation to the affected families,” she added. Llenaresas encouraged farmers to sell their harvest to the agency, which offers P17 per kilo for wet palay and P23 per kilo for clean and dry palay, helping boost buffer stocks for emergencies. Meanwhile, NFA Albay reported that 2,060 sacks of rice are being withdrawn from its Tabaco City warehouse for use in ongoing relief operations for Mayon-affected communities. PNA

HE vow by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to lower by 20 percent the cost of building farm-to-market roads– where corruption has also been discovered along with the controversial flood-control projects—means more such roads should be built with the P33-billion allocation in the 2026 national government budget. Sen. Francis Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Agriculture committee, said this on Friday following the commitment made by Tiu Laurel, who Pangilinan said was

also staking the President’s name in that commitment. The vow by the DA chief to reduce the P18 million per kilometer cost to P14.5 million means “the P33-billion FMR allocation in the 2026 national budget should build more such roads,” Pangilinan said, speaking partly in Filipino. “Pangakong nasusukat ang ibaba ang halaga ng paggawa ng farmto-market roads nang 20 percent [There is a measurable commitment to lower the cost of building farm-to-market roads by 20 per-

Pampanga. “This operation sends a clear warning illegal trade will not be tolerated, and we will protect consumers and legitimate businesses alike,” the acting National Police (PNP) chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., said. He added that the operation also reflects the PNP Focused Agenda, highlighting Enhanced Managing Police Operations to ensure that enforcement efforts are carried out effectively and with integrity. A civic group, meanwhile, lauded the PNP for its New Year operations that led to the largest seizure of illegal cigarettes in recent history, valued at P2.6 billion. Pinoy Aksyon for Governance and the Environment (PAGE) described the recent simultaneous seizures in Batangas City and Malabon City as a critical breakthrough in the government’s fight against large-scale illicit tobacco trade but stressed that confiscation alone is not justice. “This is not just a successful police operation, it is a wake-up call,” said Pinoy Aksyon chairperson BenCyrus Ellorin. “The sheer scale of this haul confirms what

“Kailangang maramdaman ng mga magsasaka at mga mamimili ang mas mataas na budget para sa agrikultura [Farmers and consumers must feel the higher budget for agriculture],” he said. Following last year’s f loodcontrol controversy, he said the public expects stricter implementation and transparency in infrastructure projects to ensure that savings from lower costs are translated into tangible benefits for farming communities. Butch Fernandez

Bus company plies longest Mindanao route By Manuel T. Cayon

AVAO C I T Y—T he bu s company Mindanao Star blazed new paths here when it started trip on the longest route in Mindanao, connecting this city in the southeast part to Zamboanga City in the southwest, passing through areas avoided previously over security concerns. Trips on the route started on December 10 with two trips per

day, and currently increased with one more trip, leaving at late evening from here, and pre-dawn trips from the Zamboanga City side. The route traverses the existing Davao City-Cotabato City route, that takes more than seven hours travel to Digos City to Bansalan of Davao del Sur, Makilala, Kidapawan and Kabacan in North Cotabato, to Datu Montawal (formerly Pagagawan), Pikit, Aleosan and Midsayap of Maguindanao,

Cops coordinate with socmed platforms to stop child selling

HE National Police (PNP) Women and Children’s Protection Center (WCPC) on Thursday said it is coordinating with social media platforms amid a rise in online child-selling cases in 2025. The WCPC chief, Brig. Gen. Maria Sheila Portento, said eight people were arrested last year for selling their babies, up from five in 2024. “Marami ang sites na sa online na kung saan ito iyong mga sinacyberpatrol. Hindi ako puwede magbigay ng specific details, but we are closely coordinating with the social media platforms and then requesting them para i-take down because this is a simple way of advertising itong kalakaran na mali [There are many sites online that are being monitored. I can’t give any information, but we are closely coordinating with social media platforms and requesting them to take down these sites],”

she said. Portento said the accessibility of online platforms has made the crime more prevalent and alarming. “Just to give you the data that we have. For the past two years, nagkaroon na kami ng rescue ng 13 na sanggol. Lima noong 2024 and then walo noong 2025 [Over the past two years, WCPC operations have rescued 13 infants, five in 2024 and eight in 2025],” she said. She clarified that the data only covers WCPC operations and does not account for cases outside online platforms. Portento said financial hardship was the most common reason cited by those arrested, but stressed that parents who cannot care for their children may surrender them legally through the National Authority for Child Care. See “WCPC,” A4

Cops seize smuggled cigarettes in Pampanga PERATIVES of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized alleged illicit tobacco products valued at P36.9 million during an operation in Pampanga. The CIDG director, Maj. Gen. Robert Morico, said authorities implemented a search warrant at an industrial park in San Simon town from Wednesday night to Thursday morning, resulting in the confiscation of 573 cases of cigarettes from a warehouse used for the storage and distribution of tobacco products. A suspect, a Filipino male in his late 30s, remains at large and is actively being pursued by police units, Morico said. He said the operation was an offshoot of raids conducted in two separate locations in San Simon and Mexico, Pampanga late last year. Cases for violations of the AntiAgricultural Economic Sabotage Act, Consumer Act of the Philippines, Unfair Competition, among others, are being prepared for filing against the suspect with the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of

cent],” Pangilinan said, noting that the commitment has been publicly made by Tiu Laurel and supported by President Marcos. “Kailangang mas maraming kalye ang magawa ng P33-billion FMR allocation sa 2026 national budget [The P33-billion FMR allocation in the 2026 national budget must result in more roads],” he said. Pangilinan added that improved farm-to-market connectivity should translate into higher farm incomes and more affordable prices for consumers.

many have long suspected: organized, well-financed syndicates are operating with confidence that they can evade real punishment. That must end now.” The P2.6-billion seizure stems from two high-impact operations recently conducted. In Batangas City, authorities uncovered approximately P1.1 billion worth of undocumented cigarettes hidden in abandoned trucks. Hours later, another P1.5 billion worth of illicit cigarettes was discovered in Malabon. Authorities are now investigating whether a single power ful syndicate orchestrated both shipments. Recent disclosures by government a g e n c i e s, i n c l u d i n g t h e B u re a u o f Customs, have reinforced this assessment, confirming that a large, coordinated smuggling network is likely behind the record-breaking haul. “These were not random shipments. This was industrial-scale smuggling,” Ellorin said. “And industrial-scale crimes require industrial-scale punishment.” Under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (RA 12022), the smuggling of

tobacco and tobacco products is classified as economic sabotage, which carries severe penalties. These include mandator y life imprisonment that applies to individuals in the smuggling of tobacco whose value is at least P10 million and a monetary fine of up to five times the value of the illicit products. W h i l e c o m m e n d i n g t h e P N P ’s operational success, Pinoy Aksyon warned against allowing the case to end with warehouse inventories, press briefings, and photo-opportunities. “For too long, cigarette smuggling has been treated as a cost of doing business by criminal syndicates,” Ellorin said. “When drivers or caretakers are arrested but financiers walk free, the message is clear: crime pays.” The group called for swift prosecution for the financiers, protectors, and enablers behind large-scale cigarette smuggling, invoking the country’s strengthened antieconomic sabotage framework. It likewise called for the immediate destruction of the seized tobacco. With PNA

and Cotabato City. This connects up north to Pagadian City, and traverses the former critical areas of Parang, Matanog, Balabagan, Malabang, Sultan Naga Dimaporo in Maguindanao and the two Lanao province to Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur. The trip proceeds to the rest of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay towns of Buug, Imelda and Ipil and to its final destination of Zambonga City.

The entire stretch covers 680 kilometers and a one-way trip takes 20 hours. T he bus compa ny c h a rges P1,598 for this route, and a mandated discounted fare of P1,278 for students and senior citizens. The longest land route in the Philippines, connects Davao City to Metro Manila, covering 980 kilometers, with two sea barge connections. The trip covers three days and is plied by Davao Metro Shuttle Bus.

Sandiganbayan acquits Razon By Joel R. San Juan

HE Sandiganbayan has sentenced several former police officials to up to 40 years imprisonment for several counts of graft over their involvement in the P400 million “ghost” repair and procurement of spare parts for the National Police’s armored vehicles from 2007 to 2008. Found guilty of four fount counts of violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act were former officials of the National Police (PNP)- Logistics Support Service-Bids and Awards Committee (LSS BAC) namely Emmanuel Ojeda, Reuel Leverne Labrado Josefina Dumanew, Analee Forro and Victor Puddao. Former LSS inspection officer Warlito Tubon and non-uniformed personnel (NUP) supply accountable officer Eulito Fuentes were found guilty of two counts of graft while former LSS BAC member Henry Duque and former property inspector for the Directorate for Comptrollership NUP Alex Barrameda were found guilty of one count of graft. The Sandiganbayan imposed the penalty of imprisonment from six years to 10 years for each count and banned them from perpetually holding public office. The former police officers were also directed to indemnify the PNP the total amount of P83.89 million with interest of six percent per annum from the finality of the decision until full payment.

Razon acquitted

THE anti-graft court acquitted the other accused in the case including former PNP

chief Avelino Razon Jr., former Directorate for Comptrollership Management Division acting chief Lt. Col. Rainier Espina, former PNP Accounting Division chief Antonio Retrato and several private suppliers. The Sandiganbayan held that the prosecution failed to prove that the accused were guilty of graft and malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents. “Accused Razon appropriately grounded his defense on the Doctrine of Complete Staff Work and the Arias Doctrine both of which recognize that heads of offices may, in good faith, rely on the work and certifications of their subordinates,” the Sandiganbayan held. “When the procurement documents reached his level of review, they already bore the signatures of the responsible officers from various PNP units and offices. Given this circumstance, Razon was entitled to presume that the documents had undergone the proper evaluation, verification, and approval processes at the operational levels,” the anti-graft court said in exonerating Razon. The cases stemmed from the anomalies over the procurement of 40 tire repair and maintenance of 10 V-150 light armored vehicles; disbursement of funds allocated for the transportation and delivery expenses of V-150 units for the procurement of various office and janitorial supplies; and the repaid and maintenance of 18 V-150 units of the PNP in 2007 and 2008. See “Razon,” A4

Saturday, January 10, 2026

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Army sacks officer over ‘withdrawal of support’ post on social media

HE Army has relieved an officer assigned at its training command while investigating allegations that he has withdrawn his support to President Marcos. Col. Louie Dema-ala said Col. Audie Mongao was relieved from his post as commander of the Training Support Group of the

A r my Training and Doctr ine Command (Tradoc) following his alleged statement that circulated on social media. “By the direction of the Commanding General, PA, Col. Mongao was immediately relieved from post and put into A/U [available/ unavailable] status to give way for a thorough investigation by training

command,” Dema-ala said. He said investigators are determining if it were Mongao himself who posted the alleged withdrawal of support. Maj. Gen. Michael Logico, Tradoc commander, said Mongao, who is on New Year’s break, has been relieved Thursday night as commander of the Training Support Group.

Logico said that his command exerted efforts to reach out to Mongao amid the allegations but have been unable to reach him. “Investigation is underway to determine possible administrative and legal charges that may be imposed upon him in relation to his online statement,” Logico said. “Despite this,” he said that “the

Army is still trying to reach Mongao to offer emotional support,” adding that Mongao remains his responsibility. Logico reaffirmed the Philippine Army’s support for the Constitution and the chain of command. “The Philippine Army remains professional and steadfast behind our mandate, loyal to the Constitu-

DOH, PRC provide first aid to 880 devotees By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco & Rex Anthony Naval

TOTAL of 880 persons were provided medical care by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) during the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila. DOH data indicate that 344 devotees were taken to its medical tents located along the route of the Traslacion. The DOH said that most of the patients complained of dizziness and fatigue. Meanwhile, PRC reported that it provided medical care to 536 individuals. PRC Safety Services and Operations Center record from January 8 to 9, show that the vital signs of 250 individuals were monitored, there were 262 minor cases (dizziness, minor wound, abrasion, and sprain), 10 major cases (deep laceration, headache, and puncture), 14 were transported to hospitals owing to severe headache, chest pain, rib fracture, dislocation, and knee pain. PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Office Richard Gordon

thanked the PRC staff and volunteers for this year’s Feast of Jesus Nazarene, recognizing their heart for service. “This operation is made possible by our selfless staff and volunteers who serve with compassion and tireless dedication. I extend my deepest gratitude to each one of them for embodying the true spirit of humanity in service,” Gordon said.

