ONLINE payments coursed through Instapay and Pesonet increased 37.06 percent in the January to May period in 2025, according to the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
The data showed total Instapay and Pesonet payments amounted to P9.13 trillion in January to May 2025, higher than the P6.66 trillion posted in the same period last year.
In terms of volume, BSP data showed these payments more than doubled or posted a growth
of 122.42 percent during the fivemonth period compared to last year. There were a total of 1.21 billion transactions made via Instapay and Pesonet in the January to May 2025 period, significantly higher than the 545.28 million transactions in the same period of 2024.
In May 2025, the amount sent via Instapay and Pesonet increased by 38.17 percent to P1.98 trillion from P1.43 trillion in May 2024.
In terms of volume, the data showed it tripled to 369.05 million transactions in May 2025, a 202.77- percent increase from the 121.89 million transactions re -
corded in May 2024. Meanwhile, the BSP data showed that the amount of funds sent via Pesonet amounted to P5.06 trillion in January to May 2025. This was a 28.17-percent growth from the P3.95 trillion recorded in January to May 2024.
In terms of volume, Pesonet facilitated a total of 46.65 million transactions in the first five months of 2025, a 15.92-percent growth from the P40.25 million transactions facilitated in the same period last year.
For May 2025, the value of transactions that went through Pesonet reached P1.05 trillion, a 26.69-percent growth from the
P818.77 billion recorded in the same period last year. In terms of volume, Pesonet transactions reached 9.5 million in May 2025, a 13.85-percent growth from the 8.35 million posted in May 2024. Meanwhile, BSP data showed the value of transactions via Instapay reached P4.06 trillion in January to May 2025, a 50.05-percent growth from the P2.71 trillion recorded in the five-month period last year. The number of transactions coursed through Instapay in the first five months of the year reached 1.16 billion transactions,
BIR OPEN TO TWEAKING
ITS REVENUE TARGETS
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
in the first quarter, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is sticking to its revenue target for now, but a recalibration could be a possibility.
“There have been discussions because supposedly the collection target is dependent on the economic growth of the country,” Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said in response to a question about the possibility of revising the revenue collection target this year.
By Lorenz S. Marasigan
UMAGUETE CITY—
Grab Philippines has partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Megaworld Corp. to introduce a drone delivery pilot program in the country.
Grab Philippines Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Sherielysse Bonifacio said the pilot—to be rolled out in parts of Quezon City and Pasig City—aims to “explore the full potential of technology,” testing the viability of aerial logistics as a viable
long-term solution to plug service gaps. The pilot is the first of its kind in the country and will explore how unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can support faster, more inclusive delivery systems. The initiative is being positioned as a potential solution to reduce road congestion, improve reach in hard-to-access areas, and create smarter, tech-enabled logistics networks in the long term.
The four organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) here on Wednesday. “The MOU represents how we are driving innovation, it explores the potentials of drone
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio @blessogerio
THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) is expanding its reach across the country, with four new economic zones officially approved in the first half of 2025—two in manufacturing and two in the IT sector.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the establishment of the new zones, which include expansions to the Lima Technology Center (LTC) in Batangas and the designation of new IT parks in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, and Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
“As a medium-term strategy under
the Philippine Development Plan, the ecozones will play a vital role in attracting the much-needed investments in the country, generating more jobs for Filipinos, and contributing in accelerating the nation’s socioeconomic progress,” Peza Director General Tereso Panga said.
The first expansion, issued on May 21, covers 23.49 hectares in Barangays Bagong Pook and Luta Sur. Development is backed by more than P980 million in investments and is targeted for completion by June 2027.
An earlier expansion added another 19.23 hectares to the same facility in March.
On June 2, Bacolod City officially designated 33.96 hectares in Ba-
rangay 41 as an IT park called The Upper East.
Operated by Megaworld, the development will host two IT buildings with projected investments of over P1 billion. With this, around 2,500 jobs are expected to be created once five IT-BPM companies begin operations in the area.
Meanwhile, an IT hub in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, was formalized on May 8 with the registration of the 1.1-hectare Tagbilaran Uptown IT Hub 2 in Barangay Dampas.
Building on the momentum of the earlier Uptown IT Hub 1, the project is expected to generate over P200 million in investments.
Per Peza, a prospective tenant
has already expressed intent to invest P70 million and hire over 500 employees.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that many of the top-performing cities outside Metro Manila are home to Pezaaccredited ecozones. Peza is also pushing forward with the development of the Palawan Mega Ecozone and the Pantao Ecozone, which are both scheduled for proclamation within the current administration.
Since President Marcos Jr. took office, a total of 32 ecozones have been approved, with cumulative pledged investments amounting to P13.4 billion.
SHOTS FIRED—THIS TIME WITH CAMERAS Park photographers wait for customers and check their shots as local tourists pose in front of the Rizal Monument in Manila ahead of the hero’s birth anniversary on June 19. Some
delivery on how we can connect inaccessible areas better or how we can deliver inaccessible items, for example medicines, in the future,” Bonifacio said.
The pilot will be conducted within a 10-kilometer corridor centered around Eastwood City in Quezon City and Pasig, using controlled flight paths over the Marikina River. It will follow a three-part logistics flow: GrabFood riders will collect items from merchant-partners and bring them to a drone pick-up station in a Megaworld property. From there, an automated drone will carry the packages across the river to another Megaworld site, where another GrabFood rider will complete the final leg of the delivery.
“This pilot, beyond deploying technology, is about reimagining access,” Megaworld AVP Tyrone Tan said. “It reflects our shared vision to make our cities smarter and more responsive to the needs of modern society.”
ICT Undersecretary for Special Concerns Christina Faye Condezde Sagon said the initiative will allow partners to test the technology under real-world conditions while maintaining safety and compliance privacy laws.
“Security and safety is our priority,” she said. She noted that interisland drone deliveries could be a viable use case that can emerge out of the pilot program.
“What we really want is interisland deliveries—that’s what we envision because it makes sense for us because we have a lot of islands,” Condez-de Sagon explained.
Cacdac flies to Jordan to work on exit of stranded Filipinos
AMID the escalating armed conflict between Israel and Iran, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans J. Cacdac is set to fly to Jordan to coordinate government aid for the growing number of Filipinos, who are seeking evacuation in the Middle East.
In an interview with reporters in Quezon City last Wednesday, President Ferdinand Marcos announced Cacdac will oversee the evacuation efforts in the region, particularly in Israel and Iran.
He said they are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East since many airports in the region are closed.
“We are watching our nationals both in Israel and in Iran. And as a matter of fact, we have already contacted all our nationals and asked them if they want to be evacuated,” Marcos said in Filipino.
“The problem we had in evacuating them was because of the war, many airports were closed. So we are looking for a route where they can be taken out. But we have been able to do that,” he added.
DMW reported that over 150 Filipinos are now requesting for repatriation in Israel.
“The number of those requesting for repatriation has gone up. It was 109 yesterday, it is now 150 today. We are working with the DFA in terms of the directive from the President to secure the safe repatriation as well as the safety and well-being of OFWs [overseas Filipino workers] in Israel,” Cacdac said in a press briefing on Wednesday.
In a related development, Malacañang said it will look into the possible liability of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for allowing the deployment of 18 OFWs who were bound for Israel and Jordan.
“So, we will look at the situation— is there any deficiency on the part of the Bureau of Immigration for allowing [the OFWs] to leave. We will not
make conclusions. Let’s look at the details first,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in Filipino.
The OFWs became stranded at an airport in Dubai, before they returned home by DMW.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Israel is currently under crisis Alert Level 2 in Israel or the Restriction Phase. Only returning overseas Filipino workers with existing employment contracts are allowed to travel in countries under such alert level.
Marcos said there is currently no mandatory government repatriation for Israel and Iran.
“We generally leave it to each
individual or each family to decide for themselves whether or not they feel safe, or whether or not they would like to be evacuated,” he said.
DMW, however, has advised OFWs to defer any unnecessary travel to Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon so they can avoid being caught in the rising tensions in the Middle East.
During the weekend, Israel launched air raids in Iran to take down the latter’s nuclear and military structure. Tehran retaliated by launching waves of missiles at Israel.
The conflict has killed at least 224 people in Iran and 24 people in Israel. Samuel P. Medenilla
Filipinos injured in what could be the fiercest confrontation between Israel and Iran.
26 OFWs this Saturday, also via Jordan.
This batch had earlier volunteered for repatriation, before the Iranian missile strikes this weekend.
Meanwhile, a Filipina caregiver is still in critical condition in hospital after she was injured from the Iranian missile strike last Sunday.
Philippine Ambassador to Tel Aviv Aileen Mendiola-Rau visited her at the Shamir Medical Center Wednesday.
The caregiver is one of seven
2024, based on the assumption of higher economic growth.
“Our GDP growth is not going as projected… If you follow the GDP growth, there must be a recalibration of the collection target if we follow that,” Lumagui said. This means the BIR’s revenue target could be lowered, given that a recalibration is possible, as a slower GDP growth leads to less tax collection.
MICE (Meetings Incentive Conference Exhibition) groups to hold their events in the Philippines. “We will continue to network with travel agents and destination-management companies, which specialize in this market segment,” she underscored.
Jorda-Apo and Panga’s appointments come at a time, when there is some uncertainty among Americans on the US economy. Most analysts predict President Trump’s tariffs war could raise consumer prices, thus forcing Americans to cut down on travels abroad.
Also, some Filipino-Americans now hestitate traveling abroad, after a few green-card holders were detained by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. (See, “‘ICE detentions to have chilling effect on travel of Fil-Ams to PHL’,” in the BusinessMirror, April 10, 2025.)
“I won’t sugarcoat it…there’s still a chance of a recession [from 60 percent to 40 percent], but Trump’s tariffs war pause has a good rebound in the market,” said Panga in a separate interview. “In the short term, Americans may be concerned about the negative impression by host destinations affected by the tariff issues. In the medium to long term, the economic pressures may lead to more expensive travel costs/lower disposable income.
At least 49 Filipinos need to be relocated to other areas as the buildings where their flats were located were struck by missiles.
Mendiola-Rau has appealed to the Filipino community to immediately go to the bunker or mamad as soon as they get their notification from the mobile phone app about an incoming missile strike.
She cited a group of 18 Filipinos who survived the missile strike on their hotel because they immediately fled to the bomb shelter of the hotel. One of the survivors is a newborn baby of the OFW hotel worker.
And travel here [in the US] is still an optional leisure activity, especially overseas. There is already a 6-percent decrease in flight-ticket purchases. Many Americans are happy travelling within the continent [North America] or staycation,” he added.
Major projects AS of May, the Philippines remains among the top Southeast Asian countries where Americans went at 496,363 tourists, followed by Thailand at 401,137, and Vietnam with 375,417.
Among major projects this year are #LoveThe Philippines (LTP) summer full-body bus wrap ads in Hollywood from July to August, and a similar billboard at Union Square. “Hollywood is an iconic destination in LA, which draws 49 million local and foreign visitors,” said Jorda-Apo, while Union Square is “one of San Francisco’s busiest and most visible areas, attracting a steady flow of American shoppers, travelers and commuters.”
There will be online promotions via Expedia in partnership with United Airlines and Kayak for Philippine destination ads “targeting travelers searching for flights to Asia”; and participation in the Dive Equipment Marketing Association expo in Orlando (Nov. 11-14) and Kiwanis International Convention in Pittsburgh (June 25-28), among others. The Philippines will host next year’s Kiwanis international conference.
“So we are discussing what should be the right collection target of BIR, but as of now, it’s still at P3.2 trillion,” Lumagui added. The BIR has collected P1.110 trillion as of the end of April, or 34 percent of its full-year target. One of the ways to improve the BIR’s revenue collection is through the proposed digital track-and- trace system, targeted to be fully implemented next year.
The system allows anyone to scan through their phones the unique QR codes in tax stamps affixed on excisable products, such as vape products, cigarettes and alcohol, to check their legitimacy.
If such a product lacks a QR code, then it is considered illegal since it is required, Lumagui said. However, many still try to counterfeit them.
Once the QR code is scanned, it directs to a website showing details such as where the product came from, who produced it, where it is manufactured and the country of origin. This also enables the BIR to trace the product that was scanned, such as its details and its legitimacy. Lumagui said this will be easier for the BIR to enforce because everyone could participate in the initiative.
“[We] aim for a drastic improvement in the collection,” he said. At present, the feasibility study of the system is awaiting the Department of Finance’s (DOF) approval. It also has to secure Department of Economy, Planning and Development’s (DepDev) approval since it is a public-private partnership (PPP) project.
“The BIR has been working doubletime in making sure that our revenue collection target will be met this year,” Lumagui said.
a 130.96-percent growth from the 505.04 million transactions in the same period in 2024. In May 2025, the total Instapay transactions amounted to P930.56 billion, a 53.91-percent growth from the P604.61 billion posted in May 2024. This amount was sent through a total of 359.54 million Instapay transactions in May 2025, a 216.66-percent growth from the 113.54 million transactions in May 2024.
The BSP said Instapay was launched on April 23, 2018 and was designed to facilitate small value payments that will be especially useful for the purchase of retail goods, paying toll fees and tickets, as well as for e-commerce, which shall enable, among others, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Pesonet, BSP said, is the first Automated Clearing House (ACH) under the National Retail Payment System and was launched on November 8, 2017. It is a batch EFT credit payment scheme, which can be considered an electronic alternative to the paper-based check system.
In contrast, government spending is projected to rise sharply by 14.36 percent, reflecting sustained public infrastructure and social expenditures in the first half of the year. Meanwhile, the country’s external position is expected to remain under pressure. Exports are forecast to grow by just 2.27 percent, down from 3.84 percent in 2024, while imports are expected to rise by 4.67 percent. This imbalance is likely to widen the trade deficit further, per the economists, especially following recent reports from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that the current account deficit doubled in the first quarter.
“We believe the weakness in the external sector has been exacerbated by the brewing global trade tensions, and its effects will continue to be felt with a significant increase in the trade deficit in 2026,” the authors noted.
Looking ahead, DLSU economists expect slightly stronger overall growth in 2026, projecting GDP to reach 5.56 percent—which still falls short of the government’s official growth target range.
Veto BSKE bill, Marcos asked
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
ELECTION lawyer Romulo B. Macalintal on Wednesday chided lawmakers for simply glossing over as “merely incidental” the postponement of the December 1, 2025, barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in the reconciled bill titled, “An Act Fixing the Term of Office of BSK Officials.”
Reacting to Senator Imee Marcos’ statement that the postponement is “merely incidental,” Macalintal reminded her that the right to vote is sacred, and “not a mere incidental right.”
Macalintal noted: “Such remark is a clear admission by Congress that the postponement of the BSKE does not comply with the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in the 2023 case of Macalintal v Comelec where it declared unconstitutional Republic Act 11935, a law which postponed the 2022 BSKE, since it ‘was not supported by sufficient government interest or necessitated by public emergency.’”
With this, Macalintal urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the senator’s brother, to veto that draconian reconciled bill, which he noted is styled as “fixing the term” of barangay officials “but, in reality...carries the hidden intention of postponing the December 2025 election and extending their term of office, in clear violation of the people’s right of suffrage.”
To say that the BSKE postponement is “merely incidental” cannot be regarded as “sufficient government interest” or a “public emergency” to justify the postponement of the December 1, BSKE, he added. “Otherwise, it makes that reconciled bill a draconian measure that clearly undermines the people’s right to
choose their own leaders.”
“Senator Marcos and other similarly minded legislators “need not be reminded that the right to vote is a sacred fundamental right,” Macalintal added. “The postponement of the BSKE from December 2025 to November 2026 is a clear case of depriving the voters of this fundamental right of suffrage,” he said, since they will be governed for almost one full year by barangay officials whom they did not elect and imposed only upon them by the legislators.
“In a word, postponing the said BSKE is a subtle way of extending the term of office of these barangay officials without the mandate of the electorate,” the lawyer pointed out.
Congress, he conceded, has the power to fix the term of office of barangay officials, but “it does not carry with it the power to postpone or cancel an scheduled election which effectively extend the term of office of the incumbent officials.” He continued: “For it is not a ‘mere incident’ that a voter is given this right of suffrage under our Constitution. As has been held, ‘other rights, even the most basic, are illusory if the right to vote is undermined.’”
He added that, “even the forthcoming October 2025 BARMM [Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao] election cannot serve as an excuse to postpone the December 2025 BSKE. “Our lawmakers should have known that when they postponed the May 2025 BARMM election to October 2025, they were fully aware of the December 2025 BSKE. As such, they should not have set the BARMM election in October 2025. Their failure to observe more diligence in passing these laws should in no way deprive the people of their right to vote in a genuine barangay election that was already set by law.”
Legislator seeks limits on use, development
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
AMID the growing misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) for deepfakes, disinformation, and online deception, a senior lawmaker on Wednesday renewed his call for the urgent passage of a bill establishing a government watchdog to regulate the use and development of AI technologies in the Philippines.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs and the House Quad Committee, said the rapid spread of AI-powered platforms presents a double-edged sword—with the potential to drive innovation and development but also being exploited by bad actors such as terrorists, cybercriminals, and propagandists with dubious motives.
He said the country’s policymakers and lawmakers should seriously consider the revival and passage of bills regarding the creation of a government “superbody” that would promote and regulate the use and development of the rapidly ascending AI technology.
Barbers was referring to his previously filed measure in March 2023, which seeks to create the Artificial Intelligence Development Authority (Aida). This proposed agency would serve as the lead body in ensuring ethical AI development, promoting innovation, and protecting citizens from the harmful effects of unregulated AI systems.
“While the rapid phase of technological advancement in AI provides huge potential in the development of the people and the economy, it also poses risks and challenges that must be addressed to ensure that its benefits are maximized and its negative impacts are minimized, if not avoided,” Barbers said. Barbers likened the need for
ADIVISION of the Commission on Elections has struck down the registration of the Duterte Youth party-list group, declaring it void ab initio or invalid from the beginning owing to rule violations and government-backed advantage.
In a 25-page resolution released on Wednesday, the Comelec’s Second Division voted 2-1 to annul the party-list group’s registration owing to its failure to comply with key registration requirements.
“It is the duty of the Commission to respond when the technicalities of election laws are being exploited and used as tools for manipulation. To find otherwise would be to encourage the abhorrent practice of hunting for loopholes and to keep a blind eye on
corruption and abuse of the system,” the Comelec Second Division wrote in its decision.
The division also ruled that Duterte Youth violated Section 2(3), Rule 2 of Comelec Resolution 9366.
This provision allows the commission to deny due course to a registration petition—either motu proprio or upon verified opposition—if the applicant is an adjunct of, a project of, or is funded or assisted by the government.
The Comelec explained that while holding a government post does not automatically mean a party-list is state-supported, there is a high likelihood of bias or institutional advantage depending on the official’s independence.
In this case, the petitioners were able to demonstrate that Duterte Youth benefited from Ronald Cardema’s position at the National Youth Commission (NYC) before he formally launched the group’s political agenda.
The petition to cancel Duterte Youth’s registration was originally filed in 2019 by Reeya Beatrice Magtalas, Abigail Aleli Tan, Raainah Punzalan, and Aunell Ross Angcos.
The petitioners argued that the registration was invalid from the start because the group had failed to comply with requirements for publication and public hearings.
The case was revived in March 2024 through an urgent motion to resolve.
In an ambush interview, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia clarified that the decision
will not yet affect Duterte Youth’s standing in the 20th Congress, where it won three seats and placed second in the 2025 party-list race.
“The Comelec division’s decision becomes final and executory five days after its release, unless a motion for reconsideration is filed,” Garcia said, emphasizing that the party-list may still be proclaimed as a winning group. He added that Duterte Youth still has the right to appeal the ruling before the Comelec en banc, which will issue the final decision.
“We’re not setting any timeline to resolve the case. We don’t want to pressure the party-list [group] into rushing whatever legal remedy they wish to pursue. That would be unfair,” Garcia said. If the cancellation ruling becomes final, Duterte Youth’s registration will be revoked and it will lose all rights and privileges as an accredited party-list group.
Currently, the party-list has one more pending disqualification case before the poll body over allegations of red-tagging.
Dutch govt nixes Roque bid for asylum–Remulla
Jof AI
preparation to how the country readies itself for natural disasters.
“Just as we prepare for typhoons, earthquakes, and floods, we must also brace for the tidal wave that AI could bring—both the opportunities and the dangers,” he said in Filipino.
He cited how other countries— including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and some members of the Associaton of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) like Singapore—have already implemented or are drafting legislation to manage AI’s rapid growth.
Barbers also raised concerns about the potential job losses in key industries such as business process outsourcing (BPO), digital marketing, finance, healthcare, retail, and transportation, as automation and AI tools become more prevalent.
He reiterated his call following public backlash against Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who recently shared an AI-generated video featuring two Thai students speaking fluent Tagalog in support of Vice President Sara Duterte amid her impeachment controversy. The video, later identified as AI-generated, was criticized online for misleading content.
In response to criticisms, dela Rosa insisted the video’s authenticity was irrelevant as its “message” resonated with him—a statement that drew further ire from netizens and media watchdogs.
Barbers stressed that such incidents demonstrate the pressing need for an oversight body to prevent the spread of manipulated content that could mislead the public or be used for political gain.
He also cited AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton—dubbed the “Godfather of AI”—who left Google over ethical concerns and has repeatedly warned about the existential threats AI poses to humanity, including its potential to be uncontrollable and even deadly.
By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
USTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday said he has received information that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s application for asylum in the Netherlands has been denied by the Dutch government.
In an interview, Remulla said Roque’s application for asylum has been forwarded to Germany by the Dutch government.
However, Remulla indicated that the Philippine government would wait for the result of Roque’s request for asylum in Germany before making a move to bring him back to the country to face trial for human trafficking charges.
He also noted that the motion for the cancellation of Roque’s passport filed before the court has yet to be resolved.
“As far as I know, he was not granted asylum by the Netherlands that’s why it is now with Germany. We will wait. We can file for an extradition when the right time comes but it might no longer be necessary since his passport will likely be cancelled,” Remulla said.
“Once he becomes an undocumented alien, the Interpol can get him already,” the DOJ secretary added.
Meanwhile, Roque branded Remulla’s claim as another “fake news” being peddled by the Marcos administration through the DOJ against him.
“First, he said I have multiple passports. Now, he is saying that my asylum was denied. What is this? Information that was gathered from rumormongers?,” Roque said.
Roque claimed that his trip to Germany with vlogger Maharlika has nothing to do with his political asylum but was a pre-planned activity arranged by the Filipino community.
“I am now back at The Hague in the Netherlands,” he stressed.
The DOJ has sought the cancellation of Roque’s passport following the issuance of an arrest warrant by Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Angeles City in connection with the human trafficking case filed against him and several others for their alleged involvement in the
illegal activities of Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) hub in Porac, Pampanga.
Roque was accused of benefiting from the fruits of the trafficking in persons operations and other illegal activities of Pogo firms Lucky South 99 and Whirlwind base on the complaint filed by National Police—Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (Paocc). Roque earlier said the filing of the criminal case against him is part of the ongoing political persecution launched by the administration against former President Rodrigo Duterte, his family and allies.
Comelec to need ₧3 billion more if BSKE were reset
HE Commission on Elections
T(Comelec) said on Wednesday that it will need at least P3 billion more if the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) were postponed to next year.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said the current P11 billion budget for the BSKE would not be enough to cover the expected increase in the number of voters and members of the electoral boards.
“There will be more electoral board members, and each precinct will need an additional three members. And we might see over a million new voters,” Garcia said in a radio interview.
If the BSKE were moved to November next year, Garcia said the poll body will be compelled to extend the voter registration period nationwide to accommodate more individuals who will qualify to vote.
He said the Comelec expects some 70 million barangay voters and another 25 million for the SK polls.
The commission’s estimate comes after both chambers of Congress ratified last week the bicameral conference committee report on a proposed measure extending the term of barangay and SK officials to four years. If signed into law, the measure will reset the BSKE to November 2026.
However, Garcia said they are still waiting to see if President Marcos will sign the bill.
“The Comelec is really in a difficult predicament because of this situation. The question we asked during our meeting the other day was: what [preparations] should we stop, and what should we continue? There are things we have to halt, otherwise they’ll go to waste,” he explained.
While waiting for the President’s decision, Garcia said the Comelec en banc has agreed to postpone the procurement of indelible ink, which has a short shelf life.
He also said the voter registration period
initially scheduled for July 1 to 10 will no longer push through. Instead, it will now be held from the last week of October up to July 10, 2026.
“We need to suspend it because we also have the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections this October. Those who register in July won’t be able to vote in the parliamentary elections anyway,” Garcia said, emphasizing that the voter registration period will not apply to the BARMM polls.
“Our fellow citizens in Bangsamoro might get upset if we allow registration, only for them to find out they’re not eligible to vote,” he added. Justine Xyrah Garcia
Sara told: Respect Congress’ role in nation budget process
THE House of Representatives on Wednesday called on Vice President Sara Duterte to respect Congress’ constitutional role in the national budget process, following her statement that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) chose not to seek a higher budget for 2026 to avoid likely rejection by the House and spare her staff from embarrassment.
In a press briefing, the House spokesperson, lawyer Princess Abante, welcomed Duterte’s acknowledgment of Congress’ authority over the budget but emphasized that this must go hand in hand with full respect for the House’s responsibility to scrutinize the use of public funds and require agencies to justify their requests.
“It’s good to see from the Vice President’s statement that she recognizes the role of Congress, particularly the House, in the budget process,” Abante said. “But we hope she also understands that part of the House’s responsibility is not just to receive budget requests but to examine how allocated funds are used and to ensure that the OVP can justify its proposed budget.”
In last year’s deliberations for the 2025 national budget, the House significantly reduced the OVP’s proposed P2.026 billion allocation to P733.2 million—a cut of over P1.3 billion. One major reason was public concern over the OVP’s request for P500 million in confidential and intelligence funds, which accounted for around 21 percent of its original proposal.
The reduction followed revelations that the OVP had spent P125 million in confidential funds within just 11 days in late 2022, a disbursement flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA). Abante emphasized that all budget items—especially confidential funds—must be supported by solid documentation, clear performance metrics, and full transparency to uphold public accountability.
In response to Duterte’s statement that she chose not to request a bigger budget to avoid putting her staff in an “embarrassing” position, Abante pushed back, calling the narrative misleading.
“The House doesn’t shame anyone during the budget process. It’s our duty to
scrutinize how public funds are used—both those already allocated and those being requested,” Abante said. “There’s no humiliation here. What’s important is to answer questions truthfully and based on documents. This isn’t about personal politics; this is about accountability to the Filipino people,” she added. Abante emphasized that the scrutiny of public funds is not a political act but a constitutional duty to ensure that government spending truly serves the public. To spare her people from unnecessary humiliation, Duterte on Monday said that her office would submit a P733 million budget proposal for
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Marcos blames previous admins for poor state of education system
PBy Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
RESIDENT Marcos blamed the poor performance of Filipino students and classroom shortage to the neglect of previous administrations in addressing issues, which plagued the country’s education system, including defects of the K to 12 program.
In a recorded video interview posted in his social media page on Wednesday, the Chief Executive joined senators in venting his frustration in the alleged failure of the K to 12 program to boost the qualifications of basic education graduates.
Implemented in 2012, K to 12 added two additional years on basic education so it will be at par with international standards.
However, some senators, including Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada filed a bill to abolish the said
system after it supposedly failed to make students more employable, while imposing additional cost to parents
“They [lawmakers] said it’s costing more for parents since it added two additional years [to basic education]. It will involve spending more for matriculation and school supplies and books,” Marcos said in Filipino. “It has no advantage. [Students] were also not able to get jobs and that is also my frustration. So, we’ll see what Congress will do [to address it],” he added.
Private sector partnership
PENDING passage of the said bill, Marcos said he instructed the Department of Education (DepEd) to fix the gaps in the K to 12 implementation, particularly the apparent “gap” in the skills of the graduates of the scheme and the demands of the private sector.
“We have partnered with the private sector to ask them what skills they need,” he said.
Marcos said some private companies have even opted to take over the training of K to 12 students so that after they graduate they will be hired by the said firms.
DepEd and other government agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) have engaged in similar partnerships with the private sector for the K to 12 implementation during the administrations of former presidents Benigno S. Aquino III and Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Classroom shortage
MARCOS also expressed concern on the shortage of 160,000 classrooms.
He said they have engaged in a public-private partnership (PPP) for the construction of additional school buildings.
DepEd earlier announced it is targeting to build 100,000 more classrooms in the coming years.
Among the said schools, which will receive additional classrooms is San Francisco High School, which was visited by Marcos last Wednesday after one of its buildings was gutted by a fire during the weekend causing damage estimated at P3-million.
“I already instructed the Department of Public Works to determine how soon we can rebuild it. I think the plan is two stories will be made into four stories and then the other facilities that are needed. So in a way there’s an opportunity for us to upgrade the building,” Marcos said.
Flawed audit
THE President also criticized the performance assessment for teachers, which he claimed encouraged them to engage in the mass promotion of students, including those
DICT launches project for MSMEs
DUMAGUETE CITY—The Department
of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has formally launched its “E-Commerce Para sa Lahat” program, a nationwide initiative aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by equipping them with the tools, training, and infrastructure to thrive in the e-commerce economy.
ICT Undersecretary Christina Faye Condez-de Sagon said the program aims to empower communities across the country, especially underrepresented regions such as the newly constituted Negros Island Region (NIR), where the DICT became the first national government agency to establish a presence.
The program also hopes to build on the growth momentum of the country’s digital economy, which contributed P2.23 trillion to the national economy, representing about 8.5 percent of the gross domestic product or GDP.
“The program is about how our current set of business owners can digitalize,” Condez-de Sagon said. “It will enable our traditional brick and mortar establishments by upskilling them and giving them the opportunity to expand their market through the internet.”
