REVENUE GOAL CUT TO
4.5T ON SLOW GROWTH
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
THE Marcos Jr. administration reduced its revenue target to P4.520 trillion this year on prospects of slower economic growth, reduced import volumes and lower tariff collections.
In the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee’s (DBCC) 191st meeting, the country’s fiscal program was reviewed and lowered due to heightened global uncertainties.
For this year, the revenue target was slashed to P4.520 trillion from the earlier target of P4.644 trillion as the economy is seen to grow slower than expected.
The DBCC trimmed its growth outlook to 5.5 to 6.5 percent this year from the previous projection of 6 to 8 percent.
Still, the economic team expects revenue collections to increase steadily, reaching P5.914 trillion or 16.3 percent of the country’s GDP by 2028.
The government is banking on the value-added tax on non-resident digital service providers and capital markets efficiency promotion, as well as the sustained improvements in tax administration, compliance enforcement and digitalization initiatives.
Department of Finance (DOF) Assistant Secretary Karlo F. Adriano said at Thursday’s press briefing
“This
The BIR’s target collection is now at P3.219 trillion from the initial goal of P3.232 trillion.
Adriano said a huge chunk was reduced from the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) revenue target because of lower tariff collections on rice and lower import growth.
Supposedly, the BOC is set to collect P1.064 billion this year, but this could now be more or less P990 million.
Meanwhile, revenues expected from privatizing idle government assets were lowered to P5 billion from the initial target of P101 billion, while non-tax revenues were increased to P306.8 billion from P210.8 billion.
Adriano said non-tax revenues, particularly dividend remittances from state-run corporations, will drive up collection and plug the deficit in tax revenues.
Moreover, the government also expects a slightly wider budget deficit this year at P1.561 trillion, or 5.5 percent of GDP, from P1.537 trillion previously.
Adriano said the government had to revise upward the deficit program from the 3-percent target the Marcos Jr. administration aimed for when it assumed office in 2022.
“We had revised the mediumterm fiscal framework because when we first crafted that, these external factors were not yet taken into account. Like for instance, we already had a war in Ukraine and Russia. We already had another war in the Middle East, and so many global uncertainties,” Adriano said. There is still fiscal consolidation, Adriano said, as the deficit will still decrease from 2025 to 2028.
“What we plan to do is that we will have to spend more because of these uncertainties. So that will ensure that we will meet our goal targets,” Adriano added.
Expenditures of the government are set at P6.082 trillion this year, or 21.4 percent of GDP. This will increase to P7.466 trillion in 2028, or 20.6 percent of GDP.
This will remain a major growth driver over the medium term, with infrastructure spending and public investments as the priorities.
“This well-calibrated approach reflects our strong resolve to uphold fiscal discipline without compromising our goals of inclusive and sustainable development, even amid a more challenging global landscape,” DBCC Chairperson and Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.
Loans decline as real estate prices surge in Q1
By Cai U. Ordinario
THE dream of Filipinos to own a home remains out of reach as real-estate prices surged in the first quarter, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
With the increase in housing prices, BSP’s Residential Property Price Index (RRPI) showed real-estate loans granted by banks also contracted in the first three months of the year. The RRPI showed residential property prices for all housing units rose 7.6 percent in the first quarter of 2025 from the 7.4 percent posted in the same period last year.
“All housing categories contributed to the year-on-year growth of the nationwide RPPI. Specifically, prices of condominium units rose by 10.6 percent, while house prices increased by 4.5 percent,” BSP said.
“Notably, house prices have shown signs of leveling off in recent periods, accompanied by slower annual growth in Q1 (first quarter) 2025. This trend may be partly attributed to the declining number of transactions in the NCR (National
Capital Region), where median house prices remain significantly higher than the rest of the country,” it added.
In NCR, the data showed y-oy growth in residential property prices was driven by increases across all housing types. Prices of condominium units in the region showed a growth of 14.2 percent in the first quarter 2025 from 6.6 percent in the same period last year.
NCR housing prices for single-attached or detached, apartments, townhouses, and duplexes, increased 11.2 percent in the first quarter of 2025, from only 4.3 percent in the same period last year.
Protesters in Manila, 5 continents seek global financial system change
OVER a thousand members of economic, finance and climate justice groups marched to the US Embassy on Friday to demand major reforms to the global economic and financial system, in time for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Sevilla, Spain. There, world leaders will meet from June 30 to July 3 to address the financing needs of the developing world. The march in Manila was organized by the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD), as part of worldwide protests held simultaneously in Asia, Europe, Africa, North America and Latin America. According to the OECD, the gap between development financing needs and available resources will rise to USD6.4 trillion by 2030 without a drastic overhaul of the
achieve this measure, the fight continues as civil society mounts global protests against a
“The Philippines is one of many
By Andrea E. San Juan
by 15.1 percent to $7.29 billion in May 2025 from the $6.33 billion export revenues in May 2024. The country’s exports also posted a double-digit growth in the year-to-date scenario, or in the January to May 2025 period.
“We had to revise the medium-term framework because of external factors like the Ukraine and Middle East conflicts.” — Karlo F. Adriano, DOF Assistant Secretary
FISCAL TARGETS BREAKDOWN (2025)
Remembering FedEx’s Fred Smith, who helped us believe more in ourselves
shares his recollection of the visionary founder of FedEx, Fred Smith. The FedEx chief was among the very first to truly believe in the vision of transforming Subic.
JUST received very sad news and confirmation—Fred Smith, visionary founder of FedEx, has passed away from a heart attack. So very sad.
Meeting him, working with him, and bringing FedEx to Subic— transforming it into FedEx’s global hub—remains one of the happiest and most meaningful chapters of my life.
I remember the first time I met him when he came to Subic. I personally drove him around in my car. He was struck by the thousands of volunteers who had taken on the challenge of securing and reviving the area after the US Navy’s departure.
When we reached the airport, he asked me two questions: “Is China seeking hegemony in this region?” and “Can you rebuild the runway in one year?”
I stepped out of the car with him and introduced him to Felix Visey, a passionate volunteer and former CUBI Naval Air Station worker. I let Fred speak to him directly. After their conversation, Fred came back to me energized and simply said, “When and where do I sign on the dotted line?”
We were aligned in vision,
determined in will, and swift in execution. And it happened. Fred Smith saw that he had found the right place and the right people— ordinary folks with extraordinary commitment—working within a Freeport zone legally crafted for bold ventures like this.
I still vividly recall the moment we signed the deal in New York in 1994. I grew emotional during my speech. President FVR patted me on the back and asked, “Are you going to cry, Dick?” I could only reply, “All the volunteers, young and old, poured their hearts into bringing FedEx to Subic.”
FedEx was a game-changer— the biggest fish in the line. So much so that then-US Ambassador to the Philippines, John Negroponte, once asked me, “Dick, when are you going to reel that fish in?”
It was a proud day for all of us—volunteers and the nation— when the first FedEx plane landed at Subic Bay International Airport on April 30, 1995. I can say with pride: we built it. We negotiated
the loan from the World Bank. We reinforced the runway with a full foot of concrete—originally built for Navy jets, now ready for FedEx’s massive, cargo-laden planes. We installed new radar systems, ILS, lighting and runway lights— everything—in under two years.
That day, I drove Fred Smith and President Ramos in my 1965 Ford Mustang convertible to witness the landing of that very first FedEx aircraft, signaling the start of full FedEx operations. We even climbed into the cockpit and posed for photographs. It was one of the proudest moments of my life.
A few years later, newly elected
Loans… Exports…
“The year-to-date total value of exports, that is, from January to May 2025, amounted to USD34.20 billion. This represents an annual increase of 10.8 percent from the year-to-date total export value of USD30.87 billion in January to May 2024,” PSA noted.
“I wanted to share a personal observation, based on what some analysts of US import patterns have also noted. It appears that the uptick in exports shipped to the US from January to May this year may be attributed to frontloading of export orders in anticipation of the impending reciprocal tariffs announced by President Trump,” Former Tariff Commissioner George N. Manzano told the BusinessMirror in a Viber message on Friday.
For his part, Michael L. Ricafort, Chief Economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the weaker peso exchange rate against the US dollar in recent months could have made Philippine exports more competitive/cheaper from the point of view of international buyers.
Ricafort also noted that the increase in the country’s exports could be pointed to the “frontloading of some Philippine exports for the various global supply chains before Trump’s higher US import tariffs take effect.”
President Estrada signed his first administrative order removing me as Chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). On February 06, 2009, FedEx pulled out of Subic.
The night the last FedEx plane left Subic, I drove down from Manila just to wave it off—and cried again.
To me, it was never just about logistics or contracts. It was about building a new Philippines— a country that could finally do things right. It was a sincere effort to show what Filipinos can achieve when we work together. The FedEx story was a huge boost in national morale and reinforced my faith that the Philippines can prevail.
Fred Smith believed in Subic— and he humbly came over to see for himself. He understood the hard work, the tribulations, and the hope. He saw what we were capable of and stood with us.
I sincerely commiserate with the family of Fred Smith on his passing. In the years we hadn’t seen each other, I always hoped we’d meet again to relive the great memory that was Subic.
He will be sorely missed. Fare thee well, Fred.
Protesters
At the same time, Manzano explained, “The originally proposed 17-percent reciprocal tariff on the Philippines did not fully materialize. Instead, following the 90-day pause initiated on April 9, a flat 10-percent tariff was applied during that period.”
PSA data showed Philippine exports to the US grew by 9.1 percent to $5.38 billion in the January to May 2025 period from the $4.93 billion in the fivemonth period in 2024.
With this, the US remains as the top export market of the Philippines, accounting for 15.7 percent of the Philippines’s $34.20-billion outbound shipments in the five-month period this year.
Meanwhile, the data also showed that with exports posting a 15.1-percent growth and imports contracting 4.4 percent in May 2025, the country’s trade deficit narrowed by 30.4 percent. The BoT-G in May 2025 amounted to $3.29 billion. In April 2025, the trade deficit narrowed 15.9 percent, while the deficit widened 7.4 percent in May 2024.
The PSA data also showed that in May 2025, the country’s total external trade in goods amounted to $16.99 billion, which indicates an annual increment of 2.7 percent from the $17.40-billion total external trade in the same period of the previous year.
In April 2025 the total external trade in goods recorded an annual increase of 1.2 percent, while an annual decrease of 0.4 percent was registered in May 2024.
the BSP said.
“Similarly, the q-o-q changes in nationwide loan availments for houses reflected the trend observed in all housing types, with only Metro Cebu recording an improvement,” it added. Meanwhile, nationwide loan availments declined for real-estate loans. The number of RRELs availed across all types of housing units in the Philippines contracted 1.9 percent in the first quarter of the year.
The BSP said lower nationwide total was driven by the 3.3-percent decline in Areas Outside NCR (AONCR), which outweighed the 2-percent increase in the NCR.
“This aligns with the outcome of the Q1 2025 Consumer Expectations Survey (CES), which showed consumers’ more pessimistic view on buying a house and lot during the period,” the BSP said. However, BSP said that within AONCR, annual loan trends were mixed. There were fewer loans booked in Other Areas in the Philippines and Balance GMA at 2.2 percent and 11.1 percent, respectively, and higher loan take-up in Metro Cebu and Metro Mindanao at 50.1-percent and 0.8-percent, respectively.
in Manila, 5 continents seek global financial system change
Continued from A1
from economic downturns to climate change. The problem of debt accumulation is systemic and demands no less than a systemic solution, which is an overhaul of the international financial system.
Establishing a UN Debt Convention is a key step in that direction,” said Rovik Obanil, secretary general of the Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC). He added that Southern governments are also complicit in implementing onerous debt conditionalities, and urged the Philippine government to stop paying “illegitimate debts” such as debts bankrolling fossil fuel projects.
Accompanying the calls for debt justice were calls for increased taxes on the rich and an end to il-
licit financial flows. The world loses an estimated USD492 billion in revenue yearly as corporations and wealthy individuals use tax havens to hide their wealth, said the protesters; half of those losses, they claimed, are enabled by the eight countries opposing the UN Tax Convention: the US, UK, Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
“Our world needs a massive transfer of resources from the rich to the poor, from North to South, and taxation is one of the most direct and transparent tools we have to make this happen. Taxing excessive wealth and ending tax abuse aren’t just about generating revenue for development, it’s about redistributive justice,” said Luke Espiritu, labor leader and president of Bukluran ng Manggaga-
wang Pilipino (BMP). He added that increasing taxes on elites and corporations should not be seen as permission to continue economic injustice: “These taxes must be accompanied by structural change that will facilitate the end of excessive wealth accumulation and profiteering.” Despite contributing the least to the climate crisis, people in developing nations face the harshest economic impacts, as extreme weather events deplete their financial resources and deprive them of funds for essential social services. In 2024, agricultural losses due to El Niño in the Philippines cost P15.3 billion. This year, the Philippine government has allocated an unprecedented P1 trillion of its national budget to mitigating and adapting to climate change.
According to Lidy Nacpil, climate activist and coordinator of the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development: “The people of the Global South have suffered enough injustice at the hands of the Global North. Why should the Filipino people pay the price for climate change, when we and the people of other Global South countries have done so little to cause it? Under the UN Climate Convention, Global North governments have an obligation to provide the Global South with trillions of public, unconditional, and non-debt-creating climate finance—yet they continually refuse to do so. Climate finance is a matter of survival for countries like ours, and we are here to demand the reparations we are rightfully owed.”
Former senator Richard J. Gordon, who as chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) oversaw the difficult transition of transforming the biggest of US baselands—Subic—into a major Philippine economic zone,
FORMER senator Richard J. Gordon shares a lighthearted moment with the late FedEx founder Fred Smith, whose belief in Subic’s potential helped transform the former US naval base into a global logistics hub.
DOTr inks deal with US govt for Subic-ClarkMla-Batangas railway
By Lorenz S. Marasigan
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr)
said on Friday it has signed a technical assistance agreement with the United States government to push forward the development of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway.
The deal was formalized through the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and the Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr), with the US government committing support for the railway’s technical design and planning.
“The Philippine government extends its gratitude to USTDA for their technical assistance in developing the Subic-ClarkManila-Batangas Railway. This railway will not only decongest the Manila Port but will also connect the seaport to Subic Bay and Batangas Port,” Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said.
The SCMB Railway, estimated to cost over $3 billion, will span roughly 250 kilometers, connecting the country’s key maritime gateways—Subic Bay, Clark Freeport, the Port of Manila and the Port of Batangas.
Once operational, it will serve as the backbone of a unified logistics corridor for freight cargo, improving the movement of goods and easing the burden on Metro Manila’s road and port networks.
“As a freight cargo railway, the SCMB Railway, is seen to solve port traffic and congestion in Manila Port, while ensuring
the timely movement of products to and from adjacent major transport hubs,” Dizon said.
USTDA will fund technical assistance focused on developing a transport model, integrating port and rail systems, and analyzing legal and institutional frameworks for the project.
Thomas R. Hardy, acting director of USTDA, said the partnership reflects the strategic importance of infrastructure cooperation between the two countries.
“By supporting the development of the SCMB Railway, we are ensuring that key infrastructure will flourish, increasing economic cooperation to develop an essential trading route that will mutually benefit American and Philippine citizens,” he said.
Special Assistant to the President Frederick D. Go emphasized the project’s alignment with the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative, saying the railway is expected to drive investments, boost trade efficiency, and generate quality jobs.
“We are grateful for the support in advancing this crucial infrastructure project, which will drive economic growth by improving connectivity between major ports and industrial hubs along the Luzon Economic Corridor. Once operational, the SCMB Railway will attract investments, create new opportunities for businesses, and most importantly, generate quality jobs that will benefit millions of Filipinos,” Go said.
Economic team clears ‘26 national budget of ₧6.793T
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
THE country’s economic managers have approved the record-high 2026 national budget, set to be submitted to Congress in August, aimed at sustaining growth amid fiscal pressures.
During the 191st Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) meeting, the proposed 2026 national budget of P6.793 trillion, equivalent to 22 percent of GDP, was approved.
Next year’s budget is 7.4 percent higher than this year’s P6.326-trillion budget.
“[This reflects] the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth while maintaining fiscal discipline,” DBCC Chairperson and Budget Secretary Amenah F.
Pangandaman said.