Generally peaceful

INITIAL observation seemed to indicate that this year’s Traslacion is generally peaceful despite the huge number of devotees who attended the religious event, the acting National Police (PNP) chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., said on Friday. In an interview with reporters, Nartatez assessed crowd behavior as orderly and manageable “as of this time.” Authorities expect that this year’s crowd will exceed last year’s 8.1 million attendees. Nartatez said that the Traslacion is proceeding smoothly and peacefully as of this writing. And while the crowd is large, he

said that most of them are disciplined and complying with regulations laid to ensure the peaceful conduct of the procession. Nartatez also added the PNP is maintaining a high level of alertness to ensure the safety of everyone. He said security preparations and crowd control measures are working as intended. Some 18,000 police personnel were deployed for the event. “No criminal or major security concerns were monitored or detected as of Friday afternoon,” Nartatez said. The Traslacion or the grand procession of the image of the Jesus Nazareno, started an hour earlier than usual. The andas (carriage), flocked by hundreds of Hijos del Nazareno, departed from the right side of the Quirino Grandstand stage in Luneta at 4:00 a.m. Friday, on its way back to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, or Quiapo Church on Quezon Boulevard. Traditionally, the Traslacion starts at 5 a.m. right after the dawn prayer.

CHED vows cooperation with COA

HAIRPERSON Shirley Agrupis of the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) has vowed to fully cooperate with investigative bodies after the agency was flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA) for alleged P20.171 billion unliquidated Tertiar y Education Subsidy (TES) grants by various higher education institutions (HEIs). Agrupis also ordered other CHED officials to do the same. “As the present chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, I am as deeply disturbed as all right-minded citizens, by the publicized report of the Commission on Audit on the non-liquidation and delay in

submission of reports that exposes the subject funds to the risk of irregular if not altogether illegal payments made under the Tertiary Education Subsidy scheme of Republic Act 10931,” Agrupis said in a statement. Agrupis said that the reported nonliquidation and delay in submission of reports transpired under the previous administration. “I have directed the concerned offices in the Commission to study the report assiduously, to trace the [allegedly] anomalous payments, if any, of those funds transferred to various HEIs, and to identify the persons responsible for breaches of applicable laws and rules,” she added.

Agrupis assured that under her watch, Universal Access to Quality Education Act “will be properly implemented, its funds administered in accordance with the law and to do all within the powers of the Commission to ensure that our functions are performed strictly in accordance with rules on government spending, as well as, auditing regulations.” As soon as the responsible offices of the Commission shall have arrived at evidenced findings, she assured that she will once again report to the public for them to know the action the Commission is taking relative to what she called as “disturbing matter.” Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

tion and the chain of command,” he said on a Facebook post. Observers said Mongao may have been hurt by having been assigned in a unit where the commander is his Philippine Military Academy underclassman. Logico belongs to PMA Class of 1993 while Mongao graduated in 1992.

Razon. . . Continued from A3

RESCUE workers search through debris at the landfill in barangay Binaliw, Cebu City, following a garbage landslide on Thursday afternoon. PHOTO COURTESY OF CEBU CITY MAYOR NESTOR ARCHIVAL FACEBOOK PAGE

Cebu ‘garbageslide’ kills 1, injures 12 By Carmel Pedroza

WELVE persons have been rescued while 38 others remain missing following a garbage landslide at a landfill site in Cebu City, Cebu Mayor Nestor Archival said on Friday. A 22-year-old woman was confirmed killed. Archival said that seven of those rescued were taken to the Visayas Medical Center and while five are confined at the Cebu North General Hospital. Of the 110 landfill workers who were at the site of the garbage landslide, 38 have yet to be accounted for. Archival, who personally went to the site, said rescue operations are being carried out with extreme caution owing to the instability of the area and the continued risk of falling debris. The injured were safely pulled from the debris by joint rescue teams from Cebu City.

The privately owned landfill, located in barangay Binaliw, began operations in 2019. Archival said authorities believe the earthquake in the last quarter of 2025 may have allowed water to seep into the garbage pile, eventually causing it to collapse. The company that manages the landfill employs a total of 94 workers. In a separate statement, Prime Waste Solutions said it has suspended operations at the facility and advised nearby residents and the public to refrain from going near the area. “We are working closely with relevant government agencies and the local government to provide necessary assistance and support to all those affected by the incident,” the company said. Archival said an investigation will be conducted in coordination with relevant government agencies, including the Environmental Management Bureau, to determine violations and establish accountability.

Based on the complaint filed by the Ombudsman, the accused PNP officials and private individuals conspired to make it appear that they purchased spare parts, engines, and transmission assemblies for the repair and maintenance of the vehicles when in fact there was no actual purchase nor delivery of the items. The accused police officials, according to the Ombudsman, conspired with private suppliers, to falsify supporting documents supposedly showing that bidding requirements were complied with and that the delivery of the needed supplies were completed.

WCPC. . . Continued from A3

“Puwede naman kasi nilang isurrender nang hindi nila pagkakakitaan [They can surrender the child without profiting from it],” she said. Me a nw h i l e , WC P C o p e r a t ives a r rested a 17-yea r - old mother in Quezon City on Tuesday for allegedly attempting to sell her one-month-old baby for P55,000. The infant and the teenager were turned over to the city social services department, while the minor faces possible charges of human trafficking and violation of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. PNA

Trust in news outlets erodes amid corruption controversy

UBLIC trust in Philippine news o u t l e t s d e c l i n e d a c ro s s a l l platforms, reflecting a broader atmosphere of skepticism shaped by persistent corruption controversies and political turmoil, according to the Pahayag 2025 End-of-the-Year Survey.

The downturn cuts across television, print, online, and radio news outlets, signaling a generalized erosion of confidence in the media rather than isolated declines tied to specific channels. Unlike government agencies, where trust erosion is largely driven by respondents in the Visayas and Mindanao, the drop in trust toward media varies by region, depending on the platform and outlet. Television news outlets continue to register moderate trust levels overall, but all major networks show declining ratings this quarter. Even established broadcasters such as GMA (45 percent to 40 percent), TV5/Interaksyon (33 percent to 26 percent), and PTV4 (18 percent to 14 percent) experienced noticeable softening in trust responses nationwide. A similar pattern is evident across print and online news organizations. All monitored outlets posted quarter-onquarter declines in trust, apart from low income households, driving the decline more than other income groups (14/15). Those aged 18-24 years old also showed consistent significant drops in trust rating for the majority of outlets (9/15), more than the other groups. Among print and online news organizations, Rappler (27 percent to 21 percent) and Newswatch Plus (31 percent to 25 percent) stand out for posting a notable decline in trust this quarter, from 27 percent to 21 percent. Radio, long considered a resilient and community-anchored medium, was not spared. Major radio networks, likewise, recorded falling trust scores, driven again by low-income listeners, who showed consistent and significant declines across all stations surveyed. The findings raise critical questions about the current media environment. Are Filipinos losing confidence because

they feel their lived realities are not reflected in news coverage—or is this a case of “shooting the messenger,” where frustration over relentless reports of corruption, scandals, and governance failures is redirected toward the media delivering the news? Filipinos across generations still turn first to the internet and television for information, but the pathways clearly diverge by age. For Baby Boomers and Generation X, information consumption remains anchored in traditional mass media. Television, newspapers, and AM radio continue to register meaningful reach, reinforcing the staying power of legacy platforms among older audiences. Millennials sit at the crossroads. They match Baby Boomers in TV consumption, lead in Facebook use, and maintain strong reliance on internet browsing – making them the most hybrid generation in how they receive information. Among Gen Z, information is less institutional and more social. While the internet and Facebook remain important, Gen Z is far more likely than older cohorts to learn about issues through friends, coworkers, and relatives, signaling a shift toward peer-driven and network-based information flows. Traditional media show a clear g e n e r at i o n a l d ro p - o f f. N e w s p a p e r readership, AM-FM radio listening, and cable TV steadily decline from older to younger cohorts, while platforms like Twitter remain niche and concentrated among younger users. Overall, the data point to a fragmented media landscape: older generations rely on broadcast and print authority, Millennials blend old and new, and Gen Z places greater weight on digital platforms and personal networks.

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With Pearl Harbor survivors soon to be gone, people seek new ways to remember bombing By Audrey Mcavoy The Associated Press

ONOLULU—Survivors of the 1941 Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor have long been the center of a remembrance ceremony held each year on the military base’s waterfront. But today only 12 are still alive— all centenarians—and last year none is able to make the pilgrimage to Hawaii to mark the event. That means no one attending will have firsthand memories of serving during the attack, which killed more than 2,300 troops and catapulted the US into World War 2. The development is not a surprise and is an evolution of an ongoing trend. As survivors fade, their descendants and the public are increasingly turning to other ways of learning about the bombing. “The idea of not having a survivor there for the first time last year—I just, I don’t know—it hurt my heart in a way I can’t describe,” said Kimberlee Heinrichs, whose 105-year-old father Ira “Ike” Schab had to cancel plans to fly in from Oregon after falling ill. Survivors have been present every year in recent memory except for 2020, when the Navy and the National Park Service closed the observance to the general public because of coronavirus pandemic health risks. “I can still see what was happening.” The ceremony last year started with a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m., the same time the attack began on December 7, 1941. Solemn rituals followed. Fighter jets flew overhead in “missing man formation,” in which one jet peels off to symbolize those lost. Survivors presented wreaths to honor the dead, though active-duty troops have assumed this job in recent years. Survivors usually salute active-duty sailors who themselves salute as their ship passes the USS Arizona Memorial, which sits above submerged hull of the battleship sunk in the attack. About 2,000 survivors attended the 50th anniversary event in 1991. A few dozen have showed in recent decades. Last year, only two made it. That is out of an estimated 87,000 troops stationed on Oahu that day. Many survivors were jovial de-

FROM left, Pearl Harbor survivors Harry Chandler, Ken Stevens, Herb Elfring and Ira “Ike” Schab sit during the 82nd Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony December 7, 2023, at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii. AP PHOTO/MENGSHIN LIN

spite the occasion, happy to catch up with old friends and pose for photographs. Even so, harrowing recollections were seldom far from their minds. In 2023, Harry Chandler gazed across the water while telling an Associated Press reporter how he was raising the flag at a mobile hospital in the hills above the base when he saw Japanese planes fly in and drop bombs. Chandler and his fellow Navy hospital corpsmen jumped in trucks to help the injured. He spoke of seeing the Arizona explode, and of hearing sailors trapped on the capsized USS Oklahoma desperately tapping on their ship’s hull to summon rescue. He helped care for Oklahoma sailors after crews cut holes in the battleship. “I can still see what was happening,” Chandler said. He died the next year at a senior living center in Tequesta, Florida.

Lessons from the past

THE bombing has long held different meanings for different people, the historian Emily S. Rosenberg wrote in her book “A Date Which Will Live: Pearl Harbor in American Memory.” Some say it highlights the need for a well-prepared military and a vigilant foreign policy. To some it evokes then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt administration’s “ineptitude or deceit” and the unfair scapegoating of the military. Others focus on the “treachery” of Japan or the heroic acts of individual troops, she wrote. Asked what he wanted Americans to know about Pearl Harbor, Chan-

dler said: “Be prepared.” “We should have known that was going to happen. The intelligence has to be better,” he said. Lou Conter, who was the Arizona’s last survivor when he died last year at 102, told the AP in 2019 he liked to attend to remember those who lost their lives. “It’s always good to come back and pay respect to them and give them the top honors that they deserve,” Conter said. Heinrichs’ father has attended six times since 2016. The former tuba player on the USS Dobbin likes to go not only to remember those killed but also in place of his late band mates; his three brothers who fought in World War II; and the now-deceased Pearl Harbor survivors he has met.