She explained that the program is built on four key pillars: enabling a digital-first economy; promoting inclusive technology and connectivity for all; championing data privacy and cybersecurity; and pushing for transparency and efficiency in e-governance.
These pillars align with the agency’s broader “Digital Bayanihan” strategy, which positions digitalization as a shared
responsibility for national development.
To support this thrust, DICT is intensifying the deployment of connectivity infrastructure across the country—including remote areas from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi—through its ongoing National Fiber Backbone Project and the deployment of multimodal connectivity solutions, including satellite, fiber, and mobile.
The initiative will also leverage the agency’s digital training centers and regional offices to offer free upskilling and reskilling programs. These include modules under the ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB), designed to help Filipinos navigate online markets, adopt new technologies, and access digital platforms.
Condez-de Sagon added that the agency is also strengthening the Private Express and/ or Messengerial Delivery Service (Pemedes) program, which supports delivery riders and logistics providers in the informal sector.
The goal is to not only legitimize and register these gig economy workers but also shield consumers from unreliable or fraudulent services.
“We want to ensure these riders are protected and recognized, and that the ecosystem they serve can be trusted,” she said.
Condez-de Sagon explained that this program is critical to ensuring the continued growth of e-commerce, as online marketplaces heavily rely on delivery services — from logistics to last mile.
Down the line, Condez-de Sagon said the agency’s vision is that a taho vendor will be digitally enabled in the future, allowing him to leverage e-commerce solutions to sell more products to customers outside his usual area of service. Lorenz S. Marasigan z z
who have not gained the necessary competencies.
Under the current system, he said the performance audit of teachers is mostly based on the number of students who passed under their tutelage.
“So they [teachers] will pass even those [students] who still do not know how to read. That is what is happening. It’s just a practical thing,” Marcos explained.
He said they will try to remedy the situation by basing the performance audit of teachers to the actual performance of students in tests.
Neglected education
THE prevailing problems in the education system has resulted in low test scores among students, particularly for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, according to Marcos.
Based on the Program for International Student Assessment (Pisa) results released
in 2023, Filipino students were among those who registered the lowest scores for math, reading, and science.
“They [past administrations] really neglected education. That’s what happened,” Marcos said. He assured that under his leadership, the government will resolve the said issues as well as enhance the competencies of the teaching staff of public schools through skills training, particularly in the use of new technology.
The President also reiterated DepEd will hire 20,000 teaching staff and 10,000 administrative personnel so teachers can focus on teaching.
“So, to our teachers, you can count on this administration. We praise you. You are the ones who bring honor to our educational system. We will help you as much as possible so that our young people, whom we all love, will be good, smart and knowledgeable,” Marcos said.
House asks Imee: What have you done for San Juanico Bridge?
ASSERTING that the iconic bridge has consistently received proper funding, a spokesperson for the House of Representatives on Wednesday dismissed Sen. Imee Marcos’ remarks on the San Juanico Bridge and challenged her to explain what she had personally contributed to its maintenance.
This came after Marcos reportedly downplayed the national government’s efforts, claiming the budget for the bridge was only enough for repainting.
House spokesperson Princess Abante defended the government’s continued investment in the bridge, saying public records show consistent budget allocations for maintenance and rehabilitation since 2018—years before Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez assumed House leadership.
Romualdez represents the First District of Leyte, where the San Juanico Bridge is located.
“The budget allocations for the San Juanico Bridge are all part of the public record,” Abante said in a news conference. “Even before Speaker Romualdez took office, as a representative from Tacloban, it was already part of his advocacy to secure proper funding for infrastructure programs and projects in his district.”
Abante emphasized that the iconic bridge has not been neglected, and rehabilitation efforts have continued under the stewardship of both the Speaker and local governments.
“We’ve seen consistent budget allocations for the maintenance and
rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge,” she said.
Turning the table, Abante questioned the senator’s role: “Since Senator Imee is expressing concern, perhaps she should also tell us what she has contributed—as a senator involved in the national budgeting process—to the care and maintenance of the San Juanico Bridge.”
Marcos recently criticized the scale of the national budget earmarked for the bridge, describing it as seemingly “just for painting.” Her comment drew backlash from Eastern Visayas officials and stakeholders, who said major infrastructure improvements were already in progress.
President Marcos recently declared a state of calamity over the San Juanico Bridge after it sustained damage from recent typhoons, raising concerns about its structural integrity. The declaration allowed the swift deployment of national and local resources for repair and rehabilitation, underscoring the bridge’s critical role in regional connectivity and disaster resilience. Spanning 2.16 kilometers and linking the provinces of Samar and Leyte, the San Juanico Bridge is one of the longest in the Philippines and a key economic artery in Eastern Visayas. Recent rehabilitation projects have focused on structural reinforcement, road surface upgrades, and aesthetic improvements designed to enhance safety and promote tourism. Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
Editor: Angel R. Calso
June 19,
Intense Israeli airstrikes target Tehran after Trump demands ‘unconditional surrender’
By Joseph Krauss, Jon Gambrell & Natalie Melzer The Associated Press
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—Intense Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran’s capital early Wednesday a day after US President Donald Trump demanded “unconditional surrender.”
As the US sent warplanes to the Middle East, Trump made a series of statements about the conflict, including warning Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that the US knows where he is hiding but that there were no plans to kill him “at least not for now.”
His statements fueled confusion about the US’s role in the conflict as Tehran residents flee their homes on the sixth day of Israel’s air campaign aimed at Iran’s military and nuclear program.
Israel asserts its sweeping assault is necessary to prevent Iran from getting any closer to building an atomic weapon. The strikes have killed at least 224 people in Iran.
Iran has retaliated by launching some 400 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel. So far, 24 people have been killed in Israel.
The conflict erupted as Israel continues to fight in the Gaza Strip, where there have been near-daily shootings since last week near hubs where desperate Palestinians are being directed to collect food.
Israel hammers Tehran
A MAJOR explosion could be heard around 5 a.m. in Tehran Wednesday morning, following other explosions that boomed earlier in the predawn darkness.
Authorities in Iran offered no acknowledgement of the attacks, which has become increasingly common as the Israeli airstrike campaign has intensified since they began on Friday.
At least one strike appeared to target Tehran’s eastern neighborhood of Hakimiyeh, where the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has an academy.
The Israelis earlier warned they could strike a neighborhood south of Mehrabad International Airport, which includes residential neighborhoods, military installations, pharmaceutical companies and industrial firms.
Israel also claimed that it had killed Iran’s Gen. Ali Shadmani, whom Israel described as the country’s most senior remaining military commander, in Tehran.
Shadmani was little known in the country before being appointed last week to a chief-ofstaff-like role as head of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters following the killing of his predecessor, Gen. Gholam Ali Rashid, in an Israeli strike.
Trump demands Iranian surrender
TRUMP left the Group of Seven summit in Canada a day early to deal with the conflict between Israel and Iran, telling reporters: “I’m not looking at a ceasefire. We’re looking at better than a ceasefire.”
When asked to explain, he said the US wanted to see “a real end” to the conflict that could involve Iran “giving up entirely.”
He added: “I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate.”
But he also indicated that diplomatic talks remained an op -
tion, and said he could send Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with the Iranians.
Meanwhile, the US is shifting military aircraft and warships into and around the Middle East to protect Israel from Iranian attacks and respond to Iran’s threats to target US military installations.
Satellite images analyzed Wednesday by The Associated Press appeared to show no vessels anchored off the headquarters of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet in Bahrain. Dispersing ships is a common safety technique employed by navies around the world in times of trouble.
Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke about the evolving situation over the phone on Tuesday, according to a White House official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Iran vows further attacks IRAN offered no immediate response to the president’s posts, but the country’s military leaders vowed that Israel would soon see more attacks.
“The operations carried out so far have been solely for the purpose of warning and deterrence,” Gen. Abdul Rahim Mousavi, the commander in chief of Iran’s army, said in a video. “The punishment operation will be carried out soon.”
Israel’s military warned the population to stay close to shelters as Iran fired new salvos of missiles Wednesday, but officials said most were intercepted and Israel’s rescue services had no immediate reports of injuries.
Sirens blared in southern Israel, including in the desert town of Dimona, the heart of Israel’s never-acknowledged nuclear arms program.
The US State Department announced that the US Embassy in Jerusalem will remain closed through Friday.
Iran has fired fewer missiles in each of its barrages, with a just handful launched into Wednesday. It has not explained the drop in missiles fired, but the decline comes after Israel targeted many Iranian launchers.
Shops closed, lines for gas in Iran’s capital TRUMP warned on social media that “everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran,” echoing an earlier Israeli military call for some 330,000 residents of a downtown neighborhood there to evacuate.
Tehran is one of the largest cities in the Middle East, with around 10 million people, roughly equivalent to Israel’s entire population. People have been fleeing since hostilities began.
Asked why he had urged the evacuation, Trump said: “I just want people to be safe.” Downtown Tehran emptied out early Tuesday, with many shops shuttered, as well as the ancient Grand Bazaar, which has closed only in times of crisis, such as during the 2022 anti-government protests and the coronavirus pandemic.
On the roads out of Tehran to the west, traffic stood bumper to bumper.
Signs that Iran is restricting access to outside world IRANIAN authorities appeared to be curbing the public’s access to the outside world. Phone and internet service was disrupted, with landline phones unable to receive or dial international calls.
NetBlocks, an internet monitoring group, reported that it had detected a significant drop in Internet traffic from the country. Iran’s Cyber Security Command acknowledged the Internet restrictions and in a statement carried by Iranian state television said the move was meant to stop enemies from “continuing to exploit infrastructure to carry out cyber and military operations.”
Iran has restricted important communications tools in past nationwide protests and during the 1980s Iran-Iraq war. International websites appeared to be blocked, but local websites were functioning, likely signaling that Iran had turned on the so-called “halal net,” its locally controlled version of the internet aimed at limiting what the public can see.
Iran’s state TV on Tuesday urged the public to remove the messaging app WhatsApp from their cellphones, alleging without evidence that the app gathered user information to send to Israel.
In a statement, WhatsApp said it was concerned that “these false reports will be an excuse for our services to be blocked at a time when people need them the most.”
Nuclear agency reports more damage to enrichment site THE International Atomic Energy Agency said it believed that Israel’s first aerial attacks on Iran’s Natanz enrichment site had directly affected the facility’s underground centrifuge facility.
Satellite imagery collected after Friday’s attacks showed “additional elements that indicate direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls,” the watchdog said.
The IAEA earlier reported that Israeli strikes had destroyed an above-ground enrichment hall at Natanz and knocked out electrical equipment that powered the facility, which is 220 kilometers (135 miles) southeast of Tehran. Most of Iran’s enrichment takes place underground to protect from airstrikes.
Israel has struck Natanz repeatedly and claims to have hurt its underground facilities, which experts assess contain 10,000 centrifuges that enrich uranium up to 60%.
Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful, and the US and others have assessed that Tehran has not had an organized effort to pursue a nuclear weapon since 2003. But the IAEA has repeatedly warned that the country has enough enriched uranium to make several nuclear bombs should it choose to do so.
While Netanyahu claimed Monday that Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites have set the country’s nuclear program back a “very, very long time,” Israel has not been able to reach Iran’s Fordo uranium enrichment facility, which is built deep into a mountainside.
Hitting Fordo would likely require the US’s own B-2 stealth bombers to drop bunker-busting bombs. The 30,000-pound (14,000-kilogram) GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator uses its weight and sheer kinetic force to reach deeply buried targets.
Melzer reported from Nahariya, Israel. Associated Press writers
and
A8
June 19, 2025
G7 leaders discuss Ukraine and Iran, but fail to reach agreement after Trump’s early exit
with G7 allies.
KBy Rob Gillies, Jill Lawless & Will Weissert
The Associated Press
ANANASKIS, Alberta—Six of
the Group of Seven leaders dis -
cussed Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Israel-Iran conflict but failed to reach major agreements on those and many other top issues—closing a summit that was forced to try and show how the wealthy nations’ club might still shape global policy despite the early departure of US President Donald Trump.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his counterparts from the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Japan were joined during Tuesday’s final sessions by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO chief Mark Rutte.
“We need support from allies and I’m here,” Zelenskyy said, before adding, “We are ready for the peace negotiations, unconditional ceasefire. I think it’s very important. But for this, we need pressure.”
summit.
There was consensus on other issues, but though the summit was meant to showcase unity on top global concerns, no joint statement on the conflict in Ukraine was released.
Zelenskyy had been set to meet with Trump while world leaders were gathering in the Canadian Rocky Mountain resort of Kananaskis, but that was scrapped. The US also previously signed an agreement granting American access to Ukraine’s vast mineral resources.
A senior Canadian official who briefed reporters at the summit said the US opposed a joint statement on Ukraine amid its efforts to promote negotiations with Russia. The official said it only became clear during the summit’s first day on Monday that there wouldn’t be a joint statement— though other attendees suggested no consensus agreement was seriously on the table. Emily Williams, a spokeswoman for the prime minister, later retracted the briefing statement and said “no proposed statement regarding Ukraine was distributed to other leaders.”
In Trump’s absence, the remaining six leaders held an extensive session on Ukraine. Lacking unanimity, individual leaders also met with Zelenskyy to reassure him of their support.
The remaining leaders agreed to jointly attempt to combat what they called non-market policies that could jeopardize global access to critical minerals. They also pledged to limit the downsides of artificial intelligence on jobs and the environment, while still embracing the potential of the “technological revolution.”
The summit also was largely overshadowed by a showdown over Iran’s nuclear program that could escalate. Israel launched an aerial bombardment campaign against Iran, and Iran has hit back with missiles and drones.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned against the US and other powers pushing for regime change in Iran, suggesting it could destabilize the greater Middle East.
“I believe the greatest mistake today would be to pursue regime change in Iran through military means, as that would lead to chaos,” Macron said.
Before leaving, Trump joined the other leaders in issuing a statement saying Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon” and calling for a “de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.”
Getting unanimity—even on a short and broadly worded statement—was a modest measure of success.
Macron said Carney fulfilled his mission as G7 host by preserving the unity of the multilateral organization. “We shouldn’t ask the Canadian presidency to resolve every issue on earth today. That would be unfair,” said Macron, who will host the G7 next year.
Carney said in his final remarks Tuesday evening that Trump’s early exit was about the “extraordinary” situation in the Middle East, not anything that occurred during the
“There was no problem,” Canada’s prime minister said. “Mr. Trump felt it was better to be in Washington, and I can understand that.”
Carney said Canada would impose new economic sanctions against Russia and was releasing its own statement offering “unwavering support for a secure and sovereign Ukraine.”
Asked if the US pushed to soften any possible joint statement from the gathered leaders on Ukraine, Carney said he consulted with Trump while preparing the language his own country used.
Still, Trump’s departure only served to heighten the drama of a world on the verge of several firestorms—and of a summit deprived early of its most-watched world leader. `
“We did everything I had to do at the G7,” Trump said while flying back to Washington. But things were getting awkward even before he left.
After the famous photo from the G7 in 2018 featured Trump and thenGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel displaying less-than-friendly body language, this year’s edition included a dramatic eye-roll by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as French President Emmanuel Macron whispered something in her ear during a Monday roundtable.
That, and concerns about the Russia-Ukraine war, little progress on the conflict in Gaza and now the situation in Iran have made things all the more tense—especially after Trump imposed severe tariffs on multiple nations that risk a global economic slowdown.
Members of Trump’s trade team remained in Canada to continue discussing tariffs, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who sat at the table as world leaders met with Zelenskyy.
Trump’s stance on Ukraine also put him fundamentally at odds with the other G7 leaders, who are clear that Russia is the aggressor in the war.
The US declined to join new sanctions against Russia, with Trump saying, “When I sanction a country, that costs the US a lot of money, a tremendous amount of money.”
Trump also said at the summit that there would have been no war in Ukraine if G7 members hadn’t expelled Putin from the organization in 2014 for annexing Crimea. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the G7 now looks “very pale and quite useless” compared to “for example, such formats as the G20.”
Additionally, the US president has placed greater priority on addressing his grievances with other nations’ trade policies than on collaboration
He has imposed 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum, as well as 25% tariffs on autos. Trump is also charging a 10% tax on imports from most countries, though he could raise rates on July 9, after the 90-day negotiating period set by him would expire.
One bright spot for Trump during the summit came when he and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a trade framework that was previously announced in May. Trump said British trade was “very well protected” because “I like them, that’s why. That’s their ultimate protection.”
But, while announcing that agreement, Trump brandished pages spelling out the deal and dropped them. Starmer stooped to pick them up, later explaining that he was compelled to ditch diplomatic decorum because anyone else trying to help risked spooking the president’s security team.
“There were quite strict rules about who can get close to the president,” Starmer said, adding that he was “just deeply conscious that in a situation like that it would not have been good for anybody else to have stepped forward.”
The Associated Press writers Josh Boak in Calgary, Alberta, and Chris Megerian in Washington contributed to this report.
Trump meets with security team after demanding Iran ‘surrender’
By Akayla Gardner, Josh Wingrove, Stephanie Lai & Arsalan Shahla
PRESIDENT Donald Trump met with his national security team in Washington on Tuesday to discuss the escalating Middle
East conflict, according to people familiar with the matter, fueling fresh speculation that the US is on the verge of joining Israel’s attack on Iran.
T he meeting lasted over an hour and the White House provided no immediate statement afterward. Before gathering his advisers in the Situation Room, Trump
posted a demand for Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” and warned of a possible strike against the country’s leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,” Trump posted on social media.
Israel also sought to ratchet up pressure on Iran, signaling it will intensify a campaign of air strikes that have targeted the country’s nuclear facilities as well as military leaders and infrastructure. US weapons are seen as key to achieving a more complete destruction of the Islamic Republic’s atomic program than anything Israel can do alone.
The escalating war began with an Israeli attack late last week and has seen the sworn enemies trade missile salvos for five days. Trump departed early from the Group of Seven leaders meeting in Canada to deal with the crisis.
German Chanc ellor Friedrich Merz, who’s also attending that summit, told the country’s
public broadcaster ZDF that a US decision on whether to join the war militarily would come “in the course of the day” and said that if Iran doesn’t return to the negotiating table, then “the complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear program may be on the agenda.”
See “Iran,” A11
June 19,
Iran asks its people to delete WhatsApp from their devices
By Kelvin Chan & Barbara Ortutay The Associated Press
IRANIAN state television on Tuesday afternoon urged people to remove WhatsApp from their smartphones, alleging without specific evidence that the messaging app gathered user information to send to Israel. In a statement, WhatsApp said it was “concerned these false reports will be an excuse for our services to be blocked at a time when people need them the most.” WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, meaning a service provider in the middle can’t read a message.
“We do not track your precise location, we don’t keep logs of who everyone is messaging and we do not track the personal messages people are sending one another,” it added. “We do not provide bulk information to any government.”
End-to-end encryption means that messages are scrambled so that only the sender and recipient can see them. If anyone else intercepts the message, all they will see is a garble that can’t be unscrambled without the key. Gregory Falco, an assistant professor of engineering at Cornell University and cybersecurity expert, said it’s been demonstrated that it’s possible to understand metadata about WhatsApp that does not get encrypted.
“So, you can understand things about how people are using the app and that’s been a consistent issue where people have not been interested in engaging with WhatsApp for that (reason),” he said.
Another issue is data sovereignty, Falco added, where data centers hosting WhatsApp data from a certain country are not necessarily located in that country. It’s more than feasible, for instance, that WhatsApp’s data from Iran is not hosted in Iran.
“Countries need to house their data in-country and process the data incountry with their own algorithms. Because it’s really hard increasingly to trust the global network of data infrastructure,” he said.
WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.
Iran has blocked access to various social media platforms over the years but many people in the country use proxies and virtual private networks, or VPNs, to access them. It banned WhatsApp and Google Play in 2022 during mass protests against the government over the death of a woman held by the country’s morality police. That ban was lifted late last year.
WhatsApp had been one of Iran’s most popular messaging apps besides Instagram and Telegram.
Iran. . .
Continued from A8
Iran had been negotiating with the US for weeks over a nuclear deal before Israel launched its surprise assault.
Isr aeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to step up the campaign on Tuesday, saying the military will attack “very significant targets in Tehran” and adding that residents should evacuate. Earlier in the day, a spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces said that while it’s too early to assess the success of the current campaign in Iran, strikes on the country’s nuclear facilities are “deepening” every day.
Ir an’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency cited the country’s armed forces chief of staff as saying that it plans a “punitive operation” against Israel and warned Israelis to evacuate Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Trump earlier Tuesday posted on social media that “we now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” crediting US military equipment for helping Israel gain air superiority.
Vice President JD Vance told reporters Tuesday that Trump is “making clear to the American people and the entire world that the US policy is that Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon, and part of that is that they are not allowed” to enrich uranium, adding that “there are many different ways and different options at the president’s disposal for how to accomplish that policy goal.” US stocks declined on Tuesday as Trump played down the possibility of negotiations with Iran, fueling widespread fears the war will spread to other countries in the energy-producing region. Oil climbed near a five-month high.
Trump’s exit from the G-7 followed another 24 hours of intense bombardments, with Iran firing ballistic missiles and Israel striking targets across the Islamic Republic, including the capital of Tehran. The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier strike group is sailing to the Middle East ahead of schedule, marking the first significant move of American military assets to the region since Friday. Reuters reported that the US military was deploying more fighters and other warplanes to the region.
New satellite images suggest Israeli strikes damaged underground uraniumenrichment facilities at Natanz, Iran’s primary nuclear-fuel production site, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said in a post on X. The International Atomic Energy Agency has yet to detect damage at Iran’s other underground enrichment site in Fordow, according to the statement.
Republican S enator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a longtime advocate of war against Iran, said he “100% supports” US participation in striking Fordow. “I’m all in for destroying their nuclear program. You can’t do it without destroying Fordow,” he told reporters in Washington. “If it takes bombs, bunker-buster bombs, so be it. If we need to fly with Israel, so be it.” Graham added that “the window for diplomacy has passed, we’re in the land of force.” Isr ael has sought to draw the US—which has provided defensive support against Iranian missile fire—deeper into the conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ABC News on Monday that the countries share a common enemy in Iran, and that it’s in America’s interest to support Israel.
Trump has left open the possibility of further talks on Iran’s atomic activities after five earlier rounds, but continued to hammer the idea that Tehran is at fault for not having already agreed to a deal that would have prevented Israel’s attacks. He told reporters that he “may” send a high-level official, such as special envoy Steven Witkoff or Vance, to meet with Iran.
Trump is “telling Iran you can put a stop to this,” Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley said after speaking with the president on Tuesday. Israel said it saw a drop-off in Iranian fire on Tuesday, with a military spokesperson saying “a few dozen” missiles had been launched since midnight compared with the hundreds seen over the weekend.
Still, Israel’s Oil Refineries Ltd. shut down its refinery after the complex was damaged and three employees were killed, the company said Monday. The site has a peak production capacity of close to 200,000 barrels of oil per day, with 70% of products distributed in the Israeli market. ith assistance from Steven T. Dennis, Erik Wasson, Natalia Drozdiak, Alisa Odenheimer, Jonathan Tirone and Dan Williams/Bloomberg
A14 Thursday, June 19, 2025
Japan’s May exports decline 1.7% as US auto tariffs slash shipments by nearly 25% amid trade tensions
By Yuri Kageyama AP Business Writer
TOKYO— Japan’s exports fell in May as shipments of autos to the US dropped nearly 25% from a year earlier due to higher tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Exports fell 1.7% year-onyear, which was less than the decline analysts had forecast, the Finance Ministry reported Wednesday. Imports sank 7.7%, reflecting weakening domestic demand and worse than the 2% fall recorded in April.
The trade deficit in May was 637.6 billion yen, or $4.4 billion.
Japan has yet to reach a deal with Trump on resolving the tariffs issue, with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba saying after he met with the US president at the Group of Seven summit in Canada earlier this week that the two sides were unable to agree on some points.
Trump has imposed a 25% additional tariff on Japanese autos and a 24% tariff on other goods. He recently said the auto tariff may become even higher.
Ishiba has emphasized that Japan is an important ally in a key bilateral defense alliance with Washington and that he is pushing to protect his own country’s national interests. The auto industry is a pillar of Japan’s economy, and Japan exports more than a million vehicles to the US a year. Tokyo has repeatedly stressed that automakers like Toyota and Honda produce cars in North America, contributing to the economy and creating jobs.
India and Canada to
restore diplomatic services nearly two years after killing of Sikh separatist
By Rajesh Roy The Associated Press
NEW DELHI—India and Canada agreed to restore diplomatic services nearly two years after Ottawa accused New Delhi of alleged involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader, which turned into a row straining relations between the two countries.
The announcement was made after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, met Tuesday on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.
“The leaders agreed to designate new high commissioners, with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses in both countries,” a statement from Carney’s office said.
High commissioners are senior diplomats, representing their country’s interests and fostering relationships with the host nation.
Modi and Carney reiterated the importance of a bilateral relationship based on mutual respect and a commitment to the principle of territorial sovereignty, according to the statement. They also discussed further collaboration in several sectors, including technology, digital transition, food security, and critical minerals.
Meanwhile, India’s foreign ministry underscored the impor -
tance of restarting senior ministerial engagements to “rebuild trust and bring momentum to the relationship.”
Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, shocked the world in September 2023 after announcing in Parliament there were credible allegations about India’s link to the killing of Hareep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver. New Delhi vehemently denied the allegations and accused Trudeau’s government of harboring extremists.
The Indian government had declared Nijjar a terrorist in 2020 under a law meant to suppress dissent. The Sikh independence advocate was a prominent member of the Khalistan movement, banned in India, to create an independent Sikh homeland. He was seen as a human rights activist by Sikh organizations.
Ties between the two countries continued to worsen and in October, India expelled Canadian diplomats and withdrew its high commissioner and other officials from Canada. Ottawa retaliated by dismissing Indian diplomats and accusing the Indian government of an intensifying campaign against Canadian citizens, a charge New Delhi denied.
India’s anxieties about Sikh separatist groups have long strained its relationship with Canada, where some 2% of the population is Sikh.
Modi calls Trump AS Trump abruptly left the G7 summit, Modi had a detailed phone conversation with the US president and shared India’s military response against Pakistan last month following the killings of 26 innocent people, mostly Hindu men, in Indiancontrolled Kashmir, foreign secretary Vikram Misri said. In recent weeks, Trump had claimed to have brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and offered trade concessions in part to make the nuclear-armed rivals reach an agreement after shooting at each other for days, which was checkmate by New Delhi. Trump had also proposed mediation over Kashmir.
In a statement, Misri said Modi clarified to Trump that India had never in the past accepted nor would it encourage in the future a third-party mediation over the simmering dispute of Kashmir, a Himalayan region claimed by both India and Pakistan in its entirety. Misri said Modi made it clear to Trump that during multiple talks held between New Delhi and Washington senior officials amid the ongoing military conflict, there was no mention of a trade deal or the US mediation over Kashmir.
The talks to stop military actions were held directly between the military leaders of India and Pakistan through existing channels, Misri said.
Eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano creates ash plume visible 90 miles away
LEMBATA, Indonesia— Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano in south-central Indonesia erupted Tuesday, spewing towering columns of hot ash into the air. Authorities raised the eruption alert to the highest level and expanded the danger zone to 8 kilometers (about 5 miles) from the crater. Indonesia’s Geology Agency said in a statement it recorded the volcano unleashing 10,000 meters (about 32,800 feet) of thick grey clouds on Tuesday afternoon, following significant
volcanic activities, including 50 in two hours, rather than the usual daily 8 to 10 activities.
The ashes expanded into a mushroom-shaped ash cloud that could be seen from the cities located 90 kilometers (about 56 miles) to 150 kilometers (nearly 93 miles) from the mountain. There were no casualties reported.
Residents were warned to be vigilant about heavy rainfall triggering lava flows in rivers originating from the volcano.
An eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in November killed nine people and injured dozens. It also erupted in March. The 1,584-meter (5,197-foot) mountain is a twin volcano with Mount Lewotobi Perempuan in the district of Flores Timur.
Indonesia is an archipelago of 270 million people with frequent seismic activity. It has 120 active volcanoes and sits along the “Ring of Fire,” a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin.
THE Tokyo Tower is seen amid tall buildings as a container ship leaves a cargo terminal in Tokyo, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. AP/HIRO KOMAE
Companies led by US military veterans deliver aid in Africa and Gaza, alarming humanitarian groups
By Ellen Knickmeyer, Sam Mednick & Florence Mettiaux The Associated Press
ON A PLANE OVER UPPER NILE STATE, South Sudan—
Swooping low over the banks of a Nile River tributary, an aid flight run by retired American military officers released a stream of food-stuffed sacks over a town emptied by fighting in South Sudan, a country wracked by conflict.
Last week’s air drop was the latest in a controversial development—private contracting firms led by former US intelligence officers and military veterans delivering aid to some of the world’s deadliest conflict zones, in operations organized with governments that are combatants in the conflicts.
The moves are roiling the global aid community, which warns of a more militarized, politicized and profit-seeking trend that could allow governments or combatants to use life-saving aid to control hungry civilian populations and advance war aims.
In South Sudan and Gaza, two for-profit US companies led by American national security veterans are delivering aid in operations backed by the South Sudanese and Israeli governments.
The American contractors say they’re putting their security, logistics and intelligence skills to work in relief operations. Fogbow, the US company that carried out last week’s air drops over South Sudan, says it aims to be a “humanitarian” force.
“We’ve worked for careers, collectively, in conflict zones. And we know how to essentially make very difficult situations work,” said Fogbow President Michael Mulroy, a retired CIA officer and former senior defense official in the first Trump administration, speaking on the airport tarmac in Juba, South Sudan’s capital.
