BusinessMirror May 08, 2025

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PHL poised to become $2-T economy in 25 years

MBy Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

ILAN, Italy—The Philippines is poised to become a $2 trillion economy in 25 years, the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) said. In his keynote address at the Philippine Economic Dialogue here, the first economic briefing done by the country in Italy, Economic-planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said this is possible given the country’s young labor force.

Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in constant prices reached P22.244 trillion in 2024. Using a P55.61 to the US dollar exchange rate, this translates to $400 billion.

“The Philippines, an archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia, has a GDP of $392 billion and a population of 114 million—offering a large consumer market and a scalable labor force,” Balisacan said in his keynote speech.

“With a median age of just 27, our youthful, tech-savvy workforce is a competitive advantage in today’s dynamic global environment. Gross national income per capita stands at $4,320, positioning us firmly on the path toward upper-middle-income status,” he added.

In his presentation, Balisacan said that by 2050, the DEPDev estimates that the country’s GDP in constant prices will be P129 trillion while the population is expected to reach 136 million.

The median age in 25 years will be 37 years old and the country’s GNI per capita could reach $18,336. Based on the World Bank’s Atlas Method, this makes the country a “Rapidly Rising Middle Income Country.”

“At current growth trajectories—and barring significant external shocks—we anticipate reaching a $2 trillion economy by 2050, supported by a young and expanding population, making the Philippines an attractive destination for long-term investment,” Balisacan said. The country’s chief economist said the

groundwork needed to attain this growth in the country’s GDP and per capita income is already being laid out today.

These efforts include 207 projects listed under the country’s Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) amounting to $177.7 billion or P10.1 trillion.

Balisacan told reporters here that the list included those being done with the private sector through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).

“Kaya kung may PPP na private na, that satisfies the criteria of flagship, then it can be counted. Provided the private sector proponent will agree to the requirements, comply with the requirements, like full disclosure,” Balisacan said.

DEPDev Undersecretary Joseph Capuno clarified that the full disclosure pertain to the physical accomplishments of the PPPs that are needed for period reporting.

Capuno also said the latest list of projects cover projects that have been completed and were added. The list, he stressed, is updated annually.

He said when projects are removed, there is a possibility that these are not moving or are no longer being prioritized by the agencies undertaking them.

As of April 30, the IFPs include 139 projects on physical connectivity worth $151.5 billion; 32 in water resources worth $14 billion; nine in other infrastructure projects worth $3 billion; and nine in agriculture worth $3.8 billion.

The list also included six for digital connectivity worth $1.5 billion; five on health worth $1.7 billion; three on power and energy worth $1.3 billion; two in education worth $600 million; and two in housing worth $300 million.

Balisacan also shared key policy advancements include the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, the CREATE MORE Act, and the establishment of green lanes for strategic investments, along with measures to expedite infrastructure development and reduce

See “Balisacan,” A4

Lawmakers seek House probe of Chinese activities in Cagayan

THREE lawmakers have filed a resolution in the House of Representatives seeking an immediate investigation into the environmental and economic consequences of Chinese-led dredging activities in the Cagayan River, which have reportedly devastated marine ecosystems and displaced local livelihoods

previous administration. In House Resolution 2278, Gabriela Rep. Arlene D. Brosas, ACT Teachers Rep. France L. Castro, and Kabataan Rep. Raoul D. Manuel urged the appropriate House committee to launch an inquiry into the operations of Chinese companies accused of conducting “environmentally destructive and exploitative activities.”

Central to the resolution is the controversial Cagayan River Restoration Project, launched in 2021 during the Duterte administration. While the project was presented as a flood mitigation initiative, it involved extensive dredging operations by Chinese contractors, which have since been linked to the collapse of local fisheries, particularly in the coastal town of Aparri.

“Daily earnings reportedly dropped from P7,000–P9,000 to as low as P900,” the resolution said, underscoring the severe economic losses faced by small fisherfolk.

Fisherfolk groups and environmental watchdogs, including Pamalakaya (Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas), have alleged that the dredging was a guise for black sand or magnetite mining rather than a genuine river reha -

Alyansa backs review of franchises given to water distribution utilities

IN the face of worsening water shortages across Bulacan and other parts of

the country, Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas on Wednesday expressed strong support for a review of the franchises granted to privatized public utilities— particularly those involved in water services—amid growing public outcry over poor service delivery.

This comes as Malacañang announced that it will investigate PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. following mounting complaints about water interruptions and unsatisfactory service in several provinces, including Bulacan.

Former senator Vicente Sotto, ACTCIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo, and former senator Panfilo Lacson emphasized the urgency of prioritizing basic needs such as water, especially in the heat of summer when demand is high and supply issues are most felt by residents.

“Of course, when it comes to basic needs or public utilities, they should always be

bilitation effort. These concerns, according to the resolution, were disregarded despite vocal opposition from affected communities.

