Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) has granted P20.9 billion worth of tax subsidies to government institutions as of May, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).
In a statement, the DOF said the FIRB, chaired by Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, approved 10 tax subsidy
ICE watch group Bantay Bigas called on the government to impose a floor price of P21 per kilo for paddy rice. According to Bantay Bigas spokesperson Cathy Estavillo, the floor price would ensure that planters will earn at a fair price amid claims that some traders are purchasing palay at unreasonably low prices.
“[A floor price] should be set at no less than P21 per kilo,” Estavillo told the BusinessMirror
“The cost to produce a kilo of palay ranges from P17 to P18 per kilo according to farmers and based on [our] research, yet
it’s being bought at P13 or even P10 per kilo,” she added. Estavillo then urged the National Food Authority (NFA) to purchase more palay from farmers.
“[The NFA] needs to buy the rice from our farmers at a high price because we can’t expect anything if we rely on traders and millers to buy our farmers’ rice,” she said. For his part, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said the grains agency would send its staff to investigate the cases of alleged purchasing of palay at low prices.
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
THE national government’s debt service bill declined by 45.69 percent year-on-year as of the end of April, as amortization outweighed the increase in interest payments.
Latest data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed debt payments fell to P622.921 billion in the first four months of 2025 from P1.147 trillion in January to April 2024.
Broken down, 53.86 percent of the government’s debt service for the period consisted of amortization, while the remaining 46.14
percent was for interest payments. Amortization, or the repayment of principal loan, declined by 62.18 percent to P335.474 billion as of end-April from the P887.243 billion the government shelled out a year ago.
According to Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, the sharp drop in amortization likely reflects relatively lower national government debt and Treasury bond maturities compared to the same period last year. Domestic lenders were given significantly less: only P170.403 billion, down by 77.42 percent year-on-year from P754.770 bil-
lion. Foreign sources, meanwhile, were handed over P165.071 billion, up by 24.60 percent year-onyear from P132.473 billion.
Aug-Sept maturities
HOWEVER , Ricafort noted there would be relatively large government debt and Treasury bond maturities from August to September this year that must be serviced by then.
On the other hand, interest payments rose by 10.34 percent to P287.447 billion as of end-April from P260.488 billion in the same period last year. Interest paid to domestic sourc-
es amounted to P209.032 billion, 12.80 percent higher than the P185.305 billion shelled out a year ago. Of the amount, P16.075 billion was for obligations incurred through Treasury bills, P146.126 billion for fixed-rate Treasury bonds, P43.205 billion for retail Treasury bonds and P3.626 billion for other debt. Meanwhile, the government disbursed P78.415 billion in interest payments to external lenders, up by 4.29 percent from P75.183 billion last year. For April alone, the government’s debt payments climbed
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
THE total assets of the Philippine banking sector grew 5.53 percent in April 2025, according to the latest data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
The data showed total assets increased to P26.89 trillion in April 2025 from P25.48 trillion in the same period last year. The bulk or 93.5 percent of the assets of the banking system was
accounted for by Universal and Commercial Banks (UKBs) and the remainder, by Thrift Banks and Digital Banks. Data for Rural and Cooperative banks were not yet available for April 2025.
The data showed UKBs assets grew P25.15 trillion as of April 2025, or 5.1 percent higher than the P23.93 trillion recorded in April 2024.
Meanwhile, BSP reported that the total assets of Thrift Banks reached P1.12 trillion in April 2025.
This grew faster than UKB total banking assets at 8.53 percent in April 2025 from the P1.03 trillion posted in April 2024. Digital Banks also posted faster growth at 29.38 percent in April 2025. The data showed its assets rose to P125.63 billion in 2025 from the P97.1 billion posted in April 2024. Meanwhile, the banking sector’s liabilities reached P23.41 trillion in April 2025, a 4.46-percent growth from the P22.41 trillion posted in April 2024.
Sarte Salceda said the incoming Congress should pursue urgent fiscal reforms amid a tightening budget landscape in 2026, driven by the P464 billion in maturing Covid-era debts.
Salceda said this looming debt maturity poses a “major fiscal constraint” for the 2026 national budget. He explained that global interest rates are currently 1 to 1.5 percentage points higher than during the pandemic, making debt refinancing more expensive. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/06/05/ maturing-covid-debts-make-reforms-crucial/).
On World Oceans Day, PBBM urged: Prevent fisheries crisis
By Jonathan L. Mayuga
ANinternational nongovernment organization is urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to protect the nation’s marine resources and the millions of Filipinos who rely on the ocean’s bounty.
Ocean Philippines, an ocean conservation advocacy NGO, issued the call as the world marked World Ocean Day on June 8, with the global theme, “Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate.”
relations through a shared appreciation for culture and song.
According to Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz, these events reaffirm that beyond formal ties, the friendship between the Philippines and China is shaped by people—by Filipinos living and thriving in China, and by the connections they build. Their successes reflect a broader story: that China is a place where Filipinos can pursue their goals, contribute meaningfully, and be part of a shared future between two nations.
This year, the urgent focus on restoring fisheries abundance and protecting ocean health is deemed critical for the Philippines. The country is located at the center of marine biodiversity, but its people, particularly in coastal communities, are the most vulnerable to the impact of climate emergencies. The country’s biodiversity faces increasing threats, including the erosion of artisanal municipal fishers’ rights within the 15-kilometer municipal waters, the vulnerability of coastlines to climate-related disasters, and delays in passing essential
conservation laws.
Oceana is calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to act swiftly to ensure that the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) is competently defending the rights of artisanal municipal fishers and ensuring the sustainability of fishery resources. The recent ruling by the First Division of the Supreme Court—that the 15-kilometer municipal water boundary unconstitutional—poses a significant threat to the dwindling fish stocks and the livelihoods of over 2 million artisanal fisherfolk, the group said.
The DA-BFAR should strictly implement the law, particularly the vessel monitoring measures, the group stressed.
While 90 percent of all commercial fishing vessels reportedly have track-
ing devices installed, the agency must disclose the data to local government units (LGUs) at the very least, to help these track down commercial fishing vessels illegally operating inside municipal waters.
Another important measure, the National Coastal Greenbelt Bill pending in the Senate, must also be prioritized, said the group. The bill institutionalizes a science-based, community-driven framework to restore mangrove forest areas and protect these by building greenbelt zones in local coastal towns. It puts up safeguards in coastal barangays against the destructive impact
of climate change, Integrating disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the bill declaring Panaon Island in Southern Leyte a protected seascape has already passed the House of Representatives and the Senate. The bill has to be swiftly enrolled by Congress then approved the President’s signature. With five years to go, the declaration of Panaon Island as a protected seascape is an important contribution to the Philippines’ commitment to the global “30×30” target: protecting 30 percent of the country’s marine and terrestrial areas by 2030.
DMW to manning firms, recruiters: Register OFW temporary housing sites
TO help address the reported poor quality of temporary accommodations for overseas Filipino workers (OFW), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will now require private recruitment agencies (PRA) and licensed manning agencies (LMA) to register such facilities.
In a four-page Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2, series of 2025, DMW Secretary Hans J. Cacdac said such accommodations should be reported to their Licensing and Regulations Bureau (LRB).
“The LRB Director shall issue a notice of approval of the application for registration of an accommodation facility within five working days, upon determination of the agency’s full compliance with documentary and post qualification requirements,” he said.
PRA and LMAs must submit an original copy of Notarized Contract of Lease or proof of ownership of the building and its corresponding Valid Fire Safety Inspection Certificate classified a Group B Occupancy indicating the complete address of the accommodation; Original or Certified True Copy of Barangay Clearance/Permit specifying the purpose of the facility; sketch of the actual location; photos or videos of the facilities; name and contact number of person or caretaker/house manager in charge of managing the facility; copy of the accommodation house rules; and an Original Notarized Affidavit of Undertaking duly signed by the agency’s President, sole proprietor, or partner stating that they will grant DMW personnel access to the said facility.
DMW said such accommodations must be reasonably near the business address of the agency, otherwise, free transportation
must be provided to OFWs so it can qualify for registration.
It must also be in a sanitary and generally safe location with nearby hospitals, places of worship, and grocery stores; facing a public street or alley; equipped with adequate light and ventilation as well as kitchen and dining areas; and must be compliant with the minimum space measurement and occupancy limit as provided by laws, rules and regulations or local ordinances.
The OFWs who will stay in such facilities must also be provided with adequate food, beds with mattresses, toilet facilities with essential toiletries, individual lockers and internet connection.
DMW has tasked PRAs and LMAs to maintain a logbook of OFWs applicants who will stay in the facilities and submit quarterly reports to the concerned DMW Regional Office-Migrant Workers Protection Division (RO-MWPD).
PRAs and LMAs proven to have misrepresented any documents and information in their registration or to have violated the requirements under MC 2 will have their accommodation registration denied or canceled.
“The denial or cancellation of accommodation registration shall be without prejudice to the filing of administrative charges in accordance with the pertinent provisions of the applicable DMW rules and regulations,” Cacdac said.
MC 2 was signed in April but was only disseminated by the DMW General Service Division on 29 May 2025.
Last March, DMW conducted a mass inspection of temporary quarters for OFWs after it was revealed in a Senate hearing that some of the said facilities have crammed sleeping quarters, shabby comfort rooms and violated the Fire Code. Samuel P. Medenilla
“Whenever we can, we go to the farmer. We are also rushing the warehouse repairs so we can accommodate them,” Lacson told this newspaper. Under the NFA’s price range scheme (PRICERS), it buys clean and dry palay at P23 to P30 per kilo, while the price of fresh and wet palay ranges from P17 to P23 per kilo. NFA powers
MEANWHILE , Estavillo also sought for the amendment—if not the revocation—of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) that would allow the NFA to intervene in the market.
“Our call to repeal [the RTL] remains,” she said. “But if it is amended, it [should] restore the NFA’s mandate to subsidize the price of rice [and sell it] not just in Kadiwa centers but also in markets.” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier hinted at implementing a floor price for palay to protect local farmers from being underpaid.
He noted that the agency is looking for legal remedies that will allow it to implement the measure.
“The DA is seriously studying this, and we’re looking for legal avenues that would help us implement this measure if possible,” Laurel said. However, the DA chief said restoring some of the NFA’s regulatory functions would help the agency enforce the measure.
“Even if we have a floor price set, there’s no registry of traders. The NFA’s regulatory powers are really crucial,” Laurel said. Such functions include the need for retailers and traders to register with the NFA by law, since the agency is “blind” to who they are, according to the DA chief.
“So it’s like a cat-and-mouse game because by law it’s no longer required.” Ada Pelonia
by 73.72 percent year-on-year to P280.898 billion from P161.695 billion.
The increase was due to the 148.89 percent hike in amortization, which reached P234.452 billion from P94.199 billion a year ago. Interest payments, meanwhile, went down by 31.18 percent yearon-year to P46.446 billion from P67.496 billion.
The government’s debt service bill is seen to reach P2.051 trillion in 2025, based on this year’s
Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing. About P1.203 trillion will cover amortization, while P848.031 billion will go to interest payments. Last year, the government paid a record P2.020 trillion in debt payments, 26 percent higher than the P1.603 trillion settled in 2023.
Outstanding debt of the government climbed to a new record of P16.752 trillion as of endApril, on account of increased fundraising sourced domestically and externally.
the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation in 2024. The National Transmission Commission was provided P2 billion in tax subsidies, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissary and Exchange Service (AFPCES), P305 million. About P223 million in tax subsidies were also given to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) and P6.6 million to the University of the Philippines National Institute of Physics. For 2025, the FIRB has granted P223.2 million to the BTr and P58.5 million to the AFPCES. Tax subsidy is a fiscal privilege as the government assumes the taxes and duties from a government entity through budgetary appropriation. The taxes covered by the subsidy are excise taxes, duties and taxes on importations of equipment, materials, spare parts and supplies. Government institutions granted tax subsidies can concentrate their resources on delivering public services and augmenting their operational needs.
National government agencies, government-owned and -controlled corporations, government commissaries, state universities and colleges and other government instrumentalities are eligible for tax subsidies. Meanwhile, private entities are not eligible for tax subsidies in view of the Constitutional prohibition on the use of public funds for private undertakings.
The FIRB is an interagency committee mandated to determine what subsidies and tax exemptions should be modified, withdrawn, revoked or suspended.
GROUNDWORK FOR GROWTH: VILLAR LAND’S STRATEGIC LANDBANK PLAY
AS the Chinese proverb says, “The best
time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now.”
Th at wisdom underpins Villar Land Holding Corp.’s long standing strategy—acquiring overlooked and oftentimes undervalued idle land before demand peaks, staging a mix of phased developments to ensure early profits and recurring revenues, financing growth prudently, and eventually delivering tangible returns for its stakeholders.
Strategic acquisitions
Through decades of strategic acquisitions, publicly listed Villar Land has built a formidable landbank— its crown jewel being Villar City, a 3,500-hectare estate straddling southern Metro Manila and Cavite. Major infrastructure projects—from the Laguna Expressway and C-5 South Link to the planned LRT and commuter-rail extensions—have turned these once peripheral tracts into tomorrow’s commuter corridors. Connectivity gains have since fueled brisk pre-selling of residential communities in Villar City, spurred commercial leasing inquiries, and ignited early demand for mixed-use developments. By securing these strategic sites decades ago, Villar Land now enjoys an edge in a growth corridor that has begun benefiting from rising land values, dwindling developable land in the
metro, and a steady influx of residents and businesses.
Commercial lots
The rising prominence of Villar City is aptly reflected in its commercial lot pricing, a reliable barometer of land values.
At present, Villar City’s commercial lots are still competitive, relative to those in the more established nearby districts. For instance, commercial lot prices within Villar City’s Innovation District starts at P345,000 per sqm, below Filinvest City’s prices which range from P396,000 per sqm to P592,000 per sqm. Commercial lot prices in Ayala Land’s Cerca Alabang meanwhile stood at P420,000 per sqm. These comparable rates validates Villar Land’s fair-value revisions, mirroring actual transaction values in the market.
It should be noted that Villar City is still an emerging nexus for economic, lifestyle, cultural, and leisure activities. This leaves room for capital appreciation given the ongoing and upcoming developments that will enhance connectivity, introduce new commercial hubs and lifestyle centers, and attract institutional-grade tenants—transforming underutilized plots into vibrant mixed-use districts and
unlocking further upside for early investors.
For instance, infrastructure enhancements—like the Villar Avenue, which serves as the main thoroughfare connecting all districts in Villar City, the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX), and other future developments such as an integrated LRT system and Bus Rapid Transit network—are all poised to improve connectivity and convenience.
Villar Land has also announced, launched, and opened landmark developments since this megalopolis’ official launch in 2023.
A mong them is the 118-ha mixed-use estate called Forresta and the Forresta Cafe, which opened early 2024. Upcoming developments—such as The Stadium at Villar City, an 18-hole cham-
pionship golf course designed in partnership with Curley-Wagner Golf Design, and strategic collaborations like the University of the Philippines-Dasmariñas campus—highlight the megacity’s focus on deepening its role as a hub for sports, education, leisure and investment. Activities like fun runs, car-free Sundays and bike trails further reflect Villar City’s push for healthier, more connected communities.
For both homebuyers and investors, Villar Land clearly offers scale, strategic timing, and proven execution. And with Villar City, it is poised to maximize its landbank to create new prime growth corridors that can fuel progress, and deliver real and durable value.
Forresta is a nature-inspired residential community offering luxury living amidst verdant landscapes.
House supermajority sans one declare support for Romualdez
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
DESPITE the absence of a deputy speaker’s signature on the manifesto backing Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, the spokesperson of the lower chamber said the House chief continues to enjoy the support of 285 members of the incoming 20th Congress.
House spokesperson Princess Abante clarified that the support for Romualdez is voluntary and underscores the unity and resolve of the House to pursue the administration’s reform initiatives.
The National Unity Party (NUP), a key member of the supermajority coalition backing Romualdez’s continued leadership in the incoming 20th Congress, has expelled Deputy Speaker and Cebu Rep. Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco from its ranks.
NUP President and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte announced the expulsion, citing Frasco’s “unilateral and blatant breach” of the party’s official position in support of Romualdez.
He added that the NUP had unanimously declared its support for Romualdez, and Frasco’s public withdrawal of support without consulting party leaders directly contradicted this collective decision.
Meanwhile, Abante said that in a recent gathering, lawmakers from across the nation—including Central Visayas— reaffirmed their support for Romualdez.
As of Saturday, 285 members had formally
endorsed his continued leadership, she said. Abante said the gathering highlighted both regional issues and the lawmakers’ shared commitment to the Bagong Pilipinas vision and the leadership stability required to advance it.
“Though the meeting was quiet, the message was clear: strengthen cooperation to deliver services faster to the people,” she said.
She also emphasized that the House remains focused on passing laws that will make food more affordable, healthcare more accessible, jobs more available, and support more sustainable for workers, farmers, and small businesses.
“In these times when many Filipinos are in need, unity in Congress is not just political—it is essential to passing laws that bring real, tangible benefits to every Filipino family,” Abante said. Party-list Rep. Yedda K. Romualdez of Tingog, wife of the speaker, meanwhile firmly denied rumors that she is planning to run for a local position in Cebu, dismissing the speculation as false, misleading, and rooted in political intrigue.
The rumors—suggesting that she had relocated to Liloan and was being positioned to challenge established names in the next elections—surfaced amid reported tensions between Frasco and rival political camps.
Romualdez clarified that she has no political ambitions in the province and has not transferred her residency.
NSA welcomes Japanese Diet ratification of military pact
By Rex Anthony Naval
NATIONAL Security Adviser Eduardo
Año on Saturday night welcomed the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) by the Japanese National In a statement, Año said this is a defining moment in Philippine-Japan defense relations as the RAA is “timely, strategic, and grounded in shared interests.”
“The RAA enables joint operations, training, and humanitarian missions between our forces. More than that, it gives both nations the tools to act together, credibly and effectively, at a time when the security environment in the Indo-Pacific is becoming more volatile,” he added. Año also said that the agreement is not about expanding influence but on defending principles.
“It is about defending principles— sovereignty, stability, and the rule of law. It provides a clear framework for cooperation and sends an unmistakable message: the Philippines and Japan are prepared to stand together to uphold international law and a rules-based regional order,” he added Japan’s choice to pursue its first such agreement in Asia with the Philippines speaks to the deep trust between the two nations and a shared understanding of what is at stake,” the NSA said.
He added that the RAA is both a practical mechanism and a strategic signal.
“We thank the Government of Japan for its resolve and foresight. The Philippines is fully committed to operationalize this agreement and work with Japan to advance peace, security, and resilience in our region and around the world,” Año also said.
Lawmaker, Pinoy groups back Teodoro, Brawner on SCS issue
SENIOR lawmaker and three
Apatriotic Filipino organizations called for decisive action against misinformation and expressed strong support for Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and the Armed Forces chief of staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. for their brave stand against China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez commended the two top defense officials for calling international attention to China’s
hostile actions during the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
Rodriguez also praised Teodoro and Brawner for exposing and rejecting propaganda from “Media Unlocked,” a program run by state-owned China Daily, which attempted to entrap them during the forum.
Moreover, Rodriguez urged the government to launch countermeasures
Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, whose view – that the Senate’s personality as the impeachment court is not continuing – has been disputed by top Senate leaders past and present, gave a rundown on Sunday of how the “expedited trial” of 19 days can run.
Tolentino, who is not a member of the 20th Congress having lost his reelection bid, said he is prepared to pitch his proposal to the Senate, where protests are expected in the three session days this week as fears mount that proDuterte parties will prevail and prevent a trial.
Tolentino insisted on Sunday that the work of the impeachment court cannot “cross over,” and explained this is why he made the June 2 manifestation in ple -
Green
laser trained on incoming flights at Naia
THE Civil Aviation Authority asked law enforcement agencies, as well as the military, to determine the source of a powerful green laser that has been used to blind the pilots of incoming aircraft.
This a the agency said the flight of an Emirates Air flight from Dubai to Chinna, India, carrying 304 passengers was forced to go around when the pilots were hit be a powerful green laser beam that struck the cockpit.
The half-blinded pilots chose to go around instead of landing the aircraft with impaired eyesight.
Caap spokesman Eric Apolonio said that shining laser beams at aircraft poses a severe threat by impairing pilots’ vision, distractions, especially during critical landing procedure endangering the lives of passengers and crew on board.
The CAAP has recorded some incidents especially at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) where pilots of commercial flights were blinded by the laser beam prior to landing, Apolonio said.
“Some powerful laser beam can disrupt and even suspend airport activity if thelaser source cannot be immediately resolved,” Apolonio added. Nonie Reyes
nary that once the “constitutional clock” hits June 30, the case against Duterte will be deemed “functionally dismissed.”
However, Tolentino said in a radio interview on Sunday, “nothing stops the 19th Congress from promulgating its rules to allow for an expedited trial” to make it possible for a trial to begin and end within the term of the 19th Congress.
Here’s how Tolentino sees his proposed 19-day “expedited trial” unfolding, via a tweak in the Senate rules:
On June 11, as committed by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the Senate convenes as an impeachment court and hears the Articles of Impeachment from the House of Representatives prosecutors. It then
An O n June 21, the respondent s ubmits the response
n O n June 23, the case is s ubmitted to trial
n O n June 24 or 25, t he Prosecution makes a pr esentation of evidence
n O n June 26, the Defense
m akes its own presentation
n O n June 27, rebuttal by parties
n O n June 28, Prosecution and D efense split the time to m ake final arguments
n O n June 29, the impeachment co urt votes.
Asked if the 10 days given to respondent to reply can be shortened, Tolentino said that, while the respondent has had months to go over the case since February, the existing court rules as laid down by the Supreme Court had more or less fixed the 10-day period for respondent to reply. The 10-day period has “now been transformed into a substantive right” and it is better to respect that.
The senator acknowledged that having an “expedited trial” work “will entail cooperation” of both the prosecution and defense. Whatever rules the senators tweak in order to make this possible can be adopted right away, he added.
Trial must proceed
ALSO on Sunday, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian expressed hope that
the senators can convene as an impeachment court as scheduled on June 11, because, he warned, not doing so would seriously impact the integrity of the Senate and deepen the divisiveness in the land.