But the UN and many leading non-profit groups say US contracting firms are stepping into aid distribution with little transparency or humanitarian experience, and, crucially, without commitment to humanitarian principles of neutrality and operational independence in war zones.
“What we’ve learned over the years of successes and failures is there’s a difference between a logistics operation and a security operation, and a humanitarian operation,” said Scott Paul, a director at Oxfam America.
“’Truck and chuck’ don’t help people,” Paul said. “It puts people at risk.”
‘We don’t want to replace any entity’ FOGBOW took journalists up in a cargo plane to watch their team drop 16 tons of beans, corn and salt for South Sudan’s Upper Nile state town of Nasir.
Residents fled homes there after fighting erupted in March between the government and opposition groups.
Mulroy acknowledged the controversy over Fogbow’s aid drops, which he said were paid for by the South Sudanese government.
But, he maintained: “We don’t want to replace any entity” in aid work.
Shared roots in Gaza and US intelligence FOGBOW was in the spotlight last year for its proposal to use barges to bring aid to Gaza, where Israeli restrictions were blocking overland deliveries.
The United States focused instead on a US military effort to land aid via a temporary pier.
Since then, Fogbow has carried out aid drops in Sudan and South Sudan, east African nations where wars have created some of the world’s gravest humanitarian crises.
Fogbow says exhumanitarian officials are also involved, including former UN World Food Program head David Beasley, who is a senior adviser. Operating in Gaza, meanwhile, Safe Reach Solutions, led by a former CIA officer and other retired US security officers, has partnered with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed nonprofit that Israel says is the linchpin of a new aid system to wrest control from the UN, which Israel says has been infiltrated by Hamas, and other humanitarian groups.
Starting in late May, the American-led operation in Gaza has distributed food at fixed sites in southern Gaza, in line with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stated plan to use aid to concentrate the territory’s more than 2 million people in the south, freeing Israel to fight Hamas elsewhere. Aid workers fear it’s a step toward another of Netanyahu’s public goals, removing Palestinians from Gaza in “voluntary” migrations.
Since then, several hundred Palestinians have been killed and hundreds more wounded in near daily shootings as they tried to reach aid sites, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Witnesses say Israeli troops regularly fire heavy barrages toward the crowds in an attempt to control them.
The Israeli military has denied firing on civilians. It says it fired warning shots in several instances, and fired directly at a few “suspects” who ignored warnings and approached its forces.
It’s unclear who is funding the new operation in Gaza. No donor has come forward, and the US says it’s not funding it.
In response to criticism over its Gaza aid deliveries, Safe Reach Solutions said it has former aid workers on its team with “decades of experience in the world’s most complex environments” who bring “expertise to the table, along with logisticians and other experts.”
South Sudan’s people ask: Who’s getting our aid drops?
LAST week’s air drop over South Sudan went without incident, despite fighting nearby. A white cross marked the drop zone. Only a few people could be seen. Fogbow contractors said there were more newly returned townspeople on previous drops.
Fogbow acknowledges glitches in mastering aid drops, including one last year in Sudan’s South Kordofan region that ended up with toothinly-wrapped grain sacks split open on the ground.
After gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has struggled to emerge from a civil war that killed nearly 400,000 people. Rights groups say its government
is one of the world’s most corrupt, and until now has invested little in quelling the dire humanitarian crisis.
South Sudan said it engaged Fogbow for air drops partly because of the Trump administration’s deep cuts in US Agency for International Development funding.
Humanitarian Minister Albino Akol Atak said the drops will expand to help people in need throughout the country.
But two South Sudanese groups question the government’s motives.
“We don’t want to see a humanitarian space being abused by military actors ... under the cover of a food drop,” said Edmund Yakani, head of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, a local civil society group.
Asked about suspicions the aid drops were helping South Sudan’s military aims, Fogbow’s Mulroy said the group has worked with the UN World Food Program to make sure “this aid is going to civilians.”
“If it wasn’t going to civilians, we would hope that we would get that feedback, and we would cease and desist,” Mulroy said.
In a statement, WFP country director Mary-Ellen McGroarty said: “WFP is not involved in the planning, targeting or distribution of food air-dropped” by Fogbow on behalf of South Sudan’s government, citing humanitarian principles.
A ‘business-driven model’ LONGTIME humanitarian leaders and analysts are troubled by what they see as a teaming up of warring governments and forprofit contractors in aid distribution.
When one side in a conflict decides where and how aid is handed out, and who gets it, “it will always result in some communities getting preferential treatment,” said Jan Egeland, executive director of the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Sometimes, that set-up will advance strategic aims, as with Netanyahu’s plans to move Gaza’s civilians south, Egeland said.
The involvement of soldiers and security workers, he added, can make it too “intimidating” for some in need to even try to get aid.
Until now, Western donors always understood those risks, Egeland said. But pointing to the Trump administration’s backing of the new aid system in Gaza, he asked: “Why does the US ... want to support what they have resisted with every other war zone for two generations?”
Mark Millar, who has advised the UN and Britain on humanitarian matters in South Sudan and elsewhere, said involving private military contractors risks undermining the distinction between humanitarian assistance and armed conflict.
Private military contractors “have even less sympathy for a humanitarian perspective that complicates their businessdriven model,” he said. “And once let loose, they seem to be even less accountable.”
Knickmeyer reported from Washington. Mednick reported from Tel Aviv, Israel.
Russia, North Korea cooperation: Pyongyang to send workers to help rebuild Kursk region
By Hyung-Jin Kim, Kim Tong-Hyung & Katie Marie Davies The Associated Press
SEOUL, South Korea—North Korea will send thousands of military construction workers and deminers to support reconstruction work in Russia’s Kursk region, a top Russian official said Tuesday, the latest sign of expanding cooperation between the nations.
North Korea has already supplied thousands of combat troops and a vast amount of conventional weapons to back Russia’s war against Ukraine. In April, Pyongyang and Moscow said that their soldiers fought together to repel a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk border region, though Ukraine has insisted it still has troops present there.
Wrapping up a one-day visit to Pyongyang, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un decided to send 1,000 sappers to clear mines in the Kursk region and 5,000 military construction workers to restore infrastructure there, according to Russia’s state news agency, Tass. Another Russian state news agency, RIA Novosti, carried a similar report.
“Following the expulsion of invaders from Russian soil, we’ve agreed to continue our constructive cooperation, with the Korean side providing assistance in the restoration of the Kursk region,” Shoigu said, according to RIA Novosti. “This is a kind of brotherly aid being sent by the Korean people and their leader, Kim Jong Un, to our country.”
Shoigu said that Moscow and Pyongyang agreed to erect memorials in both countries in honor of North Korean soldiers who died while fighting in the Kursk region, according to Tass and RIA Novosti.
Kim repeats full support of Russia’s war efforts against Ukraine
NORTH Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said Wednesday that Kim confirmed the contents of North Korea’s cooperation with Russia with regard to Kursk’s current situation but didn’t mention the dispatch of army construction workers and deminers cited by Russian media.
KCNA quoted Kim as expressing his resolve to “invariably and unconditionally support” what he called Russian efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Kim has previously made similar comments in support of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
KCNA also said that Kim and Shoigu approved some plans for “conveying long the heroic feats displayed by” North Korean troops in operations to liberate the Kursk area, an apparent reference to the memorial construction plan.
North Korea and Russia have never disclosed how many North Korean troops have been sent to Russia or how many of them were killed. But according to South Korean, US and Ukraine assessments, about 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia. South Korea’s spy agency said in April that about 600 North Korean soldiers died on the Russia-Ukraine battlefronts.
The deepening ties between North Korea and Russia have raised worries among the US, South Korea and their partners that Russian President Vladimir Putin may in return provide Kim with much-needed sophisticated technologies that can help advance his nuclear and missile programs.
The two countries, both in confrontations with the US and its allies, have sharply grown closer to each other in recent years. In 2024, Kim and Putin signed a landmark defense treaty that requires each side to provide aid if the other is attacked.
It was Shoigu’s third visit to North Korea in about three months. The two countries have exchanged high-level visits in past years, with Kim travelling to Russia in 2023 and Putin to North Korea in 2024. Many observers say Kim could soon visit Russia again for another summit with Putin.
South Korea, US and Japan react SOUTH KOREA’S Foreign Ministry on Wednesday expressed “grave concern” over what it described as ongoing illicit cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
The US State Department told South Korea’s Yonhap news agency that Russia’s continued use of North Korean workers and soldiers were “deeply concerning” and stated that Pyongyang was “now relying on Russia to provide it with desperately needed funds in exchange for labor and soldier for hire schemes.” Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also expressed deep concern, saying advancing cooperation between Russia and North Korea threatens to jeopardize global security.
On Wednesday, South Korea, the US and Japan flew fighter jets for a trilateral aerial training off South Korea’s southern Jeju Island as part of their efforts to boost security cooperation to cope with North Korea’s evolving nuclear threats, according to the South Korean air force.
In South Korea, there are worries that the 2024 North KoreaRussia defense treaty would lead to Russia intervening in a potential conflict on the Korean Peninsula. Experts say North Korea’s military would also obtain valuable combat experiences from the Russia-Ukraine war.
South Korea, the US and others have stated the ongoing North Korean-Russia military cooperation involve elements that constitute clear violations of UN Security Council resolutions, which ban any weapons transfer involving North Korea and required member states not to issue work permits to North Koreans.
In its closed-door briefing to lawmakers on April 30, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service said that Russia had given North Korea air defense missiles, electronic warfare equipment, drones and technology for spy satellite launches. The NIS said that 15,000 North Korean laborers have also been sent to Russia under bilateral industrial cooperation programs, according to lawmakers who attended the briefing.
Katie Marie Davies reported from Manchester, England. Dasha Litvinova contributed to this report from Tallinn, Estonia.
Threats to lawmakers are on the rise, security officials tell senators after Minnesota shootings
By Mary Clare Jalonick & Kevin Freking
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—Threats to members of Congress are on the rise, security officials told senators on Tuesday at an emergency briefing in the wake of the killing of a Minnesota state lawmaker in her home over the weekend.
US Capitol Police leaders and Senate security officials said that threats against elected officials, including federal lawmakers, have “dramatically increased,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said after the briefing, “and that means we need more protection.”
The suspect in the Minnesota attack had dozens of Democratic members of Congress listed in his writings, in addition to the state lawmakers and others he’s accused of targeting. The man is accused of shooting and killing former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home early Saturday in the northern Minneapolis suburbs and wounding another lawmaker and his wife at their home.
The shooting renewed fears— and stoked existing partisan tensions—over the security of federal lawmakers when they are in Washington and especially when they are at home. Credible threats to members of Congress have more than doubled in the last decade.
Still, it is unclear what more can be done amid yearslong disagreements over how much money should be spent to protect lawmakers. GOP Texas Sen. John Cornyn said after the briefing that they were told that threats against public officials are going up, but “it’s always a resource issue, and it’s trying to make sure that it’s proportional to the threat and not an overreaction.”
The US Capitol Police’s threat assessment section investigated 9,474 “concerning statements and direct threats” against members of Congress last year, the highest number since 2021, the year that the Capitol was attacked by Trump’s supporters after he tried to overturn his 2020 presidential election defeat to Democrat Joe Biden. Those numbers ticked down in 2022, but have risen again in the last two years, according to an annual threat assessment the department released earlier this year.
congressman gets killed,” Murphy said.
In the House, Democrats had their own security briefing on Tuesday, held virtually because the House is on recess. Lawmakers on the call shared their concerns and personal stories with Capitol Police and other security officials who reviewed the resources available to them, according to a person familiar with the briefing who requested anonymity because of its sensitive nature. The House is expected to have an in person briefing for all members when they return to Washington next week, the person said.
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and New York Rep. Joe Morelle, top Democrat on the House Administration Committee, wrote Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., on Monday demanding better protections for members.
In 2011, Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords was shot and wounded at an event in her Arizona district. In 2017, GOP Rep. Steve Scalise and three others were shot and wounded as they practiced for a congressional baseball game with other GOP lawmakers near Washington. In 2022, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul, was attacked by a man who broke into their San Francisco home. And in 2024, two men separately tried to assassinate Donald Trump during his Republican presidential campaign.
All four survived, some with serious injuries. But those attacks, among others and many close calls for members of both major political parties, have rattled lawmakers and raised recurring questions about whether they have enough security—and whether they can ever be truly safe in their jobs.
“I just see so clearly that this current state of play is not sustainable,” said Minnesota Democratic Sen. Tina Smith, a friend of Hortman’s who paid tribute to her on the Senate floor Tuesday along with the state’s other Democratic senator, Amy Klobuchar. Smith, who received increased security after the shootings, said after the briefing that it was “productive,” and Capitol Police are “doing what they can do.”
Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy said Monday that lawmakers are “clearly at the point where we have to adjust the options available to us.”
As threats have increased, members of Congress have had access to new funding to add security at their personal homes. But it is unclear how many have used it and whether there is enough money to keep lawmakers truly safe.
“Resources should not be the reason that a US senator or
In 2017, there were 3,939 investigated threats, the Capitol Police said. The numbers are a troubling tally of an era that has been marked by a string of violent attacks against lawmakers and their families.
“The responsibility starts with you,” Jeffries and Morelle wrote to Johnson.
Instead of bringing lawmakers together, the Minnesota shootings have created some new internal tensions.
In the Senate, Smith confronted one of her fellow senators, Utah Republican Mike Lee, for a series of posts on X over the weekend. One mocked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat who ran for vice president last year. Another post said of the killings, “This is what happens when Marxists don’t get their way.”
Friends and former colleagues interviewed by The Associated Press described Vance Luther Boelter, the man accused of killing Hortman and her husband, as a devout Christian who attended an evangelical church and went to campaign rallies for Trump. Records show Boelter registered to vote as a Republican while living in Oklahoma in 2004 before moving to Minnesota, where voters don’t list party affiliation. His attorney has declined to comment.
Smith talked to Lee outside a GOP conference meeting as soon as she arrived in Washington on Monday. “I would say he seemed surprised to be confronted,” she told reporters afterward.
Lee later took down some of his posts. His office declined to comment, but Lee said in a brief hallway interview on Tuesday that he had a “quick conversation” with Minnesota’s other Democratic senator, Amy Klobuchar.
Separately, Trump said he had no plans to call Walz, describing the Democratic leader as “so whacked out.”
“The guy doesn’t have a clue. He’s a mess,” Trump said. “So, you know, I could be nice and call him, but why waste time?”
Lawmakers were already on edge before the shootings, which came less than two days after Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a press conference with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in California. Officers restrained Padilla and put him on the ground, infuriating Senate Democrats who said it was part of a gradual assault on democracy by the Trump administration.
After the briefing on Tuesday, some senators said they are even more concerned about the threat of violence against them.
Americans turn cautious, retail sales slide after spring rush to beat tariffs
By Christopher Rugaber & Anne D’innocenzio AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON—Retail sales fell sharply in May as consumers pulled back from a spending surge early this year to get ahead of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on nearly all imports.
Sales at retail stores and restaurants dropped 0.9% in May, the Commerce Department said Tuesday, after a decline of 0.1% in April. Sales jumped 1.5% in March. The figure was pulled down by a steep drop in auto sales, after Americans ramped up their car-buying in March to get ahead of Trump’s 25% duty on imported cars and car parts. Excluding autos, sales fell 0.3% in May.
The sales drop is hitting after sharp declines in consumer confidence this year. Still, inflation has cooled steadily and unemployment remains low, which could fuel steady spending in the coming months, as the economy has remained mostly solid.
A category of sales that excludes volatile sectors such as gas, cars, and restaurants rose last month by 0.4%, a sign that consumers are still spending on some discretionary items.
Shooting.
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Overall, the report suggests consumers have pulled back a bit but not dramatically so. The retail sales report covers about onethird of consumer spending, with the other two-thirds consisting of spending on services. Economists expect overall consumer spending to grow in the April-June quarter.
“Today’s data suggests consumers are downshifting, but they haven’t yet slammed the brakes,” Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley wealth management, said in an email. “Like the economy as a whole, consumer spending has been resilient in the face of tariff uncertainty.”
Yet many categories saw sharp declines. Car sales plunged 3.5%, while sales at home and garden centers dropped 2.7%. They fell 0.6% at electronics and appliance
“I think it’s safe to say that members realize there’s a lot more going on than they knew,” said US Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash. “We
stores and 0.7% at grocery stores.
There were some bright spots: Sales rose 0.9% at online retailers, 0.8% at clothing stores, and 1.2% at furniture stores.
Gas station sales dropped sharply, by 2%, but that mostly reflects lower prices. The retail sales report isn’t adjusted for inflation.
Sales at restaurants and bars, a closely watched indicator of discretionary spending, fell 0.9% in May, though that followed a solid gain of 0.8% in April.
Some consumer products companies say they are seeing the impact of tariffs on their own costs and sales.
Paul Cosaro, CEO of Picnic Time, Inc., which makes picnic accessories like baskets, coolers, and folding chairs, said that orders from retailers are down as much as 40% this summer compared with a year ago. His company sells to a variety of stores like Target and Williams-Sonoma.
Cosaro noted that some stores have been cautious because they’re not sure how shoppers will react to higher prices. Some canceled orders because Cosaro couldn’t tell them how much the new prices would be due to all the uncertainty. Roughly 80% of the company’s goods are made in China, with the rest in India and Vietnam.
The company, founded roughly 40 years ago and based in Moorpark, California, was forced to raise prices on average from 11%
can’t just let it go unanswered.”
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said senators needed to be protected more thoroughly without
to 14% for this summer selling season, Cosaro said.
A folding outdoor chair now costs $137 this month, up from $120 in late 2024, he added. The company’s sales are still down this year, even though some shoppers accelerated their purchases out of concern that prices would rise.
“Shoppers are very price sensitive,” Cosaro said.
The company has implemented a hiring freeze because of all the extra tariff costs, he added. So far this year the company, which employs from 70 to 100 people, has had to pay $1 million in tariffs. A year ago at this time, the bill was a third of that amount.
Liza Gresko, a 42-year-old mother of three in Doylestown,
interfering in their work.
“There needs to be more resources and investigations of these threats in real time. And right now, very
Pennsylvania, said she has watched as prices for basics like toothpaste or shampoo begin to rise again, and has started to buy groceries in bulk to save money, as well as switching to generic brands.
“If I make these small changes, then we are sacrificing for the long-term goal of saving more,” Gresko said.
She has also begun shopping at thrift stores for children’s clothes, rather than Macy’s or H&M.
“Even with store sales and discounts, the rising costs make it unsustainable to continually purchase new clothing,” she said.
The retail sales report comes as other evidence indicates shoppers have been pulling back more amid worries about higher prices from
Trump’s tariffs.
Naveen Jaggi, president of retail advisory services in the Americas for real-estate firm JLL, said that he’s hearing from malls that sales are slowing down heading into the official summer months. Retailers are pushing up back-toschool promotions to this month from July, he said. They want to get shoppers in early for fear consumers may not want to spend in the later months when prices will likely go up, he said. So far, Trump’s tariffs haven’t yet boosted inflation. Consumer prices rose just 2.4% in May compared with a year ago, the government said last week.
Many stores and brands, including Walmart, Lululemon, and J.M. Smucker Co., have said they plan to or have raised prices in response to tariffs.
Deckers Outdoor, which is behind such shoe labels as Hoka and Uggs, said late last month that it plans price increases, which will likely hurt sales.
“We expect to absorb a portion of the tariff impact,” Chief Financial Officer Steven Fasching told analysts. “We also believe there is potential to see demand erosion associated with the combination of price increases and general softness in the consumer spending environment.”
D’Innocenzio reported from New York.
often, they are discounted as a prank or a joke,” Blumenthal said. “Political violence is spreading like a virus and it needs to be countered more effectively.” The Associated Press writer Joey Cappelletti contributed to this report. Some senators appeared less concerned.
EU’s top diplomat sounds alarm: Russia’s actions a ‘long-term plan for aggression’ against Europe
By Lorne Cook Te Associated Press
BRUSSELS—Russia poses a direct threat to the European Union through acts of sabotage and cyberattacks, but its massive military spending suggests that President Vladimir Putin also plans to use his armed forces elsewhere in the future, the EU’s top diplomat warned on Wednesday.
“Russia is already a direct threat to the European Union,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said. She listed a series of Russian airspace violations, provocative military exercises, and attacks on energy grids, pipelines and undersea cables.
Kallas noted that Russia is already spending more on defense than the EU’s 27 nations combined, and this year will invest more “on defense than its own health care, education and social policy combined.”
“This is a long-term plan for a
long-term aggression. You don’t spend that much on (the) military, if you do not plan to use it,” Kallas told EU lawmakers in Strasbourg, France. “Europe is under attack and our continent sits in a world becoming more dangerous,” she added.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has said that Russia is producing as much weapons and ammunition in three months as the 32 allies together make in a year. He believes that Russia could be in a position to launch an attack on a NATO ally by the end of the decade.
The acts of sabotage and cyberattacks are mostly aimed at undermining European support for Ukraine, military officers and experts have said.
But concern is mounting in Europe that Russia could try to test NATO’s Article 5 security guarantee—the pledge that an attack on any one of the allies would be met with a collective response from all 32.
In 2021, NATO allies acknowledged that significant and cumulative cyberattacks might, in certain circumstances, also be considered an armed attack that could lead them to invoke Article 5, but so far no action has been taken.
With the Trump administration now turning its sights on security challenges in the Middle East and China, Europe has been left to fend for itself, and for Ukraine, and finds itself in a more precarious position.
Last week, the head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service (BND), Bruno Kahl, warned against underestimating Russian intentions toward the West and NATO.
“We are very certain, and we have intelligence evidence for this, that Ukraine is just a step on the path to the West,” Kahl told the Table Today
podcast on June 9, according to German news agency dpa.
Russia’s goal is to expand its sphere of influence westward, the BND chief said.
“They want to catapult NATO back to the state it was in at the end of the 1990s. They want to kick America out of Europe, and they’ll use any means to achieve that,” Kahl said.
He warned that “this must be nipped in the bud,” and that deterrence is the “most bloodless way” to prevent war. NATO countries are set to agree a new defense investment pledge at a summit in the Netherlands next week, pouring billions of dollars more into security-related spending.
Kirsten Grieshaber contributed to this report from Berlin.
Mossad mastermind says Israel’s attack on Iran years in the making
By Julia Frankel & Sam Mednick The Associated Press
JERUSALEM—Israel stunned and hobbled Iran last week when it pulled off an intelligence and military operation years in the making that struck high-level targets with precision.
Guided by spies and artificial intelligence, the Israeli military unleashed a nighttime fusillade of warplanes and armed drones smuggled into Iran to quickly incapacitate many of its air defenses and missile systems. With greater freedom to fly over Iran, Israel bombarded key nuclear sites and killed top generals and scientists.
By the time Iran mustered a response hours later, its ability to retaliate—already weakened by past Israeli strikes—was greatly diminished.
This account is based on conversations with 10 current and former Israeli intelligence and military officials, some of whom spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss clandestine operations.
It was not possible to independently verify some of their claims. But the former head of research at Israel’s spy agency, the Mossad, confirmed the basic contours of the attack, saying she had inside knowledge of how it was planned and executed.
“This attack is the culmination of years of work by the Mossad to target Iran’s nuclear program,” said Sima Shine, the former Mossad research director who is now an analyst at the Institute for National Security Studies.
Israel’s element of surprise was enhanced by Iranian officials’ apparent assumption that Israel wouldn’t attack while talks over its rapidly advancing nuclear program were ongoing with the US.
A sixth round of talks had been planned for last Sunday in Oman, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu activated “Operation Rising Lion” on Friday – after his country first notified President Donald Trump.
Netanyahu has for years said neutralizing Iran’s nuclear program was vital for Israel’s security, and Israel had previously taken steps to set back Iran’s ability to enrich uranium to weapons grade. But Netanyahu said a more aggressive attack proved necessary, as Iran kept advancing its enrichment program despite US diplomatic efforts and warnings from UN watchdogs.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has repeatedly called for Israel’s destruction. Iran’s political leaders say their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes,
though it was the only country without the bomb to enrich uranium close to weaponsgrade levels.
Smuggling drones into Iran THE Mossad and the military worked together for at least three years to lay the operational groundwork, according to a former intelligence officer who said he had knowledge of the attack. This person spoke on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the subject.
The attack built off knowledge Israel gained during a wave of airstrikes last October, which “highlighted the weakness of Iranian air defenses,” said Naysan Rafati, an Iran analyst at the International Crisis Group.
To further diminish Iranian air defenses and missile systems at the start of last week’s attack, Mossad agents had smuggled precision weapons into Iran that were prepositioned to strike from close range, according to two current security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the missions. Those weapons included small, armed drones, which agents snuck into the country in vehicles, according to the former intelligence officer. Mossad agents stationed weapons close to Iranian surface-to-air missile sites, Shine said. The agency works with a mix of people, both locals and Israelis, she said.
Using AI and human intelligence to select targets TO analyze information it gathered, Israel used the latest artificial-intelligence, or AI, technology, said an intelligence officer involved with selecting individuals and sites to target. He said AI was used to help Israelis quickly sift through troves of data they had obtained. That effort began last October according to the officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media; it was one month before Netanyahu said he had ordered the attack plans. An investigation by The Associated Press earlier this year uncovered that the Israeli military uses US-made AI models in war to sift through intelligence and intercept communications to learn the movements of its enemies. It’s been used in the wars with Hamas in Gaza and with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Mednick reported from Tel Aviv. Associated Press writers Josef Federman in Jerusalem and Samya Kullab in Kyiv, Ukraine, contributed to this report.
Local auto industry riding strong sales momentum into H2, says Campi; govt-private cooperation cited
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan & Bless Aubrey Ogerio
HE local automotive in -
Tdustry is entering the second half of 2025 on a high note, thanks to the steady sales growth and strengthened public-private cooperation, according to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (Campi).
“With strong momentum heading into the second half of the year, Campi remains confident in the automotive industry’s positive performance,” the group stated on Wednesday. “Continued collaboration between government and industry stakeholders
Marcos
eyes
will be key to sustaining this growth,”
The industry is also banking on commercial vehicles to drive the sector’s overall performance, per Campi president Rommel Gutierrez.
“We are encouraged by the industry’s sustained growth, especially with commercial vehicles driving overall performance,” Gutierrez stated. “This reaffirms the significant role of the automotive sector in supporting the country’s economic activities.”
Latest data from the joint report of Campi and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed total vehicle sales from January to May 2025 reached 190,429 units, which is
a 1.7-percent increase from the 187,191 units sold during the same period last year.
Commercial vehicles dominated, accounting for 79.66 percent of total sales. From January to May, 151,704 commercial units were sold. This is a 10-percent rise from the 137,944 units sold in the same period in 2024.
In contrast, the passenger car segment recorded a significant drop. Sales fell 21.4 percent to 38,725 units from 49,247 units year-on-year.
In May 2025 alone, automakers sold 39,775 units, slightly down by 1.2 percent from the 40,271 units sold in May 2024.
However, this marked a strong rebound from April 2025 sales,
govt taking over full subsidies for ₧20/kilo rice program
STARTING next year, Presi -
dent Ferdinand Marcos said the national government may shoulder all the subsidies for the P20 per kilo rice program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to make the scheme accessible to more Filipinos.
He made the remark in a video interview, which was posted in his social media page last Wednesday.
“Eventually, I’m looking at a proposal that for next year, there will be no more contribution from LGU [local government units]. All of the [subsidy] contributions will come from the national government,” Marcos said in Filipino.
Currently, the National Food Authority (NFA), an attached agency of DA, distributes the P20 rice through Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita (Kadiwa) or its partner LGU.
The participating LGUs pay P6.50 per kilo of the subsidized rice.
Temporary subsidies
MARCOS said DA is already able to release sufficient volume of rice to 51 percent of the country’s population.
“Hopefully, we will bring it up to the point that bigas [rice] for all. It will all be 20 pesos,” he added.
The DA earlier announced that a P5 billion from the contingency fund of the Office of the President was used for the implementation of the subsidized rice program this year. The agency said it will request for P10 billion from Congress for the implementation of the program next year.
Marcos said they will continue to implement the program until the country is able to sustain its high volume rice production.
“When our production side improves significantly, we can lower [the price of rice], there will be no more subsidies,” he said.
Growing rice production
THE President said the country was able to grow its rice produc -
tion from 2023, when it harvested a record-high 20 million metric tons (MT) of the local food staple. Production dropped 19.09 MT last year due to El Niño. As of May, the country’s rice stocks were at 2.3 MT.
“Because our production is increasing, the cost of production will decrease,” Marcos said.
The government is eyeing to sustain the growth by providing farmers with machinery, irrigation access, and high yield rice breeds developed by the International Rice Research Institute and the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
He, however, assured NFA will not lower its buying price, which is between P17 to P30 per kilo, to ensure farmers will be well paid.
“We have to support them. So, no matter what happens to the price of rice sold in the markets, we will not lower the NFA’s buying price. That will never go down,” Marcos assured.
Konektadong Pinoy Act gains momentum with ULAP support
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
THE Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), the country’s umbrella organization for all leagues of local government units, on Wednesday expressed strong support for the immediate passage of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, also known as the Open Access in Data Transmission Act.
In a statement, ULAP said it was “echoing the call of various IT advocacy groups and business organizations to prioritize the passage” of the bill, which seeks to promote competition in the broadband sector and improve access to data transmission services across the country.
“We are confident that the President’s prioritization, coupled with effective coordination between the legislative bodies, will lead to the timely passage of this bill, addressing the urgent needs of our communities and realizing the digitalization goals of the President in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028,” the statement read.
The group emphasized that access to reliable and affordable data transmission services is vital for empowering local government units and narrowing the digital divide.