“While the dredging was suspended in 2023, its ecological aftermath continues to cripple the livelihoods of coastal communities, with no substantial rehabilitation or compensation provided to date,” the resolution said.

The resolution also connects the Cagayan project to a broader pattern of environmentally harmful ventures involving Chinese entities across the Philippines.

a priority—they shouldn’t be disrupted,” Sotto said. “If you’re talking about the privatization of utilities

It calls for legislative action to prevent

“further exploitation by foreign corporate interests operating with impunity.”

“There is an urgent need to uphold national patrimony over our natural resources and prevent further exploitation by foreign corporate interests operating with impunity,” the lawmakers stressed. The resolution seeks a full congressional inquiry in aid of legislation, aiming to ensure accountability and protection for coastal communities facing long-term ecological and economic damage.

Grab Ph, Move It, Comelec partner to push for voter education, empowerment

AS a committed partner of Filipinos in nation-building, Grab Philippines and local motorcycle taxi platform MOVE IT have partnered with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to launch #RIDETOVOTE — a two-phase voter education and empowerment campaign ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.

Grab is leveraging its digital ecosystem — including its superapp, highly-engaged social media pages, and robust influencer network — to disseminate vital voter information in partnership with COMELEC. These include checklists for election day, identification reminders, and guidance on voting do’s and don’ts – all geared at helping the Filipino electorate prepare for the elections.

Grab Philippines Country Head Ronald Roda states: “As a partner in nation-building and progress, Grab Philippines recognizes that an informed and empowered electorate is the cornerstone of a strong democracy. Through this partnership with COMELEC, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Filipino people not only in their everyday journeys, but also in their collective journey toward a more inclusive and prosperous future. We stand with every Filipino in ensuring that their voice is heard, their choice is informed, and their vote helps shape a better Philippines for generations to come.”

Transport Accessibility to Encourage

From left to right: Commission on Elections Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. and Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, Grab Philippines Country Head Ronald Roda, MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto,

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

during the

‘Sand dredged from PHL beaches being used for WPS reclamations’

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

PRESIDENT Marcos has ordered a thorough investigation on reports that sand dredged from the Philippines coastal areas is being used for illegal reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Chief Executive is already aware of the said incidents. Related story on Economy page

“The investigation is ongoing and once there is a final investigation or conclusion regarding this, an immediate order will be made— depending on the results of the investigation,” Castro said in Filipino. She made the remark when asked for a reaction on the statement of the National Intelligence

Coordinating Agency (Nica) Deputy Director General Ashley Acedillo during a hearing last Monday conducted by the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones on the sand dredging and reclamation activities allegedly conducted by China.

Acedillo said they also have an ongoing “multi-dimensional” audit of the footprint of China on the country’s economy and politics.

“After receiving information regarding this, the President ordered a thorough investigation into this,”

Castro said.

Enhanced WPS security

DURING the oath-taking ceremony of the newly promoted Coast Guard (PCG) officers in Malacañang on Tuesday, Marcos reiterated that the government will continue to ramp up its efforts to secure the country’s maritime territory in the WPS.

“We have made meaningful progress but we must also recognize that the work is never over,”

Marcos said.

He lauded the PCG for successfully conducting 130 patrols that were crucial in securing the country’s maritime borders against foreign encroachment in the WPS.

“Your continued patrols across the Kalayaan Island Group, the Philippine Rise, and our other maritime zones reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our sovereign rights,” Marcos said.

Aside from such patrol and similar activities, PCG also distributed 36 high-speed rigid-hull boats to its district offices, to reinforce their rapid deployment and interdiction capabilities.

No failure, postponement of midterm

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday vowed that there will be no failure or postponement of the May 12 national and local elections in any precinct across the country.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia gave the assurance during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday, emphasizing that the poll body will not allow any voter to be disfranchised.

“We are not postponing any election in any part of the country. We will push through no matter what. We have only one instruction to all Comelec officials and personnel nationwide—and I hope this is clear to everyone: no failure of election in any barangay or precinct across the country,” Garcia said, partly in Filipino. His statement came hours after one of the three voting classrooms at Dangdangla Elementary School in Bangued, Abra burned on Wednesday midnight.

The polling center was reportedly damaged by 70 percent. Garcia said the cause of the fire is still under investigation and that authorities have yet to determine whether it was an act of arson.

Based on Comelec records, Abra has 188,957 registered voters, 35,227 of whom are in Bangued.

“That incident is critical because it’s a clustered precinct and the only polling place in that barangay. That means all voters in the area are expected to cast their votes there,” Garcia explained.

Despite the damage, the Comelec chairman assured that the voters would not be relocated to a different site. He said a makeshift voting center will be set up within the school grounds to avoid disruption.

“Our election officer initially found a potential alternative site, a military camp... But we decided not to move voting there. We’d rather set up a makeshift polling area or use the remaining two classrooms. What matters

Marcos said PCG was also able to forge partnerships with the United States and its neighboring Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) countries to “preserve peace and ensure the freedom of navigation,” in the SCS.

