‘Political spat hasn’t reached
TBy VG Cabuag
HE current bickering between the camps of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former president Rodrigo Duterte, former allies in the 2022 elections and now bitter political enemies, have been cited among the risks of the P50-billion initial public offering of Maynilad Water Services Inc.
“Political instability in the Philippines may have a negative effect on the general economic conditions in the Philippines which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition,” Maynilad said.
Several analysts, however,
played down the situation and said that the political bickerings may not have seeped into the capital markets, yet.
“When the news came out, understandably there was some selling; however, recently the focus has shifted to other factors such as the tariff war, Fed and BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] rate outlook, geopolitical tensions to name a few,” Luis Limlingan, Regina Capital Development Corp.’s managing director, said.
Michael L. Ricafort, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist, said the entire idea was part of market risk, “if markets become volatile, though largely caused by external factors recently such as
Trump’s tariffs and other protectionist policies that could increase US inflation and could lead to fewer future Fed rate cuts that could be matched by the BSP.”
He added: “All of these would determine market conditions, both external and local if conducive or favorable for IPO/share sale in terms of getting enough market interest and for the issuer to sell at the highest/most favorable price possible.”
Juan Paolo Colet, managing director at China Bank Capital Corp., the issue has not had a material effect on the stock market.
“Many large investors do not appear to be particularly perturbed by that [political feuding] issue.
Naturally, they will observe how the situation evolves, but their primary focus is on Trump, the Fed, and US markets,” he said.
“In our assessment, the current political dynamics between the Marcos and Duterte camps is not having any significant impact on the local capital markets. Potential issuers are on track to proceed with their fundraising plans. Their top of mind concerns are interest rates and Trump 2.0,” he said. Maynilad’s prospectus pointed out that there have been public disagreements between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. “Duterte resigned as Secretary
FSR: TRADE DYNAMICS
OPEN DOORS FOR PHL
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
DESPITE the opportunity for the Philippines presented by the United States-China trade dispute, it needs to scale up production and compete with neighboring exporters to take advantage of the electronics market, according to a report.
The Financial Stability Coordination Council (FSCC) released the 2024 Financial Stability Report (FSR) on Thursday, saying that geopolitical tensions, such as trade realignments, could provide opportunities for Philippine exports in electronics.
“Trade dynamics may present an opportunity for the Philippines to take a larger share of US imports,” it said. While electronic goods are the Philippines’s top exports with a share of 49.7 percent in 2021 to 55.2 percent in 2023, the report said the country is constrained
from expanding its market share. Integrated Circuits (ICs) dominate, accounting for two-thirds of total electronic exports and a third of total exports from 2021 to 2023. Top China imports of the United States are electronic goods, but the share of total imports has declined from 32.5 percent in 2021 to 27.0 percent in 2023. Nearly 50 percent of Chinese electronic goods imported by the US are telephone sets, such as smartphones, for which the Philippines has limited production capacity.
‘TIES WITH US TO SHIELD PHL FROM TRADE WAR FALLOUT’
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
THE Philippines remains unfazed by the upcoming imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the United States even as government officials await their turn to have a dialogue with Washington regarding its universal tariff plan, according to the top official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“For now, we don’t have any information yet. So, it’s business as usual with the US. I’ve already set a meeting with my counterpart. So, I’m just waiting for the schedule of the meeting. There’s so many people that want to meet with him,” Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque told reporters on the sidelines of the Asia SME Forum 2025 in Pasay City on Thursday.
The country’s Trade chief was
asked if the DTI is putting in place contingency measures to shield consumers from the possible “secondary” or inflationary effects of the US administration’s reciprocal tariffs.
“But for now, [it’s] business as usual. We feel that we will not be affected. We’re allies,” said Roque.
Last February, the DTI said it will work closely with the United States administration to address its concerns about the recently proposed universal tariff on imports.
In early February this year, the Trade chief said DTI “will actively engage in discussions to find a mutually beneficial solution that supports both our economies and further strengthens our trade and investment ties, including the possibility of preferential trade agreements.” (See: https://businessmirror.com.
TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
HE Department of Agriculture (DA) has urged the swine industry to produce an additional 2 million hogs annually to restore the country’s pig population to pre-African swine fever (ASF) levels by 2028.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the country produced nearly 14 million hogs before ASF hit the country. Currently, this figure has dwindled to 8 million, which creates a deficit of 6 million heads for the sector, he added.
With this, Laurel said the sector should produce an additional 2 million hogs each year through 2026 to 2028 to return to pre-ASF levels.
“We intend to reach 14 million in three years,” Laurel told reporters on the sidelines of the 31st national hog convention and trade exhibit in Pasay City on Thursday.
He noted that the potential commercial rollout of ASF vaccine this year and the funding earmarked under the proposed animal industry competitiveness enhancement fund (Ancef) could help propel the country’s hog output. Under the proposed Ancef, the DA said around P4 billion will be allocated for the swine industry to prop up its recovery and growth.
The DA chief also tasked Undersecretary Dante Palabrica with creating a roadmap that will guide the recovery of the industry, which is crucial to the nation’s food security and economic growth. Laurel noted that if the hog production recovers to pre-ASF levels, this could “significantly” reduce the country’s pork import.
“Filipinos still prefer the meat of freshly slaughtered hogs,” he said. The DA chief also said he has spoken with two large commercial hog producers who have committed to each produce half a million more heads of hogs starting next year.
“If they deliver, I already have around 1 million additional heads,” he added. The country’s swine sector has been grappling with ASF, which slashed hog output since its detection in 2019.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) put the country’s swine inventory in 2024 at 8.75 million heads, or 8.5 percent lower than the 9.57 million heads recorded in the previous year. The DA said livestock and poultry sectors, accounting for a quarter of the country’s agricultural output, provide livelihood for over 2.8 million Filipino farmers. Pork and chicken make up more than half of the
QUIRKY WEATHER, IN ‘BM’ PHOTOJOURNALIST’S EYES Photo at right, by one of BusinessMirror ’s Mindanao correspondents Erwin Mascarinas, shows residents on makeshift rafts navigate flooded fields in Barangay Libertad, Bunawan town, Agusan del Sur, just about the same time last year, when quirky weather dumped unseasonal heavy rains in that part of Mindanao. That photo, and the left one showing a boy sitting on the shoulder of a man wading towards a high dry area in Barangay Buhangin, Butuan City, won back-to-back honors at the recent Globe Media Excellence Award. The photo at right, published in BusinessMirror on February 3, 2024 won 2nd place in the Photo of the Year category; the one at left, published in ABS-CBN News on February 7, 2024, won 3rd Place honors for Photo of the Year.
VAT refund for tourists does not cover online…
Continued from A20
refund, but foreigners residing in the country such as “diplomats, consular officers, expatriates, and VAT-exempt foreign nationals” are not.
Tourist pays processing fees
RETAILERS who wish to participate in the program will be accredited by a VAT Refund System (VRS) operator, “a thirdparty entity engaged for the design, build, and overall operations of the VRS,” which the DOF shall select. Said operator will provide “end-to-end” digital solutions to administer the VRS. Upon validation of the amount to be refunded, the VRS operator shall pay the refund “in Philippine currency either in cash or electronically [e.g., digital wallets, bank transfers, or credit cards].” The tourist will also be charged with a service fee for the processing of the refund, as well as transaction fees in the case of an electronic refund.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue has 30 days to verify the complete documents submitted by the VRS operator, so the latter can be reimbursed the amounts refunded to tourists.
Palace tells banks to reduce vulnerabilities to cybercrime
By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
MALACAÑANG
called on banks on Thursday to upgrade their security systems to mitigate their vulnerabilities against cybercrimes after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported they suffered P5.8-billion losses from such illegal activities last year.
“We are encouraging banks to also change their internal policies regarding this,” Palace Press Office Claire Castro said in a press briefing on Thursday.
She said they will coordinate with BSP to disseminate information and materials on how the public can avoid such scams.
FSR: Trade dynamics open…
Continued from A1
The manufacturing sector, particularly of electrical components, is identified as an important driver of economic growth, employing 154,000 workers.
However, the sector is faced with debt-servicing risks amid potential
difficulty in generating sufficient revenues to service future debt obligations. This is due to the decline in the interest coverage ratio (ICR), or the measure of ability to pay interest on debt, driven by the decrease in earn-
“So, because crime is really evolving, so our projects are also needed. Our rules here should also be upgraded,” Castro said.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) undersecretary said the BSP will come out with official information soon on the said initiatives.
PCO earlier said it will also intensify its campaign against the spread of fake news online.
The BSP recently reported that losses incurred by banks from cyberattacks rose by 2.6 percent to P5.82 billion last year from P5.67 billion in 2023.
Among the prevalent cyberattacks last year were phishing, a scheme wherein scammers pose as legitimate entities through
ings before interest and taxes from the last quarter of 2022 to third quarter of 2024.
Another risk is the inability of local firms to meet the shifting global preference from intermediate electronic goods to finished goods (for end-users), such as gadgets, appliances and advanced technology solutions.
“To capture global demand, domestic companies need to upscale their manufacturing base to diversify products in line with shifts in importers’ preferences. Upscaling would require large amounts of capital financing,” the report said.
However, a potential upside may come from an increase in export revenues to other countries.
“This possibility arises as the scope of the trade reconfiguration extends beyond the ChinaUS trade relationship,” the re -
fraudulent emails, text messages, and websites to trick individuals to give their sensitive information like passwords.
Other schemes, which were used against banks and their clients, were the “card-not-present” scam, wherein credit card transactions are done without a physical card; account takeover; and hacking.
BSP said it expects similar cybercrimes to increase as scammers use artificial intelligence (AI) to augment their illegal activities.
The Philippine National Police and the Department of Justice said they will be enhancing their security capabilities and operations to go after such cybercriminals.
port said.
Aside from China, Trump has imposed blanket and targeted tariffs on imports from other economies to balance trade in favor of the US.
Economies rebalancing may benefit the Philippines, but the country will face strong competition from regional players like Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam and Japan, which already have well-established electronics manufacturing sectors.
Moreover, the negative effect of Trump’s higher tariffs on production costs and the Philippines’s overall economic activity can be offset by domestic policies.
These should support affected industries and business sectors and strengthen trade relations with the US and other advanced economies.
Political spat hasn’t…
Continued from A1
of Education in June of 2024, a post she held following her appointment by President Marcos after the 2022 elections. The Vice President has since alleged that threats have been made against her life, attributing them to the present government,” it said.
“There can be no assurance that election-related acts or political violence will not occur in the future, and any such event could negatively impact the Philippine economy.
“In addition, we may be affected by political and social developments in the Philippines and changes in the political leadership and/or government policies in the Philippines,” it said.
Any major deviation from the policies of the previous administration or fundamental change of direction, including a change in the form of government, may lead to an increase in political or social uncertainty and instability, it said.
It also pointed out regulatory
changes on the introduction of new laws and regulations that could impact its business, such as its franchise.
For example, in July 2020, a majority of a committee of the Philippine Congress rejected the request for a 25-year extension of the franchise of one of the Philippines’ largest broadcasters, ABS-CBN Corp.
“This highlights the uncertainty surrounding the extension or renewal of congressional franchises, including those for public utilities. Although the vice-president is the daughter of the former president Rodrigo Duterte, there is no assurance that the current administration will maintain the policies or platforms of the previous administration or adopt economic policies conducive to sustaining economic growth, especially given the deteriorating relationship between incumbent president Marcos and vice-president Duterte,” it said.
Continued from A1
ph/2025/02/04/universal-tariffplan-of-trump-worries-phl/)
Roque said DTI “firmly” believes that free and open trade is essential for economic growth and development, both in the Philippines and globally.
“Since the US is the Philippines’s major trading partner and 8th largest export market for its agricultural products, the proposed universal tariff could potentially impact Philippine exports to the US. The extent of the impact will depend on a number of factors, including the final tariff rate and the response of other countries,” she said in February.
On Thursday, however, Roque expressed confidence that the Philippines will not be affected by the reciprocal tariffs which are set to take effect on April 2. “And also, our trade deficit with them is very minimal. So it’s not something that we can worry about for now.”
“We’ll just continue what we’re doing and look at the positive side and just continue to grow and to really level up and to really find avenues for us to really excel at what we do,” added the Trade chief.
In a recent interview with reporters, DTI-Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) Director and Export Development Council (EDC) Executive Director Bianca Pearl R. Sykimte said the council is “definitely” taking into consideration US President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies as the Philippines finalizes the recalibration of its export targets.
“But in terms of US policies, we’re quite confident that we’re probably the least of their worries in terms of reciprocal plans. I think we’re 30th in terms of their source of trade deficit. We’re less than half of a percentage point in terms of source of trade deficit,” Sykimte said at the sidelines of the first day of the UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week.
Amid the “tariff wars rodeo,” however, Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at professional services firm Reyes Tacandong & Co., told a recent forum that the Philippines’s being a net-importing country may not bode well for its economy, given the potential secondary effects of the tariff wars.
“And that’s inflation and currency depreciation,” added Ravelas. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2025/03/07/in-tariff-warsrodeo-phl-must-future-proof-localsupply-chain/).
According to a Bloomberg report, US President Donald Trump said he plans to impose reciprocal levies on every nation as part of his “sweeping tariff push” next week, but the said rates would be lower than expected.
“Trump has promised a sweeping tariff announcement next Wednesday, touting it as a ‘Liberation Day’ against trading partners he has long accused of ‘ripping off’ the US. Trump has yet to detail the exact size, scope and method of those import duties,” the Bloomberg report also noted.
Japan-based think tank Nomura Asia explained that by definition, reciprocal tariffs mean imposing the same tariff rate on imports from other countries as other countries impose on US exports.
Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed the US is the country’s top export destination as Philippine outbound shipments to the US amounted to $12.12 billion. The US accounted for a 16.6-percent share of Philippine merchandise exports which amounted to $73.21 billion in 2024. The Philippines exported more to the US than it imported in 2024. PSA data showed that the country’s imports from the US reached $8.17 billion in 2024, which means that the Philippines enjoyed a trade surplus of $3.95 billion.
www.businessmirror.com.ph
Imee says preliminary findings show flaws, deprivation of Duterte’s rights
SEN.
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
Imee Marcos on Thursday bared three “preliminary findings” of her inquiry into the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, and expressed concern that it is driving political tensions that compound the Philippines’ battle with economic headwinds.
In a news conference, Marcos said the International Police Organization (Interpol) did not, after all, issue a red notice which the National Police (PNP) acted on, “only a diffusion” notice which, she said, did not indicate a compelling request from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to arrest and extradite Duterte to The Hague.
Marcos also cited, from her March 20 hearing, what she called “glaring violations” of Duterte’s rights; and noted that no warrant was issued by a Philippine court to justify the PNP’s taking him into custody on March 11. “Neither did the circumstances fall under those that
justify a warrantless arrest.”
“Based on testimony of Cabinet and law enforcement officials at the March 20, Senate hearing, the former President, who faces a case of crimes against humanity before the ICC, was deprived of his right to be visited or confer with family members when he was brought by law enforcers to Villamor Air Base upon his arrival from a weekend trip to Hong Kong,” Marcos said.
Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group commander), the senators pointed out, had admitted that he did not allow Vice President Sara Duterte to visit her father during the 12 hours he was at Villamor Air Base, prior to his being whisked off to the Netherlands on a chartered Lear jet.
In addition, Marcos said the former president was denied his right to be brought before local judicial authorities, a step that VP Sara had repeatedly cited as a fatal procedural flaw in his arrest.
At Thursday’s news conference, insisted that her decision to hold the motu proprio
‘Lawyer of last resort’ Estelito Mendoza, 95
EBy Bless Aubrey Ogerio
STELITO Mendoza, who served as Solicitor General under the administration of late Ferdinand Marcos Sr. from 1972 to 1986, died on Wednesday morning, March 26. He was 95. During his colorful career he was once served as Solicitor General, Justice Minister and Pampanga governor in a concurrent capacity.
hearing was not colored by politics, even though she is perceived as close to the Dutertes.
At the start of her news conference, the senator read aloud a timeline of events pieced together by her panel, as basis for the “preliminary findings” she shared with the public.
In taking issue with the so-called “diffusion” notice, Marcos said the Interpol constitution prohibits it from issuing a red notice if they suspect the possibility that there’s political color in an impending arrest. This, she claimed, is likely behind the reason to issue a diffusion, not a red notice.
However, a lawyer accredited with the ICC had earlier backed the legality of Duterte’s arrest in an interview with radio station dzBB. Lawyer Gilbert Andres saw “no substantive” difference whether the Interpol) acted on a red notice or red diffusion.
Andres, now executive director of Center for International Law, said Interpol merely transmitted the arrest warrant from the ICC to the Philippines.
from Harvard Law School in 1954.
Philippine government officials had said they surrendered Duterte in compliance with Republic Act 9851, or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.
Whether it’s red diffusion notice or red notice, Andres said in the radio interview, “it’s irrelevant for Philippine domestic purposes because the legal basis is Section 17 Paragraph 2 [of] RA 9851.”
That provision reads: “In the interest of justice, the relevant Philippine authorities may dispense with the investigation or prosecution of a crime punishable under this Act if another court or international tribunal is already conducting the investigation or undertaking the prosecution of such crime. Instead, the authorities may surrender or extradite suspected or accused persons in the Philippines to the appropriate international court, if any, or to another State pursuant to the applicable extradition laws and treaties.”
At the first hearing called by Marcos
as Senate Committee on Foreign Relations chairwoman, Executive Director Anthony Alcantara of the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) confirmed the Interpol issued a red diffusion, not a red notice, for Duterte’s arrest.
Such diffusion notice “went through the organization’s police database,” Alcantara said.
Marcos also said the tell-all revelation of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla about a “core group” planning the arrest of Duterte is nothing short of a “smoking gun.”
“The claim of the Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla that the supposed rule effort was only based on rumor, is incredible,” Marcos said in a press briefing Thursday.
She added that the supposed effort was not mere rumor and that Secretary Remulla’s incredible claim only serves to confirm what many have feared—that a core group within the administration had already made plans to arrest the former President even before the ICC warrant was issued.
“This attempt to cover up what was already aired on media and what had already come to pass was an indication of a comprehensive plan to arrest the former President, already being in place even before the date indicated in the ICC warrants of March 11,” Marcos added. The senator went on to say that her preliminary findings reveal that the government had already decided to assist the ICC in arresting Duterte, with preparations beginning well before March 11—the date indicated in the ICC documents.
“Police units were mobilized as early as March 10. National Security Adviser Eduardo Año was already tracking Duterte’s movements, and executive officials had gone on record, saying the administration would cooperate with the ICC if the arrest request came through Interpol,” Marcos said. She slammed Remulla’s statement downplaying the matter as based merely on hearsay when, in fact, such revelation provided the whole picture in the elaborate plot.
The Philippine National Bank (PNB), where Mendoza had been a director since 2009, confirmed his passing. “The Bank expresses its deepest gratitude and appreciation for his valuable contributions to the Bank,” PNB said in a statement.
Mendoza dedicated two decades to UP’s College of Law or from 1954 to 1974, where he taught public and private law. He also served as a member of the UP Board of Regents from 1979 to 1985.
Dubbed the “lawyer of last resort,” Mendoza represented numerous high-profile and controversial clients.
Born on January 5, 1930, in Manila, Mendoza graduated from the University of the Philippines (UP) High School in 1946. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree cum laude from the UP College of Law in 1952 and later obtained a Master of Laws degree
Government eyes end to communist insurgency before Marcos steps down
By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
In 2021, he joined Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s legal team to contest petitions questioning Marcos’s presidential candidacy in 2016.
WITH the loss of their centralized leadership and impeded recruitment efforts of communist rebels, the National Security Council (NSC) said the government is eyeing to end their threat before the end of the Marcos administration.
In a news conference in Malacañang, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan E. Malaya announced that the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPPNPA-NDF) is now at its “lowest point in the last 50 years” as its continues to face pressure from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac).
Since its creation in 2018, the NTF-Elcac was able to reduce the 89 guerilla fronts nationwide to just one remaining weakened guerilla front in Camarines Sur. “At present, there are only about 1,050 remaining NPA armed members scattered and isolated in some parts of the country,” Malaya said.
Leaderless ANOTHER factor which contributed to the decline of the CPP-NPA-NDF includes
See “Marcos,” A4 See “Estelito,” A4
A4 Friday, March 28, 2025
DA sets ₧10 billion solar irrigation, soil rejuvenation projects for sugarcane farms
TBy Ada Pelonia
HE Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to provide the sugarcane industry with nearly P10 billion solar irrigation and soil rejuvenation projects that can boost domestic output by over 150,000 metric tons (MT) annually.
DA will include the funds for the project in its proposed 2026 budget.
Marcos. . .
Continued from A3
its leadership losses following the the death of its founder, Jose Ma. Sison; the neutralization of key central committee members like the Tiamzon couple; and the death of Myrna Sularte of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
The lost leadership of the communist rebels, however, is also making it difficult to pursue peace talks with CPP-NPA-NDF, which are now managed by small unit commanders.
“So, that’s one of the challenges I think here in the expiratory talks with the CPP-NPA, right? How sure are we that we’re talking about, in the expiratory talks, the National Democratic Front, how sure are we that they can control these small units because of their leadership, they have leadership problems right now,” Malaya said.