Failure by the Senate to carry out its constitutional mandate as an impeachment body will also impact the system of “accountability” because the Charter has entrusted to it the task of exacting accountability from high ranking officials, including the Ombudsman.
“For me, there is no uncertainty because we must follow the Constitution…convene the impeachment court once transmitted.’” There is “no need,” Gatchalian stressed, to vote on the draft, unnumbered, unauthored resolution seeking to dismiss the impeachment case even before a trial.
“The Charter is clear; wala na tayong dapat pag-usapan [there is nothing to talk about],” Gatchalian said of the draft resolution said to be making the rounds, and attributed to Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a loyalist of VP Sara’s father, the former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a separate interview on Saturday, former Senate President Vicente Sotto III said that this draft resolution should be thrown “to the dustbin of history.”
At least two former Senate presidents, Sotto and Franklin Drilon, have asserted that the work of the Senate as an impeachment court is continuing, and thus can cross over from the 19th to the 20th Congress.
Calls mount for Senate to start Sara trial
By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
MID the perceived delay in the start of the Senate trial of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, calls are mounting for the chamber to immediately convene as as impeachment court and hold the trial.
The latest to make the call is the Philippine Bar Association (PBA) which reminded the Senate of its “constitutional duty to hold an impeachment trial and not to forestall it.”
The PBA, the country’s oldest voluntary national organization of lawyers founded in 1891, stressed that the impeachment complaint against Duterte should not be dismissed without a trial being conducted by the Senate.
“The text of the Constitution is clear. It bears no ambiguity, except that which is now being forced upon it,” the statement read.
O avert the complications of a stalemate on the issue of whether or not the work of the Senate as an impeachment court can “cross over” to the 20th Congress, the chairman of the Senate Rules committee is crafting rules for an “expedited trial” for Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, with the view to having it run from June 11 to June 30. See “Lawmaker,” A5
“Let the trial be held as the Constitution commands. Require the prosecution to prove its case. And allow the respondent the chance to clear her name,” it added.
Members of the University of the Philippines College of Law earlier echoed the same position, calling on the Senate to allow the “truth unfold” in connection with the allegations against the Vice President.
Also on Sunday, the leaders of the three educational institutions called on the Senate to immediately proceed with the impeachment trial.
The deans of the schools and College of Law of the Jesuit-run Ateneo educational system in a statement said:
“We are making this urgent call in faithful response to our moral and spiritual duty as educators and
formators of future Ateneo lawyers. We pray that the Philippine Senate will likewise respond to its moral and constitutional duty as true servants of the public upon whom the public trust is reposed, one that is faithful to the truth and to the Filipino people.”
The deans of the schools and colleges of law of Ateneo de Manila University, Xavier University—Ateneo de Cagayan, Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Ateneo de Naga University signed the statement.
At the same time, the La Salle system backed the calls for the immediate trial said in a statement:
“As members of the Lasallian Family in the Philippines, committed to the values of faith, service and communion in mission, we raise our collective voice in strong condemnation of any and all efforts—covert or overt—to prematurely discard or obstruct the constitutional process of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“The impeachment is not merely a constitutional exercise; it is a sacred mechanism enshrined in the 1987 Constitution to ensure that the highest public officials remain answerable to the people they serve. Any attempt to suppress the process undermines the pursuit of truth, and the very foundation of democracy, the rule of law, and the principle that no one is above the law,” it said.
“We remind our Senators— both of the 19th and 20th Congress—of their constitutional duty to act as impartial stewards of justice, especially in matters involving the accountability of public officials. They are not mere spectators to political expedience; they are guardians of the Republic’s integrity. The least they can
do is to assure the Filipino people that the rule of law prevails, even when political pressures mount,” the La Sallian statement added. In its “Call for the Senate to Forthwith Proceed with the Impeachment Trial of Vice President Sara Duterte,” Adamson University urged the upper chamber to start the proceedings.
“The entire Adamson University community stands united in our firm call for the Senate of the Philippines to forthwith proceed with the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. We express deep concern over any and all efforts to delay, obstruct or prematurely dismiss this constitutionally mandated process,” the school said in its statement.
Earlier the Ateneo School of Government (AsoG) reminded the senators the senators of their “sacred duty” on the impeachment proceedings.
ASoG’s statement came on the heels of San Beda University Graduate School of Law professors’—including retired Supreme Court Associate Justices Adolf Azcuna and Jose Vitug, and graduate school dean Fr. Ranhilio Aquino— call for the Senate to hear the articles of impeachment against the Vice President.
At the same time, more than 100 members of the UP College of Law faculty called on the Senate to start the impeachment trial and “let the truth unfold.”
Several student councils also joined the call for the impeachment trial to proceed including those of the University of Santo Tomas, Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance, San Beda University, and Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Political Science and Public Administration.
Dole: 72K positions available in Independence Day jobs fairs
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
least 72,000 local and overseas
T
Ajobs will be available for jobseekers during the nationwide Independence Day job fair, the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) confirmed.
Assistant Labor Secretary Patrick Patriwirawan Jr. said on Friday that over 800 employers have committed to join the fair, which will be held in 49 sites across the country.
Among the top vacancies are production operators, sales clerks, call center representatives, service crew, and microfinance officers.
Those interested in joining are encouraged to visit PhilJobNet, the government’s online job-matching portal, to browse available positions ahead of the June 12 event.
“Job openings I mentioned, along with other vacancies to be offered during Independence Day, are already listed there,” Patriwirawan, the department’s officer in charge, said.
To improve the placement rate of jobseekers, Dole has rolled out its Career Development Support Program (CDSP), which is currently being implemented through Public Employment Service Offices (Peso).
“Under CDSP, we provide our fellow Filipinos with guidance through employment, career, and vocational counseling so they can be matched with jobs based on their qualifications,” Patriwirawan explained.
He added that Pesos have helped link over two million jobseekers annually to employment opportunities that suit their credentials—equivalent to a 90 to 95 percent placement rate.
In contrast, job fair placements remain lower.
During the last nationwide job fair on May 1, around 15 percent of jobseekers—or 37,279 individuals—were hired out of the 261,581 job vacancies offered.
This was considered an improvement from the 11 percent placement rate recorded during the 2024 Labor Day job fair.
Patriwirawan said upcoming event is part of the government’s Trabaho para sa Bayan plan, which aims to provide meaningful and productive employment for Filipinos by bridging the gap between jobseekers and available opportunities.
As of April 2025, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported a 95.9 percent employment rate (48.67 million Filipinos), while the unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent (2.06 million).
Group lauds SMC for bagging 2 major good governance awards
By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
ANONGOVERNMENT organization dedicated to environmental protection on Sunday lauded on of the country’s largest conglomerates for bagging two major good government awards.
The Million Trees Foundation, Inc. commended San Miguel Corporation (SMC) being given the awards at the 2025 Global Good Governance (3G) Awards.
The Global Good Governance Awards or 3G Awards celebrate individuals, governments, public and private institutions and NGOs that demonstrate making governance and sustainability strategic priorities of their organizations.
SMC was recognized with the 3G Leadership Award in Corporate Social Responsibility and 3G Best Sustainability Reporting Award by the Cambridge-IFA. The CSR award lauded SMC’s leadership in high-impact community programs, while the sustainability prize was for its detailed disclosures on environmental and social practices.
SMC won over other global nominees and is now at par with other global sustainability leaders across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.
Retired police Gen. Reynaldo V. Velasco, MTFI chairman emeritus, in congratulating SMC, said “We are proud of what SMC has achieved under the leadership of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang.” Velasco noted that even during his term as Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Administrator,
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against disinformation being spread by Chinese state media and warned the public to be vigilant against fake news, especially those targeting Philippine sovereignty and national officials.
During the event, two fluent Englishspeaking hosts from Media Unlocked tried to interview Teodoro and Brawner.
Teodoro called them “pretend journalists” and said their questions were deliberately provocative.
In the event, a Chinese military official questioned why the Philippines could not follow the example of its neighbors, such as Malaysia and Vietnam, which the official claimed opted for dialogue over territorial disputes instead of engaging in what he described as confrontational actions.
Teodoro said Brawner did not answer the Chinese hosts’ questions but that he did
DOTr told: Welcome more players in transport program
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz’ @joveemarie
SENIOR lawmaker on
ASunday called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to open the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) to more vehicle manufacturers and assemblers to bring down the cost of environment-friendly public utility vehicles (PUVs).
Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said that the limited number of suppliers accredited under the PTMP makes it difficult for local governments and transport groups to access affordable electric vehicles needed to replace outdated, smoke-belching jeepneys and buses.
Another problem, he said, is
that financing options for PUV operators and drivers under the PTMP are limited to the Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
“As we are talking about the cost of e-vehicles, I think one solution is to liberalize the accreditation of PTMP participants, because I know a lot of Filipino companies backed up by foreign funding that want to enter the EV market, particularly itong sa mga PUVs,” Villafuerte, speaking at a recent Commission on Appointments (CA) committee hearing on the appointment of Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon. Villafuerte, who serves as the CA majority leader, said liberalizing the program would attract
more investors in EV assembly and manufacturing, thereby making modern PUVs more affordable.
He noted that the Camarines Sur provincial government plans to roll out a PUV modernization initiative by taking out loans from LandBank or the DBP, with the province collecting monthly amortizations from participating drivers and operators.
Dizon acknowledged the challenges, stating that each modernized unit currently costs around P2.5 to P2.8 million.
After a 15 percent government subsidy, operators still need to shoulder approximately P2.3 million, with a monthly amortization of P40,000 over five years—or roughly P1,600 per day if the vehicle operates six days a week.
Dizon said President Marcos had already ordered a comprehensive review and overhaul of the modernization program.
Dizon agreed with Villafuerte’s call to open the program to more local and international players.
He mentioned Toyota Motor Philippines and BYD Cars Philippines, run by the Ayala Group, as examples of companies ready to supply PUVs—with Toyota even offering in-house financing.
He also noted that former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis Singson operates a vehicle plant in Batangas producing units at a much lower cost— around P1.3 million each.
“There are around 60 accredited suppliers now, and most of them are imports from China. We need to expand the supply base,” Dizon said.
Lawmaker seeks inquiry on impact of strong peso
ASENIOR congressman has asked the House of Representatives to conduct an inquiry into the impact of the strong peso on millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other affected sectors of the economy.
strategic use of capital controls as provided for under Section 72 of Republic Act 7635 [New Central Bank Act] to mitigate the adverse effects of a strong peso and enhance the country’s economic resilience,” Rodriguez stressed.
He suggested that the inquiry be conducted by the committee on banks and financial intermediaries, committee on economic affairs, committee on overseas workers affairs, committee on trade and industry, and committee on information and communications technology. He said the committees may come up with “informed policy recommendations that will promote economic stability, protect vulnerable sectors, and ensure inclusive growth.”
SMC has been very active in the promotion of sustainability across all its businesses including at the Luzon Clean Water Development Corporation (LCWDC), an SMC subsidiary. LCWDC manages the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply project and is the third MWSS concessionaire.
SMC is an institutional partner of the MTFI, an organization advocating for the rehabilitation of critical watersheds through tree-planting and tree-growing activities.
For MTFI Executive Director Melandrew T. Velasco, the honors reaped by SMC are well-deserved. “SMC is on top when it comes to honoring its commitments to promote sustainability.”
“We at MTFI are grateful for SMC’s support to our advocacies,” he added. Velasco said that as SMC continues to help drive the country’s economic growth, its CSR programs continue to expand anchored on the virtue of malasakit for the Filipino people and for the nation.
“To be counted among a distinguished line-up of globally recognized and successful companies is an honor. We thank Cambridge IFA behind the Global Good Governance Awards. As a company, we have also worked to grow not just in scale, but also in purpose—to be a force for good and help in nation-building,” Ang said.
“These honors are truly meaningful to us—they reflect the heart of what we do and why we do it. More than awards, they are reminders to stay true to our values, to run our businesses responsibly and to build a more inclusive and sustainable future,”Ang added.
“because they were asking so rudely.”
In a separate show of support, Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, chairman emeritus of three Filipino advocacy groups—Alyansa ng Bantay Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement, and Peoples Alliance for Democracy and Reform (PADER)—lauded Teodoro for firmly rejecting what he described as bullying tactics from Chinese military officials posing as journalists at the security forum. Goitia emphasized their unwavering support for the Philippine government’s defense of national sovereignty, citing China’s repeated violations of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which was signed on December 10, 1982.
Goitia said the questions posed to Teodoro were likely intended to provoke a hostile response. Instead, the defense chief’s composed and truthful replies earned admiration from those attending the forum. “Secretary Teodoro’s response can be
In House Resolution 2318, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez sought an assessment of the monetary and exchange rate policies of the Bangkok Sentral (BSP).
The latest exchange rate is P55.66 to one US dollar. Previously, it was P57-P58 to the dollar.
In his resolution, Rodriguez cited analyses by economists who “argue that the strong Philippine peso adversely affects the country’s export competitiveness, the income of OFW families, and the viability of local industries, particularly agriculture and manufacturing, by making exports more expensive and imports cheaper, leading to trade deficits and economic imbalances.”
“The appreciation of the peso reduces the peso value of remittances sent by OFWs, thereby diminishing the purchasing power of their families and potentially affecting domestic consumption, which is a significant driver of the Philippine economy,” he said.
He said the business process outsourcing sector, which is a major contributor to employment and foreign exchange earnings, “faces challenges due to a strong peso, which increases operating costs and reduces competitiveness of Philippinebased services in the global market.”
Local exporters and manufacturers are disadvantaged by a strong peso, as it makes their products more expensive in the international market, leading to reduced demand and potential job losses, he said.
“There is a need to assess the current monetary policies of the BSP, particularly its exchange rate policy, and explore the feasibility of measures, including the
considered an indirect insult coming from an official with integrity like him,” Goitia said in a statement.
He criticized China’s aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea, including incidents involving the Chinese Coast Guard’s use of water cannons, lasers, and harassment of Filipino fishermen. Meanwhile, Teodoro said the defense establishment is looking into the feasibility of building an airbase and naval station in Balabac, Palawan.
Teodoro said the planned construction includes a joint-use runway for the use of the Air Force (PAF) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap).
Teodoro, Balabac serves as a strategic location for the country because it is in an area where foreign vessels, including those of China, often take their route.
It is one of the largest islands in the southwest Philippines, where the South China Sea and Sulu Sea merge. Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
Monday, June 9, 2025
Russian attacks on Kharkiv kill 4, wound dozens as peace hopes fade amid escalating Ukraine war
By Samya Kullab And Volodymyr Yurchuk The Associated Press
KYIV, Ukraine—Russian attacks targeting the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv killed at least four people and wounded more than two dozen others on Saturday, officials said, as hopes for peace dimmed further.
The first wave on Ukraine’s secondlargest city was a large Russian drone-andmissile attack in the early hours. It killed at least three people and wounded 21 others, according to local officials. In the afternoon, Russia dropped aerial bombs on the city center, killing at least one person and wounding five more, Kharkiv’s mayor said.
The warring sides also accused each other of trying to sabotage a planned prisoner exchange, nearly a week after Kyiv embarrassed the Kremlin with a surprising drone attack on military airfields deep inside Russia.
Saturday’s barrage—the latest in near daily widescale attacks on Ukraine—included aerial glide bombs that have become part of a fierce Russian onslaught in the all-out war, which began on Feb. 24, 2022.
Kharkiv residents describe fiery trap
As firefighters and emergency workers bustled around attack sites in Kharkiv, residents described the strikes that damaged their homes and nearly took their lives on Saturday morning.
Alina Belous said that she had tried to extinguish flames with buckets of water to rescue a young girl trapped inside a burning building who had called out for help.
“We were trying to put it out ourselves with our buckets, together with our neighbors. Then the rescuers arrived and started helping us put out the fire, but there was smoke and they worried that we couldn’t stay there. When the ceiling started falling off, they took us out,” she said.
Local resident Vadym Ihnachenko said that he thought at first that it was a neighboring building going up in flames.
“But when we saw sparks coming from the top, we realized it was our building,” he said.
‘More pressure on Moscow is required’ UKRAINE’S air force said that Russia struck with 215 missiles and drones over -
night, and Ukrainian air defenses shot down 87 drones and seven missiles.
Several other areas in Ukraine were also hit, including the regions of Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, and the city of Ternopil, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in an X post.
“To put an end to Russia’s killing and destruction, more pressure on Moscow is required, as are more steps to strengthen Ukraine,” he said.
The Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday said that its forces carried out a nighttime strike on Ukrainian military targets, including ammunition depots, drone assembly workshops, and weaponry repair stations. There was no comment from Moscow on the reports of casualties in Kharkiv.
Kharkiv’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said that the strikes also damaged 18 apartment buildings and 13 private homes. Terekhov said that it was “the most powerful attack” on the city since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Children among the wounded KHARKIV’S regional governor, Oleh Syniehubov, said the morning’s attacks saw two districts in the city struck with three missiles, five aerial glide bombs and 48 drones. Among the wounded were two children, a baby boy and a 14-year-old girl, he added.
Six people are believed to be trapped under the rubble of an industrial facility in Kharkiv’s Kyiv district, The Kharkiv prosecutor’s office said in a statement on Telegram. Contact with those trapped was lost and rescue attempts have been ongoing since early afternoon, it said, without naming the facility.
On Saturday afternoon, Russian aerial bombs struck Kharkiv again, killing at least one person and wounding five others, the mayor said.
The morning strikes also wounded two people in the Dnipropetrovsk province further south, according to local Gov. Serhii Lysak.
Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry said that its forces shot down 36 Ukrainian drones overnight, over the country’s south and west, including near the capital. Drone debris wounded two civilians in the suburbs of Moscow, local Gov. Andrei Vorobyov reported.
No breakthrough on peace deal ON Friday, Russia struck six Ukrainian territories, killing at least six people and wounding about 80. Among the dead were three emergency responders in Kyiv, one person in Lutsk and two people in Chernihiv.
A US-led diplomatic push for a settlement has brought two rounds of direct peace talks between delegations from Russia and Ukraine, though the negotiations delivered no significant breakthroughs. But both sides remain far apart on their terms for an end to the fighting.
Prisoner swap called into question LATER, on Saturday, Russia and Ukraine each accused the other of endangering plans to swap 6,000 bodies of soldiers killed in action, agreed upon during direct talks in Istanbul on Monday that otherwise made no progress towards ending the war.
Vladimir Medinsky, a Putin aide who led the Russian delegation, said that Kyiv called a last-minute halt to an imminent swap. In a Telegram post, Medinsky said that refrigerated trucks carrying more
Taliban leader slams Trump’s travel ban on Afghans and calls US an ‘oppressor’
The Associated Press
THE top Taliban leader on Saturday slammed President Donald Trump’s travel ban on Afghans, calling the United States an oppressor, as Afghanistan’s rulers seek greater engagement with the international community.
The comments from Hibatullah Akhundzada marked the first public reaction from the Taliban since the Trump administration this week moved to bar citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, from entering the US.
Trump’s executive order largely applies to Afghans hoping to resettle in the US permanently, as well as those hoping to go to America temporarily, including for university studies.
Since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have imposed harsh measures, banned women from public places and education for women and girls beyond the sixth grade. And though they have so far failed to gain recognition as the country’s official government, the Taliban have diplomatic relations with several countries, including China and Russia.
A message from the leader Akhundzada released his message on the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” from the southern city of Kandahar, where he has set up base but is rarely seen in public.
In a 45-minute audio recording shared by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on X, Akhundzada denounced the Trump
administration for imposing “restrictions on people.”
“Citizens from 12 countries are barred from entering their land—and Afghans are not allowed either,” he said. “Why?
Because they claim the Afghan government has no control over its people and that people are leaving the country. So, oppressor! Is this what you call friendship with humanity?”
He blamed the US for the deaths of Palestinian women and children in Gaza, linking this allegation to the travel ban.
“You are committing acts that are beyond tolerance,” he added.
The Trump administration says the measure is meant to protect US citizens from “aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise
exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.”
It argues that Afghanistan lacks a competent central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and lacks appropriate screening and vetting measures. It also says Afghans who visit the US have a high visa overstay rate.
Trump also suspended a core refugee program in January, all but ending support for Afghans who had allied with the US and leaving tens of thousands of them stranded.
The Taliban offer amnesty
ALSO on Saturday, the Taliban prime minister said that all Afghans who fled the country after the collapse of the former Western-backed government are free to return home, promising they would be safe.
Israel retrieves body of Thai hostage as 95 people reported killed in Gaza
By Sam Mednick And Mohammad Jahjouh The Associated Press
TEL AVIV, Israel—Israel said Saturday it retrieved the body of a Thai hostage abducted into the Gaza Strip during the Hamas-led attack that sparked the war, as Israel’s military continued its offensive, killing at least 95 people in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Nattapong Pinta had come to Israel to work in agriculture. Israel’s government said he was seized from Kibbutz Nir Oz and killed early in the war, which began on Oct. 7, 2023.
Thailand’s foreign ministry said the bodies of two other citizens were yet to be retrieved. Thais were the largest group of foreigners held captive. Many lived on the outskirts of southern Israeli kibbutzim and towns, the first places overrun in the attack. Forty-six Thais have been killed during the war, according to the foreign ministry.
Israel’s defense minister said Pinta’s body was retrieved from the Rafah area in southern Gaza. The army said he was seized by the Mujahideen Brigades, the small armed group that also took two Israeli-American hostages, Judih Weinstein and Gad Haggai, whose bodies were retrieved on Thursday.
than 1,200 bodies of Ukrainian troops from Russia had already reached the agreed exchange site at the border when the news came.
In response, Ukraine said Russia was playing “dirty games” and manipulating facts. According to the main Ukrainian authority dealing with such swaps, no date had been set for repatriating the bodies. In a statement Saturday, the agency also accused Russia of submitting lists of prisoners of war for repatriation that didn’t correspond to agreements reached on Monday.
It wasn’t immediately possible to reconcile the conflicting claims.
New video of airfield drone attack UKRAINE’S Security Service on Saturday released a video said to show its audacious attack on Russian air fields Sunday in which Kyiv said that 41 Russian military aircraft was destroyed.