These efforts, the President said, help protect the country’s territories.

“What you are doing is not only protecting citizens. You are defining for the rest of the world the territory of the Republic of the Philippines. And having done so, you are defending that territory,”

Marcos said.

He also commended PCG for conducting about 2.7 million inspections from January 2024 to March 2025, responding to over 2,000 maritime incidents and in the rescue of nearly 4,500 individuals, and 33,000 sea marshaling operations.

“This is what sets the PCG apart: In the face of uncertainty, you show up. In the middle of the storm, you bring order. In the loneliest parts of our waters, you bring hope,” Marcos said.

polls–Comelec

is that voters are not displaced,” he added.

To secure the area, Comelec will deploy additional personnel from the National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces (AFP).

Separately, Garcia said Comelec will also extend assistance to the family of a worker killed in Bukidnon while on election duty.

The victim was an employee of logistics provider F2 and died after the delivery truck he was driving fell into a ravine along Sayre Highway in Puerto, Cagayan de Oro.

Garcia confirmed that no election materials were compromised in the accident.

FTS postponed in Zamboanga Sibugay

THE Comelec, meanwhile, postponed the conduct of field testing and sealing (FTS) in a town in Zamboanga Sibugay owing to “ongoing clashes between soldiers and rebels.”

“We had to suspend the delivery of the [automated counting]

machines and the [FTS] process for safety reasons. We don’t want to risk anything,” Garcia said. FTS is a crucial pre-election procedure wherein electoral boards test the ACMs to ensure their accuracy.

Ten randomly selected voters are allowed to cast test ballots, which are manually counted and compared to the machine’s tally.

Once verified, the ACMs are sealed and stored in the Office of the Department of Education District Supervisor. They are secured by PNP and AFP personnel until election day.

The testing is scheduled to run from May 2 to May 7.

If the procedure cannot be conducted during this period, the electoral board will instead perform the testing and sealing of the vote counting machines at the polling place itself.

This may be done anytime from May 8 to 12, as long as it is completed before the polling precincts officially open.

Lakas, Tingog set major rally in Tacloban

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

AFEW days before the May 12 elections, the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) with the Tingog Party-list are set to mount a major regional unity rally in Eastern Visayas on Thursday to galvanize support from the region’s three million Waray voters for President Marcos’ Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate.

The rally, taking place in Tacloban City, is expected to gather an impressive coalition: six governors, 13 district representatives, 136 town mayors, seven city mayors, and more than 10,000 grassroots leaders and volunteers. This show of force across party lines is being hailed as the most significant political convergence in the region in support of the administration’s 2025 midterm election slate.

“This is the unified voice of a region that has found strength and clarity in President Bongbong R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas. When leadership takes root in the grassroots, governance flourishes at the national level,” said the Tingog Party-list, represented by Reps. Yedda K. Romualdez and Jude Acidre.

The grand event, co-organized by LakasCMD, will begin with a motorcade through Tacloban City and culminate in a program at the Tacloban City Astrodome, where all 11 senatorial candidates under the Alyansa coalition are invited to present their vision and platforms.

With its three million registered voters, Eastern Visayas stands to become a decisive political bloc in the upcoming 2025 elections.

“This gathering is not just participation—it’s a declaration. Eastern Visayas will not only vote; we will lead,” Tingog said.

“Eastern Visayas stands firm: we support candidates who demonstrate compassion, vision, and concrete action for the people. When regions unite, the nation advances. This is our contribution to a Bagong Pilipinas—a government rooted in care, unity, and authentic service,” said Romualdez.

“Leadership must be rooted in love of country and service to others. On May 8, Region 8 declared, We stand for unity, not division; for service, not self-interest; for country—always,” added the House leader.

Meanwhile, the party-list group underscored that the region’s influence comes not only from its population but from its shared resolve.

“Here in Region 8, we speak with one voice—and that voice calls for competent, compassionate, and credible leadership,” the party said.

The rally will also honor the role of grassroots leaders, particularly barangay officials, in shaping national progress.

“This is a gathering of public servants— those who rise before dawn to serve, who know their communities by name and need. Their endorsement carries the weight of lived experience,” Tingog added.

“When regions rise in unity, the nation moves forward. This is Eastern Visayas’ contribution to democratic renewal—a Philippines anchored on hope, action, and collective resolve,” Tingog said. The event will also spotlight legislative priorities and local programs aligned with the Alyansa platform, which focuses on jobs, education, peace, and inclusive growth.

“Tingog will always be the people’s voice. And through this rally, we will make that voice heard—loud, clear, and united,” Tingog affirmed.