Pangandaman said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) received a total of P10.1 trillion agency budget proposals, following its budget call for 2026.
But with the tight fiscal space and the objective of gradually reducing the budget deficit, the DBM will stick to its expenditure program of P6.793 trillion.
“With limited resources, we focused on prioritizing programs and projects that deliver
measurable impact, aligned with our national goals, and are ready for implementation. We also carefully evaluated agencies’ absorptive capacity to ensure effective utilization of funds,” Pangandaman said.
“This year’s budget also prioritized proposals under the Three-Year Rolling Infrastructure Program and the Program Convergence Budgeting framework,” Pangandaman added.
“Anchored on the theme, Nurturing Future-Ready Generations to Achieve the Full Potential of the Nation, the FY 2026 National Budget prioritizes human capital development by prioritizing investments in quality education, healthcare, and workforce upskilling,” Pangandaman said.
Continued investments under the Build Better More Program and the government’s digital transformation agenda are also supported by the budget, to align with the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028.
In addition, the 2026 budget incorporates key measures targeted at strengthening climate and disaster resilience, enhancing social protection and advancing the devolution of basic services to local governments.
“By nurturing futureready generations through coordinated policy implementation and strategic investments, the government is committed to reducing poverty to single-digit levels, creating quality jobs, safeguarding macroeconomic stability, and ultimately achieving our Agenda for Prosperity in the Bagong Pilipinas—even amidst global uncertainties,” Pangandaman said.
The proposed 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) is targeted to be submitted to Congress in August. The NEP will be the basis of the general appropriations bill, which upon its enactment, becomes the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
DepEd stresses zero tolerance for ‘pay-for-positions’ schemes
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
STRESSING their zero tolerance policy on “pay-for-positions” schemes, the Department of Education (DepEd) has reiterated that positions in the department are “earned,” not bought.
In a statement on
Leyte is more than just San Juanico or Yolanda–execs
SBy Bernard Testa
AN Juanico Bridge, the iconic Eastern Visayas bridge undergoing rehabilitation, is not totally shut off; its load is just being closely monitored to avoid accidents, Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla clarified on Friday.
“It is a misconception that the bridge is not passable.”
The governor said during the Tacloban-Leyte Route Story Conference and media tour.
The sorry state of the bridge has been a cause for widespread
concern, because it is used for commerce to transport vital goods as well as people between Leyte and Samar. As a result of the severely constricted flow of supplies, there have been reports of profiteering among traders.
The provincial government of Leyte told visiting media, however, that the LGU has simply regulated the passing of vehicles, with only 3 tons or a small car or a van with 4-6 passengers allowed.
If a vehicle is more than 3 tons, some passengers will have to alight and will be shuttled on
between Leyte and Samar.
The iconic bridge, built during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., will undergo its second phase of rehabilitation.
Leyte, officials said, is not just a 2.6-km San Juanico bridge, which several netizens had compared to San Francisco’s Golden Gate bridge in a viral post.
It is a story of people, beyond what happened in Yolanda. That super typhoon in November
Thursday night, DepEd strongly condemned all forms of corruption involving appointments, promotions, and designations within the agency.
“All personnel movements in DepEd must be strictly based on merit, fitness, and competence in accordance with the civil service laws, rules, and established procedures,” DepEd said, reiterating its commitment to upholding integrity, professionalism, and fairness in all processes.
It warned that any act of soliciting, offering , or receiving money, favors or undue advantage, in exchange for an appointment, promotion, or reassignment is a grave offense. “These are punishable under the law, including bribery and Republic Act No. 3019 [Anti -Graft and Corrupt Practices Act], and will result in administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions,” the DepEd added.
Five Decades Strong: Suzuki PH reinforces role
By John Eiron R. Francisco
Sin local mobility industry
See “DepEd,”
WILSON UY, Leyte Provincial Board Member, Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla, Leyte
Tourism Consultant Frances Ann Petilla, and Steve Dailisan, Air Asia Communications and Corporate Affairs Head, brief media visitors to Eastern Visayas. BERNARD TESTA
US lawmakers to Pentagon: Explore setting up ammo factory hub in Subic
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
AMERICAN lawmakers are urging the US Department of Defense to explore the possibility of establishing a joint ammunition manufacturing and storage facility with the Philippines in Subic Bay.
The Defense Subcommittee of the US House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee recently submitted its report on the Department of Defense’s 2026 budget.
The report expressed concern over the “lack of forward-staged ammunition manufacturing and storage facilities” in the IndoPacific region. Currently, the primary source
of U.S. military ammunition is domestic suppliers, such as the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Missouri.
“The Committee directs the Department of Defense to assess, in coordination with the Department of State and the International Development Finance Corporation, the feasibility of establishing a joint ammunition manufacturing and storage facility at the United States Naval Base Subic Bay,” the report stated.
As the war between Ukraine and Russia drags on, concerns have been raised over the shortage of critical ammunition components and the vulnerability of the US military supply chain.
Committee members believe that a manufacturing and storage
Napolcom orders probe
facility in Subic would enable the forward staging of ammunition stockpiles and related materials such as nitrocellulose, nitroglycerin, and acid.
While the US military produces its own ammunition, it also imports raw materials used to make gunpowder, propellants, and explosives. One source of imported nitrocellulose, or guncotton, is China.
The committee also directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide an update on the progress of the feasibility study within 60 days of the enactment of the proposed 2026 US DoD budget.
Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales was formerly the site of a US Navy base, the largest outside the US mainland. In 1992, the facility was closed
into cops’ role in 100 cockfight enthusiasts’ disappearance
THE National Police Commission wants an urgent, full investigation into the possible role of police officers in the disappearance of more than 100 cockfighting enthusiasts.
Atty. Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan, Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer of Napolcom, directed the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) to conduct the motu proprio investigation, days after the Justice department declared it was seeking the Supreme Court’s help in probing the possible role of rogue judges in
the disappearance of ‘sabungneros.’
Calinisan said in a statement on Friday that Napolcom will not hesitate to remove from service any police personnel found to have colluded with the group allegedly responsible for killing the victims and dumping their bodies in Taal Lake, located in Batangas.
At the same time, Atty. Calinisan called on the complainant—or any other complainants—to file a formal complaint with Napolcom to expedite the resolution of the case,
in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).
Calinisan said: “I am appealing to Alyas Totoy to appear and submit his Complaint Affidavit with the Napolcom, so we can investigate and hear this case with absolute dispatch. There needs to be swift justice, and we will not hesitate to dispense swift justice.”
“To clarify, the case to be filed with the Napolcom, if any, would be an administrative one, to
determine the fitness of the policemen involved to remain in police service. In the event that they are deemed liable, the Napolcom may impose suspension, demotion, or even dismissal from the service against erring cops.”
Atty. Calinisan added. This development follows revelations made to the DOJ by a witness, identified only by the alias “Totoy,” who linked certain police officers, a security guard from a cockfighting arena in Manila, and a showbiz personality allegedly connected to the mastermind behind the crime.
3 suspects in theft of cables for NCAP nabbed–MMDA
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
THREE suspects in stealing fiber optic cables used for the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) along Edsa-Guadalupe footbridge in Makati City were arrested, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Friday.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes l commended the Makati City Police Station for their swift action after the incident occurred on June 20.
The MMDA discovered the theft on June 24 after the CCTV cameras mounted along Edsa-Guadalupe footbridge began emitting a humming noise and were disconnected.
Stolen cable wires were allegedly sold to several junkshops with an estimated value of P104,000.00. Investigation also revealed that the suspects returned to the Guadalupe area to steal fiber optic cables again but failed to notice the patrolling police officers at the overpass.
Recovered from them were assorted cut-off electrical wiring and several cutting tools.
The suspects have undergone inquest proceedings and are currently detained at Makati City Police Station.
The MMDA will directly coordinate with the Philippine National Police—National Capital Region Police Office (PNP-NCRPO) to ensure that the incident will not happen again.
The agency warned those who may attempt to tamper with public infrastructure that this act is illegal and punishable under the law.
following the termination of the US Military Bases Agreement.
Amid growing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines and the US agreed in 2023 to include Subic Bay as one of the sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca), allowing the Pentagon to preposition American troops and military equipment there.
Last year, the Philippine Congress passed a law aimed at stimulating the domestic defense industry by offering tax breaks and financial support to local arms manufacturers.
In March this year, Defense Secretaries Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Pete Hegseth issued a joint vision statement to “strengthen defense industrial resilience to advance regional and economic security and mutual prosperity.”
They identified nine “priority areas with the greatest potential for near-term cooperation,” including ammunition components and energetics— which involve storage, all-up round production, and logistics.
The other eight priority areas for urgent military cooperation are:
n Production and logistics for unmanned systems
n Refinement of critical minerals
n Logistics support
n Ship maintenance and repair
n Airspace integration
n Additive manufacturing (3-D printing)
n Aircraft maintenance and repair
n System components and spare parts production
DTI adopts int’l benchmark for safety of portable power banks
By Andrea E. San Juan
IN an effort to curb rising global batteryrelated incidents in portable power banks, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is adopting a global safety standard for portable power banks that will serve as the Philippine National Standard (PNS) by August 2025.
The Philippines’ Trade department revealed this in a statement on Friday, explaining that this will be the “formal benchmark” for manufacturers to ensure consumer safety.
“The move aims to establish the relevant international standard as the national guideline. While compliance remains voluntary, the DTI strongly encourages the industry to align their products with this updated safety framework.” DTI noted.
For her part, Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque said “With the growing use of power banks and the global surge of battery-related incidents. . .we must ensure that only safe, reliable, and high-quality power banks and batteries reach our customers.”
The Trade chief also stressed the need for
“proactive steps” to prevent such accidents from happening.
DTI said this initiative was the focus of a recent forum organized by DTI and the global safety organization UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE).
The DTI’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTIBPS) led the conference, which gathered 88 stakeholders, including local manufacturers and key agencies like the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
During the forum, experts detailed the technical aspects of the UL 2056 standard, which covers the design, construction, and testing of power banks to minimize fire and electrical risks.
Moving forward, Roque said DTI is committed to “advancing the battery sector by strengthening local manufacturing, and fostering strategic partnerships that prioritize innovation, safety, and consumer protection.”
The DTI-BPS, as the country’s National Standards Body, develops and promotes such standards to guide local industries in improving product quality and competitiveness.
Time BusinessMirror Our
Govt pilots Unified PWD ID System to curb fakes and boost accessibility
By Marita Moaje
ANILA—The
Mgovernment is rolling out starting next month the Unified Persons with Disabilities (PWD) ID System in 35 towns and cities across the country.
In an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Monday, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Executive Director Glenda Relova said this is to eliminate fake PWD IDs, promote inclusivity, and improve legitimate PWDs’ access to benefits. The NCDA is an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“The purpose of the Unified PWD System is for us to have only one design, only one issuing authority so that once our persons with disabilities carry this ID, there will be no more questions or no need to verify it if the ID itself does not really say that they are real persons with disability,” she said.
Currently, Relova said each local government unit (LGU) has its own design of the PWD ID, making it difficult for establishments to identify which is real or fake. She said the Unified PWD System will now have a single issuing authority and be equipped with safety features.
Relova said the Unified PWD ID comes in both a physical and digital form, which may be downloaded.
She said the physical ID, which also contains a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, would be delivered within three months. This setup aims to prevent forgery, with materials and technology that are difficult to replicate. The ID system is also integrated with the National ID and e-verifier systems, enhancing inter-agency authentication and data consistency.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) are part of the technical working group overseeing the implementation, along with DSWD, the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
NCSC empowers seniors through livelihood, reskilling partnerships
By Wilnard Bacelonia
MLost tax revenues due to fake PWD IDs
RELOVA said that in 2023 alone, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) estimated a loss of P88.2 billion in potential tax revenues due to fake PWD IDs. The new system is designed to plug these leaks by ensuring only verified individuals can receive disability-related benefits and discounts.
She said there would be a central database that would be connected with the National ID and the e-verifier.
“So when a person with disability provides this ID, the probability is high or almost 100 percent that they are truly authentic. So, the previous tax leak of P88.2 billion in 2023 will be eliminated here,” Relova said.
Strict medical validation TO register, applicants must submit valid documentation of their disability.
For visible physical disabilities, inperson assessment may suffice, but for non-apparent conditions such as psychosocial or mental disabilities, certifications must come from licensed specialists. Relova said the DOH would come out with an updated category of disability as well as a list of experts allowed to certify.
Among the 35 pilot sites are several towns in Pangasinan, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Metro Manila, Bicol, Aklan, Bukidnon, Cotabato, as well as areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. PNA
Weverywhere now. Just a few years ago, I didn’t know what “samgyupsal” meant but now it props up frequently in conversations and chats of urban Filipinos. In these establishments, a customer can treat himself to unlimited servings of diverse dishes (from appetizer to dessert) for a set fee, which per my calculation is equivalent to the combined price of three or four dishes in a regular restaurant.
While conventional restaurants do not have the same eat-all-you-can offerings, they entice customers with their own come-ons such as unlimited rice, unlimited drinks and even free, unlimited soup as one street food retailer proudly announces.
Not to be outdone, fast food joints tout their oversized burgers, oversized
chicken, oversized drinks, anything that is sized up just to pique customers with big ravenous appetites. As I quietly observe customers go in and come out, I can’t help but give a little reflective attention to this phenomenon as an amateur sociologist.
Why is the idea of having it all without limit so irresistible to so many? Why are people so drawn to “excess” or “unlimited” as a come-on like a Pavlovian bell?
Whatever happened to our natural moderating mechanism called “humay” (over-satiety)? Or as one passerby of a smorgasbord diner was overheard saying to his companion: “Wala na bang kabusugan ang mga ’yan?” (will they ever be satisfied?).
I wonder why there is always a beeline to these establishments because as one regular customer admits that he is never able to eat all the array of dishes because he easily feels full after a while, and in one telling comment, he says “the food tastes bland.” Is it simply a case of what we natives call “takaw mata” (hungry eye)? Maybe. I know that feeling because as a child in the province I couldn’t finish all the food on my plate during local fiesta celebrations when food on the table was abundant.
But Filipinos are not the only ones who go smorgasbord crazy. Have you
ANILA—The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) is accelerating efforts to empower older Filipinos through partnerships that promote livelihood, reskilling, and economic inclusion.
Speaking at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program on Wednesday, NCSC officer-in-charge Mary Jean Loreche said the commission is working closely with the Department of Tourism, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and private group SM Cares to provide work and entrepreneurial opportunities to senior citizens across the country.
“Our President says senior citizens, as pillars of our nation, should continue to be productive and must be part of the country’s economic
46K Davao
DBy Che Palicte
revolution,” she said.
NCSC has inked an agreement with DOT to allow seniors to be tapped for jobs in tourism-rich areas as heritage site guides and in hospitality services.
TESDA, in turn, will handle training needs for those seeking retooling or second career, while SM Cares has agreed to support product marketing and explore hiring slots in its business networks for qualified seniors.
The NCSC also plans to launch a community-based food preservation enterprise in Kidapawan City in Co -
tabato, utilizing local fruit harvests and empowering seniors to participate in micro-entrepreneurship.
Loreche said there are no age limits under the program.
“We only require two things: that they are able and capable. And third, that they are willing,” she said.
Among the skills programs being developed are those in dairy production, agribusiness, and food processing, with pilot implementations set in the National Capital Region, Cebu,
and Kidapawan.
On top of economic initiatives, Loreche underscored the importance of promoting mental wellness and social inclusion, with communitybased care centers offering programs such as “Indak” (a form of dance therapy), aimed at preventing dementia, and digital literacy sessions in coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, all of which are targeted to start August this year. PNA
Oriental seniors get ₧137-M DSWD cash aid
AVAO CITY—Some 46,000 indigent senior citizens from Davao Oriental received P137 million worth of financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Davao (DSWD-11) in a payout conducted from June 16 to June 20.
In a statement Monday, the agency said each qualified beneficiary received P3,000 as assistance earmarked for their medical and daily needs.