Recording the remembrances

RETIRED National Park Service Pearl Harbor historian Daniel Martinez said the circumstances resemble the early 20th century when Civil War veterans were dying in increasing numbers. Awareness grew that soon they wouldn’t be able to share their stories of Gettysburg and other battles, he said. Martinez knew something similar could happen with Pearl Harbor survivors and recorded their oral histories. During a 1998 convention, he conducted interviews 12 hours a day for three days. The Park Service today has nearly 800 interviews, most on video. “They remain as a part of the national memory of a day that changed America and changed the world,” Martinez said.

NCDA enhances PWD ID system, eyes full implementation in 2026

By Marita Moaje

HE National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) is intensifying enhancements to the unified persons with disability (PWD) identification system to address gaps, as it targets full nationwide implementation within the year. protect the rights of our persons During a Bagong Pilipinas interwith disabilities,” he added. view on Wednesday, NCDA spokesTo date, Alava said a total of 572 person Walter Jason Alava said the cities and municipalities nationwide unified PWD ID has improved since its have already registered and have regional pilot testing across Luzon, Vibeen trained under the system since sayas, and Mindanao in August 2025. its rollout. He said early challenges encounThe NCDA, he said, aims to expand tered during the pilot phase, particcoverage to more than 1,600 local ularly in system development, data fields, and encoding, are being addressed through continuous upgrades. “There were many challenges before, especially in our pilot stage, because our system is being developed. But now, our challenges are somewhat fewer, specifically in the system and fields,” Alava said. “If I am not mistaken, nasa 14 fields po tayo. Kasi mayroon tayong types of disabilities, mayroon tayong PERSONS with disability ID IMAGE COURTESY OF DSWD nine types of disabilities, so government units (LGUs) to ensure iyong input ng different types of a single, standardized, and verifiable disabilities with regards to apparent and non-apparent, medyo may PWD ID nationwide.” Meanwhile, Alava said a key feamga ini-enhance tayo para mas mature of the enhanced system is the protektahan natin iyong rights ng rollout of physical and digital PWD ating mga persons with disability IDs embedded with quick response (we have 14 fields). Because we (QR) codes and Radio Frequency Idenhave types of disabilities, we have tification (RFID). nine types of disabilities, so the These allow real-time, 24/7 verifiinput of different types of disabilication through a portal linked to the ties with regards to apparent and Department of Social Welfare and non-apparent disabilities, there Development (DSWD), replacing the are quite a few things that we are previous manual verification process enhancing so that we can better

A cracked nation of shameless ‘singiteros’

HE word “insertion,” as in “budget insertions,” seems to be ubiquitous nowadays, often mentioned in news and public affairs programs and political discourses. In Pinoyspeak, let’s just call it “making singit.” To me it’s one of the most infuriating aspects of our society at present. “Singiteros” are a pestilence and they come in various types and ages. There is the inconsiderate “singitero.” Just yesterday morning out of nowhere, an old lady presented herself at the counter and disrupted our orderly sequence of numbered customers at the priority lane in our local drug store. In a feigned tremulous tone, she loudly asked the clerk to be served ahead of the others who were patiently waiting their turn (including me and my wife). The unwelcome intrusion stirred a commotion

in the hornet’s nest of cantankerous senior citizens, which made the dull morning more interesting. One of my pet peeves are people looking neither physically disabled nor senior, brazenly get into parking slots of malls that have signs with big bold letters: “Reserved for PWDs and senior citizens.” Dismayingly, guards tend to look the other way, or worse, even assist them as they maneuver their vehicles into the slot. As my late grand aunt used to disdainfully exclaim: “Sin verguenza.” I wish I had the temerity and the temperament to confront such uncaring people. Then we have the favored and connected “singiteros.” As an example, I can cite the patients at the clinic of my wife’s cardiologist where “first come first served” is the norm. However, one time, after coming in early just to be among the first in the list

on that morning, we found out later there were 3 other names surreptitiously inserted into the list ahead of my wife’s. My wife was naturally indignant but I managed to restrain and advise her to just grin and bear it, or risk falling into disfavor with the doctor’s secretary, apparently a practitioner of favoritism. Then we have the pesky “singiteros” on the road—jeepney, taxi drivers, private car drivers and motorcyle riders who weave their vehicles in and out of lanes, throwing road courtesy out the window. They would cut in your lane suddenly, causing you to spout an angry stream of expletives. So-called “kamote riders” are especially notorious for inserting their bikes through every available space, no matter how narrow and risky, just to avoid traffic. Most shameless of all are the crafty and wily “singiteros” in government (executive and legislative) conniving deviously with unscrupulous private contractors and suppliers as well as corrupt bankers. We’re now just finding the incredible enormity of the amount they have been siphoning by way of government projects padded with hidden “insertions.” This loot is then shared pro rata by everyone (including secretaries, bodyguards, drivers, janitors) under the “tayo-tayo” system. It’s turning out that the biggest syndicate of rapacious and pillaging “singiteros” have been inside our government all these years!

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday, January 10, 2026 A5

The question is why does it happen? What drives a “singitero” to do it? In game theory terms, the “singitero” is acting according to his dominant strategy—doing what seems best for him in that moment, regardless of what others do. The risk of offending others in the line or being honked at seems small compared to the potential reward of saving time. It could also be one-upmanship, which is the technique or practice of gaining a feeling of superiority

over another person often by unscrupulous means? The “singitero” feels a perverted sense of satisfaction in taking precedence of others, and having better things than the rest. Ako muna, sorry na lang kayo. On a wider perspective, I think that all these spreading acts of rudeness and unscrupulousness are just a reflection or signs of a bigger phenomenon, which I call a reversal of our good old traditional values. In the old days, we used to

have enough good traditional values to abide by on how we should behave socially, ethically, legally and morally. “Hiya,” “kapwa tao,” “pakikisama” and “delicadeza” were supposed to be the defining qualities of the Filipino character. More significantly, they were supposed to serve as a restraining barrier to make us think twice before doing odious and shameful acts in our private and public lives. Alas, for every positive traditional value, there is a mirror negative value. In recent times, the moderating barrier of good values has been breached. The negative counter values have gained the upper hand, completely overwhelming the positive old values. The value of “hiya” has been superseded by “pagka-makasarili” (me and my family first) and “pagtitiyaga” replaced by “madaling paraan” (the easy way). “Paggalang sa kapwa” and “bayanihan” have been subverted and turned into “panlalamang” and “kanya-kanya” on the road or when lining up for a ticket, jeepney ride or “ayuda.” Shameless behavior and flouting norms and rules have become the new normal. I witnessed this just a month ago during the Christmas party for our village’s senior citizens when elderly people who ought to know better scrambled like hungry wolves for the Mayor’s giveaways even when it was being announced there was a list of names to be fol-

that relied on calls to issuing offices during office hours. Alava said the absence of a centralized verification system contributed to the proliferation of fake PWD IDs in previous years. “Nilalagyan na natin ngayon ng QR code na directly pupunta doon sa website sa DSWD. Kapag nag-scan ka na doon sa QR code, then diretso doon sa portal at mabi-verify iyong persons with disability natin. [We are now adding a QR code that will go directly to the DSWD website. When you scan the QR code, you will go directly to the portal, and your persons with disabilities will be verified],” he said. “Now, mayroon na kasi siyang QR code, so anywhere po and anytime puwede pong i-scan iyong digital ID ng ating mga persons with disability (Now, it has a QR code, so our persons with disabilities can scan their digital ID anywhere and anytime).” Meanwhile, to ensure inclusivity in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas that do not have Internet signals, Alava said the unified PWD ID system now includes an offline function that allows LGUs to encode data without Internet access and upload records once connectivity is restored. He said this is expected to be complemented by the government’s free public Wi-Fi program. The NCDA also underscored strong data privacy and security measures, including restricted access, separate encoder and verifier accounts, and limited data fields to protect the sensitive personal information of PWDs. Alava said the push for a unified PWD ID system aims to prevent the proliferation of fake or unverified PWD IDs, which, the Senate said, caused losses estimated at P88.2 billion, and protect the rights and benefits of PWDs, including discounts and other privileges. PNA

lowed to make the process smooth and orderly. I later found out that a few seniors who got gift bags were not even residents of our village and somehow were able to make “singit” on the sly. Some kind of inexplicable negative force is breaking and fracturing our nation, producing cracks in our social mores and system of governance. The more fissures, the more loopholes in the system, the easier for the “singiteros” to game it. God help us if “making singit” would become hardwired into our cultural DNA. But before that happens, I only hope the time will come when a critical mass of our countrymen will be so sick of the insolence and so outraged by the callousness of today’s “singiteros” that a counter social movement will be ignited to pave the way for the re-emergence of the positive traditional Filipino values of our culture. If enough of us would express indignation by calling out every “Kuya Singitero” or “Ate Singitera” who cuts in line or lane, we can stigmatize the act of making “singit” as shameful, offensive and hateful. Let’s shame every one of them out of the decent society we aspire to create for our children. No more impunity for them. No more free pass for “singiteros” again. Only in this way can we make civility, uprightness, and accountability become the new “kalakaran” once again in our society.

Saturday, January 10, 2026 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

BusinessMirror

businessmirror.lifestyle@gmail.com • www.businessmirror.com.ph

Ser Geybin and Malupiton talk about ‘tough’ phones and content creation CONTENT creators Malupiton (left) and Ser Geybin PHOTO BY DINNA CHAN VASQUEZ

ONOR’S campaigns for the launch of its mobile handsets are always over-the-top but the one for the new X9d 5G is meant to show that it is the brand’s toughest yet. Can it survive being hand-slammed into a Tesla Cybertruck? Thus, if a campaign is over-the-top, it makes sense that the content creators on board are also largerthan-life, right? We got to interview content creators Ser Geybin and Malupiton on the sidelines of the experiential event for the Honor X9d 5G and they had a lot to say about it (and other things). Ser Geybin has 16 million followers on Facebook and over 11 million on TikTok ,while Malupiton has 7 million on Facebook and over 3 million on TikTok. On YouTube, Ser Geybin has 7.7 million subscribers while Malupiton has 1.1 million. Ser Geybin (real name: Gavin De Rueda Capinpin) and Malupiton (real name: Joel Ravanera) started making content five years ago. “Masaya kami na ginagawa namin ito na nakakapagpasaya kami at masaya na may pera [we’re happy to make people happy and earn some money],” said Malupiton half-jestingly. “Dream job ito. Nakakasama ang pamilya at tropa and at the same time nakakapag-trabaho [it’s like having our dream jobs where we earn money and still have time for family and friends],” said Ser Geybin, a former teacher. Malupiton said the first thing he noticed about the Honor X9d 5G was its smooth interface and good camera. “Pag estudyante ang gagamit nito, sulit talaga kasi matibay at mabilis [if a student will use this phone, it would be good because it’s durable and fast],” said Geybin. This is the second time the two content creators became part of an Honor campaign and they’re really impressed with the X9d 5G. “Yung kamay ko po laging parang may baby oil,

dumudulas talaga ang cellphone kaya okay na matibay ito [my hands are very slippery so I am glad this one can withstand drops],” said Malupiton. Both content creators boiled their Honor X9d 5G phones. Ser Geybin also dropped his phone from their roof, buried it, and wrestled with it. Meanwhile, Malupiton likes the colors of the phones (it comes in three colorways). Another thing they appreciate is the long battery life because both are on their phones a lot. “Minsan inaabot pa siya ng kinabukasan na naka-data [sometimes, battery life can be extended up to the next day while using mobile data],” said Ser Geybin. As a content creator, he appreciates how actual image resolution can change depending on the video recording mode so it does not limit his creativity.