“We believe in leadership that listens and in governance that includes. That’s what each of these 11 candidates represents, and that is why we will work day and night to send them to the Senate,” the party added. The Alyansa senatorial ticket includes Benhur Abalos, Abby Binay, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, Francis Tolentino, Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, Tito Sotto, Erwin Tulfo, and Camille Villar.

Comelec TF seeks disqualification of 24 bets for campaign violations

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has filed disqualification cases against 24 national and local candidates for allegedly violating rules on the proper placement of campaign materials.

Among those facing disqualification is senatorial aspirant and incumbent Valenzuela Second District Rep. Eric M. Martinez, who drew criticism last month for using a university logo in his campaign materials without permission.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia confirmed on Wednesday that Martinez and 23 other candidates had been issued multiple notices to remove their illegally posted materials, but many remained in public spaces despite the official warnings.

Candidates are also required to print the statement “This material should be recycled or disposed of responsibly” on their materials.

Those who fail to comply will be sent a notice of removal. If the materials are not removed within three days, the Comelec issues a show cause order. Garcia said the series of disqualification cases shows the poll body’s commitment to strictly enforcing its regulations.

“If we don’t implement these rules, the next elections will see all public places flooded with campaign materials. Candidates will just say Comelec is too soft and doesn’t enforce its own guidelines,” he said.

why this is happening—especially since water is a basic need and complaints are coming from multiple areas.” Meanwhile, Tulfo slammed long-term utility franchises that allow companies to operate with impunity despite repeated failures to meet service standards.

“It’s the people who suffer. It’s high time Congress and the Senate reviewed the franchise terms. If you really can’t deliver proper service, then the franchise should be revoked.”

“We cannot allow the public to suffer in silence for the next 25 years,” Tulfo warned. “If they can’t do the job, someone else should.” Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz Alyansa. . .

“These companies are not complying with the regulations. The problem is, they’re granted franchises for 20 to 25 years. Even if what comes out of the faucet is muddy water, even if the electricity service is poor, operations continue,” Tulfo said.

the cost of doing business.

He invited investors to explore opportunities within the Luzon Economic Corridor, a

Local leaders and residents in Bulacan have welcomed the national government’s plan to investigate PrimeWater, the private firm managing the province’s water distribution. They say it is a longoverdue move that could help resolve persistent water interruptions, poor quality, and weak pressure that have become part of their daily struggle.

key government initiative aimed at boosting trade and investment across the region.

“The Luzon Economic Corridor connects Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas through coordinated investments in logistics, energy, and infrastructure. This corridor supports key sectors, such as agribusiness, semiconductors, manufacturing, and finance—serving as a launchpad into Asian and global markets,” he explained.

During the panel discussion, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman emphasized the government’s sustained investments in human capital, focus on education, health, and social protection that complement the upgrade of the country’s infrastructure through the Build-Better-More program.

She also discussed game-changing procurement reforms under the New Government Procurement Act, which enables enhanced opportunities and alternatives for private-sector participation in the provision of various public goods and services.

Finance Undersecretary Domini S. Velasquez detailed the government’s efforts to strengthen the economy’s fiscal foundations, with debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) and deficit-to-GDP ratios remaining manageable and PPPs providing critical financing for transformative infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, Bangko Sentral (BSP) Assistant Governor Zeno R. Abenoja highlighted how the government was able to effectively manage inflation, providing ample room for an accommodative monetary policy that will support sustained consumption and investment activities in the coming years.

The Philippine Economic Dialogue, conducted on the sidelines of the 58th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Milan, Italy, was attended by around ninety participants from the European business and financial communities as well as delegates from the ADB Annual Meeting.

“Although they acknowledged receipt of the notices to remove the materials, many of the posters remained in areas where posting is prohibited.

These are public places, so the Task Force [Baklas] had no choice but to initiate disqualification proceedings,” Garcia said, partly in Filipino.

Aside from Martinez, Comelec is also seeking the disqualification of Manila vice mayoral bets Angela “Chi” I. Atienza and Nino L. Magno; Bulacan gubernatorial bets Salvador “Bogs” D. Violago and Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado; and Rizal vice mayoral bet Jeca B. Villanueva.

The disqualification complaints also cover six candidates from Taytay, Rizal, five from Pampanga, three from Bulacan, and others from San Juan, Pasig, Manila, and Cebu.

Comelec rules under Resolution 11086 state that campaign materials may only be posted in designated common poster areas (CPAs) in public spaces or on private property with the consent of the owner.

One CPA is allowed for every 5,000 registered voters per barangay, with additional CPAs for every subsequent 5,000 voters or fraction thereof.

Posters in CPAs must not exceed two by three feet, while there are no size limits for those placed on private property.

Show cause orders vs political couples THE Comelec’s Committee on Kontra Bigay meawhile has issued show cause orders to two political couples in Marikina and Laguna over alleged votebuying and the misuse of government programs for campaigning.