The DSWD’s Social Pension Pro -
seen that disgusting video showing a group of Asian tourists at a buffet in Thailand pushing and shoving each other and using plates like a shovel to scoop food onto their already overfilled plates? Another shocking video shows the same thing inside a luxurious cruise ship, as hordes of unruly guests from an Asian country rushed towards the food counters all at the same time, and in an instant the restaurant found itself with nothing more to serve. The part that makes me boil with anger is that after the guests had left, waiters found so much lobsters, oysters and meat dishes on the tables, left uneaten.
Thinking more about it, eat-all-youcan is to me just one face of a mindset that is creeping into our way of life. The other side is take-all-youcan attitude.
One distressing example is a lamentable development in our politics today in which the prevailing mantra seems to be “there’s no success like excess.” We taxpayers are just discovering that confidential funds (meaning hidden from public eyes) amounting to millions and billions have all these years been continuously funneled to the offices of certain politicians who were deemed untouchable, privileged and entitled. That’s the analogical equivalent of a free pass to an eat-all-you-can diner until “sawa.”
gram is one of the agency’s initiatives that provides monthly financial assistance to indigent senior citizens to meet their basic needs,
the same family. How about wife and husband running for mayor and vice mayor in tandem while a son is vying to be councilor? A variation is two in-laws running against each other for the city’s top position. “Pakyawan na,” as we say in our lingo. “Delicadeza” has left the halls of political governance. The word “kapalmuks” has lost its sting.
Even when stealing people’s money, it pays to do it in a big way. Low level government employees are sentenced to years in prison while cases involving high level officials embroiled in multi-million scam projects using government funds have been dismissed over time.
The sad truth is nothing we have
including food, medicine, and other necessities.
“We encourage qualified senior citizens to contact their local Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) to be assessed and included in the list of beneficiaries in the next payout,” the agency advised.
Jeremias Adapon, one of the beneficiaries from the town of Governor Generoso, thanked the government for the assistance, noting that it is a significant help for him, especially in purchasing his maintenance medicine. “Not only for my medicine needs, I can also buy food for
deprivation. It could be that at some point in his life, an individual didn’t get enough of what he needed such as food or money, and the impulse to hoard, to take everything within his grasp is an attempt to fill this hole.
I have a relative who had a deprived childhood and now that he has acquired some measure of wealth, he is making up by pampering himself and his kids with high-priced possessions and ostentatious lifestyle.
Then what about the hoarding of power and privileges in the hands of a few political families? Even seemingly decent, respectable politicians who should know better are now scooping all the available positions for members of their families. Consider a province where candidates for governor, vice governor, and representative come from
on our plate will ever be enough. More and more Filipinos get caught up in a cycle of wanting more—more money, more mansions (the bigger, the better), more houses, more SUVs, more vans, more trips to Japan and Europe, more extravagant and lavish wedding receptions in upscale island resorts.
At what point do we hit the pause button? Do we even remember what having enough feels like? Is having too much no longer enough?
I am no sociologist or psychologist, but it probably stems from a sense of
It could be rooted deeply in our mindset of “salat” (scarcity). It is a fear that there’s a limited amount of good stuff in the world and that we must take as much as we can at a cost to someone else. In simple terms, me first before anybody else. A sociologist I once read attributes it to the time when the Japanese took over the country. Hoarding and stealing was the norm, because everything was scarce. People grabbed at everything and anything to be able to survive. That era of “salat” has remained embedded in our cultural DNA and partly explains the Filipino’s impulse towards plundering, hoarding, and amassing as much of the good things as he can at the expense of others. Ever present is the deep-seated fear of being left out or ending up with nothing (“mauubusan tayo, wala nang matitira sa atin.”)
So, before our society becomes fully trapped in the samgyupsal or take-allyou-can hole way of life, we need to rise above the “salat” mindset. We can choose to go the other way by developing a mindset of “sapat para sa lahat” (abundance for all.) “Sapat” attitude is realizing that there is more than enough to go around, that true joy does not have to come from acquiring and ac-
my family,” Adapon added. To qualify for the Social Pension Program, applicants must be frail, sickly, or disabled senior citizens without pensions from the Social Security System, the Government Service Insurance System, or other government or private pensions. Additionally, applicants lack a stable income, compensation, or financial support for their basic needs.
DSWD-11 urged seniors or their relatives to submit valid documents showing the birthdate or birth certificate of the senior to the nearest OSCA or other related agencies. PNA
cumulating more. As my father used to admonish us during our growing years: “Huwag mong punuin ng pagkain ang plato mo, huwag kang magmadali, para ka na namang mauubusan.” (Don’t overfill your plate with food, no need to eat in a hurry, the food won’t run out.) A simple shift and practice can help you reframe our thinking from “salat” to “sapat.” Instead of wanting more, why not slow down and savor more. Go for a deeper experience of what you have whether it’s food, clothes or beer. For instance, my wife and I go to a regular restaurant so we can choose a certain soup or dish which we deeply satisfies us, instead of an array of dishes that drown each other’s taste. Another practice of “sapat” is giving and sharing. It tells your mind, “I have enough to spare that I can give
AN elderly male at a charity shelter in Quezon City in this photo taken on March 15, 2025. The National Commission of Senior Citizens has identified several programs to empower the elders through
PHOTO from DSWD-11
Innovative refrigeration solutions, other AI advancements at Samsung Electronics’ SEA Tech Seminar
SAMSUNG Electronics Co. Ltd. brought together over 40 journalists and influencers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam at the Business Experience Studio in Bangkok, Thailand for the 2025 Southeast Asia Tech Seminar to showcase its latest advancements in home appliances.
During the seminar, Samsung demonstrated how the company is using its expertise in AI to help improve the lives of its users with smarter, more connected experiences across its appliance and mobile portfolio.
“We are continuously exploring new ways to enhance user convenience by creating seamless synergy across our products,” said Daren Tay, vice president, and regional head of digital appliances for Southeast Asia and Oceania, Samsung Electronics.
As he welcomed us, Tay said, “Through the Southeast Asia Tech Seminar, we aim to showcase the depth of our technological capabilities in detail and further strengthen the trust consumers place in our appliances.”
This was not the first time I had seen some of the innovations but Samsung Electronics unveiled new things that will change the way people manage their homes. Some of the innovations have already been featured in a recent Samsung event but the seminar offered a more comprehensive look at the design and technology in the featured appliances.
The seminar showcased Samsung’s commitment to making home living easier and more intuitive as emphasized by the brand’s “AI Home” vision, which focuses on the four key pillars of Ease, Save, Care, and Secure. As one of the seminar presenters explained it, Samsung’s goal is to bring appliances that are easy to use, save time and resources, smart, and deliver all these in a platform that is safe and secure.
Samsung showcased new products that provide a more enhanced AI home experience with touchscreens in products like the Bespoke AI Family Hub, side-by-side refrigerator, and washer-dryer. We also saw Samsung’s air conditioners and vacuums.
SCREENS EVERYWHERE
ONE of the highlights of the seminar was the upgraded AI Home display, a smart screen now available across more Samsung appliances. This display enables users to access functions, view personalized information on their Daily Board, and manage their home using Map View. The screen also connects third-party devices via SmartThings,
COMPANIES URGED
eliminating the need for a separate hub.
Other seminar high points were the Samsung AI home ecosystem and SmartThings Map View feature, which allows users to check and control home appliances inside their house and IoT devices such as lights and switches. Other AI features showcased during the seminar included Bixby’s Auto Open Door, which can easily open one side of the refrigerator door by voice and the AI Custom Wash, where AI washes laundry as per the weight and type of laundry. Also highlighted was the AI Energy Saving Mode.
Bixby voice assistant now includes Voice ID so the system can recognize individual users registered in advance, sync personal calendars, and even mirror Galaxy smartphone accessibility settings for better visibility. Users can now also access new SmartThings services such as Family Care which alerts family members of inactivity or unusual patterns, while being secured by Samsung Knox.
At the seminar, Samsung put the focus on its new global refrigerator lineup, which brings to life the “Screens Everywhere” vision that was first unveiled at CES 2025. The refrigerator lineup sees the debut of the 9-inch AI Home display and improved AI Family Hub experiences.
Samsung’s new refrigerators include the intuitive 9” AI Home screen and 21.5” Family Hub screens, which are designed to enhance four key areas of daily life: Food, Home, Family Communication, and Entertainment. Food, the first category, is powered by the upgraded AI Vision Inside, which adds four more food items to the list it can recognize, now totaling 37. Because of this innovation, the refrigerator’s screen now has the ability to provide tailored recipe recommendations and meal planning.
The innovations have given the refrigerator the power to be a central hub capable of controlling connected appliances throughout the entire home. With the integration of Map View, homeowners can monitor and control Samsung appliances and even third-party smart home devices like lights and smart plugs. There’s also SmartThings Energy, which helps users track and optimise their energy consumption, facilitating greater efficiency in everyday life. The
intuitive display provides users with access to a great deal of information about their home, with users also being able to issue voice commands through Bixby. Meanwhile, the new Daily Board feature keeps users informed and connected as the refrigerator screen delivers real-time updates throughout the day. These updates can range from the weather to energy consumption reports. To be continued...
Make your dreams come true with accessible cash
loans from Skyro, DITO
WHETHER it’s starting a home renovation project, funding your business or education, or simply purchasing the latest gadget, it’s now easier to fulfill goals, thanks to the partnership of Skyro, one of the fastest-growing financial technology companies in the country (www.skyro.ph), and DITO Telecommunity, the fastest-growing telco in the country (www.dito.ph). The partnership allows DITO subscribers to apply for a Skyro cash loan directly through the DITO App.
“We’re excited to team up with DITO to make our affordable and flexible loans even more accessible to more Filipinos. Now, their subscribers can easily finance essential purchases or take steps toward achieving their life goals and dreams,” said Alexander Lelyanov, Skyro head of direct sales. Likewise, Jasper Evangelista, DITO director of brand and marketing, highlighted the shared commitment of both companies to empowering Filipinos.
“Our mission is to empower Filipino communities through next-gen technology and digital services. Partnering with Skyro would help us bridge underserved sectors to the digital world, unlocking new opportunity pathways, driving progress, and transforming lives.” Applying for a cash loan via the DITO App is simple. Just download the app for free on Apple Store for iPhone and iPad users, or Google Play for Android users. Inside the app, subscribers can find the Loan feature where they can fill out the loan application form. Qualified borrowers can get approved within minutes, with funds credited instantly to their preferred bank or e-wallet. To qualify for a Skyro
ID, or Postal ID. Skyro’s partnership with DITO further strengthens the fintech company’s mission of helping Filipinos achieve their dreams or facing life’s twists and turns by bringing financial support, resilience, and reasons to celebrate—from small wins to a brighter tomorrow. Currently, Skyro serves over 700,000 active loan customers nationwide.
TO ADOPT CERTIFIED DATA ERASURE PROTOCOLS; DIGITAL MARKETING FIRM TO ENABLE COMPANIES TO STAY VISIBLE
THE Philippines continues to face significant challenges in
in
tools that permanently erase data and produce tamper-proof certificates for regulatory audits. ITSDI was recognized as Blancco’s 2024 Distributor of the Year for Southeast Asia for its leadership in integrating data erasure into risk management frameworks. The National Privacy Commission (NPC) attributes these breaches partly to negligence and outdated data handling practices, including improper data sanitization and disposal. In response, the government has strengthened regulatory enforcement under the Data Privacy Act, imposing fines up to three percent of a company’s gross annual income and penalties reaching P1 million for violations, including improper data disposal that can lead to imprisonment. Meanwhile, local digital marketing company Truelogic recently launched a new service designed to help brands stay visible and competitive. As AI-generated answers— called AI Overviews—take up more space in search results, businesses that rely on web traffic must quickly adapt or risk being left behind.
According to its latest study, “Navigating Google’s AIEnhanced Search,” AI-generated answers are now appearing in more Google Search results than ever before. From 6.5% of Google searches in January 2025, it reported that it had grown to 13% by March. Some
BusinessMirror
Winning approach to online games with Infinix GT 30 Pro
FOR regular readers of this column, you might’ve noticed a pattern as our recent coverage has been packed with gaming phones. I’m not sure if June will become gaming season moving forward, but what is certain though is that it’s not just a trend but a reflection of how much our digital lifestyle has changed.
There was a time when gaming phones were a niche within a niche. Think Nokia N-Gage, Xperia Play, or those chunky RGB-lit monsters built more for showing off than actual daily use. But those days are behind us. Gaming isn’t limited to gamers anymore. It’s how we pass time in traffic, how we connect with friends, and how we shake off the day. Whether you’re trying to win a ranked match in Mobile Legends, hustling through five apps while stuck in Edsa traffic, or just refusing to let a lag spike ruin your day, performance is king.
That’s where the Infinix GT 30 Pro comes in. It doesn’t just look the part, it plays the part with its All Day 120FPS System that delivers fluid, uninterrupted gameplay, keeping frame rates stable even during the most demanding sessions. No stutters, no slowdowns, no heat spikes that cut your momentum. Just consistent performance, every match, every scroll, every task.
PERFORMANCE: BUILT TO CARRY FOR gamers, “carry” means taking the lead, lifting the team, and refusing to fold under pressure. It’s the role reserved for the most reliable player, the one who clutches the win when everyone else is down.
That’s the kind of performance the Infinix GT 30 Pro is built to deliver. This isn’t just a phone that runs games—it carries matches, multitasking loads, and daily life without dropping a frame.
At its core is the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate, a 4nm chipset tuned for competitive gaming and efficient thermal control. It’s paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, expandable to 24GB via memory fusion, and UFS 3.1 or UFS 4.0 storage (depending on the variant). This setup allows the GT 30 Pro to load fast, switch between apps seamlessly, and hold peak performance even under pressure. That stability is backed by the GT Cooling System 2.0, which combines a 4323.76mm² vapor chamber and 11000mm² of phase-change graphene to keep
internal temperatures in check. An AI-powered thermal algorithm helps sustain high frame rates without throttling. This underpins what Infinix calls its All-Day Full FPS System, a platform designed for extended 120Hz to 144Hz gameplay sessions with zero compromise on smoothness or response.
The performance package expands further with the GT Magnetic Cooler and MagCase, bundled out of the box. These aren’t aesthetic gimmicks—they actively offload heat and enable 30W magnetic wireless charging, while Bypass Charging 2.0 sends power directly to the motherboard during gameplay to minimize heat build-up in the battery.
And unlike phones that claim high frame rates but don’t deliver in real-world gameplay, the GT 30 Pro is certified for 120FPS+ on Mobile Legends, PUBG, Call of Duty Mobile, and Arena of Valor. These frame rate unlocks are officially supported—not tweaked workarounds—ensuring smoother animations, tighter control windows, and a legit edge in ranked matches.
CONTROLS: TOUCH, TAP, AND TRIGGER WITH INTENT
WINNING in mobile esports is also about control and the Infinix GT 30 Pro doesn’t just respond to your touch; it anticipates it. Whether you’re landing flick shots in Call of Duty Mobile or chaining skills in Mobile Legends, precision matters. That’s why the GT 30 Pro is equipped with the GT Trigger. These capacitive shoulder buttons are integrated into the phone’s chassis, giving you console-like control without cluttering your screen. Mapped to in-game actions like aiming, shooting, or quick-switching items, the triggers let players adopt advanced fouror six-finger setups with zero need for third-party accessories.
Backing this up is a 2160Hz instantaneous touch sampling rate, which ensures every swipe, tap, or drag is registered with near-zero latency. The GT 30 Pro’s touch layer reads your movements like a pro teammate. Paired with a 6-axis gyroscope and an X-axis linear motor, the phone delivers tighter gyroscopic control and haptics that provide tactile feedback with every reload, hit, or interaction. Infinix rounds it all out with XArena Game Space, a dedicated command center for gamers. It lets you tweak performance profiles, block distractions, and monitor temps, frame rates, and CPU usage in real time.
DISPLAY AND AUDIO: SEE THE PLAY, HEAR THE PRESSURE
THE Infinix GT 30 Pro has an 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display that doesn’t just look good, it reacts fast.
