AMID calls from labor groups for a P200 legislated wage hike, President Ferdinand Marcos said he wants to maintain the status quo, wherein the regional wage boards continue to determine the said adjustments.
In his speech for the 123rd Labor Day in Pasay City last Thursday, the chief executive said the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPB) are already addressing the concerns of workers for higher minimum wage.
“The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards continue to study wage levels
in each region,” Marcos said in Filipino.
Also on Labor Day, the Department of Labor and Employment said it was hoping the labor fairs it initiated would result in more on-the-spot hires of at least “25 to 30 percent” of applicants.
In championing the regional wage boards mode for wage-setting, the President noted that since July last year, 16 regions have already implemented minimum wage hikes implemented by the RTWPBs.
“The government stands firm in its commitment to protecting and advancing workers’ welfare while promoting inclusive economic development,” Marcos said.
The President made the remark after the National Wage Coalition—comprising the
Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Nagkaisa! Labor Coalition (NAGKAISA!), and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), called for the passage of a P200 legislated wage hike.
While he did not mention the proposed legislated wage hike in Congress, Marcos said the effect on the economy of the proposed wage adjustments should be determined.
“When it comes to salary increases, it’s nice to hear sweet promises, but they have an impact on business growth, jobs, and the economy. That’s why we need to study them carefully,” Marcos said. Under Republic Act (RA) No. 6727 or the Wage Rationalization Act, RTWPBs may raise
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
THE Philippine semiconductor and electronics industry is pushing for the localization of around 20 to 25 line items of raw materials that are currently being imported—plastics, metals, connectors and chemicals— to strengthen the local supply base and reduce reliance on imports, according to an official of Ayala-owned Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI).
By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror
GIVE me free breakfast and a pool, and I’m there.
There was a 202-percent increase in Filipinos booking hotels in the country last year, versus in 2023, according to the Klook Philippines’s 2025 Travel Pulse, the results of which were revealed in a news briefing on Tuesday.
According to the survey, “Filipinos booked one-two night stays at hotels and resorts that offer breakfast and have a pool. You know us Filipinos, we love our free buffet breakfast,” said Michelle Ho, general manager of Klook Philippines. “And because we travel as a family, [those with children], prefer hotels with pools,” she added.
The survey also showed 45 percent of the respondents booked these hotels “less than a month to three months ahead of their travel, with activities generally being booked less than a month in advance,” she said, attributing the increase in hotel bookings due to the guests’
participation in marathons and concerts.
Travel as therapy
THE survey likewise showed a 160-percent rise in inbound tourists booking hotels in the Philippines. “Overall, the travel app recorded a general increase by 190 percent of those booking hotel stays on the platform,” said Ho, with majority of their respondents choosing hotels priced at an average of “P10,000 a night.”
Klook’s Travel Pulse respondents numbered 5,000 in the Asia Pacific region, 500 of whom live in the Philippines. Majority of Klook’s consumers are aged between 25 and 40 years old.
The same survey also showed Millennials and Generation Zs believe traveling is therapy—78.4 percent of respondents actively use travel to “mental[ly] reset. Millennials are those born between 1981 and 1996, while Gen Zs, between 1997 and 2012.”
Ho said, “Overall, we’ve seen Filipinos take more chances on traveling in 2024 and definitely aren’t slowing down in 2025. It’s
TBy Lenie Lectura @llectura
HE Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) has recorded anew “negative” average prices across all three grids in April, according to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
A negative price indicates that the WESM has supply surplus and, as such, prices can drop to zero or even become negative. For the third time since December 2024, the WESM has recorded negative average prices across the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao grids. The negative WESM prices were registered last December 25, 2024 at P-1.0338 per kilowatt hour (kWh), on January 1, 2025 at P-0.5592 per kWh, and on April 18, 2025 at P-0.4014 per kWh. The three dates registered lower
demand and high supply availability.
Negative pricing, while rare, is declared in the WESM to reflect market conditions and encourage flexible generation and demand-side participation.
As an effect, the ERC explained that downward trend in prices contributed to lower generation charges for consumers in the said billing months.
“The extend of this impact on power bills, however, depend on various factors, including each distribution utility’s supply mix and level of spot market exposure,” the ERC said.
Meanwhile, sustained low prices in the WESM will adversely affect the Feed-in Tariff Allowance (FIT-ALL) fund’s capacity to cover FIT payments.
“While negatives prices were recorded in the energy market, prices in the Reserve Market remain high. This signals sustained need for continued increase in system requirements to ensure system stability and security,” the ERC added.
From April 14 to 20, the average prices in the Reserve Market were recorded at P5.453 per megawatt hour (MWh) in the Luzon grid, P12.859 per MWh in the Visayas grid, and P14.763MWh in the Mindanao grid.
The ERC also reported that as of April 2025, coal continues to account for 63.23 percent of the total generation in the system, followed by natural gas at 14.34 percent.
“We are consistently keeping a close watch on how the electricity market is moving to make sure price signals remain reflective of actual system conditions while protecting the welfare of consumers,” Chairperson and CEO Monalisa C. Dimalanta said.
DA starts rollout of cheap rice with pilot test in Cebu
By Ada Pelonia
THE Department of Agri-
culture (DA) on Thursday kicked off the rollout of its cheap rice program in Cebu, aimed at benefiting 4 million Filipinos.
To mark the event, the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) and the Provincial Government of Cebu inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the shared subsidy of the P20 rice initiative pilot test in the province, which will run until December.
The cheaper rice program received a P5-billion funding from the Office of the President’s contingency fund.
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daily nominal minimum wage for non-agricultural workers (P645) and agricultural workers (P608). Meanwhile, the regions with the lowest daily nominal minimum wage for non-agricultural workers is Region 9 (P414) and for agricultural workers, it is Region 8 (P390).
DOLE job fair
MEANWHILE, the DOLE hoped to see more jobseekers hired on the spot (HOTS) during its nationwide job fair.
Of this, P4.5 billion would be used as rice subsidy, while the rest is allotted for logistics purposes.
The local government units (LGUs) will be required to shoulder half of the P13 subsidy, which is needed to bring down the price of P33 National Food Authority (NFA) rice to P20. The other half will be defrayed by the DA.
Meanwhile, Cebu LGUs have started drawing rice stocks from the grains agency’s warehouse in the city. Over the past two days, the local governments have withdrawn about 3,700 50-kilo bags of rice.
The DA said NFA continues to re -
Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma on Thursday expressed optimism that jobseekers, especially in the National Capital Region, will have better chances of getting employed during the one-day event.
“We hope jobseekers get lucky this time, especially here in NCR. Even 25 to 30 percent hired on the spot would already be a big win. We also hope many will be nearly hired,” Laguesma told reporters.
To help applicants prepare, Laguesma said he has directed all DOLE regional offices to assist jobseekers in securing the necessary documents often required by employers.
Across the 69 job fair sites nationwide, one-stop-shop booths have also been set up to house satellite offices of
position stocks from rice-producing areas in the Visayas and Mindoro to areas like Cebu that have “little rice output.”
Aside from local governments, the P20 per kilo rice program will also be sold in Kadiwa sites, which is supposed to be launched on May 2. Under this initiative, the cheap rice would only be available to vulnerable sectors, particularly indigents, senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) who can purchase up to 30 kilos per month.
However, the DA currently awaits clarification from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) if the sale of
the Philippine Statistics Authority, National Bureau of Investigation, Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. These are meant to ease the documentary burden typically faced by applicants.
Laguesma advised applicants to come prepared with their supporting documents to improve their chances of being hired on the same day.
He had earlier emphasized the importance of high HOTS rates as proof of the competence of Filipino jobseekers.
“When many are hired on the spot, it proves that we have a lot of qualified applicants. I also urge employers not to make the questions too difficult—some of them may just be nervous,” he said.
At least 200,000 local job vacancies are available during DOLE’s nationwide job fair in line with its 123rd Labor Day celebration. Of these, around 3,000 overseas opportunities are open in various countries.
As in previous job fairs, the bulk of available jobs still come from the manufacturing, services, and business process outsourcing sectors.
Beyond the job fair, the department also distributed livelihood grants to displaced workers, parents of child laborers, and victims of human rights violations through its Integrated Livelihood Program—an initiative designed to reduce economic vulnerability and promote inclusive growth.
“These services and programs reflect the genuine commitment of the Marcos Jr. administration to show care and support for the welfare, rights, and livelihood of Filipino workers,” Laguesma said.
‘Labor market shows resilience’ IN a press statement, the DOLE said the country’s labor market continues to demonstrate “resilience and improvement” despite eco-
P20 per kilo rice in Kadiwa sites is exempt from the May 2 to 12 ban on the distribution of government aid during the election period.
If the poll body disallows rice distribution during the restricted period, the DA said it will instead start selling the cheap rice after the midterm polls.
Earlier, the DA chief stressed that the primary aim of the cheap rice program is to free up space in NFA warehouses.
Laurel said this would allow the grains agency to procure more palay from farmers amid the peak of the harvest season.
nomic headwinds both at home and abroad.
The Philippines posted an average employment rate of 96.2 percent in 2024—up from 95.6 percent in 2023 and 94.6 percent in 2022—while the average unemployment rate dropped to 3.8 percent and underemployment eased to 11.9 percent, from 12.3 percent and 14.2 percent, respectively.
December 2024 saw the lowest unemployment rate of the year at 3.1 percent, while underemployment fell to 10.9 percent, reflecting fewer workers in need of extra hours or jobs.
The momentum carried over into early 2025, with employment at 95.7 percent in January and climbing to 96.2 percent in February.
DOLE expressed optimism that strong labor market performance will continue, anchored on key government frameworks such as the Philippine Development Plan, Philippine Labor and Employment Plan, and Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan.
Across-the-board wage hike still off the table
DESPITE improvements in the job market, Laguesma reiterated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains firm in allowing regional wage boards to determine salary increases based on regional economic conditions.
“The authority lies with Congress and the Executive Branch respects that,” Laguesma told reporters.
He added that DOLE is focused on upskilling workers so they can demand wages beyond the minimum.
“If you have the right skills, you gain confidence—and with that comes the right to ask for more than the minimum wage,” he said.
Laguesma added that workers can push for higher pay through collective bargaining agreements.
data is very key that can be used by the different local companies so they can supply to the different semicon companies and boost the Philippine economy,” the IMI official told reporters on the sidelines of the Philippines Logistics Summit 2025.
“Many, from plastics, metals, those commodities. There are many line items with different descriptions and specs and also connectors and chemicals. So basically, those are the key commodities that can be localized,” Bondoc told reporters, explaining that this is equivalent to around 20 to 25 line items that the local industry wants to localize. The IMI official said this was already a project pushed by the local semiconductor industry a few years ago. However, she revealed that data gathering and stringent qualifications hampered the move of some firms to localize.
“One is data. Number two is no one qualifies. Because either the cost is high. The cost of raw materials is also high. For example, chemicals. No local company has raw materials. So they will import so it’s still high. If we have the supply base locally of the raw materials, that will be great,” Bondoc explained.
“It’s difficult for each company to share their data because of [intellectual property] IP and all those [Non-Disclosure Agreement] NDA. But now since we came up with these data, we have the data that can be used by companies. This can be a good start. We have talked to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and to World Bank already about this,” added Bondoc. With this, she called on the government to help in incentivizing the companies who will provide local supply to the semiconductor sector.
“Government should also help in giving them subsidies on all these programs. There should be [incentives] but there is nothing written yet. But if they are under Peza, then they are zero-tax,” added Bondoc. Under the CREATE More law, there is value-added tax (VAT) exemption on importation and VAT-zero rating on local purchases of goods and services directly attributable in the registered project or activity.
At the Aboitiz InfraCapital Industrial Summit 2025 held last week, Seipi President Danilo C. Lachica said: “Right now, we’ve got about P1.3 billion worth of parts that we have localized.”
The Seipi chief said this is just a “very small fraction” of the Philippines considering that the chips industry is the biggest exporter in the country.
Still, disbursements are seen to pick up strongly towards the latter part of May to June after the election ban is lifted.
Key infrastructure projects of various government agencies, as well as major health, housing, agriculture, education and labor sector programs under the DOH, National Housing Authority, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Commission on Higher Education, and Department of Labor and Employment have been exempted by the Comelec from the election ban.
“In 2024, we exported $42.6 billion. We are also the biggest importer, to the tune of about $25 billion, $30 billion,” Lachica said during the forum. He said if the local chips industry would localize 1 percent of that, “That’s a full P15 billion. And that will, of course, bring investor confidence and more foreign investors into the country.”
even reached the extent that Millennials and Gen Zs perceive it to be a therapeutic tool. From being considered a love language last year, to being a form of therapy today, it goes to show that travel continues to evolve in different ways to serve each individual’s unique definition of joy.”
Over 56% plan to travel abroad BUT as soon as the vacation is over, “travel blues” set in, which showed 96.2 percent of respondents experience this, and “49.1 percent immediately [within a month] [plan] their next getaway, showing they are dependent on the therapeutic benefits of travel.”
The survey found that 98.5 percent of Filipino respondents have plans to travel domestically as well as nearby locations this year, while more than half
shared that they plan to travel internationally (56.3 percent). Klook noted that besides the usual international hotspots like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, destinations that grew in popularity among Filipinos were Vietnam (239 percent), Taiwan (120 percent), and Thailand (28 percent) in 2024, which confirmed an earlier piece in the BusinessMirror (See, “Vietnam, Thailand grow in popularity among Pinoy travelers in Q1,”April 21, 2025.)
“Filipinos are always wanting to learn about cultures and history, and these destinations [Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan] are rich in those,” explained Ho. Also, these destinations are visa-free and offer value-for-money, factoring into the budget considerations of Filipinos when planning their outbound travel, she added.
Tiktok’s growing travel influence WITHIN the Philippines, Filipinos favored Metro Manila for “weekend getaways,” and popular destinations like Tagaytay, Boracay, Cebu, and Bohol. “Surigao is gaining traction as well, not to mention Siargao. What’s interesting is that you’ve got your core destinations, rising in terms of popularity, and at the same time, lesser-known destinations are being talked about,” she said. The Klook study found that social media drives Filipinos to travel (89 percent), higher than the regional average of 79 percent. Facebook still dominates as a social media travel influence at 84 percent (vs 58 percent regional average), followed by YouTube (73 percent), TikTok (69 percent), and Instagram (63 percent). The study shows that compared to the regional average (33 percent), Filipinos are “two times more likely” to engage with TikTok for travel inspiration.
www.businessmirror.com.ph
Dole disburses ₧2.2-B to Tupad workers ahead of ayuda ban
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has released P2.2 billion in wages for beneficiaries of its emergency employment program just a day before the start of the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) 10-day aid distribution ban.
In an ambush interview on Thursday, Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma said the salaries were distributed to beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged-Displaced Workers
(Tupad) program nationwide.
“Tupad is something people work for. It is an emergency employment assistance that beneficiaries earn through their labor. That’s why we remind recipients: the amount should be received in full, without deductions. This is a free government service,” Laguesma said, partly in Filipino.
The labor chief also confirmed that the department would comply with Comelec’s directive suspending the payout of Tupad wages from May 2 to May 12 in observance of the election-related ayuda ban.
Laguesma said Dole supports the poll body’s goal to prevent the politicization or misuse of government aid as a tool for votebuying.
Still, he admitted the temporary halt poses challenges, especially as several areas reel from calamities— most recently, the phreatic eruption of Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon.
“If there are people in need, we will process their requests… The challenge, I think, is how to continue providing services without being accused or labeled as campaigning,” Laguesma said.
He added that Dole will continue accepting new Tupad beneficiaries during the ban, but payouts will resume only after May 12. Last year, the Comelec granted Dole an exemption from the election spending ban for several of its programs, including Tupad, which has the largest budget allocation at P14.1 billion.
In its exemption, the poll body detailed that a total ban on onetime government cash aid will take effect 10 days before election day, except for medical and burial assistance.
Sara corruption claims meant to divert issue, legislator says
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
ALEADER of the House of Representatives on Thursday called on Vice President Sara Duterte “to stop misleading the public with baseless corruption claims,” saying her accusations appear to be “a tactic to divert attention from the credible and well-documented charges outlined in the impeachment complaint against her.” Deputy Speaker David Suarez made a statement in response to the Vice President’s recent statements in Cagayan de Oro City, where she questioned the leadership of Speak -
er Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and claimed that alleged corruption had already caused irreparable harm to the national budget.
“There is absolutely no basis for the allegations of corruption against the House leadership. The real issue is the Vice President’s use of confidential funds—P125 million spent in just 11 days—and the questionable identities of the supposed recipients, with names like ‘Mary Grace Piattos,’ ‘Jay Kamote,’ and ‘Xiaome Ocho.’ These appear to be fabricated. She needs to explain this instead of pointing fingers,” Suarez, who represents Quezon, said.
Suarez clarified that no findings from the Commission on Audit (COA) or any independent agency implicate the Speaker or the House of Representatives in any corruption case.
In contrast, he emphasized that the allegations against Vice President Duterte stem from official COA audit reports and disbursement records.
The impeachment complaint accuses Duterte of authorizing the disbursement of P125 million in confidential funds in December 2022—before the Office of the Vice President was legally authorized to use such funds under the
2023 national budget. She also allegedly approved P112.5 million in confidential expenses during her tenure as Education Secretary, with liquidation reports listing suspicious recipients whose names do not appear in any government records-keeping agency.
“These are not mere political statements—they are findings backed by audit reports, official documents, and sworn statements. The vice president owes the public a clear and honest explanation. If she believes in transparency, she should welcome the opportunity to respond to these charges in the Senate,” Suarez said.
AFP to activate strategic defense command
ANEW unified command that will take care of activities related to joint exercises with the armed forces of allied and like-minded countries will soon be activated by the Armed Forces (AFP).
The soon to be activated unit, tentively named “Strategic Defense Command” is expected to be operational within the year.
Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, Armed Forces spokesperson, said the new command “is basically going to be the fusion of efforts.”
Under the present setup Padilla said joint exercises are handled by the Armed Forces Education, Training and Doctrine Command.
With the increasing number of joint exercises, a new command will be spinned off from the Edtradoc to exclusively handle the joint training activities.
Padilla said the Strategic Defense Command will be established because the exercises of the AFP with other countries have been expanding.
The scope of exercises is expanding so the Stradoc will unite all of our efforts. With our modernization, we have a lot of new equipment that came in. So training is bundled with that.
With the joint exercises, local troops will be able to learn how to use the new equipment and to interoperate with allied militaries.
The Armed Forces is now in thick of the ongoing RPUS Exercise Balikatan which is being held in many areas of the country. Some 17,000 troops from both countries are participating.
OKADA MANILA SETS THE BAR HIGH, AGAIN—FORBES 5-STAR HONOR FOR SIX CONSECUTIVE YEARS
By John Eiron R. Francisco
OKADA Manila reaffirms its leadership in luxury hospitality as it maintains its Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Integrated Resort status for the sixth year in a row.
In addition, the resort was also named the first integrated resort in the Philippines to earn the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality badge, a testament to its steadfast dedication to sustainability, environmental protection, and the well-being of its guests, team members, and communities.
“We are truly proud to earn the Forbes 5-Star Rating for six consecutive years. This distinction recognizes our team’s unwavering pursuit of excellence,” said Robert Scott, Okada Manila’s Vice President for Hotel Operations. Scott stated that their objective is to consistently set the industry benchmark and redefine excellence to ensure that every guest enjoys a memorable and exceptional experience.
Since earning its first Forbes 5-Star rating in 2019, Okada Manila has exemplified the finest blend of Japanese excellence and Filipino
warmth—combining meticulous attention to detail and anticipatory service with sincerity, passion, and the genuine hospitality Filipinos are known for. The management credits the continued dedication of its team members for delivering exceptional service in creating memorable guest experiences, and solidifying Okada Manila’s reputation as a leader in premium hospitality.
Forbes-Approved Elegance
Recognized by Forbes Travel Guide—a global authority on upscale hospitality known for its prestigious Star Rating system that evaluates hotels, restaurants, and spas based on service, facilities, and overall guest experience—as ‘Manila’s Grand Icon,’ Okada Manila offers a world-class experience in hospitality, entertainment, and leisure.
Established in December 2016, the 30-hectare integrated resort is strategically located in Entertainment City, just minutes from the airport and surrounded by malls, theaters, and the stunning Manila Bay. However, according to Forbes Travel Guide, its true grandeur lies within—where refinement, innovation, and
impeccable service converge to redefine fivestar hospitality.
Divided into the Pearl Wing and Coral Wing, the hotel features 1,001 well-appointed rooms, with accommodations ranging from 592-square-foot deluxe rooms to the expansive 15,069-square-foot Podium Villas. Guests staying in the Pearl Wing enjoy the plush comfort of free-standing Jacuzzis with floor-to-ceiling views of Manila Bay, The Fountain, or the city skyline. Each room is equipped with the innovative Digivalet system that allows seamless control over lighting, curtains, and hotel services.
The Forbes Travel Guide also highlights the exclusive line of Roberto Cavalli amenities designed specifically for Okada Manila, adding an extra layer of indulgence to the guest experience.
One of the resort’s most iconic attractions is The Fountain, the world’s largest multicolored dancing water feature, spanning the equivalent of 50 Olympic-sized swimming pools. It features over 700 high-powered water jets, 23 highfidelity speakers, and thousands of dynamic lights synchronized to pop and classical music performances.
Another key highlight is Cove Manila, recognized as Southeast Asia’s largest entertainment venue. Housed within a massive glass dome, it offers an elite setting for private events, including weddings, debuts, corporate functions, and milestone celebrations.
Okada Manila is also a destination for families. Its PLAY Kids’ Club is an immersive entertainment center features engaging themed areas for children up to 17 years old, including an augmented reality Wizard’s Den, a multilevel maze, and a performing arts stage.
Moreover, thrill-seekers can enjoy an action-packed experience at Thrillscape, which features 32 high-energy obstacles designed to test agility and encourage teamwork. More than a standard obstacle course, it serves as an interactive tag arena that promotes physical activity and recreation.
With a capacity to accommodate up to 170 guests at a time, the attraction offers a safe and exhilarating adventure under the guidance of athletic coaches.
Meanwhile, Okada Manila also offers a first-class gaming experience with the largest casino floor in the Philippines, catering to both casual players and high-rollers through exclusive clubs such as Perlas, Maharlika, and the VIP Club. Grand Venues & Gourmet Experiences
Beyond entertainment and gaming, dining at Okada Manila is a culinary journey with over 40 dining venues offering diverse gastronomic experiences. Forbes Travel Guide highlights Kappou Imamura, led by chef Yoshihiro Sugiyama, for its refined approach to Japanese cuisine.
La Piazza, under the expertise of chef Mattia Stroppa, is renowned for its authentic Italian flavors, while Medley presents a global buffet with seven international culinary stations. For those craving Asian specialties, options range from Korean barbecue at Goryeo and modern Filipino fare at Kiapo to traditional Japanese robatayaki at Enbu, where chef Masahiro Mizumoto delivers a theatrical dining experience.
As part of its “Beyond Flavors, A Feast for the Soul” campaign, Okada Manila aims to elevate the dining experience by showcasing the emotional and transformative power of food—offering more than just gourmet dishes, but a journey that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
Among the highlights of the campaign is Red Spice, Okada Manila’s premier Chinese restaurant, helmed by chef Dicky Suen. Known for his expertise in authentic Chinese cuisine, chef Suen’s creations showcase bold flavors and refined techniques. Signature dishes include Stir-fried Scallops with Seasonal Vegetables in XO Sauce, Steamed Grouper in Superior Sauce, and Barbecue Pork Shoulder with Honey, all prepared with fresh ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. Guests can also enjoy the Crispy Shrimp Cheung Fan, featuring delicate rice noodle rolls with a crispy filling, and
No additional food imports despite tariff talks with US
TSchool bullying could hurt GDP by ₧20 billion–PIDS
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
BBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
HE Department of Agriculture (DA) assured domestic industries that negotiations with Washington over US reciprocal tariffs will not result in additional food imports.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the Philippines could expand US access to the local food market.