In separate orders, Comelec asked Marikina Mayor and congressional bet Marcy Teodoro and his wife, mayoral aspirant Maan Teodoro, to respond to accusations of allegedly distributing cash aid and stubs during official government programs while actively campaigning.

“Your wife was reportedly present on several occasions, delivering speeches and campaigning for you and herself. In other instances, your supporters— wearing your colors and t-shirts—were seen distributing payouts or stubs,” the Comelec said in its letter.

Laguna Gov. and congressional candidate Ramil Hernandez and his wife, mayoral bet and district Rep. Ruth Hernandez, were also asked to explain allegations that they ordered individuals to collect health cards and yellow slips in exchange for P2,000 in cash assistance. Comelec gave both couples a nonextendible period of three days from receipt of the order to submit their written explanation.

Justine Xyrah Garcia

Editor: Angel R. Calso

India fires missiles into Pakistan, killing 31 amid claims of retaliation and war threats

By The Associated Press

INDIA fired missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory in several locations early Wednesday, as the overall death toll increased to 31 people in what Pakistan’s leader called an act of war. India also claims there are casualties from Pakistani fire in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir.

India said it struck infrastructure used by militants linked to last month’s massacre of tourists in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir. At least seven people died in Indian-controlled Kashmir from artillery exchanges.

Pakistan said at least 26 people died in the missiles strikes and five from artillery exchange along the Line of Control that separates the two countries in Kashmir.

Pakistan claimed it shot down several Indian fighter jets in retaliation, as two planes fell onto villages in India-controlled Kashmir. At least three civilians were also killed in the region by Pakistani shelling, the Indian army said in a statement.

Tensions have soared between the nuclear-armed neighbors over last month’s militant attack on tourists in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir.

India has moved to punish Pakistan after accusing it of backing the attack in Pahalgam, which Islamabad denies. The region has been split between India and Pakistan since 1949 and is claimed by both in its entirety.

Here’s the latest:

AP photographer documents aircraft debris on school building in outskirts of Srinagar

SHORTLY after India said it fired missiles across the border into Pakistani-controlled territory, AP photojournalist Dar Yasin received reports of a burning aircraft in the outskirts of Srinagar, the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir. It was still night and Yasin rushed to southern Wuyan village in Pampore area, where the incident occurred. At first, Indian forces did not allow him to reach the accident site. By the time he managed to find his way to the debris the sun was out. Dar saw few broken tree branches and mangled tin sheets of a school’s roof that was damaged by the aircraft’s impact and quicky began taking pictures. Dar said Indian forces did not allow him and other journalists to go near the debris. Later, local residents told him parts of the aircraft were also lying scattered some 500 meters away inside a mosque compound. Dar swiftly rushed to the second site and managed to get pictures of parts of the wreckage before Indian forces cordoned off the area. It is unclear whether the aircraft broke midair or after falling on the ground.

“Locals told me they saw a huge ball of fire emerging from the accident site and the wreckage was burning for more than an hour,” Dar said from the crash site. He said firefighters struggled to douse the resulting fires and worried onlookers captured the plane’s burning wreckage on their smartphones. Police and military officials later sealed off the area to clear the debris, Dar said.

Several Indian states hold security drills

SEVERAL Indian states will be conducting security drills on Wednesday, as fears of a wider conflict mount after India’s strikes in Pakistan.

The mock security drills were announced by India’s home ministry on Monday. The drills will include air raid warning sirens, evacuation plans, preparation for blackouts, and training people to respond in case of any “hostile attacks,” the ministry said in a statement.

Pakistan summons India’s chargé d’affaires

PAKISTAN on Wednesday summoned India’s chargé d’affaires to lodge a strong protest over what it called “unprovoked Indian strikes at multiple locations” across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

In a statement, it said the strikes resulted in the deaths and injuries of several civilians, including women and children.

The Indian diplomat was told that “India’s blatant act of aggression constitutes a clear violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty,” the statement said.

It said the Indian side was warned that such “reckless behavior” poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability.

Third aircraft crashes in India’s northern Punjab state

A THIRD aircraft fell in a farm field in India’s northern Punjab state, a police officer told AP on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media. The officer did not provide further details.

Indian Foreign Secretary says strikes were preemptive

INDIAN Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in a news briefing in New Delhi accused Pakistan of failing to take “demonstrable steps” against “terrorist

infrastructure on its territory or on territory under its control” following the April 22 attack.

He said the attack was driven “by the objective of undermining the normalcy returning” to Indiancontrolled Kashmir. “Instead, all it has indulged in is denial and allegations,” Misri said and added that Pakistan also had “well-deserved reputation as a haven for terrorists around the world.”

“Pakistan based terrorist modules indicated that further attacks against India were impending. There was thus a compulsion both to deter and to preempt,” he said.

Pakistan says it shot downfive Indian fighter jets

PAKISTAN’S military said Wednesday its air force shot down five Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft. he said at least 31 people had been killed around the country from the strikes and artillery exchanges.