“ULAP recognizes the bill’s objective of narrowing the digital divide within the Philippines and acknowledges that access to reliable and affordable data transmission services is essential for LGUs to bridge the technological gap, bolster financial inclusion, enhance literacy, and promote economic growth,” the group said.
ULAP further called for the expansion of digital infrastructure in underserved and remote areas, stressing the need for alignment between national and local development plans. It urged coordination among national government agencies, LGUs, and the private sector to avoid redundant efforts and ensure efficient resource use.
“Finally, ULAP supports infrastructure sharing and co-location initiatives to promote cost-efficient and widespread data transmission infrastructure as this will
which stood at 33,580 units. This is an 18.4-percent jump monthon-month.
Under the umbrella of the Commercial Vehicle (CV) segment, most categories posted gains except for medium-duty trucks and buses, which saw a contraction of 9.6 percent.
Heavy-duty trucks and buses registered the highest growth at 76.5 percent, followed by lightduty trucks and buses (17.2 percent), light commercial vehicles (11.8 percent) and Asian utility vehicles (4.1 percent).
Across brands, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. continued to dominate the market as it sold 91,652 units in the January to May 2025 period, accounting for 48.13
Topacio: Teves’ underwent appendectomy procedure
Dpercent of total sales. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. followed with 36,613 units or 19.23 percent, while Nissan Philippines, Inc. sold 9,879 units (5.19 percent).
reduce the burden on LGUs to provide the necessary infrastructure independently,” the group said.
The Konektadong Pinoy Bill, which was passed on third reading in February, aims to ease market entry for more than 1,000 small Internet providers, particularly in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).
The bill proposes streamlined permitting processes, improved spectrum management, and mandatory infrastructure sharing to accelerate digital expansion.
It also mandates compliance with cybersecurity standards, provisions for network resilience, and stronger consumer protections—marking the first time these would be codified in Philippine Internet policy.
President Marcos has yet to sign or veto the bill.
“The attainment of widespread connectivity holds paramount significance as it ensures interconnection in every corner of the country. This, in turn, empowers every Filipino to harness and leverage the benefits of technology and enjoy broader access to essential services,” ULAP said.
By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
ETAINED—Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., have undergone appendectomy procedure and is now recuperating at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).
The surgery was conducted at the PGH at around 2 a.m. on Wednesday and not at the St. Luke’s Hospital in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig where it was initially recommended by doctors to be brought.
Teves’ lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said the operation on his client led by Dr. Mark Paul Lopez Lopez was successful.
“We wish to thank University of the Philippines Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee for arranging the transfer to PGH with dispatch. We would also like to express our appreciation to Dr. Marc Paul Lopez, a.k.a. ‘Ancoy,’ and his dedicated team, for skillfully addressing what was potentially a life-threatening medical condition,” he added.
Topacio said Teves’ health emergency should serve as a wake-up call for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to improve their capability to immediately respond to medical emergencies involving persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
“If it took several hours for a high-profile prisoner such as Rep. Teves to be given medical attention, we shudder at how the BJMP will treat ordinary detainees,” Topacio said.
“It also show how a detained person who, after all, is presumed innocent—is deprived of his right to seek his own choice of treatment and medical professionals to attend to him, by illogical and archaic rules biased against private hospitals,” he added.
Topacio stressed that Teves’ operation proves that “far from being drama the complaint of a medical condition was legitimate.”
Teves is facing trial before the Regional Trial Court of Manila City for allegedly masterminding the killing of then Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and several others last March 2023 and for several other crimes.
He was rushed to the hospital at around 6 a.m. on Tuesday upon the advice of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s (BJMP)
14 OFWs in Iran seek shelter at PHL Embassy, want to go home but...
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
FOURTEEN Filipino domestic helpers have sought shelter at the Philippine Embassy in Tehran following the relentless missile strikes of Israel on Iran since Friday last night.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary
Eduardo de Vega said the Filipino undocumented workers have volunteered to be repatriated.
However, the airspace in Iran is closed and flying out is not an option to exit Iran. The only way out of Iran is through the border in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, which is 13 hours travel time to reach by land.
De Vega said he is waiting for an update of Philippine Ambassador to Tehran Roberto on how they can escort and transport the Filipinos without compromising their safety.
Most of the 1,180 Filipinos in Iran are spouses of Iranians, and they are not in asking the Philippine Embassy to be repatriated. This is the reason the contingency alert in Iran is still on Level 1.
De Vega said they would also like to evacuate the non-essential personnel and their families of the Philippine Embassy in Tehran. But bringing them to safer
Jinggoy backs Torre’s PNP reforms
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
Splaces outside Tehran is also challenging.
“We are facing difficulties to transport staff and evacuees to a safe house outside Tehran. There is no available gasoline for our vehicles,” De Vega said, quoting the report of Ambassador Manalo.
De Vega said he will recommend that the contingency alert in Iran be raised to Level 2, or a call for voluntary repatriation.
Apeco expands airstrip site in Aurora with new land deal
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
THE Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Apeco) has expanded its airstrip in Casiguran, Aurora by an additional 12 hectares, paving the way for its conversion into a commercial airport.
The expansion aims to transform the existing airstrip into a fully operational airport that will improve connectivity between the Casiguran-based economic zone
Fand international markets.
Apeco president and chief executive officer Gil Taway IV formalized the land acquisition with lawyer Edward Chua Cham and Magdalena Chua Cham in a signing ceremony in Quezon City on Tuesday, June 17.
The Chua Cham family donated 5.2 hectares of land—representing half of the current airstrip area—and sold another 6.8 hectares to Apeco.
“Apeco’s potential to do more
depends on the amount of land we administer. In our continuing land acquisition efforts, we were left with higher rates beyond the zonal valuation,” Taway said.
“Apeco, however, was able to acquire the property from the Chua Cham family at 50 percent less than the previous buying rate, which we consider highly advantageous to the government,” he added.
The Apeco airport project is
Cross’ Kanlaon operation ongoing, serving over 29,000 affected individuals
OR more than 170 days or six months, the foremost humanitarian organization in the country, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), continues to shed light and aid for thousands of vulnerable individuals affected by the Mt. Kanlaon eruption.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Mount Kanlaon is still in Alert Level 3 with intensified magmatic unrest, which means it is currently in a relatively high level of unrest and hazardous eruption within days or
weeks. It is therefore recommended that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) remain evacuated due to the danger of PDCs, lava flows, rock falls, and other volcanic hazards. Citizens are advised not to return to the danger zone area due to the threat of the impact of volcanic eruption. Responding effectively and efficiently to the needs of affected Filipinos, the PRC deployed a pool of humanitarian assets within Negros Oriental and Occidental, including areas within the Visayas Region. PRC
mobilized four food trucks, four ambulances, and a payloader.
“Tuloy-tuloyangatingoperasyonsaKanlaon.Saloobnganimnabuwan,walangpatid angpagbibigaynatinngtulongatpag-asasa atingmgakababayangapektadongpagsabog ng bulkan. Makakaasa po kayo na palaging nariyanang Philippine Red Cross upangkayo ay saklolohan at tulungang makabangon,”
PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon stated.
As of June 16, the organization distributed hot meals to 29,195 individuals; 330 food packs; 1,563 pieces of bread, kitchen sets, blankets, and mosquito nets to 296 families; 1,099 pieces of face masks; and 11,200,500 liters of potable water.
PRC set up four water stations with bladders, 59 first aid stations, and 104 welfare desks.
Additionally, it conducted hygiene promotions, health consultations, health promotion sessions, psychological first aid, child-friendly activities, and clearing operations.
“The PRC remains on high alert as we continue to provide necessary support to the affected people in Negros and nearby areas. We will continue to monitor the situation through our Red Cross staff and volunteers on the ground. Sa ating mga kababayan, manatili po tayong alerto at sumunod sa safety protocols para sa inyong kaligtasan,”
PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang said. For emergency assistance, call the PRC hotline at 143.
Continued from A23
The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO)—composed of major telecom providers—have been urging the government to review the provisions of the bill, citing unresolved provisions that could expose the country to “national security vulnerabilities” and “destabilize the telecommunications sector in the long run.”
Among its contentions are the creation of what it calls a “twotier regulatory system,” one where incumbent operators continue to be fully regulated, while new entrants can operate with fewer requirements.
Continued from A23
physician after he experienced worsening stomach pains which started Monday night. Teves was transferred last week to the jurisdiction of the
seen as a key infrastructure development for northeastern Luzon, expected to improve access to Aurora and stimulate investment, trade and tourism in the region.
In February 2025, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) conducted an inspection and assessment of the Casiguran airstrip.
Once operational, the airport will offer direct air access for travelers, investors and cargo operators.
AYING that ramping up efforts on police response is “not only necessary but long overdue,” Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada threw his full support behind the dras
tic reforms pushed by newly appointed Philippine National Police Force (PNP) Chief Nicolas Torre III.
“It’s very important to have people trust the police force. If they see them with integrity and professionalism, they will be more open to cooperating in fighting crime and keeping the peace in the communities,” Estrada said.
As presiding chairman over the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification-Reconciliation, Estrada said he has been closely monitoring the policy changes implemented by Torre in the PNP, and acknowledged that revamps are necessary during these challenging times.
While he had reservations about Torre’s assumption to the post, the Senate leader noted that Torre’s early actions reflect a deep understanding of the urgent reforms the institution requires.
“Leadership is not about grandstanding—it’s about knowing
where to take the institution and having the courage to make tough calls,” the seasoned lawmaker said, referring to Torre’s decision to relieve key police officials who failed to meet his five-minute police response time benchmark.
Estrada, likewise, gave a thumbs up to the implementation of eight-hour work shifts for police officers, which he said would allow law enforcers to enjoy better work-life balance. He added that this change can help ensure they remain focused and engaged while on duty, ultimately benefiting both the officers and the communities they serve.
While acknowledging that systemic issues cannot be solved overnight, Estrada emphasized that reforms—such as enforcing strict accountability among erring officers, modernizing the agency’s technology, and strengthening unity and morale within the ranks—are crucial steps toward building a professional, responsive, and trustworthy police force.
Estrada also underscored the need to ensure the welfare and morale of rank-and-file officers, saying reforms must be balanced with just treatment and incentives for those who serve with integrity.
Bong Go continues to urge public vigilance as rabies cases drop but remain deadly, and mpox sees slight uptick in several regions
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has reminded Filipinos to stay alert amid continuing health risks from rabies and a slight resurgence of mpox (monkeypox) cases in parts of the country.
While the Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a 32% decrease in rabies cases compared to the same period last year, Go emphasized that the fatality rate of the disease remains high once symptoms appear. He also noted that although mpox cases remain lower than in previous months, a modest increase this June in a few areas warrants public attention and precaution.
“Hindi puwedeng balewalain ang rabies—kahit bumaba ang mga kaso, nakamamatayparinitokapaghulinaanggamutan,” warned Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health. “Gano’n din sa mpox. Kahitkumauntiangnaiulatnakasongayon, kailangan pa ring mag-ingat at sumunod sa mga payo ng health experts.” His remarks follow the widely reported death of a 9-year-old boy in Sarangani who was bitten by a stray dog in May but kept the incident from his parents. He began showing symptoms weeks later and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
Health officials confirmed that the dog responsible was later slaughtered and eaten by approximately 30 residents, all of whom are
The group also flagged the bill’s exemption for satellite direct access services from any registration or authorization requirements by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) or the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
PCTO is also opposed to the bill’s allowance for new players to delay compliance with national and international cybersecurity standards by up to two years, at a time when threats are increasing in scale and frequency.
The group also raised concerns that the absence of any mandate for new players to serve remote or geographically isolated areas could result in the neglect of rural communities.
BJMP at Camp Bagong Diwa from the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) based on the commitment orders issued by two Manila courts handling the Degamo slay case and the illegal possession of firearms and explosives charges filed against him.
now undergoing post-exposure prophylaxis.
“Napakasakit isipin na puwedeng naiwasan ang pagkamatay ng bata kung agad nana-reportangkagat.Kayainuulitko:‘wag mahiyang magpakonsulta kahit mukhang simplengsugatlang,”Go stressed, underscoring the importance of swift medical response and preventive care in such cases.
Meanwhile, the DOH has identified localized clusters of mpox in areas such as Iloilo City, Central Visayas, and Davao City. Although there is no sign of widespread transmission and the more dangerous Clade I-b variant has not been detected in the Philippines, Go warned against complacency.
“Nagpapasalamattayonahindiangmas delikadong strain ang na-detect sa bansa.
Pero hindi ibig sabihin nito ay puwede na tayongmagingkampante,”Go said. “Alagaan natin ang ating sarili, lalo na sa mga lugar na may naiulat na kaso.”
In light of these developments, Go called on local government units (LGUs), rural health units, and barangay officials to remain proactive and intensify their public education and disease surveillance efforts. He emphasized that accessibility to treatment and accurate information at the grassroots level remains crucial in the country’s health response.
“Ang rabies at mpox ay parehong puwedeng maagapan kung may sapat tayong
kaalamanataccess satamangimpormasyonat serbisyo medikal. Dapatlagingmayhandang bakuna,may trained na medical personnel, at maymalinawnapatakaranparasaligtasna komunidad,”he explained. This focus on preparedness and prevention reflects Go’s broader legislative priorities as a longtime advocate for health system reform. He has continued pushing for long-term institutional solutions that will better equip the country to handle future public health challenges.
Among his key legislative measures is his filed Senate Bill No. 195, which seeks to establish the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Modeled after international best practices, the proposed CDC will serve as the central authority for disease prevention, surveillance, and control, addressing both infectious and non-communicable diseases and strengthening the country’s overall healthcare infrastructure. In parallel, Go also played a crucial role as principal author and co-sponsor of the Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP) Act. The bicameral conference committee report on SBN 2893 was ratified by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on June 9. If enacted, the measure is expected to support local vaccine development and solidify a sciencedriven, anticipatory approach to managing both emerging and re-emerging infectious threats.
DOJ formally clears Alvin Que over kidnap-slay of his father and driver
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally cleared Alvin Que of any involvement in the killing of his father, Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo.
In a statement, the DOJ said investigating prosecutors have issued a resolution which found no sufficient evidence to link Alvin in the kidnapping for ransom with homicide case However, the DOJ found prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction against Gong Wen Li, alias “Kelly”, one of the suspects in the killing.
“Following the conclusion of the preliminary investigation of the National Prosecution Service (NPS), the DOJ has issued a resolution directing the filing of two informations in court for the offense of kidnapping for ransom with homicide against ‘Kelly,’” the DOJ stated.
The DOJ, on the other hand, recommended that respondents Yuan Haohua, Yuan Fanquiang and Lee Hsiao Ting be referred to the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group for case build-up for violation of Republic Act 12010 or the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA Law).
The DOJ stressed that the resolution is not a determination of guilt but a directive to proceed to trial based on the sufficiency of evidence presented during the preliminary investigation. The respondents will be accorded their full right to due process, and their constitutional rights will be safeguarded throughout the judicial proceedings,” the DOJ assured. Alvin was implicated by David Tan Liao who earlier surrendered to authorities and executed an extrajudicial confession wherein he admitted his involvement in the killing and identified his cohorts.
The younger Que was linked in the crime after he took part in the negotiation for the payment of ransom to free his father and his driver. Prior to the DOJ resolution, Alvin submitted a sworn statement before the DOJ containing “vital information” that may lead to the successful resolution of the case. Meanwhile, Liao and two other accused were subjected to inquest proceedings which led to the filing of charges against them more than a month ago before the Regional Trial Court in Meycauayan Bulacan. Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo were found dead on a roadside in Rodriguez, Rizal more than a week after they were kidnapped last March 29. Investigators said the victims died of strangulation. Joel R. San Juan
PHL Red
Averting disaster: Why we need the National Coastal Greenbelt bill
THE rising specter of extreme weather events, fueled by global warming, has become a harsh reality for coastal communities worldwide. In the Philippines, the urgent plea from nearly 50 diverse stakeholders—including fishermen, youth, scientists, and civil society organizations—highlights the critical need for the National Coastal Greenbelt (NCG) bill. This collective call to action directed at President Marcos emphasizes not just the urgency of legislative change, but the necessity of preserving our natural defenses against climate change. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Mangrove belt to shield PHL from climate risks,” June 14, 2025).
Mangroves are often called the “lungs” of our coastal ecosystems. They serve as vital carbon sinks, capable of storing up to five times more carbon than tropical forests. As Executive Director Leo Anthony Castro of Mangrove Matters Philippines stated, the NCG bill represents a “potent weapon against global warming.” The legislation aims to establish a National Coastal Greenbelt Action Plan, crucial for the inventory and preservation of mangrove forests that are essential for biodiversity and community resilience.
The scientific backing for this initiative is compelling. As Wetlands International’s Kisha Muaña pointed out, a minimum buffer of 100 meters of mangrove area can absorb up to 60 percent of wave energy, protecting coastal communities from the devastating effects of storm surges. However, the alarming reality is that the Philippines has lost over 50 percent of its mangrove forests since the 1990s due to unchecked coastal development and resource exploitation.
Despite the House of Representatives passing a version of the NCG bill during the 19th Congress, progress stalled in the Senate, demonstrating the need for renewed urgency and focus. As advocates prepare to refile the bill in the 20th Congress, the call for President Marcos to prioritize it is not merely a request; it is a demand for action that resonates deeply with communities that rely on healthy coastal ecosystems for their livelihoods and safety.
The recent success in Cebu City, where a threatened road-fill project was halted to protect century-old mangroves, serves as a testament to the power of local advocacy. It illustrates that when communities unite around a common cause, meaningful change can occur.
The challenge ahead is not solely the responsibility of lawmakers or environmental advocates; it requires a collective effort from all sectors of society. The urgency of climate change impacts demands that we view mangrove preservation not just as an environmental issue, but as a matter of social justice and economic sustainability. Coastal communities, often the most vulnerable to climate impacts, must be at the forefront of this movement.
As climate change progresses, the importance of strong legislative measures such as the National Coastal Greenbelt bill becomes more evident. Our mangroves are not just trees; they serve as essential lifelines for communities and protect us from the growing dangers of extreme weather. Now is the time to act. Let’s come together to safeguard our coasts, secure our future, and preserve our natural defenses for generations to come.
The partisan lens on prosperity
HT. 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
John Mangun
OUTSIDE THE BOX
UMANS, with their tribal loyalty, cannot resist filtering the world through a political lens. Nowhere is this more glaring than in how ideology warps economic perceptions, from the United States to the Philippines. Political views often outweigh data, dictating whether people see prosperity or ruin. The result? A fractured reality where optimism and pessimism clash, driven by party or dynasty, not facts. Let us slice through this folly with skepticism.
In the United States, the Pew Research Center’s 2024 survey exposes the partisan gulf. Some 44 percent of Democrats hailed the economy as strong, reveling in Biden’s tenure. Republicans? Just 15 percent bought that optimism. Demographics also shift the dial: 70 percent of Democrats over 65 saw gains, versus 25 percent of those under 30, with upperincome Democrats (60 percent positive) outpacing lower-income ones (32 percent). Republicans, across all groups, stayed stubbornly grim. All are wearing biased blindfolds.
CBS News polls from 1990 to 2023 show the perception gap splitting like a poorly stitched wound. In the 1990s, Democrats and Republicans diverged by 11 percentage points on economic views. By 2023, 52 percent of Democrats praised the economy, while Republicans sank into despair. Trump’s 2017 arrival spiked Republican optimism from 32 percent to 61 percent in two months. Biden’s 2021
start lifted Democrats by 24 points. Economic data? An irrelevant irritation in this political theater.
The Philippines echoes this global farce. The Social Weather Stations’ March 2023 survey found 38 percent of Filipinos satisfied with poverty reduction, while 25 percent disagreed. Anti-inflation efforts scored a tepid +1, despite 5.6 percent GDP growth in 2023. Political loyalty calls the shots: Marcos Jr.’s supporters, buoyed by his 2022 victory, see progress, while Rodrigo Duterte’s diehards and Leni Robredo’s loyalists grumble, their views shaped by political fealties, not facts.
Pulse Asia’s 2023 survey pegs 44 percent of Filipinos as seeing an “improving” economy, but the optimism spikes in Marcos’s Luzon bastion and dips in Duterte’s Mindanao stronghold. Marcos voters (60 percent) expect growth, while only 30 percent of opposition backers agree. Pew’s 2024 data adds fuel: 74 percent demand
Pulse Asia’s 2023 survey pegs 44 percent of Filipinos as seeing an “improving” economy, but the optimism spikes in Marcos’s Luzon bastion and dips in Duterte’s Mindanao stronghold. Marcos voters (60 percent) expect growth, while only 30 percent of opposition backers agree. Pew’s 2024 data adds fuel: 74 percent demand economic overhaul, with 89 percent pointing fingers at the elite’s chokehold—think of the 60 national clans running the economic show. Marcos fans dream of brighter days for their kids (70 percent), while Duterte’s crowd stays skeptical.
economic overhaul, with 89 percent pointing fingers at the elite’s chokehold—think of the 60 national clans running the economic show. Marcos fans dream of brighter days for their kids (70 percent), while Duterte’s crowd stays skeptical. Why this chaos? Political blinders distort truth and twist reality.
In the US, supporters cherry-pick facts to fit their story, a favoritism that surged post-2008 and 2016, per a 2023 MIT Press study. In the Philippines, Marcos supporters hail a poverty dip to 15.5 percent in 2023 and cheer 5.6 percent GDP growth in 2024. Duterte’s crew dwells over 5.8 percent inflation in 2022, sidelining gains. Humans, it seems, prefer tribal ties to facing the numbers.
Social media and news outlets fan the flames. One X post bashes Marcos’s Maharlika fund, citing 2 million jobless Filipinos; another grudgingly admits post-2016 gains. The years and the faces change, but the political bias remains the same. Philippine media does not help, churning out gloom despite 5.6 percent GDP growth. “Right-leaning” Filipinos stress inflation; ‘left-leaners’ focus on wages. The press and media prefer stoking perception wars to reporting facts. The consequences are substantial. Voting reflects this warped outlook. In the US, 61 percent of Republicans predicted economic decline in 2023, versus 31 percent of Democrats. In the Philippines, Marcos’s 2023 economic approval was 38 percent but soared among his faithful. Policy debates falter—Marcos’s infrastructure push is lauded by allies but slammed by foes as inadequate against inflation or cronyism. Economic crises, like the 2008 debt disaster or Covid, briefly aligns perceptions regardless of political persuasion. Otherwise, political loyalty beats reason in the US and Philippines alike. Depending on the year, month, or day, one side see sunshine and the other see storms, regardless of the data. They all cannot be accurate. This partisan nonsense distorts votes and policies, while economies march on, indifferent to our delusions for better or worse.
E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.
Petrobras and Exxon team up to win offshore blocks in Brazil
By Mariana Durao $ Gabriel Diniz Tavares
PETROBRAS, Exxon Mobil Corp. and Chevron Corp. won exploration rights in Brazil’s Equatorial Margin, betting that the nation’s environmental regulator will finally open the promising offshore oil region for drilling after years of delay.
Brazil sold 19 out of 47 blocks offered in Foz do Amazonas basin in deep waters near the equator, making it the most competitive of the five basins where acreage was offered. It is in the wider region known as the Equatorial Margin, where the oil industry sees the best opportunity for Brazil to replenish oil reserves and prevent production from declining in the early 2030s. Petrobras and Exxon bid together to win 10 blocks in Foz do Amazonas. Chevron formed a consortium with CNPC to win nine, and outbid Petrobras at some areas. State-controlled oil producer
Petrobras is in a years-long battle with the Ibama environmental authority for a permit to drill its first well in Foz do Amazonas basin, 335 miles from the mouth of the Amazon River. Some consider it as promising as the so-called pre-salt region where Brazil’s biggest offshore fields are located.
Brazil held the auction amid Israel’s air strikes against Iran, which have put global oil markets on edge and underscore the advantages of having oil production outside of the geopolitically volatile Middle East.
“Exxon and Chevron kept their
Brazil sold 19 out of 47 blocks offered in Foz do Amazonas basin in deep waters near the equator, making it the most competitive of the five basins where acreage was offered. It is in the wider region known as the Equatorial Margin, where the oil industry sees the best opportunity for Brazil to replenish oil reserves and prevent production from declining in the early 2030s.
course in investing in oil and gas while most of European companies diversified to renewables, and they are sticking to their strategy,” said Marcelo de Assis, an independent oil consultant in Rio de Janeiro.
“They are betting that Ibama will grant drilling licenses to Petrobras, and that activists will not prevail in
Brazilian courts.” Exxon stands to benefit from its experience as an operator in Guyana if there are geologically similar reservoirs in Foz do Amazonas, and its partnership with national oil company Petrobras mitigates regulatory risks, de Assis said. Meanwhile, Chevron made a “bold move” by bidding against Petrobras for Foz do Amazonas blocks in partnership with CNPC, he said. The fact that Chevron bid for the blocks without a Brazilian partner signals strong interest for offshore blocks in northern Brazil, where explorers hope to replicate discoveries in Guyana and Suriname, and where Petrobras has been making progress on an environmental license, said Rivaldo Moreira Neto, a director at A&M Infra consultancy. Other areas attracted less interest. The Santos basin that is home to See “Petrobras”
Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua
Supreme Court asked to hear challenge to Trump’s global tariffs
By Greg Stohr
TWO family-owned toy companies are asking the US Supreme Court to consider striking down many of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, putting a high-stakes fight with worldwide economic implications before the justices for the first time.
The request filed Tuesday seeks to put the case on an expedited track with the possibility of a definitive Supreme Court ruling by the end of the year. The filing asks the justices to take the unusual step of considering the case without waiting for a federal appeals court to rule.
Learning Resources Inc. and hand2mind Inc. said the issue of Trump’s tariff authority under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act is so economically weighty that the justices should intervene immediately.
“In light of the tariffs’ massive impact on virtually every business and consumer across the nation, and the unremitting whiplash caused by the unfettered tariffing power the president claims, challenges to the IEEPA tariffs cannot await the normal appellate process,” the Chicagoarea companies argued.
A federal appeals court in a separate case has said the tariffs could stay in effect until that panel hears arguments July 31.
Trump has portrayed tariffs as critical to leveling the playing field for American businesses and workers amid chronic trade deficits.
“The Trump administration is legally using the powers granted to the executive branch by the Constitution and Congress to address our country’s national emergencies of persistent goods trade deficits and drug trafficking,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said. “If the Supreme Court decides to hear this unfounded legal challenge, we look forward to ultimately prevailing.”
The filing comes in what until now had been a relatively low-profile case. US District Judge Rudolph Contreras in Washington said Trump exceeded his authority under IEEPA, though the judge limited the May 29 ruling to the two companies pressing the suit.
Fast track THE Trump administration then appealed, and the companies are now asking the Supreme Court to directly review Contreras’ ruling. The companies suggested the justices decide before their summer recess starts in about two weeks whether to hear the case, with arguments in September or October.
The US Court of International Trade declared Trump’s global tariffs unlawful in May in a separate case that also centers on the president’s powers under IEEPA. The law says the president may “regulate” the “importation” of property when needed to “deal with” an emergency.
Contreras said that language doesn’t authorize the president to impose import taxes. “The power to regulate is not the power to tax,” he wrote.
Both court clashes cover Trump’s
Petrobras
continued from A26
Brazil’s biggest oil fields, but where exploration has disappointed for more than a decade, saw less interest with only 11 out of the 54 blocks sold. Shell and Karoon Energy Ltd. were the main bidders for Santos blocks. Shell is reinforcing its presence in the Santos basin, said Lucio Prevatti, a general manager for exploration and development. The company decided not to bid for areas in Pelotas basin, where it has dozens of blocks in exploration stage with Petrobras. Prevatti said that “multiple risks” discouraged the company from bidding for blocks in the Equatorial Margin. Environmental activists have
Bunker-buster bomb draws focus as Trump weighs Iran options
UThe request filed Tuesday seeks to put the case on an expedited track with the possibility of a definitive Supreme Court ruling by the end of the year. The filing asks the justices to take the unusual step of considering the case without waiting for a federal appeals court to rule.
April 2 “Liberation Day” tariffs— which combine a universal baseline levy of 10 percent with potentially much bigger rates for various trading partners.
Each suit also concerns separate import taxes over fentanyl trafficking. The toy-company case challenges trafficking tariffs imposed against China, while the Court of International Trade case also concerns similar taxes on imports from Canada and Mexico.
Supply chain
THE toy companies’ chief executive officer, Rick Woldenberg, said in an interview that his businesses were now having to devote 30 percent of their office staff to navigating tariff issues.
“We’ve had extraordinary expenses, dramatically shifting our supply chain basically overnight—a supply chain we built over 40 years,” he said. “I feel like a refugee from a war, where we’re sort of loading everything up in the donkey cart and going to a safer place, not really knowing if the safer place we’re going to is really safe.”
The April 2 tariffs represented the biggest increase in US import taxes since the 1930 Smoot-Hawley levies, taking the country’s average applied tariff rate to its highest level in more than a century.
Global markets have fluctuated wildly since Trump’s tariff announcement. Since then, trillions of dollars in market value have been shed and regained amid weeks of delays, reversals and announcements about potential trade deals, particularly with China.
Trump’s own 90-day pause on most of his sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs is set to expire on July 9, when rates would increase drastically for many nations, absent trade deals or a further extension. Goods from the European Union, for instance, are facing a 50 percent levy.
Trump’s tariffs on steel, aluminum and automobiles were imposed under a different law, so are not directly affected by the case now before the Supreme Court. Administration officials have publicly downplayed the impact of the litigation by saying that most of the tariffs can be imposed by other means. With assistance from Laura Curtis, Shawn Donnan and Akayla Gardner/Bloomberg
protested against the auction that is happening five months before the COP30 climate conference takes place in Brazil. Opponents have highlighted the proximity to indigenous lands, nature reserves and biodiverse marine sanctuaries including Fernando de Noronha archipelago.