When it comes to trends, Ser Geybin said things have changed so much since they started five years ago. When it comes to humor and content, he said Malupiton is like a “young Michael V.” “Yung content na ginagawa niya, kakaiba talaga. Ang daming nabago sa vlogging. Di ba dati po landscape, ngayon uso ang patayo [the content he creates is really unique. When we first started out, videos were shot on landscape. Now, they’re shot on vertical],” said Ser Geybin. “Si Ser Geybin, magaling talaga siya sa family content,” said Malupiton. For 2026, we’re watching if “real people” influencers like them will continue to dominate social media or if we will be seeing a new wave of content creators.

PHL can be a major force in digital transformation in APAC BY RIZAL RAOUL REYES KISSFLOW, a global software-as-a-service (SaaS) leader specializing in a unified low-code/nocode work platform, said the Philippines is a primary frontier for digital transformation in the Asia-Pacific region. Rakesh Nandakumar, associate vice president, Asia Pacific at Kissflow, told BUSINESSMIRRO� in an interview that the Chennai, India-based company is bullish on the Philippines, seeing it as a dynamic market with the right mindset and workforce to not only adopt but master the citizen development model, positioning the country for a massive efficiency boost in the next five years. “We see the Philippines as a key frontier in Asia-Pacific for digital transformation, fueled by a unique confluence of post-pandemic realization, a large digitally-savvy workforce, and a commendable openness to new technologies. The market is not just meeting expectations but is showing an exceedingly strong desire to embrace digitization faster than some of its neighbors,” said Rakesh Nandakumar. He said the Filipino’s high acceptance is a significant factor driving open-mindedness—the willingness to try new things before saying no. “There’s a culturally embedded ‘do-it-yourself’ feeling, especially among the younger generation, which aligns perfectly with the citizen development model,”

he said. Unlike more mature Western markets, Nandakumar said the Philippines does not have the same decades-long investment in cumbersome legacy systems, allowing a more direct leap to a modern digital environment. No less than Kissflow’s leadership (including CEO Suresh Sambandam) has highlighted the Philippines’ potential high digital transformation. Like many regions, Nandakumar said the Philippines faces a shortage of traditional software developers. Meanwhile, its Citizen Development allows companies to innovate without waiting for IT. Kissflow is a vocal advocate for the Citizen Development movement. Their no-code strategy is designed to solve two major enterprise problems namely IT backlog and Shadow IT. By allowing Human Resources, Finance, and Marketing teams to build their own tools, Nandakumar said the central IT department is freed up to focus on high-priority security and infrastructure tasks. Instead of employees using unapproved thirdparty apps, he said Kissflow provides a “governed” environment where users can innovate while IT maintains oversight of data security and access. According to Nandakumar, Citizen Development is a long-term movement built on a framework where business users, powered by no-code platforms

and managed by IT, build the automations the organization requires. He said Kissflow views No-Code as the means and Citizen Development as the movement. In the context of Kissflow, no-code is a design philosophy and a technical framework that empowers “citizen developers”—business professionals with zero programming knowledge—to build, deploy, and manage their own enterprise-grade applications and workflows. Kissflow said the success of major customers, such as SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP), validates this approach. An independent study by Nucleus Research found that SNAP achieved an impressive 451 percent return on investment (ROI) with a 2.8-month payback period after adopting the Kissflow platform for its CD program. Looking toward 2030, Nandakumar said Kissflow’s strategy is tightly integrated with artificial intelligence (AI). The platform is evolving to use AI for augmenting human capability—transforming photos of paper forms into instant digital processes and generating complex “Procure to Pay” systems via natural language commands. By championing the three P’s (Platform, Process and People), Kissflow aims to eliminate “Shadow IT” (unsanctioned, non-compliant tools) and provide a compliant, organized framework for Filipino businesses to reach 100 percent digital maturity.

Beyond console: Xbox Cloud Gaming coming to HiSense TVs BY PATRICK VILLANUEVA Xbox’s new year just got better as the gaming giant recently announced their partnership with V (formerly VIDAA), a technology and innovation company specializing in VIDAA Smart TV OS and content platform. In their announcement, they said that Xbox will be bringing the Xbox App and cloud gaming to select Hisense and V homeOS-powered Smart TVs in 2026. Xbox Game Pass subscribers—including Ultimate, Premium, and Essential subscribers—can soon stream their favorite titles on Xbox from their TVs without the need for a console, through the Xbox App via Xbox Cloud Gaming. Of course, this includes new releases and fan favorites like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and many more. Xbox corporate vice president, gaming partnerships and business development Lori Wright said in a statement, “Our vision is to make sure your games, your community, and your achievements are always within reach.” “Bringing the Xbox app to select Hisense and V homeOS-powered TVs is another step toward making gaming available across a broad range of devices, to meeting you wherever you want to play,” she added. Xbox users on Reddit seemed divided on the announcement, but the general consensus was that it is a great innovation with major flaws. For one, they question its feasibility regarding the speed of gaming through cloud gaming, despite the tech’s availability for five years. They reasoned slow internet connection to be the major flaw that will tarnish the gaming experience as opposed to just owning a console. “You can instantly tell when it’s streamed versus downloaded. Choppy, laggy, grainy,” one user complained. “Why would anyone want to stream Series S quality games in 1440p with added latency on a 4K TV when it has plenty of perfectly good HDMI ports to plug a console into it?” another user added. On a positive note, many users praised how this will make gaming more accessible to casuals who have not owned any of the Xbox consoles. “Xbox is being built into every affordable TV on the market. Casuals will have unprecedented access to the platform. Game Pass is about to blow up,” one Redditor commented. “Cool. Appreciate more ways for gamers to play and have a good time. More of this please,” another user posted. More details will be coming soon in a few months so follow Xbox’s social media channels and their newsroom Xbox Wire.

GOOGLE AND CHATBOT MAKER CHARACTER TO SETTLE LAWSUIT ALLEGING CHATBOT PUSHED TEEN TO SUICIDE

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Google and artificial intelligence chatbot maker Character Technologies have agreed to settle a lawsuit from a Florida mother who alleged a chatbot pushed her teenage son to kill himself. Attorneys for the two tech companies have also agreed to settle several other lawsuits filed in Colorado, New York and Texas from families who alleged Character. AI chatbots harmed their children, according to court documents filed this week in federal courts in those states. None of the documents disclose the specific terms of the settlement agreements, which must still be approved by judges. The suits against Character Technologies, the company behind Character.AI, also named Google as a defendant because of its ties to the startup after hiring its co-founders in 2024. Character declined to comment Wednesday and Google didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. In the Florida lawsuit, Megan Garcia alleged that her 14-year-old son Sewell Setzer III fell victim to a Character. AI chatbot that pulled him into what she described as an emotionally and sexually abusive relationship that led to his suicide in February, 2024. The lawsuit alleged that in the final months of his life, Setzer became increasingly isolated from reality as he engaged in sexualized conversations with the chatbot, which was patterned after a fictional character from the television show Game of Thrones. In his final moments, the chatbot told Setzer it loved him and urged the teen to “come home to me as soon as possible,” according to screenshots of the exchanges. Garcia’s lawsuit was the first of similar lawsuits around the US that have also been filed against ChatGPT maker OpenAI. A federal judge had earlier rejected Character’s attempt to dismiss the Florida case on First Amendment grounds. AP

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph • businessmirror.lifestyle@gmail.com

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Saturday, January 10, 2026

Dose of uncertainty: Experts wary of AI health gadgets at CES VERIFIED DIGITAL PORTALS ‘MORE PREFERRED’ THAN INFORMAL CHANNELS BY BPOS IN METRO MANILA LOOKING for a job in BPO? You might need to change your job hunting tactics because BPO companies in Metro Manila shift their focus more to job seekers in verified digital portals versus informal channels. Despite job-focused social media groups having a huge following, with many hiring groups for Virtual Assistants reaching over 160,000 members, BPO companies in Metro Manila are turning to structured hiring channels to fill up positions in their companies. Major BPO players such as Teleperformance, Concentrix, EXL, Foundever, Alorica, and Accenture became more visible in digital platforms than social media groups, reporting widespread applicant fatigue being a major cause of the shift. Applicants or job seekers also suffered from several issues present in the line of social media hiring. They enumerated duplicate or outdated posts, uncertainty over recruiter legitimacy, and a lack of application status updates as a blockade to finding jobs. “The noise on social media groups became counterproductive,” noted a Manila-based recruitment lead for a major BPO firm. “We saw qualified applicants missing genuine posts amid the clutter.” As such, digital platforms like MyGlit, a Philippinesfocused portal, became the hub for both job seekers and employers because it offers employer-verified posts and centralized communication, both being beneficial and efficient for both parties. “When applicants come through a coordinated platform, the entire process is more predictable,” said a talent acquisition manager at First Source Philippines. “It allows our teams to focus on interviewing, which improves the experience for everyone.” Moreover, anxiety over the job application lessened for job seekers as online platforms are more transparent and clear about updates from employers. Tracking your application is as easy as a few clicks, making it easier to strategize in finding jobs. “I spent weeks applying through Facebook, never sure if my application was seen,” shared Miguel R., recently hired for a Quezon City-based role. “The portal I used showed the exact company and sent updates. It took the anxiety out.” And with the current status of the job market, having an account for verified digital platforms is a must. Not only will it keep you safer from online scams, but it also instills confidence that you are with the right employer who can provide value of the work that you will put in. PATRICK VILLANUEVA

BY JESSICA HILL The Associated Press

AS VEGAS—Health tech gadgets displayed at the annual CES trade show make a lot of promises. A smart scale promoted a healthier lifestyle by scanning your feet to track your heart health, and an egg-shaped hormone tracker uses AI to help you figure out the best time to conceive. Tech and health experts, however, question the accuracy of products like these and warn of data privacy issues—especially as the federal government eases up on regulation. The Food and Drug Administration announced during the annual show in Las Vegas that it will relax regulations on “low-risk” general wellness products such as heart monitors and wheelchairs. It’s the latest step President Donald Trump’s administration has taken to remove barriers for AI innovation and use. The White House repealed former President Joe Biden’s executive order establishing guardrails around AI, and last month, the Department of Health and Human Services outlined its strategy to expand its use of AI. Booths at the conference showcased new tech designed to help people living in rural areas with their health care needs amid doctor shortages, boost research into women’s health and make life easier for people with disabilities. AI technologies have benefits in the over $4.3 trillion health care industry, according to Marschall Runge, professor of medical science at the University of Michigan. They’re good at analyzing medical imaging and can help streamline doctors’ busy schedules, but they can also promote biases and “hallucinate,” providing incorrect information stated as fact. “I would urge people not to think that the technology is the same as a well-resourced, thoughtful, research-driven medical professional,” said Cindy Cohn, executive director of the digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation. Privacy protections like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act do not cover information collected by consumer devices, and the companies could be using the data to train their AI models, or selling it to other businesses, Cohn said. With a lot of the gadgets at CES, it’s difficult to find out where your information is going, Cohn said. “You have to dig down through the fine print to try

to figure that out, and I just don’t think that’s fair or right for the people who might rely on it,” she said. But the creators of the products say their innovations fill in health care gaps, and they maintain they protect their customers’ privacy. Sylvia Kang, founder and CEO of Mira, said she created the egg-shaped hormone tracker because many of her friends were trying to conceive and realized they had no knowledge of their hormonal health. To use the “world’s mini hormone lab,” you dip a wand in urine, insert the wand into the monitor and look at the results on the app. Kang said her company uses AI to analyze female hormone data and has one of the world’s biggest hormonal health banks. The data is stored on the cloud and is not shared with anyone, Kang said. “There was no such thing before,” Kang said of her $250 product. Many gadgets at CES focused on women’s health, which has been historically underresearched and underfunded. Before 1993, women were excluded from clinical trials, and there still is little research on areas like menopause. While not every woman will have a baby, all women go through menopause, and “yet we know nothing about it,” said Amy Divaraniya, founder and CEO of the women’s health company Oova, during a session.