In September last year, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito G. Galvez Jr. said they are coordinating with NDF Senior advisor Luis Jalandoni and the wife of Sison, Juliet de Lima Sison, for the said peace talks.
In its current state, CPP-NPA-NDF is no longer able to impose its revolutionary taxation nor permit to win or permit to campaign rules as in the past election.
Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Chief Executive Officer and Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said the department is looking into establishing smallscale solar irrigation facilities with shallow tube wells on sugarcane plantations.
The irrigation project would provide 16,000 units that could irrigate around 160,000 hectares of the industry’s 388,000
Effective campaign
MALAYA said CPP-NPA-NDF is currently trying to rebuild its lost mass base which is being hindered by the NTF-Elcac through legal and financial restrictions, socio-economic projects like the Barangay Development Program, and amnesty program.
In 2024, NTF-Elcac was able to facilitate the surrender of 5,558 former rebels.
Most of the surrenderors were from NP with 2,033 followed by “mass supporters” with 1,772. The other surrenderees are Militia ng Bayan (732); underground mass organizations (856); and Samahan ng Partido sa Lokal (165).
Malaya noted this was the reason why Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas is calling for abolition of the NTF-ELCAC by accusing it of engaging in red-tagging as well as gender-based sexual harassment. He accused Brosas of being part of the militant group of Congress. Despite the attempt of Gabriela to have the NTF-Elcac abolished, President Marcos decided to retain the task force as he recognized its success during the Seventh Executive Committee meeting in Malacañang on Wednesday.
“I’m encouraged by the reports, our efforts are bearing fruit, we have to continue. It has been successful and we need to continue to invest in its success,” Marcos said during the meeting.
hectares.
If this pushes through, Azcona said the project could result in a yield increase amounting to P7.7 billion annually.
In addition, the agency also proposed a soil rejuvenation program considering that the majority of farms in Batangas and Tarlac show low pH levels at 4.5, which is highly acidic.
Azcona noted that under the project, the agency would conduct
a massive liming project of five metric tons of lime per hectare.
Liming is a process that increases the pH level in soil, thus reducing the acidity and enhancing soil health.
He said if both projects were realized, these would bring in an increase of 180,000 MT of sugar production, which would “greatly lessen our dependence on imported sugar.”
“This is the main project that
was proposed by the DA for the sugar industry, and it was received very well by [President Marcos Jr.],” Azcona told reporters in a recent press briefing.
The SRA chief said the suggested budget for the irrigation project stood at P8 billion in a period of three years, while the soil rejuvenation program settled around P1.65 billion.
ABy Rizal Raoul Reyes @brownindio
SENIOR mining company executive
on Thursday urged the government to revamp the country’s slow exploration permit process that he said “is stalling growth and driving investors elsewhere.”
Metals Exploration PLC Chief Executive Officer Darren Bowden, whose company operates the Runruno gold mine in Nueva Vizcaya, said delays in securing exploration permits are undermining the country’s mining potential. He compared the Philippine process with that of Australia, where approvals are issued in a matter of weeks.
“In Australia, to get issued an exploration permit actually takes 24 to 48 hours… within 30 to 60 days, it’s issued, and you’ll be on the ground,” Bowden said. “In the Philippines, you are at least a year in, and then three to six years before you can start work. That is why we don’t have a developed mining sector.”
He emphasized that making the exploration process faster can contribute to the growth of the mining industry. The lengthy timelines, he argued, are incompatible with the financial realities faced by companies,
which rely on early-stage results to raise capital and advance projects.
“These timelines need to change,” he said. “As the President’s vision is to revitalize the Philippine mining industry as a major economic driver, the permitting process has to be responsive to the commercial reality.”
Bowden highlighted the gap in exploration activity between the Philippines and other mining jurisdictions. Australia recorded AU$4.2 billion (P150 billion) in exploration spending in 2023, compared to just $37 million in the Philippines.
“That gives you a good idea of the differential,” he noted. “We’re relying on 30 or 40-year-old deposits for our future. That is not how we’re going to grow this industry.”
Bowden also raised concerns about the application of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (Ipra) during the exploration phase. While expressing support for the law’s intent, he argued that it is being applied beyond its legal scope.
“There is no need under this law to negotiate economic benefits for indigenous peoples at the exploration stage,” he said. “That’s required for mine development, not exploration. Yet we go through a three-year process that costs hundreds of thousands
“We can’t do [liming] while the sugarcanes are still standing. It should be done during land preparation,” he said.
The SRA and the University of Tokyo (Tōdai) recently forged an agreement which seeks to increase domestic sugarcane output and strengthen the industry.
Both projects are set to receive an allocation under the DA’s 2026 budget, he added. Azcona noted that the soil rejuvenation project will be carried out during the planting season.
Mining company official urges govt to speed up exploration permit process
of dollars—needlessly.”
He pointed to the Philippine Mining Act as providing clearer direction, stating that indigenous engagement during exploration should focus on environmental and conservation outcomes.
“This should be a straightforward process,” he said. “Companies already have to submit an Environmental Work Program to the MGB [Mines and Geosciences Bureau], and indigenous communities can provide their inputs during the government’s review of that plan.”
Instead, Bowden said the current Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process often drags on, expanding into protracted negotiations over financial aid, scholarships, infrastructure, and social services— matters he said are more appropriate at the mining development stage.
“These are all valid issues,” he said, “but they belong at the mining stage, when a project has proven value and is ready for development.”
“Exploration is about determining potential,” he added. “Mining is when that potential becomes real—and that’s when the sharing of benefits and wealth should happen. If we want to move forward in a way that’s fair and effective, we have to respect that distinction.”
UP-PGH to boost services with 1,200 more employees
ORE than 1,200 additional posi -
Mtions in the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila—Philippine General Hospital (PGH) were approved for creation by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
In a statement on Thursday, the DBM said it approved the creation of 1,224 additional positions in UP-PGH to strengthen the hospital’s existing medical, allied medical and support staff.
“This development is seen to significantly boost the operations of the UP-PGH,
Estelito. . .
Continued from A3
Mendoza’s involvement led to the Commission on Elections granting a seven-day extension for Marcos to respond.
His legal prowess also led to the 2018 acquittal of Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. in a P200 million plunder case and the 2016 acquittal of former President Gloria Arroyo in
the country’s biggest government tertiary hospital, which provides direct and quality patient services to thousands indigent Filipinos all over the country,” the DBM said.
As such, the creation of additional positions in the UP-PGH will be pursued in four tranches and will be implemented in the first quarter of 2025, fourth quarter of this year, in 2026 and 2027.
The implementation of the succeeding tranches for the approved positions at UPPGH will follow the designated schedule and will be contingent on the full staffing
the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) fund scam case.
He also helped secure bail for former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile in 2015, with the Supreme Court citing humanitarian reasons, and in 2000, he represented former President Joseph Estrada as chief counsel during his impeachment trial.
of the positions created in the previous tranche.
“UP-PGH showcases a remarkable pool of highly skilled medical professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional healthcare services. With additional manpower, UP-PGH will continue to stand as a beacon of medical excellence in the country,” Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman was quoted in the statement as saying.
The additional positions were created in response to UP-PGH’s request to improve
Recently, Mendoza defended Vice President Sara Duterte in Supreme Court petitions concerning P125 million in confidential funds.
Friends and former clients, including Enrile and Arroyo, shared their condolences.
“For me, he was one of the best, if not the best, lawyer I have encountered and worked with,” Enrile wrote on Facebook.
“He was younger than I am, but he was my senior in the UP Law School.”
“I am eternally grateful to Tatang Titong,” Arroyo added.
Details of his wake and funeral are yet to be announced.
Mendoza is survived by his wife, Rosa Fernan Adams, and their five children.
The leadership of the House of Representatives on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mendoza, calling it “a great loss to the nation.”
To address the issue, Bowden proposed a two-stage permitting and consultation framework. Under this approach, early-stage exploration would focus on environmental safeguards and limited review timelines, while the more complex benefit-sharing and consent negotiations would take place only if a viable mine is confirmed.
“We don’t even need to change the law,” he said. “We just need to implement it properly.”
Bowden also warned that the delays and bureaucratic hurdles are fueling illegal mining, which operates with no oversight and feeds into public distrust of the industry.
“How long does it take to start up an illegal mine? Next day,” he said. “And that’s what drives the negative perception of mining.” He closed with a call to reinvigorate the sector. “We need to accelerate the exploration of the Philippines’ vast critical mineral potential,” he said. “We need to actively pursue discoveries—that will inspire major investments and yield long-term economic benefits for all stakeholders. That’s what we need to bring life back into this industry.”
its organizational and manpower capacity, ensuring the continued delivery of quality health care services, particularly to indigent Filipinos.
“This is in line with the directive of our President, Bongbong Marcos, to provide more efficient and reliable services to our fellow Filipinos in need,” Pangandaman added. Currently, the UP-PGH operates as a Level III general hospital with 1,334 bed capacity. The DBM said the existing organization and staffing standards for a 1,300-bed Level III government hospital were considered in the approval of the request for additional positions. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
In a statement, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said Mendoza was “a cherished brother” in the Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity whose “departure is a significant loss to the legal community and to our nation.” Romualdez noted that as the Solicitor General from 1972 to 1986, Mendoza successfully defended the validity of the 1973 Constitution in the Ratification Cases.
“His tenure as Minister of Justice from 1984 to 1986 further showcased his commitment to uphold the rule of law. Additionally, he held the position of Governor of Pampanga, demonstrating his versatility and dedication to public service,” he said. With Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
MORE THAN CLASSROOMS: HOW SM SCHOOL BUILDINGS HELP IMPROVE STUDENT OUTCOMES
SEVEN years ago, Tuba Central School (TCS) had to make do with overcrowded classrooms, each accommodating up to 53 students on a typical school day.
The learner population of the then 84-year-old public primary school, located in the quaintmeets-modern municipality of Tuba in the province of Benguet, was almost 600.
Without a dedicated computer lab, learners relied on mobile phones for research, while teachers often used their personal laptops to teach technology-related subjects. Some even lent their devices to ensure their students could gain hands-on experience.
The learning environment at Tuba Central School (TCS) took a significant leap forward when SM Foundation, in partnership with SM Prime and the Philippine Stock Exchange Foundation, turned over a two-story, four-classroom building on August 9, 2019.
B uilding on this commitment to quality education, SM
With more space for the children, the learning environment became more conducive, allowing them to focus better. This has definitely contributed to their academic progress," she said.
Data from TCS reflects this improvement, with a significant number of students achieving proficiency. In some grade levels, as much as one-third to half of the total enrollment consists of proficient to advanced learners. In the first quarter of the 2023-2024 school year, one Grade 1 section had 14 proficient to advanced learners out of 24 enrollees, while a Grade 5 section had 15 out of 32.
The principal also noted a positive trend in student retention, with absenteeism and dropouts becoming less frequent and only a few students discontinuing their studies as of writing.
Foundation returned in 2024 to carry out its school building maintenance program—ensuring that the facility remains safe, well-maintained, and conducive to learning for years to come.
The SM Foundation School Building helps us augment the lack of a building in our school. With the facility, we can accommodate more enrollees amidst the increasing number of learners," TCS Principal Jennifer Cados started, sharing the impact of SM Foundation's project.
Improved leveled-upenvironment, abilities
Maria Margareth Mae Dacpano, a Grade 6 learner who was already studying at TCS before the turnover, noticed the positive impact of the new classrooms on the learning environment.
" We have more classrooms now, so my schoolmates no longer crowd in a single classroom. We can focus better on studying and avoid conflicts because of overcrowded classrooms and discomfort," Dacpano said.
"And with a dedicated computer room, we can now research faster if we want to get information. We are also learning to use computers, and we no longer have much difficulty accessing them if we need to know something," Dacpano said, noting that before, they used to research using only their mobile phones.
H aving the school building has also paid off in other aspects at TCS, particularly in learning outcomes, according to the school principal.
To further support TCS' growth and sustain a conducive learning environment, the SM Foundation implemented its School Building Maintenance Program. As part of this initiative, the foundation conducted a thorough inspection and completed necessary repairs. It revitalized the building with fresh interior and exterior paint, ensuring the facilities remain safe and well-maintained for students and teachers alike.
Providing holistic learning
The emergency-ready and PWDfriendly school building has been housing two sections of Grade 1 learners on the ground floor.
The second floor now serves as the information and communications technology (ICT) room equipped with 20 WiFi-connected computer units, built in partnership with Mastercard Philippines. This floor includes a dedicated sports room for Arnis training, supporting the province's reputation as a stronghold for the sport in the Philippines.
Since we made use of two classrooms on the ground floor for Grade 1, congestion among learners was lessened. The teacher-to-learner ratio now averages to 1:20," Cados said.
T CS has only one shift for all grade levels, with Grade 1 having four sections and Grades 2-6 having three sections each.
R iola Wasit, one of the teachers who handles the school's computer subject, said the additional
already available. It's easier for us to teach about computer literacy because we have computers where they can access applications on their own," Wasit said.
Iyaman! It means thank you in our dialect," Cados said on behalf of the entire TCS. She shared that SM Foundation and its partners' continued support inspires them to provide quality education and uplift the Tuba, Benguet community. Grateful for the additional school building, the school's stakeholders extend their appreciation to the foundation.
A side from TCS, seven other schools underwent the maintenance program in 2024: Balanga Elementary School, Bataan; Kalalake Elementary School, Olongapo City; Pedro Candido Memorial National High School, Hernani, Eastern Samar; Looc Elementary School (Batangas), Zamboanga Central School-SPED Center, Zamboanga City, Mantagbac Elementary School, Daet City, Camarines Sur; and Villa Kananga Integrated School, Butuan City.
SM Foundation's commitment to education goes beyond building classrooms—it nurtures learning environments that empower students and uplift communities. By ensuring schools like TCS remain safe and well-maintained, the foundation continues to pave the way for a brighter future, one school at a time.
Palace says no to ‘bring home FPRRD,’ says PHL is no longer part of ICC
By Samuel P. Medenilla
@sam_medenilla
MALACAÑANG said the government will not cooperate with the possible interim release arrangement from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to bring home former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, stating that the country is no longer under the Hague-based tribunal’s jurisdiction.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the remark after ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah said the ICC can enter into such an agreement with some states to allow the release of some suspects.
She maintained that the country cannot enter into such a “hy -
pothetical” agreement with the Hague-based tribunal after the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute took effect in 2019.
“So, it means that if we will not cooperate with the ICC, even that prayer or even that manifestation of the ICC, we will not take cognizance of that,” Castro said.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) undersecretary said the government is also constrained by the three pending petitions filed by Duterte’s children before the Supreme Court (SC), which questioned the legality of his arrest.
The Palace reiterated its position not to deal with the ICC despite an SC ruling in 2021, which stated that the country must still cooperate with the tribunal for cases before
the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute.
The same explanation for the said SC’s ruling is also the reason cited by ICC on why it continues to pursue the case against Duterte.
Freeze order
DUTERTE was arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) on the basis of an arrest warrant issued the ICC.
The former president is currently detained in the Netherlands, where he is facing a crimes against humanity case for the deaths of more than 6,000 people in the bloody campaign against criminality of his administration.
Kontra Daya to Comelec: Revert to manual counting
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
ELECTION watchdog Kontra Daya is now urging the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to implement manual ballot counting alongside automated tallying in the upcoming May 12 polls.
K ontra Daya convenor Danilo Arao said Thursday that the country’s election system should adopt a hybrid approach to provide an additional layer of transparency.
“We cannot rely on machines forever and simply accept their output. The results from automated counting should be verified
through a manual count of the ballots,” Arao said in Filipino. He added that while automated machines would still be used, ballot images should be made accessible to the public to allow manual verification.
“Some say manual counting takes too long, but when results are transmitted too quickly, doubts arise. It’s better to have a slightly delayed process if it means ensuring accuracy,” he explained.
However, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia countered that the commission does not have the authority to alter
the election system on its own.
“For us to implement manual counting or hybrid elections, we need a law, and that can only come from Congress,” Garcia said. “We hope you understand—perhaps this is something that should be brought up in Congress.”
Under Republic Act No. 9369, as amended by RA No. 8436, elections in the Philippines are mandated to be automated.
Garcia clarified, however, that the automated system in place already incorporates elements of a hybrid approach.
‘No politician, candidate should be present in ayuda disbursement’
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
AS the local campaign period begins on March 28, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded all candidates that they are prohibited from participating in the distribution of government aid in barangays.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia warned on Thursday that exemptions from the spending ban could be revoked if candidates fail to comply.
“No excuses—we can easily remove the exemption granted to a specific area where aid is being distributed. Let’s not compromise the assistance meant for our fellow Filipinos just because some refuse to follow the rules,” Garcia said in Filipino.
He added that aside from their physical presence, candidates are also barred from having campaign posters, relatives, or office staff present during the distribution process.
The poll chief urged social workers to report any violations to the commission. Earlier this year, Comelec approved
spending ban exemptions for several government aid programs, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), as well as the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. These exemptions will be in effect from March 28 to May 11.
H owever, ten days before election day, only medical and burial assistance will be allowed to continue.
Garcia also reminded candidates that distributing aid without Comelec exemption is prohibited.
“If you use government aid without an exemption, that’s either vote-buying or abuse of state resources. We will immediately disqualify you—no ifs or buts,” he said.
Under the new guidelines of Comelec’s Committee on Kontra Bigay, the commission will presume undue advantage when an incumbent official or government employee
Castro also said if the government will start to cooperate with the ICC, it must also comply with the possible freeze order to be issued by the Hague-based tribunal on the assets of Duterte, which can be use for reparations.
“Would the Duterte family also like us to cooperate with the ICC so that all their assets, whether hidden or not, can be found? We will cooperate with the ICC to find all their assets,” she said in Filipino.
As of press time, the ICC has yet to issue such a freeze order on Duterte’s assets.
Nothing personal CITING the preliminary result of the hearing of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, the President’s
He noted that voters and poll watchers can document the displayed results through photos or videos, allowing them to manually verify and compare these with Comelec’s official count.
Ph ysical copies of election returns will also be posted outside precincts for public scrutiny.
The Comelec earlier assured that automated counting machines remain offline during voting and only connect to the internet for a few seconds when transmitting results.
T he process, which takes place after printing election returns, uses either a SIM card or Starlink through a private network to ensure secure data transmission.
uses public resources to benefit their own candidacy, a political ally, or a relative running for office.
This includes unjustified changes in scholarship grants and social programs during the campaign period, the use of government vehicles for campaign activities, storing or distributing campaign materials in government facilities, and displaying candidate-related paraphernalia in public offices or vehicles.
‘Don’t be hardheaded’
MEANWHILE , the poll chief also reminded local candidates to strictly follow all Comelec guidelines on campaigning.
“Always comply with Comelec regulations. Don’t be hardheaded. Don’t put campaign materials just anywhere,” he said.
Candidates are required to use only designated common poster areas, with materials limited to 2x3 feet in size.
If post ed on private property, they must obtain the owner’s consent.
T hose who fail to comply will receive a notice of removal from Comelec. If the
posters are not taken down after three days, the commission will issue a show cause order—which is a preparation for filing a disqualification and election offense.
The poll chief also reiterated that candidates with political parties can only spend P3 per registered voter, while independent candidates are allowed P5 per voter.
Comelec said all campaign expenses and donations must be properly recorded in candidates’ Statements of Contributions and Expenditures, including endorsements from artists and internet personalities.
Garcia clarified that while online endorsements are not prohibited, they must be properly declared.
Under the Omnibus Election Code, all candidates—including those who withdraw—must submit a “full, true, and itemized statement of all contributions and expenditures” within 30 days after election day.
Political parties are also required to file the same report.
Failure to submit a SOCE is considered an election offense, and a second or subsequent violation may result in perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
MMDA final intervention measure rehabilitation of EDSA next week
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday said that final intervention measures for the impending rehabilitation of EDSA will “definitely come out within next week” and assured that the thorough planning is being done to cushion effects.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said that the plan, including traffic mitigating measures, were presented to the Metro Manila local chief executives and representatives during the Metro Manila (MMC) Council meeting for their additional inputs to help mitigate its effects on traffic.
The agency also sought the MMC’s suggestions to form part of the final plan.
“With the expected decrease in lane capacity of Edsa, we are tasked to develop the final plan centered on the President’s directive to ease the inconvenience of motorists and most especially, commuters. We will likewise clear and maintain alternate routes which will be identified once the final plan has come out,” said Artes as he underscored President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize public convenience during the complete overhaul of the major thoroughfare.
Careful and thorough planning
FOR his part, Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon ensured that the project is undergoing careful and thorough planning as it involves many aspects to minimize adverse effects.
We want to lay out plans that are
sister, Senator Imee Marcos, said the government violated the rights of Duterte when it allowed his arrest.
She claimed that the government only changed its tone from cooperation to non-cooperation with the ICC after a rift formed between the Marcoses and the Dutertes.
Castro reiterated the legality of the arrest since it was in compliance with the country’s obligation to Interpol and not with the ICC.
She also said that the arrest was not motivated by any “personal” issues between the Marcoses and Dutertes.