Total signing bonuses surpassed expectations and reached 989 million reais ($181 million) in the country’s first oil auction in about 18 months, with exploration rights granted for 34 areas out of 172 offered. The government was quick to say the auction was a success and will bring in 1.5 billion reais in exploration investments.
“This result proves that we are on the right path,” Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira said in a statement. Bloomberg
By Courtney McBride & Tony Capaccio
S President Donald Trump has a wide range of military assets in the Middle East and across the globe to bring to bear in a potential fight against Iran as he weighs one of the most momentous foreign policy decisions of his administration.
That arsenal includes powerfully destructive bombs, long-range stealth bombers, an aircraft carrier strike group, Navy destroyers and US troops—offering Trump multiple options if he decides to intervene more directly in support of Israel.
Some resources like the B-2 bomber are in the US while other assets are either in the region or on the way.
It’s unclear whether Trump will deepen US involvement beyond helping Israel defend against Iranian air attacks as he has done in recent days.
On Tuesday afternoon, the president gathered his national security staff for a White House Situation Room meeting.
The administration, though, has been surging military resources to US Central Command, which oversees the Pentagon’s operations in the region. And forces already in the area include naval and air power that could play a crucial role in any US action against Iran.
The Islamic Republic has already suffered its worst assault in decades, with Israel’s strikes on the country’s nuclear and military infrastructure damaging key facilities and killing senior personnel. One weapon, though, is seen as particularly effective if the situation were to escalate and draw the direct involvement of the US.
The Massive Ordnance Penetrator or “MOP”—better known as the bunker-buster bomb—weighs 30,000 pounds and is the world’s largest precision-guided weapon.
The GPS-directed bomb, assembled by Boeing Co., has been touted repeatedly as the only weapon capable of delivering a knockout blow to Tehran’s atomic ambitions, which
would require a successful strike on the heavily protected enrichment site at Fordow.
Hidden beneath a mountain and believed to be buried around 60 to 90 meters deep, many experts believe that damaging Fordow can be achieved only by the MOP—a weapon the US alone possesses.
Each bunker buster can be independently targeted and released, “making it possible to deliver a MOP right on top of another MOP,” said Rebecca Grant, a Lexington Institute analyst. Grant said drone surveillance in the area could also help the military “refine the strike” at the last minute and noted that Iranian nuclear facilities such as Fordow have been studied by the US for years.
The decision on whether to use that weapon is poised to be one of the most critical Trump makes. The bomb could alter Iran’s decisionmaking over its nuclear program and because its deployment would involve American planes and pilots it would place the US at the center of an offensive military action.
“If Israel can achieve that result through its operations, that is the best case,” said Daniel Shapiro, a former US ambassador to Israel and onetime deputy assistant defense secretary. “But if it requires US participation to target the Fordow facility, that has to be on the table for President Trump to consider.”
Stealth bombers
DEPLOYING the MOP would involve another crucial military asset, the B-2 stealth bomber, which can carry two of them. The B-2 would fly thousands of miles from Whiteman Air
The Massive Ordnance Penetrator or “MOP”—better known as the bunker-buster bomb—weighs 30,000 pounds and is the world’s largest precision-guided weapon. The GPS-directed bomb, assembled by Boeing Co., has been touted repeatedly as the only weapon capable of delivering a knockout blow to Tehran’s atomic ambitions, which would require a successful strike on the heavily protected enrichment site at Fordow.
Force Base in Missouri to deliver the bombs deep within Iran.
The US demonstrated the power of its B-2 fleet in October, when bombers flew from Whiteman to hammer Iran-backed Houthi weapons facilities buried underground. Earlier this year, as many as six B-2s were spotted on a runway on the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean in a deployment that was interpreted by many as a message to both Iran and the Houthis. The Air Force said those aircraft returned to their base in May. US Central Command, which oversees the longstanding US military presence in the Middle East, would play a key role in any operations on Iran, with responsibility for a force spread across multiple countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and drawing on troops from different military services and special operations forces.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has “directed the deployment of additional capabilities” to the command. The administration is also sending as many as 20 KC-135 and newer KC-46 aerial refueling tankers to undisclosed locations, according to a defense official, helping extend the range of US air power.
Musk’s xAI burns through $1 billion a month as costs pile up
By Carmen Arroyo & Jill R. Shah
ELON MUSK’S artificial intelligence startup xAI is burning through $1 billion a month as the cost of building its advanced AI models races ahead of the limited revenues, according to people briefed on the company’s financials.
The rate at which the company is bleeding cash provides a stark illustration of the unprecedented financial demands of the artificial intelligence industry, particularly at xAI, where revenues have been slow to materialize.
To cover the gap, Musk’s startup is currently trying to raise $9.3 billion in debt and equity, according to people briefed on the deal terms, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. But even before the money is in the bank, the company has plans to spend more than half of it in just the next three months, the people said.
Over the course of 2025, xAI, which is responsible for the AIpowered chatbot Grok, expects to burn through about $13 billion, as reflected in the company’s levered cash flow, according to details shared with investors. As a result, its prolific fundraising efforts are just barely keeping pace with expenses, the people added.
A spokesperson for the company declined to comment.
The losses are due, in part, to the huge costs that all AI companies face as they build the server farms and buy the specialized computer chips that are needed to train advanced AI models like Grok and ChatGPT. Carlyle Group Inc. estimates that over $1.8 trillion of capital will be deployed by 2030 to meet that demand to build out AI infrastructure, Chief Executive Officer Harvey Schwartz wrote in a shareholder letter.
“Model builders will look to raise debt and they’re going to burn lots and lots of cash,” said Jordan Chalfin, senior analyst and head of technology at CreditSights. “The space is very competitive and they are battling for technical supremacy.”
But Musk’s entrant in the AI race has struggled to develop revenue streams at the same rate as some of its direct competitors, like OpenAI and Anthropic.
While almost none of these companies offer public figures on their finances, Bloomberg has previously reported that OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is expecting to bring in revenues of $12.7 billion this year. At xAI, revenues are expected to be just $500 million this year, rising to north of $2 billion next year, investors were recently told.
What xAI has on its side is a CEO, Musk, who is the richest man in the world, and one who has shown a willingness to spend his fortune on huge, futuristic projects long before they start generating money. Back in 2017, Musk’s biggest company, Tesla Inc. was burning through $1 billion a quarter to pay for the production of its Model 3 car, Bloomberg reported at the time. SpaceX, meanwhile, sustained years of steady losses as it pushed toward its long-term goal of interplanetary exploration. Even against this backdrop, though, the huge losses at xAI stand out.
Musk’s team at xAI, which is racing to develop AI that can compete with humans, believes that they have
Those resources would offer Trump additional flexibility in determining his course of action. US personnel in the region, including Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy servicemembers, number 40,00045,000, according to the most recent Central Command figures.
The Navy is also poised to be a critical component, with resources that can both aid any action on Iran and have already been employed to help protect Israel from retaliatory strikes.
The USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group has been in the region of the Arabian Sea for seven months. The ship carries about 3,000 sailors, according to the Navy, with another 2,000 in its air wing.
The air wing boasts an extensive array of military hardware, including F-35 and F-18 fighter jets, EA-18 aircraft that can disrupt enemy radar and communication systems, E-2Ds with advanced radar to help identity threats more quickly, as well as Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and Sea Hawk helicopters.
In addition to the centerpiece carrier, the group also includes a guidedmissile cruiser, the USS Princeton, and guided-missile destroyers. Another strike group headed by the USS Nimitz is scheduled to relieve the Vinson and is currently in the IndoPacific, offering additional forces.
The Navy has three Aegis missile defense destroyers in the Eastern Mediterranean—the USS Arleigh Burke, USS The Sullivans and the USS Thomas Hudner, with two more vessels arriving shortly, according to a defense official. Two additional destroyers are in the Red Sea. A US official said the Arleigh Burke and The Sullivans fired numerous SM-3 anti-ballistic missile interceptors over the weekend to help defend Israel. An Army unit in the region also fired THAAD interceptors at Iranian ballistic missiles, according to another official. With assistance from Natalia Drozdiak/Bloomberg
Over the course of 2025, xAI, which is responsible for the AIpowered chatbot Grok, expects to burn through about $13 billion, as reflected in the company’s levered cash flow, according to details shared with investors. As a result, its prolific fundraising efforts are just barely keeping pace with expenses, the people added.
advantages that will eventually allow them to catch up with peers. While some competitors rent chips and server space, xAI is paying for much of the infrastructure itself and getting direct access through Musk’s social media company, X, which previously bought a significant stockpile of the most coveted and high powered computer chips. Musk has said that he expects xAI will continue buying more chips.
X factor
AFTER recently merging with X, Musk’s AI executives are also hopeful that they will be able to train the company’s models on the social media network’s copious and constantly-refreshed archives, rather than paying for data sets like other AI companies.
These potential advantages have led xAI to optimistically project that it will be profitable by 2027, people familiar with the matter said. OpenAI expects to be cashflow positive by 2029, Bloomberg previously reported.
These projections, along with Musk’s celebrity status and political power, have been enough to win over many investors, especially before the recent breakdown in the relationship between Musk and President Donald Trump. Potential xAI investors were
told that the company’s valuation grew to $80 billion at the end of the first quarter, up from $51 billion at the end of 2024. Investors have included Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital and VY Capital. For now, though, xAI is racing to raise enough money to keep up with its prodigious expenditures. Between its founding in 2023 and June of this year, xAI raised $14 billion of equity, people briefed on the financials said. Of that, just $4 billion was left at the beginning of the first quarter, and the company expected to spend almost all of that remaining money in the second quarter, the people said. The company is now finalizing $4.3 billion in new equity funding, and it already has plans to raise another $6.4 billion of capital next year, the company has told investors. And that is on top of the $5 billion in debt that Bloomberg has previously reported Morgan Stanley is helping it raise. The corporate debt is expected to help pay for xAI’s data center development, the people said. Other companies have decided to do project financing instead. The company is also expecting to get a bit of help from a $650 million rebate from one of its manufacturers, it told investors this week. There were early signs that investors were hesitant to loan the company money at the proposed terms, Bloomberg has reported. The company gave select investors more detailed financial information on Monday in response to questions it had faced during the fundraising process, people familiar with the negotiations said. But the deal has attracted more interest since the company changed some of the deal terms—to be more investor friendly—and finalized the equity fundraising. With assistance from Tom Contiliano and Peter Pae/Bloomberg
Thursday, June 19, 2025
H2 uptick to buoy ’25 PHL growth–DLSU economists
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio @blessogerio
EVENas growth is projected to slow slightly in the second quarter, the country’s economy is poised for a rebound in the second half of 2025, according to economists from De La Salle University (DLSU).
In their latest report, the DLSU authors projected gross domestic product (GDP) to expand by 5.01 percent in the third quarter and accelerate to 5.94 percent in the fourth.
These follow an anticipated slowdown to 4.94 percent for the Aprilto-June period, down from the 5.4 percent growth recorded in the first three months of the year.
For the full year, growth is seen averaging 5.31 percent, down from 5.65 percent in 2024. Yet, all of these are below the government’s 6 to 8 percent target range.
“We hardly [modified] our May
forecast because most of the indicators used by our model do not show a clear improvement,” the group said in their latest economic bulletin.
In a separate report, analysts attributed the slower growth in early 2025 to a range of global and domestic headwinds, including persisting trade tensions, weak industrial output and early electionrelated spending that may have peaked in the first quarter. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2025/05/09/trade-weak-output-cited-in-slow-growth/).
On one hand, private consump -
‘Super team’ tasked to persuade more Americans to ‘Love the Philippines’
By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror
THE Department of Tourism (DOT) has beefed up its offices in the United States, having assigned two well-seasoned marketing veterans to further expand the major market.
Since May, Maria Corazon Junjun Jorda-Apo is Tourism Attache for New York (plus New Jersey, Illinois, Florida, Washington DC, and Eastern Canada), while Gerard O. Panga is Tourism Attache for Los Angeles (including Hawaii and Latin America). Both have been instrumental in increasing visitor arrivals in South Korea and the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, respectively.
They join Marie Soleil P. Tropicales, who has been Tourism Attache of San Franciso (and Western Canada) since 2019; the team has been described as a “super team” by private tourism stakeholders, who have dealt with the three in their previous capacities.
Speaking on the team’s behalf, Jorda-Apo told the BusinessMirror via email that they target to increase visitors from the US to 1 million up to 1.2 million, slightly exceeding the 1-million arrivals in prepandemic 2019. Official data from the DOT showed that last year, there were 947,891 arrivals
from the US.
Expanding tourist types
TO boost arrivals, the team will work on tapping the mainstream market such as Asian-Americans and the younger Filipino-Americans, who don’t know much about their elders’ home country.
“We want to tap…especially the Asian-Americans who have the propensity to travel back to their respective birth countries like KoreanAmericans and Chinese-Americans. Manila and Cebu, can be offered as twin destinations with Seoul, Taipei, and Hong Kong,” said Jorda-Apo.
The DOT offices in the US will work on joint promotions with Korean Air, Eva Air, Cathay Pacific, and China Airlines “and launch promotions especially during the lean season,” she added.
For the younger Fil-Ams, the team “will focus on educating [them on] what the Philippines has to offer in terms of tourism. Content on Philippine cuisine, culture, festivals, Unesco heritage sites, dive and adventure sites, Philippine Experience program, among others, can be communicated via social media and other online media platforms.”
US economic uncertainty
THE team will likewise try to persuade
tion, which typically drives domestic demand, is also expected to soften slightly this year. Household spending is projected to grow by 4.81 percent—lower than last year’s 4.88 percent—despite lower inflation and increased availability
of consumer credit. Investment activity is seen to contract, with gross capital formation expected to fall to 3.76 percent, a significant drop from 7.28 percent in 2024.
SURGE IN GLOBAL COCO OIL QUOTATION ‘NOT ALARMING’
By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
THE surge in global coconut oil quotations should not stoke concerns, according to the United Coconut Association of the Philippines (Ucap).
Ucap Executive Director Yvonne Agustin said the upswing in prices of the tropical oil brought by the shortfall of raw material in top-producing regions would not be “alarming” as it coincides with the spike in quotations of other vegetable oils.
“The surge was mainly [due to] tight coconut supply in producing countries [...] It’s not alarming, because the prices of other vegetable oils also went up,” Agustin told the BusinessMirror
Agustin attributed the decline in coconut output to the lingering effects of El Niño, which started in the latter part of 2023 and stretched until the first half of 2024, along with the perceived stressed coconut trees after heavy fruiting last year.
Historical figures from the World Bank showed that the average quotation of coconut oil reached an all-time high of $2,742 per metric ton (MT) last month.
Earlier, the United States
Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Manila (USDA-FAS Manila) adjusted downward the country’s estimated coconut output to 2.56 million metric tons (MMT) for the current MY 2024/25 from the 2.9 MMT recorded in the previous MY. “The estimated decline in production in MY 2024/25 was caused by the El Niño weather disturbance, which started in July 2023 and ended in June 2024, and negatively affected yield.”
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) said the country’s earnings from coconut oil could reach a new record high this year, owing to rising demand and surging global prices. The PCA said the country’s earnings from outbound shipments of coconut oil this year could surpass the all-time high revenues of the commodity in 2024 at $2.22 billion.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the Philippines’s earnings from the tropical oil last year at 88 percent higher than the $1.18 billion recorded in 2023. The country’s coconut oil exports leaped by 62.7 percent in the first four months of the year to about $973 million from $598 million in the previous year.
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
THE 21 Filipino mayors and other government officials who were stranded in Israel and 26 OFWs are evacuating Israel via land to Jordan this weekend, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
Some 150 OFWs have also requested for repatriation following the barrage of Iraqi retaliatory strikes to Israel since this weekend.
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega refused to identify the government officials who were in Israel for study tour.
But he said they are from two batches of a delegation that Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Agency for International Development Cooperation (Mashav) has invited to participate in a study tour for agriculture and urban cities.
The first batch is composed of two assistant secretaries of the Department of Agriculture and two National Dairy Authority officials. They were on study tour for dairy farming techniques in Israel.
The second batch is a party of 17—nine mayors, four vice mayors, two former party-list members, two regional directors of the
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). They were also on a study visit on promoting sustainability and food security in urban centers.
See related story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/06/17/21filipino-execs-stranded-in-israel/ Ambassador Irit Savion Waidergorn, deputy head of the Mashav, assured that all Filipino study tour participants are safe and that the Israeli government will do its best to repatriate them within this week. “We were very happy and excited that they came but the situation has changed. And we are making sure to do everything, first that they will be safe and second, that they’ll be able to leave Israel as soon as possible,” Waidergorn said. The Mashav team is taking care of their meals and accommodation, as well as making sure that they are taken to the bomb shelters when there are missile alerts. She said they are also coordinating with the authorities with Jor-
HE Economy and Development Council (EDC), chaired by the President, has approved the extension of water concession agreements for Metro Manila and two infrastructure projects outside the National Capital Region (NCR) in its inaugural meeting on Wednesday.
The EDC said the concession agreements of the government with Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Company Inc. were extended for another 10 years.
The council also approved P32.8 billion worth of farm-to-market roads in 15 regions and a bridge that will connect Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, and San Ricardo in Southern Leyte.
“The inaugural meeting of the Economy and Development Council sets the tone for a more integrated and responsive approach to development planning and investment programming,” said Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio
M. Balisacan, who is also vice chair of EDC.
“By strengthening water resources, agricultural productivity, and infrastructure connectivity, we aim to unlock greater economic opportunities and foster inclusive growth for more communities across the country.”
On the approval of the concession agreements, the EDC approved the request of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to extend the Revised Concession Agreements to January 21, 2047 from July 31, 2037. The extension of the concession agreements, the EDC said, is aligned with the legislative franchises of both concessionaires, as mandated
by Republic Act (RA) Nos. 11600 and 11601.
The DepDev also said the extension will not only ensure the safe, reliable, and affordable water of Metro Manila and surrounding provinces but also generate additional government revenues of P50.3 billion.
DepDev said the extension will “accelerate capital investments, minimize tariff pressures, and secure long-term water supply.”
“Ensuring water security is fundamental to fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for our growing population,” Balisacan said.
“By aligning the concession agreements with legislative franchises, we are promoting policy coherence and long-term investment planning in the water sector, which are essential for delivering clean, reliable, and affordable water services to millions of Filipinos.”
Meanwhile, the infrastructure projects approved by the EDC will be financed through Official Development Assistance (ODA) and are envisioned to improve connectivity and promote agricultural development.
One of the approved projects is the P27.7-billion Farm-to-Market Bridges Development Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the other is the P5.1-billion Liloan Bridge Construction Project of the
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The project to be undertaken by the DA intends to construct 300 climate-resilient modular steel bridges across 52 provinces in 15 regions.
The DPWH bridge project, meanwhile, aims to construct a four-lane, 721-meter bridge connecting Panaon Island to mainland Leyte, replacing the deteriorated existing structure.
It is expected to improve mobility and access for residents and travelers in the municipalities of Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, and San Ricardo, while stimulating local economic activity and job creation in the region.
The EDC, formerly known as the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board, was established following the enactment of RA 12145, also known as the Economy, Planning, and Development Act.
RA 12145, which took effect last April 27, reorganized the Neda into the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development.
The newly reorganized council retained the original members of the Neda Board and added the Secretaries of the Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Labor and Employment as new members.
Rustan’s ties up with Thailand’s AVC
TTHE Retail Aggregation Program (RAP) of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has registered an aggregate demand of 9.6 megawatts (MW) from various groups, the agency said.
RAP, according to the ERC, allows the aggregation of demand within the same franchise area.
End-users within the same distribution utility (DU) franchise area—such as facilities having the same owners or being in the same nature of business—can aggregate their demand.
“Just a few months ago, we were only dreaming about RAP to help smaller consumers—homeowners, families, residents—and actually feel the impact of lower electricity costs through the power of retail aggregation,” said ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta. “Today, we find ourselves in the face of a milestone we have only previously just imagined.”
The groups that have joined RAP are from the real estate, food and chemical manufacturing, paints and plastics, wellness and leisure, logistics, warehousing, textiles,
Those that have switched to RAP are DMCI Homes, LBL Prime Properties Inc., Star Anise Properties Corp., JBC Food Corp., RPMC Plastics Phils. Inc., ACE Water Spa Hotel, Em-Pol Corp., Polymer Chemicals Inc., Rezcoat Inc., Atlantic Coatings Inc., Jentec Storage Inc., Jentec D.C. Corp., Jenny’s Garment Inc., Maclin Electronics, Inc., Linkage Food Venture Corp., JG Jinmen Leisures Corp., Bestwin MultiEnterpreises Corp., Island MultiPolymer Plastic Corp., Puremark Marketing Corp., Kawit Megaland Realty Corp., TRI-Pack Philippines Corp., Puremark Marketing Corp., Kawit Megaland Realty Corp., TRIPack Philippines Corp., Shrinkpack Philippines Corp., and CK Plastic Manufacturing Phils. Corp. Together, these groups represent a total aggregated demand of 9.6 MW.
“This is the beauty and spirit of the RAP revolution,” Dimalanta said. “From its objective to empower institutions, businesses, and now homeowners, to pool their electricity demand and negotiate better rates with suppliers. Through RAP, more Filipinos are taking charge of their energy destiny, bringing us closer to true energy democracy.”
This alliance will see Rustan’s and Anantara Vacation Club partner on a range of activities, including exclusive offers for members of Rustan’s frequent shopper program, the company said.
“Rustan’s customers are discerning and appreciate the luxury of going on
HAILAND’S Anantara Vacation Club (AVC), Asia’s leading vacation ownership program, and luxury retailer Rustan Commercial Corp., have signed an agreement that will bring “a world of exclusive offers and experiences” to Rustan’s patrons. The agreement was signed between Matthijs de Man, head of commercial and innovation of AVC, and Michael Huang, senior vice president of support and development of Rustan’s.
holiday and spending time with their loved ones, which is what Anantara Vacation Club is committed to offering to our Club Points Owners, so this is a perfect fit,” Winston Tsang, COO of AVC, said.
“Anantara Vacation Club is an ideal partner for providing our shoppers with enhanced holiday experiences in Thailand and beyond. We look forward
to this collaboration growing and being fruitful for everyone,” Huang said. Under the agreement, Anantara Vacation Club will craft exclusive packages for Rustan’s, providing unique opportunities to explore exceptional destinations. Anantara will also sponsor a special vacation package exclusively for Rustan’s frequent shoppers program day events. VG Cabuag
CPMC to host its annual investors’ night this June
ANEW chapter in real es -
tate investment unfolds as Citystate Properties and Management Corporation (CPMC) hosts its first Investors’ Night of 2025 on June 25, placing a spotlight on two of its most promising developments: Sandari Batulao and Sandari Calatagan.
Set to take place from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Happy Garden Café in Makati City, the exclusive evening event will bring together a dynamic mix of CPMC’s property specialists, real estate investors, and individuals seeking to expand their portfolios through wellnessdriven, sustainable communities.
According to Mr. Marky Almazora, AVP for Marketing and Communications, the event will serve as a strategic platform to highlight the growing importance of eco-conscious developments—communities designed to foster personal wellbeing while also offering long-term financial value.
Supporting this vision are key event partners who share the same commitment to purposeful living: Buskowitz Energy will discuss the benefits of solar energy integration in residential developments; CS Bank will present accessible financing options for property seekers; and Crate & Barrel will offer free consultations on how to transform your home into a beautifully designed, functional space. At the center of the event is
CPMC’s commitment to developing wellness-oriented, sustainable communities. The company emphasizes its role in supporting the shift toward livable, environmentally mindful developments. Its two featured projects—Sandari Batulao, a
mountain-side wellness residence tucked between Mt. Batulao and Mt. Talamitam, and Sandari Calatagan, a coastal wellness residence in Calatagan, Batangas—reflect this direction. Both projects aim to offer healthier, more purposeful liv-
ing environments that blend with nature and sustainability.
Both developments are rooted in holistic living—offering open spaces, sustainable features, and direct access to nature. CPMC emphasizes that these are more than just properties; they are lifestyle investments built to last.
“We are not just selling properties—we are building sanctuaries where wellness and wealth go hand in hand,” said Ms. Rowena Riego De Dios, Vice President for Sales and Marketing. “Through this Investors’ Night, we are opening doors to a future where real estate is not just smart and profitable—it’s also a way of helping preserve the environment and ensuring a livable world for future generations.”
Guests can expect a full evening of strategic networking, project showcases, investment briefings, and exclusive promos available only during the event. CPMC invites all forward-thinking individuals—whether firsttime homebuyers or institutional investors—to be part of this milestone occasion.
Scan the QR code to register and secure your slot for this one-nightonly event where vision meets value.
CPMC is part of the ALC Group of Companies, founded by the late Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, and is currently chaired by D. Edgard A. Cabangon.
Banking outage: Don’t panic!
IN the contemporary landscape of the digital economy where financial transactions are predominantly facilitated through online channels, the dependence on banking services and their stability has markedly intensified. This reliance extends beyond mere convenience, signifying a fundamental shift towards digital banking as a crucial element of both personal and business financial management.
However, one may consider the implications of a scenario in which, on a Monday afternoon, Internet banking services and ATMs become non-operational. In addition, customers may begin to encounter issues with UPI (unified payments interface), credit card and debit card transactions. In such circumstances, would it suffice for banks to simply post a message stating, “STAY CALM. We are diligently working on our systems. This will not take long,” on their websites to reassure their concerned clients?
System outages are common today; even among digital-native companies. These disruptions can lead to regulatory scrutiny, customer loss—especially among corporate clients—and negative media coverage that harms brand equity and stock prices. In the post-pandemic digital landscape, banking and financial services must strive for zero downtime, though achieving this is a significant challenge.
The 2024 Asean Bank Stability Report, published by a Singaporean fintech firm, evaluates the resilience of banking infrastructure in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region, focusing on the Philippines and Indonesia. It analyzes bank uptime and downtime, the operational reliability of institutions in the Philippines, challenges in maintaining service continuity, and the impacts on the broader financial ecosystem.
How did banks perform in terms of stability?
THE recent report highlights the performance of Philippine banks, with RCBC leading at 98.3-percent uptime and no downtime events for seven months. Landbank and Metrobank effectively communicated both scheduled and emergency maintenance, fostering customer trust. BPI
By Edward Bolingbroke Bloomberg
US rates traders have amassed a record futures bet that the Federal Reserve will take on a more dovish tilt right after Chair Jerome Powell’s term ends in May 2026. The trade saw record volumes on Monday and swelled further Tuesday. The wager is that whomever President Donald Trump appoints to follow Powell will lead the central bank to cut interest rates almost immediately. The Fed’s first scheduled meeting under the new chief would come in June 2026.
For months, the president has been pressing Powell to lower borrowing costs, even as Fed officials have signaled that they plan to hold tight and monitor how Trump’s tariffs will ripple through the economy and impact inflation. The central bank is widely expected to keep rates steady Wednesday, and potentially pencil in less easing this year given the risk that levies will lift consumer prices. The futures wager has been building in the market linked to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or SOFR, which closely tracks the outlook for Fed policy. It has gained momentum since Trump said this month that he would
BIR wants higher ’26 budget to build call center, facilities
Tcould improve in notifying customers about unexpected service interruptions. UnionBank and BDO also need to enhance their communication on system disruptions. Overall, there’s room for all banks to improve customer communication during maintenance activities.
Don’t panic when there is an outage!
BANKS are dedicated to protecting clients’ assets. Even during temporary account access issues, funds typically remain secure. Clients can feel reassured that their money is generally safe, despite occasional service outages.
The inability to view account balances or to settle bills on time can indeed be frightening. Nevertheless, when a bank experiences downtime, clients can be confident that the institution will work to restore services promptly. Banks implement multiple layers of checks and balances, including redundant data centers, to ensure the security and integrity of client accounts.
To obtain real-time updates, clients are encouraged to consult the bank’s social media platforms for information regarding service interruptions and expected restoration timelines. Furthermore, contacting the bank’s customer service department may provide additional clarity on the issue and updates on the resolution strategy.
In the words of GoTyme Bank Inc. Co-CEO Albert Raymund O. Tinio, “Access should always be available.”
“When access is down, it is quickly restored,” Tinio said at the recently-held “Digital Banker’s AI Cloud and Cybersecurity Congress 2025” at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.
He underscored that the efficacy and speed of system restoration are critical in maintaining and regaining the trust of clients.
For more information, visit www. bmap.org.ph or https://facebook.com/ BankMarketingAssociationPH
Judith C. Songlingco is the Head of Corporate Affairs and Brand Marketing at Philippine Business Bank (PBB) and the Secretary of the Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines (BMAP). She can be reached via judith.songlingco@yahoo.com. The writer’s views and her written piece do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror the PBB and the BMAP.
name a successor “very soon.”
“Trump could choose a replacement that is clearly more sympathetic to easier monetary policy, even though that may make it harder to get his pick through the congressional ratification process,” Steven Barrow, head of G-10 strategy at Standard Bank, wrote in a note.
Analysts including Will Denyer, an economist at Gavekal Research, cited the risk that an early nomination by Trump could lead to almost a year in which investors will focus on the pronouncements of the “shadow” Fed chair, along with signals from Powell.
“The cacophony could inflict another shock on market confidence in US policymaking,” Denyer wrote.
Monetary policy, to be clear, is set by a committee of Fed officials. The chair doesn’t unilaterally set policy rates.
The bet in rates futures involves selling the March 2026 SOFR contract and simultaneously buying the one expiring in June 2026—the equivalent of a threemonth spread trade, and it’s causing disruptions across futures covering the first half of next year.