The video shows the flight path of one explosive-laden first person view, or FPV, drone—from takeoff from the roof of a modular building to the Belaya air field—where it appears to strike a Russian strategic bomber. Other aircraft are seen engulfed in flames, apparently from previous hits in Ukraine’s “Operation Spiderweb.”
A previous round of negotiations in Istanbul, the first time Russian and Ukrainian negotiators sat at the same table since the early weeks of the full-scale invasion, led to 1,000 prisoners on both sides being exchanged.
Joanna Kozlowska contributed to this report from London.
“Afghans who have left the country should return to their homeland,” Mohammad Hassan Akhund said. “Nobody will harm them.”
“Come back to your ancestral land and live in an atmosphere of peace,” the Taliban prime minister said in a message on X and instructed officials to ensure returning refugees were given shelter and support.
He also used the occasion to criticize the media for making what he said were “false judgements” about Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers and their policies.
“We must not allow the torch of the Islamic system to be extinguished,” he said. “The media should avoid false judgments and should not minimize the accomplishments of the system. While challenges exist, we must remain vigilant.”
The return of the Taliban rule
The Taliban swept into the capital of Kabul and seized most of Afghanistan in a blitz in mid-August 2021 as the US and NATO forces were in the last weeks of their pullout from the country after 20 years of war.
The offensive prompted a mass exodus, with tens of thousands of Afghans thronging the airport in chaotic scenes, hoping for a flight out on the US military airlift. People also fled across the border, to neighboring Iran and Pakistan.
Among those escaping the new Taliban rulers were also former government officials, journalists, activists, those who had helped the US during its campaign against the Taliban.
Separately, Afghans in neighboring Pakistan who are awaiting resettlement are also dealing with a deportation drive by the Islamabad government to get them out of the country. Almost a million have left Pakistan since October 2023 to avoid arrest and expulsion.
Israel’s military later said it killed the head of the Mujahideen Brigades, As’ad Aby Sharaiya, in Gaza City on Saturday.
Fifty-five hostages remain in Gaza. Israel says more than half are dead. Families rallied again Saturday evening in Israel, calling for a ceasefire deal to bring everyone home.
Hamas issued an unusual warning about another hostage, Matan Zangauker, saying Israel’s military had surrounded the area where he’s held and that any harm that came to him during a rescue attempt would be Israel’s responsibility. Israel’s military didn’t immediately comment.
“The decision to expand the (military) ground maneuver is at the cost of Matan’s life and the lives of all the hostages,” Zangauker’s mother, Einav, told the rally in Tel Aviv.
Israel continues its military offensive
A STRIKE in Gaza City killed six members of a family, including two children, according to the Shifa and al-Ahli hospitals. Israel’s military said the strike targeted the Mujahideen Brigades leader.
“This is the real destruction,” a man said as he carried the body of a small boy from the scene.
Four Israeli strikes hit the Muwasi area in southern Gaza between Rafah and Khan Younis. In northern Gaza, a strike hit an apartment, killing seven people including a mother and five children. Their bodies were taken to Shifa hospital.
“Stand up, my love,” one weeping woman said, touching the shrouded bodies.
Israel said it was responding to Hamas’ “barbaric attacks” and dismantling its capabilities. It said it takes all feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm.
Reports say some of the dead tried to get food aid
STAFF at Nasser hospital, which received the bodies of six people over the past 24 hours, said they were killed while on their way to get food aid. Much of Gaza’s population of over 2 million relies on aid after widespread destruction of agriculture as well as a recent Israeli blockade. Experts have warned of famine. Israel’s army has warned that the aid distribution area is an active combat zone during nighttime hours. It said several suspects attempted to approach troops operating in the Tel alSultan area overnight “in a manner that posed a threat.” The army said troops called out, then fired warning shots as the suspects advanced.
An army official who couldn’t be named in line with military procedures said the shots were fired about a kilometer (halfmile) from the distribution site.
Over the past two weeks, shootings have occurred frequently near the new hubs where thousands of desperate Palestinians are being directed to collect food. Witnesses say nearby Israeli troops have opened fire, and more than 80 people have been killed, according to Gaza hospital officials. Israel’s military has said it fired warning shots or, in some instances, at individuals approaching.
The hubs are run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a new group of mainly American contractors. Israel wants it to replace a system coordinated by the United Nations and aid groups.
A GHF spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity in accordance with the group’s rules, said it didn’t feed Gaza residents on Saturday and blamed Hamas threats. There was no immediate Hamas response.
Israel accuses Hamas of siphoning off aid under the U.N.-led system. The U.N. and aid groups deny there’s significant diversion of aid to militants and say the new system — which they have rejected — allows Israel to use food as a weapon, violates humanitarian principles and won’t be effective.
The U.N says it has been unable to distribute much aid under its system because of Israeli military restrictions on movements and insecurity.
Separately, Palestinians lined up at a soup kitchen in Gaza City for handouts on the second day of Eid al-Adha. “I have been standing here for more than an hour and a half. I feel I have a sunstroke, and I am in need,” said Farida al-Sayed, who said she had six people to feed. “I only had lentils, and I ran out of them.”
Death tolls since the war began HAMAS-LED militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the Oct. 7 attack and abducted 251 hostages. Most were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israeli forces have rescued eight living hostages and recovered dozens of bodies. Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants. The offensive has destroyed large parts of Hamas-run Gaza and displaced around 90% of its population of roughly 2 million Palestinians.
Mohammad Jahjouh reported from Rafah, Gaza Strip. Bassem Mroue and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut, and Natalie Melzer in Nahariya, Israel, contributed to this report.
Angel R. Calso
A VIEW after a Russian attack that hit a residential building in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Saturday, June 7, 2025. AP PHOTO/ANDRII MARIENKO
A TALIBAN fighter stands guard near the Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque as people attend the Eid al-Adha prayer in Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, June 7, 2025. AP PHOTO/EBRAHIM NOROOZI
Trump deploys California National Guard to LA to quell protests despite governor’s objections
By Michelle L. Price, Eric Thayer And Morgan Lee
The Associated Press
ARAMOUNT, Calif.—Presi -
Pdent Donald Trump is deploy -
ing 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles over the objections of Gov. Gavin Newsom after a second day of clashes between hundreds of protesters and federal immigration authorities in riot gear.
Confrontations broke out on Saturday near a Home Depot in the heavily Latino city of Paramount, south of Los Angeles, where federal agents were staging at a Department of Homeland Security office nearby. Agents unleashed tear gas, flash-bang explosives and pepper balls, and protesters hurled rocks and cement at Border Patrol vehicles. Smoke wafted from small piles of burning refuse in the streets.
Tensions were high after a series sweeps by immigration authorities the previous day, including in LA’s fashion district and at a Home Depot, as the weeklong tally of immigrant arrests in the city climbed past 100. A prominent union leader was arrested while protesting and accused of impeding law enforcement.
The White House announced that Trump would deploy the Guard to “address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester.” It wasn’t clear when the troops would arrive.
people with deportation orders on Saturday, but none were at the Home Depot. The Department of Homeland Security has a building next door and agents were staging there as they prepared to carry out operations, he said on Fox11 Los Angeles. He didn’t say how many people were arrested Saturday or where.
Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons told multiple news outlets that community members showed up in response because people are fearful about activity by immigration agents.
“When you handle things the way that this appears to be handled, it’s not a surprise that chaos would follow,” Lemons said.
Some demonstrators jeered at officers while recording the events on smartphones.
the work the immigration authorities were doing when met with protests is “essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States. In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens.”
The president’s move came shortly after he issued a threat on his social media network saying that if Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass did not “do their jobs,” then “the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”
per pushed back, saying the law should be invoked “only in the most urgent and dire of situations.”
Trump did not invoke the act during his first term, and he did not do so Saturday, according to Leavitt and Newsom.
Arrests in Los Angeles PROTESTS kicked off a day earlier in Los Angeles after federal authorities arrested 44 people for violating immigration law Friday. DHS later said recent ICE operations in Los Angeles resulted in the arrest of 118 immigrants, including five people linked to criminal organizations and people with prior criminal histories.
In a signal of the administration’s aggressive approach, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth threatened to deploy the US military. “If violence continues, active-duty Marines at Camp Pendleton will also be mobilized — they are on high alert,” Hegseth said on X. Trump’s order came after clashes in Paramount and neighboring Compton, where a car was set fire.
Protests continued into the evening in Paramount, with several hundred demonstrators gathered near a doughnut shop, and authorities holding up
Newsom, a Democrat, said in a post on the social platform X that it was “purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions.” He later said the federal government wants a spectacle and urged people not to give them one by becoming violent.
Italians vote on citizenship, job protections amid low awareness and turnout concerns
By Giada Zampano The Associated Press
ROME—Italians vote over two days starting Sunday on referendums that would make it easier for children born in Italy to foreigners to obtain citizenship, and on providing more job protections. But apparent low public awareness risks rendering the vote invalid if turnout is not high enough.
Campaigners for the change in the citizenship law say it will help second-generation Italians born in the country to nonEuropean Union parents better integrate into a culture they already see as theirs.
Italian singer Ghali, who was born in Milan to Tunisian parents, urged people to vote in an online post, noting that the referendum risks failure if at least 50% plus one of eligible voters don’t turn out.
“I was born here, I always lived here, but I only received citizenship at the age of 18,’’ Ghali said, urging a yes vote to reduce the residency requirement from 10 to five years. The new rules, if passed, could affect about 2.5 million foreign nationals who still struggle to be recognized as citizens. The measures were proposed by Italy’s main union and left-wing opposition parties. Premier Giorgia Meloni has said she would show up at the polls but not cast a ballot — an action widely criticized by the left as antidemocratic, since it will not help reach the necessary threshold to make the vote valid.
“While some members of her ruling coalition have openly called for abstention, Meloni has opted for a more subtle approach,” said analyst Wolfango Piccoli of the Teneo consultancy based in London. “It’s yet another example of her trademark fence-sitting.’’
Rights at stake
SUPPORTERS say this reform would bring Italy’s citizenship law in line with many other European countries, promoting greater social integration for long-term residents. It would also allow faster access to civil and political rights, such as the right to vote, eligibility for public employment and freedom of movement within the EU.
“The real drama is that neither people who will vote ‘yes’ nor those who intend to vote ‘no’ or abstain have an idea of what (an) ordeal children born from foreigners have to face in this country to obtain a residence permit,” said Selam Tesfaye, an activist and campaigner with the Milan-based human rights group “Il Cantiere.”
“Foreigners are also victims of blackmail, as they can’t speak up against poor working conditions, exploitation and discrimination, due to the precariousness of the permit of stay,” she added.
Activists and opposition parties also denounced the lack of public debate on the measures, accusing the governing centerright coalition of trying to dampen interest in sensitive issues that directly impact immigrants and workers.
In May, Italy’s AGCOM communications authority lodged a complaint against RAI state television and other broadcasters for a lack of adequate and balanced coverage.
“This referendum is really about dignity and the right to belong, which is key for many people who were born here and spent most of their adult life contributing to Italian society. For them, a lack of citizenship is like an invisible wall,” said Michelle Ngonmo, a cultural entrepreneur and advocate for diversity in the fashion industry, who has lived most of her life in Italy after moving as a child from Cameroon.
“You are good enough to work and pay taxes, but not to be fully recognized as Italian. This becomes a handicap for young generations, particularly in the creative field, creating frustration, exclusion and a big waste of potential,” she said.
The four other referendums aim to roll back labor reforms, making it harder to fire some workers and increase compensation for those laid off by small businesses, reversing a previous law passed by a center-left government a decade ago. One of the questions on the ballot also addresses the urgent issue of security at work, restoring joint liability to both contractors and subcontractors for workplace injuries.
barbed wire to keep the crowd back. Crowds also gathered again outside federal buildings in downtown Los Angeles, including a detention center, where local police declared an unlawful assembly and began to arrest people.
Standoff in Paramount EARLIER in Paramount, immigration officers faced off with demonstrators at the entrance to a business park, across from the back of a Home Depot. They set off fireworks and pulled shopping carts into the street, broke up cinder blocks and pelted a procession of Border Patrol vans as they departed and careened down a boulevard.
US Attorney Bill Essayli said federal agents made more arrests of
“ICE out of Paramount. We see you for what you are,” a woman said through a megaphone. “You are not welcome here.” More than a dozen people were arrested and accused of impeding immigration agents, Essayli posted on X, including the names and mug shots of some of those arrested. He didn’t say where they were protesting.
Trump calls up the Guard
TRUMP federalized part of California’s National Guard under what is known as Title 10 authority, which places him, not the governor, atop the chain of command, according to Newsom’s office.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that
Trump signed the order shortly before he went to attend a UFC fight in New Jersey, where he sat ringside with boxer Mike Tyson. Newsom said in his statement that local authorities “are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice,” and “there is currently no unmet need.”
The California Highway Patrol said Newsom directed it to deploy additional officers to “maintain public safety.”
In 2020, Trump asked governors of several states to deploy their National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., to quell protests after George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police. Many agreed and sent troops.
Trump also threatened at the time to invoke the Insurrection Act for those protests—an intervention rarely seen in modern American history. But then-Defense Secretary Mark Es -
David Huerta, regional pr esident of the Service Employees International Union, was also arrested Friday while protesting. The Justice Department confirmed that he was being held Saturday at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles ahead of a scheduled Monday court appearance.
Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for his immediate release, warning of a “disturbing pattern of arresting and detaining American citizens for exercising their right to free speech.”
Lee reported from Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Price from Bridgewater, New Jersey. Associated Press writers Zeke Miller and Eric Tucker in Washington and Rebecca Boone in Boise, Idaho, contributed
US inflation to tick higher as tariffs reach consumers
By Vince Golle & Craig Stirling
US consumers probably saw slightly faster inflation in May, notably for merchandise, as companies gradually pass along higher import duties.
Prices of goods and services, excluding volatile food and energy costs, rose 0.3 percent in May, the most in four months, according to a Bloomberg survey of economists. In April, the so-called core consumer price index climbed 0.2 percent.
The measure, which is regarded as a better indicator of underlying inflation, is seen accelerating for the first time this year—to 2.9 percent—on an annual basis, based on the median projection.
Wednesday’s report, along with producer price data the following day, will offer Federal Reserve officials a final look at inflation and the impact of higher tariffs before they gather for a June 17-18 policy meeting.
“We expect a soft print for May’s CPI, with deflation in discretionary services more than offsetting firmer goods inflation. As the recent beige book flagged, some firms are passing through tariffs costs. We see partial pass-through in categories like furniture, apparel, and auto parts. But airfares are falling sharply, and hotels and recreational services are downshifting too,” said Bloomberg economists Anna Wong, Stuart Paul, Eliza Winger, Estelle Ou and Chris G. Collins.
Despite President Donald Trump’s efforts to jawbone central bankers into quickly lowering interest rates, Fed Chair Jerome Powell and his colleagues have indicated they have time to assess the impact of trade policy on the economy, inflation and job market.
US central bankers have entered a blackout period ahead of their policy meeting.
In addition to the inflation data, weekly initial jobless claims data will be scrutinized for signs of stress in the labor market; Thursday’s report showed applications rose in the final week of May to the highest level since October. Nonetheless, Friday’s jobs report indicated employment growth is moderating yet still healthy.
In Canada, tourism figures for
May are likely to show an ongoing steep decline in visits to the US. Manufacturing sales for April are also expected to drop as tariffs hammer exports, and national balance sheet data for the first quarter will reveal how household incomes and wealth fared as Trump ramped up his threats and began rolling out levies.
Elsewhere, inflation measures from China to Brazil, along with UK and euro zone wage data, may be among the highlights.
Asia
THE week in Asia starts with a data blast from China expected to underscore the disinflationary drag that’s dampening manufacturing activity as trade momentum also slows.
Inflation gauges due on Monday are seen showing that consumer prices fell in May by 0.2 percent, the fourth straight month of declines, while the drop in factory-gate prices deepened to minus 3 percent, the steepest retreat since November 2023.
With supply overwhelming demand, the figures will probably stoke concerns that policy efforts to boost consumption since the fourth quarter aren’t gaining much traction.
China’s export growth is forecast to slow to 6 percent in May, with a key focus being shipments to the US after they slumped 21 percent year on year in April. Taiwan also releases trade statistics in the coming week.
Elsewhere, Japan revises firstquarter gross domestic product data after the latest batch of capital investment figures. Most economists expect GDP to remain in a modest contraction.
Australia releases gauges for business confidence and consumer sentiment on Tuesday, and India publishes an inflation report Thursday that’s expected to show CPI gains moderated for a seventh straight month in May, justifying the RBI’s decision to lower the benchmark repurchase rate by 50 basis points.
Late in the week, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Trump to announce a trade deal. They’ll likely sit down on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit that starts June 15 in the village of Kananaskis
in the Canadian Rockies, or possibly a day earlier in Washington. Europe, Middle East, Africa UK data and policy will be in focus, firstly with wage numbers on Tuesday that may show a further easing in pay pressures. The unemployment rate, meanwhile, is expected to have edged up in the three months through April to the highest since 2021—albeit at a still-moderate level of 4.6 percent.
A day later, the UK spending review will offer a clearer view of the government’s priorities for the coming parliamentary term. It’s a crunch moment as Keir Starmer’s administration struggles to regain momentum after a faltering first year in power.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to detail hundreds of billions of pounds of investment in projects to fix Britain’s creaking infrastructure as she attempts to demonstrate that the Labour Party is serious about growth.
O n Thursday, the first reading of UK monthly GDP in the current quarter will be released. Economists anticipate a decline of 0.1% for April, which would mark the first drop in half a year. Trade data will also be published.
In the euro zone, the most notable hard data will be industrial production and trade numbers on Friday. The releases for April will offer a glimpse into how Trump’s initial on-off tariff onslaught impacted manufacturing and exports at the start of the second quarter.
On Wednesday, the European Central Bank will publish its wage tracker, a key measure of pay pressures in the euro region. This should offer reassurance to officials after their decision to declare their fight against inflation effectively over.
Appearances in the wake of that meeting, at which policymakers cut rates for an eighth time, include speeches by the central bank governors of Spain, France, Austria and Finland, along with ECB Vice President Luis de Guindos, chief economist Philip Lane, and Executive Board member Isabel Schnabel.
Turning to the Nordics, Sweden’s monthly tracker of GDP is published on Tuesday, as are inflation numbers from Norway and Denmark.
A couple of rate decisions are scheduled in the wider region: ON Tuesday, Kenyan policymakers may cut borrowing costs for a sixth straight meeting, after inflation stayed below the 5 percent midpoint of their target range for a 12th consecutive month. Price growth there is being restrained by a stronger shilling, subdued demand, and lower global oil prices.
Serbia’s central bank decision is on Thursday. Officials will possibly keep borrowing costs unchanged for a ninth month, even as inflation inches closer to their target.
Latin America BY the end of the week, consumer price reports for May will be in from all five of the region’s big inflationtargeting economies.
The early consensus expects inflation to have cooled in Brazil from April’s 5.53 percent, stalled just above 5 percent for yet another month in Colombia, and definitively powered through the 4 percent target range ceiling in Mexico. Economists in Mexico and Colombia don’t see inflation falling back to target within their forecast horizons, while counterparts in Chile are making that call for year-end 2026. Brazilian economists don’t see it happening before 2029.
Peru’s central bank, led by Julio Velarde, the region’s longest serving central bank chief, has inflation below the 2 percent mid-point of its 1 percent to 3 percent target range, but the early consensus sees policymakers holding the key rate at 4.5 percent.
The most dramatic gains in Argentine President Javier Milei’s battle to get inflation under control—the annual rate is now under 50 percent from 289 percent after slowing for 12 straight months—are over. Even so, analysts surveyed by the central bank see the monthly rate slowing to under 2 percent soon and ending 2025 under 30 percent, a pace not seen since mid-2018.
The 911 presidency: Trump flexes emergency powers in second term
By Byron Tau, Seung Min Kim & Chris Megerian The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—Call it the 911 presidency. Despite insisting that the United States is rebounding from calamity under his watch, President Donald Trump is harnessing emergency powers unlike any of his predecessors.
Whether it’s leveling punishing tariffs, deploying troops to the b order or sidelining environmental regulations, Trump has relied on rules and laws intended only for use in extraordinary circumstances like war and invasion.
An analysis by The Associated Press shows that 30 of Trump’s 150 executive orders have cited some kind of emergency power or authority, a rate that far outpaces his recent predecessors. The result is a redefinition of how presidents can wield power. Instead of responding to an unforeseen crisis, Trump is using emergency powers to supplant Congress’ authority a nd advance his agenda.
“What’s notable about Trump is the enormous scale and extent, which is greater than under any modern president,” said Ilya Somin, who is representing five US businesses who sued the administration, claiming they were harmed b y Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs.
Because Congress has the power to set trade policy under the Constitution, the businesses convinced a federal trade court that Trump overstepped his authority by claiming an economic emergency to impose the tariffs. An appeals court h as paused that ruling while the judges review it.
Growing concerns over actions
THE legal battle is a reminder of the potential risks of Trump’s strategy. Judges traditionally have given
presidents wide latitude to exercise emergency powers that were created by Congress. However, there’s growing concern that Trump is pressing t he limits when the US is not facing the kinds of threats such actions are meant to address.
“The temptation is clear,” said Elizabeth Goitein, senior director of the Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security Program and an expert in emergency powers. “What’s remarkable is how little abuse there was before, but we’re in a different era now.”
Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who has drafted legislation that would allow Congress to reassert tariff authority, said he believed the courts would u ltimately rule against Trump in his efforts to single-handedly shape trade policy.
“It’s the Constitution. James Madison wrote it that way, and it was very explicit,” Bacon said of Congress’ power over trade. “And I get t he emergency powers, but I think it’s being abused. When you’re trying to do tariff policy for 80 countries, that’s policy, not emergency action.”
The White House pushed back on such concerns, saying Trump is justified in aggressively using his authority.
“President Trump is rightfully enlisting his emergency powers to quickly rectify four years of failure and fix the many catastrophes he inherited from Joe Biden—wide open borders, wars in Ukraine and Gaza, radical climate regulations, historic inflation, and economic and
national security threats posed by trade deficits,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. Trump frequently cites 1977 law to justify actions OF all the emergency powers, Trump has most frequently cited the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, to justify slapping t ariffs on imports.