“I think our industries shouldn’t have anything to fear because it’s not about increasing the amount to be imported—it’s just a shift in preference,” Laurel told reporters on the sidelines of an agriculture forum in Makati City on Wednesday. “It’s the shifting that we are looking at. It’s not adding more imports,” he added. On April 2, US President Donald Trump imposed sweeping levies on their trading partners, as part of his bid to spur the growth of the US manufacturing sector.
A week later, however, Trump announced a 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs, except for China. All nations subjected to the duties faced a 10-percent baseline rate.
Initially, the Philippines was slapped with a reciprocal tariff rate of 17 percent. Among neighboring countries, Vietnam was slapped a reciprocal tariff rate of 46 percent; Thailand, 36 percent; and Indonesia, 32 percent.
Given the relatively lower rate compared to those imposed on other Southeast Asian nations, government officials planned to capitalize on this and boost sale of the country’s products to the US.
“If you look at it from a general perspective, it’s positive for us because we’re lower than others in terms of tariff. But we need to look at it per commodity,” Laurel said in a previous interview.
“Based on the tariff rate, we’re one of the lowest among our neighbors. So, it just means that we should push for more sales to the US of our products,” he added.
With the 90-day tariff pause, the DA chief is banking on the Philippine delegation to the US for the negotiations regarding Washington’s new tariff policy.
“We’re all monitoring. We just have to be patient and act accordingly,” Laurel said.
“In any negotiation, we want the minimum. So, I will leave it up to Secretary [Frederick] Go. I’m very confident in his capability to get something that is fair for the Philippines.”
The Philippines mostly purchases soybean meal (SBM), wheat, milk, and chicken meat from the US, based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Govt agencies told: Use standards-based approach in preparing ISSPs
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has issued a policy requiring all government agencies to adopt a unified, standards-based approach in preparing their Information Systems Strategic Plans (ISSPs).
Under Department Circular HRA-001, series of 2025, the policy directs national government agencies, government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and other covered institutions to align their ICT strategies with national priorities by
adhering to a centralized framework prescribed by the DICT and the Medium-Term ICT Harmonization Initiative (Mithi) Steering Committee.
“This standards-based approach ensures that every ICT project in the government is designed not for complexity, but for simplicity, efficiency, and the empowerment of every Filipino citizen,” ICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda said.
He noted that the circular effectively eliminates the previous requirement for a DICT-led technical review of ISSPs.
Instead, covered agencies must now submit their ISSPs directly to the Mithi Steering Committee
Secretariat for evaluation. Agencies are also required to use the standardized ISSP template and comply with minimum quality standards defined by the DICT and Mithi. ISSPs serve as the blueprint for how a government agency intends to use ICT to fulfill its mandate, mission, and goals. It is used by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to assess and approve ICT-related budget requests.
Aguda said the directive seeks to “enhance the efficiency, accountability, and coherence of government ICT investments, as well as support long-term planning and digital readiness across agencies.”
He explained that by anchoring
ICT planning on shared standards, the agency aims to eliminate duplication, boost digital maturity, and ensure that government technology investments are not only efficient but also citizen-centric.
Aguda said with the circular, the DICT hopes to institutionalize a smarter, more coordinated approach to ICT development— “ensuring that government agencies plan smarter, invest better, and deliver faster.”
“Digital transformation must always begin and end with the people we serve,” he added.
The “full suite” of ISSP standards and implementation tools are expected to be released “soon,” he added.
Legislator to LTFRB: Reconsider moratorium on motorcycle taxis
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
APARTY-LIST lawmaker on Thursday appealed to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to revisit its recent directive—issued through the Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working Group (MCT-TWG)—which imposes a one-year moratorium on onboarding new riders for Move It and slashes its rider fleet to just 6,836.
1-Rider Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, in a statement, warned that the decision jeopardizes the livelihoods of around 14,000 motorcycle taxi riders across the country, many of whom rely on the platform as their primary source of income.
“We are deeply concerned about the impact of this decision on the 14,000 riders who depend on Move It for their daily income. These hardworking Filipinos provide essential transportation services to our communities, and we urge the
LTFRB to reconsider this move, especially given its timing and the significant socio-economic consequences,” Gutierrez said.
The 1-Rider Party-list group has been a leading proponent of the Motorcycle Taxi bill, which has already been approved in the House of Representatives.
“The approval of the Motorcycle Taxi bill in the House of Representatives is a significant step toward protecting riders, but this LTFRB order shows why we need the law fully enacted.
Without it, riders remain vulnerable to abrupt regulatory changes that threaten their livelihoods,” Gutierrez emphasized.
He also called on Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon to step in and help resolve the issue.
“The motorcycle taxi pilot program was designed to formalize and support riders, not to jeopardize their livelihoods. We urge the LTFRB to reconsider this decision and engage with stakeholders to find a balanced solution,” Gutierrez said.
Sari-sari stores see surge in sale of energy drink, iced tea in ’24
AS the Philippines experienced its hottest year on record in 2024, Filipinos turned to sari-sari stores for relief.
Tech startup Packworks released key findings through its mobile sarisari store app and business intelli-
gence tool, Sari IQ, which analyzes over one million sales transactions per month from its network of over 300,000 sari-sari stores nationwide. The report revealed consumption trends that highlight the crucial role neighborhood stores play in meeting immediate needs during extreme weather.
According to its 2024 data, wellknown energy drink brand Sting recorded a whopping 83 percent sales increase, with a P34 million gross merchandise value (GMV) compared to the previous year, up from P18 million.
The sari-sari store staple saw notable sales margins, with Region IV-A (Calabarzon or Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) leading at P7 million in GMV, followed by Region II (Cagayan Valley) at P6.6 million and Region III (Central Luzon) at P6.1 million.
While these regions had strong
ULLYING is not just a social or classroom issue, as it may be knocking off the Philippine economy up to P20 billion a year, according to a government think tank.
Using data from the 2018 Program for International Student Assessment (Pisa), which found that 36 percent of Filipino students ranked among the most bullied globally and 76 percent reported experiencing bullying in the past year, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) estimated the long-term economic cost of bullying-related learning losses.
In the paper “School Bullying Contributes to Lower Pisa Achievement among Filipino Students: Who Gets Bullied? Why Does It Matter?,” researchers calculated that bullying may be reducing the country’s annual GDP growth by 0.05 to 0.08 percentage points owing to its impact on student performance.
“Applied to the 2023 GDP of P24.3 trillion, that translates to a foregone economic output of around P10 to P20 billion annually,” PIDS added.
PIDS senior research fellow and lead author Michael Abrigo said this is roughly equivalent to the
BOI:
margins, Mindanao experienced the largest sales increases. Specifically, BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) (+1,810 percent), Region XIII (Caraga) (+575 percent), and Region X (Northern Mindanao) (+554 percent) recorded over P650,000 in combined GMV.
The sales spikes in Mindanao coincided with the all-time temperature records posted, particularly in Butuan City and Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
Meanwhile, popular powdered iced tea brand Nestea saw a significant 76 percent increase in sales, recording P30 million worth of GMV compared to P17 million in 2023.
Top regions with the highest sales in terms of GMV include Region IV-A (P5.5 million), Region VII (Central Visayas) (P3.1 million), and Region I (Ilocos Region) (P3 million).
Meanwhile, Region V (Bicol region) saw the highest sales increase,
2024 budget for the Department of Education textbooks, which is about P12 billion, and its entire computerization program at around P8 billion.
However, some experts urge caution in drawing direct economic links, like how Allan Benedict Bernardo of the De La Salle University Psychology Department pointed out that while Pisa measures bullying-like behavior, it doesn’t explicitly use the term “bullying,” and cultural interpretations may vary.
He emphasized the importance of context in shaping policies, especially in crafting effective implementing rules (IRR) for the Anti-Bullying Act.
Moreover, while Bernardo agrees that bullying is a modifiable risk factor, he said that tying it too tightly to GDP losses risks oversimplifying a complex issue. Using machine learning and small-area estimation, the study mapped out where bullying hits hardest.
Public school students, particularly those in depressed areas, are more at risk. Moreover, students who have repeated a grade or experienced hunger were over twice as likely to be bullied. In contrast, girls and those in private schools faced lower risks.
203 projects worth ₧5.17-T on green lane
By Andrea San Juan @andreasanjuan
THERE are now 203 projects with P5.17 trillion project cost registered under the green lane services which are seen to generate over 303,000 jobs, the Board of Investments (BOI) reported.
Ernesto delos Reyes, BOI’s Investment Assistance Service director, said of these 203 projects, Renewable Energy leads with 159 projects at P4.74 trillion.
RE was followed by Digital Infrastructure and PPP with nine projects amounting to P364.88 billion; Food Security with 31 projects worth P18.7 billion; Manufacturing with 4 projects valued at P36.91 billion.
As to the status of these projects, delos Reyes said that 10 are already operational as of April 29. Of these 10 operational projects, three are RE, two are in digital infrastructure, and five involve food security.
Under the pre-operation stage, two are RE projects and one is into food security.
As to the project under construc -
at +254 percent, followed by BARMM at +160 percent and Region VI (Western Visayas) at +138 percent.
Both Sting and Nestea saw their sales peak in March 2024, coinciding with the government weather bureau’s declaration of the start of the dry season. Sting saw a 43 percent sales increase over the previous month, while Nestea saw a 24 percent increase.
“Our data underscores the critical role sari-sari stores play in providing immediate relief and meeting the ongoing demand for essential refreshment, especially during the hotter months. As forecasts predict continued warm periods this year, it solidifies the sari-sari stores’ role as a crucial touchpoint for consumers nationwide, especially for regions that are sweltering through warmer conditions,” Packworks Chief Data Officer Andoy Montiel said.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that 2024 was the hottest year on
tion, 20 are in RE; four are under digital infrastructure and public-private partnership; eight are food security projects and four are manufacturing projects. Meanwhile, 134 RE; three digital infrastructure and PPP, and 17 food security projects are still in the predevelopment stage.
“Overall, the projects aim to attract P1.656 trillion in foreign investments and generate over 303,000 jobs, supporting national economic goals and renewable energy initiatives,” delos Reyes said.
He added: “If all the projects listed can effectively meet their business requirements based on the companies’s time frames, they have the potential to attract more significant investment, particularly in the supply chain.” From January to April 2025, or this year alone, delos Reyes noted that 27 projects worth P631.22 billion have been certified. Of these 27 projects, 18 are in RE worth P614.15 billion; one is in digital infrastructure worth P12.75 billion and eight are in food security worth P4.33 billion. No Manufacturing project has been certified yet this year.
record in the country since monitoring began in 1951. With prolonged periods of warm weather and all-time temperature spikes recorded last year, consumers nationwide found ways to cope with the record-breaking heat at their neighborhood stores.
“The sales trends we recorded not only quantify the remarkable growth but also pinpoint regional nuances in both sales volume and growth. These consumption patterns offer valuable insights for businesses looking to serve this vital market effectively,” said Packworks Chief Executive Officer Bing Tan.
Packworks’ Sari IQ is an advanced data analytics tool that processes data from sari-sari stores nationwide to help address the growing needs of store owners and its suppliers to serve its communities with greater efficiency.
For more info about Sari IQ and to uncover more in-depth data trends in sari-sari stores, you may visit http://packworks.io/ or Packworks’ Facebook page to learn more.
DOTr
tells Cathay Pacific to explain as another ‘punit passport’ case bared
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
THE Department of Transporta -
tion (DOTr) on Thursday ordered Cathay Pacific to formally explain the reported mishandling of a passenger’s passport at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport that allegedly led to her being offloaded from her flight to Dubai last week.
According to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), the passenger—a 65-year-old woman—was scheduled to board Cathay Pacific Flight CX948 bound for Dubai via Hong Kong on April 24.
However, during the check-in process, her passport was reportedly torn while in the custody of the airline’s staff, rendering the document invalid and causing her to miss her flight.
The case gained public attention after the passenger’s daughter, Faith Pamsula, posted about the ordeal on Facebook.
She claimed the passport was returned
damaged without a clear explanation, and alleged that Cathay Pacific personnel showed little urgency or concern.
“Imagine her pain, the trauma, the hassle,” she wrote, calling the experience “extremely unacceptable” and expressing frustration over the supposed lack of accountability.
The post sparked public outrage, particularly because the incident involved an elderly solo traveler who was preparing to reunite with family in Dubai to celebrate her birthday after years of separation.
Cathay Pacific has been ordered to submit its official explanation yesterday, May 1. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon recently directed all airlines to ensure no form of passport tampering occurs and reminded airline staff to handle travel documents with care and professionalism.
Last week, a similar incident happened in Manila, prompting the agency to tag it as “punit passport” modus. The case is still being investigated.
Comelec sets up satellite polling places in Kanlaon danger zones
IBy Justine Xyrah Garcia
N response to the recent volcanic activity of Mt. Kanlaon, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has established satellite polling places in areas identified as danger zones to ensure no voter is disenfranchised during the May 12 national and local elections.
Speaking to reporters in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental on Thursday, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said the poll body is authorized to set up makeshift voting facilities to protect suffrage rights in high-risk areas.
“We want to show them that they will still be able to vote. Comelec is allowed to hold elections in areas with few voters, as long as no one is left behind,” Garcia said in Filipio.
Among the cities and municipalities considered within danger zones are parts of La Castellana, Bago, La Carlota, Pontevedra, and Murcia.
Garcia assured the public that no changes will be made to the voting process, as local Comelec officials will deploy automated counting machines to evacuation centers.
Like in regular precincts, transmission of results will still be electronically sent
to the municipalities where the voters are registered.
“There is no difference from a regular precinct. The number of machines sent will be the same as the number of precincts,” he said.
However, Garcia clarified that satellite polling does not mean voters can cast their ballots just anywhere.
He said the machines are still precinctspecific, and voters must go to the designated barangay and school, or evacuation center where they are officially assigned. Based on Comelec data, at least 16,991 voters are currently affected while Mt. Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 3. Should the alert status be raised to Level 4, the commission estimates that assistance may be needed for as many as 75,771 voters.
Garcia said there are enough contingency measures to prevent any failure, postponement, or rescheduling of the elections.
By Friday, official ballots are expected to arrive on Negros Island.
The final testing and sealing of the machines, a process where election officers and test voters use actual ballots to verify system readiness, is scheduled from May 5 to 7.
Koko condemns Dayang killing, prods PNP and PTFOMS to solve case ASAP
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino
“Koko” Pimentel III added his voice to those who denounced the brutal killing of veteran journalist Juan “Johnny” P. Dayang, who was shot dead in his home in Kalibo, Aklan on Tuesday evening.
“I strongly condemn this heinous act. Johnny Dayang was more than a journalist—he was a friend of my late father, former Senate President Nene Pimentel. He was a fearless voice in Philippine journalism who served the public with integrity for decades,” Pimentel said in a statement.
He pinned his hope of Justice for Dayang on assurances by the Philippine National Police and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) that they are working overtime with other investigative bodies to immediately identify and arrest the perpetrator(s) of attack.
“He was 89 years old, and even at his age, he remained devoted to the welfare of journalism. Whoever did this are not just evil—they are heartless criminals who attacked a defenseless man who dedicated his life to serving the truth,” Pimentel said.
“To silence a journalist is to silence the truth. We must protect press freedom and the lives of those who uphold it.” Dayang, the longtime president of the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc. (PAPI), also wrote for Balita and Tempo under the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp. Besides being chairman emeritus of PAPI, he was secretary of the Catholic Mass
REMINDING his colleagues that the midterm elections will determine the momentum of President Marcos’ remaining term, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Thursday mobilized the support of over 100 members of the House of Representatives to unite behind the 11 senatorial candidates under Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
During a luncheon meeting at Imelda Hall, Aguado Residence in Malacañang, Romualdez, president of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), emphasized the need for a consolidated effort to ensure the Alyansa slate’s victory in the 2025 midterm elections.
“If we want to sustain economic growth, upgrade our infrastructure, improve education, and bring down food prices, we need a Senate that works with the President, not against him,” Romualdez said.
“Let’s all pull together for the Alyansa slate of the President. They are the partners that the
Marcos
PMedia Awards (CMMA), and former publisher of the Philippines Graphic magazine. Pimentel called on the PNP and the Department of Justice to immediately conduct a full and transparent investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The senator extended his condolences to Dayang’s family and the media community, saying, “We lost a principled journalist and a courageous advocate of truth.”
Earlier, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil strongly condemned the crime and vowed, “the PNP will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice.”
Initial reports from Kalibo Municipal Police Station said Dayang was shot by an unidentified gunman inside his residence in Kalibo, Aklan, around 8 p.m. Tuesday. He was rushed to Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
“We have mobilized our regional units and investigative teams, including the PNP Media Vanguards, to ensure that justice is delivered without delay, Marbil added.
“The Media Vanguards, composed of PNP officers specially trained to engage and support media practitioners, are also tasked to help strengthen our protection mechanisms for journalists across the country,” he said.
The PNP echoed the call of PTFOMS executive director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. and said it stands in full solidarity with the media community.
The PNP urged anyone with information relevant to the case to come forward and assist authorities in the ongoing investigation.
president has chosen with the alliance of political party heads and the best partners, our partners in Congress. They will be in the Senate and we in the House to lead our country to peace, stability, and prosperity. So I really want to ask you to dig deep and exert all effort and to leave no stone unturned in this endeavor,” Romualdez added.
He stressed that unity among political allies is critical to delivering a strong Senate lineup that will support President Marcos’ development agenda.
“We must combine our political networks, local machinery, and grassroots support to deliver a clear and convincing victory for the President’s Senate slate,” he said.
Lawmakers who attended the meeting are members of LakasCMD, Nacionalista Party (NP), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), National Unity Party (NUP), and the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI).
Romualdez said the Alyansa senatorial lineup embodies the goals of Bagong Pilipinas of President Marcos, who are not only
competent and experienced, but are also public servants who understand the urgency of reform.
“These are men and women who will stand by the President as he steers the country forward. They are not just allies in name, but true partners in nation-building,”
Speaker Romualdez said.
Among the 11 Alyansa senatorial candidates are former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Sens. Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, and Francis Tolentino, former senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, and Tito Sotto, Deputy Majority Leader and ACTCIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, and Rep. Camille Villar.
Romualdez cited recent efforts of political allies to consolidate support for the Alyansa slate. Just last week, 10 of the 11 senatorial candidates attended a meeting hosted by Lakas-CMD, where they received the full endorsement of the party attended by at least 200 of its officials and members.
This was followed by the PCFI’s declaration of full support for Alyansa bets, which was attended by
40 of its 60 party-list members in the House following a meeting with Speaker Romualdez, who solicited their support for President Marcos’s candidates. The Speaker also emphasized the role of lawmakers on the ground.
“Your endorsement carries weight. You are trusted voices in your districts. The people listen to you, and now is the time to speak with clarity and conviction in favor of the Alyansa team,” Romualdez said.
“These are strong signals that the political base of this administration is united. Now we must bring that unity to the barangays, to the communities, to every Filipino voter,” he added. Romualdez said the momentum of Alyansa’s campaign is building, and lawmakers must help bring it over the finish line.
“This is not the time to sit back. This is the time to go all in. Let us not be distracted by the noise. We must focus on what truly matters: delivering a Senate that will help the President govern effectively,” Romualdez said.
backs Cebu Governor Garcia, calls for fair treatment amid suspension
By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
RESIDENT Ferdinand Mar -
cos called for fair treatment for Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia after she was slapped with a six-month suspension by the Ombudsman.
“Governor Garcia has served Cebu with strength and consistency. Until all legal questions surrounding this suspension are resolved, she deserves to be treated fairly and with the respect owed to her office,” he said in a statement last Thursday.
“Let us not allow politics to get in the way of public service. We
must always be guided by the law, by prudence, and by what is best for the Filipino people,” he added.
The suspension against Garcia, who is seeking to be reelected days before the May 12,2025 midterm polls.
Marcos said he hopes the case against Garcia, who is the mother of his Tourism Secretary, Christina G. Frasco, will go through the “proper channels and in accordance with the Constitution and the Omnibus Election Code.”
“Let me be clear: in a time like this—so close to the elections— it is vital that we uphold the rule of law and observe due process,”
he said.
Last Tuesday, the Ombudsman ordered the suspension of Garcia amid the ongoing investigation on the complaint filed by a Moises Garcia Deiparine against the local official for issuing a special permit to Shalom Construction, Inc. (Shalom) without the necessary Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) or a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Garcia confirmed she issued the special permit to the construction firm to address the critical water shortage at the Metropolitan Cebu Water district.
Angara: Functional literacy must be at heart of education reforms
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3
EDUCATION Secretary Juan Edgardo
“Sonny” Angara on Thursday said that the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) results on functional literacy highlight what the agency “have long recognized—literacy must be at the heart of our education reforms.”
“Hindi namin hahayaang may batang nahuhulisapagbasaatpag-unawa,” Angara said, following the report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) disclosing that 18 million senior high school graduates and junior high school graduates are not functionally literate.
With this, Angara said that they have strengthened some interventions like remedial and literacy programs.
Hanggang sa mas epektibong paggamitngdatossabawatpaaralan.Nilaliman na rin namin ang teaching at assessment method. Sa halip na memorization, hinuhubog namin ang mga mag-aaral para maging
critical thinker at may 21st century skills,” Angara stressed.
The DepEd chief assured,” Kumikilosang DepEd para itama ang kahapon at ihanda ang bawat bata para sa mas matibay na kinabukasan. Ensuring that every Filipino learner is functionally literate is a commitment we owe to our constituents.”
On Wednesday, the Committee on Basic Education chaired by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian heard the highlights of the FLEMMS and he was appalled to hear that a sizeable number of children reach senior high but have trouble comprehending a simple story.
The survey aims to measure the state of literacy in the country to help shape policies and programs on improving literacy and the education status of the population.
“There are high school and junior high school graduates who…did not pass the new definition of functional literacy. In other words, 18 million graduates from the system are not functionally literate,” an alarmed Gatchalian said.
At the hearing, Bureau of Learning Delivery (BLD) Teaching and Learning Division
chief Rosalina Villaneza said that they are taking “strategic directions” on ensuring that every Filipino learners is “prepared not just to succeed in school but to thrive in life.”
“The 2024 FLEMMS finding reaffirms the fundamental truth : Basic literacy is not enough. For education to truly transform lives, we must focus on ensuring learners’ comprehension is critically engage with, and apply knowledge,” the DepEd official said.
“Functional literacy is the bridge between education and empowerment. It equips learners to think independently, solve real-world problems, and actively contribute to society,” Villaneza added.
To achieve these, Villaneza said, BLD has the following strategic directions:
n Strengthen compression-centered teaching across all learning areas and grade levels;
n Sustain and expand early interventions to address foundational literacy deficits;
n Localize teaching and learning resources yo ensure relevance and inclusivity;
The Ombudsman is now looking into Deiparine’s complaints against Garcia including grave abuse of authority, gross misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross negligence, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and violation of Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Garcia is one of the allies of the Marcos administration. Last week, Marcos met with Garcia and other governors of Western Visayas and Eastern Visayas ahead of the upcoming polls.
n Institutionalize functional literacy benchmarks within curriculum and assessment frameworks and;
n Foster a culture of collaborative expertise within schools to ensure sustained data-driven improvements.