The heavy selling in the March contract is causing it to cheapen by an outsized amount relative to other maturities, in particular those expiring
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is seeking a higher budget for 2026 to “increase efficiency in tax collection.”
Internal Revenue Commissioner
Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said during a forum last Wednesday the BIR has requested a budget of up to P18 billion. This is more than the P17.684 billion budget the tax collector requested for 2025 as well as the P16.893 billion in current funding for general administration, support and operations.
“We want to improve our facilities and we want to improve our digital transformation because it will
greatly increase our efficiency in tax collection,” Lumagui said.
The BIR is also hoping to receive a budget to establish a centralized contact center, which would cost around P150 million, he added.
Lumagui said that a recent survey in all the BIR’s district offices nationwide showed that the majority of the transactions can be done through phone.
Nonetheless, the BIR chief ad-
mitted that most of its clients still physically go to the BIR’s district offices since “nobody would answer the phones because they’re busy addressing or catering to those people in the offices.”
A contact center is a facility within an organization that provides customer service and technical support, among others, Lumagui explained.
“In the provinces, imagine, people would travel several hours, five hours one way, just to ask simple questions in the BIR [offices],” he said. Through this, revenue officers can now concentrate on substantial transactions and make services better, Lumagui said. Aside from a contact center and the usual funding for personnel services, the BIR also wants to build more office buildings.
According to Lumagui, limited office space in some BIR branches is just enough for employees, leaving clients to queue outside when transacting with the agency.
The BIR also asked for more computers that clients can use in the eLounges in all regional and district offices when making digital transactions.
“We want to reduce, as much as possible, human interaction in all the processes that can be done automatically and online,” Lumagui said. “So that’s where we’re spending our money, more on automation and digital transformation facilities.”
As the government’s main tax collecting agency, the BIR has raised P1.110 trillion as of the end of April. This is 34 percent of its P3.232-trillion full-year target.
European digital bank eyes ‘a bit underbanked’ Pinoys
ABy Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
EUROPEAN digital bank is in the early stages of its application for a banking license in the Philippines, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
BSP Financial Supervision Sector Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier recently told reporters that there are several applications for a digital banking license after the central bank lifted the moratorium of accepting new digital banking license applications.
However, a European player has already submitted its documentation and is offering innovative ways
PLAYERS can now confirm the legitimacy of online gaming platforms through a website launched by the state gaming regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).
The Pagcor said through a statement it issued last Wednesday it released a list of accredited online gaming sites to protect consumers from fraud. The regulator’s website ( pagcor.ph/pagcorguarantee) displays all Pagcor-accredited online gaming sites, including e-casino games, e-bingo, sports betting, specialty games, poker operators, casinos and online traditional bingo.
in December 2025 and June 2026. As a result, the fly position—or the relative spread—around the March 2026 futures has spiked to the widest since January.
Volumes in the futures position hit a record 108,649 contracts on Monday, equivalent to approximately $2.7 million per basis point in risk. Open interest in both the March 2026 and June 2026 futures has reached the largest in the current policy cycle, partly as a result of demand for the trade.
Trading in many of these contracts is anonymous, making it difficult to identify the firms involved and the exact details of the trade.
On Wednesday, the focus will be on Fed officials’ forecasts, and the expectation is that the median participant will likely anticipate one quarter-point cut in 2025.
In their previous economic projections, released in March, the median forecast was for two quarter-point cuts by year-end.
Treasuries were little changed ahead of the Fed decision, with the 10-year yield down less than one basis point to 4.38 percent. Traders bet Federal Open Market Committee members will deliver roughly 45 basis points of total easing by year-end, with a quarter-point reduction seen as soon as September, but more likely in October.
to lend to small and medium enterprises as well as gathering information for credit scores.
“(They are offering) to address the segment of our society that’s a bit underbanked, not completely unbanked. There are those, of course, that are really unbanked, but the underbanked can also be better served by SMEs,” Fonacier also said.
Fonacier said, however, that the BSP is requiring additional documents from the European digital bank to complete its application for a license.
Part of these documents will provide additional information on their innovations and solutions, including those on building credit scores and
Players can also directly enter the gaming sites through the page to confirm.
According to the Pagcor, the website seeks to provide players and stakeholders with “a transparent and reliable reference” as fraudulent online gaming sites are on the rise.
Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the website will help players identify and verify the online gaming sites first before playing or making any payments.
“By providing the public with a quick and accessible way to check a site’s legitimacy, we are empowering them to make informed decisions
THE national government lacks a comprehensive system that ensures that budgeting and public spending directly address children’s needs, according to an assessment report.
Based on the findings of the 2024 Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (Pefa) Child-Responsive Public Financial Management (ChPFM) Assessment Report, there is no policy that requires government agencies and budgetary units to consider children when planning budgets.
“It is, therefore, to be expected that the practice is sporadic and discrete, barely delivering desired positive outcomes and impacts for children, if at all,” the report said.
Revenue and spending proposals were found not to require a forwardlooking assessment of how they will also affect children. While agencies have strategic plans for children, most are not costed and making it unclear whether the budgets can support the interventions proposed in such plans.
Moreover, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Education and the Department of Health provided only some age-disaggregated information
in extending loans.
To date, Fonacier said, two digital banks have already attained profitability while the two other banks are already on their way to post profits. Pag start up naman, you go through that process. It’s not right away. Meron talaga siyang portion that you’re still building. You’re still establishing your presence among them,” Fonacier said.
“But at least, we’re seeing that it’s really good. Mas okay nga yung prospects sa Philippines that we’re seeing; [they] are better compared to the other jurisdictions that have six players,” she added.
Earlier, Fonacier said she expects monetary authorities would issue the
and avoid falling victim to fraudsters and scammers,” Tengco was quoted in the statement as saying.
The Pagcor official urged the public to be vigilant before engaging in any online gaming activity, noting the growing number of complaints against gaming sites that do not pay the winnings of players.
“Illegal online gaming sites not only endanger players but also erode public trust and deprive the government of vital revenues,” Tengco said.
“The ‘Pagcor Guarantee’ is a key component of our regulatory framework to protect both the industry and the Filipino people.”
country’s first digital Islamic bank license, leading to an expansion of financing activities that comply with Sharia. She said two Islamic banks showed intent to apply for a digital banking license. One bank already has a presence here in the Philippines and is eyeing to venture into digital banking, while the second lender has no existence in the country yet but is a major player in Malaysia. Under its rules, the BSP is allowing a maximum of ten digital banks to operate in the Philippines. Six digital banks are already operating in the country while four additional licenses are yet to be awarded to new or converting banks.
Recently, Pagcor has been warning the public against schemes, such as using fake licenses to operate fraudulent online gaming platforms.
The rapid growth of the electronic gaming sector has propelled nearly half of the country’s total gaming revenues. Revenues from e-games and e-Bingo doubled to P51.39 billion in the first quarter of the year from P22.5 billion in the same period a year ago.
The sector is now the leading gaming revenue generator and has reshaped the local gaming landscape as players continue to shift towards digital gaming.
on planned and actual outputs and outcomes.
According to the report, “this could indicate that considerations for children in the assessment and development of appropriate measures are limited, if not overlooked.”
Also, state agencies have not yet created a method of tracing budget expenses for children’s welfare and development.
As such, the report recommended establishing a policy, specifically the institutionalization of clear parameters on what constitutes children’s budgets, including specific and sensitive allocations addressing children’s needs.
The government should also assess how public spending affects the quality of services for children, especially vulnerable groups, or the impact of tax policy changes on low-income families and children.
Budget Secretary and PFM Committee Principals’ Chairperson Amenah F. Pangandaman welcomed the results of the report, a statement by the DBM read.
“We see potential value in establishing a National Child Policy Framework similar to the existing gender-responsive budgeting,” Noubary added.
The ChPFM Assessment Report was launched alongside the results of the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Assessments on June 10, 2025.
Pefa assessment was extended to include child-responsive PFM systems, covering budgetary and public policy issues on the rights of women, men and young people, including children.
The 2024 Pefa Assessments are the first multi-framework, multistakeholder assessment of its kind in the Philippines, led by the Asian Development Bank, with support from development partners.
“[The ChPFM Assessment Report] provides the baseline data on the emerging child-focused budgeting at the national level and the integration of children’s welfare at all stages of our PFM,” Pangandaman said. Nonetheless, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines Country Representative Behzad Noubary said the Philippine government is poised to become “a pioneering voice in the global movement to institutionalize child-responsive PFM.”
Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
B4 Thursday, June 19, 2025
PHL raw sugar output breaches 2-MMT mark
TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
HE country’s raw sugar production has breached 2 million metric tons (MMT) for the first time in four years, based on the latest data from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).
Figures from the SRA showed that Philippine sugar production stood at 2.015 million metric tons (MMT) as of June 8, higher than the agency’s initial and revised forecast of 1.7 MMT and 1.84 MMT, respectively, for the current crop year which will end on August 31.
ter suited to the country’s climatic conditions and cane maturity and led to an improvement in soil productivity.
It also “enhanced” the coordination among sugar producers, and enabled the timely provision of government support, including fertilizers and farm equipment, he added.
“We’re working closely with farmers, millers, and other stakeholders to ensure that this upward trend continues.”
Officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said the government’s decision to amend the start of the cropping calendar to October from August had helped prop up sugar production.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the shift was bet -
The latest raw sugar output is the highest since the 2.14 MMT recorded in crop year 2020-2021, based on the historical data of the SRA.
Global production of rice, corn to hit record levels—FAO
THE production of major food commodities will register increases and even reach new record levels, according to a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
FAO said its latest assessments indicate “a relatively optimistic outlook” for global food commodity markets, with production anticipated to increase across all commodities, except sugar.
Regarding core agricultural commodities, world output of rice, maize, sorghum and oilseeds are expected to reach new record levels, according to the FAO Food Outlook, which also noted that global food production remains vulnerable to adverse weather conditions as well as ongoing geopolitical tensions, trade policy uncertainties, and economic conditions.
“While agricultural production trends appear solid, drivers that could negatively impact global food security are increasing,” said FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero.
The biannual publication provides market assessments and updated forecasts for the production, trade, utilization and stocks of major food commodities, including wheat, coarse grains, rice, oilcrops, sugar, meat, dairy products, and fisheries. It also estimates the global food import bill and includes special thematic chapters addressing the impact of avian influenza, changing trade patterns since 2022, potential incentives for fish fraud in global agrifood systems, and the implications of decarbonizing the maritime sector for food imports.
Global wheat production is forecast to increase modestly in the coming year, while per capita food consumption declines. Output gains are anticipated to be largely driven by a 13-percent increase in the European Union owing to a weather-driven upturn in yields, as well as a potential all-time record harvest in India driven by increased planting areas. Coarse grain production is expected to
increase by 3.4 percent to a record level, buoyed by solid prospects in Brazil, the European Union and especially the United States of America, which is forecast to boost maize output by 6.0 percent mostly due to an expansion in sowings. More favorable weather ought to lift maize production in Southern Africa as well.
FAO also released it first forecast for world rice production, anticipating a 0.9-percent annual increase to reach a new record high of 551.5 million tons, due mostly to anticipated production increases in Asia. International rice trade is forecast to expand by 1.4 percent in 2025 to reach a record high of 60.5 million tons, fueled by strong demand from Africa and rising exports from India and South America.
Global per capita food consumption of rice, the most important grain for human diets, is expected to increase globally, with a particularly robust 2-percent increase in low-income food deficit countries.
The Food Outlook also presents FAO’s updated figure for the global food import bill (FIB) in 2024, which is estimated to have risen by 3.6 percent from the previous year to nearly $2.1 trillion. This increase was primarily driven by a 29.3-percent surge in import costs for coffee, tea, cocoa and spices, an 8.1-percent increase in the import bill for fruits and vegetables, and a 5.6-percent rise in that for meat products.
By contrast, the import bill for other food commodity groups declined, including a 4.6- percent decrease for cereals.
In 2025, trade tensions and policy uncertainty will likely affect the global food import bill by influencing import volumes and prices, especially for sensitive products like tropical beverages and animal goods.
“The impact will vary by country and commodity, depending on factors like import dependency and availability of alternatives. Adverse weather events and supply chain disruptions may further drive up import costs.”
The DA chief noted that reforms in sugarcane farm management and expanded block farming efforts also contributed to higher cane yields and better efficiency at the mills.
He said he has directed SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona to further improve cane varieties by finding better planting materials elsewhere, which could boost yield.
Apart from the change in cropping calendar, Azcona said the in-
terventions pushed by the agency allowed farmers to boost their output.
“We will continue to push for soil improvement, use of better cane varieties, and expansion in irrigation and mechanization.”
Azcona said the increase in sugar
output and stable sugarcane prices in recent years have also been beneficial for planters.
“Lower retail prices also help farmers as they are sugar consumers too.”
With the projected increase in
raw sugar production, Azcona said the domestic supply of the sweetener would be sufficient to meet demand and will ensure stable retail prices. To sustain the growth in production in the next crop year, the DA chief called on the sugar agency to quickly contain the spread of red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI).
Based on SRA data, 841.7 hectares have been infested with RSSI as of June 6, significantly larger than the 87 hectares recorded on May 22. It has also affected 465 farmers since its detection in Negros, which accounts for 65 percent of the country’s sugar production. RSSI has been reported to cause significant damage to sugarcanes, with high temperature being identified as a key factor in its rapid population increase, according to the agency’s research center.
DA to track down sources of onions sold in wet markets
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) will launch an investigation into the purported sale of imported onions in Metro Manila wet markets.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. made the pronouncement after he visited Paco Market in Manila on Wednesday morning. DA officials said they discovered vendors openly selling imported onions.
One of the vendors, however, said they were unaware of the issues related to the source of their product and that they merely procured the onions from Divisoria.
“We have not issued any import permits since early this year, which means all imported onions
currently in public markets are considered smuggled,” the DA chief told reporters in an interview following the market inspection.
He said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had instructed government agencies to curb agricultural smuggling, which prompted the enactment of an anti-smuggling legislation.
“Despite ongoing enforcement, we continue to intercept shipments—especially in Cagayan de Oro, Subic, and Manila—where containers filled with onions have been seized.”
Instead of apprehending vendors, the DA chief said the government will seek their cooperation to trace the source of the smuggled onions.
“Our goal is not to penalize
small vendors who are just trying to earn a living,” he said.
“Instead, we are seeking their cooperation to help identify where the onions came from, who sold them, and which warehouse supplied them.”
The DA, he said, would also look at the entire supply chain and identify the unscrupulous customs brokers and traders involved in the shipment of smuggled onions.
“Anyone from the broker to the truck driver could be held accountable. But again, our focus is not on the small sellers, we understand they are not the source.”
He expressed concern over the impact of smuggled onions on local farmers, particularly during harvest season.
“Our farmers are supposed to be recovering now,” he said. “Their income is being undercut because of these smuggled goods.”
Government price monitoring data shows that the retail price of local red onions range from P100 per kilo to P170 per kilo, while that local white onions are sold anywhere between P70 per kilo and P150 per kilo.
Apart from its impact on the livelihood of farmers, the DA chief noted that onions seized in previous smuggling operations had tested positive for contaminants.
“Some of the confiscated onions, particularly those from earlier shipments, showed signs of spoilage or even traces of heavy metals.”
Cargill ties up with Biotech Farms for feed production
AGRIBUSINESS giant Car -
gill said it has forged ties with Biotech Farms Inc. through the establishment of a new feed production line aimed at hastening the expansion of Mindanao’s agriculture sector.
According to Sonny Catacutan, senior managing director for Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health Philippines, the facility would provide a “stronger presence” in a region critical to the Philippine agricultural industry’s future.
The plant is located at the Biotech Agro-Industrial Complex in Tantangan, South Cotabato.
“It allows us to enhance service to our customers and live our purpose of nourishing the world,
starting with every bag of feed,” Catacutan said in a statement.
“We’re excited about what this partnership brings, not just in operational capability, but in helping us create more impact for customers, farmers, and communities that depend on us every day.”
The company said the Tantangan feed mill touts modern milling technology, proven high-performance production, and a dedicated monthly feed output to meet the growing demand in the region.
It was selected through a rigorous evaluation process aligned with the firm’s global standards in food and feed safety, quality, and operational excellence, according to Cargill.
With production being fully op -
erational, Cargill said the Tantangan Plant partnership reinforces its expanded footprint and supply chain resilience in the region, while accelerating capabilities to deliver tailored, safe, and sustainable nutrition solutions at scale.
For his part, Biotech Farms CEO Rey Chiang said the partnership would show their shared mission of empowering Mindanao’s farmers with “innovative, sustainable solutions.”
“Since 2001, Biotech has been at the forefront of transforming Philippine agriculture through precision farming, renewable energy, and circular economy practices,” he said.
“Together with Cargill, we will amplify our impact, ensur -
ing farmers receive high-quality, tailored feed nutrition solutions using Cargill’s cutting-edge research, data-driven insights, and a vast supply chain network that not only boosts productivity but also aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship and community upliftment.”
As production ramps up at Tantangan feed mill, Cargill said this partnership would signal a crucial step forward for the firm in nourishing the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way.
“With 77 years of doing business in the Philippines, Cargill continues to strengthen its presence while staying rooted in its core to help farmers succeed and communities to prosper.” Ada Pelonia
General Mills is latest packaged-food company to remove dyes
PACKAGED -food maker General Mills Inc. is joining Kraft Heinz Co. in removing synthetic food dyes from its products in the United States by the end of 2027--a move that will eliminate ingredients such as Red 40 and Yellow 5 from its brightly colored cereals.
The Minneapolis-based company said it will remove the colorants from US cereals and foods served in schools by the summer of next year. The company will also “work to remove certified colors from its full US retail portfolio by the end of 2027.”
General Mills and Kraft Heinz are now the largest US packaged food companies to fully commit to eliminating the dyes regulated
by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Kraft Heinz, which owns the Heinz and Oscar Mayer brands, announced earlier Tuesday that it’s not introducing any new products in the US with the dyes, according to a statement from the company.
The changes mark a victory for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The HHS and the FDA said in April that they’ll work with food producers to eliminate synthetic food dyes by the end of 2026. Industry groups have previously said no agreement exists on the matter, however.
“We are continuously evolving our recipes, products and portfolio to deliver superiority to consumers and customers,” said Pedro Navio,
North America president at Kraft Heinz, in a statement. “The vast majority of our products use natural or no colors, and we’ve been on a journey to reduce our use of FD&C colors across the remainder of our portfolio.”
The term FD&C colors refers to seven common synthetic dyes approved for use in food by the Food and Drug Administration that make up nearly all of the artificial colors consumed by Americans. The FDA announced in January that it would ban Red No. 3, and then in April said it would look to remove the other six.
“Kraft’s action is an example of the system working,” HHS advisor Calley Means told Bloomberg. Means said that government of -
ficials and activists calling for an overhaul to US food and health policy have been engaging with food industry leaders, and he expects other companies will make similar announcements soon.
Kennedy also applauded Kraft Heinz’s move in a post on X.
“I urge more companies to follow this lead and put the wellbeing of American families first,” he wrote.
Nearly 90 percent of Kraft Heinz’s products sold in the US contain no synthetic dyes, according to the company. It removed dyes from Kraft Macaroni & Cheese in 2016.
Even so, Kraft Heinz still lists dozens of products that use them, from salad dressings and color-
changing marshmallows to condiments such as relish. Many of the products are in the company’s desserts and drinks categories, including its portfolio of Mio water flavor enhancers, Crystal Light and Kool-Aid drink mixes, and Jell-O gelatins and puddings, a spokesperson for Kraft Heinz said.
In products where colors are not “critical to the consumer experience,” Kraft Heinz will remove them outright. In other instances, it will replace synthetic dyes with natural dyes — or create new colorants “where matching natural replacements are not available.”
The firm will also work with licensees of its brands to urge the removal of the dyes. Partners
such as Morris National Inc., for example, produce candies under the Jell-O brand that contain synthetic dyes, while Frankford makes Oscar Meyer branded hot dog gummies.
Kraft Heinz cut its annual sales and profit outlook earlier this year after posting a sixth straight quarter of declining revenue. In May, the company said it was evaluating deals in an effort to boost its stock price while announcing that Berkshire Hathaway Inc. was giving up its board seats. The company’s stock is down 16 percent this year through Tuesday’s close, compared with an increase of 1.7 percent for the
over
THIS BusinessMirror file photo shows various brands of refined sugar on display in Makati City supermarket. PHOTO BY NONIE REYES
Health&Fitness
Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
UP study: AI may speed up drug resistance monitoring
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI)
could play a key role in tracking antimicrobial resistance, p otentially enabling faster and more efficient detection of drugresistant bacteria, a new study by University of the Philippines researchers s uggested.
As traditional laboratory testing methods, while reliable, are often slow and resource-intensive, researchers from UP Diliman’s Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI) and School of Statistics explored the use of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and predictive A I modeling to speed up the process.
The team, composed of Marco Christopher Lopez, Dr. Pierangeli Vital and D r. Joseph Ryan Lansangan, focused on Escherichia coli (E. coli), a widely studied bacterium known to develop antibiotic resistance and commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals.
Fecal contamination
BECAUSE E. coli is often used as an indicator of fecal contamination in agricultural and environmental settings, it is considered ideal for monitoring resistance patterns, especially in areas
where animal waste is used as fertilizer or wastewater is reused.
Using genetic data and antibiotic test results from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database, the researchers tested several AI prediction models to determine how well they could forecast resistance to specific antibiotics. “We selected the models based on their strengths in handling biological and imbalanced data,” Vital said. “ These models were chosen to compare performance across different learning strategies and to identify which is most suitable for predicting antibiotic resistance.”
AI tools
AMONG the AI tools tested were Random Forest (RF), a method known for h andling large volumes of complex data, and Support Vector Machine (SVM), a model effective in classification problems with non-linear patterns.
Moreover, two ensemble learning methods—Adaptive Boosting (AB) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB)— which refine predictions by concentrating on difficult-to-classify data points.
T he models were able to accurately predict resistance to streptomycin and tetracycline—two antibiotics commonly used in agriculture—showing
s trong performance in distinguishing resistant E. coli strains from those that were susceptible.
In contrast, predicting resistance to ciprofloxacin proved more difficult due to the limited number of resistant cases in the dataset, resulting in reduced sensitivity.
We think that this strategy has great potential for real-time monitoring of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in agriculture.” Vital said.
Integration into safety frameworks
THE researchers believe that AI-driven models could soon be integrated i nto public health and food safety frameworks, saying that these tools could provide early warnings about resistant bacteria, helping to prevent outbreaks before they spread.
They recommended expanding the data pool to include a wider variety of samples, including metagenomic data that captures DNA from all microbes in a given environment.
Their findings were published in the Malaysian Journal of Microbiology under the title, “Prediction models for antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli in an agricultural setting around Metro Manila, Philippines.”
Prevention, hub-and-spoke model to ease stroke burden
By Candy P. Dalizon Contributor
THE best way to prevent a stroke is to avoid having one in the first place, and this is largely achieved through proactive lifestyle choices and managing risk factors.
“If you have hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol, the most crucial step to prevent stroke is to effectively manage these conditions. This involves regular monitoring, consistent doctor visits, taking prescribed medication, and controlling other related factors,” said Dr. Greta Cortez, cardiologist and Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines Head of Medicine, Human Pharma.
For her part, Dr. Ma. Cristina Macrohon-Valdez, President of the Stroke Society of the Philippines (SSP), stated that their campaign focuses not only on stroke recognition but also on risk factor control, medication compliance, lifestyle changes, and physical exercise.
“By combining stroke prevention as well as the hub and spoke model, then we will be able to achieve a stroke-free city,” said Dr. Valdez.
Dr. Valdez and Dr. Cortez were among the speakers during the recent Stroke CARE (Coalition for Acute Response and Excellence) Meeting, led by the Angels Initiative and the SSP. Gath -
ering local and global health leaders, the event aimed to foster discussions on fortifying stroke systems, implementing life-saving interventions, and positioning stroke as a paramount national health concern.
Supported by the World Stroke Organization (WSO) and its President, Prof. Jeyaraj Pandian, the meeting drove collaborative efforts to expand stroke-ready hospitals and improve patient outcomes across the country.
The WSO is the global leader in the fight against stroke, aiming to reduce stroke-related deaths and disability by advancing prevention, quality care, and long-term support.
A global and local health crisis STROKE remains a global health crisis, standing as the second leading cause of death worldwide and a primary driver of disability, affecting over 100 million people today. Annually, more than 12 million individuals experience a stroke, resulting in 6.5 million fatalities. This escalating burden disproportionately impacts low- and middleincome countries, where limited access to care exacerbates the problem, and younger populations are increasingly vulnerable.
In the Philippines, stroke remains the third leading cause of death since
2023. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed that from January to August 2024, cerebrovascular diseases were responsible for 34,464 deaths, accounting for 10 percent of all recorded fatalities.
It is also the leading cause of longterm disability with a prevalence rate of 0.9 percent, of which 70 percent are ischemic (caused by clots) and 30 percent are hemorrhagic (caused by brain bleeding). Common risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, poor diet, and physical inactivity remain widespread.
Hub and spoke
DR. Valdez explained that effective stroke systems of care are a continuum that begins with prevention (pre-disease), followed by rapid pre-hospital EMS transport to a hospital, acute stroke treatment, intermediate care, and recovery through rehabilitation. Most importantly, this continuum also encompasses long-term support after stroke to prevent recurrence.
“Each pillar is interconnected in order to improve outcomes and improve and reduce the burden of stroke in the country,” said Dr. Valdez.
Dr. Valdez said that to optimize acute stroke care delivery, “we now have a total of 87 acute stroke-ready hospi -
tals.” These facilities are equipped to provide interventions like thrombolys is and neurosurgical procedures, with 10 percent also capable of performing mechanical thrombectomy. To extend these vital services to smaller, lessequipped hospitals, a hub-and-spoke model is currently being implemented. “Essentially for the hubs, they are the acute stroke-ready hospitals. While for the spokes, they have to have basic training in stroke recognition. They may or may not have any imaging capabilities, but they should be able to perform initial stroke treatment like thrombolysis,” said Dr. Valdez.
Dr. Valdez explained that spoke facilities—whether they have neuroimaging capabilities or not—can transfer patients to a hub hospital. Depending on the patient’s immediate needs and the available resources, a spoke without imaging might transfer a patient to another spoke with imaging, or to a diagnostic stand-alone facility. However, the ideal workflow is direct patient transfer from any spoke, or even a community health unit, to a hub hospital.
The SSP has already identified hubs in the country for Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The list can be accessed through their website. https:// www.strokesocietyphilippines.org/
Real-time awareness system can mitigate health risks caused by floods
By Rory Visco | Contributor
T
HE Philippines is a country where an average of 20 typhoons can decimate properties, livelihood and more importantly human lives because of heavy rains, devastating floods, and landslides. Contaminated floodwaters pose serious threats to public health as it is known to spread waterborne diseases like leptospirosis, cholera, and dysentery, among others. The lives of those who suffer from chronic illnesses can also be threatened as they can be displaced from their homes and have limited access to medication and healthcare during floods. Those who experience prolonged exposure to floodwaters may develop skin infections and other related issues. Standing water, on the other hand, is a breeding ground for mosquitoes that can lead to dengue and malaria.
A real-time typhoon and flood awareness system is useful and absolutely essential in order to save lives, safeguard health, and at the same time strengthen the country’s disaster preparedness.
Accurate, timely information
THE value of such a system lies in its ability to deliver accurate, timely, and locationspecific information so that both national and local government agencies can act swiftly before any hazard can escalate. These proactive measures reduce not only physical injuries and fatalities but also mitigate health risks commonly related to floods, many of which are often neglected or not given enough attention in the aftermath of storms.
This week, the country observes Typhoon and Flood Awareness Week (TFAW), held every third week of June as per Presidential Proclamation No. 1535, Series of 2008, a proclamation that aims to raise awareness and promote proactive measures in addressing typhoon- and flood-related hazards.
In relation to the TFAW this year, the Department of Science and TechnologyPhilippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (DOST-PAGASA) announced that is has relaunched key enhancements to the
PAGASA-National Hydro-Met Observing Network (PANaHON) interactive platform. The relaunch of the PANaHON Alert System’s features is just one of the activities that PAGASA planned during TFAW, which carries the theme “Kahandaan sa Bagyo at Baha, Solusyon sa Ligtas na Bayan.”
Upgraded system IN a statement, the agency said that the upgraded alert system comes with gridded forecast integration that can offer “improved spatial accuracy for rainfall accumulation, temperature, wind, and pressure. Users can access the interactive map through its clickable grid points, a time-slider, and location-based search functions.”
Additionally, PAGASA said all regional warnings “are now consolidated into a centralized alert system, displayed through interactive, color-coded markers with complete hazard information. This unified interface simplifies access to critical weather advisories,” the statement added. These upgrades, it said, are meant to
DOCTOR, NURSE GRADUATES FACE EMPLOYMENT CHALLENGES IN PUBLIC HEALTH SECTOR–STUDY
By Rizal Raoul Reyes Contributor
RESEARCHERS from Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines Manila recently warned that y oung Filipinos graduating with a degree in nursing or medicine will face a herculean challenge for stable employment, fair pay, and meaningful roles in the local public health system.
The study revealed that earning a degree in medicine or nursing may not necessarily open as many doors as young graduates hope. This comes during challenging times as the Philippines faces a m assive shortage of health professionals, with less than eight d octors per 10,000 people—below the international standard of 10 per 10,000—and over 127,000 vacancies for nurses, particularly in rural areas and private facilities.
Lost, unsupported THE researchers found that many new graduates feel lost and unsupported when they join the w orkforce.