The law, enacted in 1977, was intended to limit some of the expansive authority that had been granted to the presidency decades earlier. It is only supposed to be used when the country faces “an unusual and extraordinary threat” from abroad “to t he national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States.”
In analyzing executive orders issued since 2001, the AP found that Trump has invoked the law 21 times in presidential orders and memoranda. President George W. Bush, g rappling with the aftermath of the most devastating terror attack on US soil, invoked the law just 14 times in his first term. Likewise, Barack Obama invoked the act only 21 times during his first term, when the US economy faced the worst economic
collapse since the Great Depression. The Trump administration has also deployed an 18th century law, the Alien Enemies Act, to justify deporting Venezuelan migrants to other countries, including El Salvador. Trump’s decision to invoke t he law relies on allegations that the Venezuelan government coordinates with the Tren de Aragua g ang, but intelligence officials did not reach that conclusion.
Congress has ceded its power to the presidency CONGRESS has granted emergency powers to the presidency over the years, acknowledging that the executive branch can act more swiftly t han lawmakers if there is a crisis. There are 150 legal powers—including waiving a wide variety of actions that Congress has broadly prohibited—that can only be accessed after declaring an emergency. I n an emergency, for example, an administration can suspend environmental regulations, approve new drugs or therapeutics, take over the transportation system, or even override bans on testing biological or chemical weapons on human sub -
jects, according to a list compiled b y the Brennan Center for Justice.
Democrats and Republicans have pushed the boundaries over the years. For example, in an attempt to cancel federal student loan debt, Joe Biden used a post-Sept. 11 law that empowered education secretaries to reduce or eliminate such obligations during a national emergency.
T he US Supreme Court eventually rejected his effort, forcing Biden to find different avenues to chip away at his goals.
Before that, Bush pursued warrantless domestic wiretapping and Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the detention of Japanese-Americans on the West Coast in camps for the duration of World War II.
Trump, in his first term, sparked a major fight with Capitol Hill when he issued a national emergency to compel construction of a border wall. Though Congress voted to nullify his emergency declaration, lawmakers could not muster up enough R epublican support to overcome Trump’s eventual veto.
“Presidents are using these emergency powers not to respond quickly to unanticipated challenges,” said
John Yoo, who as a Justice Department official under George W. Bush helped expand the use of presidential authorities. “Presidents are using it to step into a political gap because Congress chooses not to act.” Trump, Yoo said, “has just elevated it to another level.”
Trump’s allies support his moves
Conservative legal allies of the
PRESIDENT also said Trump’s actions are justified, and Vice President JD Vance predicted the administration would prevail in the court f ight over tariff policy.
“We believe — and we’re right — that we are in an emergency,” Vance said last week in an interview with Newsmax.
“You have seen foreign governments, sometimes our adversaries, threaten the American people w ith the loss of critical supplies,” Vance said. “I’m not talking about toys, plastic toys. I’m talking about pharmaceutical ingredients. I’m talking about the critical pieces of the manufacturing supply chain.” Vance continued, “These governments are threatening to cut us off f rom that stuff, that is by definition, a national emergency.”
Republican and Democratic lawmakers have tried to rein in a president’s emergency powers. Two years ago, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the House and Senate introduced legislation that would have ended a presidentially-declared emergency after 30 days unless Congress votes to keep it in place. It failed to advance.
Similar legislation hasn’t been introduced since Trump’s return to office. Right now, it effectively works i n the reverse, with Congress required to vote to end an emergency. “ He has proved to be so lawless and reckless in so many ways. Congress has a responsibility to make s ure there’s oversight and safeguards,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who cosponsored an emergency powers reform bill in the previous session of Congress. He argued that, historically, leaders relying on emergency declarations has been a “path toward autocracy and suppression.”
Trump warns Elon Musk of ‘serious consequences’ if he backs Democrats
By Michelle L. Price & Bill Barrow
BThe Associated Press
RIDGEWATER, N.J.—President Donald Trump is not backing off his battle with Elon Musk, saying Saturday that he has no desire to repair their relationship and warning that his former ally and campaign benefactor could face “serious consequences” if he tries to help Democrats in upcoming elections.
Trump told NBC’s Kristen Welker in a phone interview that he has no plans to make up with Musk. Asked specifically if he thought his relationship with the mega-billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX is over, Trump responded, “I would assume so, yeah.”
“I’m too busy doing other things,” Trump continued. “You know, I won an election in a landslide. I gave him a lot of breaks, long before this happened, I gave him breaks in my first administration, and saved his life in my first administration, I have no intention of speaking to him.”
The president also issued a warning amid chatter that Musk could back Democratic lawmakers and candidates in the 2026 midterm elections.
The president’s latest comments suggest Musk is moving from close ally to a potential new target for Trump, who has aggressively wielded the powers of his office to crack down on critics and punish perceived enemies.
As a major government contractor, Musk’s businesses could be particularly vulnerable to retribution. Trump has already threatened to cut Musk’s contracts, calling it an easy way to save money.
The dramatic rupture between the president and the world’s richest man began this week with Musk’s public criticism of Trump’s “big beautiful bill” pending on Capitol Hill. Musk has warned that the bill will increase the federal deficit and called it a “disgusting abomination.”
Trump criticized Musk in the Oval Office, and before long, he and Musk began trading bitterly personal attacks on social media, sending the White House and GOP congressional leaders scrambling to assess the fallout.
As the back-and-forth intensified, Musk suggested Trump should be im
“If he does, he’ll have to pay the consequences for that,” Trump told NBC, though he declined to share what those consequences would be. Musk’s businesses have many lucrative federal contracts.
peached and claimed without evidence
The Vance interview was taped Thursday as Musk’s posts were unfurling on X, the social media network the billionaire owns.
During the interview, Von showed the vice president Musk’s claim that Trump’s administration hasn’t released all the records related to Epstein because Trump is mentioned in them. Vance responded to that, saying, “Absolutely not. Donald Trump didn’t do anything wrong with Jeffrey Epstein.”
“This stuff is just not helpful,” Vance said in response to another post shared by Musk calling for Trump to be impeached and replaced with Vance.
“It’s totally insane. The president is doing a good job.” Vance also defended the bill that has drawn Musk’s ire, and said its central goal was not to cut spending but to extend the 2017 tax cuts approved in Trump’s first term. The bill would slash spending and taxes but also leave some 10.9 million more people without health insurance and spike deficits by $2.4 trillion over the decade, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.
“It’s a good bill,” Vance said. “It’s not a perfect bill.”
PRESIDENT Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. AP PHOTO/EVAN VUCCI
Coffee, coco oil prices surge in May–report
QBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
UOTATIONS for commodities being imported and exported by the Philippines surged in May, according to the World Bank’s latest report.
Data from the World Bank showed that the prices of coffee varieties, such as arabica and robusta, sustained their rally last month. The market was struck by supply constraints cause by weather-related shocks.
per kilo, respectively, this year. If realized, these figures would mark an increment from the average prices of both varieties in 2024 at $5.62 per kilo and $4.41 per kilo, respectively.
Meanwhile, the average price of cocoa also went up by 19.23 percent to $8.99 per kilo last month from $7.54 per kilo a year ago. This was higher than last the average price of $7.33 per kilo recorded in 2024.
The price of the key ingredient used in making chocolates has remained elevated due to supply concerns in West Africa, considered a cocoa powerhouse, which triggered a global dwindling stockpile.
indicated that fertilizers like DAP and urea were more expensive in May. The average quotations of critical farm inputs like urea climbed to $392 per MT from $284.8 per MT last year, while DAP prices stood at $669.2 per MT from $522 per MT in the previous year.
Average arabica prices soared by 72.64 percent to $8.77 per kilo in May from $5.08 per kilo in the same period of the previous year, while the average quotation for the robusta variety rose by 29.70 percent to $5.24 per kilo from $4.04 per kilo.
The World Bank expects prices of arabica and robusta varieties to settle at $8.50 per kilo and $5.50
Backyard hog raisers seen benefiting from livestock bill
By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie
THE ratification of the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed Livestock Development and Competitiveness Act is a “gamechanger” in terms of bringing down food prices and improving livelihood prospects for millions of Filipinos, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said on Sunday.
Now harmonized between the Senate and the House, Romualdez said the bill is set for enrollment and transmission to Malacañang for the President’s signature.
“This measure brings us closer to what every Filipino family deserves: affordable, safe food on the table and meaningful livelihood for those who feed the nation. We are directly addressing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize food security and rural development.”
Romualdez said the measure is aligned with the “Bagong Pilipinas” vision of President Marcos, addressing the needs of both consumers and producers.
The proposed law seeks to increase the local production of pork, chicken, dairy, and eggs by providing support to smallholder farmers and upgrading the country’s livestock supply chains.
Romualdez said the measure is not just about boosting the livestock industry but about ensuring equity and long-term sustainability for all stakeholders.
“For backyard raisers and livestock farmers who’ve long been left behind, this is the support they’ve been waiting for—access to credit, veterinary care, postharvest facilities, and infrastructure that can finally elevate their livelihood.”
The bill also aims to attract more investments in feed mills, slaughterhouses, cold storage, and logistics infrastructure, which are expected to drive job creation and rural development.
“Through this measure, we’re creating the conditions for sustained rural development. Jobs will follow where there is investment. That’s how you empower communities from the ground up,” Romualdez said.
Additionally, the bill mandates stronger biosecurity protocols and food safety standards to protect consumers from animal diseases and to ensure the availability of high-quality meat and dairy products.
“Legislation like this proves that when Congress acts in harmony with the Executive, genuine progress becomes not just possible but inevitable,” he said.
“With the President’s signature, this game-changing law will become a powerful tool for economic inclusion, grassroots empowerment, and national food resilience.”
The National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. noted that as much as 65 percent of hogs produced in the Philippines come from backyard farms. Prior to the outbreaks of African swine fever, a disease that is fatal to hogs, the pork self-sufficiency of the country was at 95 percent.
Meanwhile, the outbreaks of bird flu may be fewer now, but poultry growers remain in fear of incurring huge losses if their farms are struck by the contagious disease, according to the Philippine Egg Board Association. The 2017 outbreak, which almost crippled the poultry industry in Luzon, continues to haunt many growers, some of whom were forced to shut down their operations for good.
Despite this, International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) projects global cocoa output to rebound by 7.8 percent to 4.84
million metric tons (MMT) this year, with a surplus of 142,000 metric tons (MT). However, projected grindings— an indicator of consumption—
would shrink by 4.8 percent this year to 4.65 MMT from 4.89 MMT in 2023/24, based on ICCO estimates. Data from the World Bank also
As for the Philippines’ top farm export, World Bank figures showed that the average prices of coconut oil skyrocketed by 95.58 percent to $2,742 per MT last month from $1,402 per MT a year ago. Given the sustained increase in prices of the tropical oil, the World Bank projected that the average coconut oil quotation will settle at $1,800 per MT this year. This figure is higher than the average price of $1,519 per MT recorded in 2024.
Mega Prime Foods wants to acquire local food brands
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
CANNED sardines maker
Mega Prime Foods Inc.
(MPFI) said it is keen on acquiring branded local health and wellness products, both food and non-food, in its bid to double its business every 5 years.
“Part of our long-term strategy is to horizontally diversify and expand. So, this includes acquisitions of different brands that need help, whether partnerships or complete acquisition,” Marvin Tiu Lim, chief growth and development officer of Mega Prime Foods, said during a press briefing held in Taguig City last Friday.
“For the acquisition, we’re looking into branded food, branded
non-food. We’re also looking into Filipino brands that need help in distribution and marketing, that might have a problem in succession planning, Legacy brands out there that we all love and we don’t want them to slowly die, right? So, we’re here, we’re open, and we really want to help.”
The Mega Prime Foods exec, however, did not disclose the brands it intends to acquire.
“What we really want is to transform the business into a health and wellness business.”
He said there are already ongoing negotiations with other brands as the firm aims to close at least one acquisition deal before the year ends.
Last year, Mega Prime Foods acquired Jimm’s Coffee Mix.
“We acquired Jimm’s Coffee last July. So, it’s a big acquisition.
It’s the leading herbals coffee mix.
It’s a Davao-based brand, so we’re really happy, because a lot of coffees that we drink out there are not Filipino. We want something from the Philippines, something that we can be proud of and we can export.”
Mega Prime Foods said it will consider an initial public offering to beef up its war chest for its acquisition plans.
“There are banks that could help us and if we do go public, that will also be a big help for potential acquisitions,” the company exec said.
He noted that the company is satisfied with its Jimm’s Coffee Mix as it has been performing well.
“We’ve been selling more than they’ve been selling before but there’s still a long way to go but we’re very happy with the performance.”
MPFI is targeting to grow by 28 percent this year, which company executives deem as a “higher CAGR [compound annual growth rate] than usual,” making this the fastest growth rate of the company so far.
“This is higher than usual primarily because we have the 50th Anniversary promotion. We also have Jimm’s acquisition,” Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan, CEO of Mega Prime Foods said.
The company’s portfolio includes Mega Sardines, Mega Tuna, Mega Premium, Mega Prime, Mega Mackerel, and Primo.
DA chief: Govt can fight pest infesting cane fields
THE Department of Agricul -
ture (DA) expressed confidence that the government could contain the pest infestation plaguing Negros Island, the country’s top sugar-producing region.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. inspected sugarcane fields in Bacolod City as part of efforts to combat red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI), noting the ongoing pesticide spraying operations in the area.
“With the support of the SRA [Sugar Regulatory Administration] and our regional office here, I’m confident we can quickly contain the infestation.”
For his part, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona noted that the agency’s researchers have
identified a parasite that could naturally control the RSSI population.
“That solution will take time. For now, we must act immediately, so we are using chemical pesticides.”
The DA has issued P10 million for pesticide procurement that would support pest containment efforts.
The agriculture chief also ordered the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) to trace the origin of planting materials suspected of carrying the pest from Luzon.
“This situation underscores the importance of following quarantine protocols to prevent similar outbreaks.”
The SRA earlier sought for
emergency powers to contain the “alarming” spread of RSSI in the region, urging the DA and BPI to disallow the entry of planting materials—whether for commercial or research purposes—without a certification from the agencies.
This, as studies showed that the RSSI, which was earlier monitored in Luzon, might have been accidentally brought into Negros.
As of May 30, the pest’s spread almost doubled to 424.82 hectares in two days, based on SRA data. It was declared an infestation on May 22 after it spread to over 87 hectares.
RSSI has been reported to cause significant damage to sug -
arcanes, with high temperature being identified as a key factor in its rapid population increase, according to the agency’s research center.
Meanwhile, the DA chief noted plans that would boost sugar production through expanded irrigation, soil improvement using agricultural lime, and finding sources of higher-yielding planting materials.
“Increasing sugar production will allow us to significantly reduce, if not eliminate, the need for sugar imports.”
The Visayas region accounts for 71 percent of national sugar output, with Negros Island alone contributing 63 percent of that total, according to SRA. Ada Pelonia
USDA to review reports following delay of latest trade outlook
THE United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is undergoing a review of non-statutory reports including a quarterly forecast on trade that pointed to a record farming deficit.
The agriculture report, which is released on a quarterly basis, was expected to be updated on May 29. It typically shows the USDA’s estimates for exports and imports of several farm product categories as well as an analysis by the agency’s economists. A version of the report showing a trade deficit but stripped from comments and analysis was released on June 2.
Trump administration officials delayed and redacted the forecast because the increased agriculture deficit ran counter to the president’s messaging that his policies will reduce US trade imbalances, according to a Politico report on Wednesday citing people familiar with the matter.
Donald Trump’s tariff policies have disrupted global markets as companies and countries navigate the potential impact. The America-first agenda has already hit crop exports, with top com -
“The report was hung up in internal clearance process and was not finalized in time for its typical deadline,” a USDA spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “Given this report is not statutory as with many other reports USDA does, the department is undergoing a review of all of its non-statutory reports, including this one, to determine next steps.”
modities buyer China currently having no sales on the books for US corn, soybeans or wheat to be shipped next season.
Still, American growers remain optimistic, with a gauge of US farmer sentiment by Purdue University and CME Group reaching the highest level since 2021. The survey of some 400 producers took place between May 12-16, just after the Trump administration announced “substantial progress” toward a trade deal with China.
Farmers’ sentiment
AMERICAN farmer sentiment jumped to a four-year high, with growers betting on rising crop exports as the Trump administration pushes for more trade deals from Vietnam to Italy.
Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins said during a visit to Rome lasts Tuesday that she is working to get Europe to buy more US products including wheat and soybeans. That comes after Vietnam announced deals to buy American grain and the US reached a trade truce with China.
“We talked about getting more of our soybeans, more of our wheat, more of great products from America into Italy and of course across the EU,” Rollins said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. “It is time that we move these products and continue to work on the world stage.”
Trump has pushed an America-first agenda that has hit crop exports. Top commodities buyer China currently has no sales on the books for US corn, soybeans or
wheat to be shipped next season.
Still, farmers are more optimistic, according to Purdue University and CME Group’s Ag Economy Barometer, which surveyed some 400 producers between May 12-16, just after the Trump administration announced “substantial progress” toward a trade deal with China.
The index hit a reading of 158, the highest since 2021.
A “skyrocketing” number of farmers expect increased agricultural exports over the next five years, according to the survey. However, only 28 percent strongly agree that “free trade benefits agriculture and most other American industries” — down from 49 percent of farmers who agreed with the statement when it was first posed back in
November 2020. The results “provide additional evidence that producers’ views on trade have shifted,” according to the barometer.
Rollins is schedule to travel to several more countries, including Japan, Brazil, India and Ivory Coast over the next few months. Her agency is also leading a mission to Peru next week in efforts increase exports and address an over $3 billion trade deficit with the South American country.
Rollins touted the US’s “massive” trade deal with the UK that included a quota for American beef and the removal of tariffs on 1.4 billion liters of ethanol.
“We’re just at the beginning of these renegotiations,” Rollins said. “I know we’re making progress on China.” Bloomberg News
A WORKER harvests coffee cherries in Dak Lak province, Vietnam. BLOOMBERG
Decent jobs for all: The path to a more prosperous PHL
THE latest labor force data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) paints a complex picture of the country’s labor market. While the headline figure of 48.67 million employed Filipinos is encouraging, the reality that over nine million Pinoys remain either unemployed or underemployed underscores deeprooted challenges that demand urgent attention. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Over 9M Filipinos looking for new employers,” June 6, 2025).
The combined total of 2.06 million unemployed and 7.09 million underemployed workers—those who are working fewer hours than they desire or in jobs below their skill level—reveals a labor force still struggling to find meaningful and stable employment. This is not merely a statistic; it represents millions of Filipinos striving for better opportunities to support their families and improve their quality of life.
A closer look at the data shows that the average hours worked per week have declined slightly to 39.9 hours, compared to 40.5 hours a year ago. This reduction, though seemingly modest, indicates a subtle shift that could reflect underemployment or the prevalence of precarious work arrangements. The fact that over 60 percent of employed persons are in the services sector highlights the economy’s growing reliance on this industry, which often includes jobs with lower wages and less security.
The agricultural sector, traditionally a major employer, now accounts for just over one-fifth of employment, while industry accounts for less than 18 percent. This structural shift necessitates a robust policy response to ensure that displaced agricultural workers are retrained and absorbed into emerging sectors with better prospects.
The employment distribution by type of worker further illuminates the challenges. With 63.2 percent as wage and salary workers, a significant portion of the workforce remains dependent on formal employment. However, the large share of self-employed without paid employees (28 percent) and unpaid family workers (6.8 percent) points to a sizable informal sector where job security, social protection, and income stability are often lacking.
Regional disparities in employment rates, such as the high employment in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) versus lower rates in Central Visayas, highlight uneven development and the need for targeted regional interventions to create jobs and foster inclusive growth.
The government and private sector must collaborate to create an environment conducive to sustainable job creation and decent work. This includes investing in education and skills training aligned with the demands of the digital economy, supporting small and medium enterprises, and strengthening labor protections to reduce underemployment and informal work.
Moreover, social safety nets must be enhanced to protect the most vulnerable workers, while policies promoting regional economic development are essential to narrow employment gaps across the country.
While the PSA data provides valuable insights into the current state of employment in the country, it also serves as a call to action. Addressing the challenges behind these numbers is critical to ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible improvements in the lives of all Filipinos. The path to a more prosperous and equitable Philippines depends on our collective commitment to creating decent jobs and opportunities for every Filipino worker.
Opinion BusinessMirror
Leadership style of the Gen Z boss
SRISING SUN
TEP into any co-working space in Manila, and you’ll likely spot them—young founders in their early twenties, laptops open, pitching ideas to other young and bright visionaries. This isn’t a passing trend. Gen Z entrepreneurs are rewriting the rules of Philippine business, and their impact is only getting stronger.
The Philippines is a young country—with a median age of just over 26, and a significant portion of the population under 30. This demographic shift is fueling a surge in youth entrepreneurship. According to recent research, 54 percent of Filipino Gen Zers want to start their own business—a figure that’s grown since the pandemic, as job losses pushed many to create their own opportunities.
But what sets Gen Z founders apart isn’t just their age—it’s their mindset. They’re digital natives, raised on the Internet and social media, and their ventures reflect this fluency.
From mental health platforms like MindEase PH (founded by 26-yearold Krizia Daya) to sustainability consultancies like Sustainable PH (co-founded by Shawntel Nicole Martinez Nieto), Gen Z entrepreneurs are blending tech with social purpose.
Many are tackling issues close to their hearts—mental health, education, sustainability—proving that profit and purpose can go hand in hand. Take the story of Steph Naval, who started Empath after her own struggles navigating the Philippine mental health system. Her platform now connects thousands to affordable, quality mental health care. Or Soj Gamayon, an Ateneo student who launched AgriConnect, a platform helping Filipino farmers manage crop risks using data, a vital tool in a country where rice consumption keeps rising and climate volatility threatens livelihoods. These founders aren’t just chasing trends; they’re solving real, local problems.