At the top end, the screen supports a 144Hz refresh rate, which means animations are smooth and tracking targets mid-fight feels fluid. The 360Hz
touch sampling rate ensures that the moment your finger moves, the display responds, crucial when milliseconds mean the difference between victory and respawn. To further that immersive experience, Infinix brings serious firepower with dual stereo speakers tuned by Hi-Res and DTS certification. Whether it’s enemy footsteps approaching from behind or the rumble of an ultimate ability charging, the directional sound helps you react faster. It’s not just louder—it’s clearer, layered, and positional. There’s also AI noise reduction for voice chat, so your calls and game comms cut through background clutter. With the Infinix GT 30 Pro, you get a setup that will keep you immersed, aware, and one step ahead because seeing clearly and hearing everything can be the edge that wins the fight.
BATTERY AND CHARGING: FULL THROTTLE, ZERO INTERRUPTIONS
SERIOUS gameplay doesn’t pause for low battery warnings. The GT 30 Pro runs with a 5500mAh battery, but it’s not just about capacity—it’s about how that power is used, stored, and delivered. When it’s time to recharge, 68W wired fast charging can bring the battery from 0 to 50% in under 30 minutes. For users who don’t want to be tethered, 30W magnetic wireless charging via the bundled GT MagCase is a rare feature at this price point.
Then there’s Bypass Charging 2.0, a pro-grade feature that sends power directly to the motherboard instead of the battery during gameplay. The result? Reduced heat buildup, less battery strain, and smoother long-session performance without mid-match throttling or battery swelling issues.
MORE THAN JUST SPECS
with up to 3X lossless zoom and a versatile 0.6X–10X range, allowing both casual users and photography enthusiasts to shoot stunning, high-resolution images with ease. There’s also an 8MP ultra-wide lens that lets you capture more in every frame, ideal for dramatic landscapes or group shots in tight spaces.
THE GT 30 Pro doesn’t shy away from making a statement. Its Cyber Mecha Design 2.0 is a nice upgrade from its predecessor, featuring a clean yet aggressive aesthetic with exposed lens rings and a custom Mecha Loop LED Interface on the back. The RGB lights sync with system states, notifications, and even game triggers, offering a bit of personality and practical utility.
On the software side, it runs on XOS 14 based on Android 14, with a cleaner interface, fewer pre-installed bloat apps, and a focus on smoother animations. Infinix has also been rolling out more frequent OTA updates, indicating stronger long-term support.
For its cameras, you get a 108 MP main camera
On the front, a 13MP selfie camera delivers sharp, detailed portraits with natural colors, so you always look your best whether you’re snapping a quick selfie or video chatting on the go.
Final word: For a device packed with high-end specs— 144Hz AMOLED, Dimensity 8200 Ultimate, GT triggers, magnetic cooling, wireless charging, RGB lighting, and 120FPS certification—the Infinix GT 30 Pro resets expectations about phones in this price range. With a starting SRP of P13,999, it’s definitely one of the most aggressively priced gaming-ready phones in the market right now. In a world where performance isn’t optional, and every second counts, the Infinix GT 30 Pro isn’t just playing catch-up. It’s carrying the win.
If Energy Star goes away, finding energy efficient appliances will be harder. Here are some tips
TWINSBURG, Ohio—When Judy Sautner recently walked into Power Appliance, a store in a southeastern suburb of Cleveland, she had one goal in mind: replace her daughter’s broken dryer with something that worked and didn’t break the bank.
“I wasn’t really worried about all the bells and whistles,” said Sautner.
Jay Buchanan, the store’s owner, said many customers are like Sautner, and what they are looking for frequently ends up being an appliance with the Energy Star symbol.
The US-based program claims that its blue seal of approval on efficient appliances saves households an average of $450 on their bills per year. Since its launch in 1992, Energy Star appliances have also prevented 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, the main cause of climate change.
But the program’s future is unclear. The Environmental Protection Agency has announced an agency reorganization plan that would eliminate its Energy Star offices. That would make it more difficult for customers to find energy efficient appliances.
Here is a look at Energy Star along with tips to find energy efficient appliances if the program goes away:
■ HOW ENERGY STAR WORKS. Energy Star is a voluntary labeling program. The EPA sets energy efficiency standards for various machines, and then
companies that produce them can try to hit or exceed those standards. If they do, they get the Energy Star sticker certifying it works as well as a standard product and uses less energy.
Companies are incentivized to make products that earn that sticker because state and local utility rebate programs, along with federal tax incentives, base qualifying appliances on the program. Consumers who want to save money through incentives and lower gas and electric bills know to look for it. And according to the program’s website, roughly 90 percent of households recognize the symbol.
Qualifying specifications vary depending on the appliance, but requirements include the amount of energy consumed when a machine is turned off, the inclusion of a low-power or “sleep” mode and a minimum efficiency rating when it’s operating.
■ IF ENERGY STAR GOES AWAY. Finding and buying energy-efficient products without that certification wouldn’t be impossible, just difficult, said Elizabeth Hewitt, associate professor of technology and society at Stony Brook University.
“You have to become a really savvy shopper,” she said. It would mean consumers searching for, say, a dishwasher, would have to put together a list of options, gather specifications that come with each product, compare them, and recognize which
numbers indicate that the dishwasher is energy efficient.
Specifications for a washing machine, for example, might include how many clothes can fit in a load, the gallons of water per load and the electricity required to run a cycle, while a furnace’s specs focus on how good it is at converting energy into heat, how much of that heat leaks and how well its fan does at blowing hot air into the house.
Converting all those numbers into a single seal of approval would be complicated.
“Unless they’re deep into analytics, they’re not gonna freakin’ know,” said Buchanan. Buchanan said his customers usually ask for help finding energy efficient appliances. So if that seal of approval disappears, it’ll change his life more than the lives of his customers. He said he’ll have to do the work to figure out which appliances will save on energy bills.
■ TIPS FOR PICKING APPLIANCES. Many utilities are incentivized to help households and businesses buy efficient appliances.
If Energy Star were to go away, utilities would need to figure out a new way of determining which appliances qualify for their incentive programs, said Mark Kresowik, senior policy director with the nonprofit American Council for an Energy-Efficient
Economy. Calling and asking them about qualifying appliances would be a good place to start, he said.
Consumer Reports, an organization that does independent product reviews, can provide information about appliances and their performance, although it requires a subscription to access some of its more detailed information.
The Consortium for Energy Efficiency, a collaboration with primarily utilities, has its own energy efficiency standards. Right now those standards are designed with Energy Star in mind, but Kresowik said incentive programs could shift to using product specifications.
The fate of Energy Star is still uncertain. The broad reorganization at the EPA reported last month would eliminate or reorganize large parts of the offices that keep the program running, but the EPA has not directly confirmed a plan to shut it down or provided a timeline.
Regardless of what happens to Energy Star or what appliances are bought, Stapleton said consumers always have agency to use products in an energyefficient way, such as washing clothes in cold water or avoiding the water-heavy dishwasher settings. It always helps to choose the right sized products.
“Maybe I don’t need the largest microwave that’s on the market,” he said. AP
HOW DO YOU MEASURE 27 YEARS?
How Do You Measure
A tribute to a woman who redefined the meaning
By BJ Borja
‘F
IVE hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes… How do you measure, measure a year?” Every time I hear those words from the song “Seasons of Love” from the musical Rent, I am moved. It’s the kind of question that theater asks so beautifully - deeply, achingly. It is a question that echoes louder the more you live.
As a theater arts practitioner and advocate, I’ve spent years measuring life in acts, in monologues, in applause, in silence, in the light that falls on stage, and in the stories that unfold behind the curtain – that is how I’ve learned to see the world, not just through events, but through emotions.
And so, when I try to make sense of the 27 years of public service by Marlyn Belizario AlonteNaguiat, Len Alonte to most of us - my friend, my ally, my inspiration - I do not look at statistics. I look at the people. I look at hearts moved. I look at the lives changed.
Because that is how my Ate Len has always served. Not through performance but through presence. And through something even more enduring of all: Love.
ACT I: WHEN PURPOSE FINDS
YOU Len Alonte’s story didn’t begin with power. It began with the people through keen observation and empathy.
Long before she became the first woman mayor of Biñan, the first city mayor, and eventually the first representative of Biñan’s congressional lone district, she was a young girl with a clear sense of duty and compassion. She found herself drawn to community work early - first as a councilor, then as a vice mayor. Accident as everyone would say, but I am quite sure it was a calling. She served as one of the youngest councilors of her time, she was 23, she launched programs focused on youth engagement, livelihood training, and education access.
She empowered the unheard. She gave platform to the overlooked. Even back then it was clear, Len wasn’t interested in politics for position. She was in it for the people, for the service.
I first saw her judging for a beauty pageant in my elementary school. She was already a familiar face because I’ve been seeing her campaign posters everywhere: “Lenlen Alonte para Konsehal”, her face was so small and her skin as white as milk. Fast forward to August 7, 2005, I established the Biñan Youth Performance Council (YPC), a community theater that empowers young people to discover their voices, express their truths and create meaningful change through the performing arts. I needed a uniform shirt for their Christmas presentation. I asked for Vice Mayor Len’s help. One night, she called using her personal number: “BJ, si Lenlen ito. May request ka na tshirt para sa mga bata? Ano kaya ang mga sizes nila, magdi-Divisoria kasi si mama bukas.” That basically started everything. A year after, she was our special guest on our first anniversary. She gave us a very special gift, a guitar - “Para sa mga bata, para mag-practice silang tumugtog.”
ACT II: THE TRAILBLAZER
Then came the milestones that would shape the future of Biñan.
Len became Vice Mayor, where she pushed for stronger local legislation and governance reforms that prioritized health, welfare, and disaster resilience. And in 2010, she made history by becoming the first woman mayor of the richest municipality in the Philippines, and later, as its first city mayor, leading the critical years when Biñan was transitioning into cityhood.
Her vision is to change the
status of Biñan from being a municipality into a city. The transformation of a municipality into a city is more than just a change in status, it is a milestone of growth and potential. It often means better access to national funding, improved infrastructure, more jobs, and stronger local governance. Personally, it reflects the collective progress of the people, their hard work, unity, and vision for a better future. It is about giving the community a bigger voice, greater opportunities, and a stronger identity.
During her tenure, Mayor Len led Biñan through a period of significant, results-driven progress that touched key sectors from health to education, infrastructure, and community empowerment. The centerpiece of her administration was education, with the revitalized Iskolar ng Biñan (InB) program supporting over 5,000 students annually. Another priority was health through the Health Assistance Program for Indigent Families (HAPI) Program, which aided many to pay hospital bills. Alongside this, she empowered barangay health centers, and expanded maternal and child care services. This initiative directly benefited thousands of underserved families, improving access to essential healthcare. Infrastructure projects saw targeted investments in flood control, road development, and public transport, addressing critical needs that enhanced both safety and mobility for residents. She also emphasized inclusive governance by organizing sector-specific groups such as Kababaihan at Kabataang Unlad Biñan and the Gay Alliance for Len Alonte, ensuring that diverse community voices are represented in decision-making. Culturally, the institutionalization of the Puto Latik Festival preserved local
Len Alonte is a loving daughter to Former Mayor Arthur Alonte and Mrs. Fe Belizario Alonte, and she's also a devoted sister - grounded by family, guided by love.
Measure Love? meaning of leadership
track record and deep roots in the community made her not just a candidate, but the rightful and resounding voice of Biñan.
In Congress, she brought Biñan to the national stage, proving that local leadership can resonate nationally. As Deputy Speaker of the 18th Congress, she helped shape key legislative priorities, amplifying the concerns of Biñan and similar growing cities. Now, as Chairperson of the Committee on Ecology in the 19th Congress, she champions critical environmental policies, including sustainable urban development and climate resilience. Her presence in these leadership roles reflects both her legislative competence and the trust she commands among her peers, making her a powerful advocate for Biñan on the national front.
As a legislator, Congresswoman Len leads with both heart and vision. She has championed free college education, knowing how life-changing it can be for young Filipinos. She stood behind the Mental Health Act, recognizing the emotional struggles of many, especially the youth. Her advocacy for women and children goes beyond protection, she pushes for laws that empower them economically and safeguard their future. During the pandemic, she supported small
business recovery, believing in the resilience of local entrepreneurs. Passionate about culture and identity, she helped pass the Creative Industries Act and successfully corrected Biñan’s Liberation Day to its rightful date, February 3. She continues this work with proposals to designate Biñan’s Heritage District as a National Historical-Cultural Heritage Zone, and to make the role of Tourism Officer mandatory in every local government unit –ensuring that local history and talent are never overlooked.
Through policy and purpose, she continues to shape a future that is inclusive, empowered, and culturally rooted. And still, she comes home to Biñan like clockwork. In evacuation centers during storms, in classrooms with students, in health centers with mothers and newborns - she was there.
In 2019, we flew to the U.K. to catch the Spice Girls’ reunion concert – something that had been on my bucket list for years (along with watching a West End play of course), and I am very happy to have shared it with my Ate Len. While we were there, we visited St. Andrews University in Scotland. Her son was scouting potential schools for a college scholarship. As we strolled through the campus, we stumbled upon a building with signage referencing to public governance and administration. Ate Len, ever the encourager, turned to her son
and said, “You might like it here.” Without missing a beat, he gently replied, “No, if I become a public servant, I might not have time for my family.” She didn’t respond. She just looked at me with eyes full, but silent. I knew that look. Her son had said nothing wrong, it was simply a truth, spoken plainly. But still, it must have stung because public service has asked so much of her. And yet, what struck me most was not the hurt, but the grace. Ate Len has been blessed with a family that understands the weight of her calling, and has chosen quietly and patiently to carry it with her. That moment in Scotland was a quiet reminder: behind every devoted public servant is a family making their own quiet sacrifices. And that kind of love? That’s what truly keeps a leader going.
ACT IV: THE WOMAN BEHIND THE PUBLIC SERVANT
But here’s what I will always treasure the most. Beyond the titles and beyond the podium, I’ve known her as a friend. And let me tell you, she is generous in a way that makes you want to be better. Generous not just with money or time, but with presence, with compassion, with joy. I’ve watched her quietly pay for medical bills. I would never forget how she extended help to pay a gracious amount of my mom’s hospital bill, and I am forever grateful for that. I’ve seen her send groceries
and medicines to people who didn’t even ask for them. She even gifted someone with a laptop to help him with his online classes. I’ve received late-night messages of encouragement and jokes when I didn’t even know I needed them. She remembers birthdays. She celebrates small victories. She mourns quietly with those who grieve.
She’s “Cong. Len” to many, but to us close to her, she’s first and foremost a daughter, a sister, a wife, and a mother. She’s a proud daughter of Papa Arthur and Mama Fe – deeply devoted, especially to her father, former Mayor Arthur Alonte. Tito Arthur’s legacy to her isn’t just political, it is personal. You can still see how his values and quiet strength guide her, like a compass she always carries with her. She’s a sister to Mayor Gel, Admin Cherry, Doc Arlene and Kuya Mar – always there for the whole family, whether it’s a quick check-in, a long conversation, or simply showing up when it matters. She’s a partner to Kuya Steve – grounded, loyal, and steady through all seasons. And she’s “Mama” to Nico and Bel. No matter how packed her schedule is, she makes time for what matters. She cheers for Bel at swim meets. She shows up for Nico’s concerts, fully present, quietly proud. It’s not just actually about making appearances, it’s about showing her kids that they will always come first. That is Len, a woman of many titles but at the
heart of it all, someone who shows up with love, and leads with it too. I once asked her, “How do you do it all?” She smiled, shrugged, teary-eyed she said, “Because this is what love looks like.”
ACT V: THE NEXT ACT:
PRESENTING ALAGANG LEN You’d think 27 years in public service would earn her the right to rest. But not my Ate Len. She’s not leaving public service entirely. She’s simply changing costumes. Shifting scenes. But the story continues. When she turned 50 last year, she founded Alagang LEN (Livelihood, Education and Nutrition), a non-government organization that will continue the advocacies closest to her heart. What she built in government, she’ll be carrying forward in civil societywith the same fire, the same heart. Through Alagang LEN, she will continue medical missions, scholarships, community-based feeding programs, and women’s livelihood support, all while remaining a mentor to those already in or entering the public service. In theater, this is what we call a “legacy act”. The one that matters most. Because when the lights dim and the curtain falls, what’s left is not the applause. It’s what you leave behind for others to aspire and learn from.