She said DepEd will focus on the following initiatives:
n Curriculum reforms: Implementation of the revised K-10 Curriculum Teacher capacity building:
n Strengthening of the ELLN program; Enhancement of the formulative assessment practices
n School-based initiatives: Institutionalization of Learning Action Cells; Promotion of collaborative expertise
n Targeted intervention programs: Implementation of the ARAL Program Conduct of Bawat Bata Makakabasa Program, Literacy Remediation Program, Summer Academic Remedial Program and Learning Camps
“Functional literacy is not merely a skill: it is a right. It is the key that unlocks the learner’s full potential and enables every Filipino to actively participate in shaping our nation’s future,” Villaneza shared
100,000-strong Fil Indian group condemns Pahalgam terror attack
TBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
HE 100-strong FilipinoIndian Commerce and Welfare Society Inc. (FICWSI) condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India that claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians.
“We grieve with our Hindu and Indian brothers and sisters—as well as with the tourists from around the world who had
no inkling of the grim fate that awaited them,” FICWSI said in a statement.
They also called on Pakistani authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“In a world already burdened with uncertainty and unrest, atrocities such as this are unacceptable and must not go unchallenge,” the group said.
The assault, which took place in the Baisaran Valley, is considered the deadliest in the region in more than two decades
Initial reports said Pakistani terror groups perpetrated the attack after identifying the religion of their victims, selecting them for a merciless execution.
The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based and United Nations-designated terrorist organization Lashkar-eTaiba (LeT), has already claimed responsibility.
The group said Pakistan’s fingerprints can be traced to numerous terrorist incidents, not only in India but across the world, the group added. The FICWSI has also urged the international community to issue a unified condemnation of the Pahalgam attack.
“We stand with the global community in denouncing terrorism in all its forms. As Filipino-Indians who have enjoyed the freedom to live and worship peacefully in the Philippines, we reaffirm our belief in the universal right to practice one’s faith without fear of violence or persecution, the group stressed.
US economy shrinks, but Republicans in Senate back Trump’s global tariffs
By Mary Clare Jalonick & Matt Brown The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—Senate
Republicans narrowly voted down a Democratic resolution Wednesday that would have blocked global tariffs announced by Donald Trump earlier this month, giving the president a modest win as lawmakers in both parties have remained skeptical of his trade agenda.
Trump announced the farreaching tariffs on nearly all US trading partners April 2 and then reversed himself a few days later after a market meltdown, suspending the import taxes for 90 days.
Amid the uncertainty for both US consumers and businesses, the Commerce Department said Wednesday that the US economy shrank 0.3% from January through March, the first drop in three years.
The 49-49 vote came weeks after the Senate approved a resolution that would have thwarted Trump’s ability to impose tariffs on Canada. That measure passed 51-48 with the votes of four Republicans—Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul of Kentucky. But McConnell—who has been sharply criti -
cal of the tariffs but had not said how he would vote—and Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse were absent Wednesday, denying Democrats the votes for passage.
Democrats said their primary aim was to put Republicans on the record either way and to try to reassert congressional powers.
“The Senate cannot be an idle spectator in the tariff madness,” said Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, a lead sponsor of the resolution.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said the dismal economic numbers should be a “wakeup call” to Republicans.
Wary of a rebuke to Trump, GOP leaders encouraged their conference not to vote for the resolution, even as many of them remain unconvinced about the tariffs. Vice President JD Vance attended a Senate GOP luncheon Tuesday
with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who assured senators that the administration is making progress toward trade deals with individual countries.
Collins said the close vote “demonstrates that there is unease with the president’s plan.”
“It’s partially the president’s plan is still evolving but many of us are hearing from employers back home about the impact of the tariffs in a negative way,” she said.
Some Republicans argued that the vote was a political stunt. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis said he backs separate legislation by Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley that would give Congress increased power over determining tariffs but would vote on the resolution, which he said is only about “making a point.”
Several Republicans defended Trump’s tariffs—and said they were willing to give him time to figure it out.
“People are willing to give the president an opportunity to prove that the new system works,” said Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy.
Texas Sen. John Cornyn said the vote shows that senators “believe that the President’s policies deserve to be tried and see if they’re successful.”
Democrats say the Republicans’ failure to stand up to Trump could have dire consequences. “The only thing Donald Trump’s tariffs have succeeded in is raising the odds of recession and sending markets into a tailspin,” said Schumer, DN.Y. “Today, they have to choose— stick with Trump or stand with
your states.”
The Democratic resolution forced a vote under a statute that allows them to try to terminate the national economic emergency Trump used to levy the tariffs.
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren called it a “fake” emergency that Trump is using to impose his “on again, off again, red light, green light tariffs.”
The tariffs “are pushing our economy off a cliff,” Warren said.
Republicans held a procedural vote after the tied vote to ensure that Democrats could not bring the resolution up again, Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters afterward. Vice President J.D. Vance came to the Capitol to break the tie and ensure they dismissed the resolution for good.
The Republican president has tried to reassure voters that his tariffs will not provoke a recession as his administration has focused on China, raising tariffs on Chinese goods to 145% even as he paused the others. He told his Cabinet Wednesday morning that his tariffs meant China was “having tremendous difficulty because their factories are not doing business.”
Trump said the US does not really need imports from the world’s dominant manufacturer. “Maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls,” he said. “So maybe the two dolls will cost a couple bucks more than they would normally.”
The Associated Press writers Leah Askarinam and Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.
Tariffs, oil prices and other uncertainties weighing down Mideast economies: IMF
By Malak Harb The Associated Press
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—Countries across the Middle East and North Africa face significant challenges to economic growth as the region faces economic uncertainty due to tariff measures, lower-thanrecent oil prices and cuts to financial aid, the International Monetary Fund said Wednesday. The IMF’s regional outlook report for the MENA region said Brent crude oil prices—which are down from highs above $120 a barrel in 2022—are likely to be $65 to $69 per barrel in 2025 and 2026, making
energy-exporting economies vulnerable to market fluctuations.
Tariff plans by the US and other countries and geopolitical tensions also have created mounting economic uncertainty globally that is weighing down on the region’s economies, which could negatively impact their growth by anywhere from 2% to 4.5%, said Jihad Azour, director for Middle East and Central Asia at the IMF.
“Therefore countries need to react and need to devise policies in order to protect their economies,” Azour said in an interview in Dubai.
Reductions in foreign aid coming into
the region also will play a role, Azour said, as US President Donald Trump has pulled his country back from its position as the world’s single largest aid donor.
“The drop in international assistance, especially for countries in fragility, is something that is creating new risks for the region,” Azour said.
Growth in the MENA region is expected to be 2.6% this year, as compared to 1.8% last year, Azour said, but he added that global uncertainty could impact the outlook.
Economies in the Persian Gulf continue to attract substantial foreign direct investment, rising by nearly 2% of GDP since the pandemic, while other MENA nations struggle with slower inflows.
The IMF says it is willing to work with some of the struggling nations and the new government in Syria. He also said that IMF staff and Lebanese officials were in discussions in Lebanon.
“The Syria recovery will be a long process that would require mobilization of regional and international support and also a comprehensive program of building institutions, reforming their economy, and also addressing a certain number of key issues like infrastructure, refugees and rebuilding a new social contact,” Azour said.
Despite the global economic uncertainty, MENA nations can drive growth through structural reforms and diversifying economic ties, the report said.
Uncertainty grips markets as companies face shifting tariff policies and economic decline
By Damian J. Troise Ap Business Writer
NEW
YORK—Uncertainty
continues to hang over the latest round of financial results and forecasts for companies both big and small as they try to navigate a global trade system severely shaken by a shift in US policy.
Tariffs and the stark shift in policy has also shaken consumer and business confidence. The US economy shrank during the first quarter of the year, its first drop in three years. Consumer spending ramped up in March, likely an effort to get ahead of tariffs, but fell for the entire quarter. Meanwhile, companies have been pulling back on hiring.
Roughly half of the companies in the S&P 500 have reported their latest quarterly financial results, but the focus has been on how they will adjust to tariffs and any change in consumers’ behavior. The focus remains blurry for both companies and investors because of the on-again-off-again nature of President Donald Trump’s policy
Trump has implemented a range of tariffs on goods from some of the biggest US trading partners and many of those countries have hit back with retaliatory tariffs. At the same time, Trump has pulled back or postponed some tariffs. The situation remains unpredictable and that is problematic for companies trying to plan ahead and investors looking for stability.
Here’s what companies are saying about tariffs and the potential impact:
Caterpillar
CATERPILLAR’S latest profit and revenue results fell sharply from a year ago and they also missed Wall Street forecasts.
The heavy machinery maker and industrial bellwether is among the many companies giving investors an uncertain forecast. Its equipment is used by the construction, mining and energy industries. Wall Street often uses Caterpillar’s financial
position and forecasts as a gauge for how well those industries are performing or will potentially perform in the quarter and year ahead.
Without any impact from tariffs, the company expects sales and revenue in 2025 to match the prior year. With the current tariffs in place, sales and revenue are expected to dip slightly.
Stanley Black & Decker
STANLEY Black & Decker said it raised prices in April and plans to raise prices again in the third quarter of the year as a reaction to tariffs.
The maker of drills and other tools trimmed its earnings forecast for the year, based on the impact of tariffs and planned adjustments to its supply chain.
“In light of the current environment, we are accelerating adjustments to our supply chain and exploring all options as we seek to minimize the impact of tariffs on end users while balancing the need to protect our business and our ability to innovate for years to come,” said CEO Donald Allan, Jr., in a statement.
Newell Brands
NEWELL Brands has not changed its current financial forecast for the year, but warned that tariffs on China could take a big bite out of profits if they stand.
The company makes ubiquitous consumer goods under brand names including Rubbermaid, Paper Mate and Coleman. It expects that tariffs on China, if they stand, to shave 20 cents per share from earnings. Newell Brands said it is already working on actions that could cut that impact in half.
Barclays
BRITISH bank Barclays saw its profit in the first-quarter of the year spike by a fifth largely as a result of a boom in trading
See “Tariff,” A7
US and Ukraine finalize landmark agreement for access to mineral resources amid ongoing military aid concerns
By Samya Kullab, Hanna Arhirova & Aamer Madhani The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—The US and Ukraine on Wednesday signed an agreement granting American access to Ukraine’s vast mineral resources, finalizing a deal months in the making that could enable continued military aid to Kyiv amid concerns that President Donald Trump might scale back support in ongoing peace negotiations with Russia.
The two sides offered only barebone details about the structure of the deal, which they called the United States-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund. But it is expected to give the US access to Ukraine’s valuable rare earth minerals while providing Kyiv a measure of assurance about continued American support in its grinding war with Russia.
“This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.
“President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides’ commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine.”
The announcement comes at a critical moment in the three-year war as Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with both sides. The signing comes two months after a different but similar agreement was nearly signed before being derailed in a tense Oval Office meeting involving President
Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Trump has long criticized Zelenskyy, saying he didn’t “have the cards” to win the war and blaming him for prolonging the killing by not giving up Crimea, but in recent days has rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin as well, saying he was complicating negotiations with “very bad timing” in launching deadly strikes on Kyiv.
Trump said Wednesday night on NewsNation that the deal, “in theory,” means that the US will get more from Ukraine than it contributed. “I wanted to be protected,” he said, adding that he didn’t want to be looking “foolish” by not getting money back for the investment.
Ukraine praises signing as an ‘equal and good international deal’ For Ukraine, the agreement is seen as key to ensuring its access to future US military aid.
“Truly, this is a strategic deal for the creation of an investment partner fund,” said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. “This is truly an equal and good international deal on joint investment in the development and restoration of Ukraine
between the governments of the United States and Ukraine.”
Ukraine’s economy minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, flew to Washington on Wednesday to help finalize the deal.
“Together with the United States, we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment to our country,” she said in a post on X after the signing.
White House had raised doubts that agreement was ready EARLIER Wednesday, Bessent said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House—hours after Ukrainian officials indicated a deal was nearly finalized—that there was still work to do.
“The Ukrainians decided last night to make some last-minute changes,” Bessent said when asked about reports that Ukraine was ready to agree to the pact. “We’re sure that they will reconsider that. And we are ready to sign this afternoon if they are.”
He didn’t elaborate as to the late changes he said Ukraine made.
The US has been seeking access to more than 20 raw materials deemed strategically critical to
Harris accuses Trump of ‘wholesale abandonment’ of American ideals in major post-election speech
By Michael R. Blood & Jonathan J. Cooper The Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO—Former Vice President Kamala Harris used a high-profile speech Wednesday to sharply criticize President Donald Trump amid speculation about whether she will mount another presidential campaign or opt to run for California governor.
In her most extensive public remarks since leaving office in January following her defeat to Trump, Harris said she’s inspired by Americans fighting Trump’s agenda despite threats to their freedom or livelihood.
“Instead of an administration working to advance America’s highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals,” Harris said a day after Trump reached 100 days in office.
Before Wednesday, Harris had barely mentioned Trump by name since she conceded defeat to him in November.
its interests, including some nonminerals such as oil and natural gas. Among them are Ukraine’s deposits of titanium, which is used for making aircraft wings and other aerospace manufacturing, and uranium, which is used for nuclear power, medical equipment and weapons. Ukraine also has lithium, graphite and manganese, which are used in electric vehicle batteries.
After Kyiv felt the initial US draft of the deal disproportionately favored American interests, it introduced new provisions aimed at addressing those concerns.
According to Shmyhal, the latest version would establish an equal partnership between the two countries and last for 10 years. Financial contributions to a joint fund would be made in cash, and only new US military aid would count toward the American share. Assistance provided before the agreement was signed would not be counted. Unlike an earlier draft, the deal would not conflict with Ukraine’s path toward European Union membership—a key provision for Kyiv.
The Ukrainian Cabinet approved the agreement Wednesday,
routinely delivered during the campaign.
Until Harris replaced Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket last summer, Trump said, “I knew nothing about her.”
empowering Svyrydenko to sign it in Washington. The deal still needs to be ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament before it can take effect.
Putin wants answers before committing to a ceasefire
The negotiations come amid rocky progress in Washington’s push to stop the war.
Putin backs calls for a ceasefire before peace negotiations, “but before it’s done, it’s necessary to answer a few questions and sort out a few nuances,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Putin is also ready for direct talks with Ukraine without preconditions to seek a peace deal, he added.
“We realize that Washington wants to achieve quick progress, but we hope for understanding that the Ukrainian crisis settlement is far too complex to be done quickly,” Peskov said during his daily conference call with reporters.
Trump has expressed frustration over the slow pace of progress in negotiations aimed at stopping the war. Western European leaders have accused Putin of stalling while his forces seek to grab more Ukrainian land. Russia has captured nearly a fifth of Ukraine’s territory since Moscow’s forces launched a full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.
Trump has long dismissed the war as a waste of lives and American taxpayer money—a complaint he repeated Wednesday during his Cabinet meeting. That could spell an end to crucial military help for Ukraine and heavier economic sanctions on Russia.
US wants both sides to speed things up THE US State Department on Tuesday tried again to push both sides to move more quickly and warned that the US could pull out of the negotiations if there’s no progress.
“We are now at a time where concrete proposals need to be delivered by the two parties on how
to end this conflict,” department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce quoted Secretary of State Marco Rubio as telling her.
Russia has effectively rejected a US proposal for an immediate and full 30-day ceasefire, making it conditional on a halt to Ukraine’s mobilization effort and Western arms supplies to Kyiv.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Wednesday that Ukraine had accepted an unconditional truce only because it was being pushed back on the battlefield, where the bigger Russian forces have the upper hand.
UN says Ukrainian civilian casualties are on the rise
MEANWHILE , Ukrainian civilians have been killed or wounded in attacks every day this year, according to a UN report presented Tuesday in New York.
The UN Human Rights Office said in the report that in the first three months of this year, it had verified 2,641 civilian casualties in Ukraine. That was almost 900 more than during the same period last year. Also, between April 1-24, civilian casualties in Ukraine were up 46% from the same weeks in 2024, it said.
The daily grind of the war shows no sign of letting up. A nighttime Russian drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, wounded at least 45 civilians, Ukrainian officials said. Also Wednesday, the Ukrainian Security Service claimed its drones struck the Murom Instrument Engineering Plant in Russia’s Vladimir region overnight, causing five explosions and a fire at the military facility. The claim could not be independently verified.
Kullab and Arhirova reported from Kyiv, Ukraine. Associated Press writer Fatima Hussein in Washington contributed to this report.
Funding cuts threaten to deepen hunger crisis as rising costs send more families to food banks
By James Pollard The Associated Press
In a 15-minute speech, she spoke to the anxiety and confusion that have gripped many of her supporters since Trump took office but discouraged despair.
only thing that’s contagious,” Harris said.
“Courage is contagious.”
“They are counting on the notion that if they can make some people afraid, it will have a chilling effect on others. But what they have overlooked is that fear is not the
Trump went after Harris in a campaignstyle rally Tuesday marking his 100th day in office. He sarcastically called her a “great border czar” and a “great candidate,” and repeated some of the applause lines he
Harris cautioned Americans against viewing Trump’s administration as merely chaotic, casting it instead as a “highvelocity event,” the culmination of extensive work on the right to remake government.
“A vessel is being used for the swift implementation of an agenda that has been decades in the making,” Harris said. “An agenda to slash public education. An agenda to shrink government and then privatize its services. All while giving tax breaks to the wealthiest among us.”
Harris chose a friendly audience for her return to the political arena, addressing the 20th anniversary gala for Emerge America, an organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office. It grew in part from Harris’ run for San Francisco district attorney in the early 2000s.
The speech was delivered below luminous chandeliers in a gold-trimmed ballroom in the landmark Palace Hotel.
Harris is ramping up her public presence as Democrats nationally search for a path forward after November’s election, in which
NEW YORK—The Campaign Against Hunger was already struggling to feed thousands of families a week when the Trump administration pulled more than $1.3 million in grants.
Demand has only increased at the New York nonprofit since the city emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic and the related economic insecurity. In a first for the pantry, however, it isn’t just the jobless lining up for its fresh produce and meats. It’s working people, too.
Food banks typically see the most need during periods of high unemployment and yet the US is facing down a hunger crisis during a relatively resilient labor market.
The latest US Department of Agriculture research showed there were one million more food insecure households in 2023 than 2022.
Now, income stagnation and rising living costs are sending wage earners to food banks across the country—all as the federal government shuts off
funding streams that provide millions with healthier, harder-to-get groceries. The squeeze comes as Republicans discuss budget plans that hunger relief groups fear will deepen the crisis by slashing food stamp spending.
“We were already in a bad state. But now we have been plunged head down into a crisis that should never have been,” said Melony Samuels, executive director of The Campaign Against Hunger. “If major cuts like these continue, I would imagine that our doors will close.”
Higher food costs mean longer lines
FUNDING cuts began threatening food availability in March.
The USDA halted $500 million of expected food deliveries and cut another $1 billion for hunger relief programs supporting local producers. The Department of Homeland Security also rescinded Federal Emergency Management Agency grants for local governments and nonprofits—
See “Funding,” A9
IN this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right,
Who are the contenders to be pope? They include a theologian, a diplomat and a simple street priest
By The Associated Press
WANTED: A holy man.
Job description: Leading the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church.
Location: Vatican City.
There are no official candidates for the papacy, but some cardinals are considered “papabile,” or possessing the characteristics necessary to become pope. After St. John Paul II broke the centurieslong Italian hold on the papacy in 1978, the field of contenders has broadened considerably.
When the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel on May 7 to choose a successor to Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, they will be looking above all for a holy man who can guide the Catholic Church. Beyond that, they will weigh his administrative and pastoral experience and consider what the church needs today.
Here is a selection of possible contenders, in no particular order. The list will be updated as cardinals continue their closed-door, preconclave discussions.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Date of Birth: January 17, 1955
Nationality: Italian
Position: Vatican secretary of state under Francis
Experience: Veteran Vatican diplomat
Made a cardinal by: Francis
The 70-year-old veteran diplomat was Francis’ secretary of state, essentially the Holy See’s prime minister.
Though associated closely with Francis’ pontificate, Parolin is much more demure in personality and diplomatic in his approach to leading than the Argentine Jesuit he served and he knows where the Catholic Church might need a course correction.
Parolin oversaw the Holy See’s controversial deal with China over bishop nominations and was involved -- but not charged -- in the Vatican’s botched investment in a London real estate venture that led to a 2021 trial of another cardinal and nine others. A former ambassador to Venezuela, Parolin knows the Latin American church well and played a key role in the 2014 US-Cuba detente, which the Vatican helped facilitate.
If he were elected, he would return an Italian to the papacy after three successive outsiders: St. John Paul II (Poland), Pope Benedict XVI (Germany) and Francis (Argentina).
But Parolin has very little pastoral experience: He entered the seminary at age 14, four years after his father was killed in a car accident. After his 1980 ordination, he spent two years as a parish priest near his hometown in northern Italy, but then went to Rome to study and entered the Vatican diplomatic service, where he has remained ever since. He has served at Vatican embassies in Nigeria, Mexico and Venezuela.
He is widely respected for his diplomatic finesse on some of the thorniest dossiers facing the Catholic Church. He has long been involved in the China file, and he played a hands-on role in the Holy See’s diplomatic rapprochement with Vietnam that resulted in an agreement to establish a resident Vatican representative in the country.
Parolin was also the Vatican’s point-
person in its frustrated efforts to end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. He has tried to make the church’s voice heard as the Trump administration began working to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“Let’s hope we can arrive at a peace that, in order to be solid, lasting, must be a just peace, must involve all the actors who are at stake and take into account the principles of international law and the UN declarations,” he said.
Parolin might find the geopolitical reality ushered in by the Trump administration somewhat unreceptive to the Holy See’s soft power.
—By Nicole Winfield in Vatican City
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle
Date of Birth: June 21, 1957
Nationality: Filipino Position: Pro-Prefect, Dicastery for Evangelization under Francis Experience: Former archbishop of Manila, Philippines
Made a cardinal by: Benedict Tagle, 67, is on many bookmakers’ lists to be the first Asian pope, a choice that would acknowledge a part of the world where the church is growing.
Francis brought the popular archbishop of Manila to Rome to head the Vatican’s missionary evangelization office, which serves the needs of the Catholic Church in much of Asia and Africa. His role took on greater weight when Francis reformed the Vatican bureaucracy. Tagle often cites his Chinese heritage—his maternal grandmother was part of a Chinese family that moved to the Philippines.
Though he has pastoral, Vatican and management experience—he headed the Vatican’s Caritas Internationalis federation of charity groups before coming to Rome permanently—Tagle would be on the young side to be elected pope, with cardinals perhaps preferring an older candidate whose papacy would be more limited.
Tagle is known as a good communicator and teacher—key attributes for a pope.
“The pope will have to do a lot of teaching, we’ll have to face the cameras all the time so if there will be a communicator pope, that’s very desirable,” said Leo Ocampo, a theology professor at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila.
That said, Tagle’s tenure at Caritas was not without controversy and some have questioned his management skills.
In 2022, Francis ousted the Caritas management, including demoting Tagle. The Holy See said an outside investigation had found “real deficiencies” in management that had affected staff morale at the Caritas secretariat in Rome.