After leading the Senate hearing on Duterte’s arrest, Sen. Marcos, who is seeking to be reelected in the 2025 polls, left the administrationbacked Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas (APBP) senatorial slate, which
led to speculation that she is not on good terms with the President. Castro said it was a good thing Senator Marcos left the APBP since the lawmaker no longer believes in the programs of the APBP.
“It is better for her to leave [the APBP] because if she doesn’t believe with the programs of Alyansa, there won’t be a good relationship [between her and the APBP members],” she said.
As to the status of the relationship of the President with Senator Marcos, Castro said she currently has no information if there is any disagreement between the two siblings.
“We have also not heard any resentment, if any, from the President towards his sister,” Castro said.
Malacañang asserts PHL independence after Beijing ‘chess piece’ comment
DESPITE its strong alliance with the United States (US) and other nations, the Philippines will remain independent and not a mere “chess piece” of other countries as claimed by Beijing, according to Malacañang.
In a pr ess briefing last Thursday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro slammed the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s statement that the Philippines is allegedly serving as “mouthpiece” of other countries.
B eijing issued the statement with the arrival of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the country on Friday to meet with Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Eduardo C. Teodoro, Jr. and President Ferdinand Marcos.
H egseth is expected to discuss security matters as well as the upcoming Philippines-US Balikatan exercises, which is set for April 21 to May 9, 2025.
“ The Philippines is no one’s chess piece, we are an independent country,” Castro said.
“S o, whatever we do, whatever our
project is regarding our military operations, it is up to us, no one can interfere with it. We are independent and no one should interfere with any decision of our government,” she added. China e xpressed its concerns with the Philippines’ defense and security cooperation with other countries, which it said should “not target any third party or harm their interests” and threaten regional peace.
C astro said if Beijing really wants to preserve regional peace, it should comply with international law.
“ Well, if China really believes and is concerned about peace and stability in the region, they should abide by the international law, they should also respect the sovereignty of each country,” she said. China c ontinues to claim it has sovereignty on almost the entire South Chinese Sea, including those within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, even after it was invalidated by the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Ruling. Samuel P. Medenilla
Pangilinan denies talks with Alyansa for inclusion in administration ticket
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
COME backing senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Thursday categorically denied reports that he is in talks with the administration’s Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas regarding a potential inclusion in the party’s senatorial lineup.
This, after presidential sister formally bowed out of the Alyansa ticket, following weeks of disagreement over the government’s stance to allow the arrest of former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
concrete, sure, and uncompromised to make sure that motorists and commuters will not bear too much burden as we roll out road works,” he said.
The transportation secretary added that the Edsa overhaul is the essence of the President’s flagship infrastructure program Build Better More.
“The only way to build a better Edsa is to do this huge and overall plan to overhaul its stretch. We need this massive change to beautify this major artery,” Dizon added.
While admitting that there are challenges in undertaking the project, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary for Regional Operations in NCR Roberto Bernardo said that the agency is looking for ways to fasten the rehabilitation works, saying, “With the help of DOTr and the MMDA, we can ease the burden of our motorists and commuters amid the looming road works.”
Metro Manila mayors, who comprise the MMC, expressed commitment to help the national government in disseminating information to their constituents about the rehabilitation works.
“We will assist not just in explaining but also in crafting additional policies as necessary,” Pateros Mayor Ike Ponce said as he also appealed to the public to ready themselves for the expected effects which, in the end, will bring positive outcomes.
T he MMC is the governing and policymaking of the MMDA.
Claudeth S. Mocon-Ciriaco
“There have been no discussions between my camp and Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas. Our campaign remains independent and focused on our core advocacy—fighting high food prices and ensuring food security for every Filipino family,” Pangilinan said in a statement.
He was reacting to a Manila Times article suggesting that Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas was considering endorsing Pangilinan. The former senator clarified that while he welcomes broad-based support for his advocacies, his candidacy is driven by the urgent need to address the country’s
food crisis and economic hardships.
“Sa atin, ang laban ay laban para sa pagkainsamurangpresyo.Hindiitousapin ng partido o kulay. Handa tayo makipagtulungan sa lahat ng mga partido, alyansa man o PDP oibapangmgagruposangalan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino na hindi na makabilingsapatnapagkaindahilsataas ng presyo,” he added.
[To us, the fight is for enough food at low prices. This isn’t an issue of party or political color, whether as an alliance or some other groups in the name of the Filipino family that can hardly afford enough food because of high price.]
Pangilinan affirmed his commitment to running on a platform of food security, support for farmers and fisherfolk, and long-term agricultural reforms, regardless of political affiliations.
“Our focus is clear: Hello, PagkainsaMababangPresyo.Walangkulayanggutom,at angsolusyonsamataasnapresyongbilihin aydapatpagtulungannatinglahatanuman ang Partido [Food at low prices. Hunger has no c olor, and the solution to inflation should be a common effort, regardless of party],” he concluded.
AFP steadfast in its duty of defending Constitution
EBy Rex Anthony Naval
VEN as some sectors continue to cast aspersions on the military, the Armed Forces of the Philippines(AFP) on Thursday said that it remains steadfast in its sworn duty to protect the Filipino people, defend the Constitution, and uphold democracy.
“In light of recent discussions questioning the AFP’s role and responsibilities, we affirm the following,” it added.
The AFP also maintained that under the 1987 Constitution, the military is a non-partisan institution.
The AFP also added that concerns about governance should be resolved through lawful and democratic means.
“The strength of our democracy lies in respecting institutions, following due process, ensuring justice through established legal channels, and selecting executive and legislative officials through elections,” it pointed out. The AFP also added that it stands firm in its duty—always in service of the Filipino people, with unwavering commitment to the Constitution.
“Section 5[3], Article XVI explicitly prohibits military personnel from engaging in politicalactivities. Any deviation from this principle would undermine the very democracy we are bound to protect,” it added. Also, it added that it’s role is to defend the country and uphold stability, not to interfere in political matters.
A BusinessMirror Special Feature
How to spend your salary wisely? Let us count the ways
Splitting your payroll is a beneficial strategy to prevent overspending by intentionally directing funds to multiple accounts.
By Vincent Peter Rivera
FOR the dedicated workforce, the word “payday” brings a sense of relief, a day to receive your welldeserved reward and perhaps experience a small indulgence. Yet, for many who navigate the complexities of monthly dues and daily expenses, this anticipated day also serves as a reminder of the crucial need for careful budgeting and responsible personal finance management.
According to TransUnion Philippines’ Consumer Pulse Survey among 944 Filipino adults interviewed from May 1 to 10, 2024, 44% of respondents are worried about their inability to pay current bills and loans in full, even though 42% reported an increase in income.
“Although more Filipinos enjoyed increased household incomes in Q2 2024 and expect this trend to persist in the next 12 months, the adjustments they made to household budgets suggest a cautious approach to financial management,” said Weihan Sun, Principal of Research and Consulting for Asia Pacific at TransUnion.
The revealed data among Filipino workers implies that a high income alone is not a guaranteed solution to financial problems. Instead, being financially responsible is more likely to alleviate these money concerns.
In an article released by washingtonpost.com, Reba Dominski, Chief Social Responsibility Officer and President of the U.S. Bank Foundation, stated that financial responsibility is essential to mitigating the shared problem of managing expenses among the workforce. “The good news, though, is that all of us can improve the security of our futures through financial literacy. With a better understanding of the basics of finance—how to save, budget and invest—we can increase both our earning potential and our prospects for a solid financial future,” Dominski said.
Methods of managing your finances
Responsibly managing your salary involves allocating funds according to a budget that aligns with your financial situation. According to fastercapital.com, splitting your payroll is a beneficial
A click away from your savings accounts
A 2022 Statista study on consumer payment behavior in the Philippines revealed that 47% of respondents preferred digital banking over traditional banks due to its perceived speed and convenience. Thus, the rise of digital banks can facilitate the simultaneous management of accounts based on your financial allocations.
Digital banks offer significant convenience to their users. As the website SDK.finance highlights, these systems automate daily financial transactions and are costefficient due to the streamlined processes compared to traditional banking. Regardless of location, digital banks are readily accessible with just a click, simplifying tasks like money transfers, bill payments, and even grocery purchases. Beyond seamless transactions, many digital banks now feature rewarding loyalty programs. For example, some integrate with platforms like Go Rewards, allowing users to earn and redeem points, potentially converting them to cash for everyday spending. Furthermore, digital banks often provide attractive interest rates. GoTyme Bank, a licensed digital bank by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), exemplifies
tions
“Saving
strategy to prevent overspending by intentionally directing funds to multiple accounts. This practice encourages saving, reduces the risk of debt, and provides flexibility, allowing you to control the percentage allocated to each specific account.
There are some existing rules that can guide you to properly manage your finances.
The 50/30/20 Rule
Former Harvard Law professor Elizabeth Warren introduced the "50/30/20 Rule" in 2006. Warren's method involves dividing your payroll into three categories: 50% for needs (groceries, rent/mortgage, utilities, transportation, healthcare, minimum debt payments), 30% for wants (restaurants, vacations, gifts, new clothes, streaming services, new gadgets), and the remaining 20% for savings, which includes your emergency fund, brokerage accounts, and debt payments beyond the minimum (such as additional car or student loan payments).
Forbes added that this method is optimal for adults who are new to budgeting and have low needs-based spending. It is a direct-to-the-point rule that is more achievable and simpler to understand.
The 40/30/20/10 Rule
In the Philippines, online financial expert Jan Wenzel So Ocampo, formerly a sales, operations, and logistics supervisor, also introduced a salary allocation method called “The 40/30/20/10 Rule.” Based on his explanation on his online platform called “The Present,” this approach allocates 40% of income to essential expenses (food, groceries, utilities like electricity and water), 30% to emergency funds for unexpected events like illness, 20% to investments (stock market, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), MP2 savings, digital savings accounts, etc.), and the final 10% to personal desires such as clothing and gadgets.
A key advantage of this method is that once your emergency fund reaches three to six months’ worth of living expenses, you can reallocate the 30% previously designated for it. This allows you to increase savings in other budget categories.
Responsibly managing your salary involves allocating funds according to a budget that aligns with your financial situation.
PHOTO BY GIOVANNI GAGLIARDI/UNSPLASH
Casino Plus A
Special Feature
Biggest online bacarrat payout ever! Casino Plus makes history with P102.5M Jack
pot
MANILA, Philippines—Casino Plus has set a historic benchmark for the Philippine gaming industry by awarding a record-breaking P102,576,582.94 baccarat jackpot shared among 11 lucky players. The landmark payout stands as the largest baccarat prize ever awarded in the country, reinforcing Casino Plus' leadership in the gaming sector.
This unprecedented payout not only marks a new chapter in Philippine gaming but also underscores Casino Plus' marketleading position. According to a market observer, "Casino Plus has surpassed almost P3 billion in total jackpot payouts since early 2024—the highest among all casinos in the Philippines—clearly setting itself apart from competitors."
On March 24, to celebrate the historic event, Casino Plus hosted a press conference in Clark that was attended by over 40 prominent media outlets and livestreamed across the nation. The event placed the spotlight on the jackpot winners and introduced groundbreaking baccarat enhancements that aim to position Casino Plus as the premium gaming online site where the biggest online jackpots in the Philippines are won.
Life-changing win
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The biggest highlight of the night was a staggering P30 million jackpot won by another player who reflected, “At first, I thought it was a glitch. Casino Plus showed me that gaming is really for everyone—it’s about the thrill, the fun, and the unexpected moments that come with every spin.”
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Growing jackpot prize
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Up ahead: Exclusive features
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Good Trends, an advanced, trendbased analytical tool offering real-time gameplay winning strategy insights, will also be accessible to players. Likewise, there will be Multi-Table Betting Mode that will allow players to engage simultaneously with multiple live baccarat tables from a
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Women in tech: More opportunities,
Some firms report women now that challenges the long-held perception
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
MORE women are breaking barriers in financial technology (fintech) and information technology (IT) as they step into roles once dominated by men.
No longer confined to support functions, they are leading business development, managing technical teams, and reshaping the digital workforce.
In an exclusive interview with BusinessMirror, Fintech Philippines Association Deputy Executive Director Maria Gaitanidou said women now hold 48 percent of senior fintech positions in the Philippines, up from 36 to 38 percent in previous years.
While female CEOs and founders remain scarce, their presence in executive leadership is steadily increasing.
Although we are lacking some CEOs or founders from the fintech space— who are predominantly men—you’ll see that at the senior level, at C-level, there
are still a lot of women. Participation has definitely increased,” she said.
Beyond leadership, overall female participation in fintech is rising.
Gaitanidou noted that some firms report women now make up over 60 percent of their workforce, a shift that challenges the long-held perception of fintech as a male-dominated space. A similar transformation is unfolding in IT, where digitalization is opening more opportunities for women.
Linartes M. Viloria, National Project Coordinator at the International Labour Organization (ILO), said technological advancements are driving job growth across all skill levels, from entry-level roles to highly specialized positions in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI-driven development.
With the advent of new technologies, such as AI, we are seeing a growth of jobs and roles, ranging from lowskilled work to high-skilled work in the technology in-
PH intensifies push for women’s economic inclusion and rights
Philippine Commission on Women highlights policies, grants, and support programs to promote inclusion and protect women’s rights
By John Eiron R. Francisco
AMID ongoing gender inequalities in labor participation, entrepreneurship, and caregiving, a women’s rights group stated that the Philippine government is ramping up its efforts through policies, grants, and support programs to empower women, foster economic inclusion, and uphold their rights.
“Every woman deserves safe and inclusive spaces, essential services, learning, equal voice, health, income, opportunities, and an equal share in the fruits of development,” Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla said during the NWM celebration Kick-off Activity, held at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia on March 5, 2025, gathered over 1,000 participants from various government agencies, private companies, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and marginalized communities in partnership with SM Cares.
She highlighted the current challenges faced by women across the country, along with the Philippine government’s ongoing efforts and proactive measures to promote genuine gender equality. Citing the 2025 State of the Filipino Women Report, she revealed that women continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of caregiving responsibilities.
To address this imbalance, the government, in partnership with Oxfam and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), is finalizing the Care Economy Policy Framework aimed at easing the burden on women and promoting shared caregiving roles.
In the business sector, women dominate small and medium enterprises (SMEs), owning 66 percent of them. Additionally, 62 percent of newly registered businesses under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are also women-owned. In the workforce, men’s participation rate (75.4 percent) still significantly exceeds that of women (51.2 percent). However, both genders have comparable employment rates, with men at 92.5 percent and women at 91.8 percent. Despite comprising the majority of OFWs, women remit significantly less (P71,000 on average) compared to their male counterparts (P166,000). In education, more women are pursuing higher studies, accounting for 57.89 percent of enrollees in the 2021-2022 academic year. However, gender gaps remain in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Although the Philippines is nearing gender parity in engineering and computer science, with women making up 48.33 percenr of graduates, the disparity persists. On a positive note, women lead in technical and vocational courses, comprising 52.61 percent of graduates.
Following the report presentation, Valdeavilla underscored the need to keep pushing forward, urging everyone to remain steadfast in the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society. With the sub-theme, ‘Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,’ we renew and strengthen our resolve to uplift the status and well-being of women in every sector, especially the women in nontraditional occupations and marginalized communities,” Valdeavilla said.
Women’s Month
opportunities, same barriers
now make up over 60 percent of their workforce, a shift perception of fintech as a male-dominated space.
dustry,” Viloria said.
A 2019 report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) found that women make up only 35 percent of the global tech workforce. Viloria believes this number could increase as more companies embrace digital transformation. She explained, “This is an exciting time for women to be part of the technology industry. With more technologies being introduced, especially in AI, more job roles are being introduced that women can apply for.”
However, while these gains sound promising, both experts caution that they do not tell the full story.
Barriers to growth
Despite increasing participation, many women in fintech and IT still face deeply ingrained societal expectations that shape their career trajectories.
The burden of caregiving, which is still viewed as a woman’s responsibility, often forces them to make career decisions that their male counterparts don’t have to consider.
Both Viloria and Gaitanidou observed that women in their 30s often experience slowed career progression due to family commitments, which can disadvantage them in terms of promotions.
(Related: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2025/03/14/women-exitworkforce-due-to-lack-of-maternitybenefits/).
“ Women in their mid-30s may hit a slump where progression takes longer compared to men, just because they have to take time off in terms of maternity, they have to bounce back. Sometimes they look for other setups or other arrangements to be able to look after their
family,” Gaitanidou explained.
A 2024 report of ILO found that 708 million women across the world last year were kept out of the workforce due to unpaid care duties.
In contrast, only 40 million men cited caregiving as their primary reason for economic inactivity.
Viloria also pointed out that many young women still see IT as an intimidating or male-dominated field, which discourages them from pursuing jobs in the industry.
The visibility of women leaders in technology inspires more female employees to stay,” she said, emphasizing the importance of role models in breaking these stereotypes.
Recognizing these barriers, some companies have introduced policies to support women’s career advancement, from leadership training programs to gender-responsive workplace benefits.
DESPITE increasing participation, many women in fintech and IT still face deeply ingrained societal expectations that shape their career trajectories. PHOTO BY MIMI THIAN/UNSPLASH.
Editor: Angel R. Calso
Trump’s auto tariffs, threats on allies intensify trade war
By Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Josh Wingrove, Joe Deaux & Gabrielle Coppola
Bloomberg News
PRESIDENT Donald Trump signed a proclamation to implement a 25 percent tariff on auto imports and pledged harsher punishment on the EU and Canada if they join forces against the US, expanding a trade war and triggering threats of retaliation.
“What we’re going to be doing is a 25-percent tariff on all cars that are not made in the United States,” Trump said at the White House last Wednesday as he pushed ahead with a program seeking to bring more manufacturing jobs to the US.
Hours later, Trump suggested further tariffs would be imposed on the European Union and Canada if they worked together
“to do economic harm” to the US. The reaction in currency markets including the euro and Canadian dollar was muted.
Taken together, Trump’s escalating trade actions appear likely to deepen tensions with key trading partners even before his promised so-called reciprocal tariffs on April 2.
The auto tariffs will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. Washington time on April 3, initially targeting fully assembled vehicles. By May 3, the scope will expand to include major automobile parts like engines, transmissions, powertrain components, and electrical systems, with the potential to broaden further as necessary, according to the proclamation.
Shares of Toyota Motor Corp. dropped 2 percent in Tokyo. In Europe, Stellantis NV fell 4.1 percent, Valeo SE sank 5.1 percent, Porsche AG declined 4.3 percent and Mercedes-Benz Group AG dipped 3.5 percent. Shares of General Motors Co. were down 6.5 percent in pre-market trading, while Ford Motor Co. was down 2.6 percent while Tesla Inc. inched 0.4 percent higher.
The MSCI World Automobiles Index has tumbled 22 percent so far this year.
Trump cast the tariffs as “permanent” and said he was not interested in negotiating any exceptions. The tariffs will be on top of levies already in place, White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf said, and the administration
projects that the tariffs would result in $100 billion of new annual revenue to the US.
Swift response
THE EU swiftly criticized Trump’s latest move, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warning that Europe would defend its economic interests while continuing to pursue diplomatic solutions.
“We will now assess this announcement, together with other measures the US is envisaging in the next days,” von der Leyen said in a statement.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the US tariffs are a “direct attack” on people who work in the auto industry and violate the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the leader of the province that’s the home of most of Canada’s auto industry, said it was virtually guaranteed that Canada would retaliate. He urged Carney to “target American cars”—USmanufactured vehicles have a dominant share of the Canadian vehicle market.
“We’re going to make sure that we inflict as much pain as possible to the American people without inflicting pain on the Canadian population,” the premier said.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he won’t rule out countermeasures against auto levies, while South Korea’s government said it will come up with emergency measures to help the auto industry.
Bracing for more
THE auto tariff was unveiled ahead of an even broader announcement of so-called reciprocal tariffs expected April 2—a bid to drive down other countries’ barriers and shrink US trade deficits.
Those tariffs will see the US apply rates on a country-by-country basis to counter barriers levied on American imports. Trump, though, has signaled some trading partners may receive possible exemptions or reductions in duties.
In a fact sheet about the auto tariffs, the White House said importers whose vehicles were covered by USMCA, the trade agreement negotiated in Trump’s first term with Canada and Mexico, would be given the opportunity to certify their US and that the 25 percent
levy will only apply to the value of their nonUS content.
A White House official, discussing the tariffs on the condition of anonymity, said the administration would develop a plan to deal with parts that cross the border multiple times.
Other industry-specific tariffs are also in the works, with Trump threatening levies on lumber, semiconductors and pharmaceutical drugs.
“That’s the real Liberation Day of America, and that’s going to be on April 2, and I look forward to it,” Trump said last Wednesday.
The auto levies mark a significant expansion of the president’s trade fight, and likely ensnare some of the biggest automotive brands in countries including Japan, Germany and South Korea, all major US trading partners. The move risks disrupting operations for North American automakers, which rely on highly integrated chains across the US, Mexico and Canada.
Still, the tariffs will hit the non-US content in some of Detroit’s most recognizable and profitable models. GM imports some Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks from plants in Mexico and Canada, while Stellantis makes models including the Jeep Compass SUV in Mexico.
Ford produces a larger share of its US sales domestically than its Detroit rivals, but it won’t be spared. It builds the entry-level Maverick small pickup in Mexico as well as the Bronco Sport SUV.