THE CURTAIN CALL
“Measure your life in love.” That’s what the song says. That’s what Ate Len has done. So how do you measure 27 years? In lives touched. In programs that changed destinies. In firsts broken for the sake of many. In children who dream because of a scholarship. In mothers who feel safe. In communities lifted by hope. In friends who were never left behind. In love. Always, always in love. Len Alonte is not just a politician. She is a trailblazer, a woman of immeasurable grace, a force, a true and forever public servant. She may be stepping off the official stage for the first time in 27 consecutive years, but the standing ovation is only beginning - her legacy slowly unfolding, the seeds she planted gently growing. And for as long as stories are told, we will remember this one. Because Len’s life is not measured in years, it is measured in love.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR: BJ Borja is 2023 Distinguished University of the Philippines (UP) Alum-
Loved by Biñanenses for her genuine care and tireless service, Len Alonte will always have a special place in the hearts of those who truly love Biñan.
Len Alonte (middle), together with Congressman-elect Atty. Arman Dimaguila (left) and Mayor-elect Gel Alonte (right), proudly stood at the Senate
Learning recovery targeted within Marcos Jr. administration–DepEd
THE Department of Education (DepEd) aims to resolve the country’s longstanding learning crisis before the end of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s term.
DepEd made the pledge after the United Nations Children’s Fund or UNICEF warned of the widespread post-pandemic “learning crisis” in the Philippines.
He also cited the conduct of summer programs to help learners catch up.
In Quezon City, the local government unit highlighted its learningrecovery program addressing the needs of around 5,000 learners who require remedial and tutorial classes until 2028.
“We launched a learning recovery program, [as we have a recovery trust fund],” Mayor Josefina “Joy”
“We can manage it, [but we need action],” Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said in a media interview. “[We] have the leadership of the President; he has promised to devote resources to it.” Angara said a learning crisis describes the students’ inability to learn at the right grade level. He reiterated the President’s earlier calls to “focus on the basics” to help non-readers and students struggling with numeracy catch up.
Benilde becomes the country’s pioneer Adobe Creative Campus
REINFORCING its commitment to innovation, creativity and digital fluency in higher education, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) has been officially recognized as the first Adobe Creative Campus in the Philippines.
According to officials, the recognition enables DLS-CSB entry into a global network of forward-thinking institutions that prioritize creative learning and digital empowerment in various fields. It reflects the college’s ongoing technology-integrating efforts that enrich the academic experience and prepare students for a rapidly changing professional landscape.
With the collaboration, the Benildean community now has full access to Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Express—platforms that support a wide range of creative pursuits spanning design, video, photography and multimedia communication. These tools enable students to explore and present ideas in professional and compelling ways across disciplines.
“More than a provider, Adobe has been a key partner in shaping creative leaders, empowering our students to explore, express and bring their ideas to life with confidence,” said Benilde Chancellor Benhur Ong.
As a Creative Campus, Benildeans can imagine freely, design thoughtfully and create work which truly reflects who they are and what they stand for.
Dean Maria Sharon Mapa Arriola of the School of New Media Arts noted that
AND PUBLICATIONS
“students from business, management, diplomacy, governance and [other programs] can now explore, experiment and present work…that are clear, creative and unique.”
Beyond just having access to software, Arriola added that “it’s about helping our students find better ways to express themselves, share their ideas and present their work with confidence and creativity—no matter what field they’re in.”
Students and faculty can also earn Adobe-certified badges which recognize their ability to use digital tools creatively and effectively. These credentials strengthen both academic and professional portfolios, regardless of discipline.
Adobe’s Southeast Asia Head of
Education Titu Minhas introduced the Adobe Creative Campus program and outlined its key benefits such as global recognition, academic collaboration, and access to professional development resources such as webinars, self-paced courses and exclusive institutional events.
Meanwhile, Adobe’s Enterprise Sales Account Manager Esther Ong Khong Lee also emphasized Benilde’s designation as reinforcing its identity as a creative, future-ready and globally connected institution.
Adobe’s Southeast Asia Senior Solutions Consultant Albert Goh capped the program with a live demonstration of Adobe Firefly, as he showcased certain features that are now part of the evolving creative toolkit.
UST Publishing House titles, authors featured in world’s largest book trade fair in Germany
BOOKS from the UST Publishing House (USTPH) were included in the National Book Development Board’s (NBDB) official catalogs for the Frankfurter Buchmesse (FBM) —the world’s largest book-trading and rightsselling fair in Frankfurt, Germany. As part of the official Philippine delegation to the fair, USTPH Director Benedict Parfan participated in the Asia Stage panel discussions. He joined University of the Philippines (UP) Press’ Loren Agaloos, Hong Kong University Press’ Michael Duckworth, and National Taiwan University Press’ Wei-Han Yvonne Chen in a conversation titled “How Free Is Academic Publishing in Asia?” The panel discussed challenges each press faces and how they navigate politically complex environments.
Parfan also led the session “Freedom to Publish, Freedom to Read: Banned Books in Asia,” where speakers from the Philippines, Singapore, Egypt and India shared examples of subtle and overt censorship experienced in their regions.
Several USTPH authors were also present in their various roles as creatives, speakers, cultural workers and publishing professionals: Jose Dalisay Jr., Ambeth Ocampo, Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, Anril Tiatco Pineda, Andrea Pasion-Flores, Khavn dela Cruz, Edgar Calabia Samar, Kristian Cordero, Angelo Lacuesta, Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta and Eric Zerrudo who is the executive director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, which provided grants for local delegates. Thomasian publishers Nida Ramirez
of Avenida Books and Jun Matias of Lampara Books also represented their respective publishing houses at the fair.
“Meanwhile, the NBDB is offering translation grants to encourage foreign publishers to consider Filipinoauthored titles.”
Associate Professor Chuckberry J. Pascual of UST’s Department of Creative Writing—himself a USTPH author and delegate to Frankfurt—said the country can learn from South Korea, which successfully globalized Korean culture with strong government aid.
Pascual said writer Han Kang won the Nobel Prize because of her talent and the Korean government’s Literature Translation Institute which is dedicated to translating Korean literature into various languages, particularly English.
Belmonte said in a separate interview. “We work with the private sector. They donate to this trust fund.” Under the program, retired teachers and returning overseas Filipino workers or OFWs are being hired to aid non-readers and non-numerate learners catch up. Some 2,000 learners are now being “brought up to speed” in terms of reading and numeracy.
Health-care services in school ALSO, DepEd launched healthcare services to benefit teachers and learners at the Esteban Abada Elementary School in Quezon City, in partnership with the Department of Health and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
About 500 beneficiaries were given free check-ups, consultations, health advice, and diagnostics services, as they received medicines and other items.
Besides these, learners were also offered free registration to PhilHealth, making them accessible to the Konsulta program and other health packages. Under Konsulta, learners and teachers will be enrolled in the health insurer’s National Health Insurance program, which will grant them access to check-ups, laboratories and preventive health services.
In May, DepEd inked a deal with PhilHealth to include the education sector in the continuous implementation of the Universal Health Care Law.
Stephanie Sevillano/PNA
‘Pisay’ Mindanao alum earns 2 Yale degrees, heads to Columbia U for Particle Physics PhD
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
AGRADUATE of the Philippine Science High School–Central Mindanao Campus (PSHS-CMC) recently earned two degrees from Yale University. The “Pisay” based in Lanao del Norte honored Nathan Wayne Ariston—its first alumnus from the prestigious Ivy League institution in Connecticut, USA, where he finished as a cum laude with double degrees in Intensive Math and Intensive Physics.
After spending four years at Yale, Ariston is now back in the Philippines—but not for long…
In an interview with BusinessMirror , Ariston revealed that in two months, he will return to the United States to pursue a PhD in High-Energy Theoretical Physics at Columbia University.
High-Energy Theoretical Physics—or Particle Physics— studies the basic nature of matter and energy. (Think Angels and Demons or The Big Bang Theory : Terms like particle physics, antimatter and dark matter often come to mind.)
Ariston’s road to the Ivy League began unexpectedly. It all started, he recalled, with “a very kind ate ”—a fellow Filipino scholar from the University of California-Berkeley whom he met during the International Chemistry Olympiad in high school.
Ariston recalled her saying: “‘Wayne, you have sound credentials; why not apply to American universities?’ I had no idea it could be a thing,” admitting he was initially unaware of such global opportunities.
With “Ate Keren’s” guidance, he applied and was accepted to Yale and several other institutions. The prestigious university offered full scholarship covering tuition fees, housing and even annual flights.
The grant, valued at around $70,000 to $90,000 (roughly P4 million to P5.13 million) per year, made all the difference. Ivy League dynamics, intellectual heights ARISTON shared that he started “adulting” early. At just 12 years old, he left home to attend high school which was six hours away.
“My biggest sacrifice was learning to handle life on my
own,” he shared.
That independence prepared him for life in the US.
While Yale’s academic rigor was well-known, he realized it wasn’t too much of a leap coming from Pisay—as he believes many of his batchmates could have also thrived at the Ivy League institution.
Socially, however, the environment was more challenging. Having experienced culture shock, he noted that more than half of Yale’s students came from the Top 1 percent of US wealth bracket.
Eventually, he found his community among “first-generation and low-income” students, or “FGLI,” and bonded closely with his American roommate.
Asked how he adapted and earned high marks, Ariston said “getting Latin honors [wasn’t] such a big deal, since many professors are generous with grades.”
Yale’s GPA cutoffs are: 3.99 for summa cum laude , 3.95 for magna cum laude, and 3.90 for cum laude —awarded to the top 15 percent of the class.
More prestigious than the Latin honors, Ariston received these accolades: the “Howard L. Shultz Prize,” “Distinction in Physics,” and “Distinction in Mathematics.”
He was also inducted into two elite honor societies: Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Pi Sigma—both of which recognize academic excellence.
His most profound learning experience came from taking a graduate-level Quantum Field Theory course as an undergraduate. This class sparked his passion for research and cemented
his direction in the field.
Each summer, Ariston pursued research opportunities— not just at Yale, but also in Munich and Tokyo.
He said that being surrounded by brilliant scientists and professors “is the real perk. That is my network.”
Further, he explained that one need not enroll in Yale to study physics: “What truly matters are the people and environment that fuel intellectual growth.”
Columbia U THIS August, Ariston will begin his doctorate at Columbia University.
He clarified that in US physics programs, students can go directly into a bundled track: “It’s a unique setup: After five years, you’ll get both master’s and doctoral degrees.” After that, it’s likely more studies for him: one or two postdoctoral fellowships, before qualifying as a full-time university professor.
Asked why he chose this path, Ariston shared his inquisitive nature: “I’ve always asked questions, like: ‘What is a plant made of? Organic compounds. What are those made of? Matter. And what’s matter made of?’ I’m just naturally curious.”
To him, the elegance of physics lies in how a handful of theories can explain vast complexities: “That’s beautiful. Theories themselves are beautiful.” He recognizes that his chosen field is highly theoretical, with little immediate application: “It’s like Einstein’s Theory of Relativity—applied to space tech only a hundred years later.”
Paying it forward COMMITTED to empowering Filipino scholars, Ariston is an active member of CAUSE Philippines—an organization led by Filipino students in the US to mentor others aspiring to study abroad.
He began offering guidance during his freshman year, encouraging others to aim high. His advice: “You have to start somewhere—that’s by believing in yourself.”
The Pisay alumnus emphasized the importance of mentors: “It really helps to have someone, like my mentor from UC Berkeley, who believes in me, too.”
Editor: Mike Policarpio
EDUCATION Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara (center) joined Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa MD and Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte (to his right) during the medical checkup of students and teachers at the Esteban Abada Elementary School in Bagong Bantay, Quezon City on June 18. PNA/ROBERT OSWALD P. ALFILER
DEAN Ma. Sharon Mapa Arriola
ARISTON
Tourism&Entertainment
Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan
STORIES, SWEETS AND SILK
Why captivating Mysuru is a must-visit in India
ONE of the most charming little cities in southern India is Mysuru, also known as Mysore. Located in the state of Karnataka, Mysuru was the seat of power for the Kingdom of Mysore ruled by the Wodeyar Dynasty from 1399 to 1950.
With a population slightly above one million, Mysuru is one of the greenest and least chaotic cities in India that has not changed much over the years. There are no tall, modern buildings and the atmosphere is slow and relaxed. With its royal heritage, Mysuru has palaces and historical sites the speaks of its past as a kingdom and then a British colony.
Mysuru is also the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga, a more intense and physically demanding style of yoga. Many Ashtangis, especially teachers, make their way here to broaden their practice, with over 300 yoga shalas in Mysuru. I’m not really keen on practicing Ashtanga Yoga so I kept this off my itinerary. What adds to the charm of Mysuru are the stories that enrich one’s visit to the city’s treasures. I will try to intersperse these stories with the must-see sights and must-do experiences in Mysuru.
Mysore Palace
THE second most visited attraction in all of India after the Taj Mahal, the palace is a colossal, Indo-Gothic masterpiece by British colonial architect Henry Irwin, constructed from 1897 to 1912 at a whopping US$30 million (or about US$1 billion today).
Like many other palaces across India, Mysore Palace has been converted into a museum though the former rulers of the Kingdom of Mysore, the Wodeyar family, continue to live there.
The Wodeyars, the richest royal family in India, did not have blood heirs in the direct line of succession for over 400 years, with the heirs-apparent adopted from the ruler’s siblings or cousins. Legends say that when the Wodeyars invaded the Vijayanagara Empire
in 1612 AD, their queen, Alamelamma cursed the Wodeyar kings to never have any children before she committed suicide.
Generations of Wodeyars worshipped Alamelamma as a deity, and in 2017, the curse seems to have been lifted with the current head and his wife blessed with a baby boy. Inside the palace, two preserved elephant heads greet all visitors—heads of mammoths that were hunted and killed after running amok and attacking villagers. The walls are painted with murals that depict festivals and other milestone events in the former kingdom. Each room is filled with priceless antiques, mementos and gifts to the family. There is a ballroom with intricate handmade tiles and stained-glass ceilings, gilded pillars and archways; and an ornate, turquoise-blue open-sided public Durbar Hall where the Wodeyar king meets the public during special occasions and festivals. These magnificent rooms are still used for that is used for weddings and other private family functions (the Wodeyars retain the right to close the palace to tourists).
At night, the palace façade is sight to behold, illuminated with over 100,000 lightbulbs. While there’s a fee to enter the palace, admission to the grounds and the adjacent temples are absolutely free.
Lalith Mahal Palace WHEN in Mysuru, a visit to the palaces is a must! The Lalith Mahal Palace has been converted into a luxury, heritage hotel (and yes you can stay here), but it’s just as easy to visit, see the common areas, and have a cup of chai.
One of the most imposing structures in Mysuru, the Lalith Mahal was built in 1921 and fashioned after St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Built to host VIP guests by the Mysore kings, the all-white exterior and dome gives it a regal feel, while the interiors are a cross between an English Manor Houses and an Italian Palazzo.
While parts of the palace have been rundown over the years, but it still feels like a step back into the European colonial era.
Jaganmohan Palace BUILT in 1861 in the traditional Hindu architectural style, Jaganmohan Palace is now home to over 2,000 works of art, including the Wodeyar art collection, rare artifacts and antiques.
But the building itself is its own work of art with intricate carvings and dramatic angles that create a play of shadows and light.
St. Philomena Cathedral
WITH its 175-feet-tall spire, St Philomena’s Cathedral is one of tallest churches in Asia.
Designed in neo-gothic style, the church was originally built in 1843 for the British East India Company soldiers. Later, the Wodeyar ruler of that time managed to acquire a relic of St Philomena, the patron saint of infants and those seeking intercession for impossible or hopeless cases, and decided to renovate the church to become grander (while praying to a Catholic saint to help break the family curse).
The relics of St Philomena are still housed in the church to this day, with thousands flocking to pray and seek intercession for a ‘mission impossible.’
BATANES DEEP DIVE Out of the way, out of the ordinary
BATANES is on top of every Filipino’s bucketlist. It is a photographer’s dreamland and the only province whose entire area is declared as Protective Landscape and Seascape. Being the northernmost province and under the typhoon belt has isolated this picturesque place. This isolation has added to its appeal as a destination for “quality” tourists towards the aim of sustainable tourism.