Military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif said the jets were downed from within Pakistani airspace in response to the strikes, which killed 26 civilians, women and children in multiple locations across the country, including women and children, in multiple locations across the country.

He said another five civilians were also killed along the Line of Control because of the shelling by the Indian force in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

He said Pakistan returned fire and destroyed some Indian posts. Indian police and medics said at least seven civilians were killed and 30 others wounded in the Pakistani firing.

Sharif also accused Indian forces of damaging infrastructure at a dam in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, calling it a violation of international norms.

“Pakistan is responding to the Indian aggression,” he said.

Indian police and medics say Pakistani artillery fire kills at least 7, wounds 30 INDIAN police and medics said at least seven civilians were killed and 30 others wounded in the Pakistani firing and shelling at multiple places across the Line of Control, the de facto border that divides disputed Kashmir between the two countries.

There have been heavy exchanges of artillery fire along the Line of Control, authorities have said.

All the fatalities occurred in Poonch district which lies close to the highly militarized frontier. Officials said several homes also were damaged in the shelling.

The Indian army in a statement said Pakistani troops “resorted to arbitrary firing,” including gunfire and artillery shelling, along the Line of Control and their international border. It said it was “responding in a proportionate manner.”

Fighting disrupts flights between Taiwan and Europe

TEN passenger airline flights between Taiwan and Europe have been affected by the closure of Pakistan air space, airport authorities said Wednesday.

An EVA Air flight from Vienna to Taipei returned to Vienna, and five China Airlines flights that had departed for Europe stopped in Bangkok, a statement from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport said.

China Airlines also canceled a flight that had been scheduled to depart Wednesday morning for London.

Three other EVA Air flights between Europe and Taiwan were rerouted but were continuing to their destinations, the statement said.

China calls on India and Pakistan to show restraint

BEIJING called on restraint from both sides Wednesday morning following India’s strike into Pakistan.

“China expresses regret over India’s military actions this morning and is concerned about the current developments. China opposes all forms of terrorism,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said in a statement. “We call on both India and Pakistan to prioritize peace and stability, remain calm and restrained, and avoid taking actions that further complicate the situation.”

Beijing is the largest investor in Pakistan by far, with a $65 billion China–Pakistan Economic Corridor project that spans across the country. China meanwhile also has multiple border claims disputed with India, with one of those claims in the northeastern part of the Kashmir region Pakistani official says Indian missile strike on Bahawalpur mosque killed 13, including women and children

Zohaib Ahmed, a doctor at a hospital, said the death toll from the Indian missile strike on the Subhan Mosque in Bahawalpur has jumped to 13, bringing the overall death toll from the Indian strikes across the country to 19.

Six people were killed in the Indian strikes and shelling in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to security officials. India said it struck infrastructure used by militants linked to last month’s massacre of tourists in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir. At least three civilians were also killed in Indiancontrolled Kashmir by Pakistani shelling, the Indian army said in a statement.

Missiles fired from India struck multiple locations across Pakistan MISSILES fired from India struck multiple locations across Pakistan, damaging at least four mosques and a medical clinic, authorities said. One of the missiles hit a mosque in Muridke, a town near the eastern city of Lahore, damaging its structure.

A sprawling building located near the mosque in Muridke had previously served as the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba until 2013, when Pakistan banned the group and took control of the seminaries, schools, and dispensaries run by a charity linked to LeT founder Hafiz Saeed.

Saeed is currently serving multiple prison sentences on terror financing charges.

In Bahawalpur, another missile struck a mosque adjacent to a religious seminary that once served as the central office of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a militant group outlawed by former President Pervez Musharraf in 2002.

Officials say the group has had no operational presence at the site since the ban. Muhammad Sabir, a resident who lives near the damaged Subhan Mosque in Bahawalpur, described the chaos that followed the strike.

“I heard three or four loud explosions in a row,” he said. He said he grabbed his family, and “we ran to the nearby fields and lay down.” Police and ambulances arrived shortly afterward, he added.

Schools closed in Indian-controlled Kashmir

AUTHORITIES in Indian-controlled Kashmir have closed all schools, colleges and educational institutions in at least seven border areas of the region, officials said. Schools will also remain closed around Srinagar airport, they said.

Second aircraft reported to have crashed in Indian-controlled Kashmir ANOTHER aircraft has reportedly crashed in an open field in a village close to the Line of Control in Indiancontrolled Kashmir.

Residents said the aircraft fell shortly after India launched missile strikes on Pakistan on early Wednesday.

The search for a new pope: Cardinals seek leader to unite, revitalize Catholic Church

By Nicole Winfield The Associated Press

VATICAN CITY— Cardinals wrapped up their preconclave meetings Tuesday, trying to identify a possible new pope who could follow Pope Francis and make the 2,000-year-old Catholic Church credible and relevant today, especially to young people.