Autos Drive America, which lobbies for carmakers based outside the US including Toyota and BMW AG, warned the new levies will do the opposite of what Trump wants.
“The tariffs imposed today will make it more expensive to produce and sell cars in the United States, ultimately leading to higher prices, fewer options for consumers and fewer manufacturing jobs in the US,” Jennifer Safavian, the group’s president, said in a statement.
Trump, though, has argued the tariffs will help spur growth in the domestic auto sector and force companies to move more production to the US.
“Before I was elected, we were losing all of our plants that were being built in Mexico and
US banks finance their own competition to tune of $1T
ONE of American banks’ fastestgrowing businesses is lending to the very companies trying to grab their market share.
Traditional bank lending to non-bank financial institutions like private equity firms, hedge funds and private credit shops more than doubled in the past five years, according to data analyzed by Bloomberg. That 16 percent annualized rate far surpassed their lending to categories including agriculture, credit cards, commercial and industrial companies as well as foreign governments, the data show.
The phenomenon underscores the seismic shift taking hold in US finance, where lessregulated lenders have stepped into a void opened up after the financial crisis prompted banks to slow certain types of lending. As those firms proliferated, traditional banks eager to capture the spoils have gotten in on the action, with lending to companies often dubbed shadow banks hitting $1 trillion last year.
“The banks are caught in a weird dance,” said Brian Foran, who covers bank stocks at Truist Securities Inc. “In effect, banks are financing their own competition.”
Lending to non-depository financial institutions—which also include mortgage lenders, student loan providers and real estate investment trusts—offers the prospect of additional revenue for banks, many of whom have been squeezed amid heightened competition for deposits. In theory, lending to such intermediaries partially shields the banks from the risk of any default by individual companies.
One Providence, Rhode Island-based lender says it’s benefitting from the shift.
Citizens Financial Group Inc. has more than doubled its roster of private equity customers to 175 since 2014, according to Chief Executive Officer Bruce Van Saun.
Many of those clients expanded into private credit using financing from Citizens, which they lent to their portfolio companies, he said in an interview.
“We’re making more money from the growth in private credit than we’re losing in direct head-to-head competition with them,” Van Saun said.
Still, the increase in bank loans to NDFIs has long worried industry watchdogs. They’ve tried to get a better grasp on the risks, amid fears the deepening relationship could make banks more vulnerable to liquidity or credit shocks.
A report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston offers one glimpse into the rapid expansion. The 31 large banks that were stress tested last year committed about $300 billion of loans to private credit and private equity funds in 2023, up from $10 billion in 2013, the research shows.
In a recent step, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Reserve started requiring banks to break out their exposure to NDFIs in more detail, citing the fast growth and heightened risks. Reporting methods “do not provide granularity on specific NDFI exposure, such as direct and off-balance sheet exposure,” among other information, the agencies said in a 2023 proposal seeking comment from the industry. Banks had to comply with the new rules for the first time earlier this year.
Bloomberg’s analysis of that data, gathered from the call reports of approximately 4,500 FDIC-regulated banks, showed their lending to NDFIs accounted for 8.5 percent of all their loans at the end of last year, up from less than 1 percent in 2010.
At the year end, mortgage lenders comprised about 20 percent of the pool while private equity firms borrowed about 18 percent. Almost 19 percent of the loans
went to “business credit intermediaries,” a category analysts said should include private credit—a market that’s more than tripled to $1.6 trillion over the past decade.
“Anecdotally, private credit is a big share of this pile,” said Chris Stanley, who leads the banking industry practice at Moody’s Analytics. “We’re at the start of a takeoff, not a landing.”
As the likes of Apollo Global Management and Blackstone Inc. expand, the competition will only intensify. Non-bank lenders have often overtaken traditional banks as the largest source of corporate loans, particularly for midsized firms, Boston Consulting Group said in a report this month.
“It is hard to imagine banks gaining back the share lost, as the non-banks have become so entrenched,” Foran wrote in a note. “In C&I, private credit isn’t exactly two guys and a dog buying M&A flow from a PE firm, the large private credit players are increasingly organized like a bank with relationship managers and industry verticals and the like.” In theory, non-bank lenders like private credit firms transfer risks outside the banking system, because they raise longterm funds from investors which match the duration of their loans, avoiding the kind of liquidity mismatches that flared up two years ago with the collapse of several regional lenders. But for private credit firms at least, a recent slow down in fundraising may increase their reliance on bank loans, somewhat undermining the premise that such risks are safely kept at bay.
“The inevitability is that funding is going to keep coming from the banking system,” said Steven Kelly, associate director of research on financial stability at the Yale School of Management. “If it continues at its current pace, it will tip into risk-increasing.” Bloomberg News
Canada and other places. Now those plants largely have stopped and they’re moving them to our country,” he said.
United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain
applauded the move in a statement.
“Ending the race to the bottom in the auto industry starts with fixing our broken trade deals, and the Trump administration has made history with today’s actions,” Fain said. Trump’s actions are poised to make cars more expensive for US consumers already uneasy about inflation and amplify worries that his tariffs will pitch the economy into a downturn.
Tariffs will likely raise prices of foreignmade cars, but even US-made vehicles would see price increases if supplies and parts are hit by levies or if supply chains are cut off from manufacturing in lower-cost countries. US car and light truck imports were valued last year at more than $240 billion.
Analysts have estimated that new tariffs could increase new-car prices by thousands of dollars per vehicle. One recent study found that tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China would raise the cost to produce a crossover vehicle by about $4,000, while a US-made EV would jump by about $12,000.
Trump is betting that his tariff moves will remake US industry and has claimed his approach is already working. Just this week, he hosted executives from Hyundai Motor Co. at the White House and hailed the South Korean automaker’s $21 billion US expansion plan as “a clear demonstration that tariffs very strongly work.”
But Trump’s imposition of trade duties has been erratic, marked by delays and suspensions as he extracts policy concessions from trading partners. Those shifts have rattled markets and made business leaders uneasy as they face investment and hiring decisions.
Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada earlier in March but delayed those for a month on goods—including automobiles and parts— that are covered by the North American trade deal USMCA. Auto executives from Detroit’s Big Three had lobbied Trump for relief, saying they needed more time to adapt given the close integration of the sector across the continent.
Thousands in Gaza protest in call to end Hamas’s rule
THOUSANDS of Palestinians demonstrated across parts of the Gaza Strip Wednesday in rare protests against militant group Hamas, the ruler of the war-ravaged territory.
The demonstrations began in Beit Lahiya in the north on Tuesday, before spreading to Gaza City and central Gaza a day later. Protesters called on Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza and end the 18-month war with Israel that’s killed tens of thousands of people.
“The protest was spontaneous; it stemmed from the oppression we live under,” one of the demonstrators, Rezeq Salem, said in a phone interview from Beit Lahiya.
The demonstrations against Hamas have been largely peaceful, with the militant group’s police and security forces rarely appearing in public.
Protests against the militant group are rare but not unprecedented. While previous demonstrations have urged Hamas to reconcile with rival Fatah— which dominates the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank—this is the first time crowds have openly called on it to step aside and sustained protests into a second day.
Hamas and its allied factions said the demonstrations should focus on ending the war and getting Israel to reopen border crossings to allow more aid into the Palestinian territory. They also warned of an Israeli “scheme” aimed at exploiting the protests to sow divisions among Palestinians.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the rallies showed his country was succeeding in weakening Hamas’s political power. His defense minister, Israel Katz, said more Gazans should take to the streets.
“We saw something that we’ve never seen in the past,” Netanyahu said to the Israeli parliament. “We saw large, open protests against Hamas. The Gazans understand that Hamas has brought upon them destruction.” Bloomberg News
China leader urges anti-protectionism, touts economic resilience
ASENIOR Chinese leader called for increased global cooperation and opposition to protectionist measures, in a thinly veiled critique aimed at the US for destabilizing trade and geopolitical relations.
“We should jointly safeguard the free trade system, uphold open regionalism, and firmly oppose trade and investment protectionism,” Ding Xuexiang, the ruling Communist Party’s sixth-ranking official, said during his keynote speech at the annual Boao Forum on Thursday, attended by Asian leaders, global diplomats and business executives.
The four-day Boao gathering in the southern province of Hainan comes as Beijing intensifies a charm offensive to lure overseas investment. China has bolstered efforts to portray itself as a reliable partner as US President Donald Trump rattles markets with unpredictable tariffs and unnerves US allies with geopolitical maneuvers.
Ding also sought to reassure global investors by highlighting the strength of China’s economy and its commitment to innovation. He pointed to recent advancements in artificial intelligence, robots and new-energy vehicles as new growth drivers and vowed to broaden market access for foreign investors.
“No matter how the external environment changes, China will open wider to the world,” he said.
Ding’s speech follows a week of Chinese efforts to woo international business leaders and foreign officials. Top executives including Apple Inc.’s Tim Cook, Qualcomm Inc.’s Cristiano Amon, Pfizer Inc.’s Albert Bourla and Saudi Aramco’s Amin Nasser attended the 2-day China Development Forum in Beijing.
Facing external headwinds, Chinese policymakers made boosting domestic demand the top economic priority this year. Lifting consumption will also increase its appeal to foreign investors after inbound investment fell to its lowest in over three decades last year.
Xuan Changneng, deputy governor of the Chinese central bank, repeated a pledge to cut interest rates and the reserve requirement ratio at a proper time.
Global monetary policy is facing “unprecedented” uncertainty now due to geopolitics and anti-globalization trends, he said, vowing to push borrowing costs lower in China. Bloomberg News
‘The Sims’ 25-year supremacy challenged by Korea’s Krafton
By Cecilia D’anastasio & Yoolim Lee Bloomberg News
MOST people have fantasized about inhabiting someone else’s life. For 25 years, video-game players have lived out those dreams in The Sims from Electronic Arts Inc.
The problem, according to Hyungjun “Kjun” Kim, a producer-director for South Korean gamemaker Krafton Inc., is that those fantasies are limited—culturally and graphically. His entry in the life-simulation genre, inZOI, debuts on March 28 at $40.
The market for a Sims successor is potentially vast. Electronic Arts has taken in more than $2.3 billion in lifetime revenue from The Sims 4, according to the analytics company Aldora, and has attracted over 85 million players. But it’s a decade old. The company has no plans for a fifth installment, meaning players will have to be satisfied with updates that sell for $10 to $50. Electronic Arts didn’t respond to requests for comment but has mentioned a mysterious “Project Rene” as the game’s “next evolution.” In life-simulation video games, players create and control avatars that cook, clean, use the toilet, work, fall in love and watch TV. They meticulously customize homes for their Sims or Zoi, as the inZOI digital humans are called. Outside, in the cities, avatars interact with automated characters, all with their own personalities and goals.
InZOI is less American than The Sims, aiming to appeal to players in Asia and the growing audience for K-pop culture. When players’ digital humans walk into their homes, they’re asked if they want to remove their shoes. The architecture of two cities in the game are inspired by Seoul and Santa Monica, California. There’s tteokbokki—a Korean snack made from rice cakes—in the fridge and Zoi tend to don Korean streetwear.
“I felt a lot of cultural barriers” playing The Sims, said Kim, who also serves as chief executive officer of Krafton’s inZOI Studio and owns about $164 million of the shares.
Krafton is South Korea’s largest game company, based on market value. It reported record financial results for 2024, with 2.7 trillion won (US$1.85 billion) in sales and 1.2 trillion won in operating profit. It’s the company behind the survival-shooter title PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, or PUBG, the predecessor to Epic Games’ Fortnite.
Kim’s son inspired him to make inZOI. For years, he would come home from his job making online role-playing games and boot up The Sims with his only child. Then one day, his son asked him, “How come there aren’t other games like The Sims?” That got him thinking.
“The recent generation wants something with better graphics,” he said. When Kim pitched a photo-realistic life-simulation game, his superiors were surprised. The Sims isn’t especially popular in South Korea, and his bosses asked if the product, which involves taking out the trash or working part time at a fast food joint, is even really a game. They had doubts about Kim’s ability to pull off the project.
“I had a lot of failed games,” he said. He told his bosses he’d do it in two years, lightspeed in an industry where top titles can take up to eight years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
Kim decided to approach inZOI differently from his prior titles. Instead of focusing on making money, he sought “to make something positive that may lead to a more in-depth understanding of life.” One of the lessons of inZOI, he said, is “Don’t focus too much on things you can’t control.”
Early on, he met Charles London, widely admired for his work on Sims games. London, who now works at mobile-gaming giant Scopely, acknowledged that The Sims never caught on into Asia—a longtime goal for Electronic Arts. He cautioned Kim against photo-realistic graphics. “The technological power for making games today is a threat to the believability of the experience,” he said in an interview. “The audience will decide whether realism enhances immersion or depletes it.”
Developing any game is difficult, but in the life-simulation genre, the challenges can be amusing. In early iterations, Zoi who were holding babies still gesticulated as if their arms were free. But in an emergency,
the Zoi might have to put their babies down—unless, the developers realized, that emergency was a fire.
“We should have considered we would develop babies when we built the system,” said Chae Jong-deuk, the technical director of inZOI. “We had to change a lot.”
Once a prototype was ready, the inZOI team tapped Sims YouTubers for feedback, sending them tricked-out PCs
to livestream the game. Hardcore fans joined a messaging channel for inZOI on Discord and contributed to a wish list. Western players suggested features they wanted Krafton to consider. One contains dozens of pictures of Black hairstyles—a longtime desire of Sims
players who felt the offerings were limited and had resorted to modifying the game on their own. Today, The Sims offers several options.
“After our feedback, lots of new curly and coiled Black hairstyles were added,” said Jaylen Dinkins, a 23-year-old YouTuber who
participated in the inZOI creator program. Dinkins, who goes by Neuworld on YouTube, bought The Sims 3 in third grade. It was the first game he played that had no story or mission—and he loved it. But over the last 10 years, he’s added so many modifications and expansion packs to The
Sims 4 that he has had difficulty running it.
When Dinkins saw inZOI, he was immediately attracted to its more-realistic graphics. He recorded his reaction on YouTube, and Krafton’s developers asked if he wanted to be a tester. His next video on inZOI drew a million views.
From surplus to deficit: BSP’s revised BOP outlook reflects global economic headwinds
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has recently revised its balance of payments (BOP) projections for 2025 and 2026, shifting from a surplus to a deficit. This revision serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing uncertainties and challenges facing the global economy. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “BSP sees balance-of-payments deficit due to trade jitters,” March 26, 2025).
The BOP is a fundamental economic indicator that tracks a country’s international transactions, including trade, investments, and financial flows. A BOP surplus typically signals a strong external position, while a deficit indicates an economy’s reliance on foreign capital.
The BSP’s new forecast of a $4-billion deficit in 2025 and a $4.3-billion deficit in 2026 is a significant departure from its earlier projection of a $2.1-billion surplus for 2025.
The reasons behind this revision are not hard to find. The ongoing trade tensions, geopolitical developments, and subdued investor confidence have all contributed to a slowdown in global trade and investment. BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. has rightly identified the tariff war as the biggest external factor influencing the country’s economic situation.
The implications of this revised projection are far-reaching. It highlights the need for businesses, investors, and policymakers to be cautious and adapt to the changing economic landscape. The BSP’s decision to prepare for a more challenging economic environment is a prudent one, and it is essential that all stakeholders take heed of this warning.
The country’s trade-in-goods deficit and lower net receipts in trade-inservices are expected to widen, leading to a higher current account gap. This will have a ripple effect on the overall economy, including inflation and growth rates. Remolona has warned of a possible rise in inflation and a slowdown in growth, although the extent of these effects is still uncertain.
In this uncertain environment, it is crucial that policymakers and businesses stay informed and monitor economic indicators closely. The BSP’s decision to keep interest rates steady at 5.75 percent in February was a wise one, given the global uncertainty. However, the possibility of a rate cut in April, as hinted by the BSP governor, may be necessary to stimulate economic growth.
The BSP’s shift in its BOP outlook underscores the volatile and unpredictable nature of the current global economic landscape. This revision serves as a reminder for policymakers, businesses, and individuals to maintain vigilance and adaptability in the face of ongoing global uncertainties.
The situation also highlights the importance of implementing prudent economic policies, diversifying trade and investment portfolios, and strengthening domestic economic resilience to better weather the challenges that may lie ahead.
It would do well for policymakers to remain proactive and make wellinformed decisions to protect the country’s financial stability and economic growth prospects.
Businesses, in turn, need to be prepared to quickly adjust their strategies and operations in response to rapidly changing global conditions. Diversifying sources of revenue, exploring new markets, and building up financial buffers can help mitigate risks and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Freedom of expression and speech on social media
AS the world is increasingly becoming interconnected, the fabric of society through the social media space must guarantee a balance in fulfilling human rights.
Information is power, and in the digital age, we have unprecedented access to the knowledge we need to hold governments accountable and make our voices heard. With the ability to readily access and share information, we can challenge those in power and air our grievances like never before.
Freedom of speech is the right to articulate opinions and ideas without interference, retaliation or punishment from the government. The term “speech” is interpreted broadly and includes spoken and written words as well as symbolic speech.
The Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, of speech, and of the press under Article III, Section 4: “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.”
In the hierarchy of civil liberties, the rights of free expression and of assembly occupy a preferred position as they are essential to the preservation and vitality of our civil and po-
litical institutions; and such priority “gives these liberties the sanctity and the sanction not permitting dubious intrusions.”
(Phil. Blooming Mills Employees Org. v. Phil. Blooming Mills Co. Inc.151-A Phil. 656)
Freedom of expression is critical and indispensable in a democracy. To ensure a meaningful and deliberative democracy, there must be an uninhibited discourse on public issues.
(The Diocese of Bacolod v. Comelec, 751 Phil. 310)
Social media has democratized information sharing, allowing individuals to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and express their opinion directly to a wide audience.
Some people, however, misinterpret this to mean that they have the freedom to say whatever they want to others, regardless of whether their words cause distress or harm to other people.
Freedom of speech and expression, a cornerstone of democratic society, is fiercely protected, yet it is not without its limits.
The realities of life in a complex society require a degree of modera-
tion and certain limitations exist to balance the need for public order, morality, and national security.
Some of these acts or limitations include defamation (libel and slander), obscenity, hate speech, threats and harassment, incitement to violence, and national security, among others.
Defamation: encompasses libel (written) and slander (spoken) that involves maliciously communicating false information that harms another person’s reputation.
Libel: a criminal offense defined as a public and malicious imputation of a crime, vice, or defect that tends to cause dishonor, discredit, or contempt of a person, or to blacken the memory of the dead.
Misinformation: false, inaccurate or misleading information claiming the aesthetics and legitimacy of news popularly known as “fake news.”
Obscenity: the work depicts or describes sexual conduct in a patently offensive way, if taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.
Incitement to violence: there is an intentional and direct use of wording to incite violence or people to break the law, and where there is a real possibility that the violence occurs.
Hate speech: a form of verbal, written or behavioral communication that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language against a person or group because of their religious background, ethnicity, nationality, race, skin color, descent, gender or other identity factors. Threats or harassments: the
Trump weighs imposing copper import tariffs in weeks, not months
By Joe Deaux, Josh Wingrove, James Attwood & Jennifer A. Dlouhy
US tariffs on copper imports could be coming within several weeks, months earlier than the deadline for a decision, according to people familiar with the matter. Copper traded in New York rose to a record.
US President Donald Trump in February directed the Commerce Department to open an investigation into potential copper tariffs and submit a report within 270 days, though it’s now expected to be resolved sooner, said the people who asked not to be identified because the discussions are confidential.
The investigation already is looking like little more than a formality, some of the people said, with Trump having regularly said he plans to impose the tariffs.
The administration is proceeding expeditiously with the review, and a conclusion could be possible well before the 270-day deadline,
an official familiar with the process said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The White House declined to comment. In February, Peter Navarro, a White House trade adviser, said the investigation would proceed quickly.
“You will see our new secretary of commerce, Howard Lutnick, will move in what I like to call Trump time, which is quickly as possible to get results of the investigation on the president’s desk for possible action,” Navarro said.
Trump has threatened to impose a duty of as much as a 25 percent on all copper imports, a move that could roil the global market for one
of the world’s most ubiquitous metals, which is used in pipes and electrical cables.
Implementing copper tariffs with such haste would stand in stark contrast to the investigations that preceded steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by Trump during his first administration. They took some 10 months to complete.
The planned levies are part of a broader effort to boost domestic production of critical minerals, following on from emergency measures introduced last week to fast-track the development of new metals and mining projects. Even so, building new copper production capacity could take years, and in the meantime the tariffs will leave US manufacturers paying much more for metal than rivals overseas.
Copper on New York’s Comex rose as much as 3.1 percebt to a record of $5.3740 a pound, before paring those gains to trade at $5.2815.
speaker communicates a serious expression of an intent to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group of individuals with the intent of placing the victim in fear of bodily harm or death.
National security: speech deemed to pose a threat to national security that includes the use or threat of force against the country’s very existence or its territorial integrity. The threat can be external or internal. Public order: Speech that incites riots or disrupts public order. In Atty. Rico Domingo v. Loraine Badoy (GR 263384 August 15, 2023), the Supreme Court said that “people wade through a constant stream of information, with a great number absorbing without question what they come across when it is aligned with prior views. Dubious and unverified statements are placed on the same footing—if not more—as credible and substantiated information.”