Ivatan Resiliency
BATANES is home to the proud Ivatan people, an Austronesian ethnolinguistic group native to the northernmost islands of the Philippines. They are among the few communities with well-preserved pre-colonial culture. They take pride in their land and culture, even passing laws to regulate ownership of land exclusive to Ivatans or by marriage to an Ivatan. The Ivatans are renowned for their resiliency in light of numerous disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes. To withstand the harsh and unpredictable weather, they built houses made of stone, lime, wood, and thatch roof of cogon. To protect their food supply, they plant root crops and preserve fish. They adapt to survive and that includes storage of basic supplies especially fuel thereby, literally, saving them for the rainy days.
Longer Summers OVER the years, maybe because of climate change, Batanes has been experiencing longer summers. There are now organized tours to North and South Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat, three of the only inhabited islands. The Tourism Promotions Board in coordination with Itbayat, Batanes LGU conducted a Responsible Local Tourism and Marketing workshop focusing on Destination Resiliency.
North Batan Tour TRAVELLING on Philippine Air Lines via Clark, we arrived at Basco, the province’s capital, and headed to Residencia du Basco, a wellmaintained hotel with a swimming pool. Basco, and the rest of the province, is clean with nary a scattered garbage and no beggars.
Our first stop in our North Batan Tour was the Mt. Carmel Church. This beautiful stone church on a hill was built in 2008 and has been a popular wedding venue. Next we went to a PAGASA weather station which was considered the northernmost reference point. Unfortunately, the Doppler weather radar was destroyed in a storm. Along the way, we noticed hedgerows which are a badge of wild shrubs and trees which function as borders of properties. Fences are also built on roads not just to delineate the boundaries but to prevent cattle and horses from escaping.
On our way to the Japanese tunnel, we saw a massive Idjang which are terraced and defended settlements on elevated terrain. Mt. Iraya, Batanes’ highest mountain, was within sight. Cruising down, we stopped at Valugan Boulder Beach for some photo-ops and our first try at an honesty store. Batanes is a mountanous province and the Vayang Rolling Hills is a perfect example. One of the highlights of the North Batan Tour was a visit to Naidi Lighthouse in Basco. This was built in 2003 and is a popular tourist attraction. There is a viewing deck where you can see the main island from end to end.
Our last stop for the North Batan Tour was the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, commonly known as Santo Domingo de Guzman Parish Church and Basco Cathedral. This was built by the Dominicans in 1783. According to our tour guide, Batanes is 97% Catholic. Dinner was at Jessica’s Place for Ivatan cuisine.
Crossing Itbayat THE next day was Itbayat day. We have heard of waves as high as houses on the way to Itbayat but we were lucky to experience a relatively calm sea. Our first stop was at Mauyen Cliff and Port. I saw three horses romping around the hilly grassland and thought they were wild horses but were actually privately owned. We had a break at Cavaywan Lake for some photos and drone
Chamundi Temple
PERCHED at the top of Chamundi Hill, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Chamundeshwari, who, as legend tells, slayed a demon to free the kingdom. Built in the Dravidian style, the temple is said to be over 1,000 years old and most pilgrims walk up over 1,000 steps barefoot from the base of the hill to get there. People pray to this goddess to ward off evil or bad omens in their lives,
Brindavan Gardens
A POPULAR setting for many Bollywood films, the gardens are terraced and laid out symmetrically. Designed by designed by famed German botanist Gustav Hermann Krumbiegel in the 1920s, some parts of the garden have seen better days and need to be rehabilitated. Despite that, the gardens remain an idyllic setting to sit back and really take in what slow travel means. At night, the fountains come alive with a light and sound show, cued to Indian hits.
Devaraja Market and Mysore Pak
IT’S just like any other market where one can buy fruits, meat and other goods, except
shots. The last but most difficult part of the tour was Umawen Arch. One had to gingerly walk down the steps to see the natural formation of the Umawen Arch. We capped the day with a rustic dinner at Pagsit Farm. Our last day in Itbayat was the most exciting. Our guide kept telling us a trip to Itbayat was not complete without a visit to Rapang Cliff. Convinced, we trekked on an open trail amid a landscape and seascape of towering cliffs. When we reached the vantage point, I spent a few minutes enjoying the moment, a little teary-eyed. After lunch at Pagsit Farm, we proceeded to Tachimus Point where everybody took turns in posing on a windswept tree. Most important in the itinerary was Torongan Cliff and burial mound. The Torongan Cave was the first landing site of the Austronesians. The burial mound was boat- shaped and was evidence of a maritime society. We drove to Mt. Carobooban, the highest point
that this one is 139 years old and is subject of a public appeal to save it from demolition, citing cultural heritage and its importance in the lives of Mysuru’s residents.
But what makes this market even more special is that this is where you can get one of the best mithai, or sweetmeats from India—the Mysore Pak. According to stories, the Wodeyar king during the early 1900s was craving for something sweet and a palace cook had only three ingredients to work with at that time— gram flour, sugar and ghee (clarified butter). The cook experimented with different ratios and cooking times and methods until he came up with the consistency and flavor that made the famous Mysore Pak.
The descendants of this cook opened Guru Sweet Mart in the 1940s and remains to this day one of the oldest sweet shops in Mysuru. They have no other branches or distributors and their shop in the market is the only place you can get their sweets. At any given time, there is always a line of people waiting to get their hands on freshly-cooked Mysore Pak.
There are other shops that also make this sweetmeat (I found a shop in Chennai that makes a good one), but nothing packs
in Itbayat, where there is a view deck where you can see the other islands.
South Batan Tour THE following day, we were headed back to Basco but the boat trip was delayed and all flights going back to Basco were cancelled.
So, on our last day, we squeezed in the South Batan Tour.
We passed by Chawa View Deck on our way to the famous Racuha a Payamani where we chanced upon a “Post Nuptial” ceremony. We went past San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel, Alapad Hills, and Loran Station. I just loved the Song song ruins in a quaint village. Everybody had a compulsory selfie pose at the window of the House of Dakay. What a
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a sugar punch like the OG Mysore Pak from Guru Sweet Mart. spent a couple of days in Mysuru and soon it was time to continue with the rest of my trip to south India. But before leaving, there are two other things you must get in this city—silk and sandalwood.
Mysore silk SILK has been produced in Mysuru for hundreds of years and the fabric is unique and controlled by the government to prevent counterfeiting. Renowned for its smooth texture, vibrant colors and supple feel, the silk fabric can be made into skirts, tops or even shawls. The shops can tailor-fit an outfit and deliver in 24 hours.
Sandalwood
SANDALWOOD is widely used as an essential oil, perfume or soap. And Mysore sandalwood is famous for its sandalwood products. It’s one of the best souvenirs to take home, whether it’s soap, perfume, oil or home décor. There is so much more to see in the outskirts of Mysuru—pristine lakes and nature reserves among them, all within a few hours by land. Definitely, an area worth revisiting.
Truly, one-of-a-kind! A trip to Batanes is more than just striking panoramic shots. It has a deeper meaning, as deep as an archaeological dig. The stone boat-shaped grave markers symbolized a maritime orientation akin to the Vikings. Idjangs were mountain fortresses similar to the Okinawan gusuku castles. These add weight
Photos by Charo Logarta
Story & Photos by George Ordoña
OUR Lady of Mt. Carmel
ST. Philomena Cathedral is one of the tallest churches in Asia and houses the relics of the patron saint of children and lost causes
THE lobby of the Lalith Mahal Palace FORMAL ballroom inside the Mysore Palace
THE author trying a pure Mysore silk saree woven with pure gold threads THE Durbar Hall for large, public gatherings
PILGRIMS flock to the Chamundi Temple to pray to ward off bad omens FACADE of the Mysore Palace by day
IDJANG BASCO Lighthouse
Editor: Angel R. Calso
An Israeli strike kills 18 Palestinians in central Gaza as turmoil mounts over food distribution
By Wafaa Shurafa, Kareem Chehayeb & Sam Metz The Associated Press
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip—
An Israeli strike hit a street in central Gaza on Thursday where witnesses said a crowd of people was getting bags of flour from a Palestinian police unit that had confiscated the goods from gangs looting aid convoys. Hospital officials said 18 people were killed.
The strike was the latest violence surrounding the distribution of food to Gaza’s population, which has been thrown into turmoil over the past month. After blocking all food for 2 1/2 months, Israel has allowed only a trickle of supplies into the territory since mid-May.
Efforts by the United Nations to distribute the food have been plagued by armed gangs looting trucks and by crowds of desperate people offloading supplies from convoys. The strike in the central town
of Deir al-Balah on Thursday appeared to target members of Sahm, a security unit tasked with stopping looters and cracking down on merchants who sell stolen aid at high prices. The unit is part of Gaza’s Hamas-led Interior Ministry, but includes members of other factions.
A horrific scene WITNESSES said the Sahm unit was distributing bags of flour and other goods confiscated from looters and corrupt merchants, draw -
ing a crowd when the strike hit.
Video of the aftermath showed bodies, several torn, of multiple young men in the street with blood splattering on the pavement and walls of buildings. The dead included a child and at least seven Sahm members, according to the nearby Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital where casualties were taken.
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Israel has accused the militant Hamas group of stealing aid and using it to prop up its rule in the enclave. Israeli forces have repeatedly struck Gaza’s police, considering them a branch of Hamas.
An association of Gaza’s influential clans and tribes said Wednesday they have started an independent effort to guard aid convoys to prevent looting. The National Gathering of Palestinian Clans and Tribes said it helped escort a rare shipment of flour that entered northern Gaza that evening.
It was unclear, however, if the association had coordinated with the UN or Israeli authorities. The World Food Program did not immediately respond to requests for comment by The Associated Press.
“We will no longer allow thieves
to steal from the convoys for the merchants and force us to buy them for high prices,” Abu Ahmad al-Gharbawi, a figure involved in the tribal effort, told the AP.
Accusations from Israel
ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz in a joint statement Wednesday accused Hamas of stealing aid that is entering northern Gaza, and called on the Israeli military to plan to prevent it.
The National Gathering slammed the statement, saying the accusation of theft was aimed at justifying the Israeli military’s “aggressive practices.” It said aid was “fully secured” by the tribes, which it said were committed to delivering the supplies to the population.
The move by tribes to protect aid convoys brings yet another player in an aid situation that has become fragmented, confused and violent, even as Gaza’s more than 2 million Palestinians struggle to feed their families.
Throughout the more than 20-month-old war, the UN led the massive aid operation by humanitarian groups providing food, shelter, medicine and other goods to Palestinians even amid the fighting.
UN and other aid groups say that when significant amounts of supplies are allowed into Gaza, looting and theft dwindles.
Israel, however, seeks to replace the UN-led system, saying Hamas has been siphoning off large amounts of supplies from it, a claim the UN and other aid groups deny.
Israel has backed an American private contractor, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has started distributing food boxes at four locations, mainly in the far south of Gaza for the past month.
Thousands of Palestinians walk for hours to reach the hubs, moving through Israeli military zones where witnesses say Israeli troops regularly open fire with heavy barrages to control the crowds.
Health officials say hundreds of people have been killed and wounded. The Israeli military says it has only fired warning shots.
A trickle of aid ISRAEL has continued to allow a smaller number of aid trucks into Gaza for UN distribution. The World Health Organization said on Thursday it had been able to deliver its first medical shipment into Gaza since March 2, with nine trucks bringing blood, plasma and
other supplies to Nasser Hospital, the biggest hospital still functioning in southern Gaza.
In Gaza City, large crowds gathered Thursday at an aid distribution point to receive bags of flour from the convoy that arrived the previous evening, according to photos taken by a cameraman collaborating with the AP.
Hiba Khalil, a mother of seven, said she can’t afford looted aid that is sold in markets for astronomical prices and was relieved to get flour for the first time in months.
“We’ve waited for months without having flour or eating much and our children would always cry,” she said.
Another woman, Umm Alaa Mekdad, said she hoped more convoys would make it through after struggling to deal with looters.
“The gangs used to take our shares and the shares of our children who slept hungry and thirsty,” she said.
Separately, Israeli strikes overnight and early Thursday killed at least 28 people across the Gaza Strip, according to the territory’s Health Ministry. More than 20 dead arrived at Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital, while the bodies of eight others were taken to Nasser Hospital in the south.
Ukraine has halted Russia’s advance in the northern Sumy region, commander says
By Illia Novikov
The Associated Press
YIV, Ukraine—Ukrainian
Kforces have halted Russia’s recent advance into the northern Sumy region and have stabilized the front line near the border with Russia, Ukraine’s
top military commander said Thursday.
Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander in chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, said that Ukrainian successes in Sumy have prevented Russia from deploying about 50,000 Russian troops, including elite airborne and marine
brigades, to other areas of the front line.
His claim couldn’t be independently verified, and Russian officials made no immediate comment.
Russian forces have been slowly grinding forward at some points on the roughly 1,000-kilometer
(620-mile) front line, though their incremental gains have been costly in terms of troop casualties and damaged armor. The outnumbered Ukrainian army has relied heavily on drones to keep the Russians back.
Months of US-led international efforts to stop the more than
three years of war have failed.
Amid the hostilities, the two sides have continued swaps of prisoners of war agreed on during recent talks between their delegations in Istanbul.
Russia’s Defense Ministry and Ukrainian authorities said another exchange took place on Thursday.
Ukraine’s coordination headquarters for POWs said the swap included injured soldiers and those with health complaints. The youngest is 24 and the oldest is 62, it said, adding that more exchanges are expected soon.
See “Ukraine,” A15
US economy shrinks 0.5% amid trade war turmoil, consumer confidence dips to pandemic-low levels
By Paul Wiseman AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON—The US economy shrank at a 0.5% annual pace from January through March as President Donald Trump’s trade wars disrupted business, the Commerce Department reported Thursday in an unexpected deterioration of earlier estimates.
First-quarter growth was weighed down by a surge of imports as US companies, and households, rushed to buy foreign goods before Trump could
impose tariffs on them. The Commerce Department previously estimated that the economy fell 0.2% in the first quarter. Economists had forecast no change in
the department’s third and final estimate.
The January-March drop in gross domestic product—the nation’s output of goods and services—reversed a 2.4% increase in the last three months of 2024 and marked the first time in three years that the economy contracted. Imports expanded 37.9%, fastest since 2020, and pushed GDP down by nearly 4.7 percentage points.
Consumer spending also slowed sharply, expanding just 0.5%, down from a robust 4% in the fourth-quarter of last year. It is a significant downgrade from the Commerce Department’s previous estimate.
Consumers have turned jittery since Trump started plastering big taxes on imports, anticipating that the tariffs will impact their finances directly.
And the Conference Board reported this week that Americans’ view of the US economy worsened in June, resuming a downward slide that had dragged consumer confidence in April to its lowest level since the Covid-19 pandemic five years ago.
The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index slid to 93 in June, down 5.4 points from 98.4 last month. A measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for their income, business conditions and the job market fell 4.6 points to 69. That’s well below 80, the marker that can signal a recession ahead.
Former Federal Reserve economist Claudia Sahm said “the downward revision to consumer spending today is a potential red flag.’’ Sahm, now chief economist at
New Century Advisors, noted that Commerce downgraded spending on recreation services and foreign travel—which could have reflected “great consumer pessimism and uncertainty.’’
A category within the GDP data that measures the economy’s underlying strength rose at a 1.9% annual rate from January through March. It’s a decent number, but down from 2.9% in the fourth quarter of 2024 and from the Commerce Department’s previous estimate of 2.5% January-March growth.
This category includes consumer spending and private investment but excludes volatile items like exports, inventories and government spending.
And federal government spending fell at a 4.6% annual pace, the biggest drop since 2022.
In another sign that Trump’s policies are disrupting trade, trade deficits reduce GDP. But that’s just a matter of mathematics. GDP is supposed to count only what’s produced domestically, not stuff that comes in from abroad. So, imports—which show up in the GDP report as consumer spending or business investment—have to be subtracted out to keep them from artificially inflating domestic production. The first-quarter import influx likely won’t be repeated in the April-June quarter and therefore shouldn’t weigh on GDP. In fact, economists expect second-quarter growth to bounce back to 3% in the second quarter, according to a survey of forecasters by the data firm FactSet. The first look at April-June GDP growth is due July 30.