—By Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, & Nicole Winfield in Vatican City
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo
Besungu
Date of Birth: January 24, 1960
Nationality: Congolese
Position: Archbishop of Kinshasa, Congo
Experience: President of the bishops conferences of Africa and Madagascar
Made a cardinal by: Francis
The 65-year-old Ambongo is one
Republicans also won control of Congress. While a slate of high-profile Democrats—from governors to businessmen—seek leadership roles within the party, the former vice president retains unique influence and would reshape any future race she chooses to enter.
She praised Democrats who have been especially prolific in criticizing Trump, name-dropping lawmakers diverse in their ideology and style: Sens. Cory Booker, Chris Van Hollen, Chris Murphy and Bernie Sanders along with Reps. Jasmine Crockett,
of Africa’s most outspoken Catholic leaders, heading the archdiocese that has the largest number of Catholics on the continent that seen as the future of the church.
He has been archbishop of Congo’s capital since 2018 and a cardinal since in 2019. Francis also appointed him to a group of advisers that was helping reorganize the Vatican bureaucracy.
In Congo and across Africa, Ambongo has been deeply committed to the Catholic orthodoxy and is seen as conservative.
In 2024, he signed a statement on behalf of the bishops conferences of Africa and Madagascar refusing to follow Francis’ declaration allowing priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples in what amounted to continentwide dissent from a papal teaching. The rebuke crystalized both the African church’s line on LGBTQ+ outreach and Ambongo’s stature within the African hierarchy.
He has received praise from some in Congo for promoting interfaith tolerance, especially on a continent where religious divisions between Christians and Muslims are common.
“He is for the openness of the church to different cultures,” said Monsignor Donatien Nshole, secretary-general of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo, who has long worked with Ambongo.
An outspoken government critic, the cardinal is also known for his unwavering advocacy for social justice.
In a country with high poverty and hunger levels despite being rich in minerals, and where fighting by rebel groups has killed thousands and displaced millions in one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises, he frequently criticizes both government corruption and inaction, as well as the exploitation of the country’s natural resources by foreign powers.
“Congo is the plate from which everyone eats, except for our people,” he said last year during a speech at the Pontifical Antonianum University.
Ambongo’s criticism of authorities has drawn both public admiration and legal scrutiny. Last year, prosecutors ordered a judicial investigation of him after accusing him of “seditious behavior” over his criticism of
Maxwell Frost and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
But she did not take a stand in one of her party’s central divides, neither calling for mass mobilization like Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker or questioning Democratic positioning on key issues like California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“I’m not here tonight to offer all the answers,” Harris said. “But I am here to say this: You are not alone and we are all in this together.”
But she warned that things will probably get worse before they get better.
“The one check, the one balance, the one power that must not fail is the voice of the people,” she said. Harris, a former state attorney general and US senator from California, has not discouraged
the government’s handling of the conflict in eastern Congo.—By Mark Banchereau in Dakar, Senegal
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi
Date of Birth: October 11, 1955
Nationality: Italian
Current position: Archbishop of Bologna, Italy, president of the Italian bishops conference
Previous position: Auxiliary bishop of Rome
Made a cardinal by: Francis Zuppi, 69, came up as a street priest in the image of Francis, who promoted him quickly: first to archbishop of the wealthy archdiocese of Bologna in northern Italy in 2015, before bestowing the title of cardinal in 2019.
He is closely affiliated with the Sant’Egidio Community, a Romebased Catholic charity that was influential under Francis, particularly in interfaith dialogue. Zuppi was part of Sant’Egidio’s team that helped negotiate the end of Mozambique’s civil war in the 1990s and was named Francis’ peace envoy for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
He traveled to Kyiv and Moscow after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed to the Holy See for help in winning the release of 19,000 Ukrainian children taken from their families and brought to Russia during the war. The mission also took him to China and the United States.
After making him a cardinal, Francis made clear he wanted him in charge of Italy’s bishops, a sign of his admiration for the prelate who, like Francis, is known as a “street priest”—someone who prioritizes ministering to poor and homeless people and refugees.
Zuppi would be a candidate in Francis’ tradition of ministering to those on the margins, although his relative youth would count against him for cardinals seeking a short papacy.
In a sign of his progressive leanings, Zuppi wrote the introduction to the Italian edition of “Building a Bridge,” by the Rev. James Martin, an American Jesuit, about the church’s need to improve its outreach to the LGBTQ+ community.
Zuppi wrote that building bridges with the community was a “difficult process, still unfolding.’’ He recognized
speculation that she might enter the race to replace the term-limited Newsom, himself a potential contender for president. And she has not ruled out another run for the White House. She did not address her future Wednesday. She continues to fundraise, using a joint committee that includes Harris for President, the Democratic National Committee and state Democratic parties. The committee, the Harris Victory Fund, reported having about $4.5 million on hand at the end of March, according to federal records. In recent fundraising e-mails, Harris has been blunt about the need for Democrats to unify ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Democrats need to “organize
that “doing nothing, on the other hand, risks causing a great deal of suffering, makes people feel lonely, and often leads to the adoption of positions that are both contrasting and extreme.”
Zuppi’s family also has strong institutional ties: His father worked for the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, and his mother was the niece of Cardinal Carlo Confalonieri, dean of the College of Cardinals in the 1960s and 1970s.
—By Colleen Barry in Vatican City
Cardinal Péter Erdő
Date of Birth: June 25, 1952
Nationality: Hungarian
Position: Archbishop of EsztergomBudapest, Hungary
Past experience: Twice elected head of the umbrella group of European bishops conferences
Made a cardinal by: John Paul
Known by his peers as a serious theologian, scholar and educator, Erdő, 72, is a leading contender among conservatives. He has served as the archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest since 2002 and was made a cardinal by John Paul the following year. He has participated in two conclaves, in 2005 and 2013, for the selection of Benedict and Francis.
Holding doctorates in theology and canon law, Erdő, speaks six languages, is a proponent of doctrinal orthodoxy, and champions the church’s positions on issues like abortion and same-sex marriage.
Erdő opposes same-sex unions, and has also resisted suggestions that Catholics who remarry after divorce be able to receive communion. He stated in 2015 that divorced Catholics should only be permitted communion if they remain sexually abstinent in their new marriage.
An advocate for traditional family structures, he helped organize Francis’ 2014 and 2015 Vatican meetings on the family.
From 2006 to 2016, Erdő served as president of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, helping to foster collaboration among Catholic bishops across Europe and to address contemporary issues facing the church on the continent.
While careful to avoid taking part in Hungary’s often tumultuous political life, Erdő has maintained a close relationship with the country’s rightist populist government, which provides generous subsidies to Christian churches.
He has been reluctant to take positions on several of the government’s policies that divided society in Hungary such as public campaigns that villainized migrants and refugees and laws that eroded the rights of LGBTQ+ communities.
When hundreds of thousands of asylum-seekers entered Europe in 2015 fleeing war and deprivation in the Middle East and Africa, Erdő emphasized that the church had a Christian duty to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, but stopped short of the full-throated advocacy for migrants that was one of Francis’ top priorities.
—Justin Spike in Budapest, Hungary
CARDINALS attend a Mass presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, on the second of nine days of mourning for Pope Francis on Sunday, April 27, 2025. AP/ANDREEA ALEXANDRU Harris.
www.businessmirror.com.ph
From Tokyo to Los Angeles, workers observe May Day with marches and demonstrations
By Thomas Adamson & Yuri Kageyama The Associated Press
TOKYO—People across Asia kicked off May Day celebrations with big marches and protests, many of which focused on US President Donald Trump’s policies and fears of global economic uncertainty.
The holiday, also known as International Workers’ Day or Labor Day, marks the struggles and achievements of workers and the labor movement. Thousands of people are expected to attend rallies and marches across the US, including in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia. Across multiple countries, Trump’s agenda was cited as a source of concern. In the United States, organizers said their message this year focused on fighting Trump’s approach targeting immigrants, federal workers and diversity initiatives.
In Taiwan, President Lai Ch -
ing-te referenced new US tariffs under Trump as he promoted a proposed spending bill aimed at stabilizing the job market and supporting livelihoods. In the Philippines, protest leader Mong Palatino warned that “tariff wars and policies of Trump” threatened local industries. In Japan, some said his policies hung over the day like a shadow, with one truck in the Tokyo march featuring a doll that resembled Trump. There, participants’ demands were wide-ranging and included higher wages, gender equality, health care, reduced military spending and disaster re -
lief for earthquake victims. They also demanded a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“For our children to be able to live with hope, the rights of workers must be recognized,” said Junko Kuramochi, a member of a mothers’ group in Tokyo.
Tadashi Ito, a union construction worker, said he worried about rising prices for imported raw materials.
“Everybody is fighting over work and so the contracts tend to go where the wages are cheapest,” he said. “We think peace comes first. And we hope Trump will eradicate conflict and inequalities.”
“Workers unite! Workers of the world! May Day!” the crowds shouted, punctuating each exclamation with “banzai!”
In Manila, thousands of Filipino workers marched near the presidential palace, where police blocked access with barricades. Protesters demanded higher wages and stronger protections for local jobs and businesses.
In Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto greeted thousands of workers who cheered him in Jakarta’s National Monument Park.
“The government that I lead will work as hard as possible to eliminate poverty from Indonesia,” Subianto told the crowd.
About 200,000 Indonesian workers were expected to take part in May Day marches across Southeast Asia’s largest economy, according to Said Iqbal, president of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions. They are demanding an end to outsourcing rules, wage raises, and protection for domes -
tic workers and migrant workers abroad, Iqbal said.
In Turkey, May Day served as a platform not only for labor rights but for broader calls to uphold democratic values, as demonstrators planned to protest the jailing of Istanbul’s opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. His imprisonment in March sparked the country’s largest protests in more than a decade, and Thursday’s public holiday offered the
prospect of renewed anti-government displays. Authorities blocked access to central Istanbul and shut down transit lines. A law association said that more than 200 protesters were arrested before midday near Taksim Square, a symbolic rallying point long closed to May Day gatherings, including lawyers trying to follow the detentions.
Los Angeles is expected to host one of the world’s largest May Day events this year, and a banner there summarized the day’s theme: “One Struggle, One Fight—Workers Unite!”
“We’re bringing the fight to the billionaires and politicians who are trying to divide us with fear and lies. We know the truth—an attack on immigrant workers is an attack on all workers,” April Verrett, president of the Service Employees International Union, which represents 2 million workers, said in a statement. Adamson reported from Paris. Associated Press journalists Joeal Calupitan in Manila, Philippines, Andrew Wilks in Istanbul, Turkey, Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sophia Tareen in Chicago and Taijing Wu in Taipei, Taiwan, contributed to this report.
Pakistan accuses India of imminent attack as border conflicts escalate
By Prabhjot Gill, Sheikh Saaliq & Munir Ahmed The Associated Press
ATTARI, India—Pakistan said Wednesday it had “credible intelligence” that India is planning to attack it within days, and vowed to respond “very strongly,” as soldiers exchanged gunfire along borders and Pakistanis heeded New Delhi’s orders to leave the country following last week’s deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
India has moved to punish Pakistan after accusing it of backing the attack in Pahalgam, which Islamabad denies, driving tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals to their highest point since 2019, when they came close to war after a suicide car bombing in Kashmir. The region is split between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety.
Calls for de-escalation
PAKISTAN said the intelligence shows that India plans military action against it in the next 24 to 36 hours “on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement.”
There was no immediate comment from Indian officials. However, Indian govern -
Funding. . .
Continued from A7
including The Campaign Against Hunger— to shelter and feed newly arrived noncitizen migrants after their release.
“Secretary Noem has directed FEMA to implement additional controls to ensure that all grant money going out is consistent with law and does not go to fraud, waste or abuse, as in the past,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.
Samuels said her nonprofit is limiting normally bimonthly food distributions to once a month due to the lost funds, which are being withheld amid what she called “baseless allegations” from DHS that the nonprofit might have broken laws against transporting undocumented migrants.
That means fewer nutritious options for the dozens of people—some holding babies, many pushing carts—who recently waited to shop inside The Campaign Against Hunger’s Brooklyn mock-store on an overcast weekday in April.
ment officials said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has “given complete operational freedom to the armed forces to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India’s response to the Pahalgam massacre.” They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations. Last week’s attack that killed 26, most of them Indian tourists, was claimed by a previously unknown militant group calling itself the Kashmir Resistance. New Delhi describes all militancy in Indian-controlled Kashmir as Pakistanbacked terrorism. Pakistan denies this, and many Muslim Kashmiris consider the militants to be part of a homegrown freedom struggle.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in separate calls with India and Pakistan, stressed the need to “avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and “emphasized the need for both sides to continue working together for peace and stability in South Asia,” according to a Pakistan statement.
Earlier, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told reporters that “I have made it very clear, on behalf of the government and the nation, that Pakistan will not be the first one to resort to any escalatory move. However,
Longtime Brooklyn resident Kim Dennis has noticed the uptick in need. On top of her Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, the 65-year-old retiree visits The Campaign Against Hunger twice each month for groceries like potatoes and pork chops that are more difficult to find at other food banks often filled with canned goods.
“The lines are getting a lot, a lot, a lot, a lot,” Dennis said, partially due to recent immigration waves. “Everything is going up and a lot of us cannot afford.”
Over half of responding food banks told Feeding America they served more neighbors this February than the same month last year.
Christiana Santamaria said she visits a local food bank in Alameda, California each week to feed herself, her husband and their daughter. They struggle to cover food costs, internet bills and car payments with a monthly household income of nearly $3,000.
“I mean, my husband, he works fulltime. He has a quote-unquote ‘good job.’ But I mean, it’s the military. And if even the military can’t afford things, that’s sad,” she said.
in case of any escalatory move by the Indian side, we will respond very strongly.”
The army spokesman, Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif, added, “If they think that aggression is the path forward, our message is only this: We are ready, don’t test it.”
Pakistan didn’t elaborate on the “credible intelligence” it cited.
Pakistanis forced to leave THE deadline for Pakistani citizens to leave India, with exceptions for those with medical visas, passed on Sunday, but many families were still scrambling to the border crossing in Attari town in northern Punjab state.
Some arrived on their own. Others were being deported by police.
“We have settled our families here. We request the government not to uproot our families,” said Sara Khan, a Pakistani who was ordered back without her husband, Aurangzeb Khan, who holds an Indian passport. She carried her 14-day-old child and said she had been living in Indiancontrolled Kashmir since 2017.
“They (Indian authorities) told me you are illegal and you should go,” said Khan, while waiting on the Indian side of the border crossing.
Other tit-for-tat diplomatic measures have included the cancellation of visas and a
Food banks face deficits THE country’s largest hunger-relief network is also feeling the strain.
Feeding America consists of more than 200 member food banks. Their assistance is often easier to obtain than government benefits such as SNAP that some advocates say require burdensome applications. Many families put dinner on the table through a combination of the two—a strategy food bank leaders say could be upended if Republican lawmakers cut SNAP allotments or expand work requirements.
Houston Food Bank CEO Brian Greene expects his organization, which operates the largest distribution among Feeding America partners, to lose somewhere around $4 million this year.
The government pullbacks amp up that pressure. If the cuts stay, Greene said, the projected losses include $3 million for food storage and distribution, $7 million supporting local farmers and producers, and 40 tractor trailer loads a month carrying key produce and protein.
Greene is trying to make up the difference through donations. But he’s
recall of diplomats. New Delhi suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty with Islamabad and ordered its border with Pakistan shut. In response, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines.
India late Wednesday announced the closure of its airspace to all Pakistani aircraft until May 23.
Cross-border exchanges of gunfire between soldiers have increased along the Line of Control, the de facto frontier that separates Kashmiri territory between the two rivals.
Fire along the frontier
ON Wednesday, India and Pakistan accused each other of initiating the gunfire.
Pakistan’s state-run media said Indian forces violated the ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control by initiating fire with heavy weapons. According to Pakistan Television, Pakistani troops returned fire after coming under attack overnight in the Mandal sector of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.
realistic. Surveys consistently place American philanthropy around 2% of GDP and social services receive just a sliver of that. Even if charitable contributions spiked, he said, they couldn’t replace federal support.
That makes SNAP availability even more critical to alleviating hunger. Cutting the program by 11%, he said, would be the equivalent of wiping out every food bank in the United States.
Less predictability and variety
FOOD purchases are funded through the Farm Bill. Trump’s trade war has also generated more money for USDA to buy food commodities under a 1935 program that dedicates tariff collections toward “bonus” food purchases.
What concerns hunger relief groups, however, is that the suspended purchases are covered by a different funding pot that allows the USDA great discretion when responding to economic disruptions.
The first Trump administration put more than $2 billion of those funds toward The Emergency Food Assistance Program, or
Meanwhile, the Indian army said it responded to “unprovoked” small arms fire from Pakistan in the Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor sectors of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
TEFAP. However, USDA is now reviewing $500 million allocated last fall for the program.
Federal commodities programs provide some of the most reliable supplies of proteins. Vince Hall, who leads government relations for Feeding America, said TEFAPpurchased foods account for more than 20% of everything distributed by the entire network. That number rises in rural communities—where the cost of reaching distant populations is higher and donated products are less available.
The impact trickles down to smaller pantries that rely on larger food banks. Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard is bracing for about 25% food reductions from a Feeding America partner in Bloomington, Indiana.
“What we’re likely to see then would be a dip in what are really the nutritional staples that we expect in the pantry,” said Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard President Megan Betz.
A 2022 study measuring food pantries’ value suggests participating families obtain between $600 and $1000 annually from them. That’s equivalent to a couple months of food for some low-income
The incidents could not be independently verified. In the past, each side has accused the other of starting border skirmishes in the Himalayan region. India’s cabinet committee on security, headed by Modi, met Wednesday, its second since the attack.
Witness accounts AT least three tourists who survived told The Associated Press that the gunmen singled out Hindu men and shot them from close range. The dead also included a Nepalese citizen and a local Muslim pony ride operator.
Aishanya Dwivedi, whose husband was killed, said a gunman approached the couple and challenged him to recite the Islamic declaration of faith. Her husband replied that he was Hindu, and the attacker shot him “point blank in the head,” she said.
“He was on my lap. I was soaked in his blood,” Dwivedi said.
Saaliq reported from New Delhi. Ahmed reported from Islamabad. Associated Press writer Rajesh Roy in New Delhi contributed to this report.
households, according to co-author David Just, an applied economics professor at Cornell University. The centers helped cushion families from the pandemic’s economic shocks. But food insecurity started rising as the government rolled back its pandemic-era assistance.
Need has surpassed the height of Covid-19, according to Alameda County Community Food Bank Executive Director Reggie Young. The weight of the Oakland nonprofit’s annual food distributions has doubled its pre-pandemic totals. Food insecurity nationwide is the highest it’s been in about a decade, according to Just, making it “potentially a really difficult time to start cutting food assistance through the pantries.”
“This could cause some pretty significant pain,” he said. “And I don’t know that we’re delivering something more efficient in the end.” The Associated Press
PAKISTANI national Sara Khan, left, married to Indian citizen Aurangzeb Khan, right, holding their children prepares to leave for Pakistan without her husband from the Attari-Wagah border between India and Pakistan, following New Delhi’s decision to order almost all Pakistani citizens to leave the country after last week’s deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. AP/PRABHJOT GILL
Political stability: The missing link in the Philippines’s economic promise
THE recent analysis by Capital Economics casts a sobering light on a paradox that the Philippines faces—a vibrant demographic profile shadowed by political instability. While the country boasts one of the youngest and fastest-growing workforces in Southeast Asia, its potential remains largely untapped due to governance challenges and inadequate infrastructure development.
The tariff war between the United States and China has created shifts in global supply chains, offering countries in the region an opportunity to attract new investments and trade. Yet, despite having favorable demographics, the Philippines may find itself sidelined. Capital Economics’ assessment is clear: political instability, rated as the lowest in Southeast Asia, coupled with a failure to improve infrastructure and the business environment, undermines the country’s ability to capitalize on these external economic opportunities. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “PHL not certain of gain from shift in US orders from China,” April 30, 2025).
This is not a mere academic concern. Political stability is a critical foundation for investor confidence, economic planning, and sustainable development. Countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, which enjoy higher political stability ratings, are better positioned to attract and retain investments, build infrastructure, and create jobs—key factors that translate demographic advantages into real economic gains.
The Philippines’ young labor force is indeed a precious asset. The demographic dividend could reduce the burden of pensions and healthcare costs while fueling productivity and growth—if only the country can provide sufficient quality employment opportunities. Without stable governance and sound policy frameworks, however, the risk is that the youth bulge becomes a source of social strain rather than economic dynamism.
Encouragingly, the government’s commitment to expanding digital infrastructure through initiatives like the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project and the National Broadband Program signals progress. These efforts could help bridge connectivity gaps, foster innovation, and support emerging digital industries critical for the future economy.
But infrastructure and connectivity alone are not enough. Political stability must be prioritized as a national imperative. This means strengthening institutions, ensuring transparent governance, enforcing the rule of law, and fostering an environment where businesses can thrive without fear of abrupt policy shifts or political turmoil.
The Philippines stands at a crossroads. Its demographic and digital potential make it an “ideal demographic partner for the economy of the future.” But realizing this promise requires more than favorable numbers—it demands political maturity and steadfast leadership. The country’s future prosperity hinges on its ability to create a stable, predictable environment where investments can flourish and the workforce can thrive.
In the global race for economic opportunity, political stability is a necessity. Improving the country’s political climate should be a critical component of any strategy to capitalize on economic shifts and secure our place in the regional and global economy. The Philippines must act decisively to strengthen its political foundations or risk watching its demographic advantage slip through its fingers. Now is the best time to invest in good governance.
BusinessMirror
The path to academic excellence and progressive thinking for UPCAT 2025 passers
TKuwentong Peyups
HE Diliman campus of the University of the Philippines (UP) was my solace for a decade as a student at the UP School of Economics from 1987 to 1991 and later at the UP College of Law from 1992 to 1998.
Every iskolar ng bayan will have to hurdle first the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT), which has earned a nationwide reputation as the most competitive college entrance exam in the country.
The number of first-generation college students who successfully passed UPCAT doubled from 6.6 percent last year to 13 percent this year. In 1987, I was among those first generation.
Academic success is often a source of familial pride and societal esteem.
Many individuals see success in education as the primary driver of upward social mobility and the gateway into a better socioeconomic status.
Admission to UP is highly selective, with thousands of applicants competing for limited slots across the university’s eight constituent units and 17 campuses. All applicants are ranked based on indicators of academic preparedness for university life.
T. Anthony C. Cabangon
Lourdes M. Fernandez
Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug
Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos Lyn B. Resurreccion, Dennis D. Estopace Angel R. Calso, Dionisio L. Pelayo Ruben M. Cruz Jr.
Eduardo A. Davad Nonilon G. Reyes
D. Edgard A. Cabangon Benjamin V. Ramos
Aldwin Maralit Tolosa
Rolando M. Manangan
BusinessMirror is published daily by the Philippine Business Daily Mirror Publishing, Inc., with offices on the 3rd floor of Dominga Building III 2113 Chino Roces Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines. Tel. Nos. (Editorial) 817-9467; 813-0725. Fax line: 813-7025. (Advertising Sales) 893-2019; 817-1351, 817-2807. (Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news.businessmirror@gmail.com www.businessmirror.com.ph Printed by BROWN MADONNA Press, Inc.–Sun Valley Drive KM-15,
A total of 17,996 applicants passed this year’s UPCAT, translating to 13 percent of the 135,236 examinees, which is 6.74 percent higher than last year.
The results showed a significant difference based on socio-economic factors.
Fifty-five percent of the passers reportedly came from public schools—both science and nonscience high schools—while the remaining 45 percent were from private schools.