One gadget called Peri aims to better understand perimenopause—the transitional phase before menopause. The wearable device monitors hot flashes and night sweats and provides the data via an app.

IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY TO HEALTH CARE

OTHER products at CES were promoted as a way to increase accessibility to health information. The free medicine-focused AI chatbot called 0xmd helps improve access to medical information in areas with doctor shortages and provides a cost-effective alternative, said its founder and architect Allen Au. People can ask the chatbot questions about medicine, upload photos of a mole or rash, and submit their doctors’ notes for an easier-to-understand translation, Au said. “At the end of the day, I don’t think we will replace doctors,” but it can give people a second opinion, Au said. OpenAI announced on Wednesday its launch of ChatGPT Health, a similar platform. Cohn remains skeptical of consumer tech. She said they can help prepare people to ask the right questions of their medical professional, but they’re not going to be a substitute for a doctor. “People need to remember that these are just tools; they’re not oracles who are delivering truths,” she said.

Infinix unveils ‘Joyful Tech’ era at CES 2026 AT CES Showstoppers 2026, Infinix, an innovationdriven technology brand, unveiled a portfolio of groundbreaking innovations, signaling a new phase of mobile technology evolution under its “Joyful Tech, Beyond Limits” philosophy. From Infinix’s first global Satellite Communication solution to the industry’s first HydroFlow Liquid Cooling Architecture and Active Visual Backplate Technology for smartphones, Infinix is leaving a mark on the mobile tech world by breaking through the limits of connectivity, sustained performance, and personalized expression, entering a joyful new era of mobile innovation. The company is introducing satellite communication to a consumer-grade smartphone in an unprecedented way, marking another major move in pushing the boundaries of network versatility. With projected coverage of nearly two-thirds of the earth’s surface, Infinix vastly expands satellite connectivity compared with existing offerings. Technically, Infinix Satellite Communication supports 4kbps transmission, enabling industryleading dual-way, high-definition voice calls and short message service. Built on a unified communication system, this ultra-convenient configuration requires no additional registration and seamlessly switches between mobile roaming and satellite connectivity. The system supports both Speaker Mode and Bluetooth headset calling, ensuring clear voice pickup even in windy conditions and keeping users connected in remote areas or unexpected signal dead zones. With the Note 60 Series slated to be the first model featuring this solution, Infinix is vigorously driving a unified, Space-Air-Ground All-scenario Integrated Network. Democratizing the new technology to connect everything, everywhere, the company aims

to lay a foundation for bleeding-edge technologies such as 6G networks, and immersive experiences like AR or real-time environmental AI. Moreover, Infinix engineers have been hard at work developing the unique HydroFlow Liquid Cooling Architecture, one of the smartphone world’s most advanced liquid cooling solutions. At the center of this effort is the industry’s first Dual-PiezoelectricCeramic Single-Pump Technology. Using electric current to drive high-frequency deformation of piezoelectric ceramics, the system drives fluorinated liquid at a high-speed flow rate of up to 6.5 ml/ min—doubling the speed of conventional active liquid cooling systems. The liquid cooling channels are engineered to achieve 100 percent coverage of

the mainboard’s core heat sources for unprecedented cooling precision and efficiency. To further amplify this cooling power, Infinix introduces the world’s first piezoelectric fan technology designed for smartphones. Instead of bulky traditional blades, the system utilizes a 0.1mm ultra-thin vibrating sheet, which is only half the thickness of human hair, that pulses 25,000 times per second, creating a high-pressure, turbulent air jet that drives over 10x greater heat dissipation efficiency than traditional spinning blades. Thanks to the reliability of its solid-state structure, this fan operates in near silence for a comfortable user experience. Infinix is also entering an exciting new era of customization and expression through Active Visual

Backplate Technology that brings “living” character to devices without additional power consumption. Through precise optical microstructures such as the Color-Changing Louvre, High-Frame-Rate Continuous Dynamic Grating, and Naked-Eye 3D Film, reflected light is actively manipulated into a back panel design that changes with viewing angles and environments. Simply rotating the phone lets users enjoy flowing colors, vivid and continuous animations, or mesmerizing 3D stereoscopic images on the back cover. The company is also introducing the AI ModuVerse system, highlighting five powerful Modu accessories. Integrating advanced hardware and AI technologies, the modules connect to Infinix’s smartphones via a unified magnetic interface to expand its functional possibilities and enable scenario-based specialization and performance enhancement in specific fields. The AI ModuVerse includes: the Mic Modu for professional noise reduction; a magnetically attached anti-shake enhanced SportsCam Modu; a Meeting Modu integrating translation and notes generation; a StackPower Modu supporting on-demand power expansion; and a VlogCam Modu for AI-driven subject tracking and gesture control. With the showcase of these groundbreaking technologies at CES 2026, Infinix reaffirms its commitment to moving beyond the boundaries of mobile innovation. Integrating advanced satellite connectivity, pioneering cooling systems, personalized design elements, and a modular AI ecosystem, Infinix is actively shaping a future where technology delivers boundless joy, empowers creativity, and connects the world without limits. More information can be found at ph.infinixmobility. com.

A8 Saturday, January 10, 2026

Education BusinessMirror

Phil. Embassy in Rome honors Filipino ‘ragazzi’ graduates in Italy

HE Philippine Embassy in Rome hosted a tribute to Filipino “ragazzi” (youth) who recently graduated from Italian universities. The special event last December at the Embassy’s Social Hall recognized the academic achievements of 38 second- and third-generation Filipinos and Filipino-Italians who have successfully completed their university, vocational, and graduate studies across Italy. Sixteen of the 38 had high honors or perfect grades. Accompanied by their parents, they received Certificates of Recognition for their notable accomplishments. In his remarks, Ambassador Neal Imperial stated that “these graduates represent a diverse array of fields, showcasing the resilience and dedication of the new generation of Filipinos in Italy. Their academic success stories serve as a testament to the attainability and importance of higher education and technical training [here].” Imperial furthered that beyond mere diplomas, “education opens doors to opportunities, empowers dreams, and equips students with essential skills for a successful future.” The ambassador emphasized the transformative power of education not only in empowering Filipino youth abroad, but also in

strengthening community ties. He acknowledged the challenges faced by Filipinos in Italy, as he cited a 10-year survey that showed an average life expectancy of only 58.2 years for Filipinos— significantly lower than that of the Philippines (71 years) and Italy (84 years). The Filipino envoy attributed this disparity partially to long working hours and multiple job commitments, as he voiced his hope for a future where more Filipinos can attain higher-quality, betterpaying jobs that foster sustainable livelihoods. He also praised the parents for their unconditional support and sacrifices for their children. Commissioner Ernesto P. Maceda Jr. of the Commission on Elections or COMELEC highlighted that graduation marks only the initial milestone in a lifelong journey of growth and responsibility. He urged the graduates to find their purpose and calling, while leading with integrity and compassion. Maceda reminded them that as educated individuals, they have a responsibility to be aware of the needs within their communities and to actively contribute toward

T AMBASSADOR Neal Imperial, Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. (front row, center) and embassy officials pose with honorees who graduated with distinctions. DFA

informing and educating others. He also stressed the importance of civic involvement, as he encouraged graduates to participate in shaping the nation’s future by registering to vote in the 2028 national elections. Jofeth Genita Abello, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with highest honors (110/110 e lode) and worked part-time since high school, shared an inspiring message on behalf of the graduates: “My journey began with the sacrifices of my mother—an overseas Filipino worker from Bohol, and the guidance of mentors who nurtured my passion for technology,” Abello shared. “Through consistent hard work and a belief in the power of ‘I can,’ I graduated with top honors from Sapienza University, and am

now pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science specializing in Applied AI and Systems.” The honoree shared his story not to draw attention to himself, but to show that Filipino youth belong in spaces of innovation and excellence: “Opportunities in Italy await those who are willing to work hard, seek guidance, and follow their passions. For all graduates, remember: the future is not merely a distant dream—it begins today. Dream boldly, work smart, and never hesitate to assert: ‘I can.’” For the embassy, the event aimed to inspire Filipino ragazzi in Italy to pursue higher education and technical training, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing the welfare, development, and empowerment of youth compatriots abroad.

High-honor graduates demand transparency and accountability

oﬃcials. The challenge now is to sustain this culture and protect the voices driving this change.

For generations, from Marcoses to Dutertes, the youth have been voicing out, marching on the streets, and even sacrificing their lives to demand a better system for the Filipinos. And as long as the youth can still speak, the hope of Filipinos cannot be silenced in the fight for a better Philippines.

Cyril Karl B. Carandan (AB-Diplomacy and International Affairs): While practicing transparency and accountability within their own capacities, the youth’s specific role is to demand action. We, the youth, must use our collective voice to scrutinize official conduct, advocate for open government policies, and mobilize against any breach of public trust, thereby setting the standard for the next generation of leadership.

Jayson M. Pua (BS Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (HRIM)): The youth have the voice that amplifies a message. They still fight the same fight that was once fought by previous generations, as the Philippines is still in a deep hole, governed by the same dynasties with ambitions not to lead, but to loot the Filipinos.

ability from government officials. As digital natives, they are well-informed at navigating the intricacies of a polarized online landscape. With information at their fingertips, they are aware of injustices affecting their fellow countrymen and are proactive in channeling their desire for positive change. Through civic participation, voting, and community engagement, the youth work tirelessly as advocates for good governance and transparency.

the youth must be the decisive force, challenging systemic oppressions. They are fearless and have the power to amplify the exhaustion of people, helping the silenced to be recognized, and champion the future, in hopes of societal progression. By being decisive forces, we help express our dissent with government dishonesties and collectively drive for proactive actions, as our micro efforts in suppressing corruption can lead to macro possibilities shaping the future. As decisive forces, it is an oath to our nation that our future will not be built on immorality but on integrity, wisdom, and societal strength.

Miguel Louis N. Rivadenera (BS Information Systems): The youth play a key role in demanding account-

HE story of SM scholars continues after their graduation—thanks to the SM Foundation’s holistic support. They actively spread social good beyond the four walls of the classroom by supporting their families and communities. For the scholars, graduation marks a transition rather than an endpoint. Long after they leave campus, many alumni remain connected to the foundation, to one another, and to the communities that helped foster their abilities. The SM Group’s social good arm maintains engagement with its scholars beyond college through alumni activities, job fairs, and mentoring initiatives. Through SM Foundation’s Education Program, this holistic support is reinforced by regional assemblies, helping sustain a network of graduates who remain inspired to support their families, industries, and communities. One such alumnus is Peter Paul Alcober, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Saint Paul School of Professional Studies in 2019. He is now a finance business partner at a multinational company. “The years following my undergraduate studies have been a period of continuous growth, discovery, and professional development,” Alcober said. “After graduating, I was able to build a solid foundation in my field, taking on roles that strengthened my financial and analytical capabilities.” Alongside a progressive career, he pursued graduate studies and is set to complete his Master in Business Administration degree. He described the period after graduation as transformative, requiring discipline and strong time-management skills. Alcober said giving back to his family remains central to his life: “One of the most meaningful ways I’ve been able to give back is by providing emotional, practical, and financial support.” He also stays involved with the SM

Bianca Mae S. Elpedes (ABDiplomacy and International Affairs): The youth hold power, not only in numbers, but in voice and conviction. Comprising more than half of recent voters, the youth must stand not only as critics but as informed watchdogs: engaging in policy discussions, community education, and monitoring government performance through fact-based advocacy. The next step is to channel our collective anger and hope into strategy, institution-building, and accountability mechanisms, asserting our role in advocating for the passage of key legislation, including the AntiDynasty Bill, Independent People’s Commission Act, Party-list System Reform Act, and Citizens’ Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability. In doing so, we can effectively push for transparency and reinforce a culture where officials are truly accountable to the people.

scholar community, attending activities and mentoring younger professionals: “Whenever there are events, gatherings, or outreach programs, I do my best to attend because it’s a meaningful way to reconnect, give back, and stay engaged with the community that supported me. Staying involved has allowed me to maintain strong relationships with other scholars and continue supporting the foundation’s initiatives.” Another alumna, Danzel Bacaycay, took up Accountancy from Asia Pacific College in 2011. After gaining experience in finance, she entered the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Officer Candidate School and in 2013 was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Since then, Bacaycay has held key finance and leadership roles across several PAF units, and now serves as chief of the Command Information and Historical Office of the Air Mobility Command. She is also a third-year law student. “Thirteen years into my service, I still carry the discipline, perseverance, and humility instilled in me by my parents, my faith, and the SM Foundation,” she said. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she led the PAF Quarantine Response Team in Mandaue City, supporting public health and humanitarian efforts. “Giving back is not a one-time act; it is a way of life,” she said. “I also remain connected with SM Foundation whenever they reach out for updates, stories, or alumni participation. When invited to share my journey, I feel honored. It reminds me of how far I have come and how deeply the foundation has shaped my life.” Both alumni remain active within the SM scholar network, maintaining relationships with fellow graduates and responding when the foundation calls on them to share their stories. “Once an SM Scholar, always an SM Scholar,” Bacaycay said. “It is a lifelong badge of gratitude, resilience, and purpose.”