Although they come from 70 different countries, the 133 cardinal electors seem fundamentally united in insisting that the question before them isn’t so much whether the church gets its first Asian or African pontiff, or a conservative or progressive. Rather, they say the primary task facing them when the conclave opens Wednesday is to find a pope who can be both a pastor and a teacher, a bridge who can unite the church and preach peace.

“We need a superman!” said Cardinal William Seng Chye Goh, the 67-year-old archbishop of Singapore.

It is indeed a tall task, given the sexual abuse and financial scandals that have harmed the church’s reputation and the secularizing trends in many parts of the world that are turning people away from organized religion. Add to that the Holy See’s dire financial state and often dysfunctional bureaucracy, and the job of being pope in the 21st century seems almost impossible.

Francis named 108 of the 133 electors and selected cardinals in his image. But there is an element of uncertainty about the election since many of them didn’t know one another before last week, meaning they haven’t had much time to seek out who among them is best suited to lead the 1.4-billionstrong church.

The cardinals held their last day of pre-conclave meetings Tuesday morning, during which Francis’ Fisherman’s ring and his official seal were destroyed in one of the final formal rites of the transition of his pontificate to the next.

The cardinals will begin trying to find the new pope Wednesday afternoon, when those “princes of the church” walk solemnly into the Sistine Chapel to the meditative chant of the “Litany of the Saints.” They’ll take their oaths of secrecy under the daunting vision of heaven and hell in Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment,” hear a meditation from a senior cardinal, and then most likely cast their first ballot.

Assuming no candidate secures the necessary two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, the cardi -

nals will retire for the day and return on Thursday. They will have two ballots in the morning and then two in the afternoon, until a winner is found.

Asked what the priorities of the cardinal electors were, Goh told reporters this week that the No. 1 issue was that the new pope must be able to spread the Catholic faith and “make the church relevant in today’s time. How to reach out to young people, how to show a face of love, joy and hope.”

A pope for the future

BUT beyond that, there are some real-world geopolitical concerns to take into consideration. The Catholic Church is growing in Africa and Asia, both in numbers of baptized faithful and vocations to the priesthood and women’s religious orders. It is shrinking in traditionally Catholic bastions of Europe, with empty churches and the

faithful formally leaving the church in places like Germany, many citing the abuse scandals.

“Asia is ripe for evangelization and the harvest of vocations,” said the Rev. Robert Reyes, who studied in the seminary with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Filipino prelate considered a contender to be the first Asian pope. But should the pope necessarily reflect the new face of the Catholic Church, and inspire the faithful especially in the parts of the world where the momentum of growth is already underway? Does it even matter?

Pope Francis was the first Latin American pope, and the region still counts the majority of the world’s Catholics.

Indian Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the retired archbishop of Mumbai, said the church needs to become more Asian, culturally and spiritually. The “center of gravity of the

world is shifting toward Asia,” he said. “The Asian church has much to give to the world.”

At 80, Gracias won’t be participating in the conclave, but India has four cardinal-electors, and overall, Asia counts 23, making it the second-biggest voting bloc after Europe, which has 53 (or likely 52, given that one is not expected to participate for health reasons).

One of the big geopolitical issues facing the cardinals is China and the plight of the estimated 12 million Chinese Catholics there.

Under Francis, the Vatican in 2018 inked a controversial agreement with Beijing governing the appointment of bishops, which many conservatives decried as a sellout of the underground Chinese Catholics who had remained loyal to Rome during decades of communist persecution. The Vatican has defended the accord as the best deal it could get, but it remains to be seen if Francis’ successor will keep the policy.

The church in Africa ACCORDING to Vatican statistics, Catholics represent 3.3% of the population in Asia, but their numbers are growing, especially in terms of seminarians, as they are in Africa, where Catholics represent about 20% of the population.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the archbishop of Kinshasa, Congo, said he is in Rome to elect a pope for all the world’s Catholics.

“I am not here for the Congo, I am not here for Africa, I am here for the universal church.

That is our concern, the universal church,” he told reporters. “When we are done, I will return to Kinshasa and I will put back on my archbishop of Kinshasa hat and the struggle continues.”

Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, the chatty French-born archbishop of Algiers, Algeria, lamented last week that there hadn’t been enough time for the cardinals to get to know one another, since many of them had never met before and hail from 70 countries in the most geographically diverse conclave in history.

“Every day, I say to myself, ‘Ah! Oh my God! There we have it!’” he said.

The role of the Holy Spirit FOR the cardinals, there is also the belief that they are guided by the Holy Spirit.

There is a famous quote attributed to then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in 1997, in comments to a Bavarian television station. The future Pope Benedict XVI said the Holy Spirit acted like a good educator in a conclave, allowing cardinals to freely choose a pope without dictating the precise candidate.