The passing rate of non-science public schools also rose to 31 percent from last year’s 29.8 percent.
About 21.5 percent of qualifiers come from families with an annual income of P200,000 or below.
Thirty percent of the total number of applicants are from Metro Manila, followed by Laguna (6 percent), Cavite (4.4 percent), Cebu (3.9 percent), Bulacan (3.8 percent), and Rizal (3.7 percent).
Sixty percent are female and 40
percent are male.
The UPCAT consists of four subtests: Language Proficiency (in English and Filipino), Reading Comprehension (in English and Filipino), Science, and Mathematics. Standardized UPCAT scores are combined with the composite of final grades in Grades 8 to 11 to determine the admission score.
Selection for admission to a campus is based on the applicant’s rank, campus quota and/or cutoff grade.
The successful applicants for a given campus are ranked according to grade predictors and quotas of their chosen degree programs.
If an applicant is not successful for his/her first choice of campus, the process continues in order of priority of the remaining choices.
The UPCAT differs from the other entrance test because it deducts 0.25 or ¼ of a point if one answered an item incorrectly. In a way, the applicant is slightly penalized for a wrong answer. But one does not get a deduction if an item is left blank. Thus, guessing the correct answer does not always help.
To implement the policy of democratization to make the UP studentry more representative of the nation’s population, socio-economic and geographic considerations were factored in the selection of campus qualifiers.
Through its Lingap Iskolar Program, UP is offering additional support to incoming first-year students from Geographically Isolated and
Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) and low-income backgrounds. These are students who have passed the highly competitive UPCAT but who often still choose not to enroll because they could not afford the costs of university life.
One of the lines from the 2014 film “That Thing Called Tadhana,” which starred Angelica Panganiban and JM de Guzman best describe my stay in UP.
“Nung high school, sobrang galing ko. Lahat ng competitions na sinalihan ko, panalo ako. Tangina! Nu’ng pagdating ko ng UP, ang gagaling ng mga kaklase ko! May mga Malang, may Abueva. Akala ko magaling na ’ko e. Marunong lang pala,” de Guzman said. All educational institutions, including UP, are safe havens for civilized and intelligent discourse of all beliefs and forms of democratic expression, where students and teachers can discuss freely without fear of censorship or retaliation.
“As the national university, UP is entrusted not only with the task of academic excellence, but also with the sacred duty of making that excellence accessible to those who need it most. Education is not a privilege—it is a right. And at UP, we are working every day to make that right a reality for more Filipinos,” UP President Angelo Jimenez said.
The campus was a bigger classroom where we learned the value of give-and-take, cooperation and mutual respect in dealing with a variety of personalities and characters.
See “Gorecho” A11
Harvard’s president says ‘I’m sorry’ after reports on bias
HBy Janet Lorin
ARVARD University released its long-awaited reports on antisemitism and anti-Muslim bias, presenting a scathing critique of how its students treated each other in the aftermath of the Hamas attack against Israel on October 7, 2023.
“I’m sorry for the moments when we failed to meet the high expectations we rightfully set for our community,” Harvard President Alan Garber said in a letter Tuesday accompanying the reports, which offered recommendations for the university covering admissions, handling complaints and how it teaches.
Garber, who’s acknowledged he’s recently experienced antisemitism at Harvard, is releasing the studies as the oldest and richest US university faces multiple government probes over its treatment of Jewish students and the role race plays on campus. The reports scrutinize a tumultuous period in the previous school year marked by antiIsrael protests and tent encampments in Harvard Yard, as well as allegations that pro-Zionist groups doxxed demonstrators.
While the federal government slammed Harvard over antisemitism on campus after the deadly 2023 Hamas attack, its critique under the Trump administration has morphed into a broader offensive on the university’s governance, its promotion of diversity programs and its perceived liberal bias. On Monday, the government opened another investigation, alleging discrimination at the Harvard Law Review. The Cambridge, Massachusettsbased school has fired back against the demands, saying they amount to an effort by the administration to exert government control over the school and not to address antisemitism. Harvard sued the government this month, accusing it of unlawfully suspending funding after the university refused to comply with “unconstitutional demands.”
Garber created the task forces on antisemitism and Islamophobia in January 2024, weeks after he stepped in as interim president following the abrupt resignation of Claudine Gay, the university’s first Black president. She was forced out after allegations of plagiarism and criticism of her disastrous response in congressional testimony
over whether calling for the genocide of Jews goes against university policy.
Together, the task forces’ reports run to more than 500 pages, which at times offered searing accounts of life for Jewish, Israeli, Muslim and Arab students. They were derived from interviews with community members and written by groups of more than a dozen faculty, students and staff.
Antisemitism report
THE Task Force Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israel Bias described problems going back decades and said antisemitism has been excluded from discussion of other forms of prejudice such as racism or xenophobia.
Some Jewish staff, faculty and students said injecting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into unrelated contexts and events at Harvard amounted to an attempt to make them feel uncomfortable or excluded. One faculty member blamed a power shift from regular professors to “para-academic” administrators for fostering widespread anti-Israel sentiment.
The report included an example of a Jewish student planning to give
a speech describing their experiences as a grandchild of a Holocaust survivor. But the student recounted being told, “I cannot mention my grandfather’s rescue mission in my speech because his rescue mission involves Israel. Nowhere does my speech mention the current war or Zionism. It is strictly about the Holocaust.”
The report also described a “new era” of pro-Palestinian organizing with tactics such as injecting discussions of the Palestinian cause into a wide range of areas in student life and using disruptive tactics at important events including first-year convocation at Harvard College and match day at the medical school. An Israeli Arab student described social discrimination by Arabs who don’t have ties to the Jewish state.
The task force recommended changes in eight categories, including admissions and discipline. For admissions, it suggested assessing an applicant’s aptitude in navigating situations with diverging viewpoints—something Harvard College already did with a new essay question announced last year. With assistance from Bill Haubert / Bloomberg
Dennis Gorecho
How Vera Wang’s frustration sparked a global business
INVENTORS can make fortunes from new products. Others just find gaps in the market by accident and then refine a product or service to better serve human needs. In the case of Vera Wang, it was a personal frustration that led to a business that is now worth about $650 million.
After a 17-year tenure at Vogue as an editor and two years as an accessories designer at Ralph Lauren, Wang’s engagement to Arthur P. Becker sparked an unexpected challenge. Despite nearly two decades of experience in the fashion industry, she thought that finding her own wedding dress would be a breeze.
“Please don’t come in fashion. Please look like a bride,” was her fiancé’s request—a relatively uncomplicated and straightforward appeal to the bride-to-be with formidable contacts in the fashion world. She searched in vain for a gown that could match her style and taste.
Instead, Wang found the scarcity of options to wear for the most important day in a woman’s life. Her choices were relatively limited despite her trips to Paris and London for the perfect wedding dress.
Says Wang: “I went to Paris. I went to London. I went to see the Emanuels [the couple that designed Lady Diana’s wedding dress], Victor Edelstein and many of the huge British designers at that time. And finally, I just had two dresses made.”
Wang’s struggle to find a wedding gown she loved led her to design her own. In June 1989, she wore her first creation, marking the debut of the very first Vera Wang wedding dress.
Her parents must have heard about Vera’s headache while hunting for a wedding dress. Her father, an astute businessman, saw an untapped market and encouraged her to open a bridal gown business. Recognizing the gap in the market and seeing her daughter’s aptitude in fashion, Wang’s dad pointed several key points:
n The market was underserved;
n There’s very little inventory as creators don’t keep dresses in every size;
n The business is limited and controllable;
n From a financial point of view, it doesn’t require enormous initial investment; and
n More freedom for your life.
With her dad bankrolling the business, Wang’s bridal salon opened in New York in 1990.
Newly-married without any experience in business, Wang focused on designing gowns for the upmarket using the best fabric and materials. The Kennedys were her first clients, setting a precedent for the sophisticated clientele that her designs appealed to.
Known for their craftsmanship and sophisticated fusion of tradi-
Wang was able to transform her frustration into a thriving enterprise addressing an underserved market, and she reaped the rewards for it. She recognized what was missing and filled the
tional and modern designs, the Vera Wang bridal gowns have become the equivalent of what Rolls Royce is to cars and the go-to choices for Hollywood A-listers, prominent political figures and other high-income brides.
With her talent, hard work and work ethic, her business grew fast, establishing boutiques in key cities in the US as well as in Tokyo, Sydney and London.
Wang was able to transform her frustration into a thriving enterprise addressing an underserved market, and she reaped the rewards for it. She recognized what was missing and filled the gap.
From then on, she has introduced colors to bridal wear. Not only were her designs different, but they were also daring, with unexpected hues in her collection.
On keeping her business going, Wang said she is “trying to keep that fresh, trying to keep that new, trying to keep me creative, and trying to envision bridal as a whole other form of self-expression for not only myself as a designer, but for the bride, I’ve taken big risks, like black dresses, nude dresses, pink dresses.”
Expanding beyond bridal wear, she ventured into cocktail dresses, evening gowns, and accessories, earning widespread acceptance, success, and recognition.
While not every aspiring entrepreneur is lucky enough to have a father to finance a business, Wang’s experience offers valuable lessons: n Difficulties could mean opportunities. Are you struggling to find a service that you need? Is a solution to a problem not sufficient? Sometimes, these indicate that services and products must be offered or created.
n Talent and funding are not enough. Vera Wang wasn’t cavalier just because she got help from her father to set up her business. She put hard work into it. For the first wedding gown that she created for a Kennedy bride, she spent eight months working on it. n Keep innovating. You can’t offer the same product or service for years. There is always room for improvement, iterations and change.
The long day’s journey to literacy
TTito Genova Valiente ANNOTATIONS
Introduction
HERE is an emotional issue right now and it is not about politics. It is about the literacy of a particular sector of the Filipino youth—18 million junior high school graduates and 19 million to include the senior high in some accounts. The report comes from the Philippine Statistics Authority but based on the results of the 2024 functional literacy, education, and mass media survey (FLEMMS).
In reports reflected online, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is often quoted talking about the differences in the report made in 2019 compared to that presented in 2024. The PSA data in 2019 indicated 79 million constituents to be functional literate. By 2024, the parameters were changed by PSA rendering a greater number of junior high school graduates unable to comprehend.
The 2019 FLEMMS defines a person who is functional literate if he can read, write, compute and comprehend. The devil, as they say, is in the details: there are nuances we wish to know more with regard to these skills but suffice it to say that these results are nothing but short of dismal.
What to do now?
Here we are talking of high school students and as we contend with the impending election, we confront two factors: the literacy crucial to the selection of the candidates and the functional literacy we ought to demand ethically from candidates. Where do we even begin?
What do we know of the problem? How far have we gone to think about the state of education in our country? And long before we dive into a knowledge of the system, there is the gridlock of knowing about these studies
that have yielded the results, which are now the source of our anxiety, or worse, the cause of our despair and hopelessness.
Like many of you, I was ready with the anecdotal. Aren’t we all experts of the stories that abound about education and educators? But a good friend—let’s call him Mr. S.—encouraged me to go first into the documents that fall under the so-called EDCOM Reports. Who has read these EDCOM documents?
Let us begin with its cover because said frontispiece prepares us for its content. It shows two figures, a boy and, given his bulk, an older person, who I assume is either an older pupil or a teacher. Both are resting or sleeping from fatigue. The older person to the left holds a piece of chalk and a ruler, with a pamphlet bearing the letters “LET” (Licensure Examination for Teachers) pressed down by her
arm; the young boy to the right is caught in the act of writing on a notebook with his pencil. The two are covered (maybe burdened is the better word) by a stack of books on their back. Titles could be read on the books—DepEd, Procurement, TESDA, Ched.The books are further pressed by desks around which have grown mushrooms already. The design could well serve as a graphic executive summary even as there is a technical summary that does introduce the content of this report.
The document bears the title in bold letters “MISEDUCATION” Under it are the subtitles “The Failed System of Philippine Education. EDCOM II YEAR ONE REPORT.
My initial reaction was to say: this report has condemned the state of Philippine education. Why should I continue to read it?
And yet there is no other way but, given what we were told about functional literacy and other related problems, for us to persist and, in so doing, maybe we can be guided not to find the solution but to be able to identify first what’s wrong with our educational system.
The document states that “this report was prepared in 2023 by the
Second Congressional Commission on Education, a national commission tasked to undertake a comprehensive national assessment and evaluation of the performance of the Philippine education sector.” This statement is followed by the names of legislators headed by Senator Gatchalian who undertook the preparation of the report. Its preface also talks of how this iteration of the EDCOM was produced in 2022 through Republic Act 11899 as a response to the results of the 2018 Programme for International Students Assessment (PISA). The EDCOM report points to how the “country’s performance in the said assessment was dismal, to say the least, prompting stakeholders and advocates to declare a crisis in Philippine education.” Then the report writes: “The first question we were tasked to answer was: Does a crisis really exist? To this, our response is unequivocal: Yes, there is an education crisis.” The crisis begins with Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD). A major point is immediately raised: The Philippines has one of the highest prevalence of under-5 stunting in the world, at 26.7 percent, compared to the global average of 22.3 percent. According to the World Health Organization: “Stunting is the impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. Children are defined as stunted if their height-for-age is more than two standard deviations below the WHO Child Growth Standards median.”
Part II follows next week.
E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com
Feasibility of a capacity market in the Philippines: A strategic step toward energy security
TEAGLE WATCH
HE Philippine electricity sector is at a critical inflection point.
In 2024, the country recorded some of its highest-ever peak demands. Price volatility, combined with recurring yellow and red alerts, underscores the system’s growing vulnerability. Amid these challenges, the Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the introduction of a capacity market as a flagship reform program. This initiative, if implemented effectively, has the potential to shift the trajectory of the power sector by enhancing reliability, attracting investment, and improving price stability.
The concept of a capacity market offers a potential solution to this chronic problem. By creating a separate market that pays generators for their available capacity rather than just their actual output, the system can ensure there is always sufficient power supply to meet demand. This approach has proven successful in other countries facing similar challenges. This addresses a major flaw in energy-only markets—often termed the “missing money problem”— where generators do not receive adequate revenue to justify investment in new capacity or maintain existing plants, especially in periods of low dispatch. In contrast, capacity payments create a stable revenue stream, offering investment certainty and incentivizing the development and maintenance of adequate resources. This policy shift could not be timelier. The country’s electricity demand continues to grow rapidly—averaging 10.9 percent annually in Luzon, 17.6 percent in Visayas, and 11.6 percent in Mindanao. Yet reserve margins remain thin, leaving the grid vulnerable to disruptions. Moreover, the system is transitioning to accommodate higher shares of intermittent renewable energy, which—though essential to de-
carbonization—introduce variability that complicates balancing supply and demand. A capacity market can complement the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) by ensuring that sufficient flexible and firm capacity is in place to stabilize the grid during periods when solar or wind are not available.
International experience validates this approach. The United Kingdom’s capacity market has delivered increased reliability while attracting new investments in gas peakers and demand response. In the United States, regional markets such as PJM and ISO-NE have demonstrated that wellstructured capacity markets reduce the risk of load shedding and encourage the right mix of technologies. These models offer lessons for the Philippines but also highlight the need for customized design. Implementing a capacity market in the Philippine context will require significant institutional, regulatory, and operational adjustments. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) needs to craft a legal and regulatory framework that clearly defines market roles, eligibility criteria, capacity obligations, auction formats, and penalty mechanisms for non-performance.
These rules must strike a balance between ensuring long-term resource adequacy and avoiding over-procurement that can inflate consumer costs.
Establishing a functioning capacity market would also require significant upgrades to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) infrastructure, enhanced capabilities for the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), and close coordination between the Department of Energy, Energy Regulatory Commission, and other stakeholders.
The Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) will play a pivotal role. As the operator of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), IEMOP has the technical infrastructure and experience necessary to oversee a forward capacity auction. However, this would require enhancing its capabilities in verifying generator commitments, monitoring availability, managing settlement processes, and coordinating with system operators. IEMOP’s independence and transparency are fundamental to ensuring market confidence, especially in a sector where ownership concentration has previously raised concerns about market power.
It is equally important to adopt a phased and consultative implementation strategy. The initial rollout of the capacity market could focus on the Luzon grid, where supply-demand imbalances are most acute and where generation and transmission infrastructure are more advanced. Lessons learned from this pilot can inform refinements before expansion to the Visayas and Mindanao grids. Throughout this process, inclusive stakeholder engagement—covering generators, distribution utilities, consumer groups, and RE developers—will be essential to secure buy-in and align expectations.
The cost implications for end-users must be addressed proactively. While capacity payments introduce a new cost layer, they are intended to avoid the far more damaging effects of black-
outs, load shedding, and emergency generation procurement. A transparent cost-benefit framework, regular performance evaluations, and wellstructured capacity procurement volumes can help manage the impact on consumers and avoid excessive charges. Importantly, the capacity market must be aligned with broader energy transition goals. It should be technology-neutral but inclusive, recognizing the role of flexible resources like battery storage, pumped hydro, and demandside management. Design features must ensure that emerging technologies can compete on a level playing field with conventional generation, avoiding bias against cleaner or distributed energy resources. This is particularly relevant as the Philippines aims to increase renewable energy share to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. Moreover, the capacity market can serve as a complementary instrument to DOE’s initiatives such as the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) and Renewable Energy Market (REM). Together, these mechanisms can provide a coordinated policy suite to achieve reliability, affordability, and sustainability. Regulatory coherence among DOE, ERC, and the market operator will be vital to prevent policy fragmentation and market distortions. In conclusion, a capacity market offers a viable pathway to strengthen the resilience and responsiveness of the Philippine power system. It can provide clear investment signals, moderate extreme price swings, and support the integration of
BOTHcash releases and spending of government agencies improved in the first quarter of the year, as the cash utilization rate hit 99 percent, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Notices of cash allocation (NCAs) releases increased by 17.73 percent to P1.130 trillion in the first three months of the year from P959.743 billion in the same period last year. NCA refers to the cash authority issued by the DBM to central, regional and provincial offices and operating units to cover the cash requirements of the government agencies.
In turn, state agencies posted a utilization rate of 99 percent in the first quarter, the same as the rate recorded in the same period a year ago.
100-percent utilization in the first quarter, such as the Office of the Vice President, Departments of Education (DepEd), Health (DOH), Foreign Affairs, Interior and Local Government, Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Tourism, National Economic and Development Authority, The Judiciary, Civil Service Commission, Commissions on Audit, Elections (Comelec), Human Rights, Office of the Ombudsman and States Universities and Colleges.
P290.367 billion, while the utilization rate reached 100 percent.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said agencies must maximize the use of funds amid the national government’s borrowings to finance the budget deficit while also paying interests.
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has revised the policies and guidelines on the taxability of retirement benefits received by employees under a reasonable private retirement benefit plan.
their gross income their annual contributions to cover accrued pension liabilities and additional contributions, as long as these are not previously deducted and are apportioned over a 10-year period in which the transfer of payment is made.
To access the tax incentives, the regulation stated that the retirement plan must be “reasonable,” with all contributions and earnings strictly reserved for the retiree’s benefits and must not be used for other purposes.
As such, about P1.121 trillion in NCAs was utilized, 17.67 percent higher than last year’s P952.652 billion.
Broken down, 71.17 percent of the total NCAs were released to line departments, amounting to P804.604 billion as of the end of March.
About P797.376 billion of this was utilized, sending the utilization rate to 99 percent. The spending rate was also the same as recorded last year.
Several line agencies posted a
A higher NCA utilization rate demonstrates the capacity of line agencies to timely disburse their allocated funds and implement their programs and projects.
The Department of Public Works and Highways received the highest cash allocation worth P207.519 billion, followed by DepEd with P156.286 billion and DSWD with P71.694 billion.
Meanwhile, cash allocations of state-run firms increased to P34.193 billion in the first quarter from P32.938 billion in the same period last year.
Of the amount, P34.102 billion has been utilized, resulting in a utilization rate of 100 percent, similar to last year’s.
Local government units were also allotted P291.621 billion in the first three months of the year, higher than last year’s P261.067 billion. NCAs utilized amounted to
“Time is of the essence in using limited financial resources, otherwise, there would be better ways to spend the budget on more urgent expenditures that give greater return to the country from an investment perspective,” Ricafort said.
Faster government spending, particularly on infrastructure, is crucial to boosting economic growth, as underspending in the past dragged overall economic growth, the economist said.
“The various government agencies should have learned already to further increase budget utilization, amid policy of to use the budget or lose it,” Ricafort added.
The DBM expects spending in April to temporarily slow down as the election-related prohibition might impede the implementation of some programs and projects.
Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto and Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. signed Revenue Regulation No. 015-2025 on April 29 to update the tax treatment of retirement benefits under private retirement plans.
Under the new regulation, private retirement benefit plans are exempted from income tax, and consequently, from the withholding tax on retirement benefits and all amounts received by officials and employees of private firms upon retirement.
A retirement plan may consist of a pension, gratuity, provident fund, stock bonus or profit-sharing plan maintained by an employer for the benefit of its officials and employees.
Moreover, investments made by the trustees of an employee’s trust are exempt from income and withholding taxes.
However, income from investments in shares of stocks listed and traded in the local stock exchange will still be subject to stock transaction tax.
Employers may also deduct from
The retiree must also have been in the service of the employer for at least 10 years, not less than 50 years of age at the time of retirement and must not have previously availed of the privilege under a retirement benefit plan of the same or another employer.
Employers must apply to the BIR for a Certificate of Qualification for tax exemption within 30 days from the date of effectivity of the employee’s retirement benefit plan.
“Otherwise, penalty shall be imposed upon the employer under the existing rules and regulations. The issued Certificate of Qualification shall be valid until revoked by the BIR,” the regulation read.
“However, should the application of the employer be denied by the BIR, the employer/trust shall be directly and solely liable for any deficiency income taxes due on the same,” it added.
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
Exec: ACEN keen on tieups for offshore wind projects
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
ACEN Corp. will actively look for partners to pursue “at least three” offshore wind (OSW) power projects, according to its top official.
The power company has been awarded by the Department of Energy (DOE) at least three OSW service contracts. These are in Calatagan, Batangas with a target installed capacity of 1,024 megawatts (MW), in Manila Bay with 1,248 MW under its subsidiaries Giga Ace 7, Inc. and Gigawind5, Inc., and the Cagayan West OSW project with installed capacity of 1,024 MW under Giga Ace 12 Inc.
“We will need partners for those because we don’t have the expertise. So, if and when we do offshore wind
projects, we definitely have to do it with a strategic, technical partner. So, on that note, we’re also exploring potential partnerships as our route to market.
We will not only depend on our own organic projects but we’re also looking at whether we can partner in the offshore wind space… We’re active in exploring the potential partner but we cannot say anything further than that,” said ACEN President Eric Francia.
Last week, the company said it will raise as much as P30 billion
through its stock rights offering (SRO) to support its renewable energy growth and expansion.
“We also just approved the stock rights offering. As we mentioned earlier, the increase in authorized capital stock was to allow fresh equity raising either in the form of SRO or private placement right, or a followon offering. But what the board has decided is a stock rights offering of up to P30 billion and with a floor price of P2.30 per share,” Francia said after the company’s stockholders’ meeting.
In a disclosure to the stock exchange, the company said its board approved the offer and issuance of primary common shares by way of a SRO. The common shares to be issued will be taken from the current unissued common shares and the increase in the authorized capital stock of ACEN, which increase was approved by the board last March.
The company also awaits develop-
ment in the fifth round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA5).
The DOE said GEA5 is targeted to happen in July this year. “I believe that GEAP 5 will be focused on offshore wind. We are exploring the space,” he said.