“I finished my MD from one of the best schools in the country,” said a municipal health officer assigned to a remote area. “But when I w orked here, it was an entirely different ballgame. We weren’t trained on how to deal with the local administration and procurement, how to talk to local chief e xecutives. I wasn’t prepared nor trained for this—but this is how we make things happen.”
According to many of the researchers’ interviewees, the country’s medical and nursing education system i s too focused on hospital-based care, leaving them ill-prepared to handle community work, government systems, and health programs. Fu rther, the study noted many health facilities point to restrictive hiring rules and budget ceilings as barriers to filling vacant p osts. For example, local government units (LGUs) are required to a llocate no more than 45 percent of their annual budget to salaries. This forces overworked nurses to take on multiple roles, often without additional pay.
Budget cap
“ THE 45 percent cap on personnel services really prevents us from
hiring,” said a provincial health official. “You see a ward nurse being assigned as the public health nurse…and also as a records officer. That’s extra work, no extra c ompensation.”
As a result, fresh graduates are forced into a frustrating dilemma: many are willing to serve in the public sector, but are either not qualified under strict civil service requirements, or are offered shortterm contracts with no job security or clear path for career growth. Meanwhile, private facilities struggle to match government pay scales, a nd both sectors lose workers to better-paying jobs abroad.
“The nurses we lost are our best nurses,” said one hospital administrator. “It is painful that the trained ones are the ones who leave. The ones left with us are either the new ones or the very old.” New standards TRAINING, too, is a problem: medical facilities across the country and their staff need to meet ne w standards aligned with the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, but some clinics say they are forced to pay out of pocket for training fees and accreditation requirements—sometimes spending over P 50,000, while getting back only P2,000 from government reimbursements.
So is it still worth pursuing a career in healthcare?
THE researchers believe the answer is yes—but only if key reforms are made, including scholarships with return service agreements; better integration of community health in school curricula; less restrictive hiring policies; and stronger s upport for newly-deployed health workers.
These problems and proposed solutions were laid out in the recent peer-reviewed paper, “Health Workforce Issues and Recommended Practices in the Implementation of Universal Health Coverage i n the Philippines,” conducted by Veincent Christian F. Pepito, Arianna Maever Loreche, Ruth Shane L egaspi, Ryan Camado Guinaran, Theo Prudencio Juhani Z. Capeding, Madeline Mae A. Ong, and M anuel M. Dayrit of the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health and the University of the Philippines-Manila.
DOH strengthens campaign on road safety with summit
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
E“improve public access to accurate weather information and support local planning, risk reduction, and disaster preparedness efforts nationwide.”
Public service
MANY believe that as threats to the climate continue to grow, investing in real-time typhoon and flood monitoring is not just smart governance but an act of public service to protect infrastructure, strengthen disaster response, and more importantly, safeguard the health and well-being of every Filipino.
Also, the community’s active participation helps in building a reliable awareness system. Since citizens have access to accurate and timely information, they become empowered to act and help make typhoonand flood awareness a shared responsibility and not just rely solely on the government. With timely data and coordinated action, the Philippines can build a future where fewer lives are lost, and more are protected—before, during, and after the storm.
VERY year, about 12,000 Filipinos die in road crashes, or about 33 people per day, the Department of Health (DOH) said. To prevent deadly road crashes, the DOH has strengthened its campaign on road safety by giving drivers free mental health support and road safety education.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that road crash deaths rose to 39 percent or 11,096 cases in 2021 from 7,938 in 2011.
Last year, over 37,000 injuries were recorded by DOH’s Online National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (ONEISS). Likewise, road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged five to 29 years. Most of the fatalities are motorcycle riders, pedestrians, children, and persons with disability.
“Ang DOH a y patuloy na nagsusulong ng tamang edukasyon ng mga driver, kaya nag-bigay tayo dito sa road safety summit ng libreng seminar, check-up, mental health support, at safety simulations para sa mga tsuper
nagsisimula
June 19,
Globe joins collective effort to protect the shores of Sarangani
The Sarangani Bay Festival, or SarBay Fest, has always been a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and coastal beauty. But this year, Globe made sure the spotlight also shone on something deeper: protecting the very shores that bring thousands of people together.
Over 100 volunteers gathered at Reyes Beach in Barangay Gumasa for the annual SarBay Coastal Clean-Up. Among them were Globe employees, Globe Trade Distribution partners, representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), students from Mindanao State University–General Santos, Bantay Dagat members, and staff from the Provincial Government of Sarangani. Together, they collected more than 100 bags of waste—from plastic bottles and straws to cigarette butts, old clothes, tin cans, and rubber debris.
“It’s easy to celebrate a beautiful beach— but it takes real heart to help preserve it,” said Waldem Hassan, Territory Business Head. “At Globe, we believe that real progress isn’t just about faster connections or new technology. It’s also about showing up for the communities we serve, and that includes protecting the environment they call home. This clean-up is one small act in our bigger commitment to create a Globe of Good.”
As the biggest beach festival in Mindanao, Sarangani Bay Festival, more fondly known as SarBay Fest, draws massive crowds to
the white sand shores of Glan, Sarangani. But beyond the vibrant concerts, parties, and coastal fun, SarBay also promotes environmental consciousness through activities like mangrove planting and beach cleanups, all aimed at preserving the natural beauty of Sarangani Bay. Globe is proud to support SarBay Fest and other local celebrations across the
Philippines, showing up not only to bring connectivity, but also to contribute to the joy and meaning behind every community gathering. Whether it’s a small town fiesta or a major cultural event, Globe continues to be present at festivals nationwide—celebrating local spirit, supporting sustainability, and helping create moments that truly matter.
APBREN bags Mobile Legends Cup, brand new units of realme GT 7
Tat SM North EDSA The Annex during the Grand Finals match against Uncle Drew Gamerpact.
APBREN cemented their legacy with a powerhouse performance, delivering a flawless 4-0 sweep against their contenders, proving their dominance on the big stage. In the final round, player Jamespangks led the decisive charge for APBREN. He delivered a pivotal 5-3-4 Kill-Death-Assist ratio using the hero Lancelot. His impressive play energized the crowd and sealed the team’s game-winning momentum, ultimately confirming APBREN’s winning sweep.
Jamespangks’ skill and gameplay earned him the Grand Finals MVP Award for his performance. His versatility and control using heroes Ling, Leomord, Lukas, and Lancelot across all four rounds played a vital role in APBREN’s championship run.
Throughout the intense matches, players relied on the official tournament device, the realme GT 7, which powered every play with seamless performance and ultra-smooth gameplay. With its Dimensity 9400e processor and lag-free responsiveness, the realme GT 7 gave competitors the edge they needed to perform at their peak under pressure.
The grand champion takes home a massive prize of P600,000 along with five brand-new realme GT 7 smartphones, a prize worthy of APBREN’s
monumental victory in RMC Season 9.
Meanwhile, Uncle Drew Gamerpact emerged as the first runner-up after a season-long campaign marked by grit and determination. Their journey through the competition showcased resilience and skill, earning them P250,000 in cash and five brandnew realme Number Pro Series smartphones.
From the start until the end of the event, the RMC Season 9 Grand Finals proved to be a showstopper. Rapper SUPAFLY kicked off the festivities with an electrifying performance that set the tone for an action-packed day.
The energy grew stronger with a starstudded show match featuring Mobile Legends icons OhMyV33nus and Wise Gaming, realme Ambassadors, Sharlene San Pedro, and Doc Z.
The Squad roared as Team Ming, led by Wise and Sharlene, clashed with Team Veez, led by OhmyV33nus and Doc Z, in a thrilling showdown.
As the curtains closed on the grand stage, P-pop girl group KAIA delivered a stunning performance to wrap up the day, elevating the energy to new heights and giving the Squad a final moment to remember.
RMC Season 9 concludes on a high note, showcasing the country’s emerging Esports talents and celebrating their skill, passion, and the unifying power of the mobile Esports community, made possible with the support of its official sponsors Grab, Move It, TTRacing, Converge, and Grind.
For more updates and detailed announcements about realme and RMC, visit realme’s official website and follow its Facebook page.
ING Hubs Philippines’ Winning Formula for Talent Retention
IN a competitive industry where employee turnover is common, ING Hubs Philippines stands out by keeping its employees happy, engaged, and loyal. The global capability hub boasts an impressive 8.8 percent attrition rate, far below the industry average of 30 percent. The secret? A combination of ING’s signature Orange Culture, a flexible hybrid work model, and a clear trajectory for career advancement. Together, they are creating a workplace that people do not want to leave.
“Our people-first approach is deeply embedded in everything we do. It’s about creating an environment where employees feel empowered to grow, collaborate, and thrive,” shared Hazel Zaide Delos Santos, Country Manager of ING Hubs Philippines.
ING Hubs Philippines leans on its Orange Culture – a globally recognized code of mutual respect that promotes a collaborative, inclusive, and friendly work environment. It’s a
turned Customer Journey Expert for Retail Spain, expressed first-hand. Another key factor contributing to the company’s retention success is its flexible hybrid work setup. At ING Hubs Philippines, employees are equipped with WFH kits, receive a monthly hybrid allowance, and have the freedom to work where they
Holiday Inn and Suites Makati Earns EDGE Advanced Sustainability Certification
HOLIDAY Inn & Suites Makati proudly announces that it has been awarded the internationally recognized EDGE Advanced Certification by the Philippine Green Building Initiative (PGBI). This milestone underscores the hotel’s unwavering commitment to sustainable hospitality and environmental responsibility.
The EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Advanced certification, developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is awarded to buildings that achieve at least 40 percent improvement in energy efficiency, in addition to substantial water and materials savings.
Holiday Inn & Suites Makati achieved 40 percent energy savings, 29 percent water savings, and 63 percent less embodied carbon in materials, resulting in approximately 191.84 tCO₂/year in operational CO₂ emissions saved. These achievements were made possible through high-performance building strategies, including reflective roofing, efficient cooling systems, submetering, and the reuse of existing building materials.
“This recognition reflects our long-standing mission to promote sustainable practices without compromising guest comfort,” said Andy Belmonte,
goal demonstrates the hotel’s continued drive to eliminate operational emissions through energy efficiency and renewable energy, aligning even more closely with global climate action targets.
The certification not only reinforces the hotel’s environmental leadership but also aligns with the global goals for climate action and sustainable development.
As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts,
Raising fast learners starts today: Why early brain nutrition and play matter
AS moms, we often wonder: Am I doing enough to prepare my child for the future?
The answer lies not in expensive classes or overstimulating schedules, but in the simple, intentional things we do each day – how we feed, talk to, and play with our children.
During the early years, especially from age one to three, our children’s brains are growing at a speed we can barely imagine. By the time they blow out the candles on their third birthday, their brains will already be 80 percernt the size of an adult’s. Every second, over a million neural connections are formed. These are the connections that set the foundation for how they will think, feel, and learn for life.
This is why I found so much value in a recent workshop hosted by the healthcare company Abbott, where child experts and nutritionists came together to equip parents like us with science-backed insights on how to raise fast learners through play and good nutrition. My takeaway from the session: What we do in the early years makes all the difference.
THE POWER OF A PARENT’S DAILY CHOICES
DR. Josie Eusebio, a developmental pediatrician, spoke at the event and reminded us that the most powerful tool in a child’s development is consistent, responsive parenting—the kind where we are tuned in, engaged, and emotionally available. Add to that the right nutrition, and we’re giving our kids the best chance at success. She explained that by the third year of life, three major brain-building processes are in full swing: Neurogenesis (birth of brain cells), Synaptogenesis (formation of brain connections), and Myelination (speeding up of brain messages). These processes help children absorb language, understand routines, respond to emotional cues, and eventually solve problems and retain information. So, yes, those tracing worksheets, sensory bins, and “why?” conversations you keep having over dinner—they all count. And they all matter.
WHY NUTRITION IS BRAIN FUEL
WE talk a lot about DHA when it comes to brain food. But what I learned is that there are other powerful
to—like gangliosides. These are naturally found in the brain and play a big role in helping brain cells connect, process and retain information. Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr., medical director for Abbott’s nutrition business in Asia Pacific, shared how gangliosides, when added to a child’s daily nutrition, can actually help improve IQ scores.
That’s a big deal for us parents who want to do more than just “keep up” with milestones. We want to empower our kids to go beyond. Abbott’s Similac GainSchool is the first and only milk formula with added gangliosides, part of their PRODI-G Nutrition System. It’s specifically designed to help build the neural connections that support focus, memory, and faster learning.
PLAY IS SERIOUS WORK (AND LEARNING!)
THE event also showed us that we don’t need fancy gadgets or screen-based apps to develop our children’s brains. Dr. Eusebio guided parents through simple activities like sensory play, tracing shapes, and openended storytelling—all of which are proven to boost
great reminder that play isn’t just for fun, it’s how kids learn about the world and how their brains practice connecting ideas, solving problems, and expressing thoughts. You can visit www.ogalalaworld.com for age-appropriate toys that are chosen by experts.
A PARENTING JOURNEY,
NOT A RACE CELEBRITIES
JENNYLYN MERCADO and Dennis Trillo also shared their story of raising a fast learner. They showed us that parenting does not have to be perfect, it just has to be intentional. It’s about showing up each day, asking the right questions, and choosing what truly fuels your child—nutritionally, emotionally and intellectually. The early years are a window that doesn’t stay open forever. And while no parent can do it all, we can do what matters most.
Below are my 5 Practical Parenting Tips to Raise Fast Learners:
1. Prioritize nutrient-rich meals. Include food or milk formulas with gangliosides, healthy fats, and protein. These are building blocks for brain
How expressing gratitude can transform your work and life
By Cathy Bussewitz The Associated Press
NEW YORK—The first thing Alison C. Jones does when she wakes up is to name three things she’s grateful for. It can be as simple as the breeze from a fan or as meaningful as the way a friend showed up for her emotionally.
Jones, an organizational development consultant, said the daily practice has helped her through hardships and the anxiety and vulnerability of starting her own business as a single mom.
“When you practice gratitude, you train your brain to always look for the positive in anything. It just completely shifts everything you’re going through,” she said. “You start to see the lessons in the pain. You start to see the beauty in the very difficult times because you realize, ‘Hey, I’m growing stronger.’”
Practicing and encouraging gratitude can be a simple way to boost morale at a time when layoffs and economic uncertainty are causing stress and anxiety. Some employers have found that workers who receive expressions of gratitude show more engagement and willingness to help others. Other proponents say expressing and receiving appreciation can help reduce stress, as well as improve a person’s mood and outlook. But despite its benefits, promoting gratefulness is often overlooked as a valuable way to spend time and resources in the workplace.
Experts in organizational change shared ways to incorporate more gratitude into the workday.
START SMALL
IF you’re new to practicing gratitude, you can start at home with a routine such as Jones’ custom of expressing gratitude before getting out of bed. She made her gratitude practice easy so it would become a sustainable habit. Her one rule is avoiding repetition and stretching her mind to find new things to be grateful for each day.
Jones also recommends finding a “gratitude buddy” to share with. A buddy may be a friend from work or your social circles, and ideas can be exchanged in person, by text or email, or during a phone call. Many people find it helpful to list what they’re grateful for in a journal.
CULTIVATING GRATITUD IN THE WORKPLACE
AT work, a team leader can begin a staff meeting by expressing gratitude for what went well in the last week, suggested Peter Bonanno, a consultant who helps companies design mindfulness-based programs. As humans, we often have a bias toward negativity, but gratitude “just does an enormous amount to shift people’s mindsets and the way they engage with each other,” he said. “Gratitude is especially powerful in that way. It doesn’t take a long time for people to notice an impact.” O.C. Tanner Institute, a software and service company, helps organizations find effective ways to show appreciation to their employees, such as managers giving handwritten notes of thanks.
The company helped American Airlines develop a system for managers and colleagues to recognize good work with points that can be applied to a catalog order.
Some companies donate their own products to thank nurses, doctors, police officers, firefighters and other workers who serve their communities.
Frontline Builders, a nonprofit organization launched during the pandemic, connects donors of snacks, drinks and personal care items with recipients.
Registered nurse Denise Wittsell remembers how quiet the hospital where she works became during the pandemic. The hallways of Denver Health, typically busy with families and guests, were suddenly empty as visits from outsiders were curtailed and patients battled illnesses alone.
Once in a while, someone from the community
would deliver gifts of gratitude: tasty snacks or handmade cards from schoolchildren.
“Those spontaneous recognitions were really sweet,” Wittsell said. “It just felt really kind, and it felt like there was a lot of wrapping around us, a very supportive feeling.”
TAKING IT FURTHER
WITTSELL is part of a team of volunteers at Denver Health’s RESTORE program, which connects frontline hospital workers with trained peer responders for confidential emotional support.
The hospital started the program as a way to improve and sustain the emotional well-being of its workforce, said Tia Henry, the program’s director. Volunteers take shifts so someone is available around-the-clock to answer calls from hospital personnel who are struggling with stressful events such as losing a patient or witnessing violence.
Aside from peer support, RESTORE also provides training and education to employees about stress, burnout and techniques to deescalate violence, Henry said.
“We’re not doing counseling or therapy, but we’re using components of psychological first aid to truly engage timely with our teammates when they’re distressed, helping them calm their nervous system and get back to the place of regulation where they can show back up and do what it is they need to do or they can lay something down and go back home,” Henry said. “That is gratitude from my lens.”
WORK FOR CHANGE
WHILE practicing gratitude may make for a more pleasant on-the-job environment, it’s not a replacement for better working conditions. It’s good to be grateful to have a job that pays the bills. It’s also important to ask for what’s fair.
“Being grateful absolutely doesn’t mean that we accept anything subpar or inappropriate,” Jones said, adding that people should advocate for basic needs such as meal breaks. “It’s important not to confuse gratitude with being passive.”
2. Play every day, the simple way.Sensory play, sorting, tracing, and pretend play are more than fun—they’re how the brain learns to focus and process information.
3. Talk, talk, talk! Narrate your day, ask questions, and listen actively. Every conversation helps build language and critical thinking skills.
4. Track milestones, not perfection. Monitor your child’s growth with curiosity, not fear. Use them as a guide to support, not pressure, your child.
5. Be fully present. The best stimulation comes from loving attention. Put the phone down, make eye contact, and be in the moment. It’s these interactions that truly shape the brain. For more information on Similac GainSchool and the science of early brain nutrition, check out tinyurl. com/2nyryzne.
Special shout out to my son Marcus, who finished 9th Grade as a Gold Awardee with 8 subject awards,
DEVELOPMENTAL and behavioral pediatrician Dr. Josie Eusebio and Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr., Nutrition Medical Director for Pacific Asia at Abbott, led the discussion at the Raising Fast Learners: Unlocking Milestones in Year 3 and Beyond event held at ActiveFun BGC. The event focused on how cognition-based play, brain-building nutrition, and purposeful parenting
Haliburton benefits most from 2-day rest
B8 Thursday, June 19, 2025
Coach Jorge on dual role: Never been a problem
IBy Tim Reynolds The Associated Press
NDIANAPOLIS—Given the way Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton was limping on his way out of the
news conference after Game 5 of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals, it’s safe to assume he’s a fan of the schedule right about now.
Put simply, he could use a couple of days off—at least.
Haliburton has a lower leg injury— nobody’s
I
that if
situation
were a
he’d be missing at least one game.
But these are the finals, this is June, there no back-to-backs in the playoffs and when the league gets to the last series two-day breaks between games aren’t uncommon.
Amen to that, the Pacers are probably saying right about now.
“The Finals, the NBA Finals, is one of the great stages in all of sports,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “And so, it shouldn’t happen quickly and abruptly. It should happen at the right pace and the right tempo, and the space in
between games does help player health.
That’s a very important aspect of it.” There was a one-day gap between games in this year’s finals just once, separating Games 3 and 4 in Indianapolis and everything else has seen a two-day gap, as will be the case going into Game 6 at Indy on Thursday night. And if the Pacers win to force a Game 7 back in Oklahoma City, that’ll be preceded by another two days off going into an ultimate game on Sunday night. It should be noted that the Thunder don’t mind the schedule being drawn out, either.
“It’s a lot of games. It’s tiring, for sure,” Thunder star and league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. “But every game is tiring. When you’re giving your all, every possession, you’re going to be tired. I don’t think I’m the only one out there that is tired.”
It wasn’t always like this. The first NBA Finals were in 1947, before the league was called the NBA (it was the Basketball Association of America then) and before the title round was called the finals (after being called the BAA Finals in the early years, it was called the NBA World Championship Series until the mid-1980s). That first year, Philadelphia and Chicago played five games in seven days. It would be unthinkable to play at that pace now; the NBA, for much of the last decade, hasn’t even scheduled stretches like that in the regular season. The finals between Minneapolis and New York did the same thing—five games, seven days—in 1953. Boston and the Los Angeles Lakers played a five-game series in an eight-day span in 1965. Golden State and Washington played four games in eight days in 1975, with two cross-country flights in there as well. And this was long before charter flights became the rule in the NBA, too. We’re fortunate in this series. Travel is pretty reasonable. Not a long distance,” Carlisle said, evidently aware that the finals has the shortest distance between the dueling cities—Oklahoma City and Indianapolis are separated by 688 miles by air—than any finals matchup since 1956. “Not a long flight. I do believe it’s a better circumstance for the overall integrity of the competition.”
TYRESE
JORGE SOUZA DE BRITO sees no conflict in calling the shots for both the Alas Pilipinas women’s team and the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
“It’s never been a problem coaching a club alongside national duties. The teams follow the calendar, so it’s really, really, really okay,” said the Brazilian Olympic (Barcelona 1992) gold medalist.
More than a year since steering the Akari Chargers to a seventh-place finish in the 2023 PVL Second All-Filipino Conference, De Brito is back in the league, this time leading the Solar Spikers.
He expressed excitement over his return, calling the PVL the “best league.”
Despite juggling dual roles, De Brito assured that managing both the national squad and Capital1 will not be an issue— he welcomes the diversity and learning that come from working with players of
different backgrounds and skill sets.
“B eing with the national team allows me to coach players with different styles,” he said. “In the PVL, I also get to contribute to the highest level of club volleyball in the country. I’m happy to help because I always want to be part of the best.”
De Brito will also be at the forefront of Capital1’s campaign in the PVL on Tour where the Solar Spikers face powerhouse teams Creamline and Cignal on June 22 and 23, respectively, in Vigan City.
“After practice with the national team on Friday, I’ll head straight to join Capital1,” he said. “I’ll be with the team against Creamline.”
One of the key storylines in Capital1’s campaign is the arrival of top rookie pick Bella Belen, a threetime University Athletic Association of the Philippines MVP who has played
Junior tennis tilt in Biñan draws big field
FIVE games into the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals, the handwriting on the wall seems to be getting clearer.
B etween the two ring-less teams—the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers—it does look like the city in the South Central region of the USA has the advantage over the Midwestern state.
The series currently stands at 3-2, in favor of Oklahoma.
W ith both teams angling to win their first Larry O’Brien trophy ever, the Pacers beg to be the team that Lady Luck smiles on this time. They joined the NBA in 1967, which makes them 42 years gone without a championship trophy. They are definitely due, “based on “seniority,” and this season looks like their time has come.
(Oklahoma had already won one NBA championship in 1979 when they were known as the Seattle Supersonics.)
T he Pacers had flirted with a championship once before against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000. Reggie Miller, Rik Smits, Al Harrington, Chris Mullin, Sam Perkins and Jalen Rose were on that team. They were up against Ron Harper, AC Green, Rick Fox, Derek Fisher, Robert Horry and yes, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neill. But since 25 years ago they have not made the NBA Finals. Until now. Can they pull off one of the biggest upsets in NBA Finals history by taking the boom out of the Thunder as they limp through Game 6 in their own turf of ye olde Canseco Fieldhouse, now renamed Gainbridge Fieldhouse?
Seems highly unlikely. But we never know. I’m a longtime fan of Destiny, and wherever she says we go, we go. Never mind the odds, never mind the circumstances.
exclusively for the National University Lady Bulldogs over the past 11 years.
De Brito is particularly excited to guide Belen in her transition to the professional ranks.
“It’s a big change for her—not just shifting from college to the pros, but also stepping into a new role,” de Brito said. “She’s no longer just a young player on the national team, she’s now a leader.
“But I believe she has what it takes. She has the mindset, the work ethic, and the heart,” he added.
De Brito has made it a personal mission to help Belen unlock the next level of her game.
“It’s my challenge to help her stay focused, improve, and grow—not just as a player, but also as a teammate and leader,” he said. “I think Capital1 is doing its best to give her an environment where she can truly thrive.”
Donaire taking own sweet time as he savors latest ring conquest
By Josef Ramos
NEWLY-CROWNED World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight champion Nonito
“The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. has no plans of fighting in the very near future—all he wants is to savor his latest belt at 42 years old.
“I h ave no plans in my mind for now,” he told BusinessMirror on Wednesday. “I will consider and my team will study our best next move, but I must rest for now just being grateful that I am healthy.”
Donaire won his comeback fight after almost two years over Chile’s Andres Campos last Sunday via unanimous technical decision in Buenos Aires—the ring physician had to stop the fight and go to the judges’ cards after headbutts marred the contest.
Donaire is known for his aggressive boxing style during his early years and was considered by many as an exciting fighter at his age before losing to undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue of Japan in 2022 and Alexandro Santiago of Mexico in 2023.
B y now we know that the Pacers’ main man, Tyrese Haliburton, has a right calf issue that was aggravated by a slip he suffered while driving to the basket midway the first quarter of Game 5. But the same Tyrese Haliburton declared after the game, “If I can walk, then I want to play…Got to be ready to go for Game 6.” Thus the Pacers, who were already the clear underdogs coming into this final showdown, are heavier underdogs still with Haliburton’s health compromised.
A nd if the Oklahoma Thunder were the heavy favorites from Day 1 as this final series took shape, they look like real runaway winners now. Consider what Steve Aschburner of NBA.com said about the Pacers-Thunder odds even before the series began: “There’s a song stuck in my head as the 2025 NBA Finals near, and I’d be reluctant to reference it—it’s from “Annie, Get Your Gun”...Anything the Indiana Pacers can do, the Oklahoma City Thunder can do better.
The Pacers are deep, young and skilled? The Thunder are deeper, younger and more skilled. The Pacers are tenacious defensively and score by the bushel? The Thunder smother other teams’ offensive schemes and posted the second-fattest net rating (12.7) in league history. The Pacers are led by a pair of All-
But Donaire proved that his pro boxing career that started in 2001 isn’t over yet after after he dismantled the 28-year-old Campos.
T he opportunities are there— possibly against American Antonio Vargas (19-1 win-loss record with 11 knockouts) or Japanese Seiya Tsutsumi (12-0-3 win-loss-draw record with eight knockouts) in the WBA bantamweight division. WBA gold bantamweight champion Muhammad Waseem (14-2 with 10 knockouts)
what I need to improve in my style,” Donaire said. “I’m extremely strict when it comes to my discipline to take care of my body. So, let’s see what the best options are.”
Stars in Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam? The Thunder have the Kia MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and All-NBA wing Jalen Williams.” In short, we might as well hand the trophy over this early to
the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League.
DONAIRE
Envoys&Expats
BRIDGING THE ALPS AND THE ARCHIPELAGO:
Swiss envoy reflects on direction, ‘quiet diplomacy’ in Phil. posting
FOR Switzerland’s top envoy to the Philippines Dr. Nicolas Brühl, his current tenure in Manila has been nothing short of fulfilling—teeming with purpose and perspective.
Since arriving nearly two years ago, the seasoned diplomat has engaged in multiple fronts: strengthening economic ties, navigating regional shifts, and connecting with Filipino society far beyond the confines of chancery walls.
“The Filipinos are the ‘Latinos of Asia’…in the positive sense,” the Swiss ambassador said with a smile. “It’s an open society, and we’ve made easy connections.”
Dr. Brühl’s tenure comes at a dynamic moment in global and regional affairs. From the evolving Indo-Pacific strategy to Switzerland’s longstanding commitment to neutrality, mediation and human rights, his role increasingly spans economic diplomacy and soft-power engagement.
While the West-Central European country may be small in size, its distinctive impact and footprint in fostering dialogue, partnerships and mutual understanding with the Philippine government runs deep. For one, Swiss companies now contribute some $3 billion in investments, translating into more than 30,000 jobs created for Filipinos. Add to that the free trade agreement under the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which the ambassador says still needs greater visibility.
Beyond boardrooms and bilateral summits, Dr. Brühl has also positioned Switzerland as a partner in social causes—supporting health initiatives, promoting biodiversity
through cultural programs, and calling for the expansion of exports of Philippine products—particularly, cacao for its signature chocolate confectionaries.
As the Philippines prepares to chair Asean in 2026 and mark the 70th year of diplomatic relations with Switzerland in 2027, Dr. Brühl brims with optimism about the future; thus, declaring: “We are proud of our shared values: openness, fairness, and democracy.”
ENVOYS&EXPATS: What has your posting in the Philippines been like so far?
DR. BRÜHL: It’s been a very positive experience. The Filipino people are incredibly open and welcoming—that openness is crucial for a diplomat. It allows for fast and meaningful engagement. Compared to my previous postings, I find that there’s genuine warmth here that allows both formal and informal diplomacy to thrive.
With regard to the importance of language in our line of work, especially in a multilingual society like the Philippines, it makes a world of a difference. The fact that English is so widely spoken here is a significant advantage. It facilitates business, education, and diplomacy. It also means that Swiss companies and institutions can integrate more easily. And for me, personally, it allows for better understanding of both the official and everyday narratives of society.
Switzerland has a free trade agreement with the Philippines through EFTA. How is that progressing?
The agreement has been in force since 2018, and it’s a very solid framework. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of it—even some businesses. That’s why part of our job is to promote it more actively.
But the opportunities are there. We already have around 60 Swiss companies operating here, ranging from big pharmaceutical firms to information technology (IT) firms which employ a good number of workers in Metro Manila.