‘Balik Eskwela’ brings digital literacy, health aid, tech access to QCHS students

Clint Yestin G. Manangkil (BS HRIM): Beyond simply being voters,

Amanda Simone Ma. Katrina F. Kalaw (BS HRIM): The youth have multiple access to digital resources and platforms to stay continuously informed on government activities. Their collective, prominent online presence enables them to use these platforms to educate themselves and the public about their rights while engaging in constructive discourse. Through oﬃcial digital channels, the youth can promote accountability and swiftly call out government oﬃcials for actions that violate the public interest. This can establish a culture that demands transparency and accountability in government

SM scholars-alumni ask: What’s next after graduation?

SM Foundation’s scholarship program builds a network of graduates who remain inspired to support their families, industries, and communities.

STUDENTS SPEAK

S the overall political climate continues to focus on the misuse of government funds, the country’s youth has become involved, more than ever, in movements to spark change in society. At the forefront of last year’s anticorruption protests and mass demonstrations were student organizations and party-lists dedicated to the young. The latest crop of De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde summa cum laude graduates share their thoughts on the role of the youth to demand transparency and accountability from public officials.

Editor: Mike Policarpio

LOBE COOP’S “Balik Eskwela” initiative has reached more than 200 students at Quezon City High School (QCHS), providing a holistic learning experience designed to empower students both in the classroom and online. The initiative combines digital skills training, personal wellness support, and technology access, reflecting Globe Coop’s commitment to creating future-ready learners in today’s increasingly digital world. This is part of the Globe Coop CAREavan—an employee-led outreach program by Globe’s regional teams, delivering tailored initiatives nationwide to support vulnerable groups such as special children, teen mothers, fisherfolk, outof-school youth, students, and indigenous communities like the Mangyan and the Aeta communities. A core feature of the program are the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) workshops, which engage students in interactive sessions on responsible online behavior, digital safety, and critical thinking. Through these training sessions, students explored real-life scenarios and practical strategies to navigate social media responsibly, evaluate online content critically, and protect themselves in digital spaces. The sessions aimed to equip learners not only with technical knowledge but also with the confidence to make informed decisions online—an essential skill in today’s connected world. Alongside digital education, Globe Coop provided hygiene kits to students, supporting personal health and wellbeing. This aspect of the program ensured that students are ready to participate fully

in school activities, minimizing barriers to learning caused by health concerns. Each kit included essential items to promote proper hygiene practices, reinforcing the importance of self-care as part of holistic student development. Recognizing the vital role of technology in modern education, Balik Eskwela also focused on improving the school’s computer lab connectivity. Students now have access to faster, more reliable internet, enabling them to conduct online research, participate in digital learning platforms, and collaborate with peers on school projects. The upgraded lab allows students to fully leverage digital tools to support their academic growth and explore new learning opportunities beyond the classroom. “Balik Eskwela is about more than providing technology; it is about equipping students with the skills, resources, and support they need to succeed both in school and online,” said QCHS principal Dr. Remedios P. Danao. “By integrating digital literacy, health support, and improved access to technology, we are helping students build confidence, develop essential skills, and prepare for a future where learning and life increasingly intersect with the digital world.” Through the program, Globe Coop demonstrates a holistic approach to student development, said the telco firm. By combining educational workshops, wellness initiatives, and technology enhancements, the initiative creates a learning environment where students can thrive academically, safely navigate the digital landscape, and maintain personal wellbeing.

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan

Saturday, January 10, 2026 A9

LESSONS FROM ABU DHABI What the Philippines can pack and (unpack) from the UAE capital THE facade of the Qasr al Watan by day Photos by Charo Logarta

Y the time this comes out, President Marcos is off to Abu Dhabi to sign an economic partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates. This landmark accord increases possibilities for trade and investment between the Philippines and UAE. Given the chatter in the news and social media though about the country’s tourism sector over the yuletide holidays, one other angle the President and his official delegation can look at during their trip to the UAE is how it has become a major hub for tourism— changing over the years from villages subsisting on pearl diving and fishing, then to an oil-producer and exporter. Just in the first half of 2025, Abu Dhabi alone welcomed over four million visitors. Combined with Dubai and the other five Emiratis of the UAE, tourist arrivals from January to June 2025 alone reached over ten million. During the same period, three million foreign tourists visited the Philippines. Wealth gained from oil exports has helped Abu Dhabi in its transformation, but its success as a global tourist destination is not just because it had financial means. And as the Philippine delegation goes around Abu Dhabi, here are some insights I hope they can pick up: There’s a vision to build something unprecedented and iconic Landmarks in Abu Dhabi are nothing short of spectacular. There is purpose and intention in every detail— from the world’s largest marble floral mosaic in the massive courtyard and the incorporation of elements with Islamic design and architecture that depict humanity’s harmony and peace at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; to the colorful hodgepodge of reconstructed traditional dwellings, arti-

THE Great Hall of the Qasr al Watan boasts of a massive dome as an architectural focal point, representing Emirati heritage and legacy

INSIDE the world's first Ferrari World, home of the Ferrari Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world

san workshops, and cultural performances that celebrate its past at the Heritage Village. The Presidential Palace (or the Qasr al Watan) is not just for official functions and events of government, but also a key tourist attraction, drawing thousands daily to marvel at the grand Arabian architecture and the massive dome in The Great Hall. It’s open to the public, except when it needs to be used for state visits, meetings of world leaders, state banquets and other key events (which hopefully includes the signing of the Philippines-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement).

THE facade of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is made of white marble and intricale floral inlays and semi-precious stones blending Mughal, Moorish and Ottoman styles

THE courtyard of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque boasts of the world's largest marble mosaic artwork gin, Manet and Monet, get a sense of Pinoy pride with Juan Luna’s Una Bulaqueña on exhibit—loaned from the National Museum of the Philippines.

There’s always something exciting and enthralling

Tourists feel sense-sational AWED by the visual elements, a visit to Abu Dhabi’s landmarks is a feast for the senses. Many of the landmarks are deliberately infused with Arabian scents and even sound effects to amplify the experience. The surroundings are kept meticulously clean and neat, including ground landscaping. Eyesores are minimized as much as possible. There seems to be consensus to maintain a similar look and feel of a luxe Arabian experience across government-run tourist attractions, to privately-owned hotels and shopping malls.

PRICELESS works of art bask in natural light at the Louvre Abu Dhabi The Qasr al Watan for example, hosts the Palace in Motion light and sound show, commemorating the UAE’s journey. The show starts at about 6:30pm in front of the main palace, and is projected onto the facade of the building. It’s a must-see (and totally free). At the Emirates Palace (a Mandarin Oriental hotel property), its Le Café serves the OG 24-carat gold cappuccino—which really is nothing more but a regular coffee concoction dusted with

edible gold flakes, but served lavishly. (To experience the 24K Gold Cappuccino, you must be at the café before 6:00pm and it costs USD30.00 [about PHP1,800.00] per cup). And not to be missed is the Louvre Abu Dhabi—the product of an unprecedented cultural exchange between the UAE and France. Its unique design lets natural light pour in, creating a calm vibe and showcasing masterpieces with highlights and shadows. As you walk around and admire Gau-

YAZ Island has several theme parks, including Ferrari World and the fastest roller coaster in the world, a Warner Brothers park, and a Sea World. Keeping up the buzz entails constant investments in major events such as the F1 race, concerts and other shows that bring in foreign tourists. Disneyland Abu Dhabi is under development and is said to be the largest Disney theme park in the world.

Tourists come from every walk of life, from everywhere in the world THE global feel and effort to maintain the luxe Arabic narrative resonates with tourists from almost all demographics. Abu Dhabi (and the UAE for that matter) attract millions of tour-

ists from Europe, Central Asia, Africa, India and the rest of the Middle East. I even met several Japanese and South Korean tourists. Ease of travel and mobility help cinch those bookings. It’s very easy to book and pay for tickets for all tourist attractions, public transportation and even an Uber (or the local version, Careem). Even during peak season in Abu Dhabi, traveling and visiting was not totally inconvenience. Sure, there were long lines in popular attractions, but there was efficiency in the way tourists are managed so that wait times are cut. For a country with so much to offer as it is, there is so much opportunity for tourism in the Philippines. All the “raw material” is there—it’s really a matter of putting thought and care in planning, design and management— always answering these questions: “How do we want tourists to experience the Philippines?” and “What will it take for tourists to have a positive and enjoyable experience in our country?”

Puerto Princesa beyond the Underground River

INSIDE Underground River

IMMACULATE Conception Cathedral

ALAWAN has always been included in the top ten beaches/islands in the Philippines, even the world, together with Boracay, Siargao and other islands. What some people don’t realize is that it is the largest province in the country with roughly 1,780 islands, comprising almost 25 percent of the total number of islands in the Philippines. It has several tourism clusters like El Nido, Coron and its capital, Puerto Princesa. It is also the longest province with the southernmost point near the boundary of Malaysia. Kalayaan Group of Islands, the westernmost point of the country, is also part of Palawan. Dubbed The Last Frontier, Palawan is geologically different from the rest of the country. It is also the safest since there are no active fault lines.

Underground River

SABANG Mangrove River

MACAQUES at Underground River

Story & photos by George Ordoña

BUTTERFLY Garden & Tribal Village

ONE of the geological wonders is the Puerto Princesa Underground River. It is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also one of the longest underground rivers in the world but is only navigable by boat to tourists up to 4.3 kilometers. After land transfers from Puerto Princesa to Sabang, there is a 30-minute boat ride. Once you

board a non-motorized banca, you will be given an audio guide. Inside, in complete darkness, the boatmen will paddle quietly while you look awestruck at the stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Ranger Station

YEARS back, instead of taking the boat from Sabang, my tour group hiked and stayed at the Ranger Station. At night, we could hear the noise of the jungle. There were macaques, monitor lizards and a flock of birds perched on trees. I was about to swim at the beach when I saw a sea snake slither out of the water. Best time to visit the Underground River is during summer. There are alternative activities in Sabang such as the 800 meter Sabang Zipline with a top view of Sabang Beach at 150 feet. For those who want something laidback, try the Sabang Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour. I have been to several mangrove tours but this was special because the boatman just paddled slowly and the mangrove river was narrow, making it intimate and charming. Look for Lady/Lola Mangrove who will serenade you with her mangrove song.