The GEA program is designed to help the Philippines achieve its RE goal which is to increase the RE share of the power generation mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.
Earlier, the DOE said there are 16 OSW “frontrunner” projects, with total potential capacity of 16 gigawatts (GW) or 16,000 megawatts (MW), which are expected to start construction two years from now.
OSW developers are awaiting GEA5 as their final investment decision (FID) largely depends on its rates. The Energy Regulatory Commission determines the GEA reserve prices for the green auctions.
Meralco keen on helping Batangas ECs
THE Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s largest power distribution firm, has expressed interest in serving the customers of Batangas’ two largest electric cooperatives (ECs).
“Of course, we’re interested,” said Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie Aperocho. “If Meralco could help improve the service in the entire province of Batangas, why not?”
Aperocho said the local government has already asked Meralco to help the province, which is beset with frequent power interruptions.
“In fact, we have received a request
from the local government, even from the customers themselves.”
Meralco must first coordinate with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) on how to proceed with its plan since the Batangas Electric Cooperative Inc. (Batelec) 1 and Batelec 2 are currently the electricity providers in the province. “Actually, we’re looking at a different approach. It could be a joint venture. We need to coordinate, to align with the NEA, other concerned organizations where we have to clear any agreement. Whatever the modalities, we would abide by or comply with the prevailing
regulations,” said Aperecho. Customers of Batelec 1 and Batelec 2 have been complaining of frequent outages across the province. Capstone-Intel Corp. recently conducted a survey covering 1,200 residents across all 34 cities and municipalities of Batangas.
The results of the survey showed that 62 percent of respondents experienced a minimum of one brownout incident to as many as 10 power outages per month.
In terms of the service reliability of Batelec 1 and Batelec 2, the survey showed that 93 percent of Batelec 2 customers report frequent inter-
ruptions, compared to 81 percent of those served by Batelec 1. Residents in areas served by other distribution utilities reported significantly fewer disruptions.
In terms of customer satisfaction, both Batelec 1 and Batelec 2 received ratings below the provincial average of 4.09, with Batelec 1 scoring 3.96 and Batelec 2 slightly lower at 3.90.
Meralco is the largest private distribution company in the country, serving at least eight million customers in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal and select areas in Batangas, Laguna, Quezon and Pampanga. Lenie Lectura
Apple’s chaotic month culminates in tariff-focused earnings test
APPLE Inc. shares have clawed back a good portion of the ground they lost in the historic tariff-induced selloff last month, but that doesn’t mean investors are in the clear.
The company’s results, due after the market close on Thursday, come at a period of extreme uncertainty for the iPhone maker, which is caught in the swirling currents around trade policy and rising geopolitical tension. While tariff exemptions for smartphones and other electronics have so far allowed Apple to avoid the worst-case scenario, the situation remains in flux, further clouding the company’s prospects.
This earnings season has already seen a number of high-profile companies—including United Airlines, Skechers, and Snap Inc.—abandon their outlooks given the uncertainty.
“Exemptions gave Apple some breathing room, but it remains in the hot seat, and there’s still so much that’s so hard to predict,” said Kevin Cook, senior strategist at Zacks Investment Research. “Even if you set aside how things can swing on every Truth Social post, we don’t know how to quantify the impact on margins, costs, or growth, except to say they could be significant. I’m sure it’s leading to a lot of sleepless nights.” Apple is expected to report net earnings growth of 6.1 percent this quarter and a 4.3-percent increase in revenue. While both are below the pace expected for the S&P 500 Index, according to Bloomberg Intelligence, some upside is possible as customers
rushed to buy Apple products ahead of the tariffs. Analysts will be listening closely for any further detail on how the company, the largest in the world by market capitalization, views the effects of tariffs going forward. April was a month of enormous swings for the stock. It sank more than 20 percent over a four-day period — the biggest such drop since October 2000 — and immediately followed that with its biggest oneday gain since 1998. While it has rebounded 23 percent off an April low, it fell 4.3 percent over the month.
Separately, the CBOE Apple VIX, which tracks a market estimate of future volatility for the stock, recently hit a five-year high.
Apple is seen as among the companies most impacted by tariffs given a supply chain that is heavily reliant on China, Vietnam, and India, where it is looking to increase its
annual iPhone output. Rising tensions also threaten the company’s overseas sales; less than 43 percent of its fiscal 2024 revenue came from the Americas, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. While the Trump administration wants Apple to make iPhones in the US, doing so would be extremely difficult, and Bank of America estimated it would lead to skyrocketing costs, something that would undoubtedly impact demand. Beyond the company-specific impact, any tariff-induced economic weakness could weigh on consumer spending at a time when customers have already been reluctant to trade up for the latest iPhone. Then there are the concerns about Apple that predated tariffs, like tepid growth, delays with its artificial intelligence offerings, and a multiple that continues to be seen as elevated.
‘SM Prime to complete land portion of Manila Bay project this year’
SEstimates for the company’s net 2025 earnings have come down just 0.7 percent over the past month, according to data compiled by Bloomberg, while the revenue consensus has been lowered by 0.3 percent. However, estimate reductions have been far more severe for Apple’s 2026 fiscal year, which begins October 1.
More bullish investors argue that Apple offers a number of defensive characteristics, including strong cash flow, a massive user base, and robust capital returns. Morgan Stanley expects the latest report will come with a low- or mid-single-digit increase to the dividend, and a $110 billion addition to the company’s buyback authorization.
However, any further reduction in estimates would bolster the argument that Apple’s multiple is too lofty given its prospects. Shares trade near 28 times estimated earnings, notably above its 10-year average of 20.8, and a premium to the overall market.
“You could argue that Apple would be defensive absent the tariff issue, but given the source of the uncertainty and the potential risks, it is really losing that shine,” said Matt Stucky, chief portfolio manager of equities at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management. “It needs to remain highly valued for the stock to work, but because it trades at a premium to the market while growing slower, that’s an uphill battle, especially since tariff uncertainty will likely be with us for a long time.” Bloomberg News
By VG Cabuag @villygc
M Prime Holdings Inc., the property development arm of the Sy family, said it will complete the land portion of its Manila Bay reclamation project this year.
Jeffrey C. Lim, the company’s president, said the move is in compliance with its commitment to the national government to turnover its share by 2028.
“So, we will complete the sand filling by the end of this year and then we start the horizontal development,” Lim said.
“I know the developments and the plans are in parallel because we are now working on the final master plan so the end result is to execute that program, that plan.”
SM Prime through its subsidiary, SM Smart City and Infrastructure Development Corp., undertakes reclamation activities and ensures compliance with reclamation regulations. Requirements include conditions under the environmental compliance certificate, technical studies, designs and plans.
Lim said if the company is able to
complete all of this before the end of the year, SM Prime may need to start doing some of the activities or the master plan starting next year even if the project is not completed or turned over yet.
SM Smart City is a 360-hectare development that SM Prime is undertaking with the Pasay City government. It is located adjacent to the Mall of Asia complex and will build on the property’s maturity.
As Metro Manila is seeing an office space glut, SM Prime said it will pursue integrated property development (IPD) in its assets outside the National Capital Region.
“Each IPD will be masterfully designed to become a hub for commerce, leisure, tourism and community engagement, stimulating regional economies, creating jobs and unlocking new opportunities,” Lim said. “The Mall of Asia complex is actually our first IPD.” The reclamation project in Manila Bay will also be masterplanned and launched as an IPD, Lim said. He added that the Megamall complex in Ortigas Center, which already has an office space, still has room for a hotel.
Cebu firms renew power supply deal with First Gen
FIRST Gen Corp. (First Gen) will continue supplying renewable energy (RE) to the Chioson Group of Companies and FLB Prime Holdings Inc., a Cebu-based steel manufacturer and property developer, the Lopez-led firm said.
First Gen and Chioson Group officials signed last April 30 their renewed supply agreement, wherein the former will provide 2.1 megawatts (MW) of electricity to the latter’s steel manufacturing plants in Mandaue City and the FLB Corporate Center headquarters in Cebu City.
The Chioson Group owns these steel manufacturing plants, through Chioson Development Corp. and Puresteel Manufacturing Corporation and the corporate building, through FLB Industries Inc.
The power supply for these three Chioson companies will come from the geothermal power plants in Kananga and Ormoc City in Leyte of First Gen subsidiary Energy Development Corp. (EDC), the country’s largest geothermal company.
The Chioson Group first partnered with First Gen in 2020 as part of the company’s aim to manufacture in a more sustainable manner a wide range of steel products, such as c-purlins, corrugated sheets, square tubes, rigid steel conduit pipes, rectangular tubes, rebars and nails.
“As we move ahead with our drilling program to harness more geothermal energy, we are confident that we can enable and empower more companies to advance their decarbonization journeys, not just with RE supply, but with other solutions that can help rationalize power consumption and electricity costs,” said Arlene Sy, First Gen Vice President for Sales and Marketing.
First Gen’s RE portfolio also includes hydro, wind and solar facilities with more than 400 MW of total combined capacity. In addition to the RE facilities, First Gen has four other power plants with a total capacity of 2,017 MW that run on natural gas, a fuel known for its flexibility to compensate for the intermittence of RE. Lenie Lectura
“Over the last five years that we have partnered with First Gen, we have avoided at least 5 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The Chioson Group looks forward to continuing our sustainability journey with First Gen,” said Chioson Chief Operating Officer Bernard Chioson. First Gen, through EDC, owns and operates in the country 13 power plants that run on geothermal energy, an RE with the distinct advantage over other RE resources for its capability to generate electricity on a 24/7 or uninterrupted and year-round basis. These EDC geothermal plants have close to 1,200 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity, or roughly 60 percent of the country’s total geothermal power capacity.
AN Apple store in San Francisco. Bloomberg
Banking&Finance
Govt exempts seafarers’ groups from tax, duties
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
THE income and properties of seafarers’ legitimate labor organizations are now exempted from taxes and duties under the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, according to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
This was after Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) 22-2025, which amended certain portions of Revenue Memorandum Order 38-2019, providing tax exemptions to legitimate labor organizations of seafarers.
“Income and the properties of a legitimate labor organization of seafarers, including grants, endowments, gifts, donations and contributions they may receive from fraternal and similar organizations, local or foreign, which are actually, directly and exclusively used for their lawful purposes, shall be free from taxes, duties and other assessments,” the RMC read.
However, labor organizations of seafarers are still subject to limitations, such as value-added tax (VAT), percentage tax liabilities and obligations as withholding agents.
This comes after the passage of Republic Act 12021 (Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers) to exempt legitimate labor organizations of seafarers from taxes, duties and other assessments without the need to apply for confirmation.
These organizations now only need to register as a taxpayer at the Revenue District Office that has jurisdiction over their place of business.
They are no longer required to apply for a Certificate of Tax Exemp -
Binay seeks
tion to enjoy tax benefits under the Labor Code, the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers and the Tax Code, but they must submit documents upon registration.
These include their Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) stating these organizations are a non-stock, non-profit entity and a sworn certification detailing their activities, income sources and compensation structure.
They must also provide a Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) certification proving their legitimacy within 60 days from the effectivity of RA 12021.
“The availment of the said tax exemptions shall be without prejudice to the conduct of post-audit investigation and/or investigation by concerned RDO having jurisdiction over their principal place of business,” according to the BIR.
To maintain their tax-exempt status, the organizations must submit an updated certified true copy certification from Dole, proving they remain registered when filing their Annual Income Tax Return.
“Noncompliance herewith shall be subjected to penalties under pertinent laws and revenue issuances,” the BIR warned.
The implementing rules and regulations of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers were signed on January 8, 2025, after it was signed into law in 2024.
The law aims to strengthen the protection of Filipino seafarers and address the critical issues faced by the seafarers, such as improved working conditions, right to organize, fair treatment in maritime accidents and freedom from discrimination.
exempting
OT pay, bonus from tax
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
MAKATI Mayor and Sena-
torial Candidate Mar-len
Abigail “Abby” S. Binay pledged to actively pursue amendments to the tax code in the Senate, reclassifying overtime pay and bonuses as “non-taxable income” to help workers cope with the escalating inflation and cost of living.
“Exempting minimum wage earners from income tax is not enough. Moreover, the current non-taxable income rates are no longer realistic given the present economic conditions in the country,” Binay at an event celebrating Labor Day.
She pointed out that the “Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion,” or Train, law, sets the threshold for non-taxable income at P20,833 per month or P250,000 per year. The Train law or Republic Act (RA) 10963, also exempts the 13th-month pay and other bonuses up to P90,000 from taxable income, with any excess being included in the taxable income for the applicable tax year.
“Workers deserve to enjoy their overtime pay and bonuses in full. It is but fair to fully compensate their hard work and extended hours of working, which cut into their supposed rest period and family time,” Binay said. She added that excluding overtime pay from taxable income would significantly increase workers’ take-home pay.
“If they receive their OT pay in full, they will have more disposable income to spend for the basic needs of their families like food, clothing, shelter, water, and electricity. They will also be able to cover other day-to-day expenses of family members, like transportation in going to and from work and school,” Binay said. Additionally, making the 13th-
Marcos vows to cut interest rates for select SSS loans
By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Labor Day his administration would move to cut interest rates on loans with the Social Security System (SSS).
In his speech during the celebration of the 123rd Labor Day in Pasay City, Marcos that starting July, the interest rates for salary loans with the SSS will be reduced to 8 percent and calamity loans to 7 percent. Currently, the interest rates for both loans are at 10 percent.
The chief executive added that by
month pay and other bonuses tax-exempt will enable Filipino families to fully experience the joys of Christmas and welcome the New Year with hope and cheer, the mayor said.
Furthermore, Binay emphasized that making the 13th month pay and other bonuses tax-exempt would allow Filipino families to fully enjoy the Christmas season and welcome the New Year with greater hope and cheer.
“Christmas will be much happier for every Filipino family when they receive their year-end bonuses in full. They will likely be able to pay off some debts and welcome the New Year with more joy,” she said.
Binay said that the bigger takehome pay and bonuses will stimulate consumer spending and translate to brisk business sales and higher revenue collection for the government.
She argued that increased take-home pay and bonuses would stimulate consumer spending, leading to higher business sales and increased government revenue collection.
“The government will recoup the reduced revenue from taxes because of the increased purchasing power of the people,” Binay asserted.
She added that the government can continue to expand its revenue base by intensifying efforts to strengthen the tourism industry, capitalizing on the country’s natural wonders and the warm hospitality of its people.
“We have so many resources yet to be fully tapped for revenue generation. Let us focus on them so that over 50 million Filipino workers, including minimum wage earners and ordinary employees, will not have to bear onerous taxes and [will] be able to provide a decent life for their families,” Binay said.
September, a widow or widower of a deceased SSS pensioner can avail a loan worth P150,000.
Marcos noted the said measures aims to ensure the welfare of workers during times of calamity.
“Therefore, we will further expand services that will provide security in times of need,” the President
Crop insurer eyes more funds for ‘26 expansion
By Ada Pelonia
THE Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) wants additional funds to increase the number of insured farmers and fishermen to nearly five million by next year.
According to PCIC President Jovito Bernabe, the agency’s budget, which stands at P4.5 billion under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), has remained the same for the last four years.
Bernabe told reporters on the sidelines of an agriculture forum in Makati City last Wednesday they want a higher budget of P5.5 billion for 2026.
“The additional P1 billion can cover around 600,000 [more] farmers. If we’re at 4.2 million farmers last year, we can reach 4.8 million farmers or almost 5 million [next year],” he added.
Bernabe noted that the additional 600,000 farmers would constitute 60 percent from the rice sector, 20 percent from the corn sector, while the remaining would be from high-value crops (HVC) and aquaculture sectors.
This year, the crop insurer is targeting to insure “a little over” than the farmers recorded in 2024, even with the same budget, by tapping into other sources,
such as local government units (LGUs).
“We have other sources like LGUs. We also have paying clients or commercial clients, such as piggeries, livestock, and other commercial entities,” Bernabe said.
Claims processing
THE PCIC chief also said the crop insurer would use satellite-based mapping to cut down the 20-day average time of claims processing by half.
“If you use satellite technology on claims processing, you don’t need to go to the actual place; going to far-flung areas takes time,” Bernabe said.
He explained that the satellite images, which capture the extent of agricultural damage on respective farmland, could estimate claims in the event of crop losses.
“The process will become faster [...] We’re trying to make it 10 days,” Bernabe added.
He said the process of geotagging provides an accurate estimate of the area, which allows them to save money.
“If we’re saving a lot, our savings will now go to more farmers being insured [...] So, that’s the help of using digital tools,” Bernabe said.
The Evolving Role of Chambers
IN the context of associations, chambers of commerce are referred to as trade or industry associations. They are local, regional, national, or international associations of businesspeople and organizations that advocate for and support the interests of the business community. They act as a bridge between business sectors and government, provide networking opportunities, promote economic development, and offer services to their members such as training, marketing support, and policy advocacy.
Merchants in Marseille, France, in 1599 established the first chamber of commerce, primarily to represent them and protect their interests in port trade. New York City in 1768 witnessed the founding of the first Englishspeaking chamber, which played a key role in American economic expansion and policy dialogue.
By the 19th century to the 20th century, chambers proliferated across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. These organizations were often aligned with the rise of industrialization and the growth of global trade networks.
Today, chambers operate at multiple levels: from local and regional chambers to powerful national chambers like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and international ones like the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
3. From membership services to value co-creation: Chambers now co-design programs with their members by offering customized, data-driven, and scalable services in areas like digital upskilling and e-commerce support, sustainable business practices, export readiness and internationalization and innovation hubs and R&D partnerships.
4. From local focus to global connectivity: Modern chambers act as global gateways by helping businesses navigate international trade, compliance, and market expansion through digital platforms, global partnerships, and business missions.
5. From event hosting to thought leadership: Chambers curate knowledge through research, insights, and trend monitoring and positioning themselves as thought leaders and conveners of future-oriented conversations around work, business models, technology, and leadership.
Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) in the first three months of 2025. In a statement last Wednesday, Metrobank reported that its net earnings reached P12.3 billion in first three months of the year. The bank’s pre-provision operating profit also rose 8.8 percent year-on-year to P18.8 billion in the first quarter of the year. The bank said its net interest income reached P29.4 billion in the first three months of the year due to the growth of its lending business. The bank’s gross loans expanded by 16.1 percent year-on-year on strong performance across all segments while commercial loans also posted the same growth rate in the first three months of the year. Cai U. Ordinario
➔ SEC Davao unit urges early filing DAVAO CITY—The Securities and Exchange Commission-Davao Extension Office urged corporations to file early their annual financial statement and general information sheet as it said that submission shall be done online. “With this year’s filings, corporations are reminded to factor in the Commission’s [SEC] Tax Identification Number (TIN) validation system, which was launched on March 17, 2025,” the SEC said. “Early submission ensures that filers will have sufficient time to address any online issues related to TIN mismatches or missing records. If a TIN cannot be verified, users must promptly update their information through the BIR’s Online Registration and Update System or by visiting the nearest BIR Revenue District Office,” SEC Davao Director Katrina Ponco-Estares was quoted in a statement as saying. Manuel T. Cayon
➔ GoTyme Bank bags awards from Visa THE GoTyme Bank Corp., a partnership between the Gokongwei and Tyme Bank, announced last Monday that it bagged four awards from Visa in recognition of its
growth and performance. The bank received accolades for “Highest
The role of chambers of commerce is evolving significantly to remain relevant and impactful in an increasingly complex, diverse, and fast-changing environment. No longer just traditional advocacy groups or networking hubs, modern chambers are becoming agile, inclusive, and tech-enabled platforms that help businesses thrive in the face of disruption.
1. From advocacy to adaptive policy leadership: Chambers now act as policy innovators, shaping proactive responses to emerging challenges such as digital transformation, climate change, and inclusive economic growth. They serve as platforms for multi-sector dialogue and help shape local, national, and global economic agendas.
2. From networking to inclusive ecosystem building: Rather than just facilitating business mixers, chambers are creating ecosystems of collaboration: connecting corporates, MSMEs, startups, creatives, educators, civil society, and government to co-create solutions and opportunities.
6. From representing business to championing purpose and impact: Today’s chambers increasingly champion inclusive capitalism and corporate social responsibility. They support business engagement in ESG (environmental, social, governance) initiatives, inclusive hiring and workforce development, community resilience and disaster preparedness and circular economy models In the Philippines, umbrella groups like the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and regional chambers like the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry are helping local businesses connect to the Asean and global trade ecosystems. Among others, they promote trade missions, guide MSMEs on trade compliance and international standards, and forge partnerships through bilateral chambers and foreign business councils. In short, chambers are increasingly seen not just as business lobby groups, but as development partners, ecosystem builders, and platforms for inclusive prosperity.
Octavio Peralta Association World
Relationships
That torn passport issue
IN March, I shared a few tips that travelers can follow to ensure we go on our vacations relatively stress-free.
Might I also add how imperative it is to keep our travel documents safe. The passport, for instance, should always be protected—personally, I keep mine in a easy leather case to shield it from dust and grime, and only slip it out from the case when the Immigration officer asks for it.
Photocopy your passport. When I go on a tour or shop at a destination abroad, I usually keep the original passport in the hotel room safe or hidden in a secret place, and just keep the photocopy in my bag.
Recently, an issue regarding a slight tear in a passenger’s passport went viral after it cost the passenger his vacation to Bali with his family. As I understand it, Cebu Pacific kept a passenger from boarding his flight to Denpasar (DPS) because of the slightly damaged passport. He and his group were informed that airline staff will check with DPS Immigration if they would allow the passenger to enter their city despite the state of his passport. The group asked if they could eat and just return to the check-in counter for the Immigration’s advice.
While communication between CEB and DPS Immigration was ongoing, the passenger with the torn passport was able to get a boarding pass from another check-in counter. The ground staff at that particular counter may have not noticed the tear in the passport.
associated costs involving the repatriation of the passenger, had he been allowed to fly and land at the destination port. And it’s not as if the carrier could have charged that amount to the passenger, right?
Perhaps the only error the airline could be blamed for is the inadequate training of some check-in agents in inspecting passports. That’s a matter easily solved within the airline.
Meanwhile, at the original counter, word was finally received from DPS Immigration that they would not allow the entry of the passenger with the torn passport. As such, the passenger, despite having received his boarding pass, was prevented by the airline from flying.
Initially I had thought, the airline should have let the passenger go and let the Immigration bureau deal with him. And in case Philippine Immigration allows him to leave and board his flight, but is turned away at DPS Immigration, well, that would teach him a lesson. This was before I found out that under most Immigration laws in many countries, the airline would be fined for ferrying a passenger with an invalid passport. And it’s not a puny penalty, mind you. As per my research, the airline would have been
Also, apparently Philippine Immigration did clear the passenger to board the flight. I asked Immigration spokesman Dana Sandoval about the incident, and she said, “Minor wear and tear is okay with BI [Bureau of Immigration]. But we fully understand if the airlines have different standards, given that they will be paying huge fines if [the passenger] is not allowed to enter the country of destination.”
Perhaps there ought to be a meeting between all carriers and the BI to discuss this matter, which passports may or may not be allowed for boarding, to prevent similar incidents with passengers in the future.
Meanwhile, I’m told that CEB officers have been trying to reach out to the passenger and his daughter who had posted about the incident on social media. There are hurt feelings that need to be appeased, of course, and CEB officers know this, thus their efforts to reach out.
The passenger’s daughter, however, failed to attend the hearing at the Civil Aeronautics Board, which was convened because she had filed a complaint against the carrier.