One of the most remarkable traits of Gen Z founders is their appetite for risk. Take Iyana Arganoza of Serbiz and Leonard Ang of Sip & Scale—both chose to pause or leave university so they could dedicate themselves fully to building their startups. Many in this generation are bootstrapping, joining incubators,
and chasing grants, often starting out with little more than a laptop and a dream. Their youth works to their advantage: with fewer family obligations, they have the freedom to fail, adapt, and try again. Still, many admit the path can be lonely. The local startup scene is still young, and established conglomerates continue to dominate the business landscape. Access to capital remains a hurdle, and many young founders cite a lack of business experience as a challenge. But academic programs, government grants, and a growing network of incubators are helping bridge the gap. The Department of Trade and Industry reports that 99.58 percent of registered businesses are MSMEs, and the fastest-growing sectors include fintech, agritech, and healthtech— fields where Gen Z naturally excels. The stories of these young founders signal a shift in Philippine business. They’re building companies that reflect their values: tech-savvy, socially conscious, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.
Pangasinan mangoes make historic debut in Italy
MT. Anthony C. Cabangon
Lourdes M. Fernandez
Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug
Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos Lyn B. Resurreccion, Dennis D. Estopace Angel R. Calso, Dionisio L. Pelayo Ruben M. Cruz Jr.
Eduardo A. Davad Nonilon G. Reyes
D. Edgard A. Cabangon Benjamin V. Ramos
Aldwin Maralit Tolosa
Rolando M. Manangan
BusinessMirror is published daily by the Philippine Business Daily Mirror Publishing, Inc., with offices on the 3rd floor of Dominga Building III 2113 Chino Roces Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines. Tel. Nos. (Editorial) 817-9467; 813-0725. Fax line: 813-7025. (Advertising Sales) 893-2019; 817-1351, 817-2807. (Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news.businessmirror@gmail.com www.businessmirror.com.ph
by
LITO GAGNI
ANGOES from Pangasinan—lush, sun-drenched, and dripping with tropical gold—have raised the bar for Philippine food exports, marking a juicy milestone as they landed for the first time ever on Italian soil through a commercial shipment. In a feat as sweet as the fruit itself, the country’s beloved mangoes arrived at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport last week, heralding a new chapter for Philippine agriculture and diaspora-driven entrepreneurship.
“A milestone for Philippine agriculture and diaspora entrepreneurship unfolded last week here, the place where ‘all roads lead,’ when the inaugural commercial shipment of Philippine mangoes—over half a ton—landed at this Italian city’s Fiumicino Airport,” the Department of Agriculture (DA) proudly announced from Rome on June 1, 2025.
The export of mangoes comes at a crucial intersection of the country’s push for dollar revenues especially with the upcoming redemption of the Covid bonds that the country has to redeem next year. This is also a harbinger of other fruit exports that the country is endowed with such as durian that will result in a vibrant activity in the agriculture sector, which had been languishing among the country’s industries. Hopefully, a nudge in the agriculture sector which, for now, contributes just less than 2 percent of GDP, will mean better economic prospects for the country.
Since touchdown, the mangoes have delighted taste buds in select Filipino stores across Italy—golden
ambassadors of Filipino flavor now making waves in the Mediterranean market, according to embassy officials. This marks the first time Philippine mangoes have been commercially exported to Italy, a breakthrough made possible by a consortium of enterprising Filipino smallbusiness owners in Rome, with strategic support from the Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Embassy in Rome. (See related story in BusinessMirror: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/06/04/ phl-mangoes-in-rome-sold-for%e2%82%b11000-a-kilo-butstill-a-big-hit/)
Sourced from the sun-kissed orchards of Pangasinan, the mangoes met the stringent sanitary and phytosanitary standards of Europe, with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) ensuring compliance down to the last luscious piece.
“This is the embodiment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision— expanding agricultural export markets to uplift farmers’ incomes and generate meaningful investments
in the farm sector,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. “It’s a shining example of what happens when public institutions, private initiative, and our global Filipino communities unite to elevate Philippine produce to international shelves.”
Agriculture Attaché Dr. Josyline Javelosa shared that this breakthrough began as a dream by determined small-scale Filipino entrepreneurs in Italy—members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Italy—who had never before ventured into importing fresh produce.
“But through grit, guidance, and the unyielding support of the DA Attaché’s Office,” she said, “they successfully navigated the labyrinth of Italy’s import regulations, and brought home to Rome one of the Philippines’ most treasured flavors.” BPI Director Glenn Panganiban confirmed that many Philippine mango farms are already compliant with Italy’s rigorous plant health standards—proof, he said, that this expansion is both feasible and sustainable.
The successful landing of Pangasinan mangoes in Italy showcased a united effort to achieve the landmark event. Behind the scenes, years of technical diplomacy and negotiation by the DA-BPI, acting as the country’s National Plant Protection Office, helped lay the groundwork through forums like the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM).
Identified as the Philippines’ flagship commodity under the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) One Country One Priority Product initiative, mangoes represent more than a tropical delight—they are a strategic symbol of climate-smart agriculture and rural development. Dr. Javelosa, who also serves as Deputy
Permanent Representative to UN agencies like the FAO, WFP, and IFAD, emphasized the global significance of this export success.
“This milestone reflects our commitment to green agriculture and inclusive development,” she said.
In October 2024, Secretary Laurel presented a $50-million investment case in Rome under the FAO’s Handin-Hand Investment Initiative, aiming to support an additional 27,000 mango-farming households sustainably. Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial called the maiden shipment a triumph not just of trade, but of taste and tenacity.
“These mangoes are not merely tropical delicacies,” he said. “They are the fruit of resilience, diaspora unity, and a bold ambition to place Filipino excellence on the world stage.”
The Embassy noted that in 2024, Italy ranked as the Philippines’ 21st biggest trading partner and 23rd largest export market. Traditional exports include coconut oil, precious metal articles, and tuna—but now, mangoes have joined the elite club of trade champions.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with the Marcos administration’s development strategy,” the Embassy said. “It promotes sustainable agriculture, strengthens rural value chains, and diversifies our trade portfolio with Italy.”
Laurel closed with a challenge and a call to action: “This isn’t just a sweet moment—it’s a signal flare to our mango industry. Now is the time to aim higher, reach farther, and grow better. This first shipment is only the beginning. With quality and commitment, the world will taste more of the Philippines, one golden mango at a time.”
Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua
Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II
Groundbreaking directions for principlesbased tax planning
LJoel L. Tan-Torres
DEBIT CREDIT
Part one
AST April 8, 2025, while the taxpaying community was rushing its income tax preparation and tax return filing for 2024, the Philippine Institute of Accountants (PICPA) transmitted to the Chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy its endorsement for the adoption of the 2024 edition of the International Code of Ethics for the Professional Accountants, as the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (Code). The BOA and the Professional Regulatory Commission, upon their review and approval, will issue a resolution to make this effective for all professional accountants in the Philippines. During my term as Chairman of the BOA in 2018, the BOA approved amendments to the Code of Ethics through BOA Resolution No. 18 in February 2018. Thereafter, the BOA enacted several changes to the Code until 2023.
This set of proposals includes, among others, revisions of the audit quality management standards, the “cooling-off” period for audit engagement partners, the definition of a public interest entity, technology-related provisions, and principles-based tax planning services.
The last item on principles-based tax planning services presents groundbreaking developments in the accounting and tax community. Pioneering guidelines on tax planning and related services (Guidelines) are proposed to govern the tax planning services and practices ( https:// www.ethicsboard.org/publications/ final-pronouncement-revisions-codeaddressing-tax-planning-and-relatedservices).
These Guidelines were drafted by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). The IFAC is the global governing body of 180-member professional accounting organizations in about 135 countries. PICPA, being a member of the IFAC, is duty-bound to implement pronouncements from the IFAC. Over 200,000 Filipino CPAs are either members or are required to be members of the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization of PICPA under the Accountancy Law.
The objective of the IFAC’s Tax Planning Standards is to provide a “principles-based framework and a global ethical benchmark applicable to tax planning services and activities, rather than the often abused purely mechanical and legalistic approach. The guidelines establish a consistent point of reference for all professional accountants, as well as other tax professionals, who are strongly encouraged to use the standards, when dealing with tax planning, to ensure due consideration of public interest as well as potential reputational, commercial, and wider economic consequences for their clients or employing organizations.” IFAC started this initiative back in September 2019 when it undertook an assessment of the “ethical implications of aggressive tax planning of professional accountants, both in business and in public practice.”
The tax irregularities brought about by aggressive tax planning and compliance abound locally and globally.
The more prominent global tax scams include the leak of data involving famous personalities from the Panama Papers in 2016, the Paradise Papers in 2017, and the Pandora Papers in 2021, the Hong Kong Shanghai Bank Corporation in Switzerland case in 2019, the transfer tax pricing cases involving Apple’s “Black Hole” operations in Ireland and Bermuda, and Google’s “Double Irish + Dutch Sandwich” scheme in the Netherlands and Ireland, the
Rising with the machines: Harnessing AI for human development
By Dr. Selva Ramachandran & Mohamed Shahudh
THEY say that the best way to predict the future is to shape it. In the past decade, the innovation that’s been hailed as having the most potential to direct and navigate this future is Artificial Intelligence (AI).
AI is not simply an advanced form of digitalization; it is a generalpurpose technology, like electricity, with the potential to transform a wide range of sectors. Its multimodal adaptability allows it to influence education, healthcare, governance, and beyond. But this transformative potential is not inevitable. And as emphasized in the recently launched 2025 Human Development Report (HDR) by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), powerful as it may be, the future of AI is not preordained—it is shaped by the choices we make.
The objective of the IFAC’s Tax Planning Standards is to provide a “principles-based framework and a global ethical benchmark applicable to tax planning services and activities, rather than the often abused purely mechanical and legalistic approach.
Uber VAT issues in the countries in the European Union. All these cases disclosed irregular practices of rampant global tax evasion and money laundering perpetuated by taxpayers in connivance with their tax consultants.
In the Philippines, Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. has launched a crusade against tax evaders and their conspiring tax consultants and executives. The tax irregularities focused on by Commissioner Lumagui are the “ghost” receipts under his “Run After Fake Transactions” program, the raiding of warehouses and establishments containing untaxed excisable articles, the continuous filing of tax evasion cases in the Department of Justice and the courts, the campaign on taxing jurisdiction of offshore transactions, and the Pharmally Pharmaceuticals. These cases revealed that accountants and tax advisors were often abetting the commission of these various tax irregularities.
We should all support and endorse this important development in the accountancy sector that profoundly impacts the field of taxation. Personally, in my over four decades of tax practice and learning, I have accumulated a deep knowledge of the risks and adverse implications of such aggressive tax planning in terms of cutting revenue collections of the BIR and the reputational, as well as economic and legal damages that can impact the erring taxpayers, accountants, and tax practitioners. Those in the accountancy, tax, and business sectors should keenly follow the forthcoming approval and implementation of the Guidelines. The global implementation of the Guidelines, including the Philippines, begins on June 30, 2025.
Let us hope that the BOA will be able to meet this target date of the start of implementation.
To be continued
Joel L. Tan-Torres was a former Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. He has also held various positions, including Dean of the University of the Philippines Virata School of Business, Chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy, Tax partner of Reyes Tacandong & Co., and the SyCip Gorres and Velayo
AI is progressing at a pace far surpassing earlier innovations such as the Internet or personal computers. Between 2022 and 2025, AI-related investment is projected to double to $200 billion, three times the global spending on climate change adaptation. By 2033, the UN estimates that AI could be worth $4.8 trillion, equivalent to Germany’s current GDP. This growth, however, is unfolding amid a slowdown in global human development and increasing global geopolitical uncertainty. The HDR highlights that current human development gains are among the slowest in decades. Traditional development pathways, such as export-led growth, are narrowing amid rising trade tensions and shrinking
external finance.
Within this context, AI could serve either as a catalyst for inclusive development or as a force that deepens inequality. The outcome hinges on how we decide to leverage it.
The global AI ecosystem is currently concentrated and uneven. According to UNCTAD, around 100 firms, mostly in the US and China, account for 40 percent of global corporate R&D. In these economies, AI investment could reach 2 percent of GDP. The private sector holds outsized influence over AI’s evolution. According to the same report, fewer than one-third of developing countries have national AI strategies, with several missing from governance discussions. This growing imbalance makes it urgent to decide how and for whom AI should serve.
The Philippines embodies both the opportunities and risks of the AI era. A recent IMF report estimates that one-third of Filipino jobs are vulnerable to AI disruption, yet 61 percent have high potential for AI-driven augmentation. In sectors like education, AI can support teachers by identifying learning gaps and tailoring content. In BPO services, where 1.7 million jobs contribute 7.4 percent of GDP, routine tasks are increasingly automatable. However, with the right mix of poli-
cies, including skills upgrading and incentives for augmentation, this sector can remain both competitive and inclusive.
The HDR offers a roadmap through 3 interlinked strategies: investing in capabilities, building a complementarity economy, and driving innovation with intent. For the Philippines, this means not only expanding AI-related human capacities and infrastructure but also ensuring that these efforts are aligned with inclusive development. Scaling social protection systems, supporting workforce transitions, and linking innovation to public goals are essential.
On education, the Philippines allocated 3.62 percent of GDP to the sector in 2023, above the LMIC average and close to UMIC average spending. However, the Philippines’ scores in the PISA, measuring performance across STEM subjects, lag behind its Asen peers. Two key opportunities can help turn spending into results. First, the new Public Financial Management Reform Roadmap (2024–2028) shifts focus from inputs to outcomes, creating space to strengthen education through early childhood and skills-focused reforms. Second, greater fiscal decentralization, as highlighted by the World Bank, could improve the effectiveness of future programs.
Some concerns have been raised about how AI’s energy demand is rising fast. The IMF projects that data center electricity use could triple by 2030, equaling India’s current demand. In the Philippines, only 2.41 GW of the 29.23 GW installed ca-
pacity in 2023 came from wind and solar, despite the vast potential. Unlocking sustainable energy sources could significantly cut electricity costs—the second highest in Asean after Singapore. While AI can help optimize grid efficiency, its energy use must not crowd out energy access for underserved communities. With the right approach, AI can turn renewable planning from a challenge into an opportunity.
As the 2025 Human Development Report reminds us, the path AI takes is not written in code—it is written in integrated policy, ethical deployment, and strong investments in human capital and innovation ecosystems. For countries like the Philippines, the moment to shape that path is now. The tools are in hand: a talented workforce, a growing innovation ecosystem, and a public sector willing to engage with transformation.
But to ensure AI becomes a driver of inclusive progress, not a deepener of divides, we must act fast with intention. That means investing in people as much as in technology, aligning innovation with public goals, and ensuring no community is left behind in the digital leap forward. In the end, the real power of AI lies not in the technology itself, but in how we choose to wield it. If we are bold, deliberate, and inclusive in our approach, we can shape an AI-powered future that serves not just the few but ALL.
Dr. Selva Ramachandran is the UNDP Resident Representative in the Philippines and Mohamed Shahudh is an economist at UNDP Philippines.
Trump’s China gambit belies rocky road ahead on tariff deals
By Josh Wingrove
PRESIDENT Donald Trump has come up short on striking trade deals with most nations with just one month left before his self-imposed tariff deadline, even as he took his first steps in weeks toward engaging with China.
Trump secured a much-desired call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, paving the way for a new round of talks on Monday in London—yet the diplomacy was overshadowed by a blowout public fight between Trump and his billionaire onetime ally, Elon Musk.
Trump’s aides insisted Friday that the president was moving on and focused on his economic agenda. Still, question marks remain over the US’s most consequential trade relationships, with few tangible signs of progress toward interim agreements.
India, which the Trump administration has cited as an early deal target, has taken a tougher line in negotiations and challenged Trump’s auto tariffs at the World Trade Organization. Japan held another round of talks with the US, while also signaling it wants a reprieve from duties on cars and light trucks.
The legal fight over Trump’s tariffs hangs over everything. A court ruling striking down the countryby-country duties imposed using emergency authorities left partners with no certainty over what Trump’s powers are. The next test could come as soon as next week, when a court could rule on the administration’s appeal.
Trump and his team were eager to draw attention to inroads with China as proof his ways are working.
Trump on Friday described talks with Beijing as “very far advanced” and said Xi had agreed to speed shipments of critical rareearth minerals that were at the center of recent tension. Unlocking those supplies would spell relief for major American automakers.
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will visit the UK next week, during which he will conduct trade negotiations with the US, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a state-
ment late Saturday.
The mixed results in the talks so far demonstrate the highs and lows of Trump’s mercurial approach to trade, in which he and aides have cast him as the ultimate decision-maker on any deals.
Rather than provide a clear-cut victory, Trump’s dealings with Xi also show the difficult road ahead with China. The rare-earths dispute revealed how important those supplies, which Beijing dominates, are for the US economy.
“Xi is not letting go of the rare earths. He’s got leverage, he’s using it,” said Douglas Holtz-Eakin, president of the American Action Forum, a conservative think tank. “They talked, that’s the most important thing. I think they’re really far apart.”
The clock is ticking for Trump. His 90-day pause on higher tariffs for the European Union and nearly five dozen countries expires July 9—barring an extension he could do with the flick of a pen—while China’s reprieve extends until August.
If deals aren’t reached, Trump plans to restore tariff rates to the levels he first announced in April, or lower numbers that exceed the current 10 percent baseline, a White House official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“We will have deals. It takes time. Usually it takes months and years; in this administration, it’s going to take more like days,” White House trade counselor Peter Navarro said Friday on Fox Business. “We’re on task and on target.”
The Office of the US Trade Representative “looks more like a deli now,” Navarro said, with countries lining up for talks. USTR sent letters this week to trading partners reminding them of the deadline.
It’s unclear what all the frantic activity has yielded.
Xi for months was reluctant to get on the phone with Trump and
Trump on Friday described talks with Beijing as “very far advanced” and said Xi had agreed to speed shipments of critical rare-earth minerals that were at the center of recent tension. Unlocking those supplies would spell relief for major American automakers.
analysts speculated about what concessions the US president offered to his counterpart in exchange for the call.
Trump at least appeared to give some ground on foreign students, saying it would be his “honor” to welcome Chinese scholars even as his administration cracks down on student visas.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Washington facing demands from his nation’s automakers for tariff credits for vehicles they produce in the US. But the subject barely came up during the public portion of his meeting with Trump, who spent a large chunk of time unloading on Musk.
“We’ll end up hopefully with a trade deal or we’ll do something— you know, we’ll do the tariffs,” Trump said Thursday alongside Merz.
Merz, in his US visit, emphasized the integrated trade ties between countries that are at risk —including by personally driving a BMW built in South Carolina.
The German leader said Friday at an industry event the nations should agree on an “offset rule” that would provide tariff relief for existing US production.
Trump’s UK deal—the lone pact so far—was undercut this week when he plowed ahead with levies on steel and aluminum. The UK said the pact included an agreement for zero tariffs on British metals, but Trump’s latest order kept a 25 percent charge on them while negotiations continue and doubled the rate for others.
Still, the upcoming Group of Seven summit of leaders from major economies could provide an opportunity for the type of in-person dealmaking Trump craves. Cana-
dian Prime Minister Mark Carney has been discussing terms of a potential interim deal with Trump ahead of the gathering this month near Calgary.
One theme is clear: Negotiations over his so-called reciprocal tariffs have grown intertwined with his separate duties on autos and metals, despite previous US signals that the administration considered them separate.
“He’s entirely transactional,” Holtz-Eakin said of Trump. “He will always deal.”
Talks are ongoing with the EU, which has previously proposed an agreement with the US to mutually drop auto tariffs to zero as part of a broader trade framework, which the Trump administration rejected. The bloc subsequently suggested working toward zero-for-zero tariffs on cars, other industrial goods and some agricultural imports with tariff-rate quotas as a possible interim measure.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said this week he’d consider some type of “export credit” on autos, the kind of carve-out sought by Germany on vehicle tariffs. And he predicted there would be a USIndia deal in the “not too distant future.”
Lutnick signaled, though, Trump’s push for so-called reciprocity comes with caveats. The US wouldn’t agree with Vietnam to drop all tariffs, because it believes the Southeast Asian nation is a hub for so-called transshipment of Chinese goods.
Talks with South Korea, where Trump spoke with newly elected president Lee Jae-myung, and Japan, which had top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa meet with Lutnick, continued this week.
In yet another sign of the Trump team’s frenetic approach, Nikkei reported that different— and even competing—positions among Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Lutnick had confounded Japanese counterparts With assistance from Akayla
Monday, June 9, 2025
BusinessMirror
PPP ‘game changer’ to help fund devt despite Covid debt
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
THEnational government needs the support of the private sector to address investors’ concerns as Covid debts have limited the country’s capacity to finance infrastructure programs, according to the Department of Economic Planning and Development (DepDev).
In a recent online interview, DepDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan tagged the Public Private Partnership (PPP) as the game changer for the economy under the Marcos administration.
This is crucial, Balisacan said, as the government needs to service the Covid-19 debts racked up by the previous administration. This, in turn, has limited the government’s fiscal space.
Balisacan said whenever the economic team would go on roadshows, one of the top concerns of foreign investors is the cost of doing business, which mainly arises from poor infrastructure.
Through the PPPs, Balisacan said, the government can access resources that would address these needs as well as free up resources to invest in human capital such as education, health and social protection.
a significant departure from the 3.2 percent average in previous years.
Balisacan served as Socioeconomic Planning Secretary for four years under the Benigno Aquino III administration. With three years serving in the same capacity under the Marcos administration, Balisacan is now one of the longest serving Chief Economists of the country.
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN BEIJING CELEBRATES 127TH INDEPENDENCE DAY AND 50 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH CHINA
By Wes Cabangon
“That [PPP] to me is a game changer because we know that there is so much limited fiscal space. We had a major debt problem, right? The debt increased tremendously during Covid-19, and we borrowed a lot. Of course, you have to service that debt. So, the fiscal space for doing other things is so much limited,” Balisacan said.
“If you don’t engage the private sector, which has a lot of capital, it’s a lot of technology, a lot of experience, and a better way of doing things, you would be handicapped in addressing those investments, particularly on public services like your railways transport,” he added.
“We want to make sure to see that there is this progress over there. We can show that the government is serious in addressing these problems. For example, if you look at these investments that we are making now in infrastructure, 5-6 percent of GDP, that’s quite high compared to what we were spending in the ‘80s, ‘90s, ‘70s,” Balisacan said.