Speaking of IT and innovation, what sectors do you think are ripe for deeper Swiss investment?
IT is definitely one of them. The infrastructure here is robust—we rarely experience technical disruptions, and that’s not always the case elsewhere. The Philippines has a young, tech-savvy population, and Swiss firms are always looking for dynamic markets with skilled labor.
I also strongly believe that health care, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable energy hold much promise.
Beyond trade and investment, are there other areas of bilateral cooperation that the embassy is keen on expanding?
Absolutely. One key area is education and training. Swiss hospitality schools are well-known around the world, and many Filipino students attend these institutions. We are also exploring collaboration on technical and vocational education—something Switzerland has a strong tradition in.
Another important area is human rights. We have supported programs on voter education and the prevention of enforced disappearances. These are sensi -
tive but crucial topics where we believe we can make a meaningful contribution.
Culturally and diplomatically, how do you describe Switzerland’s core approach?
Switzerland is rooted in neutrality and transparency. But neutrality doesn’t mean passivity. We support international law, democracy, and multilateralism.
Geneva, for example, is home to many United Nations bodies. When conflicts arise, we often serve as facilitators for dialogue. We’re involved in organizing summits such as the Bürgenstock Conference on Ukraine last year. Our approach is to offer platforms for conversation—quiet diplomacy.
Switzerland’s neutrality is often praised but sometimes challenged in times of global conflict. How does your country navigate that?
It’s true—neutrality today is more complex. In the case of the conflict in Ukraine, Switzerland has aligned itself with sanctions from the European Union. This shows that while we uphold neutrality, we also take clear positions when fundamental international laws are violated.
Our neutrality allows us to be credible mediators, but we are not indifferent. We remain committed to peace, rule of law and dialogue. What stands out for you about the Philippines in terms of its people?
Resilience. Filipinos are among the most resilient people I’ve encountered. That, and the hospitality. It’s genuine. You see it every day—in the smiles, the music, even in the work ethic.
Filipino nurses, for example, are highly regarded in Switzerland and across Europe. Their warmth and
their ability to connect are often more valuable than language.
Are there ongoing efforts to facilitate more labor exchange between our countries?
Yes, but it’s gradual. Right now, Swiss hospitals primarily hire from within Europe due to language and proximity. But there is growing interest in Filipino health-care workers, and we already have some working in Switzerland. With an aging population, the demand will only increase.
Filipinos bring not only skills, but a genuine spirit of care.
How does Switzerland promote tourism to Filipinos?
Tourism is a growing area. We’ve seen a 50-percent increase in visa applications since 2019. Filipino travelers are curious and love nature. Quite fittingly, Switzerland offers something quite different: alpine scenery, fresh air, snow and more.
Interestingly, streaming series like Netflix’s “Crash Landing on You” have helped boost interest, since some scenes were shot in Switzerland.
We also promote Swiss hospitality schools, which are internationally renowned. Many Filipino families send their children there.
Regarding the 70th anniversary of Swiss-Philippine relations in 2027, are there any plans already in the works? It will be an important milestone. While we’re still in the early stages of planning, we envision a series of cultural, economic and diplomatic events leading up to it.
Our goal is not just to celebrate the past, but to chart the next chapter in our partnership. That could involve more academic exchanges, innovation forums, and exhibitions that reflect both countries’
strengths and shared values.
Let’s touch on your life outside the embassy. What helps you recharge?
I enjoy tennis and soccer—both as a player and a fan. While the latter isn’t as popular here, I follow European leagues closely.
I also like music. My wife and daughters play the cello and piano. We believe music should be part of daily life. It helps relieve stress, connects people and enriches the soul. My wife teaches law online, while my daughters are enrolled at the International School Manila. They ride horses on weekends at the Manila Polo Club.
What’s special is that we’re not confined to the diplomatic bubble. Through our daughters, we meet Filipino families every day. That gives us a broader, more meaningful understanding of this country.
You hold the title of “Dr.” Can you tell us more about your academic background and its relevance to your diplomatic work?
Yes, I hold a doctorate in international and European law. Before joining the foreign service, I spent time in academia and worked closely with a law professor while writing my doctoral thesis. The resulting work was published as a book, which focused on the legal frameworks of European integration—a topic that remains highly relevant in today’s interconnected world. That experience taught me the importance of precision in language—something that’s equally vital in diplomacy. Whether you’re negotiating an agreement or making a formal statement, every word matters. That legal training continues to inform my diplomatic work every day.
EVENTS & ENGAGEMENTS
Sake Manila 2025: A toast to Japan’s elegance, flavor, culture
AMOST awaited celebration of culture returned bigger, bolder and more unforgettable as Sake Manila 2025 delighted guests with an immersive journey through the tastes, traditions and talents of Japan.
In its second year, the event has firmly established itself as the Philippines’ premier celebration of Japanese beverages and artistry—and has become a “mustattend on Manila’s lifestyle and culinary calendar,” according to organizers.
livered a full-sensory experience. The Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila transformed into a cultural stage, opening with a traditional tuna-cutting ceremony—a visual and culinary ritual that set the tone for an authentic Japanese kind of evening.
Heart behind the celebration PHILIPPINE WINE MERCHANTS’ (PWM) Sales and Marketing Director Raymond Joseph reflected on the journey behind the event. He candidly shared the challenges of mounting a large-scale cultural celebration.
Japanese singer-songwriter headlines Fête de la Musique
AFTER a successful debut visit in 2023, Ito Kashitaro is set to return to the Philippines soon—this time, with more venues, collaborations and performances.
This year’s edition showcased a lineup of more than 200 curated labels and featured the very best sake, shochu, Japanese whisky, gin, craft beer and fine wine. Whether guests were seasoned collectors or first-time tasters, booths offered a gateway into Japan’s meticulous brewing and distilling culture, guided by experts.
The program included the rhythmic intensity of taiko drummers, the elegance of koto player Julia, and jazz stylings from Japanese saxophonist Takumi. DJs Hideki and Junoy added a modern Tokyo vibe, while Okada Manila’s entertainment ensemble brought theatrical polish to the night.
Night of culture, music, magic BEYOND tastings, Sake Manila de -
Okada Manila’s culinary director Chef Josef Teuschler crafted a menu that complemented the diverse spirit selections—turning each pairing into a story of harmony and flavor.
“I’ve been very encouraged. People—many of whom I don’t even know—have come up to me saying, [‘Even] if I’m no longer living in the Philippines, I’ll still come back here… just for Sake Manila.’”
Together with brothers Ralph (PWM’s president) and Ronnie (PWM’s director of operations), as well as Okada Manila Vice Chairperson Takako Okada, Joseph underscored the event’s spirit of partnership, hospitality and cultural exchange. He assured the audience that the event will return in 2026.
I. Cervantes and Spanish Embassy celebrate diversity in ‘Orgullo 2025’
INSTITUTO CERVANTES and the Embassy of Spain will once again host their annual celebration of diversity; equality; inclusion; and rights of members of the LGBTIQA+ community.
As current co-chairs of the international Equal Rights Coalition (ERC), the institute and the embassy announced that “Orgullo 2025: Sé quien quieras ser (Pride 2025: Be who you want to be)” will take place on Friday, June 27, 5 p.m. onward at Instituto Cervantes’ campus in Intramuros, City of Manila.
Organizers say this year’s event promises to be “the most vibrant and inclusive yet,” which will bring together community members, allies and supporters from all walks of life. Activities and festivities will celebrate individuality while advocating for equality and inclusion.
One of the highlights is an academic talk titled “¿Entiendes? Coloquio sobre inclusión y lenguaje” to be led by linguist Prof. Jeff Roxas and Prof. Lakan Umali who is a Department of English and Comparative Literature professor—both from the University of the Philippines-Diliman, as well as Prof. Daryl Pasion who is an assistant professor at UP-Los Baños’ Depart-
ment of Humanities (Language Division). A question-and-answer portion will follow their presentations.
After the discussion, attendees can take part in an “open mic” session where participants can showcase their pride, creativity, talent and spirit of the LGBTIQA+ community by reciting a poem, preparing a monologue or a song in English or Spanish. It will be enriched with live music, dance performances, interesting and fun trivia games for everyone to enjoy, with a festive DJ set to cap off the night.
Throughout the day, an “Expression Yourself Wall” invite guests to write, paint or draw their messages of love, courage and unity. It will serve as a visual commitment to diversity, and inclusion—“a platform for voices often marginalized or unheard.”
Orgullo 2025 is organized in collaboration with AECID and the Intramuros Administration. Admission is on a first come, first served basis. While open to all, attendees are advised to register early at https:// forms.office.com/e/et6CTa49TP. For updates, visit Instituto Cervantes’ website: (http://manila.cervantes.es) or follow them on Facebook: Instituto Cervantes Manila.
Taiwanese community holds Dragon Boat Festival, launches business federation
IN a grand celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival, the Taiwanese Association of the Philippines hosted a festive luncheon on June 1 in Manila that drew nearly 500 guests and underscored the unity of the local Taiwanese community. Prominent dignitaries from Taiwan and the Philippines graced the event, which reinforced the strong ties between the two. Among the special guests from Taiwan were legislators Tsai ChiChang and Lin Chu-Yin; Among the special guests from Taiwan were legislators Tsai Chi-Chang and Lin Chu-Yin; Taipei City councilors Hung Wan-Jen and Tai WeiShan; Taichung City councilor Shih Chih-Chang; and former Taichung deputy mayor Chen Ta-Chun. Their presence highlighted the cultural importance of the celebration and the enduring bonds between the
Taiwanese and Filipino communities. Representative Wallace MinnGan Chow of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office praised Association President Tomas Pai for his leadership in uniting the local Taiwanese community. He also congratulated the launch of the Federation of Filipino Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, expressing hope that it would serve as a key platform
for advancing Taiwan–Philippines trade cooperation.
Tsai encouraged Taiwanese entrepreneurs abroad to balance business success with soft diplomacy: “We must make money, but we must also do diplomacy.”
He presented symbolic gifts to the association’s leadership: a commemorative baseball, jersey and bat which represent Taiwan’s passion for baseball and team unity.
Kashitaro first rose to popularity online by posting covers on video-streaming platforms. Since then, he has released multiple studio albums and earned critical acclaim for his original compositions and contributions to various anime soundtracks. After his major debut, he transitioned to creating original compositions and flourished as a singer-songwriter.
Central to his appeal is his work on anime themes that resonate with Filipino fans. His notable songs include “Vita Philosophica” and “Tsukikage Okuri”—the ending themes of Netflix’s My Happy Marriage; “Kioku no Hakobune” from Deca-Dence; “Shinjuiro no Kakumei” from Deep Insanity: The Lost Child; “Silent Minority” which is the opening theme for Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games
Is Tough for Mobs; “Hinata no Kuni,” “Neko Neko Biyori” and “Aisazu ni wa Irarenai” for Nights with a Cat. The masked singer will perform from June 21 to 25, kicking-off his “Soul of the Streets” engagements at the Fête de la Musique PH main stage at the Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City. A tour highlight includes a collaborative performance with Filipino rapper OG Sacred and Tondo Tribe, a Manila-based rap collective, at Happyland in Tondo on June 22. Kashitaro will also perform at the Philippine High School for the Arts in Mt. Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna (June 23); and University of Baguio in Baguio City (June 24 and 25). Fête de la Musique is free and open to all. The public is highly encouraged to pre-register at www.feteph.com Other dates include special sessions presented by the Japan FoundationManila, which will share behind-thescenes moments on its social media accounts soon.
BRIDGING THE ALPS AND THE ARCHIPELAGO: Swiss envoy reflects on direction, ‘quiet diplomacy’ in Phil. posting
Continued from C1
You’ve mentioned your wife is also in the field of law. How do you manage a shared professional life while navigating diplomatic posts? That has been one of our proudest achievements. Balancing both careers hasn’t always been easy, especially with frequent relocations. But we found a rhythm. My wife has taught law online, allowing her to continue her academic work. We’ve stayed together as a team for over 30 years across various postings. That continuity has been deeply meaningful for our family. Lastly, what message would you like to share with Filipinos? I want to thank them for the kindness and openness they’ve shown us. This is a fascinating, vibrant country with so much potential. We are proud to be partners in so many areas—trade, education, culture, diplomacy. As we approach the 70th anniversary of our bilateral relations in 2027, I hope we continue building on our shared values and mutual respect. That’s what makes diplomacy worthwhile. Interview by Mike Policarpio and Malou Talosig-Bartolome
FINE sake flowed all night long. FB: OKADA MANILA
TRULY, a feast for the senses FB: OKADA MANILA
THE ambassador and his wife Prof. Dr. Denise Brühl-Moser at the 2024 Swiss National Day.
&Expats
‘E&E’ - EDUCATION CROSSOVER
US Embassy and DepEd-Davao City train teachers in Alt. Learning System
THE United States Embassy and the Department of Education (DepEd) conducted an intensive workshop for 40 newly hired teachers on Alternative Learning System (ALS).
Led by the embassy’s Regional English Language Office (RELO) and DepEd’s Davao City Division on June 4 and 5, two American trainers from the US Department of State’s English Language Specialist Program facilitated the first US-backed ALS workshop in the area.
The activity, “Embracing Student-centered Learning: Art as Expression,” provided participants with knowledge and tools to integrate innovative, hands-on ALS curricula teaching, ensuring that students are active participants in the learning process. The workshop included teaching demonstrations, introduction to creating sustainable and engaging teaching projects, as well as peer learning.
The American trainers also introduced free English-language teaching resources from the US government that will help en -
hance curriculum development and facilitate engaging classroom activities.
For the embassy’s RELO Officer Jeff McIlvenna, the initiative underscores the US’ direct investment in the professional development of Filipino educators: “[It reinforces our shared dedication in expanding] access to quality education and fostering human potential across the Philippines. The insights and strategies shared by our American teacher trainers are designed to significantly enhance the learning experience for ALS students.”
“DepEd’s ALS champions inclusivity by reaching [out to] the lost, the least, and the last,” DepEdDavao City Division Superintendent Reynante Solitario said. “Supporting ALS teachers is vital, so they can teach better and ensure that every learner—regardless of cir -
cumstance—is embraced and given a chance to thrive.”
ALS is a parallel learning system in the Philippines which provides a vital pathway to basic education for out-of-school youth and adults who lack access to formal schooling due to socioeconomic or geographical barriers.
The US Embassy’s RELO is committed to bolster Philippine education through its English Language Specialist Program. Previous initiatives included an early-literacy project for K-7 teachers in Negros Occidental, which improved reading scores among students through intensive teacher training and community volunteer support in 2024.
Last year, RELO hosted an English proficiency training for the Philippine Army in Tarlac. RELO also supports long-term educational partnerships. Three American English Language fellows are concluding their academic year with three universities in Bohol and Leyte, where they led preservice training for future teachers.
The office is also into establishing five new 2-year English Access Scholarship Programs around the Philippines, which will provide deserving teenagers with intensive English language instruction and cultural immersion to boost their educational and career opportunities.
DFA Ladies & International Bazaar foundations award 34 scholarships
THE DFA Ladies Foundation (DFALF) and the International Bazaar Foundation (IBF) awarded scholarship grants to its 2025 scholars at the Department of Foreign Affairs’ office at Double Dragon, Pasay City on June 5. Twelve scholars from DFALF and 22 scholars from IBF received their scholarship grants from Chairperson Madame Pamela Louise Manalo, IBF President Betty Ang, and DFALF First Vice President and Acting Director-Office of Public Diplomacy Joan Macrise Corrado. Chief Coordinator Ber -
HE Foreign Service InstituteTransition Programs Section conducted its 11th Cultural Officers’ Course (CuOC) from May 19 to 23 at the DoubleDragon Tower in Pasay City, which saw the participation of 19 personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
CuOC was designed for department personnel who will assume the position of Cultural Officer at a foreign-service post. The course provided participants with knowledge and insights on cultural diplomacy, core Filipino customs and traditions, plus their roles in the promotion of Philippine culture, arts and values in their respective posts. It engaged the participants
nadette Therese C. Fernandez, together with the members of the Board of Trustees of DFALF and IBF and the scholars’ parents, were also in attendance. The 34 scholars went through a meticulous screening process to ensure that the most deserving students will receive this year’s scholarship grants. The chairperson lauded the scholars in her welcome remarks “because of your academic excellence, leadership skills, and passion for learning—qualities that align perfectly with the goals of our scholarship program. She reiterated the organizations’
in a number of class activities such as playing instruments and dancing. In addition to their classroom lessons, the participants participated in a field visit to the Angono–Binangonan Petroglyphs Site, the Blanco Museum, and the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Flexing their language skills MEANWHILE, the FSI’s Carlos P. Romulo School of
belief in the grantees’ potential.
Former DFALF scholars Diane Limbo and Jacq Bernadine Concepcion of the DFA’s Office of Financial Management Services and DFA Office of Consular Affairs, respectively, delivered their testimonials. For his part, graduating student Caster Tyfe Cabrera shared his experience of being an IBF scholar. They both encouraged the new batch of grantees to use their scholarship opportunities as their steps toward reaching their dreams.
Guided by a shared vision, the DFALF and the IBF aim to foster a more compassionate, family-
oriented and socially responsible DFA through various projects and initiatives. These include the annual flagship scholarship program which provides accessible education to individuals, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty, lead fulfilling lives, serve their communities, and build a better world for future generations.
Last school year, DFALF had four graduating scholars, while IBF had 12 from their respective scholarship programs.
Applications for next year’s programs will be available in March 2026.
invests in Pinoy talent for sustainable devt, launches student’s ‘journey into space’
THE Kingdom of Sweden aims to empower women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by enhancing their participation, leadership and performance in these important fields with the launch of its Pioneering Women in STEM scholarship.
Katrina Baladjay—a recipient of the said scholarship—is heading to Luleå University of Technology in the Scandinavian country’s Norrbotten County to pursue a Master’s degree in Space Science and Technology. After her studies, she aspires to work in advancing space industries to serve the environment and future generations.
Baladhay is eager to deepen her understanding of space physics, answer fundamental questions about the universe, and inspire the next generation of young female scientists in physics: “This is possible in Sweden—a country with a strong space research background and a deep commitment to gender equality.”
Fully funded scholarships
THE Swedish Institute currently offers flagship scholarship programs for Master’s studies: The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals and Pioneering Women in STEM.
The former supports future global leaders committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in their home countries. A total of 54 Filipinos have been accepted into Swedish universities for the upcoming fall semester, with 11 receiving fully funded scholarships.
The said students will pursue Master’s degrees in fields such as public health, sustainable engineering and space science.
“Sweden is known for its culture of collaboration and the ‘quadruple helix’ model, where government, the private sector, civil society and academia work together to address the world’s most pressing challenges,” explained Ambassador Anna Ferry. “Filipino students—with their unique perspectives, creativity and resilience—make [key] contributions to Sweden’s sustainability and research and development (R&D) efforts.”
Part of a global family
AFTER returning home, many Philippine scholars choose to join the Swedish Alumni Network to celebrate their experience and maintain ties.
“Sweden is a fantastic destination for studying abroad, offering world-class education with a strong emphasis on innovation and research,” confirmed Chris Eugenio who is the Swedish Alumni Network-Philippines’ chair and a recipient of the SI Management Programme in Sustainability. “Stunning landscapes, vibrant city life and a culture that encourages creativity and independent thinking.”
He added that “completing a scholarship in Sweden connects you to a global family of changemakers through the Swedish Alumni Network, fostering lifelong professional and cultural ties worldwide.”
Sweden is home to nearly 50 universities and university colleges—many of which offer English-taught programs. Institutions such as Lund University, Uppsala University, Chalmers University of Technology, Karolinska Institute, and the Stockholm School of Economics consistently rank among the world’s best.
Since 1997, approximately 630 Filipinos have pursued higher education in the said country. Between 2019 and 2025, 49 have been awarded the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals—45 percent of whom are women. Including other scholarship programs and short-term leadership training, 117 Filipinos have received offers from SI. Renowned for its commitment to innovation, Sweden invests around 3.5 percent of its gross domestic product or GDP in research and development—one of the highest rates globally. This long-term focus has positioned the country as a leader in fields such as environmental technology, life sciences and nanotechnology.
With 70 percent of research privately funded, Swedish companies like ABB, AstraZeneca, Ericsson, Sandvik, and Volvo Group continue to drive R&D.
ENGLISH Language specialists Joe Voigts (standing, from left) and Shélynn Riel facilitate a session on using art as a medium for student engagement and effective communication.
DFALF scholars with Chairperson Pamela Louise Manalo, First Vice President Joan Macrise Corrado (first row, eighth and seventh from right) and Board of Trustees members
IBF scholars with Chairperson Manalo, President Consul Betty Ang (standing,10th and 11th from left), and Board of Trustees members
FLEX conversants with language resource persons
NATIONAL Commission for Culture and the Arts Executive Director Eric B. Zerrudo lectures on “Philippine Values System and Customs and Traditions.”
AMBASSADOR Anna Ferry and Katrina Baladjay
President Marcos welcomes four new ambassadors to PHL
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. warmly welcomed four newly appointed resident ambassadors in a formal ceremony at Malacañang Palace on June 10.
The Chief Executive received the letters of credence of Ambassador Dr. Asima Rabbani of Pakistan, Ambassador Faisal Ebraheem Alajrafi Alghamdi of Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Makawadee Sumitmor
of Thailand, and Ambassador Meshari Yousef Muhammad Alnibari of Kuwait.
The Philippines established diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Kingdom of Thailand in 1949, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1969, and the State of Kuwait in 1979.
The presentation of credentials marks the official commencement of their diplomatic functions as their countries’ representatives to the Republic of the Philippines. This
event reaffirms the country’s commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships and international collaboration.
Acting Secretary for Foreign Affairs Charles Jose and Deputy Chief of Presidential Protocol Dennis Briones joined the president in welcoming the envoys.
Protocol support was provided by Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda, in coordination with the Office of Presidential Protocol.
Taiwan extends visa-free access
TAIWAN’S Foreign Affairs Minister Lin Chia-Lung recently announced the extension of the visa-free entry for Philippine passport holders until July 31, 2026.
Lin made the declaration during his remarks at a reception in celebration of the Philippines’ 127th Independence Day hosted by Chairperson Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office.
“In order to continue to deepen bilateral ties between Taiwan and the Philippines, I hereby announce that Taiwan will extend its visa-free entry program for Filipino nationals for one year,” Lin declared. “We also hope that under the principle of reciprocity, Taiwanese people will be able to travel to the Philippines visa-free in the near future. They can simply pack their luggage, take their passports, and go on a vacation at any time.”
He said he and Velicaria-Garafil
“both deeply feel that maintaining regional peace and stability is the common responsibility and vision of Taiwan and the Philippines.”
“The Philippines is a [valued] neighbor of Taiwan. We are both located in the first island chain of the Indo-Pacific. We not only share the core values of democracy and freedom, but also support each other and move forward side-by-side in the face of the challenge of the expansion of totalitarianism,” the minister said.
Lin relayed that in recent years, the relationship between the country and Taiwan has become increasingly close: “In particular, the Philippine government issued Memorandum Notice 82 to relax some restrictions
on official exchanges, which not only laid the foundation for the jointly promoted Taiwan-Philippines Economic Corridor, but also provided momentum for the cooperation between the two sides in the fields of agriculture, technology, energy, smart solutions and economic resilience.”
The minister also cited the vigorous development of people-to-people linkages between the two states: “Last year, the number of [visitors] from the Philippines…reached 415,000, making it the country with the most tourists from Southeast Asia.”
He also thanked the 160,000 Filipino migrant workers in various industries in Taiwan: “They work hard and inject new energy into [our] society.”
Lin hoped that the friendship between Taiwan and the Philippines would “last forever, and may we work together to bring more peace and prosperity to the Indo-Pacific Region.”
127th Phil. Independence Day celebrated around the world
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
FILIPINO communities, along with Philippine embassies and consulates across the globe, joined the 127th anniversary celebration of the country’s independence.
Several cities marked the milestone with parades, cultural performances, diplomatic receptions and flag-raising ceremonies that reflected the enduring patriotism and resilience of overseas Filipinos.
In New York, Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo led the flag ceremony to mark the 127th anniversary of the country’s Independence at the Philippine Center.
Personnel from the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Philippine Consulate General, Philippine Trade and Investment Center, Department of Tourism and Philippine Center participated in the gathering.
The ceremony featured President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s official Independence Day message, where he reflected on freedom as a hard-earned legacy that must be safeguarded through unity, vigilance and civic responsibility. He reminded Filipinos that the freedoms won in 1898 remain unfinished work, and that the nation’s progress depends not only on remembrance, but on collective resolve to confront divisive forces from within.
Manalo followed with his own message, reaffirming the Department of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to uphold the Philippines’ sovereignty and promote national interest on the global stage.
“The same grit carved in the DNA of every Filipino who shed her or his blood for our independence,” he said, “is the same one that drives our diplomats to protect our sovereignty.”
The theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.(Freedom. Future. History.)” introduced in 2023 for the 125th anniversary of Philippine in-
dependence reaffirms the freedom won by the nation’s forebears, the future they envisioned, and the history that continues to shape the country’s identity.
For the DFA, the message resonates with the vision of Bagong Pilipinas, which calls for a more inclusive and accountable society grounded in democratic values and a strong sense of nationhood.
On June 10, hundreds gathered at the New York State Capitol—seat of the state government—to celebrate Philippine Independence Day.
Assemblymember Steven Raga who is the highest-ranking Filipino American ever elected in New York introduced the Filipino American community before the New York State Assembly. He also acknowledged the presence of Consul General Senen T. Mangalile and a visiting delegation from Bacoor, Cavite, including Mayor Strike Revilla.
State legislators Manny De Los Santos, Jessica González-Rojas, Emerita Torres, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Larinda Hooks and Marcela Mitaynes also congratulated the Filipino community.
In Beijing
DESCENDANTS of a Filipino-Chinese guerrilla force who fought alongside Filipino freedom fighters in World War 2 joined the Independence Day reception in the Chinese capital.
Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz recalled the Battle of Sta. Cruz, where Filipino and Chinese guerrilla forces liberated a town in Laguna.
“Ours is a story of honor, camaraderie and bravery in the fight for independence and self-determination,” FlorCruz said. “It is a story of our fight for freedom and nationhood.”
Business leaders from the Philippines—including Special Envoy Maynard Ngu, Salvador “Buddy” Zamora and Carlos Chan—flew to Beijing for the event.
World-renowned pianist Raul Sunico and the Loboc Children’s Choir also traveled to China to perform at the diplomatic reception.
4-day celebration in HK ON June 14, TV5 Chairman-PLDT Inc. President and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan received the Gintong Alon Leadership Award in recognition of his bayanihan projects and advocacy for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) based in the special administrative region. The award was presented during a gala dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.
On June 15, Chater Road in Central Hong Kong buzzed with thousands of OFWs. Hosts of noontime TV show Eat Bulaga Vic Sotto, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Allan K and Carren Eistrup headlined the fourday Independence Day celebration that began on June 12. Other celebrities included Richard Poon, Donita Nose, Nina, K Brosas, Randy Santiago and Dylan Menor.
Senator Raffy Tulfo also made a special appearance, as his team entertained queries, complaints and tips.
Political vibes in the Netherlands, Malaysia VICE President Sara Duterte, along
with Senators Imee Marcos and Robinhood Padilla, attended the Independence Day celebration hosted by the Filipino community in Kuala Lumpur. Duterte was on a four-day personal trip to Malaysia.
In the Netherlands, supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte held a gathering in The Hague, joined by his partner Honeylet Avancena and former spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque, who thanked attendees for their support.
International concerts THE Philippine Madrigal Singers (The Madz) staged concerts in Tür-
kiye, Greece and Spain that began on May 25.
In Ankara, they performed at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Their repertoire included “Pinoy Ako, Proud Ako” written by Ambassador Henry S. Bensurto Jr. as the theme song for the #SparkConnectEmpower movement, which encourages overseas Filipinos to champion their culture and heritage. The group also rendered a medley of three Filipino compositions: “Ikaw, Ako, Magkakapatid” by Jose Lozano, “Isang Lahi” by Vehnee Saturno, and “Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi at Musika” by Dodjie Simon.
In Cambodia, the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) serenaded more than 350 guests from diplomatic, business, academic, cultural, religious, military and government sectors. Commerce Minister Cham Nimul served as guest of honor. Soprano duo Bianca Lopez Aguila and Keiko Cayanga of The Madz also performed with the MSJO, while The Nightingales wowed the audience with a repertoire of classical Filipino and Cambodian music.
Merriment in Morocco FILIPINO performance ensemble Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino or Kontra-GaPi was scheduled to perform at the Independence Day gala at Salle Bahnini in Rabat on June 17.
According to the Philippine Embassy in the Moroccan capital, the cultural group was set to showcase indigenous music, chants, rituals and dance traditions using native instruments. To cap off the global celebrations, several iconic landmarks were lit in the colors of the Philippine
on June 12—including
Malou Talosig-Bartolome
flag
the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, TOBB Twin Towers in Ankara, and Banpo Bridge in Seoul.
THE President with Ambassador Dr. Asima Rabbani of Pakistan
WITH Ambassador Faisal Ebraheem Alajrafi Alghamdi of Saudi Arabia
WITH Ambassador Makawadee Sumitmor of Thailand
WITH Ambassador Meshari Yousef Muhammad Alnibari of Kuwait
SECRETARY Enrique A. Manalo delivering his Independence Day message
AMBASSADOR Jaime FlorCruz (left) shares a toast with Director General Liu Jin-song of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Asian Affairs.
ACT-CIS Rep. Jocelyn Pua-Tulfo (from left) and Senator Raffy Tulfo, with TV5 Chairman-PLDT Inc. President and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan FB: RAFFY TULFO