I do understand that it’s a big deal for families to
to make a quick getaway. But in the case of CEB, I understand they wanted to err on the side of caution and save everyone from a huge mess.
As per Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon in an interview with TV5, they did double check with the Denpasar (Bali) airport, which confirmed receiving the screenshot of the passenger’s passport. “It was Bali which told [CEB], ‘Don’t board the passenger as we will deny him entry.’” Dizon added in Filipino and English that he will “personally send an apology letter to the passenger, but to also explain that if he had been allowed to board the flight, it would have been a bigger inconvenience for him to be deported.”
I also asked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) what passengers with torn passports can do. According to Macrise Corrado of the Public and Media Affairs Division, “For mutilated passports, the passport holder must apply for a replacement. The same goes [for] lost and expired passports.”
In other words, the passport holder must go through the entire application process as if he was renewing his passport. To be fair, DFA has made the passport application and renewal process less strenuous—based on personal experience—and I renewed mine during the pandemic lockdown. So I imagine, it must be easier to get appointments at the DFA moreso now, post-pandemic.
Like I said, traveling, despite the momentary pleasure it gives us and the beautiful memories formed, can be a pain. For stress-free travel, we should pay attention to all advisories covering our travel documents, our flights, and our destinations. ■
Sweeter side to guys in focus with two new AXE scents
“WHO says guys can’t be sweet?” The global leader in men’s grooming, AXE is challenging stereotypes and rewriting the rules of modern masculinity with the launch of two new fine fragrance-quality scents: Black Vanilla and Cherry Spritz, under the AXE Fine Fragrance Collection. Crafted by world-renowned perfumers and infused with essential oils, both scents deliver up to 72 hours of long-lasting fragrance and deo protection, proving that smelling sweet can still mean smelling seriously good.
This year, sweet is in—and it’s cooler than you think. From trend reports to fashion runways, gourmand-inspired scents are dominating the global conversation. With its latest campaign, “Welcome to the Sweet Side,” AXE is flipping the
script, empowering guys to express themselves with confidence and embrace their sweeter side — starting with their scent.
Black Vanilla blends aromatic herbs and juicy fruit for a scent that’s equal parts fresh and indulgent. It opens with vibrant green mandarin and banana, then builds with lavender sage, and basil, and finishes on a creamy base of cocoa, vanilla, tonka, and sandalwood.
Cherry Spritz brings a bolder sensuality, layering cherry, red apple, and coconut over jasmine, amber, praline, and white moss. The result is a rich, multi-dimensional scent that leaves a sweet and lasting impression.
Now available at online stores and in all leading supermarkets, convenience stores, and
drugstores nationwide, the new fragrances are priced at P315.
To bring the campaign to life, AXE is taking its sweet message to the streets—literally. In collaboration with renowned Filipino street artist Jappy Agoncillo and muralist AC Bautista, the brand unveiled a series of Sweet Side Murals: bold graffitis that fuse the raw, expressive energy of angas street art with unexpectedly sweet, scent-themed affirmations.
Adding a sensory twist, each wall is infused with the actual scents of AXE’s two newest variants—a first of its kind in the Philippines. These scented murals transform everyday pedestrian spaces into immersive brand experiences.
Eugenia Last
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Avoid sharing your feelings or taking on an emotional dispute with an associate. Let your actions, discipline and dedication speak for you, and finish what you start before you move on to more enjoyable pastimes. Update your physical appearance to represent how in touch and youthful you are. A personal pick-me-up will feed your ego. ★★★
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Distance yourself from those creating havoc or confusion. A change will do you good. Study, research and test drive something you are considering or want to pursue. Set parameters you can live with before committing to something requiring cash and contracts. ★★★★
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Joining forces will give you the strength and courage to stand up for your beliefs. An opportunity to travel, learn or expand your interests will open doors to individuals who can clear up any misconception or doubt you have about someone or something you want to pursue. ★★
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): It’s time to pin down your next move, desires or lifestyle changes. Get out and see what life has to offer. Engage in events or activities that provide insight into what others think and do to overcome boredom or to harness and employ their gifts, skills and passion. Romance is favored. ★★★★★
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Social interaction will lead to unique points of view that can help you fine-tune your thoughts and pursuits to suit your budget and skills. Fix your surroundings to accommodate what you want to work toward, and share your thoughts with someone you love. Take the input you receive to heart. ★★★
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Pay attention to what’s happening at home. A domestic shift can be beneficial if you are true to yourself and those you live with. It’s best to handle an emotional issue before it becomes unmanageable. A positive attitude will help you win favors and displace anyone trying to wreak havoc. ★★★
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A gentle nudge with a smile, compliment and sound alternative will help you gain approval. Concentrate on expanding your interests and making friends. Choose physical activity over getting involved in a no-win situation. Choose to spend and dedicate your time to self-improvement, financial growth and sharing with someone you love. ★★★
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Refrain from overdoing it or letting someone take advantage of your kindness and generosity. Choose to do something that eases stress, makes you feel and look your best, and entertains your
THE two new fragrances from AXE, Black Vanilla and Cherry Spritz.
Show BusinessMirror
Martin Scorsese to produce documentary with Pope Francis, ‘Aldeas—A New Story’
NEW YORK—Martin Scorsese is a producing a documentary made with Pope Francis that will chronicle the late pontiff’s work with cinema in the global educational movement he founded before his death. Aldeas—A New Story will feature conversations between Pope Francis and Scorsese, including what the filmmakers say are the Pope’s final in-depth oncamera interview for a film. The documentary will detail the work of Scholas Occurrentes, a non-profit, international organization founded by the Pope in 2013 to promote the “Culture of Encounter” among youth.
Part of that organization’s work has included filmmaking under the Aldeas initiative. The documentary will show young people in Indonesia, Italy and the Gambia participating in Aldeas and making short films. Aldeas Scholas Film and Scorsese’s Sikelia Productions, which announced the documentary on Wednesday, said the film is “a testament to the enduring belief that creativity is not only a means of expression but a path to hope and transformation.”
Before his death, Pope Francis called Aldeas “an extremely poetic and very constructive project because it goes to the roots of what human life is, human sociability, human conflicts...the essence of a life’s journey.”
No release date was announced for the film.
“Now, more than ever, we need to talk to each other, listen to one another cross-culturally,” Scorsese said in a statement. “One of the best ways to accomplish this is by sharing the stories of who we are, reflected from our personal lives and experiences. It helps us understand and value how each of us sees the world. It was important to Pope Francis for people across the globe to exchange ideas with respect while also preserving their cultural identity, and cinema is the best medium to do that.”
Scorsese met numerous times with Pope Francis over the years, and their conversations sometimes informed work undertaken by the 82-year-old filmmaker of The Last Temptation of Christ and Silence. After meeting with Pope Francis in 2023, Scorsese announced that he would made another film centered on Jesus, though that project—an adaptation of Shūsaku Endō’s A Life of Jesus—hasn’t yet gone into production. Last fall, Scorsese produced an eight-part docudrama series for Fox Nation called Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints Francis died on April 21 and a conclave to elect a new pope is scheduled to begin on May 7. AP
online universe
Stars on the Floor is sure to deliver an unforgettable ride with an exciting mix of dance styles—from hiphop to ballroom, pop dance, jazz, swing, disco, Latin dance, dancehall, contemporary, and more. Each week, together with their team choreographer, dance duos composed of a celebrity and a digital dance star will take on challenges that push their limits and test their creativity, teamwork, and passion in the heat of the competition.
The show is one big “COLLABanan ng Stars sa Sayawan,” bringing together favorite celebrities and famous personalities in the world of dance, each with a massive following and millions of views on their dance videos. When star power and dance expertise collide, expect moments that will go viral.
The identities of the Stars on the Floor Dance Authority panel are yet to be revealed. Rumor has it that the judges include a digital and mainstream queen, a comedienne with killer moves, and a trendsetting choreographer whose viral routines have set social media on fire.
Stars on the Floor premieres soon on GMA Network. More information can be found at www.gmanetwork. com.
NOTHING has changed about my attitude towards this show called Pinoy Big Brother (PBB). Since its introduction many years ago, I have always viewed it with a mixture of derision, curiosity, doubt, amusement, and interest. The show is a case of one look and you are hooked or you are pushed away.
There are two parties involved in PBB: the Big Brother and his system of control, and the participants and their strategies of achieving their freedom from such control.
I try to imagine the psychology of Big Brother, which is not original. Students of philosophy, history and political science are wary about the evolution of systems of control—it is never harmless to subject human beings or human groups to a system of control and the Big Brother show is a glossy and yet a dangerous example of this.
The other side of this system is formed by those who are willing to subject themselves to a control, to a system of “discipline and punishment,” to borrow the words of Michel Foucault, the thinker closest to our core memory of a social experiment in restriction in our present society.
Lest I be accused of mystifying PBB, I want to bring up the notion of the Panopticon. While Foucault has made the concept more current and, well, sexier, if you wish, there was an older treatment of this word. Jeremy Bentham, one of the classic thinkers in political thought, spoke of the “panopticon” as a design with a built-in technology for control. This was the 18th century, and the architecture of panopticon was closer to a prison.
Bentham and other theorists, however, saw the
panopticon as applicable to other institutions like schools, asylums, hospitals, etc. You can almost hear a simpler sociological theorizing developed later by Erving Goffman in the 1950s—the notion of total institution, which refers to institutions possessing rigid rules that subject individuals to following them. These individuals or persons are placed within a confinement or territory while an officer or head issues policies with regard to behavior necessary for them to live in that space.
Foucault, typical of his language and articulation, has this to say about Panopticon: “Inspection functions ceaselessly. The gaze is alert everywhere.” Foucault continues: “This enclosed, segmented space, observed at every point, in which the individuals are inserted in a fixed place, in which the slightest movements are supervised, in which all events are recorded, in which an uninterrupted work of writing links the center and periphery, in which power is exercised without division, according to a continuous hierarchical figure, in which each individual is constantly located, examined and distributed among the living beings, the sick and the dead—all this constitutes a compact model of the disciplinary mechanism.”
In terms of context though, the definition above talks of introducing discipline and control, and if not followed, some punitive actions have been created at a historical moment of plagues.
You can now imagine the origin of this game that we have been watching every day or every night and, under the present dispensation, at any given time via YouTube. The participants who join PBB are subjecting themselves to a restraint. It is good to ask if they were ready for the punishment or sanction from Big Brother and at what cost.
For this edition, which is subsumed under a “collab” or collaboration, talents from ABS-CBN and GMA have been selected before the national fandom. What are the risks involved? One is to put on display whose talents have more gravitas or simply allure. Two, there is once more the experiment to pit or team up two individuals that are coming from two different networks. Given the present development, there are no substantial characteristics or differences to be observed, the point being that the long-standing,
almost bitter, rivalry between the two networks has been dissipated. The reason for this was the controversial and questionable move (unbelievable even by present-day reckoning) by the Duterte administration to terminate the services of ABS-CBN. The said network now operates on a smaller scale. On a lighter note, the latest eviction from PBB has produced a surprising result: the unexpected phenomenal popularity of Michael Sager and Emilio Daez.
Flashback to their performance inside the total institution called PBB, Sager and Daez were two charming, intelligent, if not rambunctious young men stealing the spotlight from the rest of the participants. You can almost feel the two were the only ones enjoying their stay to the fullest inside the house of Big Brother. While the others, to use the vocabulary of fans and observers, were playing safe, Sager and Daez were living up to the life inside, enduring the punishment even. Add to this one fact: the two were two of the most articulate participants in the PBB house.
Nominated three times, Sager confided how he was frustrated about being not accepted at all by the members while inside the house. Were they threatened by his character? He confessed to one wild wish—that he be spared from nomination even for a week. But this did not happen. Daez, on the one hand, was utterly candid enough to admit that he has only 10 fans. Stepping out, Daez by now should realize that he must have a thousand or more already.
Interestingly enough, the concept of Panopticon as control seems to operate still at present, if control could mean dreariness and dark conquest of one’s spirit. Outside, both Michael Sager and Emilio Daez seem to have found a new way of contending with their respective identity. A bright future is there for these two intrepid artists, both as a team and yet each possessing strong individual characteristics. An observer sums up the unintended consequence of their eviction: “More people will be watching Michael and Emilio. After all, their actions outside are by far more interesting than what is happening inside the house of Kuya, where the panopticon— the all-seeing eye—directs always the behavior of everyone.” n
‘Masked Singer Pilipinas’ unmasks judges for Season 3 return
By Patrick Villanueva
FANS of Masked Singer Pilipinas, the Philippines’ most thrilling mystery music spectacle, are in for a treat as the show announced during its media launch on April 29 its Season 3 return, all with a new roster of panelists and amazing performances from mysterious celebrities.
Returning to lead the reality TV competition is host Billy Crawford, who is excited to share the stage with new and powerhouse judges in Nadine Lustre, Pops Fernandez, Janno Gibbs, and Arthur Nery for the show’s third installment.
“It’s a gem working with amazing, talented people on a regular taping day so parang it’s not even work anymore. Kumbaga, nagi-enjoy lang ako kasama nila,” said Billy about working with the new judges.
Another one returning to the show, now as a judge, was famed singer-songwriter Arthur Nery who previously took on the mask of “Jeepie,” finishing
third on the show’s second season.
Sobrang iba ’yung feeling nung contestant ako kasi bawal ako magsalita...sobrang iba po siya kasi may nakakausap na po ako tapos ang saya lang po talaga namin,” Arthur told the media when asked about his transition from contestant to panelist. Meanwhile, award-winning actress and pop culture figure Nadine Lustre reminisced about her time in the show, saying that she and her co-judges all enjoyed and bonded during the taping.
Talagang masasabi ko na ’yung Masked Singer, isa ’to sa pinaka-memorable na project na nagawa ko ever,” she said, adding that her favorite was Foxtastic Samurai because of their surprising performances.
The show’s premise is about guessing the singers behind the mask with only a few clues given to the judges. And the judges were more than excited to take on and guess the mystery celebrities.
One who was ready to unmask the 16 contestants was the Concert Queen Pops Fernandez, who revealed that, even with her expertise, guessing the singers was “challenging for me kasi minsan akala ko kakilala ko na ’yung voice pero hindi ako sure...pero masasabi ko, again, napakagaling nilang mag-perform.”
Veteran singer-actor-comedian Janno Gibbs added that the contestants also tried varying their genre to make “guessing the singer” more interesting. “Kung hindi nila iniiba ’yung boses nila, they will sing ’yung genre na malayo sa kanila.” When asked to give hints on which celebrities to expect during the show, Billy revealed that, “May mga beterano, may mga comedians...maraming unexpected eh. Meron ding mga personalities, meron ding all-ages...so kung pag-iisipan niyo kung sino-sino ang pwede, lahat pwede. Dito talaga ’yung paghula mo, expect the unexpected,” he added. Bringing in fun, excitement, and mystery to the fans and newcomers alike, Masked Singer Pilipinas is set to premiere on TV5 and Sari Sari Channel on May 17 and 18, thereafter airing weekly at 7:45 pm.
ICCP Group Foundation, Inc., Ronald McDonald House Charities renew partnership to boost educational support
THE ICCP Group Foundation, Inc. (IGFI), the ICCP Group’s social responsibility arm, has renewed its three-year partnership with the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) to strengthen educational initiatives for underserved communities across the country.
As part of this ongoing collaboration, RMHC has donated 10,000 brand-new toys and learning booklets to IGFI for distribution to its partner elementary schools in Laguna, Batangas, Pampanga, and Bataan. These materials from RMHC are designed to foster creativity, literacy, and cognitive development among
children. A total of 7,000 students benefitted from this initiative.
This renewed partnership marks a significant increase from last year’s contribution of 5,000 items, reflecting RMHC’s strong support for the IGFI’s long-term efforts in youth education and development.
Canon revolutionizes filmmaking with powerful Cinema EOS camera lineup
CANON Philippines presented their revolutionary Cinema EOS lineup at an exclusive event held at Yellow Studio, Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati City. The showcase featured the EOS R5 C, EOS C80, and EOS C400 – a comprehensive line of cameras designed to address the diverse needs of directors, modern cinematographers, from independent creators to established production houses.
“Today’s filmmakers need tools that push beyond conventional limitations, adapting to their creative vision rather than constraining it,” said Jian Liu, Canon Philippines Director for Consumer Information and Imaging. “Our Cinema EOS lineup is a significant upgrade from our
previous cameras in both performance and versatility. We’ve engineered these cameras to deliver exceptional image quality and versatility, setting a standard for what filmmakers can expect from their equipment.”
The EOS R5 C is a hybrid solution that combines CINEMA EOS and EOS R capabilities, offering both 45-megapixel still photography and 8K/60p RAW video recording in a single compact body.
The EOS C80 is an ultra-portable full-frame camera with RF mount, weighing just 1300g and designed for mobile filmmaking on gimbals and drones.
For more demanding production environments, the EOS C400 comes equipped with a 6K full-frame backilluminated stacked CMOS sensor and expanded SDI and Ethernet terminals for live production workflows.
Media representatives and industry professionals tested all three models during the hands-on portion of the program. Technical advancements across the ecosystem, including stunning image quality, shallow depth of field, and beautiful bokeh, were central to the product demonstrations.
The event also featured hands-on testing by a diverse group of industry professionals. Husband and wife photography and videography duo Jayson and Joanne Arquiza explored the EOS R5 C’s hybrid capabilities for commercial and advertising setups, while producers and directors Paolo Ruiz, Ian Celis, and Wesley Villarica put the EOS C80’s mobility to the test. Filmmaker Zig Dulay joined Neil Daza for a filmmaking and cinematography panel showcasing the features of the EOS C400. Through these interactive demonstrations, Canon showcased its commitment to making professional cinema tools accessible while pushing technical standards in digital filmmaking. The comprehensive Cinema EOS lineup creates an ecosystem where filmmakers at every career stage can find the precise tools for their creative vision, from independent productions to high-end commercial projects.
Make It in the Philippines: PSMEX & IMTAP 2025 to Showcase the Best of Philippine Manufacturing
THE Philippines is ready to take center stage in the global manufacturing arena. The 3rd Philippine Subcon and Manufacturers Exhibition (PSMEX 2025), themed “Make it in the Philippines,” is set to return back-to-back with the 2nd International Machinery, Tools, and Accessories Philippines (i-MTAP 2025) from May 8 to 10, 2025, at Halls A, B, C, and D of the World Trade Center, Metro Manila. This highly anticipated event will spotlight the capabilities, craftsmanship, and industrial excellence of the Philippines, attracting both local and foreign investors looking to tap into one of the most promising manufacturing hubs in Asia. With the strong call to “Make it in the Philippines,” PSMEX 2025 aims to position the country as a preferred destination for manufacturing, subcontracting, and industrial partnerships. This Reverse Trade Fair will provide a unique opportunity for global investors, businesses, and decision-makers to connect directly with local manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers in five key industries: Aerospace, Automotive, Motorcycle, Boat and Vessels, and Electronics. Attendees will experience firsthand the world-class capabilities, cost-effective solutions, and skilled workforce that make the Philippines a prime destination for industrial investments. Meanwhile, i-MTAP 2025 will serve as a platform for exhibitors to showcase cutting-edge innovations in machinery, automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Visitors will gain access
adoption. The event will highlight the strength of Filipino craftsmanship, reinforcing the message that “Galing Pinoy, Gawang Pinoy” – world-class talent and products made by skilled Filipino hands.
For international investors, manufacturers, and business leaders, PSMEX & i-MTAP 2025 present an unrivaled opportunity to explore partnerships, expand operations, and leverage the Philippines as a strategic manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia. Whether you are looking for high-quality subcontracting services, cuttingedge industrial solutions, or potential joint ventures, this is the event to attend.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the future of Philippine manufacturing! For inquiries, contact psmexhibition@gmail.com | imtaphilippines@gmail. com or call 632-8985-3375 | 09694775259 (Smart) | 09175177619 (Globe).
“We are deeply grateful to Ronald McDonald House Charities for their generous donation,” said IGFI President Richard Albert I. Osmond. “This partnership reflects our shared dedication to nurturing the potential of children in our host communities and providing them with the tools they need to thrive.”
IGFI maintains a strong presence in key growth areas through its companies, including Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation (PDO), a successful real estate company with residential and commercial projects in Batangas, Cebu, Pampanga, and Cagayan de Oro, and Science Park of the Philippines, Inc. (SPPI)—a leading industrial estate developer with locations in Laguna, Batangas, Cebu, and Bataan.
MOMents of Love: Celebrate Mother’s Day in Grand Fashion at Okada Manila
MOMents of Love: Celebrate Mother’s Day in Grand Fashion at Okada Manila
OKADA Manila, the Philippines’ true Forbes 5-star integrated resort, has curated the ultimate Mother’s Day experience. This May, expect indulgent flavors, rejuvenating retreats, family-friendly fun, and more spectacular surprises that will excite Mom and the whole family.
Mother’s Day Dining OKADA Manila is serving up a spectacle that will surely suit Mom’s palate.
For a splendid Italian feast, La Piazza offers an exquisite 7-course meal perfect for sharing with loved ones. For P10,000 nett, you’ll get to enjoy a curated dinner spread composed of fresh tuna, succulent Iberico ham, delicate barramundi, and more.
At Yu Lei, you can savor a spread meant for an Empress. The limited-time menu features exquisite servings of tender duck breast, juicy Kurobuta pork, exceptional seafood, and more—all for P6,000. Plus, enjoy a complimentary signature Machang to take home. Meanwhile, at Enbu, Japanese culinary traditions are on full display for the whole family to enjoy. Enjoy delicate Seabream, comforting Chawanmushi, succulent US Beef Ribeye, and more fantastic dishes for P5,088 nett. Enjoy a delicious journey across the world’s best flavors at Medley Buffet exclusively on May 11. Elevate your family lunch or dinner with succulent Boston
DUSITD2 Davao and Dusit Thani Residence Davao delighted families and guests this April with two memorable celebrations: “Easter Pastel Wonderland” and “Table for Earth: A Night of Food, Friendship, and Art.” Each event showcased Dusit Davao Hotels’ commitment to creating experiences that blend joy, creativity, and meaningful connection.
Table for Earth: A Night to Remember TO mark Earth Day last April 22, 2025, Dusit Davao Hotels also hosted “Table for Earth,” an intimate, plantbased dining experience celebrating sustainability and shared commitment to the planet. Guests were treated to a four-course, plant-based menu in an earth-themed setup, encouraging conversation and reflection on environmental responsibility. The evening concluded with a creative tote bag painting session and inspiring dialogue among attendees.
Easter Pastel Wonderland: Whimsy and Wonder for the Whole Family
ON April 20, 2025, the Dusit Thani Grand Ballroom was transformed into a colorful springtime haven for Easter Pastel Wonderland—a festive celebration specially curated for families. With admission priced at P2,600 per child and accompanying guardian, guests were treated to an afternoon filled with delightful activities, whimsical entertainment, and joyful bonding.
Guests began their experience with a charming pica-pica set-up before entering the Grand Ballroom through a tunnel of pastel balloons. Inside, they were welcomed by the friendly Dusit Davao staff clad in pastel outfits and bunny ear headbands, setting the tone for a cheerful Easter celebration.
Lobster, crispy Lechon, rich Oysters Rockefeller, and more alongside free-flowing wines and drinks, as well as local and international desserts. Enjoy the buffet for P4,500 for adults and P2,250 for kids.
Sweeten your moments with delightful confections from the Lobby Lounge and Pastry Shop. There’s the tropical bliss of the Coconut and Pineapple Velvet Entremet, the floral touch of the Lychee Rose Petit Gateaux, the decadence of chocolates and pralines. These treats are available starting at P450.