“The abuse of the privilege consists principally in not telling the truth. There is a right to publish the truth, but no right to publish falsehood to the injury of others with impunity.” (People v. Godoy, 312 Phil. 977 ).
For freedom of expression is not an absolute, nor is it an “unbridled license that gives immunity for every possible use of language and prevents the punishment of those who abuse this freedom.” (Chavez v. Gonzales 569 Phil. 155 ).
Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho is the Junior Partner of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09088665786.
The benchmark price on the London Metal Exchange fell as much as 2.2 percent to $9,893 a ton, widening the gap between the two contracts to more than $1,700 a ton. The large price differential between London and New York created a worldwide dash among traders and dealers to ship the red metal to America to capture a lucrative premium. Such a move has left the rest of the world,
Amicus Curiae
Dennis Gorecho
Europe sees Putin forcing Trump into a tough choice on Ukraine
By Alberto Nardelli, Alex Wickham, Daryna Krasnolutska & Andrea Palasciano
EUROPEAN officials say that Donald Trump is soon going to be faced with a difficult decision in his push to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Following three days of talks in Saudi Arabia that ended Tuesday, Russian officials said they want relief from some sanctions before implementing a ceasefire in the Black Sea, throwing a wrench into US plans to quickly secure a wider deal.
The US president has promised that he’ll achieve a swift end to the war in Ukraine as a sign of his prowess as a dealmaker and Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be using that public position against him, some European officials said. Moscow seems intent on prolonging discussions and keeping the scope of talks narrow to pressure the US into giving ground, the officials said, asking not to be named discussing private assessments. Trump’s decision to link relations with Moscow to other US concerns such as Iran and China has also provided Putin with leverage, they added.
All that means the US leader may be forced to make a choice, the officials said: He can start pushing back on Russia or he can make increasingly consequential concessions to Putin in order to meet a self-imposed deadline for stopping the fighting.
“I think that Russia wants to see an end to it, but it could be they’re dragging their feet,” Trump said Tuesday in an interview with Newsmax.
After laying out its demands for sanctions relief at these talks, Russia will require future agreements to include similar guarantees of concrete benefits and not simply vague mutual concessions, according to one person with knowledge of the Kremlin’s thinking.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters Tuesday that Russia is using Trump’s desire to deliver a ceasefire as an opportunity to insert its demands into agreements that were supposed to be unconditional. He said his forces would observe the partial truce immediately.
European officials said Tuesday night the mutual ceasefire was not in effect on the ground and details had yet to be finalized, despite Moscow’s claims it was already being implemented.
During parallel talks in Saudi Arabia with Ukrainian and Russian delegations this week, US officials had been aiming to secure an immediate maritime ceasefire and a halt to attacks targeting energy infrastructure.
However, Moscow made its involvement in a Black Sea deal dependent on a series of preconditions, including sanctions relief. A Kremlin statement said that the moratorium on energy strikes had taken effect from March 18 for 30 days.
“The whole Black Sea deal has a secret objective—to start the lifting of American sanctions on Russia,” said Sergei Markov, a political consultant with close ties to the Kremlin.
Moscow seems intent on prolonging discussions and keeping the scope of talks narrow to pressure the US into giving ground, the officials said, asking not to be named discussing private assessments. Trump’s decision to link relations with Moscow to other US concerns such as Iran and China has also provided Putin with leverage, they added.
There’s practically no military confrontation between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea at this point since Kyiv forced the Kremlin to relocate its ships with a series of sea drone attacks.
Trump.
. . continued from A18
Zelenskyy aide Dmytro Lytvyn said on the social media platform X that at least eight Ukrainian energy assets had been hit since March 18.
Every night Russia launches a barrage of drones and Ukraine shoots some of them down but doesn’t know what they were targeting, he said.
Overnight, Russia bombarded Zelenskyy’s home city of Kryvyi Rih with the largest drone attack since the start of the full-scale invasion, local authorities said. Russian drones also attacked the Black Sea port of Ochakiv on Tuesday night.
The US said in a statement after the meetings that Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to work out mechanisms for implementing their ban on strikes against energy infrastructure.
The US also “will help restore Russia’s access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, lower maritime insurance costs, and enhance access to ports and payment systems for such transactions,” according to the White House.
The Trump administration has previously indicated to allies that it won’t remove restrictions on trade with Russia until the war is over, although sanctions relief will likely be part of any agreement.
Among the Kremlin’s demands on Tuesday, the Russians called for some banks to be allowed to rejoin the international payments system SWIFT. In order for such a move to be effective, it would require agreement from the European Union, which has also restricted the lenders’ access to the system. European officials said that’s very unlikely and would require the unanimous backing of all 27 member states.
The Trump administration is aiming to reach a full ceasefire as soon as April 20, Bloomberg reported previously. But European officials said that is looking increasingly ambitious. Given the current status of talks, it would take months to work through the details of a final agreement, they said.
Despite Trump’s efforts, Putin’s main demands have not changed, according to Western officials. Those include wanting to neuter Ukraine’s military, annex territories that Moscow has occupied and illegally claimed are Russian and halting weapons deliveries to Kyiv.
The US intelligence community’s own assessment published this week states that Russia and Ukraine may see a greater incentive to prolong the conflict instead of rushing into an unsatisfying settlement. Bloomberg
tariffs now likely to come sooner, the gap between Comex and LME prices—which is currently around 17 percent—is likely to widen further, they said.
Who wants to light up Mayon?
ITito Genova Valiente ANNOTATIONS
S it fair enough to say that in this billion-peso debate about illuminating the volcano in Albay we have the church and the general public on one side and the government on the other? Is it safe to assume that the tourism people are for the sprinkling of glitter around the ancient mountain? Perhaps, we can also say, there are ordinary people who favor spotlights and laser beams on this active volcano.
Without passing judgment at all on this insanely ambitious and demented project, what could be the purpose behind summoning incandescence at any given moment with regard to a mountain? I am intensely interested in how this idea came about. I am not against the ambition behind this project. Human civilization has been marked by flamboyant and unnecessary building of structures. Remove the thousands of years behind them, are the pyramids really that crucial to empires or funerary traditions? What role does massive basilicas play in one’s faith? If we follow our catechism, humility and simplicity are challenged greatly by the ostentatious display of wealth and pomp in those European churches. Even our old shrines are affront to good taste with filigrees of gold and shameless silver preferred over the quiet and sedate comfort of wood and spaces conducive to communing with the divine. Thus, it is doubly significant how the church or, at least, the Diocese of Legazpi, bristles at the thought that right under their very noses, their own Catholic leaders have the bad taste to propose that we light no less than what we always exaggeratedly announce as the world’s perfect cone. Perfection in nature that’s what the volcano is all about and yet, some sectors find its allure incomplete. For a politician, it lacks, well, lighting.
Now, as with any other projects, there is a necessary consultation
that should precede it. Photos have been posted online showing how the public has snubbed the consultative assembly. There is hope in this absence. Albayanos are demonstrating good taste. What is the implication of all this? That in most of these hideous undertakings, the
said to have been put on hold. But this should not stop us from quoting the statement from the Diocese of Legazpi. It appears, the lighting up of the most famous volcano in the Bikol peninsula has triggered a strong response from this group of priests.
The statement begins thus: “We, the Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese of Legazpi, express our deep concern and growing unease over the renewed push to artificially illuminate Mayon Volcano, through the proposed installation of laser and spotlight systems around its sacred slopes.”
It continues: “We understand that this project is being framed as a tourism milestone, meant to ‘spark’ economic activity and draw attention to the beauty of Mayon.” The student of the English language will marvel at the word “spark.” Then the paragraph summons the strength to say: “But we respectfully and firmly believe
politicians are really the sources of questionable aesthetics. So why do we elect them?
As of this writing, the project is
this path is misguided.
“Misguided” is indeed a respectful way of telling off whoever has the crazy idea to allow the mountain to
shine as a star when it has always the possibility of erupting anytime like a convulsive planet.
Then in a coup, the statement attacks with this line: “Mayon does not need to be lighted up. She needs to be left alone.”
The statement could have stopped there but it hastened to add: Mayon is already of one of the most magnificent expressions of God’s creation—not because of what we add to her, but because of what she already is. To impose artificial light upon her is not to honor her, but to disturb what has been naturally, silently, and majestically proclaimed for generations.”
More sentences follow but it is here where I follow a different track.
In my previous article about Mayon, I have stated my complaint about reducing the volcano to a metaphor. This is dangerous. The reason why Bicolanos are not able to respond to the calamities brought about by the volcano is because we keep on feminizing the mountain. We just love romanticising eruptions and the mountain.
If Mayon is the living symbol of Bikol identity, what actions have we done to foster said idea to such an end? To what degree do we protect the land around it? How keen are we about the ecology of the mountain? Or, are these token statements?
The word “mystery” has always been linked to the mountain. Shall this continue? There is science and the more acute we study the technology of the mountain, the better it is for the people around the slopes. And when have the slopes of this mountain been rendered sacred? Anthropomorphizing the mountain does not render it open to knowledge but to dangerous mystification, the same kind of thinking that allows a mind to think of spotlights and laser beams trained onto a mountain that is bound to explode at any given time, gendered or at all neutral. Indeed, the mountain, not she or he, but “it” needs to be left alone. As for the lights, light your city hall, light your capitol, but most of all, light, dear politicians, your brains.
E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com
Xi Jinping tests US allies in Indo-Pacific as Trump focuses elsewhere
PRESIDENT Xi Jinping is making China’s presence more felt across the Indo-Pacific region by testing US allies on sensitive issues, as Donald Trump’s attention is taken up elsewhere.
From sending warships off Australia’s coast for unprecedented shooting drills to flying a record number of “grey zone” balloons around Taiwan, and putting pressure on Thailand over human rights issues, Beijing is ramping up efforts to project power in the region. China also issued a strongly worded warning on Taiwan to Tokyo—which doesn’t officially recognize Taipei— against “colluding” with separatists.
Trump’s sudden embrace of Russia, skepticism of Nato allies and tariffs that punish friendly nations have fueled concerns about the US as a reliable security partner in Asia, where Washington has for decades provided a buffer to Beijing. The Republican leader has asked Taiwan to pay more for its defense, questioned Washington’s security pact with Japan, saying “we have to protect them, but they don’t have to protect us,” and hit US allies South Korea and Australia with metals duties.
pendent British think tank. “Beijing is occupying space because it can, but when they encounter resistance, they’ll pause to think about things.” China’s steps amount to a broader campaign to warn countries against siding with the US on Beijing’s redline issues, such as its territorial claims on Taiwan and in the South China Sea, and the ability to control ethnic groups within its own borders.
During his four-year term, former President Joe Biden bolstered US alliances in Asia as Washington tried to contain China’s rise. That campaign included a landmark summit with the leaders of South Korea and Japan, and expanded US access to military bases in the Philippines, where Beijing and Manila have competing maritime claims.
China’s steps amount to a broader campaign to warn countries against siding with the US on Beijing’s red-line issues, such as its territorial claims on Taiwan and in the South China Sea, and the ability to control ethnic groups within its own borders.
the senior director of the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center. “The Biden administration was different. That was a national security first approach, with China as the greatest adversary to the US.”
So far, Asian countries adjusting to Trump’s new doctrine have responded to assertive stances from the world’s other top economic power with caution.
four-year border standoff with India.
Warming ties, while pushing boundaries on security matters is “a contradiction that seems to undermine China’s objective of creating gaps or friction in US alliances,” said Drew Thompson, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.
“Factoring in uncertainty on the tariff level and high US inventories, we think an implied tariff of 20 percent should be the cap in the near-term.” analysts including Eoin Dinsmore wrote. “This has also been a level regularly cited as a good exit point in numerous client meetings.” With assistance from Yvonne Yue Li and Winnie Zhu /Bloomberg
For Xi, the opportunity to fracture US partnerships comes at a delicate time, as China tries to shield the world’s No. 2 economy from blanket levies that Trump has hiked by 20 percent. Echoing Beijing’s tariff response, officials are keeping new attempts to sway Asian countries to below the threshold for US retaliation, for example ramping up official rhetoric toward Taiwan while refraining from major drills around the island.
Biden also broke with decades of ambiguity to say he’d defend Taiwan from any invasion by China, which views the island as a breakaway province. Biden’s position was not the long-standing US stance of neither guaranteeing nor ruling out military intervention if China invades.
As Asia braces for Trump’s next round of tariffs set to hit April 2, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is embarking this week on his official first trip to the region, visiting US security partners the Philippines and Japan. While he’ll carry a message of continued US support, Hegseth is also likely to reinforce Trump’s demand that Asian allies increase their defense spending.
When asked if Australia—which sailed through the Taiwan Strait last year—would retaliate against Beijing for sending warships to encircle his nation for nearly a month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese replied there are “one in four Australian jobs that depend upon trade, and China is our major trading partner.” Thailand—a treaty ally of the US—this month defended its deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China as the “best solution” to avoid “massive repercussions” from Beijing. In a sign some parts of the Trump administration are watching, Secretary of State Marco Rubio chastised Thai officials for deporting the group that rights organizations says would face persecution.
“There are likely competing schools of thought in Beijing about the best way to achieve China’s objectives—whether it’s the use of force or diplomacy,” he added. Diplomacy tactics are shifting on both sides. When Republican US Senator Steve Daines of Montana met senior Chinese officials in Beijing last weekend to try to pave the way for a leaders’ summit, trade issues dominated the agenda. US senators have previously challenged Communist Party officials over sensitive diplomatic matters, with Chuck Schumer confronting Xi in 2023 on what he saw as Beijing’s failure to condemn Hamas’s deadly incursion into Israel.
While Trump doesn’t want to cede space to China in Asia, he is taking his foot off the pedal, said Michael Vatikiotis, senior adviser at the Geneva-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, who added the US leader was more focused on issues such as wresting back control of the Panama Canal: “He’s wants the profit, he wants the deals.”
“My instinct is the thing Xi will demand is: Lay off on Taiwan,” Vatikiotis added. “And Trump may well go along with that.” With assistance from Katia Dmitrieva and Cindy Wang /Bloomberg to defend his tariffs. Trump said he had imposed a 25 percent tariff on foreign aluminum, steel, lumber and copper—a possible slip of the tongue given he only set in motion a formal copper investigation weeks prior. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. had expected a 25 percent copper tariff to be implemented between September and November, analysts said in an emailed note on Wednesday. With
“The Chinese state is pushing in every direction and just seeing how far it can go,” said Bill Hayton, an associate fellow with the Asia-Pacific program at Chatham House, an inde-
“The organizing principle of the Trump administration is trade policy,” according to Josh Lipsky,
China’s willingness to test US allies is a contrast from just before Trump won the election, when its diplomats embarked on a charm offensive. That saw Beijing warm ties with Australia, and Japan and end a
When the two sides finally hold trade talks, Trump’s ambivalence toward being Asia’s chief security guarantor could play to China’s advantage.
VAT refund for tourists does not cover online purchases
By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror
ONLYpurchases for personal consumption made in brickand-mortar stores accredited by a government-appointed contractor are covered by the new value-added tax (VAT) refund program for foreign tourists.
According to the recently signed Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 12079, or “An Act Creating a VAT Refund Mechanism for Non-Resident Tourists,” a copy of which was obtained by the BusinessMirror eligible goods for the VAT refund include the following: “retail and tangible goods, such as clothing, apparel, electronics, gadgets, jewelry, accessories, souvenirs, food or non-food consumables, and other goods intended for personal use.”
present at the IRR signing were generally supportive of the new law.
In a text message, Arjun Shroff, president of the Philippine Tour Operators Association, described the new law as a “significant step towards boosting tourism. By allowing foreign tourists to claim a VAT refund on goods, it makes the Philippines a more attractive and competitive destination. This could lead to increased tourist arrivals and a positive impact on the economy.”
on clear communication, streamlined procedures, and effective implementation of the guidelines,” stressed Shroff.
A boost to local products
ARTURO P. BONCATO JR ., Group General Manager of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said the new law “could create new markets as well as engage tourists to stay longer and spend bigger in the country. It also opens the opportunity for increased consumption of local products and homegrown brands.”
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
Despite the risks, AI adoption within BSFI is accelerating, but many are deploying the technology without adequate preparation. At least 71 percent admitted to testing and iterating on live implementations and 4 percent using controlled sandbox environments.
“The research confirms that financial services leaders are convinced that data quality is the most important consideration for successfully implementing AI, but concerns like security are too urgent to ignore, and ROI is suffering,” Hitachi Vantara said.
The purchased items should amount to at least P3,000 (roughly US$52) and are “covered by a single invoice.” Said consumer goods should be “physically taken out of the Philippines by the tourist as accompanied baggage,” within 60 days from the date of purchase, as per the IRR, which was signed on March 24 at the Department of Finance (DOF) in Manila. Online purchases as well as items bought in commercial quantities are not eligible for the VAT refund. Also not covered by the VAT refund are: “Services, such as transportation, accommodation, or other hospitality services.”
Based on estimates provided by the DOF and projected visitor receipts by the Department of Tourism (DOT), this paper estimated some P228 billion can be added to the country’s economic output this year from shopping by foreign tourists. The DOT has projected 8.4 million foreign tourists this year. (See, “Shopping by tourists could boost GDP by P228B,” in the BusinessMirror, March 26, 2025.)
‘Make refund process easy’ TOURISM stakeholders groups
“However, the effectiveness [of the law] will depend on the ease and efficiency of the refund process. If the procedure is cumbersome or difficult to navigate, it may not fully realize its potential…. The success of this law will hinge
He added, “As this stirs greater market interest and realizes an expected increase in arrivals and length of stays and/or spend, we can now reliably bank on shopping as a major tourist activity in the country. This in addition to the multiple market activations we are engaged in achieving robust arrivals into the country.”
Other countries in Asia that have long offered tax refunds to foreign tourists include Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan. Meanwhile, per the IRR, overseas Filipinos who use their foreign passports in entering and leaving the Philippines are eligible for the See “VAT,” A2
“This global research reflects what we’re also hearing in Southeast Asia—that the real barrier to AI success isn’t the technology itself, but the ability to manage data securely, accurately, and at scale. Financial organizations must focus on strengthening their data foundations to ensure AI delivers real, sustainable impact,” Ong pointed out. The survey also highlighted key steps for BFSI institutions to build a resilient, AIready infrastructure. It found that two out of five BFSI leaders are developing AI skills through responsible experimentation in secure sandboxes. The need for sustainability in
when needed only 25 percent of the time, and AI models achieving just 21-percent accuracy. Security concerns were also identified, as 36 percent of BFSI leaders fear data breaches from internal AI, while 38 percent worry about data loss due to ransomware.
Ransomware is a top concern, and 36 percent cite AI errors as a major breach risk; 32 percent fear AI-enabled cyberattacks could compromise sensitive data.
Fugitive Sytin brother of slain Subic bizman nabbed in Malaysia
By Henry Empeño
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—The long arm of the law finally caught up with Alan Dennis Sytin, a Subic businessman who turned fugitive after being implicated in the murder of his elder brother, businessman Dominic Sytin, more than six years ago.
Alan Dennis, according to the Philippine National Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), was apprehended at the Cobra Rugby Club in Petaling Jaya, a city in Petaling District in the state of Selangor, Malaysia last Saturday, March 22.
The younger Sytin was tagged by gunman Edgardo Luib as the mastermind in the killing of Dominic in front of the Lighthouse Marina Resort Hotel in Subic on November 28, 2018.
Alan Dennis, who carried a P10-million bounty on his head and was considered one of Central Luzon’s most wanted, was arrested in coordination with the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and after intensive intelligence and surveillance operations, authorities said.
PRO-3 chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo earlier sought the arrest through the Office of the Police Attaché in Malaysia, which coordinated closely with the RMP. Meanwhile, Sytin’s accomplice Edrian T. Rementilla, also known as Ryan Rementilla and Oliver Feuntes, was arrested separately on March 22 in Iligan City in a joint operation by PRO3 and Police Regional Office 10.
Rementilla allegedly acted as middleman between Alan Dennis and Luib, who had pleaded guilty to murder and frustrated murder charges before the Regional Trial Court in Olongapo City in 2019.
PRO3 commander Fajardo said efforts are now under way to repatriate the younger Sytin to the Philippines to face legal proceedings.
The killing of Dominic Sytin in 2018 shocked the business community in the Subic Bay Freeport. BusinessMirror was among the first to cover the crime scene and photographed empty .45 caliber shells left by the gunman at the scene of the shooting.
Dominic, along with his bodyguard Efren Espartero, was about to enter the Lighthouse Hotel at about 7:30 p.m. on November 28 when the gunman, later identified as Luib, fired at close range, hitting Sytin at the back and left part of his head.
Espartero tried to fire back, but the gunman turned back on him, hitting him on his right arm and right torso.
Sytin died on the spot, while his bodyguard was brought to a nearby hospital.
The case took a more shocking turn when Luib, who was arrested in March 2019, confessed to the crime and implicated Sytin’s younger brother Alan Dennis as the chief architect of the murder.
Investigators then theorized that the killing stemmed from a business rivalry between the siblings, who founded together the vehicle auction firm United Auctioneers Inc. (UAI) in the Subic Freeport.