Khamenei resurfaces to warn against future US attacks in first statement since ceasefire
By Farnoush Amiri & David Rising
The Associated Press
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Thursday that his country had delivered a “slap to America’s face” by striking a US air base in Qatar and warned against further attacks in his first public comments since a ceasefire agreement with Israel.
Khamenei’s prerecorded speech that aired on Iranian state television, his first appearance since June 19, was filled with warnings and threats directed toward the United States and Israel, the Islamic Republic’s longtime adversaries.
The 86-year-old, a skilled orator known for his forceful addresses to the country’s more than 90 million people, appeared more tired than he had just a week ago,
speaking in a hoarse voice and occasionally stumbling over his words.
The supreme leader downplayed US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites Sunday using bunker-buster bombs and cruise missiles, saying that US President Donald Trump—who said the attack “completely and fully obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program—had exaggerated its impact.
“They could not achieve anything significant,” Khamenei said. Missing from his more than 10-minute video message was any mention of Iran’s nuclear program and the status of their facilities and centrifuges after extensive US and Israeli strikes.
His characterization of Monday’s strike on the US air base in Qatar contrasted with US accounts of it as a limited attack with no casualties.
The White House responded to Khamenei’s video, accusing him of trying to “save face.”
“Any commonsense, open-minded person knows the truth about the precision strikes on Saturday night,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Thursday. “They were wildly successful.”
UN nuclear watchdog confirms damage to Iran sites
THE head of the UN nuclear watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency Director Rafael Grossi, reiterated Thursday that the damage done by Israeli and US strikes at Iranian nuclear facilities “is very, very, very considerable” and that he can only assume the centrifuges are not operational.
“I think annihilated is too much, but it suffered enormous damage,” Grossi told French broadcaster RFI. The IAEA has not been allowed to visit any of the Iranian facilities to do an independent assessment of the damage.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, also conceded Wednesday that “our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure.”
Khamenei has not been seen in public since taking shelter in a secret location after the outbreak of the war on June 13 when Israel attacked Iranian nuclear facilities and targeted top military commanders and scientists.
After Sunday’s attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Trump was able to help negotiate a ceasefire that came into effect Tuesday.
Iranian leader warns US against further attacks
KHAMENEI claimed the US had only intervened in the war because “it felt that if it did not intervene, the Zionist regime would be utterly destroyed.”
“It entered the war to save them, yet it gained nothing,” he said.
He said his country’s attack Monday on the US base in Qatar was significant, since it shows Iran “has access to important US centers in the region and can act against them whenever it deems necessary.”
“The Islamic Republic was victorious and, in retaliation, delivered a hand slap to America’s face,” he said, adding, “This action can be repeated in the future.”
“Should any aggression occur, the enemy will definitely pay a heavy price,” he said.
Trump has dismissed the retaliatory attack as a “very weak response,” saying that the US had been warned by Iran in advance and emphasizing that there had been no casualties.
With the ceasefire, life slowly returns to normal in Iran
ON Thursday, Iran partially reopened its airspace, which had been closed since the
war began, and shops in Tehran’s capital began to reopen, with traffic returning to the streets.
Majid Akhavan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, said Iran had reopened its airspace for the eastern half of the country to domestic and international flights, including those transiting Iranian airspace. Earlier this week, Tehran said 606 people had been killed in the conflict in Iran, with 5,332 people wounded. The Washington-based Human Rights Activists group released figures Wednesday suggesting Israeli strikes on Iran had killed at least 1,054 and wounded 4,476.
The group, which has provided detailed casualty figures from multiple rounds of unrest in Iran, said 417 of those killed were
Kennedy says US pulling funding from global vaccine alliance Gavi
By Maria Cheng AP Medical Writer
LONDON—US Health Secretary
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says the country is pulling its support from the vaccine alliance Gavi, saying the organization has “ignored the science” and “lost the public trust.”
A video of Kennedy’s short speech was shown to a Gavi meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, where the organization that has paid for more than 1 billion children to be vaccinated through routine immunization programs was hoping to raise at least $9 billion for the next five years.
Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, mentioned Gavi’s partnership with the World Health Organization during Covid-19, accusing them of silencing “dissenting views” and “legitimate questions” about vaccine safety. His speech also cast doubt on the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine — which WHO and other health agencies have long deemed
to be safe and effective.
Gavi said in a statement Thursday that its “utmost concern is the health and safety of children,” adding that any decision it makes on vaccines to buy is done in accordance with recommendations issued by WHO’s expert vaccine group.
Some doctors in the United States criticized the decision. Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, said it was “incredibly dangerous” and warned that defunding immunization would put millions of children at risk.
Gavi is a public-private partnership including WHO, UNICEF, the Gates Foundation and the World Bank, and it is estimated that the vaccination programs have saved 18 million lives. The United States has long been one of its biggest supporters; before President Donald Trump’s re-election, the country had pledged $1 billion through
2030.
In just under four minutes, Kennedy called on Gavi “to justify the $8 billion America has provided in funding since 2001,” saying officials must “consider the best science available, even when that science contradicts established paradigms.” Kennedy said until that happens, the US won’t contribute further to Gavi.
The health secretary zeroed in on the Covid-19 vaccine, which WHO, Gavi and other health authorities have recommended for pregnant women, saying they are at higher risk of severe disease. Kennedy called that a “questionable” recommendation; his US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently stopped recommending it.
He also criticized Gavi for funding of a rollout a vaccine to prevent diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis
See “Kennedy,” A15
Key Medicaid provision in Trump’s bill found to violate Senate rules; the GOP is scrambling
By Lisa Mascaro AP Congressional Correspondent
ASHINGTON—The Senate
Wparliamentarian has advised that a Medicaid provider tax overhaul central to President Donald Trump’s tax cut and spending bill does not adhere to the chamber’s procedural rules, delivering a crucial blow as Republicans rush to finish the package this week.
Guidance from the parliamentarian is rarely ignored and Republican leaders are now forced to consider difficult options. Republicans were counting on big cuts to Medicaid and other programs to offset trillions of dollars in Trump tax breaks, their top priority. Additionally, the parliamentarian, who is the Senate’s chief arbiter of its often complicated rules, advised against various GOP provisions barring certain immigrants from health care programs.
Republicans scrambled Thursday to respond, with some calling for challenging, or ever firing, the nonpartisan parliamentarian, who has been on the job since 2012. GOP leaders dismissed those views and instead worked to revise the various proposals.
“We have contingency plans,” said Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota.
Friday’s expected votes appeared to be slipping, but Thune insisted that “we’re plowing forward.”
But Democrats, who are unified against the package as a tax giveaway for the wealthy at the expense of American safety net programs, said the procedural decisions would devastate the GOP package.
Sen. Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, said the Republican proposals would have meant $250 billion less for the health care program, “massive Medicaid cuts that hurt kids, seniors, Americans with disabilities and working families.”
Trump wants action on the bill
The outcome is a setback as Senate Republicans race toward a weekend session to pass the bill and send it back to the House for another vote before Trump’s Fourth of July deadline. Trump hosted House Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP lawmakers in the East Room at the White House, joined by truck drivers, firefighters, tipped workers, ranchers and others that the administration says will benefit from the bill.
“We don’t want to have grandstanders,” Trump said of the GOP holdouts.
Trump said there are “hundreds of things” in the emerging package of tax breaks, spending cuts and bolstered money to carry out his mass deportation plans.
“It’s so good.”
What’s at stake
AT its core, the big bill, which has passed the House and is now being revised in the Senate, includes $3.8 trillion in tax breaks that had been approved during Trump’s first term but will expire in December, imposing a tax hike if Congress fails to act.
To help offset lost revenues, Republicans are relying on steep cuts to health care
and food stamps, and imposing new fees on immigrants.
GOP leaders were already struggling to rally support for Medicaid changes that some senators said went too far and would have left millions without coverage. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has said more than 10.9 million more people would not have health care under the House-passed bill; Senate Republicans were proposing deeper cuts.
After the parliamentarian advised against the Medicaid provider tax change, Republicans said they would try to revise the provision to make it acceptable, perhaps by extending the start date of any changes. They are rushing to come up with similar adjustments to other proposals that have run into violations, including one to change the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps.
It’s all delaying action on the bill, but Republican leaders have little choice. They are counting on the health care restrictions to save billions of dollars and offset the cost of trillions of dollars in tax cuts.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the Budget Committee chairman, rejected calls to fire the parliamentarian, and said in a statement he was working with the office to “find a pathway forward.”
GOP torn over Medicaid cuts STATES impose the so-called provider tax on hospitals and other entities as a way to help fund Medicaid, largely by boosting the reimbursements they receive from the federal government. Critics say the system is a type of “laundering,” but almost every state except Alaska uses it to help provide health care coverage.
The House-passed bill would freeze the tax, while the Senate would cut the tax that some states are allowed to impose.
Several GOP senators have opposed cutting the Medicaid provider tax, saying it would hurt rural hospitals that depend on the money. Hospital organizations have warned that it could lead to hospital closures.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., among those fighting the change, said he had spoken to Trump late Wednesday and the president told him to revert to the earlier proposal from the House.
“I think it just confirms that we weren’t ready for a vote yet,” said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who also had raised concerns about the provider tax cuts.
More than 80 million people in the United States use the Medicaid program, alongside the Obama-era Affordable Care Act. Republicans want to scale Medicaid back to what they say is its original mission, providing care mainly to women and children, rather than a much larger group of people.
To help defray lost revenues to the hospitals, one plan Republicans had been considering would have created a rural hospital fund with $15 billion as backup. Some GOP senators said that was too much; others, including Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, wanted at least $100 billion.
See “Medicaid,” A15
ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR ., speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign event November 1, 2024, in Milwaukee. AP/MORRY GASH
Continued from A12
Sumy, the city which is the capital of the Ukrainian region of the same name, had a prewar population of around 250,000. It lies about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the front line. Russia’s push into the region earlier this year compelled Ukraine to strengthen its defenses there.
A special defense group has been formed to improve security in Sumy and surrounding communities, Syrskyi said, with a focus on improving fortifications and accelerating construction of defensive barriers.
In March, Ukrainian forces withdrew from much of Russia’s neighboring Kursk region, parts of which they had controlled after a surprise cross-border attack in August.
That retreat enabled Russia to launch a counteroffensive that advanced between 2-12 kilometers (1-7 miles) into Ukrainian
Continued from A14
in poorer countries, saying he’d seen research that concluded that young girls who got the vaccine were more likely to die from all other causes than children who weren’t immunized.
Gavi said scientists had reviewed all available data, including any studies that raised concerns, and that the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine has “played a key role in helping halve childhood mortality.”
Some observational studies have shown that vaccinated girls do have a higher death rate compared to unvaccinated children, but there is no evidence the deaths are caused by the vaccine. But Offit said the studies cited by Kennedy were not convincing and that research examining links between vaccinations and deaths did not prove a causal connection.
“There’s no mechanism here which makes biological sense for why the (diphtheria, tetanus and
civilians and 318 were security forces.
At least 28 people were killed in Israel and more than 1,000 wounded, according to officials there. During the 12-day war, Iran fired more than 550 missiles at Israel with a 90% interception rate, according to new statistics released by Israeli authorities Thursday. Israel, meantime, hit more than 720 Iranian military infrastructure targets and eight nuclear-related sites, Israel said.
territory, according to different estimates.
Ukrainian officials say fierce fighting is also taking place in the eastern Donetsk region.
The Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday that its forces have captured two villages, Novoserhiivka and Shevchenko, in Donetsk.
Capturing Shevchenko marked an important stage in Russia’s ongoing offensive that is trying to break into Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, which borders Donetsk and is a major industrial center, according to the ministry. Meanwhile, the two sides continued to launch long-range strikes.
The Russian ministry said 50 Ukrainian drones were downed over nine regions overnight, including three over the Moscow region.
Ukraine’s air force said that Russia deployed 41 Shahed and decoy drones across the country overnight, wounding five people. It said that 24 drones were either intercepted or jammed.
pertussis vaccine) might result in more children dying,” Offit said.
Doctors Without Borders on Thursday predicted “countless children will die from vaccinepreventable diseases” as a result of the US withdrawing support for Gavi.
“To invoke misleading and inaccurate claims about vaccine safety as the pretext for cutting all global vaccine funding is cruel and reckless,” said Mihir Mankad, the charity’s global health advocacy and policy director in the US. “When we vaccinate in the community, parents line up for hours to give their children a chance to be protected from these deadly diseases.
“For these children, vaccination programs...are a matter of life and death.”
Kennedy’s recorded speech to Gavi came on the same day that his reconstituted US vaccine advisory panel met for the first time. He fired the previous 17-member panel this month and replaced it with a sevenmember group that includes several vaccine skeptics.
First lawsuit filed on behalf of children challenges Trump’s immigration policy
By Hallie Golden The Associated Press
AMOTHER and her two young kids are fighting for their release from a Texas immigration detention center in what is believed to be the first lawsuit involving children challenging the Trump administration’s policy on immigrant arrests at courthouses.
The lawsuit filed Tuesday argues that the family’s arrests after fleeing Honduras and entering the US legally using a Biden-era appointment app violate their Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizure and their Fifth Amendment right to due process.
“The big picture is that the executive branch cannot seize people, arrest people, detain people indefinitely when they are complying with exactly what our government has required of them,” said Columbia Law School professor Elora Mukherjee, one of the lawyers representing the family.
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment.
Starting in May, the country has seen large-scale arrests in which asylum-seekers appearing at routine court hearings have
been arrested outside courtrooms as part of the White House’s mass deportation effort. In many cases, a judge will grant a government lawyer’s request to dismiss deportation proceedings and then US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers will arrest the person and place them on “expedited removal,” a fast track to deportation.
Mukherjee said this is the first lawsuit filed on behalf of children to challenge the ICE courthouse arrest policy. The government has until July 1 to respond.
There have been other similar lawsuits, including in New York, where a federal judge ruled earlier this month that federal immigration authorities can’t make civil arrests at the state’s courthouses or arrest anyone going there for a proceeding.
The Texas lawsuit was filed using initials for the children and “Ms. Z” for the mother. Their iden -
Japan executes man convicted
By Mari Yamaguchi
The Associated Press
Ttities have not been released because of concerns for their safety.
For weeks in the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, the mother has watched her 6-year-old son’s health decline, Mukherjee said. He recently underwent chemotherapy treatment for leukemia and because of his arrest missed his check-in doctor’s appointment, Mukherjee said.
“He’s easily bruising. He has bone pain. He looks pale,” Mukherjee said, adding that he has also lost his appetite. “His mom is terrified that these are symptoms that his leukemia situation might be deteriorating.”
The mother, son and 9-year-old daughter fled Honduras in October 2024 due to death threats, according to the lawsuit. They entered the US using the CBP One app and were paroled into the country by the Department of Homeland Security, which determined they didn’t pose a danger to the community, Mukherjee said. They were told to appear at a Los Angeles immigration court May 29.
President Donald Trump ended CBP One for new entrants on his first day in office after more than 900,000 people had been allowed in the country using the app since it was expanded to include migrants in January 2023.
During the family’s hearing, the mother tried to tell the judge that they wished to continue their cases for asylum, Mukherjee said. Homeland Security moved to dismiss their cases, and the judge immediately granted that motion.
When they stepped out of the
courtroom, they found men in civilian clothing believed to be ICE agents who arrested the family, Mukherjee said. They spent about 11 hours at an immigrant processing center in Los Angeles and were each only given an apple, a small packet of cookies, a juice box and water.
At one point, an officer near the boy lifted his shirt, revealing his gun. The boy urinated on himself and was left in wet clothing until the next morning, Mukherjee said. They were later taken to the processing center, where they have been held ever since.
“The family is suffering in this immigration detention center,” she said. “The kids are crying every night. They’re praying to God for their release from this detention center.”
Their lawyers have filed an appeal of the immigration judge’s May decision, but they’re at risk of being deported within days because the government says they are subjected to expedited removal, Mukherjee said. The arrests of the family were illegal and unjustified, said Kate Gibson Kumar, an attorney for the Texas Civil Rights project who is also representing the family.
“The essential question in our case is, when you have these families who are doing everything right, especially with young children, should there be some protection there?” Gibson Kumar said.
“We say ‘yes.’”
The Associated Press reporter Nadia Lathan in Austin, Texas, contributed to this report.
of murder for killing and dismembering 9 people
on social media. He was also convicted of sexually abusing female victims.