Iwahig

WIDER and longer is the Iwahig River. We waited until sunset before we set sail. After about half an hour of cruising, we turned back when it was pitch black.

That’s the time when the guide turned on his flashlight and focused it on the main attraction of the mangrove -- fireflies! These tiny creatures flickered like Christmas lights in a sea of greens. Earlier in the day, we were at the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm. With a land area of 26,000 hectares, it actually looked more like a farm resort than a prison. It is an open-air penal colony which focuses on rehabilitation through vocational training, farming and education. Established in 1904 by the Philippine Commission under the Americans, Iwahig was declared a National Historical Landmark boasting several heritage structures such as the Administration Building, the Recreation Hall and others. There is a souvenir shop selling handicrafts made by the prisoners. I opted to buy an orange t-shirt typically worn by inmates, without a serial number, of course.

City Tours

BACK in the city proper, walk around and visit the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. This was founded by Recollect Saint, Ezequiel Moreno, in 1872. This was rebuilt several times until the current neo-gothic structure was completed in 1961. Adjacent is the Plaza Cuartel, a former military base, where American soldiers were massacred by the Japanese in 1944. Spend some time at the Palawan Museum.

Nearby is the Princess Eulalia Park which features the statue of Eulalia, the Spanish princess who Puerto Princesa was named after. There are also many mural paintings. For war history buffs, visit Palawan Special Battalion WWII Memorial Museum. You will find several war artifacts including a military jeep. For nature lovers who want to know more about the unique flora and fauna of Palawan, don’t miss Butterfly Eco Garden and Tribal Village. What’s a tour without shopping? For pearls, the place to go is Earl Jewelry and Souvenirs. For handicrafts and weaves, visit Binuatan Creations and participate in a weaving demonstration. Puerto Princesa is more than just a starting point. It is a major destination on its own. Food, adventure, and a bit of city life awaits you. Thank you Tourism Promotions Board, Dome Hotel and Jesher Jed Arquisola for this wonderful tour. George Ordoña is a seasoned traveller who has visited 70 out of 82 provinces in the Philippines. He is an accredited DOT tour guide. Aside from the regular tours, he also organizes heritage walking tours and food crawls in Quiapo and Pampanga. As a mountaineer and scuba diver, he is at home doing adventure travel. He can be contacted via 0960-6975930 or email at gpo.islander@gmail.com

A10 Saturday, January 10, 2026

TheWorld

Editor: Angel R. Calso

‘The Charter is not à la carte’: UN slams US move to cut funding for 31 agencies By Farnoush Amiri The Associated Press

EW YORK—The top United Nations official on Thursday said the United States has a “legal obligation” to keep paying its dues that fund U.N. agencies after the White House announced that it is withdrawing support from more than 30 initiatives operated by the world body. Sec ret a r y- Genera l A nton io Guterres said he regretted President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from 31 U.N.-related agencies, including the U.N.’s population agency and the U.N. treaty that establishes international climate negotiations. The US will also depart from dozens of other global organizations or initiatives

not affiliated with the U.N. “As we have consistently underscored, assessed contributions to the United Nations regular budget and peacekeeping budget, as approved by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all Member States, including the United States,” Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for Guterres, said in a statement. He added that despite the announcement, the U.N. entities targeted will keep doing their work: “The United Nations has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us.” The strong retort from the U.N. comes after the world body has spent the better part of the past year in a somewhat hostile and fragile back-and-forth with US of-

ficials, who, after Trump’s return to office, zeroed in on eliminating billions of dollars in aid and funding to international organizations like the U.N. and humanitarian assistance at large. Through many conciliator y public and closed-door appeals, U.N. officials, including Guterres, had been able to convince Trump and his allies not to completely abandon the institution the US helped found on the ashes of World War II, including through a $2 billion agreement for humanitarian assistance announced last month. But America’s retreat had already influenced other Western countries, including France and the U.K., to reevaluate humanitarian funding, with many shifting that money toward military spending.

But Wednesday’s announcement surprised diplomats at the highest levels of the U.N., who said they learned about the withdrawal through news reports and the White House social media. There has been no formal communication from the Trump administration outlining the decision, Dujarric told reporters. Many U.N. officials refused to comment on the impact it would have on their agencies because they had not been given details or official word from anyone in the US government.

Trump’s executive order

FOLLOWING a yearlong review of participation in and funding for all international organizations, Trump signed an executive order

suspending American support for 66 groups, agencies and commissions. Many of the targets are U.N.related agencies, commissions and advisory panels that focus on climate, labor, migration and other issues the Trump administration has categorized as catering to diversity and “woke” initiatives. The administration previously suspended support for the World Health Organization, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees known as UNRWA, the U.N. Human Rights Council and the U.N. cultural agency UNESCO. It has taken a larger, à la carte approach to paying dues to the world body, picking which operations and agencies it believes align with Trump’s agenda and those that no

longer serve US interests. Some of the agencies impacted, including the U.N. Population Fund, an organization that provides sexual and reproductive health services worldwide, have long been a lightning rod for Republican opposition, and Trump cut funding for it during his first term. The withdrawal from the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, or UNFCCC, came as less of a surprise as Trump and his allies had previously withdrawn US support from other climate initiatives. The 1992 agreement between 198 countries to financially support climate change activities in developing countries is the underlying See “Charter,” A11

TheWorld

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Saturday, January 10, 2026 A11

Iran cuts Internet, phones amid protests as exiled crown prince calls for support By Jon Gambrell

The Associated Press

UBAI, United Arab Emirates— Iran’s government cut off the country from the Internet and international telephone calls Thursday night as a nighttime demonstration called by the country’s exiled crown prince drew a mass of protesters to shout from their windows and storm the streets. The protest that went on into Friday morning represented the first test of whether the Iranian public could be swayed by Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, whose fatally ill father fled Iran just before the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. Demonstrations have included cries in support of the shah, something that could bring a death sentence in the past but now underlines the anger fueling the protests that began over Iran’s ailing economy. The demonstrations that have popped up in cities and rural towns across Iran continued Thursday. More markets and bazaars shut down in support of the protesters. So far, violence around the demonstrations has killed at least 42 people while more than 2,270 others have been detained, said the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. The growth of the protests in-

Charter. . . Continued from A10

treaty for the landmark Paris climate agreement. Trump withdrew from that agreement soon after returning to the White House. Simon Stiell, UNFCCC executive secretary, warned the US that the decision to pull back will harm “the US economy, jobs and living standards, as wildfires, floods, mega-storms and droughts get rapidly worse.” “The doors remain open for the US to reenter in the future, as it has in the past with the Paris Agreement,” he said in a statement. “Meanwhile, the size of the commercial opportunity in clean energy, climate resilience, and advanced electrotech remains too big for American investors and businesses to ignore.”

The US contribution to the UN budget

THE U.N.’s regular budget, which finances its

creases the pressure on Iran’s civilian government and its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. CloudFlare, an Internet firm, and the advocacy group NetBlocks reported the Internet outage, both attributing it to Iranian government interference. Attempts to dial landlines and mobile phones from Dubai to Iran could not be connected. Such outages have in the past been followed by intense government crackdowns. Iranian state television’s 24hour news channel did not acknowledge the Internet outage that cut the nation’s over 85 million people off from the world, highlighting instead food subsidies in their 7 a.m. Friday broadcast. Meanwhile, the protests themselves have remained broadly leaderless. It remains unclear how Pahlavi’s call will affect the demonstrations moving forward. day-to-day operations and primary activities, is funded by its 193 member nations, each paying a percentage based on the size of their economy. The US, the world’s largest economy, is supposed to pay 22%, followed by China, with 20%. There is a separate budget to fund the U.N.’s peacekeeping operations, where the US is required to pay 25%. U.N. officials said the US did not pay its annual contributions to the regular budget last year, an obligation outlined in the U.N. Charter. A member that is in arrears for two full years loses its vote in the General Assembly. “The charter is not à la carte,” Dujarric said. “We’re not going to renegotiate the charter.” All four other veto-wielding permanent members of the U.N. Security Council— China, France, Russia and the U.K.—have paid in full. China paid over $685 million. The Associated Press writer Edith M. Lederer contributed to this report from the United Nations.

REZA PAHLAVI, the son of Iran’s toppled Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, speaks during a news conference, June 23, 2025 in Paris. AP/THOMAS PADILLA

“The lack of a viable alternative has undermined past protests in Iran,” wrote Nate Swanson of the Washington-based Atlantic Council, who studies Iran. “ There may be a thousand Iranian dissident activists who, given a chance, could emerge as respected statesmen, as labor leader Lech Wałęsa did in Poland at the end of the Cold War. But so far, the Iranian security apparatus has arrested, persecuted and exiled all of the country’s potential transformational leaders.”

Thursday’s demonstration rallies at home and in street

PAHLAVI had called for demonstrations at 8 p.m. local (1630 GMT) on Thursday and Friday. When the clock struck, neighborhoods across Tehran erupted in chanting, witnesses said. The chants included “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” Others praised

the shah, shouting: “This is the last battle! Pahlavi will return!” Thousands could be seen on the streets before all communication to Iran cut out. “Iranians demanded their freedom tonight. In response, the regime in Iran has cut all lines of communication,” Pahlavi said. “It has shut down the Internet. It has cut landlines. It may even attempt to jam satellite signals.” He went on to call for European leaders to join US President Donald Trump in promising to “hold the regime to account.” “I call on them to use all technical, financial, and diplomatic resources available to restore communication to the Iranian people so that their voice and their will can be heard and seen,” he added. “Do not let the voices of my courageous compatriots be silenced.” Pahlavi had said he would offer further plans depending on

the response to his call. His support of and from Israel has drawn criticism in the past—particularly after the 12-day war Israel waged on Iran in June. Demonstrators have shouted in support of the shah in some demonstrations, but it isn’t clear whether that’s support for Pahlavi himself or a desire to return to a time before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranian officials appeared to be taking the planned protests seriously. The hardline Kayhan newspaper published a video online claiming security forces would use drones to identify those taking part. Iranian officials have not acknowledged the scale of the overall protests, which raged across many locations Thursday even before the 8 p.m. demonstration. However, there has been reporting regarding security officials being hurt or killed. The judiciary’s Mizan news agency report said a police colonel suffered fatal stab wounds in a town outside of Tehran, while the semiofficial Fars news agency said gunmen killed two security force members and wounded 30 others in a shooting in the city of Lordegan in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. A deputy governor in Iran’s Khorasan Razavi province told Iranian state television that an attack at a police station killed five people Wednesday night in Chenaran, some 700 kilometers (430 miles) northeast of Tehran. Late Thursday, the Revolutionary Guard said two members of its forces were killed in Kermanshah.

Iran weighs Trump threat

IR AN has faced rounds of nationwide protests in recent years. As sanctions tightened and Iran struggled after the 12-day war, its rial currency collapsed in December, reaching 1.4 million to $1. Protests began soon after, with demonstrators chanting against Iran’s theocracy. It remains unclear why Iranian officials have yet to crack down harder on the demonstrators. Trump warned last week that if Tehran “violently kills peaceful protesters,” America “will come to their rescue.” Speaking to talk show host Hugh Hewitt, Trump reiterated his pledge. Iran has “been told very strongly, even more strongly than I’m speaking to you right now, that if they do that, they’re going to have to pay hell,” Trump said. Trump demurred when asked if he’d meet with Pahlavi. “I’m not sure that it would be appropriate at this point to do that as president,” Trump said. “I think that we should let everybody go out there, and we see who emerges.” Meanwhile, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi remains imprisoned by authorities after her arrest in December. “ Si nce Dec. 28, 2025, t he people of Iran have taken to the streets, just as they did in 2009, 2019,” her son Ali Rahmani said. “Each time, the same demands came up: an end to the Islamic Republic, an end to this patriarchal, dictatorial and religious regime, the end of the clerics, the end of the mullahs’ regime.”