However, Alan Dennis denied in April 2019 before the Department of Justice that he masterminded Dominic’s murder.
Instead, he pointed to Rementilla, also known as Fuentes, as the mastermind, describing the latter as a disgruntled employee who had a motive to have Dominic killed. With a report by Rex Anthony Naval
DFA
disappointed at Timor Leste over Teves case
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
THE Philippines is displeased over Timor Leste’s refusal to hand over former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to them. And it is now dangling the Asean carrot in the conversation.
Teves is tagged as the mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and eight others in March 2023.
He sought refuge in Timor Leste and has been fighting the Philippine government’s request to extradite him.
Timor Leste’s Court of Appeal overturned the decision of lower courts to extradite Teves. It said the former congressman is facing a “well-founded risk of being subjected to torture, inhuman, degrading, or cruel treatment.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs
took exception to this appellate court remarks.
Manila then reminded Dili that the latter is applying as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. “We are disappointed that Timor Leste has not shown enough trust in the delivery of justice in the Philippines, a founding member of the Asean which it seeks to join, and among the very first Asean member states to convey support for its aspiration to join the association,” DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said in a statement.
Timor Leste has a full observer status in Asean. Although not yet full member, its officials are allowed to sit in and participate actively during meetings.
Timor Leste’s membership in Asean depends on its capacity to attend all Asean sectoral meetings and work-
ings groups, meeting financial obligations and aligning its regulations and policies with the Asean agreements.
However, Daza stressed that the spirit of Asean is also all about “trust and cooperation” not only as a group but also in bilateral relationships.
“While its application is dependent on its compliance with the Roadmap for full membership in Asean and its accession to the Asean Charter, it should also be able to demonstrate that it shares the spirit of trust and cooperation that Asean member states accord one another, not only within the framework of Asean, but also in their bilateral relations,” Daza explained.
Membership in Asean requires a consensus vote of all its member states. The Philippines was one of the first that supported Timor Leste’s application to join the regional bloc in 2011.
Much earlier, in 1994, Philippine solidarity, and later church-backed groups, supported East Timor’s bid for independence from Indonesia, which annexed the island once colonized by Portugal.
Philippine NGOs led by the late prodemocracy activist Renato Constantino Jr. organized the Asia-Pacific Conference on East Timor (Apcet), which paved the way for the island’s bid for independence at the turn of the millennium. The Phillippine government under then President Fidel Ramos barred the holding of Apcet and deported some of the more well-known attendees. (See BusinessMirror’s earlier story: https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2024/04/11/ renato-constantino-jr-the-man-whoapcet-the-world-about-east-timor-2/) Daza refused to comment if the Philippines would now block Timor Leste’s application as member of Asean.
THE WANTED posters for Alan Dennis Sytin and his alleged accomplice Edrian T. Rementilla, also known as Ryan Rementilla and Oliver Fuentes, are seen here. Rementilla was arrested separately on March 22 in Iligan City in a joint operation by PRO3 and Police Regional Office 10. At right, BusinessMirror file photo shows a slug on the driveway of Lighthouse Hotel, where businessman Dominc Sytin was gunned down. FILE PHOTOS BY HENRY EMPENO
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
‘Firms must seek exemptive relief for lower public float’
By VG Cabuag @villygc
THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Thursday said it has allowed, by way of exemptive relief, a public float of 15 percent, subject to certain criteria.
The SEC said, however, said it “remains firm” on the 20-percent minimum public float requirement for companies applying for an initial public offering (IPO), especially given the value of higher public ownership to market depth and efficiency.
“Beyond enhancing market liquidity, the minimum public ownership requirement plays a crucial role in improving price discovery and reducing opportunities for price manipulation,” it said in a statement.
The SEC said, however, that after thorough discussions with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), it will allow companies to apply for this relief, provided they will bridge any gap
from the 20 percent standard within less than 24 months from the listing date and only as deemed necessary by the commission.
This covers listing applications already filed with and accepted by the SEC and the PSE. As of March 25, the SEC and PSE have yet to receive any application for regulatory relief from any potential IPO applicant.
“The SEC is committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, and efficient capital market. While the Commission welcomes new listings, it upholds stringent regulatory standards that safeguard the integrity and long-term stability of the Philippine capital market and the broader economy.”
The rules and regulations on minimum public ownership on IPOs is provided under SEC Memorandum Circular No. 13, Series of 2017. The memorandum circular effectively increased the public float to 20 percent from the 10-percent requirement at the time.
The float requirement also seeks to reduce ownership concentration and encourage good corporate governance, ultimately strengthening the Philippine capital market.
“We have been able to get an approval from the SEC where companies that want to offering P5 billion or more, can actually offer less than 20 percent,” PSE President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon said at the sidelines of InvestPH 2025 conference of the PSE last week.
He added that under the exemption, large companies can offer 15 percent with a commitment that they will do a follow-on offering or a private placement in the next two or three years to comply with the 20-percent requirement.
Globe Fintech Innovations Inc., or Mynt, which owns e-wallet giant GCash, has been asking for an ex-
emption from the minimum public ownership rule as the stock market is currently having liquidity problems and may not be able to absorb its IPO if they are required to offer 20 percent of their outstanding shares.
Mynt is seeking a valuation of $8 billion when it goes public, possibly by yearend. This would value a 20 percent IPO at $1.6 billion.
“GCash, is a different animal because, for them, it’s not a question of having a difficult time offering the 20 percent. They’re saying it’s too big for the market to absorb. So if they’re going to get an exemptive relief for a lower public float, I don’t think there will be a requirement to do a follow-on,” Monzon said.
He said the PSE should also have to address the Philippine Stock Exchange index issue “because you cannot be in the index if you’re below 20 percent.”
Monzon said the exemption from the 20-percent minimum public float requirement will only be for the “transition period” while liquidity problems persist. He did not say, however, how long this transition period will be.
Cebu Pacific profit plunges to ₧2.64B
CBy Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
EBU Air Inc., the parent company of Cebu Pacific, reported a steep decline in net income for the year 2024, as higher operational costs weighed on the airline’s bottom line despite a boost in revenues.
Based on a disclosure to the stock exchange, the company’s net income nosedived to P2.64 billion from P8.34 billion in 2023, as the airline continues to face the challenges of rising expenses in a recovering market.
“We have always been optimistic about the potential of Philippine aviation, driven by the country’s strong economic, geograph-
ic, and demographic advantages. Strategic investments in our fleet and hubs have been key to Cebu Pacific’s growth,” Cebu Pacific CFO Mark Cezar said. Despite the drop in profit, the airline saw an increase in total revenue, which rose to P98.19 billion in 2024 from P85.09 billion in 2023. This 15.3-percent growth was largely driven by the sale of air transportation services, including passenger and ancillary revenues.
Passenger revenues reached P64.14 billion, up from P57.40 billion. Ancillary services also increased to P27.51 billion from P23.70 billion, while cargo revenues stood at P5.54 billion.
Expenses for Cebu Air also increased
significantly, climbing to P89.84 billion in 2024, up from P77.72 billion in 2023. It also posted losses from foreign exchange as well as increased the cost of aircraft leases.
Cebu Pacific carried 24.5 million passengers in 2024, an 18-percent increase from 2023, capturing 54.1 percent of the domestic market and 20.6 percent of the international market.
“By capitalizing on these opportunities early, we’ve positioned ourselves as leaders in both the domestic and international markets. This solid foundation gives us great confidence as we look ahead to 2025, where we anticipate continuing our rapid growth and improving both operational and financial performance,” Cezar said.
Alternergy unit gets DOE nod for wind project
SAAN Miguel Corp. (SMC) Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang has issued a fresh warning to the public about the spread of fake videos and online ads that falsely use his name and image to promote fraudulent investment schemes.
Many of these videos appear as paid ads on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms. Some are made to look like real news reports—featuring well-known media personalities, interviews, or even the logos of legitimate news outlets. These scams use advanced technology like deep fakes to mislead people.
“These fraudulent ads are harming a lot of people,” Ang said. “We need to put a stop to them. I’m calling on government agencies, social media companies, and the public to work together to stop those behind these scams and prevent others from getting victimized.”
He emphasized: “Please don’t fall for these. I am not endorsing any investment schemes. I do not promote, support, or take part in any kind of online investment offer.”
Ang clarified that he has only one official Facebook page, which is verified with a blue check. Any other account or ad claiming to be him— especially those involving money or investments—is fake and should be reported right away.
To help protect the public, SMC has been coordinating with authorities to track down those responsible. Ang added that they are also looking into legal action, and are ready to support investigations and possible prosecution of those behind the scams.
He also urged Meta and other platform owners to strengthen their approval processes for paid ads—especially those using the names and faces of public figures without permission. “These tech platforms have the tools to stop this. We’re asking them to do more to protect users.”
Finally, Ang called on the public to stay alert online: “Don’t click, share, or engage with suspicious ads. If you see fake posts or videos pretending to be me—or promoting fake investments—report them right away using the platform’s ‘Report’ button.”
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
LTERNERGY Wind Holdings Corp. (AWHC), the wind unit of Alternergy Holdings Corp. (ALTER), has secured a permit from the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop its fifth wind power project.
On Thursday, AWHC said the DOE awarded a Certificate of Authority (COE) for a new onshore wind power project.
“Alternergy is pleased to receive the DOE’s approval to develop another wind project in Luzon,” AWHC President Knud Hedeager said.
The authority allows AWHC to undertake exploration and assessment of wind resources for the Albay Wind Power Project located across several municipalities in the province of Albay.
After participating in the Albay Renewable Energy and Investment Summit in September 2024, the company conceptualized its Albay Wind Power Project. With a project area of 6,318 hectares, the prospective project could accommodate at least 150 megawatts (MW) wind capacity and would form part of the power firm’s next pipeline of projects beyond Alternergy’s current Road to 500MW by 2026.
“This is an exciting time for us as we are set to complete construction of our Tanay and Alabat Wind Power Projects this year, after which Alternergy will be moving forward with developing new wind projects,” added Hedeager.
Alternergy founders co-developed Bangui Bay wind farm in 2005, the first wind farm in the Philippines and the first throughout Southeast Asia. After bringing Pililla Rizal wind farm into operations in 2015, Alternergy is currently constructing two wind projects this year in Tanay, Rizal and Alabat, Quezon. The Albay wind project would be its fifth in the country.
Under the COA, AWHC was deemed qualified following sufficient compliance with the requirements set forth in Department Circular (DC) No. 202406-0018 and to conduct pre-feasibility studies. AWHC has three years to complete the pre-feasibility studies and permitting activities from government agencies, and if the project site is proven commercially viable, the COA will be converted into a 25-year Wind Energy Service Contract.
“The COA framework is a landmark policy initiative by the current DOE under Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla. It supports developers from the onset, thereby helping mitigate project risks and enhance overall project viability.”
Alternergy aims to develop up to 500MW of additional wind, solar, and run of river hydro projects. It debuted at the Philippine Stock Exchange as
the first initial public offering (IPO) in March 2023.
In December 2024, the company distributed its first dividend payments to its preferred shareholders, including the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in the amount of P118 million.
Last February, the company reported that it posted lower earnings in the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2025 due to lower revenues from its wind power asset.
From P121.2 million, Alternergy reported a net income of P88.6 million for the six-month period ending December 31, 2024. The decrease was attributed to lower revenues from the Pililia wind power project which saw lower wind speeds during the period.
The company said its operating revenues surged by 81 percent to P181 million from P100 million, boosted by the inclusion of six-month operating results of the Palau Solar Power Project, with a capacity of 15.3-megawatt peak solar PV and 12.9-MW hour battery energy storage system. It started commercial operations in December 2023.
Alternergy’s other solar projects— Kirahon Solar Project and portfolio of CityMall rooftop projects—continued to provide steady revenue contributions.
SAN Miguel Corp. Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang
Banking&Finance
Associations and certification
IN today’s competitive environment, professionals constantly seek ways to distinguish themselves, enhance their expertise and advance their careers. One of the most effective ways to achieve these goals is through certification programs that professional associations offer. Certification not only validates an individual’s competencies, but also reinforces industry standards, ensuring practitioners are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of their respective fields.
Certification is a structured process through which professionals demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities in a specific industry or discipline. It typically involves rigorous eligibility requirements, standardized assessments and continuing education commitments to ensure professionals stay updated with industry advancements.
Professional associations serve as the backbone of certification programs. They develop and maintain industryrecognized credentials, ensuring that standards remain relevant and valuable. They also provide educational resources, training programs and networking opportunities that support members in their certification journey.
Many industries have well-established certifications that serve as benchmarks of excellence. For instance, the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation, awarded by the American Society of Association Executives, signifies mastery in association management. Similarly, the “Certified Meeting Professional” credential, administered by the Events Industry Council, is a mark of excellence in the meetings and events sector.
The Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives has three certification programs: the “Certified Professional Association Executive;” the “Certificate in Association Events Management;” and, the “Certificate in Association Governance.” Certification programs provide three benefits to individuals, employers and the broader industry:
1. Professional credibility and career advancement. For professionals, earning a certification is an investment in career growth. It enhances credibility, increases earning potential and improves job prospects. Many employers prefer or require certification as proof of competence, making certified professionals more attractive candidates for hiring and promotions. Studies show certified individuals often earn higher salaries than their non-certified peers, as
certification signals expertise and commitment to professional development.
2. Standardization and industry excellence. Associations play a critical role in establishing industry standards through certification programs. By defining best practices and competencies, they ensure that certified professionals adhere to high-quality benchmarks. This standardization benefits industries by fostering trust and reliability in services, ensuring consumers and businesses can depend on certified practitioners for excellence and ethical conduct.
3. Continuous learning and professional growth. One of the key components of certification is continuing education. Unlike one-time training programs, certification requires professionals to stay updated with new trends, innovations and regulatory changes. Many certification programs mandate ongoing professional development, encouraging lifelong learning and adaptability in a fast-changing world.
To maximize the impact of certification, associations must clearly communicate its value to members. Strategies include offering discounted certification fees, providing study resources and partnering with employers to promote certification as a preferred credential.
In an era where expertise and differentiation are more important than ever, certification stands as a hallmark of professional excellence. Associations that develop and promote robust certification programs not only enhance their members’ career prospects but also contribute to strengthening their industries. As industries evolve, associations must continue to innovate and adapt their certification offerings, ensuring they remain relevant, respected and beneficial for all stakeholders. For professionals looking to advance their careers, investing in certification is more than just an accolade: it is a strategic move toward long-term success.
Octavio Peralta is founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.” PCAAE runs its Certified Professional Association Executive program starting April 23, 2025. The views he expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror E-mail: bobby@pcaae.org.
Govt plans to borrow ₧735B from domestic debt market
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
THE Marcos administration will borrow a total of P735 billion from the domestic debt market from April to June 2025 to meet the country’s fiscal obligations and fund various government programs and projects.
In a memorandum to all government securities eligible dealers on Thursday, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) announced the schedule and volume of Treasury bills (T-bills) and Treasury bonds (T-bonds) offering for the second quarter.
The borrowing plan for the second quarter (Q2) is higher by 16.85 percent from the P629 billion the government set in the previous three months. The Q2 target also expanded by 25.64 percent from the P585 billion programmed in the second
quarter of last year.
The Treasury announced it will auction off in Q2 91-day, 182-day and 364-day tenor T-bills every Monday and raise a total of P325 billion. Broken down, P125 billion is programmed for April, while P100 billion is set each for May and June.
The Treasury advised it plans to raise a total of P410 billion from long-term T-bonds every Tuesday with maturities ranging from three to 25 years. As such, P120 billion is
targeted in April, P160 billion in May and P130 billion in June.
Last quarter, the government borrowed a total of P689.4 billion from the domestic debt market via T-bills and T-bonds. This is higher than the P629 billion borrowing plan by 9.60 percent.
The increased borrowings reflected the need to prudently hedge amid market uncertainties due to expected higher US tariffs and other protectionist measures, according to Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC).
Ricafort said he believes US President Donald Trump’s proposed measures could lead to higher US inflation that, in turn, could lead to fewer cuts by the US Federal Reserve rate and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
Higher interest rates, weak peso and some of the large borrowings at the height of the pandemic maturing could further increase debt servicing and would require more borrowings, added the RCBC executive.
Tax and fiscal reform measures
are also needed to narrow the budget deficit and bring down the debt-toGDP ratio to below the international threshold of 60 percent to make fiscal management sustainable over the long-term and for the coming generations, Ricafort said.
“For the coming months, lower Fed rates that could be matched locally would help reduce debt set and narrow the budget deficit that, in turn, could help somewhat reduce future borrowings/debt,” he added.
Data from the Treasury showed gross borrowings grew by 4.91 percent to P213.141 billion in January 2025 from P203.151 billion in the same month a year ago.
The government will borrow P2.545 trillion in 2025, lower than the P2.57 trillion target in 2024. About P2.037 trillion will be raised domestically while P507.408 billion will come from external sources.
The government’s outstanding debt reached a new record high at P16.312 trillion as of the end of January 2025. This is 10.29 percent higher year-on-year from P14.790 trillion.
Payments via InstaPay, PESONet hit ₧1.646T by Feb
THE value and volume of retail payments made electronically through InstaPay and PESONet rose by double digits year-onyear, based on the latest data by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). BSP data showed the combined value of transactions in InstaPay and PESONet reached P1.646 trillion as of February 2025. This is a 33.71 percent increase from the P1.231 trillion in transactions recorded in the same period a year ago.
In terms of volume, transactions made in both payment systems hit 165.213 million as of February 2025, expanding by 63.71 percent compared to the 100.915 million in transaction volume during the same period in 2024.
Broken down, the value of PESOnet transactions amounted to P933.1 billion as of February 2025, higher by 26.93 percent than the P735.1 billion recorded as of February 2024. There were 9.022 million transactions recorded in PESONet as of February 2025, up by 15.84 percent from the 7.788 million transactions as of February 2024.
Meanwhile, Instapay transactions hit P712.9 billion as of February 2025, a surge of 43.64 percent from P496.3 billion as of February 2024. Instapay transaction volume reached 156.190 million as of February 2025, a 67.71 percent growth from the 93.126 million transactions recorded as of February 2024.
PESONet and InstaPay are au-
Trade dept, DBP to open ₧500-M credit line for vendors
By Andrea San Juan
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) are allocating at least P500 million to for a lending facility for sari-sari stores and wet market vendors.
“Soon we’re going to be launching a partnership between DTI and DBP so that the sari-sari [micro-retail] stores and the palengke can also loan through using now GCash [and] Paymaya [e-wallet applications]; a quicker way to be able to use the digital platform,” Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque told reporters on the sidelines of the Asia SME Forum 2025 in Pasay City.
“We’re just actually going to pilot it. We might pilot it in Cebu because that’s where sari-sari store owners are big and, of course, it’s a city. So, we want to see the effect of our program,” Roque said adding she already spoke to these store owners.
She added the partnership will be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be signed by DTI and DBP officials by the end of this month or in the first week of April.
“We’re just finalizing it but it’s soon. It should be anytime now; within the month or maybe first week of April but definitely soon because we’ve talked already before I went to Japan and to the US and it’s already set,” Roque said.
Once the MOU is signed, the Trade Secretary said the loan program may be tapped by sari-sari stores and market vendors, explaining that the DTI aims to launch financing programs that are more targeted.
“That’s the main focus because I wanted to do financing that’s focused on not, let’s say, MSME parang, itong loan pang micro lang. So kahit papaano, we can uplift the micro on a specific basis. It’s not general but it’s specific,” Roque said. Upon visiting and evaluating the needs of sari-sari store owners and wet market vendors, Roque said this new loan program would spare small merchants from going through the “tedious” process of filling out and submitting forms to the Small Business Corp., DTI’s financing arm.
“Not like if it’s through the digital platform, GCash and PayMaya. It’s so much easier for them,” added the Trade chief. Roque said these two e-wallet platforms are just the initial partners of DTI and DBP for this loan program.
tomated clearing houses under the BSP’s National Retail Payment System. NRPS promotes interoperability—the state when end-users or consumers are able to transfer funds from one account to another account in any participating BSP-supervised financial institution.
InstaPay is a real-time low-value EFT credit push payment scheme for transaction amounts up to P50,000.
There are a total of InstaPay participants as of end-February 2025, consisting of 79 senders and receivers, two senders only and 10 receivers only. Of the total, there were 23 EMI-Non-Bank Financial Institutions (EMI-NBFIs) participants; 20 Universal and Commercial Banks (UKBs); 17 thrift banks (TBs); 14
Rural Banks (RBs); and five digital banks (DGBs).
There was also one UKB and one EMI-NBFI as senders only, and five RBs, three TBs, one UKBs and one EMI-NBFI as receivers only.
Meanwhile, the Philippine EFT System and Operations Network (PESONet) is the first ACH under the National Retail Payment System, launched on November 8, 2017. It is a batch electronic fund transfer (EFT) credit payment scheme, which can be considered an electronic alternative to the paper-based check system. Pesonet participants also increased to 119, consisting of: RBs numbering 44 followed by UKBs at 40; TBs, 19; EMI-NBFIs, 11; and, DGBs, five. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
With DTI’s five-point strategy on empowering MSMEs focused on digitalization, diversification, financing, franchising, and mentoring, the Trade chief said DTI has been “working with a lot of institutions now for financing.”