Without the 9.3-percent contraction in the country’s GDP at the height of the pandemic, the country’s economic growth was steady and faster than its neighbors, Balisacan noted.
He stressed that the economy only began to post faster economic growth beginning in the Aquino administration when growth averaged 6.3 percent annually. This was
“So if you exclude that pandemic year, the economy was growing at 6 percent a year, at least. And that is compared to the countries around us. And in fact, across all emerging economies in the world, that’s a very respectable growth rate,” Balisacan said.
The latest data from the PPP Center showed a total of P6.04 trillion local and national projects: P5.13 trillion in national projects and P913.22 billion in local projects.
The bulk of the projects worth P3.13 trillion are located in the National Capital Region (NCR) followed by the P2.2 trillion worth of projects in Region III and P1.43 trillion in Region IV-A.
Last week, House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey
THE Philippine Embassy in Beijing is commemorating two historic milestones from June 11 to 13, 2025: the 127th Independence Day of the Republic of the Philippines and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China. The celebration begins on June 11 with a special gathering that pays tribute to the Filipino community in China—a night dedicated to honoring the stories of those who have found success in their studies, careers, and personal pursuits across the country. It is a moment to reflect on the growing contributions of Filipinos in China, who continue to shape the evolving partnership between both nations. On June 12, the Embassy will host An Evening Concert with the Loboc Children’s Choir, a cultural reception for the Filipino community. Attendees are encouraged to wear Filipiniana and join in a night of music and unity, marking both independence and community pride. The series of events will conclude on June 13 with “Golden Notes,” a choral tribute featuring the renowned Loboc Children’s Choir. The concert commemorates five decades of Philippines-China diplomatic
Live Nation PH’s Rhiza Pascua: From avid concertgoer to global live show producer
By Francine Medina
Rhiza Pascua remembers buying her first concert ticket with savings from her allowance and watching her first concert—Spandau Ballet—at age 14. Today, Pascua has come a long way as Managing Director of the Philippine subsidiary of Live Nation, a major global player in the entertainment industry.
In the recent episode of digital show “Freshly Brewed,” BusinessMirror’s Digital Content Manager and SoundStrip Editor, Edwin Sallan, sat down with Pascua to talk about the joys and challenges of being a concert organizer, and her advice on making it in the highly competitive industry.
Pascua said she migrated to the US with her family at a young age, and grew up in Los Angeles, California where her love for music and watching concerts were cultivated. During her high school days, Pascua had already watched the biggest acts then: Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, and Madonna. She also recalled flying to Chicago to meet friends to watch concerts together.
Pascua married young and her husband Angelo was the sole breadwinner. As a young wife and mother, Pascua was juggling between studying law and being a hands-on mom. She would take her kids to their respective schools, pick them up afterwards, and guide them as they do their homework. While her kids were busy with their assignments, Pascua would seize the down time by making phone calls for
her side hustle, which was organizing events. Dot-com companies were beginning to boom at that time and Pascua was working for one. The office would throw concerts featuring A-listers like Ricky Martin and Britney Spears. Eventually, the company became big and stopped doing corporate events. They likewise didn’t need Pascua’s services anymore. Her client gave the well-meaning suggestion of exploring her own territory for events. That gave Pascua her eureka moment, “And so I thought, I’m Filipino, why not bring shows to the Philippines?”
Disruptive entry
When Pascua established MMI or Music Management International, having the Philippines as the mother stage for her events stirred disruption in the local scene. “This was the late 90s and early 2000’s. When I started, concerts (in Manila) were scarce at that time.
There would only be one or two events in a year,” she told Sallan.
“The most challenging part of the job was convincing the agents that the Philippines was
a safe place. Eventually, they realized that they could do a lot of things here. So, after that, everything else followed.”
Manila’s concertgoers were more than ready to welcome foreign artists to the country’s major entertainment halls. The first MMI gig was a sold-out concert featuring James Ingram, followed by David Pomeranz and Steven Bishop. Under Pascua’s direction, MMI was able to blur distances by making top acts from the US accessible to the Filipino audience. Among these American artists were 98 Degrees, Boyz to Men, Josh Groban, Mariah Carey, Madonna, U2, and Coldplay.
Pascua’s dream concerts were thought of as ambitious by critics. But, with her sharpened experience, strategic mindset, and sheer gut instinct, projects that were thought of as long shots actually materialized. MMI deepdived into its own digital transformation by promoting and selling tickets for its global acts through multiple digital platforms. Among these acts were Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, One Direction, and The 1975.
“I’ve always believed in challenging the norm. I’m open to doing things that others are not open to doing,” she told Sallan.
In December 2020, while branching out to set up non-musical events, MMI organized an online leadership forum presenting thought leader and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak along with other Filipino business leaders.
Of course, the success of MMI didn’t go unnoticed as Live Nation, which has a longterm partnership with MMI and considered the biggest global live entertainment company, made an offer to acquire the latter in 2019. And, in 2022, Live Nation Philippines was launched with the appointment of Pascua as its Managing Director.
Meeting challenges
The bright lights, grand production design, electrifying performances of the featured artists, and the screaming fans are the details that resonate on the surface among concertgoers.
But the road to making acts such a hit also comes with many challenges that are
unseen by the audience, revealed Pascua.
For instance, expensive concert tickets have been a constant source of criticism.
“Ticket prices, if not dictated, are approved by the artists (and their management). So, we base our ticket prices on our expenses, including taxes. The higher the cost, the higher the talent fee. We have sponsors. But sometimes, it gets offensive when we get blamed for the high prices of the tickets,” she replied.
Putting the artists together, especially
if they are a group that hasn’t played in decades, is another challenge, added Pascua. She mentioned the Rivermaya reunion concert on February 2024 at the SMDC Festival Grounds as a case in point.
“It took a year to bring them together. It was quite an experience and it was a first for me. When it (the project) was suggested, I really thought it would be handed to me on a silver platter. We had to chase them individually to convince them. But it was fulfilling and fun.” The Rivermaya concert was well-attended
and has been toured in territories like US, Canada, and the Middle East. “They played in the big iconic venues in the US and six out of seven shows there were sold out,” she volunteered. “After that, we did the Middle East. The show in Riyadh by Live Nation Middle East was even attended by the royal family.” In the beginning, Pascua admitted, entering a male-dominated business had also been a struggle. “During my early days in the business, I went through that. I’ve been ignored. But okay lang. I felt that the glass ceiling has been broken,” she said.
New chapter
Under Live Nation Philippines, Pascua continues to take the concert scene to new heights through the younger but equally popular acts, including BLACKPINK, Olivia Rodrigo, and J-Hope. Pascua has also tapped her daughter, Isabella “Bey” Pascua, as the company’s Operations Manager. Bey, who has the best mentor in her mom, brings to the proverbial table her understanding of the emerging new market and artists.
Pascua is certainly a tough act to follow. But despite her triumphs, she continues to keep her now-signature cool and unfazed demeanor. “Perseverance is key. Never give up,” she advised. “There were times when I wanted to give up. I would stay home and cry and say, don’t want to do this anymore. And especially if I’m banking on a show and the show is awarded to someone else.”
“I used to be a sore loser,” she admitted. “But now I taught my daughter that when the show you’re waiting for, or the show you really want, was not awarded to you, that means it wasn’t meant for you. Another advice is to take care of your relationships. Never burn bridges. One way or the other, you’ll meet again. Be friends with everyone.” On what Pascua finds most fulfilling about her job, she answered, “When you see all the faces of the people—at the Philippine Concert Arena, for instance, where you’ll see 50,000 faces—and you see them smiling, laughing, and hugging each other. That is very fulfilling. Nakakatanggal ngpagodyun (You don’t feel the exhaustion anymore).” • Watch the
Rhiza Pascua, Live Nation Philippines Managing Director, talks about producing concerts in the Philippines with Edwin Sallan, BusinessMirror's Digital Content Manager and SoundStrip Editor
Rhiza Pascua, Live Nation Philippines Managing Director Edwin Sallan, BusinessMirror's Digital Content Manager and Soundstrip Editor
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
Stock market accounts rose by 50% last year, says PSE
By VG Cabuag @villygc
THE number of stock market accounts in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) jumped by 50 percent to 2.86 million last year, from the 1.91 million recorded in 2023, on the back of a surge in online accounts.
PSE President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon said the increase last year was the highest recorded by the exchange since it started tracking the investor count and profile in 2008.
“This substantial growth was made possible by the enabling of digital platforms to connect to PSE’s trading engine, thereby facilitating the trading by investors in the market. PSE is committed to being true to its advocacy of promoting financial inclusion,” Monzon said. “More than the numbers, what is important is that retail investors are equipped with investment knowhow to avoid investing pitfalls. We address this need for investor education through our various investing literacy initiatives. We also actively work with trading participants and government and private entities to spread the word about personal finance and stock market investing.”
Monzon cited the technology platforms intended for retail investors such as PSE EASy and PSE EQUIP.
“We recently launched the latest version of the PSE EASy mobile app that allows local small investors to subscribe to and pay for initial public offerings and follow-on offerings directly on the app. For PSE EQUIP, we now have a premium subscription model that provides access to real-time market data.”
Retail investors comprised 99 percent of total account owners, while institutional investors made up the remaining 1 percent. Meantime, 99 percent of accounts were owned by local investors, while the rest were held by foreign investors.
The average value of online trades went up by 8 percent to P50,746.82, while the non-online counterpart also rose by 4 percent to an average of P99,823.86 per transaction.
“While growth in retail accounts
has been remarkable, the real challenge is getting retail investors to participate more actively in our market as they only contribute 16 percent to total value turnover,” Monzon said.
“We are optimistic that the upcoming reduction in stock transaction tax [STT] to 0.1 percent from 0.6 percent, along with the various investor education programs and upcoming pipeline of products of the exchange, will encourage greater investor activity for the remainder of 2025.”
The easing of STT is among the salient provisions in Republic Act 12214 or the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act, which was recently signed into law.
“We continue to see the impact of partnerships between PSE-accredited trading participants and digital platforms as we see a younger and more geographically diverse investor base.”
EDC to expand geothermal capacity
TBy Lenie Lectura @llectura
HE Energy Development Corp. (EDC) said it will drill 11 wells until next year as part of its commitment to finish the drilling of 40 wells for P30 billion.
“So far, we only have 11 wells remaining out of that 40, which is six this year and five next year and 5 next year,” said EDC President and Chief Operating Officer Jerome H. Cainglet.
Ahead of achieving this target, EDC is looking at drilling more wells and exploring greenfield geo -
Negros Power completes infra projects
NEGROS Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power), the joint venture between Razon-owned Primelectric Holdings Inc. (PHI) and Central Negros Electric Cooperative, has completed the rehabilitation of two major infrastructure projects that are critical to the improvement of power distribution service in Central Negros.
Negros Power, which took over the operation of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. in August 2024, reported “sweeping improvements” in infrastructure, service reliability, and consumer engagement, according to its president and CEO Roel Castro.
“From day one, our goal has been to modernize the system, restore public confidence, and extend reliable, responsive electric service to all. The progress we’ve made is just the beginning of a broader transformation,” Castro said.
These include the completion of the rehabilitation of the Alijis Substation, which is now equipped with new and uprated power transformers. Additional improvements were carried out in other substations to enhance system capacity and resilience.
The company also rehabilitated the entire 30-kilometer BacolodSilay 69 kilovolt (kV) subtransmission line, replacing aging poles and installing new pin insulators. Lenie Lectura
By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
MAYNILAD Water
Services
Inc. said it is utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to boost its leak detection accuracy and efficiency, allowing the company to reduce costs, save time, and quickly detect leaks and identify pipes that need immediate repair or replacement.
Infrawise, a decision-making support software for the renovation of water supply and wastewater drainage systems, is currently being used by Maynilad to address the challenge of leak detection.
Maynilad head of Central NonRevenue Water Management Ryan B. Jamora said AI developed in Portugal proved “very helpful” in pinpointing areas with possible leak problems.
Once a leak is detected and confirmed, he said, Maynilad personnel move in to repair or replace the pipe with the leak problem.
He said the use of AI is efficient with sufficient data to process. This means that the AI is fed with data generated by Maynilad, which Infrawise processes.
If the leak is an “emergency” case, Maynilad will immediately spring into action for the muchneeded repair or pipe replacement. “Of course, we still need to request for permit from the (local government unit) to work in the area,” said Jamora. “I would say effective siya in terms of making the process faster, in terms of cutting the network to be leak-detected.”
The application of AI depends on the needs and availability of the latest technology in the market for Maynilad.
Jamora said Maynilad’s current AI from Portugal is “proven and tested” in other countries, like Japan, where it was widely used in leak detection and other applications. To recall, the company has started using satellite imagery and AI to detect underground pipe leaks, in line with its goal of reducing network losses and recovering more water supply for distribution in 2024.
thermal projects. “We have this massive campaign, and we want to increase geothermal capacity,” said Cainglet. The company is set to conduct exploratory wells in the greenfield Amacan geothermal project in Mindanao.
EDC has close to 1,500 megawatt (MW) total installed capacity that accounts for almost 20 percent of the country’s total installed renewable energy capacity. Its 1,169.85MW geothermal portfolio comprises 80 percent of the country’s total installed geothermal capacity, making the Philippines the third
STOCK-MARKET OUTLOOK
LAST WEEK
SHARE prices bounced back after two consecutive weeks of decline but this was not enough to enable the index to reach the 6,400-point mark.
The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index gained 35.26 points to close at 6,376.79 points.
“Trading has also been lethargic as seen in the thin value turnovers. Overall, market confidence is seen to remain low which explains the tepid movements,” Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco, senior research analyst at Philstocks Financials Inc., said.
Average daily turnover reached P5.71 billion, as foreign transactions, which cornered half of the trades, were net buyers at P543.3 million. Among the sub-indices, only the Financials index registered a decline as it fell by 46.40 points to close at 2,349.74 points, while others closed in the green.
The broader All Shares index gained 55.60 to 3,779.22, the Industrial index added 29.01 to 8,953.75, the Holding Firms index rose 87.15 to 5,438,94, the Property index surged 76.12 to 2,289.40, the Services index climbed 65.53 to 2,203.86 and the Mining and Oil index increased 100.61 to 9,889.52.
For the week, gainers led losers 144 to 83 and 25 shares were unchanged.
Top gainers were DoubleDragon Corp., Steniel Manufacturing Corp., Vistamalls Inc., Arthaland Corp., MerryMart Consumer Corp., Citystate Savings Bank Inc. and Philippine Infradev Holdings Inc.
Top losers, meanwhile, were IPM Holdings Inc., Medco Holdings Inc., China Banking Corp., Dizon
largest geothermal producer in the world.
It is also looking at putting up battery energy storage systems to augment its geothermal power plants. The company has three geothermal concessions in Indonesia.
“We’re hoping this year we can move to the next level. Indonesia went through a change. It has a new president. Once that normalizes, we’ll start pursuing concessions.
We’re doing preliminary studies. We have our scientists going to concessions, looking at the feasibility, but that should eventually lead to drilling. we hope to start drilling
Copper-Silver Mines Inc., Metro Alliance Holdings and Equities Corp.
A shares, Liberty Flour Mills Inc. and APC Group Inc.
THIS WEEK
SHARE prices may stretch its gains this week, as the market is deemed undervalued, closing the week with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 11.5 times.
It will be another four-day trading week as June 12 is a public holiday for the Philippine Independence Day.
Tantiangco said the current P/E ratio is below its 5-year historical average of 17.3 times and the regional average of 15.9 times.
“Sentiment remains bearish however due to the lingering global trade uncertainties caused by the United States’ trade policies. On a positive note, our latest inflation print may raise hopes of more aggressive policy easing by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas [BSP] which in turn may give the market a boost.”
Broker 2TradeAsia said markets are seemingly heading into the second half of 2025 with two competing forces, at least based on recent data—a weakening global industrial cycle and a monetary policy pivot that is still waiting for the arrival of better data.
“At home, the country continues to enjoy disinflation, unlike peers in the region. May CPI [consumer price index] eased to 1.3 percent, the lowest in the post-pandemic era; the print was driven by slower increases in housing-related costs and food prices, along with a sharper drop in transport costs,” it said.
“This development supports a more accommodative monetary
this year,” said EDC Chief Executive Officer Francis Giles Puno said. EDC’s recurring income, excluding hydro, stood at $20 million (P1.2 billion) in the first quarter. This was 22 percent lower than its recurring income of $26 million (P1.4 billion) in 2024.
The geothermal power plants under EDC generated lower sales and operating income due to a reduction in electricity prices and electricity sold, as well higher interest expenses from greater debt following the execution of its drilling operation program and project expansions.
policy stance by the BSP—recall that the BSP already did a second quarter cut at 25 basis points, with consensus leaning towards an early third quarter cut. Our view is leaning towards a conservative June or August cut given long-run pressure from fiscal restart and pending wage increases.”
Chartwise, the local market is observed to be trading sideways bound within its 50-day and 200day exponential moving averages, Tantiangco said.
Immediate support for the main index is seen at 6,300 points while resistance is at 6,500 to 6,550 points.
STOCK PICKS
MAYBANK Securities gave a buy rating on the stock of Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SCC), with a target price of P34 per share.
The buy rating was driven by its compelling dividend yield and total return potential, it said. “Despite softer prices, SCC’s strong cash flows and net cash position underpin our positive view.”
Semirara Mining’s shares were last traded at P33.10 apiece.
Meanwhile, the broker still gave a buy rating on JG Summit Holdings Inc. as its share price is trading at a 58-percent discount to net asset value.
“The JGSOC [JG Summit Olefins Corp.] shutdown underscores structural petrochemical issues. While challenges remain, including P9 billion in maintenance costs, the shift sharpens focus on core, profitable units,” it said, giving a target price of P34 apiece on the stock.
JG Summit shares closed last week at P19.40 apiece. VG Cabuag
“We schedule it depending on new information that comes in. That is when we re-run the application in the system. The AI comes up with information identifying the likelihood of the leak. This localized leak detection allows us to focus on a smaller area or segment,” Jamora said. “We can reduce the time in detecting leaks.”
Whenever the AI identifies the specific location in the map that Maynilad provided, the AI pinpoints the area, which will then be visited by personnel for site inspection.
Using available technologies, such as a listening device, Maynilad can identify whether there is indeed a leak that needs to be fixed.
For the pioneering initiative, Maynilad has tapped the technology of a satellite-based infrastructure intelligence company’s patented algorithms that were originally developed to detect water on other planets. Maynilad is the first water company in the Philippines to test the use of this state-of-theart technology for detecting underground leaks. Its use involves applying algorithmic analysis to track the spectral “signature” of potable water underground over a land area of approximately 3,000 square kilometers captured in a satellite image.
The leakage information that the AI algorithms pick up is thereafter captured in a geographic information system report that specifies street locations, enabling Maynilad to fast-track the process of detecting and repairing underground leaks. This technology is now replaced by Infrawise technology.
Banking&Finance
Labor groups to employers: Stop hiding behind MSMEs
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
LABOR groups on Saturday dis-
missed warnings from major employer associations over the potential “mass layoffs and economic collapse” should the proposed P200 across-the-board wage hike push through.
In a statement, Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong mga Manggagawa Secretary-General Josua Mata criticized groups such as the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) and the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (Ecop) for what he described as fearmongering.
“[This is] a tired, recycled script from big business groups who panic at the thought of sharing even a tiny slice of their profits with the very workers who keep their businesses running,” Mata said.
“Just like Ecop, the PRA is hiding behind [micro, small, and medium enterprises] to avoid any responsibility in addressing poverty wages,” he added.
Mata argued that the proposed nationwide wage increase is unlikely to cause job losses or disrupt business operations.
He pointed to Republic Act 9178 or the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises Act of 2002, which already exempts micro enterprises from paying the minimum wage.
Section 8 of RA 9178 states that businesses with assets not exceeding P3 million—excluding the value of land where their office, plant, or equipment is located—are not required to pay the prevailing minimum wage in their region. However, their workers must still receive standard benefits such as social security and healthcare.
Beyond wage exemptions, Federation of Free Workers President Sonny Matula noted that today’s proposed wage hike—ranging from 15 to 31 percent—is smaller than the nearly 40-percent increase implemented in 1989, when daily wages rose from P64 to P89. He pointed out that the economy managed to recover and grow despite political instability at the time.
“Today’s businesses are stronger, profits are up, employers have saving through corporate tax reductions and incentives, and workers are long overdue for a raise,” Matula dded.
Independent think tank IBON Foundation earlier estimated that the proposed P200 wage hike would only make a “small” dent in company profits: 11.1 percent for large firms, 9.1 percent for medium firms, 12.9 percent for small firms, and 15 percent for micro firms.
However, several economists warned that the proposed increase could significantly raise production costs—by as much as 31 percent.
They said this could lead to higher consumer prices, reduced foreign investment, and, for some SMEs, potential shutdowns due to unsustainable expenses (Related: https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2025/06/05/ experts-see-P200-wage-hike-as-adouble-edged-sword/).
Call to convene bicam PARTIDO Manggagawa SecretaryGeneral Judy Miranda also called on lawmakers to immediately convene the bicameral conference committee to finalize the measure.
Beyond passing bills, Congress has a constitutional duty to ensure their timely enactment, Miranda said.
“The government must act decisively—inaction will only embolden employers who have always opposed wage hikes, no matter how modest,” Miranda said in a statement.
She added that both chambers must prioritize the bicameral work and that Malacañang should heed the public’s call for action.
House Bill No. 11376, which mandates a P200 daily wage increase for all private-sector minimum wage earners, was approved on third and final reading last week.
The Senate had passed its own version of the wage hike measure in February 2024, proposing a P100 increase.
Both chambers are expected to reconcile their versions and produce a final enrolled bill before the June 13 adjournment.
Science chief seeks easier access to climate financing
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
THE country is pushing for more inclusive and accessible financing mechanisms to support communities grappling with the impacts of climate change, including displacement, relocation and migration.
Speaking at the 2025 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, science and technology secretary Renato Solidum Jr. underscored the need to make Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) financing a central feature of national development strategies and a key focus of global cooperation.