Getaways Fit for a Queen SHOW just how much she is cherished with a head-to-toe wellness experience. From unwinding with world-class massage treatments to enjoying fun mother-daughter mani-pedis, it will be an escape filled with serenity and wellness.
At The Retreat Spa, gift Mom the ultimate escape with the Luxurious Relaxation package. Worth P8,888, it features an aromatic Aromatherapy Bath, the soothing Indayog ng Duyan massage, and a revitalizing facial Energy Lift.
Pamper Mom with a revitalizing experience for P5,588 at the Beauty Salon, featuring a nourishing Herbal scalp treatment combined with a classic manicure and pedicure.
Create a special memory with the Mom & Me Treat at the Nail Art Studio. Enjoy foot treatments for two, complete with a special take-home gift for P3,888.
Treat Mom to a unique pampering session at the Barbershop. For PHP 2,888, get precision styling accompanied by a relaxing head-neck-shoulder massage.
Indulge in shared relaxation with the Couple’s Serenity package at Sole Retreat Spa. Enjoy a soothing foot soak, therapeutic reflexology, and a tension-releasing head-neck-shoulder massage for two for only P6,888.
Indulgent Surprises for Her SURPRISE Mom with a present that’s as special as her. For a unique gift, give Mom a unique scent from Jo Malone. Simply present up to three combined receipts totaling P25,000 from The Gift Boutique or P20,000 for Reward
Circle members to receive a complimentary Jo Malone perfume.
Shop at The Promenade and surprise Mom with an elegant timepiece. Present a single receipt worth P10,000 or P5,000 for Reward Circle members from any retail outlet and enjoy a P1,000 voucher for Ferragamo, Versace, and Philipp Plein watches, and more.
Joyful Memories with Mom CREATE joyful memories at PLAY with special Mother’s Day activities from May 9 to 11. Take part in the fun Mommylympics, unleash creativity with arts and crafts, capture precious moments at the photo booth, and relax in a dedicated special lounge area for moms. Tickets are available at P699 for kids and P299 for adults. Take Mom to an exciting Mother’s Day experience at Thrillscape. Embark on fun team games, win fantastic prizes, and create special keepsakes for P2,396. For a surprise that blooms with love, head to Les Fleurs. Choose from over 14 exclusive floral arrangements that start at P880.
Rewarding Experiences FOR Reward Circle members, get to enjoy a variety of rewards-filled experiences. Enjoy five percent OFF on select Okada Manila-owned outlets ranging from The Gift Boutique to restaurants. Get 50 percent OFF when you bring a friend to enjoy relaxing treatments. Lastly, earn Tier Points to get exclusive premium items from Kate Spade, APM Monaco, and more.
Stellar Moments EVERY corner of Okada Manila is designed to make this year’s Mother’s Day the best one yet! Discover all these wonders and treat Mom and the family to the ultimate getaway this May. For more information about these offers, visit (LINK). For dining inquiries and reservations, email RestaurantReservation@okadamanila.com or contact +632 8555 5799. For spa inquiries, reach out through relax@okadamanila.com or +632 8555 5775.
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DISTRIBUTING toys and learning booklets at an IGFI partner school.
Editor: Tet Andolong
WHEN Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) offi -
cially rolled out the latest iteration of the HR-V model, available in the new top-spec RS e:HEV variant, it further expanded the brand’s electrified lineup. Now, the triumvirate of Honda e:HEV models are the CR-V RS e:HEV, Civic RS e:HEV, and the latest addition, the new HR-V 1.5 RS e:HEV. We knew that a media drive for the latest HR-V variant was underway. But HCPI made an excellent decision to commission the entire electrified lineup for a grand media test drive event for these top-spec e:HEV models. The destination was Baguio to determine the hybrid system’s capability to deliver the expected results of the combined power and fuel efficiency. Groups were assigned and took turns experiencing each electrified model, whether on the freeway, the twisties of Kenon Road, or back.
The electrified HR-V OUR first task was the new HR-V RS e:HEV. The entire drive episode covered the entire stretch of the northern freeways up to La Union. It was the ultimate high-speed test for Honda’s latest 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain setup. Smaller than the Civic’s and CR-V’s electrified mill, HR-V’s e:HEV system still packs power ratings of 104 hp/ 127N-m (1.5-liter petrol engine) and 129 hp/ 253N-m of torque (electric traction motor).
As expected, the rate of acceleration coming from an electrified mill was evident. Climbing to high-speed limits was swift and effortless. Every time the speed reached above 90-ish km/h, that was when the petrol engine took control. Similar to our experience with the non-hybrid version, the
latest generation HR-V frame proved well-planted and steady on highway runs. But understandably, the NVH level is not comparable to the CR-V’s and Civic’s.
Inside, the human-centric cabin has good ergonomics and quality materials and is built with ULT seats. Exclusive to the RS e:HEV is the dual-zone automatic air conditioning, which adjusts temperature and airflow separately. Wireless connectivity for Apple Carplay and Android Auto and a wireless charging function (V and RS) are standard features.
Reunited with the electrified CR-V NEXT in line was the RS e:HEV E-CVT variant. The following task was tackling the continuous climb and twisties of Kenon Road. Power-wise, the 2.0-liter engine alone generates 146 hp and 183 N-m of torque, while the electric motor dishes out 181 hp and 335 N-m of torque. Behind the wheel, the experience was on a whole new different level. Driving along the winding roads, the instantaneous torque from the electric Traction Motor was unrelenting. Acceleration was swift
yet smooth.
Put the shift lever on “B,” and the regenerative braking is on, which becomes beneficial during descents and while tackling curves. The impressive steering feedback and regenerative braking enable us to focus solely on the right braking point and steering. With the impressive damping setup, the CR-V’s large frame felt otherwise and was quick at entering and exiting tight bends.
Apart from the myriad tech features inside, the finishes are piano black and brushed metal trims. There is also a new Honda Smart Key Card Entry and a Bose Premium Audio System with 12 speakers. Also available are intelligent dual-zone automatic, black leather seats with red stitching, four-way power lumbar support, and two-row seating.
The RS e:HEV touch
AT Mount Camisong Forrest Park, we lined up the three electrified models for a photoshoot. The HR-V highlights its front grille and bumper with a sporty chrome mesh and a “red ampup line.” The 18-inch black and silver
zzrims complement these. There is also a hands-free assist to open the tailgate via a kicking motion under the bumper, which automatically closes when one walks away.
The CR-V has the RS design grille, panoramic sunroof, piano black side mirrors with turn signals, gloss blackfinished door sash, front and rear LED fog lamps, body-color rear spoiler with piano black accents, piano black shark fin antenna, and RS design 18-inch piano black alloy wheels.
Last, the Civic has a unique new bumper design and lids under the Full-LED headlights (integrated with standard Daytime Running Lights), creating a separation effect from the front grille. Aside from the exclusive RS elements such as black-painted side mirrors, door handles, shark fin antenna, and trunk spoiler, the RS e:HEV received exclusive 18-inch Matte Gray Alloy Wheels.
Back with the electrified icon
THE Civic e:HEV model shares the same hybrid system with the CR-V. The engine alone generates 146 hp and 183 N-m of torque, while the
Road Trek has become a celebration of life
F a “kiss is just a kiss” as the line of a famous song goes, then a “trek is just a trek,” too?
Of course, not. Every trek is different, even if it means having the same destination all over again.
As the saying goes, “It’s not the destination but the journey.”
Always, a trek, like a kiss, is a learning curve, a lesson learned if you will.
As there are no two watches that tick identically, so do two similar destinations
not photocopies in thrill and in ecstasy.
Take the Road Trek. A YEARLY thing since 2005 that Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) does to haul off motoring journalists to different, at times, unexplored, if not totally exotic, places around the country, the Road Trek hasn’t lost its charm, mystery and allure. It is like a magnet that makes it a must for everyone worth his salt to attend every summer, heat wave notwithstanding. While it is basically an R&R thing, the Road Trek also offers a variety of challenging activities, including friendly hostilities among the journalists with lucrative prizes up for grabs to cap the joyous Awards & Farewell Dinner on the eve of departure.
But before that, there is this caravan that allowed us 28 journos divided into nine, three-person teams to drive Toyota’s latest
vehicle lineup on selected routes, dotted by locations that are mostly foreign to even the most grizzled of travelers.
The cars we used from April 23-25 in the Boracay getaway, included mostly HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) in a radical departure from the past 17 Road Treks, including the Corolla Altis GR-S HEV, Camry HEV, Zenix HEV, Corolla Cross G HEV, Corolla Cross GR-S HEV, Alphard HEV, Yaris Cross HEV, RAV4 HEV and the Zenix V (gasoline).
The support vehicles boarded mostly by TMP staff and the super-efficient Wizards of Ads personnel headed by Ianne Borillo were the Veloz, Hilux GR-S, Yaris Cross V (gasoline), four HiAce and two HiLux pick-ups.
I rode and immensely enjoyed the smooth-as-silk ride of both the Zenix HEV and Yaris Cross HEV in the company of my teammates, motoring editor Anjo
Perez of the Manila Times and the famous sportscaster Eric Tipan of Manila Bulletin. And may I commend Anjo and Eric for powering our Red Team to third place in the three-round, nine-team competition, earning us each a high-tech Asus Zenscreen 15.6” portable USB monitor and sandisk extreme portable SSD. I had finished second some Road Treks back so that maybe next year, I could finally hit the top podium placing to complete the 1-2-3 cycle—that is, if I get invited again?
Aside from the journey that brought us to scenic JawiIi Falls (who said Boracay is only about white powder-soft sand?) and the enchanting Solsticio Azzul Beach Resort in bucolic Pandan, Antique, we were particularly carried away by the stunning sunset view on board a mini yacht in Boracay the following day, capping the two-day extravaganza of three Fs: fun, food and
electric traction motor dishes out 181 hp and 335 N-m of torque. This electrified version of the Civic is green but mean. Thanks to the electric motor’s 335 N-m torque, there was no question about the instantaneous torque registration. Reaching high-speed limits was effortless, no matter how we went up and down.
The substantial amount of torque alone dismissed the fact that the Civic was loaded with four adults plus luggage. Of course, there was the regenerative braking. The regen effect was far better at the maximum level than engine braking. As a result, the one-pedal operation was done almost the entire time, tackling tight curves.
The vehicle handled highway bumps well on the freeway despite being fully occupied. It was like the dampers had longer strokes, absorbing bumps. At high-speed limits, the car was well-planted with muffled road noise. Factoring in all the cabin’s comfy elements, including the leg space, the entire freeway run became as blissful as riding a bigger car.
The Civic RS e:HEV has blended suede and leather upholstery. The RS
frolic in the sun off the majestic Crimson Hotel, definitely a hidden treasure far from the prying eyes of kibitzers and paparazzis. What is also most striking about the Road Trek is its tradition of assembling TMP’s top guns to join the trip. Thus, TMP president Masando Hashimoto was with us again as he did last year in Road Trek 17 in Davao’s seismic Samal Island, together with his army of vice presidents led by executive VP Jing Atienza, Masahiro Haoka, Sherwin Chua-Lim, Josephine Villanueva, Elijah Sue Marcial, Elvin Luciano, Andrew Ryan Ty, Jade Marie Sison-Mendoza and Manuel Luis Ulanday.
Just simply touching.
model’s nine-inch touchscreen display audio for in-car entertainment supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and is equipped with a 12-speaker Bose sound system. Of course, it also has Honda’s hybrid user interface, which displays energy flows, current battery charge, and other such information.
Eco runs
THE route back was about the EcoChallenge for the drive down to Clark, Pampanga. Grouped per vehicle model, we traversed the mountain roads down to Rosario, TPLEX, and Clark. Speed was limited to 80kph. At this point, the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) feature was the highlight. In the end, the winning teams yielded excellent fuel efficiency figures. Team CR-V achieved 28.4 km/L, team Civic 29.8 km/L, and team HR-V 31.5km/L. Honda Sensing and Connect
STRENGTHENING Honda’s commitment to a collision-free society by 2050, all e:HEV variants are equipped with “Honda SENSING” with improved cameras. Innovative features include a Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation System, Auto High Beam (AHB), and Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN).
For added advanced tech, there is also “Honda CONNECT,” allowing users to start, customize, and monitor their vehicle directly from their mobile phones. These functions are Climate Control, Lights on/off, Remote lock/unlock, Automatic Collision Detection, Visual Dashboard, Location Finder, Trip Log and history, Geofencing Alert, Push Notifications, Speed Alert, Car Status, and Emergency Call.
YOU see, of all the car companies in the country, only Toyota can be singled out as the one whose top bananas would freely mingle with the motoring media, join out-of-town trips consistently, in the process breaking chains of exclusivity and entitlement to become one with the toiling journalists in embracing the union of the server and the served. Thus, a reminder once more to every Road Trekker: a kiss is just a kiss, and a sigh is just a sigh. But a trek is not just a trek. It Is also a celebration of life. Yes, you may say that the just-ended Road Trek 18 in Boracay was just a three-day journey of togetherness, belonging, but, hey, it had felt like an eternity of blissful innocence. That’s because memories are
Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
HONDA’S
B8 | Friday, May 2, 2025
mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph
Editor: Jun Lomibao
Joo holds on to claim
Tour of Luzon title
Cordero,
Epa make short
work of Aussie pair
By Aldrin Quinto
CITY OF SANTA ROSA, Laguna—
Displaying finesse more than sheer force, Honey Grace Cordero and Kat Epa scored a quick 21-11, 21-8 victory over Australia’s Charlotte Graham and Emma Hannagan on Thursday to give the Philippines a bright start in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures Nuvali.
Cordero and Epa broke the Australians’ flow with a mix of cut shots and off-speed hits, taking control early and never letting up.
They also highlighted the 29-minute match with a handful of aces, with the 5-foot-5 Cordero nailing four straight aces to give the Philippines a 20-11 lead in the opening frame.
“We knew it was essential to get the opening win for the Philippines,” the 22-year-old Cordero said. “We’re so happy to get this victory.”
“The heat was so intense, we needed to push ourselves even more, knowing that fatigue would set in as the match went on,” Cordero added.
Champions in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, the National University Lady Bulldogs duo is seeing action in its second international event in as many months.
Epa and Cordero vowed to do even better in the coming matches.
“We know we need to work on a lot of things in our game. We aim to have a more fluid offense and solid defense,” Cordero said. They next take on Japan’s Keiko Urata and Minami Asano.
Epa and Cordero’s strong start provides a boost for other Alas Pilipinas pairs seeing action in the 19-nation meet, including the comebacking Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, Sunnie Villapando and Jen Gaviola, University of Santo Tomas pair Khylem Progella and Sofia Pagara, and the tandem of Alexa Polidario and Dij Rodriguez.
The main draw of the tournament organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation headed by its president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who is also the president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and Executive Vice President of the world volleyball governing body FIVB, gets going on Friday. Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures silver medalists Rancel Varga and James Buytrago are joined on the men’s side by Jude Garcia and Jaron Requinton, Lerry John Francisco and Edwin Tolentino, and the Ronniel Rosales-Alex Iraya pair in the tournament backed by Ayala Land, Nuvali Evoliving, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, PLDT Home, Rebisco, Akari, Mikasa, Microtel by Wyndham South Forbes, Cignal, One Sports, Pilipinas Live, Senoh, Alibaba Cloud, ialchemy, One Over Zero Technologies and Sumpreme Infotech Solutions.
Israel’s Daniela Gonzales and Dafna Maor defeated Australia’s Lina Mueller and Chloe Sumich, 21-18, 18-21, 15-12, Canada’s Emma Cudmore and Sophie Hancock took down Latvia’s Deneva Sauberga and Rezija Puskundze, 24-22, 21-12. Nozomi Sekiguchi and Yu Okuno beat Israel’s Shira Tal and Shiray Danenberg, 21-15, 21-17.
In men’s play, Italy’s Simone Podesta and Sergio Seregni downed Japan’s Ryo Tatsumi and Shiro Furuta, 21-15, 21-15.
By Josef T. Ramos
BAGUIO CITY—Joo Dae-Yeong overcame a killer lap to clinch the overall title of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) Tour of Luzon: Great Revival as Joshua Pascual ruled the eighth and last stage here on Thursday. Joo almost fumbled in the early part of the dreaded 177.54-kilometer eighth stage from Bugallon to Camp John Hay in Baguio City after suffering a tire punctured in Sison, Pangasinan.
He got a replacement tire in just 56 seconds and chased MPTC’s Mervin Corpuz, who looked set to surge ahead after taking a provisional overall lead of 2:30 with the pack still in in Pangasinan.
But Corpuz squandered his advantage in the last 15 kilometers, putting Joo of Gapyeong Cycling Team back in the overall lead and giving Standard
Insurance Philippine’s Jan Paul Morales a chance to seize the yellow jersey.
Joo stayed with the main pack for most of the stage before increasing the pace in the last 10 kilometers and finishing in 22nd place, just enough to clinch the crown in the race presented by MPTC and DuckWorld PH, backed by Cignal, Pilipinas Live, Meralco, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Health, Megaworld, Landco, PLDT and Smart.
“We had no plans today. We just kept on racing and racing, and we did not look back,” said Joo, who secured the overall title and the yellow jersey from Stage One’s Paoay Ilocos, Norte to Baguio City’s eighth stage with a time of 22 hours, 21 minutes, and eight seconds.
“I just took it one day at a time and kept going despite losing my teammates. I am happy to get the job done. This is my biggest victory in a cycling race so far,” added Joo, who placed 22nd in the last lap after trailing five minutes and 17 seconds behind Pascual.
Morales fell just short of an upset,
ending up just six seconds off Joo—the slimmest of margins in Tour history.
Jonel Carcueva of MPTD placed third overall, 52 seconds adrift.
“I am still happy despite losing the overall crown in my grasp. I had planned to retire upon winning…I will give it a shot next year,” Morales, 39, said.
Nichol Pareja of Victoria Sports Cycling Team ended up fourth, 54 seconds off, with Jeremy Lizardo of Standard Insurance fifth (2:32 behind) and Rench Michael Bondon of 7-Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines sixth (3:07).
James Paul Ryan Escumbien (3:34) and Jerico Jay Lucero (3:42) of Go For Gold Cycling Team wound up seventh and eighth while Ronald Oranza of Standard Insurance finished ninth (3:45) and Rustom Lim of MPT Drivehub 10th (3:57). Joo bagged the P1 million cash prize, while Morales earned P500,000. Corcueva gets P350,000.
Noodles Cycling Team, won the Eagle of the Mountain Award after clocking four hours, 16 minutes, and 14 seconds, beating Morales (2:20 behind) and Carcueva (2:37).
The Tour’s great revival is sanctioned by PhilCycling and endorsed by the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, Games and Amusements Board, BCDA and MVP Sports Foundation.
MPTD’s Mervin Corpuz, who started the day second overall two minutes behind Joo, finished 38th overall. Still, Corpuz managed to seize the sprint king award, and Escumbien was declared the best young rider. MPT Drivehub (88:22:02) won the Overall Team General Classification worth P1 million followed by Standard Insurance Philippines and Go For Gold.
Pascual, who rides for the Excellent
Baby Tamaraws stretch 3x3 winning streak to four
FAR EASTERN University stayed undefeated in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 87 high school boys’ 3x3 basketball tournament, escaping with a 21-16 win over De La Salle-Zobel on Thursdayat Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque.
Cabs Cabonillas spearheaded the Baby Tamaraws’ attack, finishing with 10 points and 11 rebounds, including the game-winning basket with 38.7 seconds left, as FEU improved to 4-0. Liam Salangsang scored seven and Marc Burgos added four points for FEU. Ateneo and Adamson hold 3-1 records, tied for second place.
LA CARLOTA CITY phenom Kathryn Bugna continued her impressive run, pulling off another three-title sweep in the Aklan National Junior Tennis Championships at the Kalibo courts last Wednesday—mirroring her dominant performance in Iloilo City recently. Bugna, a 14-year-old standout from the Batang Onay Tennis Club in Brgy. RSB, dropped just three games in four matches en route to the girls’ 14-andunder crown, capping it with a 6-0, 6-1 rout of Theriz Zapatos in the finals. She carried that momentum into the 16-and-under division, where she overwhelmed top seed Shanel Malbas, 6-1, 6-1, in another lopsided finale in the five-day tournament, part of the nationwide PPS-PEPP talent-search
The Blue Eagles edged the National University Bullpups, 15-14, behind Ziv Espinas’ all-around effort of seven points and seven rebounds.
University of the Philippines Integrated School also stayed in contention with a 15-13 victory over University of the East. Jaime Gomez de Liano led the Junior Maroons with seven points and seven rebounds.
UP joined NU and University of Santo Tomas in a three-way tie for fourth place, although the Bullpups hold the advantage via quotient.
The Girls’ 3x3 tournament opened on Thursday, with defending champion NU beating Ateneo, 21-5.
LOS ANGELES—LeBron James wasn’t ready to make any decisions about his future in the painful moments immediately after his 22nd NBA season ended with the Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round playoff exit.
“I don’t have the answer to that,” James said Wednesday night when asked how long he will continue to play. “Something I’ll sit down with my wife and my support group and kind of just talk through it, and see what happens. Just have conversations with myself on how long I want to continue to play. I don’t know the answer to that right now, to be honest.”
and Shinichi Suzuki (boys’ 15-18), Rafa Anciano and Levonne Talion (girls’ 15-18) and Venus delos Santos and Winter Serapio (girls’ 7-10). The spotlight shifts south as Apple Gotiong, who made a strong debut in last year’s JPGT, leads the girls’ 15-18 division. The field includes Davo’s Precious Zaragosa, Lois Laine Go, Niña Balangauan and Snow Yu. The boys’ 15-18 division also boasts a competitive field, with Jose Tiongko III, Yosef Tiongko, Ritchie Go,
program spearheaded by Palawan Pawnshop president Bobby Castro. Unseeded in the 18-and-under category, Bugna defied expectations again. She stunned No. 1 Alexandra Onte, 6-2, 6-2, in the opening round and crushed two more opponents, culminating in a dominant 6-0, 6-2 win over second seed Laurine Tana. The feat matched her triple-title romp in Iloilo and extended her amazing streak that began at the MACS’ Crankit tournament at Valle Verde, where she also ruled the 14- and 16-and-U divisions to earn another MVP trophy in the Group 2 event presented by Dunlop, sanctioned by Philta, and backed by Universal Tennis and ICON Golf & Sports. On the boys’ side,
The 40-year-old James has given no public indication he is thinking about retirement this summer, but Lakers fans will be holding their breath until the top scorer in NBA history makes his plans official.
James provided no hints after recording 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the Lakers’ 103-96 loss to Minnesota.
“It’s up to me if I’m going to continue to play, or how long I’m going to continue to play,” James said. “It’s ultimately up to me, so it has nothing to do with anybody else.”
Most observers think the four-time champion is planning to return for a 23rd season, which would break the NBA
Gesta and Alexander Gothong. In the girls’ 11-14 category, Rafella Batican is the top seed, with strong challenges expected from Zuri Bagaloyos, Margux Espina, Monique Tan and Brittany Tamayo, last year’s girls’ 10-12
Joo Dae Yeong (left) wins by six seconds in the 1,074.9-kilometer eight-stage race. PhilCycling President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, also the POC president, joins the team stage winners of 2025 MPTC Tour of Luzon: Great Revival on Thursday at the Camp John Hay in Baguio City after a grueling eight-stage cycling race. ROY DOMINGO
CEBU’S Eliana Mendoza is among the players to watch.