‘Of course, aside from the SB Corp, we’ve already shortened the time where they can loan. One year, no payment of interest and principal just so that they can kick off,” Roque said.
“There’s also others that want to get involved because everybody wants to help the MSMEs [micro-scale, smallsized and medium-sized enterprises] now. It’s really not just a whole government approach,” she added. Roque said conglomerates such as SM and the Ayala Group are also interested in extending help to MSMEs.
Octavio Peralta
A ssociation World
I’VE stayed largely away from writing about the political noise brought on by the recent arrest of the former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte by the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., so the former can stand trial at The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity.
To wit, these crimes were the supposed extrajudicial killings of drug addicts or pushers. According to published reports, many of them resided in impoverished communities.
The Hague, a city in the Netherlands, is home to the International Criminal Court (ICC) which will be trying the case against Duterte. It has become Ground Zero for rallies by both pro- and anti-Duterte activists, each group pushing their respective agenda. I’m pretty sure everyone is caught up with the reasons for their rallies.
What caught my attention, and which I want to address, is the call of a pro-Duterte group of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for their fellow kababayans abroad to stop remitting their hard-earned foreign currencies to the Philippines for a week, starting today, March 28, the birthday of the former president.
Let’s look at the data though to see how much impact this remittance boycott will affect the country, or government operations. Remittances by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) grew by a slight 3 percent to US$38.34 billion in 2024, accounting for 8.3 percent of the economy’s total output as expressed in the gross domestic product. Most OFWs sent in cash—at some $35 billion—to their families here, also reflecting a 3 percent increase from 2023 levels, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Filipino-Americans sent in the most cash remittances last year at $14 billion (about 40 percent of total), followed by our expatriates in Singapore at $2.5 billion, and our OFWs in Saudi Arabia at $2.22 billion. Filipino expats or permanent residents in the European Union (which includes the Netherlands),
where the boycott call originated, remitted $1.95 billion last year.
And yet most banks, to which the remittances are coursed—whether or not the OFW or expat uses a remittance service abroad— seem unperturbed, according to my industry sources. Although they are closely monitoring the developments abroad, many believe the supposed mass action will have minimal impact on the economy. After all, boycott week starts at the end of the month, when most OFWs send money to their families here to pay the bills.
And even if these expats do withhold their remittances for a week, they will eventually have to send the money the following week. Thus, the money will still enter the economy.
Even if the remittance boycott does push through, should the OFWs’ families here delay their payment on bills, crossing their fingers that Meralco, for one, doesn’t cut off their electricity? Can their wives put off feeding their children for a week, as they delay going to the supermarket (or wet market) to buy rice, meat and other produce needed for the daily meals? Or maybe ate can keep dodging her school’s demands for her to settle her graduation fees?
Meanwhile, the Zero-Remittance protest will hardly deprive the government of funds, which come mainly from corporate and income taxes, as well as borrowings.
Those calling for the boycott of remittances should know the simple fact—they and their kind cannot ignore the needs of their families here. As a source put it, “If they need to send money to their families, they will send it. If there are bills to pay at the end of the month, they will really send [money to their families].”
OFW remittances have withstood so many major political upheavels and global socio-economic/ health developments. Even throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, OFW cash remittances only slightly wavered—dropping just $30 billion in 2020, less than one percent from 2019, but quickly recovering to $31.42 billion in 2021, then $32.6 billion by 2022.
Those calling for the Zero-Remittance Week are trying to send a message how much they love the former president and how they badly feel about his imprisonment. I salute them for their passion and acknowledge their belief that their “Tatay Digong” was the best president in the universe he created.
But let’s see if they can they can withstand their real-life screaming mothers back home, demanding they send their monthly sustento
ARE you planning to go to the United States this summer?
I don’t have any plans myself, but I can’t help but worry for friends who are traveling there in the next few months. In the latest advisory of the US State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs on its Facebook page, it says: “US visa screening does not stop after a visa is issued. We continuously check visa holders to ensure they follow all US laws and immigration rules—and we will revoke their visas and deport them if they don’t.”
That the US Embassy in Manila shared the post underscores the severity of the message. It is rings loudly and clearly: We’re watching you.
For the most part, maybe the fears of traveling to the US may be unfounded. But can you blame me for being worried? Even green-card holders are being detained now.
In case recently reported by Newsweek, a Filipina green-card holder who had been staying in the US for 50 years was detained by US Customs Border Patrol in February upon returning from the Philippines. Her lawyer attributed the detention possibly due to a nonviolent conviction in 2001, for which she had served time in a halfway house and paid a fine. No court ordered that she be imprisoned in jail when the case was completed. (tinyurl.com/4ubc2hrw)
A recent piece in the online technology/lifestyle site The Verge even suggests that those traveling to the US should probably leave their personal phones behind, or keep their personal information and activities off their travel phone or delete them from the cloud. In one of the cases the site cited, a Lebanese with a working visa had been denied entry to the US, just because his social media entry showed “sympathetic photos and videos” of Hezbollah leaders. (tinyurl.com/33ekvnfd)
So far, my sources in the outbound travel industry are not reporting mass cancellations by clients who intended to go the US. “We still have bookings for the US,” said one travel agent. In another agency, the executive told me they had only one group that had asked that their US trip, scheduled for September, be postponed to next year instead. The latter cited the recent detentions and deportations by ICE as a reason. And luckily, no one yet has reported incidents involving their clients being refused entry to the US. Which is good. But as I recently advised a colleague going on a trip to the US soon, she needs to make sure all her papers are in order. Good luck travelers—and be safe! ■
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Enjoy expanding your mind, interests, circle of friends and plans. A steady approach to your goals will help you avoid getting caught in someone else’s dream. It’s time to take charge and do what’s best for you instead of doing so for others. Learn from experience. ★★
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Question everything and everyone. That’s the quickest way to find your place and to know your strengths and limitations. Someone will lead you to believe an opportunity is something it’s not. Make it clear what you want and what you are willing to do. ★★★
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Refrain from letting anger set in; action, learning and progress count when you want to get ahead. When something doesn’t feel right, speak up and resolve matters before they have a chance to escalate. Invest more time and energy in yourself and into your personal life and your surroundings. ★★★★
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Start the ball rolling. If you believe in something, follow through. Personal change will boost your confidence and offer insight into new possibilities. A trip, getting together with old friends or revisiting goals you have yet to achieve will encourage you to get back on track and make your dreams come true. ★★★
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Finding common ground with whoever you deal with is essential. Refrain from letting what’s happening around you fester when it can be transformed into something that can benefit you if handled with courtesy and care. View your situation, and you’ll gain perspective on keeping the ebb and flow in harmony. Personal growth and physical selfimprovement are favored. ★★
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Let your actions speak for you. A kind gesture will impact those who witness what you do and make a difference in your life, how others treat you and what unfolds due to your insight and fairness. A lifestyle change will save you money. ★★★★
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Establish what you want to achieve, and don’t stop until you feel good about what you accomplish. Let your power of persuasion take over, and you’ll convince others to see and do things your way. Use your physical attributes and skills to finish what you start, and reap the rewards. ★★★
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Socialize, network and try something new. Put your energy and thoughts out to the universe, and portray what you want to achieve to those with something to contribute. It will change how you do things moving forward and how you use, invest and handle your cash. ★★★
BIRTHDAY BABY: You are hardworking, enthusiastic and intuitive. You are astute and pioneering.
LOS ANGELES—Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, Anthony Mackie’s Captain America, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man and Tom Hiddleston’s Loki are all back in the Avengers ensemble, where they’ll be joined by several of cinema’s original X-Men.
The five veterans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are in the cast of 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel announced in a series of social media videos that the company rolled out slowly on Wednesday.
Patrick Stewart, 84, who played Professor X in the Fox’s early 2000s X-Men films, and 85-year-old Ian McKellen, who played his arch-nemesis Magneto, are also in the Doomsday cast as Disney and Marvel seek to take advantage of the acquisition of Fox’s movie library. Kelsey Grammer, who played Hank “Beast” McCoy, was also announced, as was Rebecca “Mystique” Romijn, James “Cyclops” Marsden and Alan “Nightcrawler” Cumming.
Their characters were taken on by younger actors in the 2010s X-Men series reboot, and their inclusion is sure to cause serious fan speculation about the direction and timelines of Avengers: Doomsday.
The more senior superheroes will be joined by more recent additions, including some who have yet to make their MCU debuts.
Vanessa Kirby, set to play the Invisible Woman Sue Storm in this July’s Fantastic Four: First Steps is also set for Avengers: Doomsday. Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards will join the Avengers, too. And they’ll be joined in both movies by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who is playing Ben Grimm, aka the Thing, and Joseph Quinn, who plays Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch.
Simu Liu, who played the title character in 2021’s Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is also in the newly announced cast, as is Tenoch Huerta Mejía, who played the aquatic antagonist Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Letitia Wright, who plays Shuri in the Black Panther films, will also be back among the Avengers, as will her Black Panther castmate Winston Duke.
Florence Pugh, who will reprise her MCU role as Yelena Belova in the forthcoming Thunderbolts, will reprise her again in Doomsday. David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Hannah JohnKamen and Lewis Pullman will also be in both films.
Danny Ramirez, who has assumed the Marvel mantle of Falcon, is also in the cast.
Some of the biggest and most anticipated names were not among the 27 names announced, though Marvel and Disney could be sitting on them for now.
There was no mention of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine or Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool, though the announcement did include Channing Tatum, who played the X-Men’s Gambit in last year’s Deadpool & Wolverine.
Nor did the name Tom Holland appear. His Spider-Man became an Avenger in previous films on loan from owner Sony, whose complicated relationship with Marvel has made the character a sticking point.
Robert Downey Jr. revealed last summer that he’ll be returning to the MCU to play the villain Doctor Doom in the next set of Avengers films.
Avengers: Doomsday, set for release in May 2026, will be the fifth Avengers movie, and the first since 2019’s Avengers Endgame became one of the highest grossing film of all time. Marvel has been struggling to recover its cultural buzz and box office mojo ever since, with hopes that the forthcoming ensemble films will bring back the magic that dominated cinema for more than a decade. AP
BROADCAST giant GMA Network continues its winning streak this 2025 as it dominates the 38th Star Awards for Television, taking home major honors, including the Best TV Station award during the ceremony held on March 23.
GMA primetime star Alden Richards, who was recognized as Male Star of the Night, accepted the Best TV Station award on behalf of the network. Various public affairs and entertainment programs and personalities were once again recognized by the PMPC.
GMA Network’s flagship and acclaimed documentary program i-Witness was elevated to the Hall of Fame for winning 15 times in the Best Documentary Program category. i-Witness hosts Howie Severino, Atom Araullo, Mav Gonzales and John Consulta, along with the i-Witness team, received the award. Together with Kara David, the i-Witness hosts were also honored as Best Documentary Program Hosts.
Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), the country’s most-watched TV show in 2024, retained its Best Magazine Show title. Unang Hirit once again won as Best Morning Show, while its hosts Arnold Clavio, Susan Enriquez, Suzi Entrata-Abrera, Lyn Ching-Pascual, Ivan Mayrina, Mariz Umali, Matteo Guidicelli, Shaira Diaz, Kaloy Tingcungco, Anjo Pertierra, JR Royol, and Atty. Gaby Concepcion were again named Best Morning Show Hosts.
Long-running public affairs show Wish Ko Lang took home the Best Public Service Program honor.
The Atom Araullo Specials was conferred with the Best Documentary Program award, while earning the recognition for Best Educational Program again was Born to Be Wild, hosted by Doc Ferds Recio and Doc Nielsen Donato.
Guilty-pleasure reviews: Cooking and swindling
T is 1700 in Madrid, under the reign of Philip V.
IA widowed duke has been grieving for a long period of time for his beautiful wife who died in a freak accident while astride a horse. The King has been sending emissaries to the Duke of Castamar because his services to the Court have been sought by the court. But Diego de Castamar, the duke, would not relent. Not even his mother, the Duchess Mercedes, could not convince the duke. On the wings waited a host of interested and eager parties or individuals, each one with a stake in the court. The cast of characters include the Marquis of Soto, a scheming nobility out to create kinship by choosing a woman who could make the duke fall in love. Then there is the Count of Armiño, a dashing playboy who, while interested in any kind of woman, is smitten by the older Sol Montijos.
Outside of their circle and yet an alluring pawn in this game of hearts is Amelia Castro, out to make the duke fall in love with her even as the duke has remained loyal to his wife and to gilded memories.
Still within the sphere of influence is the mulatto (pardon the label) Gabriel de Castamar whose blood line is both suspect and sensual, an index to how exotic the taste for passion and pretense the royal court has fallen—or risen—into. Rounding up the pantheon of desires and destiny is Clara Belmonte who, having been released by the monks, ends up in the house of the Castamar and becomes the “la
cocinera” to all these effete and effective personas of the court. Clara has agoraphobia, a fear of open spaces and she finds the massive kitchen of the Castamar a refuge and a haven for her affliction. In the kitchen, Clara would find gossip and a young woman who sees Clara as an angel. This young girl named Rosalia would eventually be close to Clara and yet would provide a counterpoint to what is transpiring daily in the noble house.
Rosalia would one day be curious of the winged costume of a castrato (Farinelli, the great countertenor) invited to grace the house of the Castamar. She would put on the wings and decide to fly and yet no human—not in the 18th century—has yet found the power of flight. Rosalia would learn her lesson the hard way. Based on the novel La cocinera de Castamar (literally, The cook of Castamar), this TV series is an incursion into the magic and mythical narrative Spanish literature and cinema are noted for. Logic flies out of the window in the world of Clara and the Duke and, in its place, is a tale of love and lust, of power and pretense, of a world that Borges calls a gift of “my loneliness, my darkness, the hunger of my heart....”
The actors—give and take their costume and their faces—appear to have stepped out of pulp fiction, the only difference being that their provenance has more pedigree. Handsomely photographed, the film uses the culinary tradition to drive home the points about love and life, the absence of nobility among noblemen and women. The Cook of Castanar is written by Fernando J. Muñez. It is directed by by Iñaki Peñafiel and Norberto López Amado
If there is guilty pleasure in the appreciation of a tale that almost belongs to a different dimension, the Japanese TV series Tokyo Swindlers is an uncanny tandem to boudoir drama of 18th-century Spain. Credit the Japanese for plumbing deep into the heart of the crime that is as relevant as it is recent. At the core of this misadventure is the theme of an aging society, where properties lie around, unaccounted
for, because the owners died without relatives to take care of them. We have heard of course about old homes, including minka or Japanese farmhouses, that are there for the taking. Providing the context to many of these abandoned homes or properties is the phenomenon of kodokushi or the condition of dying alone and abandoned, and, more crucially, being discovered long after the death of that person.
Step in now astute and smart syndicates who employ a team that would have one to scout the property, another to issue press releases about the availability of some such property, and a casting director who will look for an old person that will impersonate the owner of the prized property. This person shall make sure the “impostor” will not be too old or senile enough not to learn adeptly the script when he or she is presented to prospective buyers.
The latter are no ordinary individuals; they belong to topnotch real estate properties, managers who are well versed in the art of negotiation.
As with any Japanese phenomenon, this one has a term: jimenshi or “land swindlers.” They defraud real owners of property; in some cases, there were conditions after World War II where, in the chaos of defeat and rapid development, there were those who were smart enough to step in and make sense of areas where there was no identifiable ownership.
The problem—and charm—of Tokyo Swindlers is that we end up rooting for the swindlers. We become anxious in the process of the fraudulent transaction because we do not want the actual villains or criminals to be caught. “Crime should pay” is one overarching principle of this series. It does help that the all-star cast has the most charismatic actors in the Japanese movie industry, starting with Toyokawa Etsushi as Harrison Yamanaka, Lily Franky as Detective Tatsu, and Yamamoto Koji as Aoyagi Takashi.
Tokyo Swindlers is written and directed by One Hitoshi. It is produced by Nikkatsu Corporation and Booster Project for Netflix. It stars Go Ayano. n
DBP bags international award for NAIA modernization
STATE-OWNED Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has been recognized by a distinguished international publication for its contribution to the upgrading and modernization of the country’s primary international gateway, a top official said.
DBP President and Chief Executive
Officer Michael O. de Jesus said the Bank is one of the recipients of the “Best Syndicated Loan Deal of the Year 2024” award of Alpha Southeast Asia in the 18th Annual Best Deal and Solution Awards
2024 for its participation in the P52billion syndicated senior project finance term loan facility for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) Project won by the San Miguel-led New NAIA Infra Corp. “DBP’s active involvement in this critical infrastructure project mirrors its efforts to help promote an accessible, efficient, and
seamless airway transportation service for the benefit of the public and as aligned with President Marcos, Jr.’s infrastructure development plan,” he said.
DBP is the tenth largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four priority sectors of the economy – infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; the environment; and social services and community development.
Alpha Southeast Asia is an institutional investment and transactional banking magazine which aims to provide a platform for banks and
WILCON Depot returned to the World Trade Center on March 13 to 16 for Worldbex 2025. With the theme “Beyond Sustainnovation”, Wilcon joined other industry players in underscoring the industry’s collective push for advancing climate-resilient, and sustainable building solutions while pushing innovation forward. Present at the ribbon cutting ceremony was the COO & SEVP of Wilcon Depot Rosemarie Bosch-Ong.Wilcon showcased state-of-the-art innovations and interactive booth experiences.
financial institutions in Southeast Asia to highlight their services and products and enhance their public image. The 2024 awards edition assessed the credentials, track record, performance, and growth of top financial institutions in the region.
De Jesus said DBP contributed P2.53 Billion to the facility which financed the capital expenditures for the project to rehabilitate the NAIA as well as related transaction costs, fees, and expanses.
He said DBP’s involvement in the project reflects the Bank’s unyielding support to President Marcos, Jr.’s goal of reinvigorating the country’s main gateway as well as the public sector transport system through “strategic infrastructure investment.”
“This award is also in recognition of the positive impact that both the public and private sectors play in addressing the infrastructure financing gap and helping sustain the economic growth of the country,” de Jesus said.
ACTING President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado demonstrates once more PhilHealth’s commitment to follow through on the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. of making sure “services of PhilHealth remain unhampered” through the lifting of the 45-day benefit limit. “The 45-day benefit limit is an outdated costcontainment strategy. Naiintindihan natin kung bakit ito inilagay noon, ngunit, sa pagbabago ng ating payment mechanism, napapanahon na rin talagang repormahin ito.
[We understand why this was implemented before but with the latest developments in our payment mechanisms, it is time to reform.] We cannot always predict or schedule our medical needs. Marami ring mga serbisyo ang kinakailangan ng higit sa 45 days na coverage. Kaya naman nagpapasalamat tayo sa [There are many services that we need to avail of within 45 days. And we are grateful to the] PhilHealth Board for approving this policy update,” explained Dr. Mercado.
PhilHealth has previously recognized the need to cover for more than 45 days for certain conditions. Hence, the extension of the number of sessions covered by our hemodialysis packages – from the initial 90 to the current 156 sessions. The social health insurance is now extending this realization with the lifting of the 45-day benefit limit.
Nais natin na ang mga Pilipinong may malulubhang sakit, chronic conditions, o di kaya’y nangangailangan ng mahaba-habang pagpapaospital ay patuloy na makatanggap ng serbisyong pangkalusugan nang hindi pa nag-aalala kung sila ba ay mababaon sa utang [We also want to ensure that Filipinos who are chronically ill or need to stay at the hospital for long periods will be able to avail of PhilHealth services so that they need not worry about being buried in debt.],” added Dr. Mercado.
PhilHealth reminds that the availment of benefits must be based on proper medical indication, necessity, and alignment with the patient’s treatment plan, and must adhere to widely-accepted standards of care, Department of Health (DOH)-approved Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), and/or PhilHealth Circulars on quality standards. To ensure the responsible and effective implementation
while pushing innovation forward. This year’s theme aligns with Wilcon’s mission to integrate sustainability with
smart innovation. From energy-efficient building materials to eco-friendly home solutions, Wilcon brings a showcase that proves responsible choices don’t mean compromising quality or style. More than just a product display, the booth highlights practical ways customers can build and design with sustainability in mind.
Wilcon embeds “sustainnovation” beyond exhibits. It practices a circular economy, partners with brands that share the same vision, and continuously improves its business practices to minimize environmental impact. This commitment is reflected in Wilcon’s expanding product lineup, such as Pozzi, Solutherm, Direct Hardware, Hamden, Hills, Rubi, P. Tech. Alphalux, Bellini, Woodland, Onix, Kaze, Heim, and our partner brand, Zircon, feature durable, resource-efficient solutions that cater to modern living demands.
Wilcon and WORLDBEX have long been partners in shaping the future of the Philippine construction landscape. For 28 years, Worldbex has offered a physical representation of products, services, and other essential resources that Wilcon offers. These redefine the way Filipinos build and live.
Visitors explored a wide range of solutions designed for style, function, and sustainability—all under one roof.
For more information about Wilcon, visit www.wilcon.com.ph or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok. or subscribe and connect with them on Viber Community, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Or you may contact Wilcon Depot Hotline at 88-WILCON (88-945266) for inquiries.