“We envision an international financing system that does not burden developing countries with unsustainable debt under the pretext of resilience,” Solidum said during a high-level ministerial roundtable in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 4.
“Instead, it must be one that delivers timely, adequate, and predictable assistance and support, that includes grants, technology transfer and capacity building,” he added.
He emphasized that access to global climate finance must be inclusive, non-discriminatory and accessible to the most vulnerable sectors.
The DOST chief welcomed recent developments such as the collaboration between the Adaptation Fund and the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, announced in February 2025, which aims to help developing nations boost their readiness to tap into climate funds.
San reforms, wage hike could cause fiscal strain—experts
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
THE proposed P200 wage hike could exert pressure on the country’s fiscal space and undermine debt sustainability over the medium term if not paired with economic reforms, according to economists.
Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow John Paolo Rivera told BusinessMirror that while the measure is “socially motivated,” it needs “careful calibration” to prevent unintended fiscal strain.
This is because the national government, state-run corporations, as well as local government units will adjust their salary structures and allocate more funds for personnel services.
“It may improve household welfare in the short term, but without productivity gains or business support, it could narrow fiscal space and pose challenges to debt sustainability in the medium term,” Rivera said.
The country’s fiscal deficit widened to P411.5 billion in the first four months of the year, 78.98 percent higher year-on-year than last year’s P229.9 billion.
While government revenues slightly grew to P1.529 trillion, spending outpaced earnings at P1.931 trillion.
Although the wage hike could
FCDA
FThe nation’s pitch aligns with global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement and the Global Biodiversity Framework, all of which stress the importance of accurate disaster loss accounting in securing financing.
Currently, the Sendai Framework remains the only universally endorsed guide for reducing disaster risks, adopted by 187 United Nations Member States. Back home, Solidum highlighted how the government has been aligning national initiatives with global commitments.
The People’s Survival Fund has been established to directly support climate adaptation projects at the local level.
Similarly, the Philippine Sustainable Finance Roadmap harmonizes green investment strategies and instructs agencies to align spending with the National Adaptation Plan.
Yet, Solidum pointed out that access to finance is not solely a matter of availability. To bridge this gap, he called for improved access to major global funds such as the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund, the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund and the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD).
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) initially proposed a P49.253-billion budget for 2025. However, only P28.772 billion was approved under the National Expenditure Program (NEP)—a slight increase from the P27.22 billion allocated in 2024.
boost consumer spending and potentially improve value-added tax and income tax collections, this could be dampened if businesses cut jobs, reduce hours or delay hiring due to higher labor costs.
“If businesses, especially MSMEs, struggle to absorb higher wage costs, it could push some toward informality, affecting the tax base and compliance rates. This poses a risk to long-term revenue sustainability,” Rivera said.
“While not immediately affecting debt levels, higher deficits to finance increased spending could lead to more borrowing down the line, especially if revenue growth fails to keep pace,” he added.
Meanwhile, Oikonomia Advisory & Research Inc. Economist Reinielle Matt M. Erece said the subsidies, shouldered by the government to support employers, will add up to the country’s tight fiscal space, already running a deficit.
According to House Bill No. 11376, approved on third and final
reading, the Department of Labor and Employment is mandated to provide incentives, as per the bill’s implementing rules and regulations.
“A new expense for the government means either redirecting some of their revenues from other programs, or perhaps prompt them to borrow more,” Erece told BusinessMirror
Erece said the government’s wage subsidy is unsustainable in the long run, as the effectiveness of the wage hike depends on the productivity improvements and positive impact in encouraging higher economic activity.
“If productivity doesn’t increase with the wage hike, then its inflationary impacts may follow,” Erece said.
These pressures could force the government to redirect some funds to the subsidy, raise taxes or borrow more money, Erece said.
The Department of Finance (DOF) maintained that the country’s debt is managed by growing the economy faster to bring it down to a sustainable level.
Outstanding debt reached a new record high of P16.75 trillion as of end-April 2025, according to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr).
However, raising taxes even more if the wage hike is enacted into law could amplify its inflationary impacts as the price of goods and services, apart from the higher input cost of labor, will also increase to cover taxes, Erece said.
“The government may exhaust the country’s fiscal space first if there is any unappropriated bud-
get, or they may borrow funds from either domestic or foreign sources,” Erece added.
Rivera said that tax collection must be strengthened through better enforcement and compliance to ensure sufficient revenue to manage the fiscal impacts of the wage hike.
The government must also enhance efficiency in public spending to create fiscal space without widening the deficit, Rivera added.
Instead of across-the-board subsidies, Rivera said it would be more prudent for the government to provide targeted assistance to the most vulnerable sectors.
“Supporting programs that boost productivity will help ensure that wage increases are matched by economic gains, making them more fiscally and economically sustainable in the long run,” Rivera said.
The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 11376, proposing a P200 across-the-board daily wage increase on Wednesday (See: https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2025/06/05/ house-okays-p200-wage-hike-bill-bicam-panel-next/).
With a vote of 171 in favor, 1 against, and no abstentions, the bill seeks to ease the burden of inflation and ensure equitable economic growth through increased wages.
The Senate and House must convene the bicameral conference committee to reconcile their respective versions, as the Senate proposed a P100 increase, and produce a final enrolled bill before the June 13 adjournment.
could be used to hide assets, says tax appeals court
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
OREIGN currency deposit accounts (FCDAs) are not subject to estate taxes and scrutiny but could be exploited as a means to conceal assets, according to the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA).
In a recent Supreme Court podcast, CTA Associate Justice and Department of Taxation Law of the Philippine Judicial Academy member Jean Marie A. BacoroVillena said this is based on a recent decision of the Supreme Court.
“Yes, we can say that (all foreign currency deposit accounts are exempt from estate taxes),” Bacoro-Villena said. “Section 6 of the FCDA unequivocally states that the foreign currency deposit
accounts are exempted from any or all taxes, including estate tax, irrespective of whether the residents or non-residents made these deposits so long as the deposits are allowed under our laws.”
The Supreme Court ruling, Bacoro-Villena said, also reaffirmed the rule that FCDA are considered “absolutely confidential” and cannot be “examined, injured, or looked into by any person, even government officials and offices, whether judicial, administrative, or legislative, even after the death of the depositor.”
However, Bacoro-Villena said, this does not mean there are no exceptions to the rule. She said a written permission or a court order in connection with a violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) can pry open these accounts.
Bacoro-Villena said this means the ruling on FCDAs can be a means to preserve wealth and minimize taxes, especially for heirs of FCDA account holders when they die. But it can also be exploited to hide assets.
“On one hand, it offers a legitimate asset protection mechanism shielding foreign currency deposits from undue scrutiny while simultaneously advancing the state’s policy of beefing up the country’s international reserve. On the other hand, however, it carries the risk of being exploited as a conduit for the concealment of assets,” BacoroVillena said.
The CTA Associate Justice explained that an estate tax is the duty imposed on the privilege of a person to transfer property at the time of death. The executor or the administrator of an estate is the
one meant to foot the bill. She also explained estate taxes differ from inheritance taxes which are imposed on the privilege of the heirs to succeed or receive their individual shares.
However, Bacoro-Villena said, the inheritance ,tax has already been repealed in the Philippines making the estate tax the only duty that has to be paid in connection to assets that are being transmitted at the time of death. The AMLC was created pursuant to Republic Act 9160, otherwise known as the “Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001.” The Council was created to protect the integrity and confidentiality of bank accounts and to ensure that the Philippines shall not be used as a money laundering site for the proceeds of any unlawful activity.
BOC seizes 12 cars misdeclared as accessories
SMUGGLED motor vehicles from the United States worth P10.8 million were seized by the Bureau of Custom-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services (BOC-CIIS) at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
In a statement, the BOC said it seized 12 smuggled cars from two shipments misdeclared as “assorted car accessories and supply” on June 5.
One unit of 1996 Acura Integra, three units of 1998 Honda Civic, one unit of 1999 Honda Civic, four units of 2000 Honda Civic, one unit of 2002 Honda S2000, one unit of 2004 Honda S2000 and one unit of 2007 Mini Cooper S were seized by the BOC-CIIS.
The shipments, consigned to Danesh Consumer Goods Trading from the US, were subjected to x-ray imaging after derogatory information was received that it contained “misdeclared and undeclared items.”
“We had solid information that these shipments may be smuggling motor vehicles into our country un-
der the guise of importing car accessories and parts,” Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy said. Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said the groups and individuals behind the smuggling operation will face the full extent of the law. Rubio said Section 1400 (Misdeclaration, Misclassification, Undervaluation, in Goods Declaration) was violated for smuggling the mo
bureau will file the appropriate cases and make sure that these organizations will be held responsible,” Rubio said.
Monday, June 9, 2025
Trump banned citizens of 12 countries from entering the US. Here’s what to know
By Monika Pronczuk The Associated Press
PRESIDENT Donald Trump has banned citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States and restricted access for those from seven others, citing national security concerns in resurrecting and expanding a hallmark policy from his first term that will mostly affect people from Africa and the Middle East.
The ban announced Wednesday applies to citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The heightened restrictions apply to people from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela who are outside the US and don’t hold a valid visa. The policy takes effect today at 12:01 a.m. and does not have an end date.
Here’s what to know about the new rules:
How Trump justified the ban SINCE returning to the White House, Trump has launched an unprecedented campaign of immigration enforcement that has pushed the limits of executive power and clashed with federal judges trying to restrain him. The travel ban stems from a Jan. 20 executive order Trump issued requiring the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence to compile a report on “hostile attitudes” toward the US. The aim is to “protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes,” the administration said. In a video posted on social media, Trump tied the new ban to a terrorist attack Sunday in Boulder, Colorado, saying it underscored the dangers posed by some visitors who overstay visas. The man charged in the attack is from Egypt, a country that is not on Trump’s restricted list. US officials say he overstayed a tourist visa.
Who is exempt from the ban
1. Green card holders
2. Dual citizens, including US citizens who also have citizenship of one of the banned countries
3. Some athletes: athletes and their coaches traveling to the US for the World Cup, Olympics or other major sporting event as determined by the US secretary of state
4. Afghans who worked for the US government or its allies in Afghanistan and are holders of Afghan special immigrant visas
5. Iranians belonging to an ethnic or religious minority who are fleeing prosecution
6. Certain foreign national employees of the US government who have served abroad for at least 15 years, and their spouses and children
7. People who were granted asylum or admitted to the US as refugees before the ban took effect
8. People with US family members who apply for visas in connection to their spouses, children or parents
9. Diplomats and foreign government officials on official visits
10. Those traveling to UN headquarters in New York solely on official UN business
11. Representatives of international organizations and NATO on official visits in the US.
12. Children adopted by U.S. citizens.
Which countries are affected
TRUMP said nationals of countries included in the ban pose “terrorismrelated” and “public-safety” risks, as well as risks of overstaying their visas.
He also said some of these countries had “deficient” screening and vetting or have historically refused to take back their citizens.
His findings rely extensively on an annual Homeland Security report about tourists, businesspeople and students who overstay US visas and arrive by air or sea, singling out countries with high percentages of nationals who remain after their visas expired.
“We don’t want them,” Trump said. The inclusion of Afghanistan angered some supporters who have worked to resettle its people. The ban makes exceptions for Afghans on special immigrant visas, who were generally the people who worked most closely with the US government during the two-decade war there.
The list can be changed, the administration said in a document, if authorities in the designated countries make “material improvements” to their own rules and procedures.
New countries can be added “as threats emerge around the world.”
Reactions to Trump’s order
VENEZUELA President Nicolás Maduro’s government condemned the travel ban, characterizing it in a statement as a “stigmatization and criminalization campaign” against Venezuelans, who have been targeted by the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
Chad President Mahamat Deby Itno said his country would suspend visas for US citizens in response to the ban.
Aid and refugee resettlement groups also denounced it.
“This policy is not about national security — it is about sowing division and vilifying communities that are seeking safety and opportunity in the United States,” said Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, called the order “unnecessary, overbroad and ideologically motivated.”
And the National Immigration Law Center said it was “outraged” and that the ban is “laced with unsubstantiated legal justifications.”
”The impact of this new ban will be deeply racialized, as it will effectively bar hundreds of millions of Black and Brown people from entering the United States,” the group said in a statement.
But reactions to the ban ran the gamut from anger to guarded relief and support.
In Haiti, radio stations received a flurry of calls Thursday from angry listeners, including many who said they were Haitians living in the US and who accused Trump of being racist, noting that the people of many of the targeted countries are Black.
In Miami, restaurant owner Wilkinson Sejour said most of his employees and customers are from Haiti and that the ban will hurt his business in a “domino effect.” He suggested that Haiti was targeted because most Haitians vote Democrat.
Jaylani Hussein, who heads CAIR’s Minnesota chapter, said his compatriots in the Twin Cities’ large Somali American community had been expecting Trump’s order, but didn’t know the details until its release.
“It’s a lot better than maybe some of the worst fears of what we initially thought could come out. But it significantly impacts the Somali community, there’s no way around it,” he said. William Lopez, a 75-year-old property investor who arrived from Cuba in 1967, supports the travel ban.
“These are people that come but don’t want to work, they support the Cuban government, they support communism,” Lopez said at a restaurant near Little Havana in Miami. “What the Trump administration is doing is perfectly good.”
How the ban differs from 2017’s EARLY in Trump’s first term, he issued an executive order banning travel to the US by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries, including Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. It was one of the most chaotic and confusing moments of his young presidency. Travelers from those nations were either barred from getting on flights to the US or detained at US airports after they landed. They included students and faculty, as well as businesspeople, tourists and people visiting friends and family.
The order, often referred to as the “Muslim ban” or the “travel ban,” was retooled amid legal challenges until a version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The ban affected various categories of travelers and immigrants from Iran, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Libya, plus North Koreans and some Venezuelan government officials and their families.
A MAN walks past an air travel agency in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Thursday, June 5, 2025. President Donald Trump recently announced a new travel ban barring citizens of 12 countries—including Afghanistan—from entering the United States, citing national security concerns. AP/EBRAHIM NOROOZI
Wilson lets you shine on and off centercourt
TENNIS is having a moment despite the emergence of other racket sports such as padel and pickleball. With this revival of the love for tennis (or did it even go away?) comes tenniscore, which is characterized by elements such as short pleated skirts, polo shirts, and crew socks in shades like white, yellow, green, black, and the creamiest cream.
Trivia: The term tennis bracelet was coined by Chris evert during the 1978 uS open after she lost her diamond-studded bracelet.
When it comes to tennis gear, 111-year-old brand Wilson Sporting Goods has built a legacy that spans generations of tennis athletes. Among the tennis players who have used Wilson are Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Chris evert, Steffi graf, Serena Williams and, most recently, Marta Kostyuk, a current Wilson brand ambassador.
Wilson has now opened its first standalone store at SM Mall of Asia (MoA). The launch, which was attended by PHILTA president Eric olivarez, the country’s no. 2 player Jed olivarez, and actress Marian Rivera, centered on the concept of “The Art of Court,” celebrating the refined aesthetic of tennis.
Wilson offers an extensive range of lifestyle and performance tennis clothing and footwear, aside from proper tennis equipment like rackets and balls, with each piece delivering comfort, UV protection and durability. The clothes can be worn on and off the court. There are also accessories like caps and sports bags.
If you’re looking for clothes that fit the tenniscore, I spotted racks of pastel colored skirts that would look so good when worn with polo shirts.
The first Wilson store in the Philippines is located on the first level of entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Seaside Boulevard, Pasay City. You can also check out Wilson’s offerings through their website (they have padel and pickleball paddles and rackets online).
Style
Pride 2025: ‘Protect the Dolls!’
‘IF it’s hard for you to accept Pride Month, just think of it as being ‘pro-life’ but for gay kids,” goes a post by the Facebook page called Where True Love Is.
As unprecedented persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals go from brutal to deadly by the day, the celebrations for Pride Month this year may have a feeling of peril, but there’s more a sense of defiance.
After blatant attempts of erasing the community, especially those who identify as trans, the rallying cry is: “Protect the Dolls!”
WHAT’S THE TEE?
Conner Ives, the American creative based in London, had no idea what his simple T-shirt would turn into, and what he was able to do with the printing of a tee. He closed his Fall-Winter 2025 show at London Fashion Week in February with the phrase
“Protect the Dolls” emblazoned on his upcycled shirt.
“Dolls” was a term of endearment for trans women of color in the ballroom scene in Harlem in the 1980s. Ives’ message of resistance was his way of supporting the entire trans community which is experiencing loss of rights and identity in the US and UK.
The bestselling shirt, said to be somewhat reminiscent of the “We Love You Kate” shirt by Alexander McQueen to support an embattled Kate Moss, has found fans in Pedro Pascal, who has a trans sister named Lux; fellow designer Haider Ackermann; LGBT singers Ricky Martin and Troye Sivan; and actress Tilda Swinton.
But the biggest fan is the biggest queer icon of all, Madonna. Her mega-hit Vogue was heavily inspired by the ballroom culture glorified in the award-winning documentary Paris Is Burning.
In an interview with Vogue the magazine, Ives said:
“When I think of the challenges that trans people in the [United] States are facing right now, I just keep thinking about how scared I was when I was a 12-year-old gay white boy in an upper-middle-class suburb of New York City, let alone a trans girl in the middle of America under an administration that’s basically telling her that she doesn’t exist.”
‘ELLE MEXICO’S’ PROUD HUMANS
IN 2025, ELLE Mexico asserts, “trans women’s rights are facing an alarming setback, threatened by hate speech, legislative exclusions and attacks on their visibility. That’s why, in this edition of Proud Humans, we’re giving space to 12 trans women we admire deeply. Some have participated in this special before; others are joining for the first time. But they all come together with a common goal: to raise their voices to send a message of resistance. Because, as one of the most powerful proclamations of the Pride March prays, ‘Here’s to trans resistance.’”
Being trans is synonymous with resistance, struggle and resilience. The 12 women featured on the cover, all admired and adored in Mexico, exemplify these qualities. They are actress/host Alejandra Bogue; models Melanie Guzman, Valentina Fluchaire; actress/models Ali Monterrosas, Trinidad Gonzalez; musician Zemmoa; fashion publicist Sofia Reyes; visual artist Tatsumi; actress Nova Coronel; actress/ DJ Victoria Volkova; singer/actress Morganna Love; and designer Maria Ponce.
‘DALAGA NA SI MAXIE OLIVEROS’
A PINoY pop icon and cultural phenomenon, Maxie oliveros, is back on the scene. Grittier, glammed-up and all grown-up, she returns in the spectacular Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros: A Drag Musical Extravaganza.
A sequel to the classic 2005 film and the 2013 musical, this new production will run from June 13 to June 22, 2025 at the Illumination Studio in Makati City. The title role is played by the ingenue Jamila Rivera, a fresh provinciana talent from Naga City. Also in the rambunctious main cast are drag performers Zymba Ding, Corazon, MRS TAN, and
Winter Sheason Nicole, and actors Jem Manicad, Gerhard Krystoppher and Gabriel Villaruel.
Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros, as the creatives behind it assure, “is a powerful tribute to courage, love and authenticity. And it’s a hopeful reminder of the future we believe in. A future where everyone, no matter who they are or who they love, is seen, valued, and free to live with dignity and equal rights.”
This passion project puts a “shining a spotlight on the incredible impact of the drag community, which has always been bold, brave and beautifully unapologetic.
It is directed by Melvin Lee, written by Julia Icawat Enriquez and Mikaundre Gozum Santos, with musical direction, arrangement, and additional original songs by JJ Pimpinio. It is line produced by PETA Plus.
Tickets are now available for purchase through https://tinyurl.com/3wkwjkcz at ₱2,500 each. For further information, follow https://tinyurl. com/4tde47ds.
‘KWEEN CON’ AT SM SKYDOME NORTH EDSA ON JUNE 20
THE country’s biggest mall chain is a staunch ally of the LGBTQ community. As it gets ready to turn up the sparkle, sass and Pride, SM North Edsa will host Kween Con June 20 at SM Skydome.
“This Pride Month, we’re serving you a dazzling dose of Filipino drag excellence at Kween Con! our Kweens are bringing the house down with their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent,” reads its statement. The featured performers are Drag Race Philippines winners Precious Paula Nicole, Captivating Katkat, and Maxie Andreison; and Khianna With a K, Genesis Brillantes Vijandre, Your Tita Baby, Angel Galang. Viñas DeLuxe, Brigiding, Zymba Ding and Hana Beshie.
Pre-register on SM Malls online via tinyurl.com/ yzub95pu.
Grab strengthens women empowerment drive with Misiskolar 2025
AS part of its broader mission to uplift women, Grab Philippines concluded its month-long “Misiskolar: Siskarte ni Kumare” campaign—an empowerment initiative designed to equip the wives of driverpartners and female driver-partners with entrepreneurial skills and tools to thrive in today’s digital-first economy.
Held at SMX Convention Center Aura, the culminating event gathered women from the Grab and MOVE IT community for a day of capacity-building and community celebration.
Misiskolar featured a robust lineup of expertled sessions designed to help homemakers transform passion projects into sustainable sources of income.
Participants also gained access to free registration for Tesda-accredited skills training, equipping them with nationally recognized credentials to pursue broader entrepreneurial or livelihood opportunities.
The program was headlined by actress and advocate Jolina Magdangal, a long-time champion of homemakers and working
mothers, who led the “Diskarte Talks”—a candid and educational dialogue on motherhood, marriage, and business grit. The event served to underscore the oftenoverlooked economic role of homemakers, many of whom are now emerging as mompreneurs and contributors to household income. In the lead-up to the main event, Grab also partnered with actress and wellness advocate Maxene Magalona to hold a special yoga and meditation session with female driver-
‘TAKE PRIDE 2025’ ON JUNE 20-21 AT LIMKETKAI MALL, CAGAYAN DE ORO
THIS Pride Month, the City of Golden Friendship’s iconic shopping mecca is turning up the volume on “visibility, love, and self-expression.”
on June 21 and June 22, there will be a series of bold, beautiful and meaningful events that celebrate who we are and who we stand with are: SoGIE and Safe Space Act Symposium, Fierce and Free: Pride Dance Competition, Pet Fashion Show, and Shantay You Stay Drag Show Competition.