Sports BusinessMirror

A12 Saturday, January 10, 2026 | Editor: Jun Lomibao

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph

Eala eliminates Pole, earns ticket to semis F

OURTH seed Alexandra Eala defeated No. 5 Magda Linette of Poland, 6-3, 6-2, to advance to the semifinals of the Auckland Open on Friday at the ASB Centre in New Zealand. The Filipina finally took down world No. 52. Linette for the first time after three encounters. Eala dropped the opening game but quickly recovered, staying in control throughout and finishing the match in one hour and 37 minutes. The world No. 53 Eala had little trouble with the 33-year-old Linette’s serve, creating 14 breakpoint chances in victory and converting six and the 20-year-old dominated nearly all aspects of the match, reeling off eight wins in a nine-game stretch. Eala, the first ever player from the Philippines— man or woman—to reach the world’s top 50 in the pro tours, earlier survived a scare from Donna Vekic, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, before defeating Petra Marcinko, 6-0, 6-2, in the Round of 16. “I do what I can and if I see and opening, I think it’s important I go for it,” Eala told wtatennis.com. “Magda is such an experienced player and I had difficulties playing against her before, so I’m just happy to see my level increase and improve.” Eala, who won the Southeast Asian Games women’s singles in December in Thailand, will next take on seventh seed Wang Xinyu. The world No. 57 from China was leading, 6-4, 4-3, when Francesca Jones of Great Britain

retired because of a right thigh injury. Eala has won one Women’s Tennis Association Tour title, the Guadalajara 125 event. Wang has not won a singles title on the tour, but is a major winner in doubles, topping the French Open with Hsieh Su-Wei in 2023 and has reached a career high world ranking of 32, making the Round of 16 at the US Open in 2023 and Wimbledon in 2024. The 24-year-old Wang needed three sets in her opening match but has not dropped a set since.

Svitolina digs deep to advance

TOP seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine overcame Sonay Kartal of Great Britain, 6-4, 6-7 (2), 7-6 (5), to set up a semifinal showdown with Iva Jovic of the US, the tournament third seed and Eala’s doubles partner. Jovic, an 18-year-old WTA Tour winner and world ranked No. 35, defeated Sofia Costoulas of Belgium, 6-2, 7-6 (6). Svitolina, world-ranked 13, trailed 5-3 in the third set but dug deep to secure the win. Kartal had the upper hand for most of the match but Svitolina produced another superb defensive performance to stay in the match and clinch victory on her second match point. “There’s still a lot of adrenaline after that last set and the tiebreaker which is always very difficult and challenging,” said Svitolina, who was runner-up in Auckland in 2024. “All the credit to

Sonay, she played incredible and I think she deserved even more than me to win today.” Svitolina broke Kartal in the opening game of the first set but lost her serve in the fourth game and rallied from 4-2 down to take the set. Kartal opened a 5-2 lead in the second set but Svitolina again fought back to take the set to a tiebreaker. The British player had an early break in the final set but Svitolina broke back in the 10th game, forcing a tiebreak in which she held her first match point at 6-4. “She was serving really well as well so I had to stay tough and keep fighting and fighting again,” Svitolina said. “I think this brought me the win today.” The tournament in Auckland is an important tuneup event for the Australian Open, the season-opening major that starts in Melbourne on Januarya 18. AP and WTA

Sabalenka routs Keys, takes on Muchova next

GREGORIO

SBP names Coach RG chief of 3x3 program ALEX EALA is on a roll in Auckland and takes on China’s Wang Xinyu next. WTA PHOTO

GOLDEN State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacts to a play during the second half of their game against the Los Angeles Clippers Monday in Inglewood, California. AP

RISBANE—This rematch between the Australian Open finalists was lopsided and Aryna Sabalenka flipped the outcome with a straight-sets win over Madison Keys. Top-ranked Sabalenka broke Keys’s in five straight service games on the way to a 6-3, 6-3 win in one-and-a-half hours Friday to reach the semifinals of the Brisbane International, an important tuneup event for the Australian Open which begins January 18. “I didn’t really have the throwback to the Australian Open last year, to be honest,” Sabalenka said. “I know that I lost in Australia against her and it’s a big motivation, of course, to go out and get the win. “But I always look into the [next] match as like a new match against a new player. That’s my approach.” The defending Brisbane champion will next take on 11th-seeded Karolina Muchova, who had a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 win over Elena Rybakina to end a 13-match streak for the No. 3 seed. Fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula had a 6-3, 7-6 (3) quarterfinal win over No. 10 Liudmila Samsonova and will face either Mirra Andreeva or Marta Kostyuk in the semis. Muchova has the better of the career head-to-head meetings against Women’s Tennis Association Finals champion Rybakina. She also has a 3-1 record against No. 1 Sabalenka. “Doesn’t matter if I’m the one who is leading head-to-head or I’m the one who is losing—I don’t care,” Sabalenka said, adding that her focus is to control the kinds of emotions that derailed her sometimes when she was younger. “In the past, I could lose a match because I’d be so frustrated. Now I’m just

trying to move on like, ‘OK, whatever,’” she said. “I feel like it’s been working well for me.” Keys will head to Adelaide aiming to retain the title there and then hope to repeat the sequence from 2025, when she went on to win her first Grand Slam title two weeks later in Melbourne. “Hopefully I can gain and then just keep a lot of momentum going,” she said. “Hopefully there is many more firsts to come.” On a warm Friday afternoon on Pat Rafter Arena, Sabalenka got the first service break in the seventh game and then took six of the next seven games. Keys broke serve to open the second set in the only interruption in that sequence. AP

Back to basics Not even one of the most sophisticated arenas in the world could escape nature as staff go back to basics using mops and towels to rid the United Center in Chicago of moisture and condensation caused by temperatures that reached the mid-50s on a rainy Thursday. As a result, the Bulls-Miami Heat National Basketball Association games was postponed. AP

Kerr’s mom upset over coach’s actions leading to ejection

AN FRANCISCO—Steve Kerr upset his mother. Ann Kerr was mortified by the behavior of her 60-year-old coaching son, for the first time in quite a while. She didn’t approve of Kerr’s ejection in the fourth quarter of a one-point loss to the Clippers on Monday night, when the Warriors coach was held back from the officials by Gary Payton II, Gui Santos and assistant Terry Stotts. “All good other than my mom being terribly disappointed in me,” Kerr said of his 91-year-old mom before Golden State’s home game Wednesday against Milwaukee. “She was at the game, she looked horrified afterwards. She asked me if I was going to hit the referee. I said, ‘Mom, I’ve never hit anybody in my life,’ and she said, ‘it looked like you were going to hit him, why were all of those men holding you back?’ That’s all part of the theatrics. She didn’t understand. I was a little alarmed that she thought I was actually going to hit

somebody, that scared me.” Kerr received back-to-back technical fouls and his fifth career ejection after becoming angry with official John Collins over a missed goaltending call, according to Stotts. “I’m happy she got on Steve, that’s great,” Draymond Green said. Two days later, Kerr didn’t want to discuss exactly what set him off, saying, “there’s a reason Terry did media the other night” after the game. “I was upset about a couple calls,” he added. Stephen Curry appreciated Kerr’s outburst, even if it disappointed his mom. And Curry has been scolded by his mom plenty of times, too. “I’ve seen worse for sure, I couldn’t tell you exactly when but I know it’s been worse, but that’s a good motherson relationship and that she’s watching every game and locked in and cares as much as she does to call him out,” Curry said. “But we needed that fire, so Mrs. Kerr, we forgive him for sure.”

Bucks coach Doc Rivers joked he was disappointed in Kerr. “He acted like a fool, and I’m done with that from Steve,” said Rivers, who upset his late mother, Bettye, a time or two. “My mom was a churchgoing lady and I wasn’t using the right language one game and she called and let me have it. It’s interesting ‘cause you say ‘I’m sorry’ but do you know the next day you’re going to do it again. So it’s a tough one.” Kerr said his mom had questioned him before whether he was going to hit someone, but it had been a while. “Maybe my little brother,” Kerr said with a grin, making his exit from pregame duties. ESPN, meanwhile, has had one of its most-viewed starts to the National Basketball Association (NBA) regular season since it started to carry games in 2002. According to the network and Nielsen, ESPN averaged 2.6 million viewers in its first 21 games through

Mangosong, Cortez share honors in Baras motocross

B ARYNA SABALENKA: I didn’t really have the throwback to the Australian Open last year, to be honest. AP

ORNOK MANGOSONG emerged overall champion in both the MX1 and MX2 categories while John Anthony Cortez topped the open novice class of the amateur and development division of the recent 2025 Philippine National Motocross Championship (PNMC) at The Playground in Baras, Rizal.

The event was organized by Ride For Solidarity (RFS) Corporation with technical and logistical support from EL Racing Tech and sanctioned by the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association. Shana Tamayo was the ladies MX overall champion and Jolet Jao ruled the masters race of the two-day event staged on a 1.3-kilometer purpose-built motocross circuit.

The junior races saw Juan Pablo Dela Cuadra win the MX50 class, Prince Aaron Mata dominate the MX65 division, Joshua Tamayo rule the MX85 category and Niejel Torre bag the MX125 title. The RFS also presented the 2025 Rider of the Year Award to Mangosong, the legendary motocross athlete from Davao City. Mangosong delivered a commanding and dominant campaign

By Josef Ramos

HAMPION coach Ryan Gregorio will now head the country’s men’s 3x3 program, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipilinas (SBP) president Ricky Vargas told the Businessmirror on Friday. Gregorio’s appointment came as the country missed the podium at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games last month in Thailand. “We really need to improve our 3x3 for both men and women. It could have been four gold medals in the last Bangkok SEA Games,” Vargas said. “Basketball is the game of the Filipinos.” “It’s coach RG [Ryan Gregorio] and we will release it soon,” said SBP executive director Erika Dy, referring to the federation’s official announcement of Gregorio’s appointment. “We didn’t have a program head for 3x3 before,” said Dy, adding that Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) legend Ronnie Magsanoc was on top of discipline as team manager, and not program head, for six years. Gregorio, 53, played varsity basketball at the University of the Philippines and later coached the Fighting Maroons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines. He metamorphosed as assistant coach in the PBA and coached Purefoods, then at 29 years old, to a PBA Governors’ Cup title in 2002 and 2006 and 2009 Philippine Cup crowns. Gregorio served as special assistant to Al Panlilio during his term as SBP president in the recent past and was also an executive director of the MVP Sports Foundation. Dy said that as program head, Gregorio has the authority to name coaches for the men’s and women’s teams. “It has to be the program head to search for that. We will just approve and we do not have names, but we are searching for names although we cannot give names at the moment,” Dy said. After winning gold in the Philippine 2019 SEA Games, the country managed a bronze medal at the Vietnam Games in 2022 and silver in Cambodia 2023. Christmas, a 35 percent increase from last season and the second mostwatched in a full season. The numbers for this season only trail 2010-11. Viewership is up 47 percent among women and 37 percent among Hispanic audiences. This is the first year of the NBA’s 11-year media rights deal with ESPN, NBC and Prime Video. ESPN’s NBA studio shows have also experienced increased viewership. “Inside the NBA” is averaging 1.2 million in its first season on ESPN, up 135 percent compared to last year’s regular-season average on TNT. The Christmas Day edition averaged 5.1 million, the show’s most-watched regular season audience. The December 25 edition was also on ABC with the crew on for all five games throughout the day and prime time. “NBA Today,” ESPN’s weekday studio show, is averaging 361,000, a 26 percent increase from this time last year. AP throughout the championship, decisively ruling both the MX1 and MX2 premier divisions and cementing his status as the gold standard of elite Philippine motocross. Cortez, on the other hand, emerged as a standout performer of the season to earn the prestigious 2025 MX Rookie of the Year Award. The championship was the culmination of the 2025 national motocross season, drawing elite riders from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao from grassroots youth categories to veteran master classes.