Police arrested him later that year after finding the bodies of eight teenage girls and women as well as one man in cold-storage cases in his apartment.
Iran has insisted that it will not give up its nuclear program. In a vote underscoring the tough path ahead, its parliament agreed Wednesday to fast-track a proposal that would effectively stop the country’s cooperation with the IAEA, which has monitored the program for years.
The Associated Press writer John Leicester in Paris; Natalie Melzer in Nahariya, Israel; and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report.
Trump has also asserted that American and Iranian officials will talk next week, giving rise to cautious hope for longerterm peace. Iran has not acknowledged that any such talks would take place, though US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff has said there has been direct and indirect communication between the countries. A sixth round of USIran negotiations was scheduled for earlier this month in Oman but was canceled after Israel attacked Iran.
OKYO—A man convicted of murder for killing and dismembering nine people in his apartment near Tokyo was executed Friday, Japan’s Justice Ministry said.
Takahiro Shiraishi, known as the “Twitter killer,” was sentenced to death in 2020 for the killings in 2017 of the nine victims, most of whom had posted suicidal thoughts
Tough choices ahead
THE parliamentarian has worked around the clock to assess the legislation and ensure it complies with the so-called Byrd Rule, named for the late Sen. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia. It essentially bars policy matters in budget reconciliation bills.
If leaders moved ahead without alter -
Investigators said Shiraishi approached the victims via Twitter, offering to assist them with their suicidal wishes. He killed the three teenage girls and five women after raping them. He also killed the boyfriend of one of the women to silence him.
ing the provisions, the measures could be challenged, requiring a 60-vote threshold to overcome objections. That would be a tall order in a Senate divided 53-47 and with Democrats unified against Trump’s bill.
“It’s pretty frustrating,” said Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., who wants even steeper reductions.
Overnight Wednesday the parliamentarian advised against GOP student loan repayment plans, and Thursday the parliamentarian cited those that would have blocked access to Medicaid and other
“The case caused the extremely serious outcomes and dealt a major shockwave and unease to the society,” Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki told an emergency news conference. He said he signed the execution earlier this week, but did not witness Shiraishi’s hanging.
The execution was carried out as calls grow to abolish capital punishment or increase transparency in Japan after the acquittal of the world’s longest-serving death row inmate Iwao Hakamada last year.
health care programs from immigrants who are not citizens. Earlier, plans to gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau were also found to violate the rules.
But Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said there’s no desire to challenge the parliamentarian’s advice. “It’s the institutional integrity,” he said. “Even if I’m convinced 100% she’s wrong.”
At the same time, Republicans lost another potential revenue source Thursday after agreeing to a request from Treasury
Suzuki justified the need for the execution in Japan, noting a recent government survey shows an overwhelming majority of the public still supports capital punishment, though opposition has somewhat increased.
“I believe it is not appropriate to abolish execution,” Suzuki said, adding there is growing concern about serious crime.
Shiraishi was hanged at the Tokyo Detention House in secrecy with nothing disclosed until the execution was done.
Secretary Scott Bessent to remove the so-called revenge tax provision, section 899, that would have allowed the government to impose taxes on companies with foreign owners and investors from certain countries. Bessent said he has reached a separate agreement with such countries.
The Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Leah Askarinam, Joey Cappelletti, Michelle L. Price and Fatima Hussein contributed to this report.
Torn Achilles reflects new trend in NBA
NDIANAPOLIS—Kevin Durant
Iand Tyrese Haliburton entered their respective National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals elimination games with strained right calves.
Each wound up leaving early with torn right Achilles tendons.
Durant, a perennial All-Star and the league’s 2014 MVP, missed the whole next season as he recovered from the injury and now Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers’ two-time All-Star, could face a similar fate.
Predictable? Perhaps.
Both knew the risks when they opted to chase a championship, and both wound up paying the price when their tendons gave out on pro basketball’s biggest stage.
“There’s no question you’re at a higher risk of worsening an injury or another injury occurring because maybe your gait is off a little bit or the muscle firing isn’t as good,” said Dr. Kevin Farmer, an orthopedic surgeon and chief of sports medicine at the University of Florida.
“To Tyrese’s credit, maybe he wasn’t as healthy as he wanted to be, but he was willing to go out there and try to perform to win that championship for the team,” Farmer said. “He made a decision to take that risk, and I think there should be some credit there for trying.”
Haliburton’s injury reflects a new trend, though, one that has seen younger players become more susceptible to Achilles injuries that were traditionally more prevalent in athletes in their mid to late 30s and early 40s.
Haliburton, 25, Boston Celtics
All-Star Jayson Tatum, 27, and Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Damian Lillard, 34, all suffered Achilles injuries in the playoffs and each is expected to miss most if not all of next season.
Farmer and Dr. James Borchers, president and CEO of the US Council for Athletes Health and a longtime team physician for Ohio
State football, have studied the changes. They attribute the increase in Achilles injuries to many factors from low-cut shoes to longer seasons to Fluoroquinolone, a class of antibiotics both acknowledge has been tied to ruptured tendons.
Neither has examined Haliburton, Tatum or Lillard.
But they believe the biggest factor may be younger athletes shedding the multi-sport label to specialize in a single sport year-round, creating more wear and tear on specific body parts, such as elbows and Achilles tendons, that are prone to break down based on workload.
“Athletes that are doing a lot impact—so certainly jumping and putting a lot of stress across tendons—and those tendons over time can develop into micro damage and lead to weakening in the tendon,” Borchers said.
“I think there’s a lot more activity that increases the risk of these types of injuries and it’s the wear and tear,” he said. “It’s very rare we’re going to look at an otherwise healthy tendon rupture just rupture because of an acute event.”
It’s not conjecture, either. Multiple studies from Farmer’s medical team at Florida have researched whether today›s overuse injuries in baseball occur because players are throwing harder for longer periods. Farmer said he considers the Achilles tendon in basketball to be comparable to the elbow in baseball.
“Instead of athletes getting [Achilles injuries] in their 30s or 40s because of wear and tear, we’re seeing it now early on because of the excessive stress they’ve developed their whole lives,” Farmer said. “I really think we’re going to find out at some point that the way we’ve changed [youth sports], the risk, is why we’re seeing these younger athletes injured.” The image of Haliburton crashing to
the ground and agonizingly slapping the court in frustration may wind up as the most indelible image out of this year’s NBA Finals. But he’s already said he doesn’t regret playing, and, like Durant, he doesn’t intend to let that moment become the defining moment of his career.
Instead, he plans to follow the example of Durant and others in the ever-expanding world of players who have overcome serious injuries to continue playing elite ball.
The good news for Haliburton: Medical technology is helping athletes make quicker, more thorough recoveries.
While a standard timetable for a return from Achilles injuries remains about 12 months, some National Football League players have made it back in as few as nine and in 2023, former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers tried to do the unthinkable by returning for a playoff run less than four months after tearing his Achilles. Rodgers might have tried it—had the Jets been in the playoff hunt.
Nobody expects Haliburton, Tatum or Lillard to push it that quickly, especially in a sport where running and jumping are so essential. Even Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle has said he doesn’t expect Haliburton to play next season.
TO Tyrese Haliburton’s credit, maybe he wasn’t as healthy as he wanted to be, but he was willing to go out there and try to perform to win that championship for the team. AP
Eala boots out No. 42 Ukranian, moves closer to first WTA title
ALEXANDRA EALA moved a step closer to a Women’s Tennis Association title by advancing to the semifinals of the Eastbourne Open with a 6-1, 6-2 demolition of Dayana Yastremska on Thursday in England.
The 20-year-old Filipina completed the straight-sets win over the World No. 42 player from Ukraine in just an hour and five minutes. Eala arranged a duel of qualifiers with Russian-born French tennis pro Varvara Gracheva in the Round of Four at the Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club.
“I think more than anything it’s just the mentality, of course against these great players in these tough conditions it could be hard to kind of find the balance that patience and the will to go for the ball, I think I did that well throughout the whole week,” Eala said in the courtside interview.
The Filipina kept her unforced errors at 10 as Yastremska committed 24.
Eala, who hit only four winners while the Ukrainian came up with 12, also said the experience in the Miami Open, a WTA 500 event where she also made it to the Round of Four, taught her a lot.
“Self belief and you know, how to handle my emotions when things are going really well and as well as when things are going really bad,” she said.
The Filipina star made it to the main draw by getting past Zeynep
Durant didn’t return from his June 2019 injury until December 2020.
And at least Haliburton and Tatum have one big advantage—age is on their side. AP
Sonmez of Turkiye, 6-1, 6-3, and world No. 56 Hailey Baptiste of the US, 6-7 (1), 7-6 (4), 6-1. The WTA 250 tournament also lost another top player in two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova, as the world No. 17 and seeded second in the event is being evaluated for a suspected thigh problem ahead of her Wimbledon title defense.
The Czech tennis star apparently first had the issue during her match against Jodie Burrage of England in the Round of 16 and had to pull out ahead of the match with Gracheva. That leaves world No. 77 Eala and 111th-ranked Gracheva battling for a place in the title match, while Maya Joint of Australia, the 51stranked player takes on world No. 53 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia in the other semifinal. Joint eliminated former US Open champion and world No. 38 Emma Raducanu, the seventh seed, in the Round of 16 before defeating world No. Anna Vladimirovna Blinkova in the quarterfinals.
Pavlyuchenkova edged past Kamilla Stanislavovna Rakhimova of Russia in the Round of Eight after beating Kimberly Birrell of Australia in the second round.
Eala made it to the round of eight when third seed and world No. 20
Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia retired with a right ankle injury, the score at 0-6, 6-2, 3-2. She earlier defeated Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti, 6-0, 6-1.
Editor: Jun Lomibao
to the
when it matters most to complete wireto-wire victories despite carding final round 75 and 77, respectively.
Krog, Corbadora Elite champs in Tagaytay criterium
ATHILDA KROGG and Edson
MCorbadora practically cruised to victories in ruling the Elite categories of the PhilyCyling Tagaytay City Criterium 2025—a three-day circuit race that celebrated the inauguration of the brand new Tagaytay City Velodrome.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, also head of the PhilCycling and Tagaytay City mayor, personally awarded the gold medals and cash prizes to the podium finishers of the competition that also featured categories in Masters, Youth, Junior and Under-23.
“Cycling will be very much alive especially with the new Tagaytay City Velodrome,” Tolentino told the crowd that gathered at the start/ finish area fronting the 250-meter indoor wood and International Cycling Union track facility, the first in the country.
Krogg crossed the finish solo with national champion Jermyn Prado, who figured in a crash that caused her bike’s chain to snap, crossing a minute and a half later for the bronze medal.
Jelsie Sabado completed the podium while her Standard Insurance teammates—Krogg included—Kate Yasmin Aquino and Marianne Dacumos finished in the top five.
Corbadora, riding for Victori Pro Cycling, also had the privilege of raising both hands in victory with his 25-second edge over Excellent Noodles’ Ryan Tugawin, who beat another Victoria rider Marcelo Felipe by a wheel in the battle for the silver medal.
Jerico Jay Lucero and Ronnilan Quita, both from Go for Gold, completed in the top 5. The champions to the fifth placers received cash prizes of P10,000, P7,000, P5,000, P3,000, P2,000 and P1,000 in the events raced over a 2.5-km circuit with the men’s format at 1 hours plus three laps and the women’s contest 45 minutes also plus three laps.
THE Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) advised the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) to fully transition toward an event calendar aligned with the FIVB Sports Calendar.
The advice was in response to the PVL’s request for an extension of the registered 2024–2025 season in the FIVB Volleyball Information System, or VIS, until October 15 this year.
The league has laid out a sevenprovince PVL On Tour pre-season sortie and sought for the extension to also allow its teams to apply for an ITC, or International Transfer Certificate, for players who require the document. But the PNVF turned down the request. “Upon careful review of FIVB
Nailga, Plete salvage wins for Mindanao in jr golfest
said Nailga, whose clutch birdie on the final hole capped another victorious campaign.
“It feels great to score back-toback wins,” he said. “I also learned how to stay composed under pressure. But that birdie on the last hole was the highlight of my round—I hit a solid drive, followed it up with a strong second shot, and drained a 24-footer for birdie.”
ALEXIS NAILGA and Zero Plete pulled off clutch plays in the boys’ and girls’ 15-18 divisions, respectively, to salvage home pride after a string of tough losses in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Del Monte Junior PGT Championship in Bukidnon on Friday.
The local bets rose to the occasion when it mattered to complete wire-towire victories despite carding 75 and 77, respectively.
Their triumphs allowed the hosts to avoid a winless start in the kickoff leg of the Mindanao swing of the Visayas-Mindanao Series.
Nailga, who carried a three-shot lead into the final round of the 54-hole championship, bucked a double bogey on No. 2 and a bogey on the next to allow fellow homegrown talent Clement Ordeneza to pull even at one-over overall. But as the pressure mounted, Ordeneza faltered with a costly double bogey on the fifth, enabling Nailga to regain a one-stroke advantage at the turn—a lead he would protect with clutch pars down the stretch.
Nailga, 16, capped his campaign with a birdie on the final hole to finish with a three-over card for a 217 total to beat Ordeneza by three strokes. Ordeneza, champion of the JPGT Match Play last year, faltered early on the back nine with two bogeys and couldn’t mount a comeback, settling for a string of pars to also finish with a 75 and a 220 overall.
“It was a close fight after my early struggles, but I managed to stay composed the rest of the way,”
Olympic Committee president Abraham
Sports Regulations, version as of April 11 2025, the PNVF shall be unable to endorse or accept the proposal to extend the registered season,” the federation said in its letter to PVL dated June 23.
The PNVF quoted 6.1.1.b under General Principles of the FIVB rules: “The National Team period is from 16 May to 15 October. During this time, national team competitions shall have priority in the calendar. National Leagues and Confederation club competitions may operate during this time only subject to the approval of the FIVB.
The PNVF added: “While we recognize the value of PVL’s intent to promote the league, and the sport, by bringing the matches to various
regions of the country, it is essential to observe the National Team Period vis-à-vis the Club Season.
“This is the very same calendar that other professional leagues or club leagues [Italy’s Lega Pallavolo, Brazil’s Superliga, Japan SVLeague, Korea’s KOVO among others] practice adherence to.
“The development of our women’s national team through the Alas Pilipinas program is riding upon good momentum in this period, with the steady rise in World Rankings. In the same manner, our national team members are getting more accustomed to FIVB protocol in their aim to elevate the level of play along with a heightened sense of discipline and respect for the program,” the PNVF furthered.
Armand Copok carded a 73 to grab third place at 226, edging Vince Naranjo, who also tallied a 226 after a 74, in the countback.
The victory not only marked backto-back titles for Nailga following his dominant win in Mactan during the Visayas Series last month, but also solidified his status as one of the most promising young talents on tour. Earlier, Plete matched Nailga’s wire-to-wire feat despite a shaky finish, carding a five-over round after back-toback 75s. She clinched the hard-earned victory with a clutch chip-in that set up a tap-in par on the par-5 18th, edging fellow Bukidnon native Crista
a closing birdie—she came up short for par and a 71 for a 228 total— just one shot shy of forcing a playoff, to the crowd’s disappointment. After struggling with rounds of 81 and 76, Miñoza surged into contention with a fiery three-birdie blitz from No. 3, taking on the role of the main challenger.
Training camp for Asia Cup all set - Cone
By Josef Ramos
HEAD coach Tim Cone has programmed a 20-practice regimen plus two practice games for the men’s national team for its campaign in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup set August 5 to 17 in Jeddah. “We’re expecting to do the camp in Clark, but only for three days and the rest of the practices will be in Manila,” Cone said. “We are trying to get 18 to 20 practices in before we play our first game in Jeddah, including friendlies and twice-a-day practices.” The training sessions, Cone said, could commence during the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup
Seven-foot-six Kai Sotto, who is still nursing an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, will join the team in Saudi Arabia but won’t play, Cone said. Cone scheduled a friendly against Macau Bears and against any team available ahead of the
PHILIPPINE
“Bambol” Tolentino (center) with Elite category winners Mathilda Krogg and Edson Corbadora.
ALEXIS NAILGA and Zero Plete The rise
occasion
NONIE REYES