The mall assures that whether you’re a performer, advocate, ally, or simply here to celebrate, there’s a space for you at its Pride Month activities.
‘LOV3 LABAN 2025’ ON JUNE 28 AT UP DILIMAN
ArguABly the biggest gathering in Asia, Lov3Laban will be held on June 28 at UP Diliman in Quezon City. A roster of hosts has just been announced. They are Aaron Maniego, AC, Ate Dick, Bong Gonzales, Christian Antolin, Dong Pat, Kaladkaren, NAIA Black, Pipay, Queen Dura, Sassa Gurl and Sophie Prime. Pride PH, the nonprofit organization behind this monumental event, states:
“Celebrating Pride declares our commitment to change, love, and equality.This year, we strengthen our fight toward a truly free society.
“We will not dim our lights. We will continue to fuel this love so that we can better understand our siblings in our community. We will continue to fuel this rage towards injustices and inequality. And we will continue to fuel this hope that soon enough, we will live in a more free society—a society that is more inclusive, more accepting, and more loving to people like us
“Kaya itutuloy natin ang puksaan.
Tuloy ang puksaan para sa kalayaan. Tuloy ang puksaan para sa love.
“Happy Pride, Pilipinas!” n
partners. The session centered on self-love, mental wellness, and the importance of self-care— underscoring the platform’s commitment to holistic empowerment. Grab Philippines country head Ronald Roda shares, “Behind every ride and every delivery is often a woman holding the family together, not just as a homemaker but as a dreamer, a doer, and a quiet force of resilience. Through Misiskolar, we honor the grit of our female driver-partners and the wives
who support them, as well as the small but powerful revolutions taking place inside Filipino homes. These women are redefining what it means to contribute to the economy in a digital world. At Grab, we are proud to be a platform where their diskarte becomes dignity, income, and impact.”
The Misiskolar program is a long-running women empowerment initiative by Grab Philippines, dedicated to helping homemakers nurture additional income streams for their families.
Editor: Gerard S. Ramos
THE cast of Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros: Jamila Rivera (center) as Maxie with drag queens Zymba Ding, Corazon, MRS TAN, and Winter Sheason; and actors Jem Manicad, Gerhard Krystoppher and
ACTRESS Marian Rivera graces the opening of the first Wilson standalone store in the Philippines. PHOTO FROM WILSON SPORTING GOODS PHILIPPINES
CHOOSING WHO COVERS YOUR MEDIA EVENTS: FAIR OR FLAWED?
IN late April, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced new accreditation rules for journalists covering the Malacañang beat. According to reports, the guidelines would give the PCO the authority to vet, and even revoke, the credentials of reporters assigned to cover the Palace. The move was met with immediate pushback from the Malacañang Press Corps and other media groups. The following day, the PCO announced that it was postponing the implementation of accreditation guidelines after a dialogue with the journalists covering the Palace.
The issue not only sparked debate among journalists and media groups, but also thoughtful conversations among PR professionals. It made me reflect on my early years when I started my career in media as a TV reporter for ABC 5 right after college. I had barely two years of experience when I was assigned to cover the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in Subic. It was a high-profile media event attended by world leaders, including thenPresident Fidel Ramos. A year later, with just about three years of experience, I was again assigned to cover President Ramos’s official visits to London and Oman. If strict accreditation rules like the one recently proposed had been in place, I would not have been allowed to cover those events.
Aside from covering business, I also covered the lifestyle and entertainment beats, where media access varied. Some private companies preferred to invite only print reporters especially when sources were camera-shy. Meanwhile, global entertainment studios select media for their junkets. I was fortunate to be invited to some junkets in Hong Kong and Tokyo. These media events were also carefully planned by PR teams.
In public relations, especially in the private sector, choosing who gets to cover a media event is a common and often necessary strategy. But what happens when that same approach is applied to a public institution like Malacañang? Is it reasonable or does it risk infringing on press freedom?
To explore the issue further, I invited esteemed members of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Philippine Chapter to weigh in on this question:
In PR, it’s common to choose which media or reporters to invite to private events. But can the same be done for public institutions? Is screening media ever a good PR move?
Here are their perspectives:
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Noel Rene Nieva IPRA Philippines National Chair and Perceptions, Inc. President & CEO
CONSIDERING the diverse ways people access information today across traditional and social platforms, it makes sense to use both to effectively communicate with the intended audience.
However, in the realm of politics, the focus often extends beyond just credible or legitimate reporting to also include the perception of support and the amplification of positive messaging.
For public institutions, a higher standard of values should be expected, one that demonstrates fairness, acknowledges different viewpoints, and ensures open access for everyone.
In this era of citizen journalism, where individuals can easily establish their own online “news” platforms, it becomes important to have certain criteria to validate their legitimacy. These could include factors like their history, background, reach, and audience.
Joy Buensalido Buensalido PR and Communications President and CEO
HAVING conducted countless media briefings, press conferences and media events for more than three decades now, I have come to realize that it’s very critical for the PR organizers to know what the specific objectives of every media event are. There can be varying objectives for wanting to invite media. If the topic is something general like announcing the opening of a new store or product or the inauguration of a business establishment, then that can be open to general media (which could be composed of reporters, contributors, editors, columnists and/or whoever will be assigned by the editors.) This can also open to broadcast and social media especially if they want the exposure to be carried across multiple channels and platforms.
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If we want to engage a CEO or a top company official or a foreign partner for a serious top-level interview where he can share his plans for the company, this is when we need to tailor fit the intended interviewers to suit the topic (and the intended outcome). It is crucial to identify specific media who will be in a position to ask the right and relevant questions based on their background, experience and exposure to the topic that will be discussed. If it’s business, then we offer the opportunity to business editors or reporters, or if it’s lifestyle or entertainment related, then we aim for specific writers or media who might be interested and inclined to do their exclusive stories on the topic. If we plan the event meticulously and identify the target media well in advance, we usually get the intended results which should be sufficient coverage and proper understanding of the messages we want to convey.
For the same reason, I am in favor of pre-selecting (“screening” seems to be not the proper term to use here) the right and appropriate media who should be invited to cover certain aspects of public institutions. As responsible PR practitioners, it is our duty to know, identify and recommend which media—from editors, writers or broadcast and social media representatives can best understand and tackle the topics that will be shared with them.
As professional PR practitioners, it is not only our duty to plan every essential detail of what the client or spokesperson should be stating during the media briefing; it is likewise our responsibility to make sure that his audience (the media, in this case) should be prepared and fully capable of handling the message well and communicating that message to their respective audiences.
Therefore, ideally, PR Professionals should be able to select, recommend and handle the kind of media to be invited to any media event, whether it’s a private or a public institution. The proper selection works both ways too. If the invited media is able to gather a credible and newsworthy story which he can share with his audiences, he would likewise appreciate having been invited and will most likely trust the PR professional for future events.
Richard P. Burgos Retired Director of the Science and Technology Information Institute, Department of Science and Technology WHAT’S good for the goose is good for the gander. So, should there be screening of media attendees at press conferences of government agencies? Definitely. Reasons? First, trust. You would want seasoned media personalities and influencers
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with a badge of legitimacy to ensure more balanced and responsible reporting. Second, cost. Most government agencies have limited budgets for activities like this and the frequency and size of media events could be dampened by annual budgets. Auditors also frown upon lavish events so you need to keep media events simple and straightforward. Third, other channels. Government communicators keep their lines open to keep their media contacts engaged and updated on developments. Upon request, they can arrange in-depth one-on-one interviews or exchanges with officials and resource persons beyond press conferences and budget meals. This is where media relations truly matter.
Rowena Capulong Reyes, Ph.D. Far Eastern University VP for Corporate Affairs
FROM my exposure to both public and private organizations, media screening can be a catch-22 situation, particularly for a public institution. While it may allow organizations to curate the narrative and engage with media that align with their values and objectives, leading to more favorable coverage, the risk of alienating certain journalists and media outlets may lead to perceptions of bias or a lack of transparency.
An organization must have a balanced approach for open dialogue despite unwarranted opinions or stance. Staying approachable and transparent leads to strategic media engagement and an effective PR move which may lead to public trust. I may sound redundant, but in the practice of PR, core values such as pakikisama (building relationships), pakikipag-usap (effective communication), pang-aangkop (adaptability and flexibility), pangako ng etika at integridad (ethics and integrity), and pagkamalikhain (creativity and innovation) play a crucial role. It’s essential to uphold ethics and integrity, values that I always emphasize in dealing with media.
PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the United Kingdom-based International Public Relations Association (IPRA), the world’s premier association for senior professionals around the world. Kane Errol Choa, APR, is the Head/ Vice President for Corporate Communications at ABS-CBN Corporation. He currently serves as an International Executive Board director of IABC, the immediate past chair of the IABC Asia Pacific Region, an adviser to IABC Philippines, vice president of Anak TV, and a director of the KBP Standards Authority.
We are devoting a special column each month to answer the reader’s questions about public relations. Please send your comments and questions to askipraphil@gmail.com.
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Sports
Editor: Jun Lomibao |
1 gold, 3 bronzes: Not bad, Caloy
By Josef T. Ramos
ARLOS YULO finished third
Cin vault and parallel bars in South Korea on Sunday and with a one-gold and threebronze medal haul, the Paris Olympics double gold medalist remained in his lofty spot in the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
“It looked like he never left the competition for a while,” Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion told BusinessMirror on Sunday. “After not being in the competition for several months, it’s good that he did well by winning medals and the gold in his favorite event [floor exercise].”
Yulo, 25, just couldn’t muster the form that won him his second gold
medal in Paris in July last year and got 14.333 points from the judges ito finish third behind Iran’s Olfati Mahdi (14.500) and China’s Huang Mingqi (14.400) in the vault. Yulo was undisputed in vault in the Asian championships until
Sunday afternoon. The bars also escaped Yulo’s grip after winning the event for three straight years but with 14.166 points, he salvaged a podium finish at the Jecheon Gymnasium in Jecheon in the event where Olympic and Asian all-around champion Oka Shinnosuke (14.700) and Tsunogai Tomoharu (14.166) booked a 1-2 finish by Japan.
Yulo got his first bronze in the allaround on Friday with 83.633 to land behind Shinnosuke (85.134) and another Japanesem, Hasegawa Tsuyoshi (83.967).
The floor exercise, where he’s the reigning Olympic champion, remained Yulo’s domain after he scored 14.600 points on Saturday night to barely beat Karimi Milad (14.400) and South Korea’s Geonyoung Moon (14.033).
Yulo—who topped the floor exercise in Doha (2022), Singapore (2023) and Tashkent (2024)—however, missed medals in the rings and horizontal bar.
Yulo’s younger brother, Karl Eldrew Yulo, 16, made his presenfe felt with a silver medal in the juniors vault event also on Sunday with 13.850—the host’s Bak Junwoo bagged the gold with 13.933 points and An Daegeon the bronze with 13.783 points.
“Eldrew was a little bit excited,” Carrion said. “He must learn to control his energy all the time, but he was so good and still young.”
Up next for Yulo and the national gymnasts are the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta from October 19 to 25 and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand from December 9 to 20.
Pacquiao talks God, ring legacy
By Josef T. Ramos
MANNY PACQUIAO will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame on Monday in New York, a great honor and privilege that the former poor boy—unassuming and carefree— from Mindanao—confessed was extremely hard to imagine. “I cannot imagine a boy selling newspapers in the streets, sleeping in the streets … I cannot imagine that I’d be here to speak with you and be one of the awardees in the Hall of Fame,” said Pacquiao during the Banquet of Champions, a tradition held on the eve of the induction, at the Turning Stone Resort Casino event center in Canastota in New York. “I am honored with this award that I received. I believe that this is the fruit of my labor, hard work and discipline.”
ALAS Pilipinas recovered from a slow start to deny Indonesia, 22-25, 25-23, 25-13, 28-26, and stay unbeaten in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup at the Dong Anh District Center for Culture, Information and Sports on Sunday in Hanoi.
Alyssa Solomon finished with 17 points, while Angel Canino and Bella Belen, who came off the bench, contibuted 17 and 12 points, respectively, for Alas Pilipinas which is now 2-0 wonlost in Pool B tied with Kazakhstan.
“We prepared hard for this match, whoever is called to play, including
those from the bench,” Belen said.
“That’s why we’re ready for any eventuality—we know that Indonesia’s a strong team and despite they’re a young team, we’re challenged.”
Alas Pilipinas, beat defeated Mongolia on Saturday, wasted no time and went back to the drawing board to prepare for their next assignment.
“We’re very happy because we did our homework and we talked ourselves to what was needed to do.”
Alas Pilipinas reached match point courtesy of Fifi Sharma’s quick attack, but Ersandrina Devega tied the game
and Canino’s attack error sent Indonesia to set point, 25-24.
Indonesia held on and looked to extend the match, taking a set point, 26-25, before Canino put Alas Pilipinas at match point and national team newcomer Shaina Nitura sealed the win for the national team.
“We’re glad we have a deep bench, everyone can contribute anytime and our teamwork really showed in this match,” Nitura said.
Indonesia dropped to a 0-2 record.
Alas Pilipinas will face Iran at 4 p.m.
(Manila time) on Monday.
KLAHOMA CITY—When the Oklahoma City Thunder get hit, they tend to hit back. Immediately, too.
“That’s the trick,” coach Mark Daigneault said Saturday. “You don’t want to be reactive to the last game because then you can be too high after wins, you can be too low after losses. We just get ourselves to neutral. Un -
“Look, everybody’s pattern after a loss is to come more aggressively. … Their whole team is going to be even more aggressive defensively,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “The chal lenge for us is to be able to match that.”
He added: “My journey is still continuing. I am excited that I am continuing in my career and giving inspiration to the boxing world.”
fight with Navarrete makes Pacquiao as the first active boxer to become a Hall of Famer. A former eight-division world champion who ventured into politics as a senator for one term, Pacquiao is acknowledged as one of the more famous Filipinos ever—if not
purpose to inspire and leave a legacy in this world that can inspire and help the next generation in years to come,” he said. “We may be fighters inside the ring, but outside the ring we must be compassionate, caring and loving each other as a human beings.”
T38 points in Game 1, his finals debut—said he doesn’t hang on to games for too long, even that one. He watches film, learns the
“I take what I need to take from it, and we dogeous-Alexander said. “After that, I let itsons are learned. There’s nothing else you can do.”
Chasing history
THE Pacers have an opportunity at something very rare: going up 2-0 in the finals by taking the first two games on the road.
It’s happened only twice in finals history: Chicago did it in 1993 against Phoenix and Houston did it in 1995 against Seattle. Both the Bulls and the Rockets went on to win the NBA title in those seasons.
“I think winning on the road is hard,” said Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, who had the game-winning shot in Game 1 with 0.3 seconds left. “Winning an NBA game is hard, and especially a playoff game, and let alone a finals game, right? It’s not easy. You’re just trying to be as present as you can.”
in November. Irienold Reig Jr. leads the
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Joining him are notable
tenders Gerard Mendoza, Julio Padilla, John Paul Osio, Carl Aguilar, Jan Javier and Benedicto Mapanao Jr., all vying in the 18-24 age group and the overall championship.
Bringing grace and star power to the women’s 30-34 category is former beauty queen Faith Garcia, Regina Rosquites, Gabrielle Silvestre-Tengco, Clarisa Agapito, Hazel Sicat, Nicole Andaya, Claudine Mendiola and Bianca Bondoc. The Badge Blitz, now in its second stage for the 2025 season, meanwhile, rewards TriClubs racing in unison—the more athletes a club
YULO
BELLA BELEN and teammates come in prepared for Indonesians.
PACQUIAO
B8
Monday, June 9, 2025
NATHALIE BERNARDO, SITE HEAD OF SUN LIFE GLOBAL SOLUTIONS
www.businessmirror.com.ph
ENSURING AGILITY: HOW ONE WOMAN HELPS PROPEL AN INSURANCE GIANT’S TRANSFORMATION
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
HER smile brightens Sun Life Global Solutions. It’s
disarming—in a positive sense—when one considers it beams from the Vice President and Site Head of a subsidiary of a global company: Sun Life Financial Corp.
“Enjoy life. Take care of yourself,” was Bernardo’s parting words after an 11:00 a.m. interview with the BusinessMirror. It appears to be the mantra that helped her in an illustrious career for two decades in Accenture Inc., Coca-Cola Far East Ltd. and Hewlett-Packard Asia Pacific Ltd.
“It’s all about transformation in my journey,” Bernardo, loose fingers forming a steeple below her chin, told BusinessMirror. “I learned a lot about the importance of making sure people understand what we’re trying to do and making sure we communicate well.”
A fter taking the helm at SLGS Philippines as site head, Bernardo runs what propels Sun Life Financial’s operations worldwide; so that the insurer could center more on growing the business, helping clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.
“Sun Life Philippines can focus on selling, while we focus on standardization, automation, innovation, productivity,” Bernardo said.
SLGS, formerly Sun Life Asia Service Center, is the global capability center of the Canadian financial services company. It is an in-house strategic organization that provides its parent a range
of services from research and development, IT services, business process outsourcing to engineering services from a pool of global talent, resources and expertise.
With 32 years of operations in the Philippines and 17 years in India, SLGS provides services to more than 85 million clients across 28 geos.
Removing barriers
BERNARDO said SLGS is more cost-effective and agile than thirdparty vendors as it operates with speed and alignment due to its familiarity with Sun Life’s systems and needs, whether for innovation, building roadmaps or responding to changing requirements.
A fter Bernardo onboarded, she led SLGS Philippines’s big shift from infrastructure to a cloud-first organization, equipping people with the right tools and capabilities as part of Sun Life’s broader pivot to becoming a true digital enterprise. You have to be that leader that can help remove the barriers for people to execute [their jobs],” Bernardo said. “Because people are primarily good at their jobs.”
Apart from the organization’s transformation, Bernardo’s priorities were to rebuild trust and
relationships with C-level officers and reposition SLGS Philippines to be embedded within Sun Life and have a seat at the table.
During the recent “ArawUday,” an annual leadership summit for Sun Life’s leaders, Bernardo shared that Sun Life Philippines CEO Benedict Sison underscored the importance of SLGS in helping achieve the insurer’s ambitions.
Expectations rise
BERNARDO shared that the past year has been particularly strong for the company. She also admits that success came with a surge in demand for capabilities and support. These included large-scale data initiatives and system migration efforts, which required swift rampups in skills and capacity. With over 2,000 employees, SLGS had to acknowledge its limitations and collaborate with vendor partners to scale up execution while still continuing to lead and front the programs.
Solutions designed by SLGS Philippines to equip its employees and improve client experiences are powered by artificial intelligence, such as EVA and Sun Buddy. EVA, a 24/7 employee virtual
assistant that provides employees access to HR resources and information, while Sun Buddy is a conversational artificial intelligence chatbot for rookie Sun Life advisors that provides access to resources
“ We really need to step up, so we need to have enough leaders to drive those transformations, to have enough engineers to drive that and the right partners to help us,” Bernardo said.
Initiatives launched
RECENTLY, Bernardo was welcomed as a new member of the Filipino CEO Circle, an organization of, for and by successful career women who rose from the ranks to reach top positions in their companies.
and information on Sun Life products for better client servicing.
With the rapid growth of Sun Life’s business across Asia come higher expectations from SLGS. Bernardo said that this year, what was asked of SLGS is to deliver with greater speed and productivity.
“ This is why we’re pushing very hard to transform the organization to be more agile so that we are delivering much faster to the business and we will continue to look for opportunities to optimize and automate processes as much as possible,” Bernardo said.
However, Bernardo said that these expectations, as well as keeping up with evolving technology, will also be the biggest risks she foresees arising this year.
W hile the insurance industry may not be viewed as fast-paced, Bernardo said the race to go digital has made it competitive.
She, nonetheless, expressed confidence that Sun Life can keep up, as this is a known risk for which the organization is preparing.
Being in the circle was like being in a support group, as Bernardo tapped these prominent people to serve as speakers in the SLGS’s International Women’s Month culminating event and empowered future female leaders.
A s a leader herself, Bernardo has made it to the point of building global Filipino talents and cultivating new female leaders as her personal advocacies.
“ When I say women’s leadership, that is not just having a seat at the table. They should be at the head of the table. Hopefully, I can help,” Bernardo said. Throughout her career, she has actively championed women, mentoring and helping grow their careers.
One of the techniques for you to be successful is that you need to surround yourself with people much better than you and much better if they are women,” Bernardo said.
She continues to be in contact with them, just a call away, offering coaching and guidance and even referring them to other female leaders.
At SLGS, Bernardo holds regular one-on-one conversations to
understand both their professional aspirations and personal circumstances.
We do review individually on our potential female leaders and what it is that we can support them with,” Bernardo said.
SLGS has also conducted initiatives to empower and uplift women in their workplace, such as women’s fun run, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive, mental health webinars and a workshop on equipping young women interested in a career in information technology.
Navigating demands BEFORE she landed a career in Sun Life, Bernardo admitted that she did not know anything about insurance. With her growth mindset, she continuously sharpened her knowledge. I reinvented myself a few times before,” she said, starting as an industrial engineer (Bernardo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the De La Salle University) to working in the technology sector, then moving to human relations (after completing a course in Cornell University) and now in insurance.
As a woman in leadership, Bernardo’s advice to her fellow “girl bosses” navigating the same professional demands is to define the “balance” in the so-called “work-life balance.”
With that clarity, Bernardo said it now becomes easier to draw boundaries and communicate nonnegotiables, not just to oneself but to the people you work with. So even if her calendar looks pretty much like a rainbow—she color-codes her schedule—the practice helps in managing her life and not just her work.
Bernardo also emphasized the importance of having a personal support system. But beyond that, she surrounds herself with a trusted circle of friends—people she can bounce ideas off or vent to when needed. “Having people you trust makes all the difference.”
‘Enjoy life’
WHETHER Bernardo is steering SLGS through large-scale transformation, advocating for more inclusive leadership or mentoring the next generation of women leaders, her focus remains on building capabilities, empowering people and delivering with impact.
Her narrative is proof that leadership is not just about strategic vision or operational success— it is also about being human, intentional and grounded in values. Enjoy life. Take care of yourself.” With that, BusinessMirror’s interview with Bernardo ended; with a smile.