Yamaha introduces next level innovation, precision with new NMAX Tech MAX
YAMAHA Motor Philippines took command to the next level with the official launch of the all-new NMAX Tech MAX at ArcoVia City. A special ceremony was held to commemorate the turnover of the first 155 Philippinemanufactured units, marking Yamaha’s commitment to precision and innovation.
The NMAX Tech MAX, a symbol of power, precision, and control, stood proudly at the heart of ArcoVia City at the Arco de Emperador. Its commanding presence was complemented by an electrifying performance of DJ Marxx and Alwyn, and the Manila Symphony Orchestra as they join forces to create an unforgettable atmosphere. An astonishing drone show was showcased, with the Manila Symphony Ochestra taking full control of the rhythm along with the visual displays.
Following the announcement of exclusive advance access to the 155 NMAX Tech MAX units on March 6, 2025, customers who had made their purchase were finally able to get an up-close look at their brand-new motorcycles.
In addition to taking home their purchased units, the owners were honored with a special ceremony, where a unique badge was installed on their NMAX Tech MAX, signifying their pride and distinction as the first to own these Philippine-manufactured models. The turnover ceremony concluded with the owners proudly riding their new motorcycles, ready to take command and stay in control through every ride.
Yamaha Motor Philippines continues to empower innovation and precision by delivering premium and excellent products
for its customers. The new NMAX Tech MAX is a testament to this unwavering commitment, with its advanced features and superior engineered performance. Packed with the perfect balance of power, comfort, and technology, it provides an unmatched experience that enables you to take control and stay ahead with every ride. Master the art of control with the allnew NMAX Tech MAX now available in the YZone, Revzones, and 3S stores nationwide. Get yours in Dark Magma and Black, with an SRP of P175,900. Stay updated by following Yamaha on socials:
Website: https://www.yamaha-motor. com.ph/index.html
Racing FB Page: https://www.facebook. com/yamaharacingph
YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ user/yamahamotorphils
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ yamahaphilippines/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ yamahamotorph
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ YamahaMotorPH
PHOTO shows DBP Senior Vice President Mario Rey T. Morales (second from left), DBP Senior Vice President Ana Marie E. Veloso (third from left), DBP Vice President Raquel C. Atienza (third from right), and DBP Senior Assistant Vice President Maria Eliza C. Galvan (second from right) receiving the Best Syndicated Loan Deal of the Year 2024 award on behalf of DBP. Also in photo are San Miguel Holdings Corporation Head of Treasury William Henry S. Timoteo (leftmost), Alpha Southeast Asia Chief Executive Officer and Publisher Siddiq Bazarwala (center), and Assistant Vice President for Special Projects John Patrick De Las Penas (rightmost).
HERE COMES THE NEW RAM 1500 REBEL
Story by Randy S. Peregrino
INCHCAPE Philippines, distributor of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM Trucks in the Philippines, under its IC Automotive Inc. operations, has officially rolled out the New Ram 1500 Rebel 3.0L in the country.
Since its launch as a standalone brand 15 years ago, RAM Trucks has focused on providing benchmark-quality trucks that deliver unparalleled performance capabilities, agility, and versatility.
RAM Trucks claims its robust design and advanced offroad capabilities make it the vehicle of choice for tackling the toughest terrains with ease. Its luxurious interior and cutting-edge technology ensure a comfortable and connected driving experience.
Aggressive is an understatement
RAM Trucks have always been a head-turner in terms of design. This new model features a compelling and refreshed design while maintaining its signature look.
The front end highlights a bold new grille and sleek aerodynamics for a more elevated appearance. Thanks to the LED Low / High Reflector Headlamps, Automatic Headlamps, Headlamp Off Time Delay, LED Front Fog Lamps, and Auto High Beam Headlamp Control, illumination went full.
A side character line unifies the truck’s profile on the flanks, and improved aerodynamics are achieved with a smoother bed and cab design. It also has Exterior Mirror Approach Lamps and Courtesy Lamps, Lower TwoTone Paint.
At the back, the new model sports a Dual Exhaust with Black Tips and a Truck Bed Cargo Divider. The RamBox Cargo Management System remains a unique offering, now with 115-volt outlet and bed organization options. One impressive feature of this model is that the Ram 1500 Rebel is the only truck in the country that sports a Power Tailgate. Moreover, this new model rolls on cutting-edge (New design)18-inch Gloss Black Wheels wrapped with 275/70R18 All-Terrain Tires. Additionally, the Ram 1500 Rebel features Front and Rear
Performance Tuned Shock Absorbers, an On-Demand Transfer Case, a Rear Locking Differential, and four skid plates. There are also Mopar 4-Adjustable Cargo Tie-Down Hooks, Mopar Deployable Bed Steps, Mopar Black Tubular Side Steps, Mopar Rebel Exterior Side Graphics, Mopar spray-in bedliner, and Off-Road Fender Flares.
Rugged on the outside, premium on the inside INSIDE , there are plush and comfortable materials. There is a Bright Rotary Shifter, Steering Wheel-Mounted Auto Controls, Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column, Eight-Way Power Adjust Driver Seat w/ Memory, Six-Way Power Adjust Front Passenger Seat, Ventilated Front Seats, Heated Front and Second Row Seats, Heated Steering Wheel,
Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats, Front Height Adjust Shoulder Belts, and Two-Way Power Driver/Passenger Lumbar Adjust,.
Connectivity-wise, there is Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto, and Integrated Voice Command with Bluetooth. Moreover, there is an Occupant Classification System, Off-Road Info Pages, Rear Seat Reminder Alert, Second
19-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System. The system now runs on the fifth-generation award-winning Uconnect 5. The UI delivers operating speeds that are five times faster than those of the previous generation and offers more features for unmatched ease of use.
The suite of system highlights includes:
n 14.4-inch digital touchscreen (NEW) n Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wired Google Android Auto n GPS
Row In-Floor Storage Bins, Front Passenger Interactive Display (Emphasize), Rear 60/40 Folding Seat, and Rear Underseat Storage Compartment (add Dual Wireless Charger).
Highlighted in the center dash is the new 14.4-inch touchscreen, the most advanced and largest display ever offered on Ram. Paired with the infotainment system is the
A Journey to Home: Our Path to New Zealand Citizenship
THE following is from Danny “Sir John” Isla, the founding president of Lexus Manila Inc. in 2009, who retired in 2018. Read on: “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”
These words from John Lennon perfectly describe our unexpected journey to New Zealand. In 2007, our daughter, April, and her family moved to New Zealand. My wife, Joy, and I visited them every year but we had to apply for a visitor visa each time. At April’s urging, we took a big step—we applied for a resident visa, allowing us to visit without repeated applications.
In June 2015, we were granted
residency. This gave us access to New Zealand’s free healthcare system, which was a huge relief as we needed maintenance medications and regular check-ups. We also enjoyed free public transport and joined KiwiSaver, where the government contributed to our savings.
A Commitment to Stay OUR resident visa had travel conditions—we had to meet certain requirements by 2020 to keep our status. The easiest option for us was to spend at least 184 days per year in New Zealand. By 2018, with retirement approaching, we had more time to live in New Zealand. Our goal was to secure a Permanent Resident Visa, which would let us stay indefinitely. In March 2020, we arrived in New Zealand—on the very first day of the COVID-19 lockdown. Borders closed, and our short visit turned into a two-year stay. New Zealand was one of the safest places during the pandemic and,
surprisingly, this gave us enough time to complete our residency requirements.
By September 2022, we received our Permanent Resident Visa.
A Change of Heart
AT first, we only wanted to visit our children and grandchildren. But during our extended stay in New Zealand, we asked ourselves, “Why live in Manila when our entire family is here?”
While Manila gave us comfort, with helpers and drivers, our hearts were in New Zealand. Life here was simpler, driving was easy, and the beautiful scenery made it even better.
A Perfect Balance FROM 2023, we decided to split our time between the two countries.
Each year, we spent two months in Manila, timing our visits when the weather in the Philippines was fine.
This way, we enjoyed the best of both worlds—family in New Zealand and our roots in the Philippines.
A Full Circle Moment
BY December 2024, after living in New Zealand for 1,350 days across five years, we became citizens.
Looking back, what started as a simple plan to visit our family more easily turned into a life-changing journey.
“There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be.”
All the best, Danny & Joy.
Angkas founder tours Hero
ROB Franco G. Urbano reports that Angkas founder and CEO Angeline Tham recently toured the state-of-the-art assembly plant of Terrafirma Motors Corporation (TMCHero), the exclusive distributor of Hero Motorcycles in the country. Tham and her team were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Hero’s meticulous manufacturing and quality control processes at the Laguna International Industrial Park, witnessing first-hand the rigorous standards that ensure every motorcycle delivers top-tier performance, reliability and durability.
The visit highlighted Hero’s cuttingedge engineering and commitment to excellence, reinforcing its position as a global leader in two-wheeled mobility.
The tour culminated in an exciting series of test rides, where Tham personally put Hero’s scooters and motorcycles to the test. This hands-on experience was a crucial step in evaluating their potential suitability for Angkas’ 50,000-strong network of partner-riders, who rely on dependable and efficient motorcycles to power their daily livelihoods.
For more information about Hero MotoCorp and its offerings in the Philippines, visit Hero MotoCorp Philippines.
Triton wins MITSUBISHI Motors Philippines is proud to announce that its latest pick-up truck, Triton, has been awarded the Best Design in the Standard Pick-Up Truck Category for 2024-2025 Auto Focus Media’s Choice Award (AFMCA). AFMCA is organized and conducted by Sunshine TV annually since 2008 to recognize automotive brands and their products, with motoring journalists as main judges.
Said Nelda Castro: “It’s been
B8 Friday, March 28, 2025
mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph
Editor: Jun Lomibao
Game 7: For all the marbles!
T
IBy Josef Ramos
7
all where the team that blinks less, and the coach who has more aces in his sleeves, get to win the Commissioner’s Cup—the last trophy at stake before the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) celebrates its 50th anniversary next month.
We just have to disrupt Ginebra’s offensive flow with our defense,” said T head coach Chot Reyes whose TNT KaTropa dismantled the Gin Kings, 87-83, in Game 6 last Wednesday to send the series to a winner-take-all showdown.
“Although defending well is prone to fouls, we’ll manage it,” said Reyes, adding “you cannot let Justin Brownlee, Stephen Holt and RJ Abarrientos take their shots from the four-point line, so we have to tighten up our defense.” Game 7 starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday with another sell-out crowd expected at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to witness one of the most classic showdown in the league that’s celebration its golden anniversary on April 9. It’s never just another game. Game 7s are never just another game,” Cone said. “It’s tough to prepare especially if you’re coming off a loss.”
C one added. “It’s harder going into Game 7 from a loss, we had a lot of things to get right in 24 hours, so we’ll be ready to play, that’s going to be our challenge.”
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson poured in 29 points with 13 rebounds, six assists and two steals and lefty Rey Nambatac, inspired by injured veteran Jayson Castro at the bench, scored 23 points in Game 6 for TNT.
“I have never been in a Game 7 even in the NBA [National Basketball
SBG helps youth, barangay hoops dreams prosper
BASKETBALL has become a way of life for Filipinos—from makeshift hoops in narrow alleyways to fullcourt barangay leagues drawing massive crowds, the game pulses through communities like a second heartbeat.
Recognizing its deep cultural significance, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go made grassroots basketball a cornerstone of his sports advocacy, ensuring that local leagues received support in previous years to sustain their programs and provide opportunities for young athletes.
PCG partnership for college golf
By Henry Empeño
TOP student-golfers from universities around the country will see action in the first nationwide collegiate golf tournament slated to kick off next month.
Tournament organizer Pilipinas College Golf (PCG) Series and sports management and marketing agency DuckWorld PH signed a partnership to strengthen and expand collegiate golf nationwide and create more opportunities for aspiring golfers to compete at higher levels.
PCG representative Atty. Roy Ibay and DuckWorld PH chairman Patrick Gregorio sealed the landmark collaboration project recently at the University Hotel in UP Diliman.
The project aims to nurture the next generation of Filipino collegiate golfers and ensure that the sport continues to grow in popularity and talent in the country, organizers said.
There will be two playoffs in the next three months—“Battle of the South” will start on April 27 at Caliraya Springs Golf Club in Laguna, while “Battle of the North” will be on June 22 at Camp John Hay Golf Club in Baguio City where DuckWorld PH is part of the interim management team for the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.
“B attle of the South” will pit players from De La Salle University Manila, College of Saint Benilde, De La Salle University Dasmariñas, Mapua Uni-
Eala makes indelible mark in tennis world
ALEXANDRA EALA pulled off another upset at the Miami Open on Wednesday when she knocked off five-time Grand Slam champion and second-seeded Iga Swiatek, 6-2, 7-5, in the quarterfinals.
Association], but at the end of the day, it’s basketball,” said Hollis-Jefferson, who played for Brooklyn, Toronto and Portland in the NBA.
“It’s a do-or-die for both sides and time to give everything,” he said. “I’m ready and I have that mindset to come in and give my all, fight like what we always do.” Nambatac, on the other hand, has been playing inspired by Castro.
“Jayson’s presence is very valuable even though he can’t be on the court,” said Nambatac, whose legs cramped late in the game. “His pieces of advice are very motivating and inspiring.
Justine Brownlee led Ginebra with 22 points and seven rebounds and Scottie Thompson had 12 points in Game 6.
“B est two words in sports is Game 7, it’s a players’ game so we will have to fight all out,” Thompson said.
T he head-to-head duel between Reyes and Cone stands at 4-3—Reyes won the 1994 Commissioner’s Cup and 1996 Philippine Cup with then Purefoods, 2002 Philippine Cup with Coca-Cola and last season’s Governors’ Cup with TNT, while Cone triumphed in the 1996 Philippine Cup and 2003 Invitational Cup with Alaska and 2012 Commissioner’s Cup with B-Meg Llamados.
B oth also trace their roots to defunct Alaska with Cone winning the 1994 All-Filipino Cup with Reyes as one of his deputy coaches.
C one has the most championships at 25 in the PBA with Ginebra eyeing its 16th crown while Reyes owns 10 trophies with TNT going for championship No. 11.
The 19-year-old left-hander, who received a wild card into the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 1000 event, is the only player representing the Philippines on the women’s professional tour and entered the tournament ranked 140th.
During her historymaking run, Eala reached her first WTA semifinals by beating her third major champion, this time in one hour and 37 minutes.
“I’m in complete disbelief right now, I’m on cloud nine,” Eala said in her on-court interview.
Along the way, she defeated 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys, who is ranked No. 5. T hat was Eala’s first win over a top-10 player.
She hadn’t even beaten a top-40 player until Miami and after Swiatek hit long on match point, Eala seemed tearyeyed as she looked up.
Malacañang praises teen tennis sensation
MALACAÑANG lauded Alexandra Eala for making history for being the first Filipina tennis player to make it into the semifinals of the Miami Open.
“This is one of the greatest achievements of a Filipino. The Malacañang, the Palace and the President are around for Filipinos who bring honor to the Philippines,” Palace Press Office Claire Castro said in Filipino during a press briefing last Thursday.
Swiatek broke Eala in the first game, but the teenager broke right back. The first two games took 15 minutes to play and she never lost her poise.
“I don’t have a lot of experience on the WTA Tour, that’s for sure, but I do have experience with compartmentalizing,’’ Eala said. “ I have experience with being professional. I have no hesitation to bring that part of me out when I’m on court.’’ Swiatek held serve just twice in the match, with Eala pounding service returns with her big forehand. It marked Swiatek’s third loss to a player ranked outside the top 100 in a WTA main draw.
“Basketball is the sport closest to Filipinos’ hearts,” Go said. “So we have to help these barangay leagues prosper and strengthen the foundation of sports development.”
A s chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go was involved in efforts to facilitate support for numerous barangay basketball programs across the country, helping provide funding, equipment and logistical support.
Among the leagues he backed was the Inter-Color Basketball League in Barangay Pandaguirig in Floridablanca, Pampanga, requested by Barangay Captain Jesus Santos.
Another was the Barangay Basketball and Volleyball Leagues in Santo Tomas also Pampanga that was supported through
Barangay Captain Ricardo Cabrera Jr.
These local tournaments served as training grounds for young players, offering them a platform to develop their skills and compete at a higher level.
As I always remind our youth, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit!” said Go, chairperson of the Senate Youth Committee, reinforcing his long-standing belief that sports keep young Filipinos on the right track.
Barangay basketball leagues have produced some of the country’s top talents, with many professional players and national team members starting out in their local courts before moving on to collegiate and professional leagues.
versity, Arellano University, Lyceum of the Philippines University and other southern colleges.
T he “Battle of the North” includes the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas, University of Cordilleras and northern colleges.
T he project is the first of its kind in the country. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate and scale up what we envision for Philippine collegiate golf,” Ibay said. “This partnership is not just about fostering competition, but more about empowering young athletes, offering them platforms for growth both on and off the course.”
“ We want to enable and support more colleges to establish golf teams nationwide,” Gregorio said. The series will be supervised by coach Jun Cedo, a US PGA golf professional and an acclaimed golf guru for 19 years. Information about the tournament are available at DuckWorld PH’s social media pages: Facebook: http://facebook. com/duckworldph and Instagram: http:// instagram.com/duckworldph
Castro said the government will continue to express its gratitude to Eala as the Filipina teenager progressed in her succeeding matches.
THIRTY-THREE prospects—including 15 current members of Alas Pilipinas—will be invited to a series of tryouts to determine the composition of the women’s national volleyball teams for three major international competitions this year.
The invitees, according to Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, are either top collegiate players, prospects from overseas and stalwarts of different teams in the Premiere Volleyball League.
“These are quality young players from the professional league PVL, fron abroad and schools,” said Suzara, also the president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and executive vice president of the FIVB or International Volleyball Federation.
“This is a wish list of players for the
Streak vs top players takes time to sink in ALEXANDRA EALA is indeed on cloud nine after toppling some of the best in women’s tennis.
“I really tried to soak it all in, because this has never happened to me before, and that’s why I was looking at the screen,’’ Eala said. “I really wanted to keep that moment in my mind.’’
In the fourth round, Eala won on a walkover over injured Paula Badosa, giving her added rest.
Eala represents the Philippines but has lived the last six years in Mallorca, training at the Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy.
“I would love to think that I make a difference,’’ Eala said. “That’s the only thing I can do to give back to my country is to help inspire, to inspire change and positive change, to inspire people to pick up a racket, to watch more tennis, watch more women’s tennis.”
national team that I fervently want to see competing for out flag and country,” Suzara added.
Suzara said that Alas Pilipinas head coach, Brazilian Jorge Edson Sauza de Brito, will supervise the tryouts—the dates and venue will be announced later.
Scheduled this year are the 6th AVC Challenge Cup for Women set June 8 to 15 and 5th Southeast Asian V. League Week 1 (July 25 to 27) and Week 2 (August 1 to 3) at still to be determined venues and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand from December 7 to 19.
We are very confident to tap the best players in every position,” De Brito said. “The Philippines has a lot of great talents from the collegiate ranks up to the pro ranks and we are improving ever since I arrived. We just need to work
UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas (UST) wore down National University Nazareth School
“Her being a lefty didn’t surprise me, but for sure, like, she went all in,’’ Swiatek said. “She made these returns in and pretty long, and so it wasn’t easy to hit it back. She was pretty loosened up and just went for it.’’ O n set point, Swiatek rapped a forehand long, ending the set in 42 minutes. Eala advances to Thursday’s semifinals, where she will face American Jessica Pegula, a 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-2 winner over Emma Raducanu of Britain. Eala became the third wild card to reach the Miami Open semifinals, following Justine Henin in 2010 and Victoria Azarenka in 2018. She never rattled as the first four games went to at least one deuce and five of the first six games were service breaks. Swiatek held serve just twice in the match and committed 32 unforced errors in the one hour, 39-minute battle.
“There is a lot of emotions, definitely,’’ said Eala, who had never beaten a top 40 player. “Happiness has to be on the top of the whole list.’’ Pegula, meanwhile, stopped the string of upsets at the Miami Open by ending the stalwart run of Britain’s unseeded Raducanu also on Wednesday night. AP and Samuel Medenilla
hard to let the players grow.” Invited to the exercise are setters Angelique Alba, Tia Andaya, Julia Coronel, Jia de Guzman, Camila Lamina, liberos are Dawn Catindig, Justine Jazareno, Jennifer Nierva and Hannah Stires from the USA. Also called up are opposite spikers Tots Carlos, Shevana Laput, Faith Nisperos, Alyssa Solomon and Eli Soyud. Outside hitters are Mhicaela Belen, Evangeline
are Thea Gagate, Clarisse Loresco, Madeleine Madayag, Del Palomata, Jeanette Panaga, Jana Philips, Amie Provido and Fifi Sharma.
THE battle will be both on the court and on the bench—between two of the best coaching minds in Philippine basketball—Barangay Ginebra’s Tim Cone and TNT Tropang Giga’s Chot Reyes.
PILIPINAS College Golf head Atty. Roy Ibay (third from left) shakes hands with DuckWorld PH chairman Patrick Gregorio and with them are (from left) project coordinators Ravi Ibay, May-i Padilla, Raul Encarnacion and Kat Estrella.
MEMBERS of the victorious University of Santo Tomas team celebrate with their trophy.
RAMON “TATS SUZARA says the tryouts feature quality young players from the professional league, abroad and schools.