“Probably the only assurance he offers is that the thing cannot be totally ruined,” Ratzinger reportedly said. “There are too many contrary instances of popes the Holy Spirit would obviously not have picked.”

The Associated Press correspondent Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, and Silvia Stellacci, Trisha Thomas and Giovanna Dell’Orto in Rome contributed.

A VATICAN employee annuls the papal seal on the pope’s Fisherman’s Ring, at the Vatican, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. VATICAN MEDIA VIA AP

World’s trade superhighway feels strain from US-China decoupling

By Weilun Soon

CONTAINER liners are starting to sever shipping routes that link the US and China across the Pacific, as President Donald Trump’s trade war upends the industry and forces the two largest economies apart.

Among signs of disruption are plunging fees, fewer services, and a pall of uncertainty over what for decades has been one the main maritime highways of the global economy, carrying manufactured goods and vital commodities.

German container shipping group Hapag-Lloyd AG has canceled 30 percent of China-to-US bound shipments, according to a spokesperson. Separately, Swiss liner Kuehne + Nagel International AG said some trades had stopped completely, while it expected a 25 percent to 30 percent drop in bookings from China to the US, Chief Executive Officer Stefan Paul told investors on a conference call.

The Trump administration’s globe-spanning trade war that’s dominated the president’s opening months in office has trained its harshest measures against China, with the imposition of US import levies totaling 145 percent, and similar punitive retaliatory measures from Beijing. While there have been carveouts for some goods, the dispute has roiled the shipping industry.

Although Trump and other senior officials have talked up the chances of a potential deal with China—and negotiations will take place in Switzerland later this week—any resolution of the dispute may take months to hammer out. In the meantime, executives in China are turning away from the US market.

As a result, fees are plunging. The cost of shipping a 40-foot box from Shanghai to Los Angeles—port nodes on either side of the Pacific—hit the lowest since 2023 in late March, according to the data from Drewry Shipping Consultants, a maritime advisory firm. A tally of rates across global routes has also softened.

“It’s a trade lane on what is a global highway,” said Joe Kramek, chief executive officer at the World Shipping

Council, whose members operate 90 percent of global liner capacity. “So it does have ripple effects all the way across.”

Shippers are also contending with US measures beyond the barrage of levies, adding a further layer of complications. These include the ending of a tax exemption for small shipments, as well as a potentially disruptive plan to charge hefty fees on large Chinese ships calling at American ports.

“There’s uncertainty about what will happen to cargo flows in and out of the US,” said Niels Rasmussen, chief shipping analyst at trade group Bimco. In contrast, there’s no policy uncertainty in trades elsewhere, so shipowners can approach these normally, he said.

Elsewhere in the shipping market, there are mounting headaches for the dry-bulk operators that haul farm products, as well as tanker owners, whose fleets had been used to ferry US energy exports to Asia’s largest economy.

Flows of crude from the US Gulf to China came to a stop in April, after reaching a year-to-date peak of nearly 174,000 barrels a day in March, Kpler data show. Among individual vessels, a tanker hauling US propane diverted from China mid-voyage after Beijing slapped punitive taxes on American imports.

The rerouting of US coal and soybean cargoes away from China to nearer markets is expected to reduce sailing distances, and therefore hurt so-called ton-mile demand for the dry-bulk sector, according to Roar Adland, the global head of research at shipbroker SSY.

“Current levels of US tariffs, and Chinese counter-tariffs, have effectively shut down most bilateral drybulk commodity trade,” said Adland. Bloomberg

South Korea presidential hopeful Han vows to create AI ministry

By Hyonhee Shin

SOUTH Korea’s former acting leader and current presidential hopeful Han Duck-soo vowed Wednesday to launch a new ministry to oversee the country’s artificial intelligence strategies and science innovation if he wins the election.

Outlining his first campaign pledge since he launched his presidential bid Friday, Han’s campaign said he aims to boost cutting-edge AI semiconductor production and create a 1 trillion won ($716 million) fund to nurture local talent and court overseas scientists as Korea strives to catch up with global peers.

The “Ministry of AI Innovation Strategy” would integrate science and technology along with environment and AI policies, streamlining and relaxing regulations to help make AI a “central axis of national strategy,” his campaign said.  Han, who currently has no affiliation with any party, is vying to represent the conservative camp even after the ruling People Power Party nominated Kim Moon-soo as its candidate on Saturday. Han’s priority on AI shows he intends to emphasize his experience as a veteran policymaker and former trade and finance minister in a bid to consolidate support ahead of the June 3 presidential election. The main opposition Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung holds a commanding lead in recent polls, with a 47 percent support rating. Han has 23 percent, while PPP candidate Kim has 13 percent, according to a survey conducted by JoongAng Ilbo newspaper and Gallup Korea on May 3-4.

Taiwan’s currency surge steps up pressure for economic overhaul

By Yian Lee, Betty Hou and Jane Lanhee Lee

THE Taiwan dollar’s most extreme surge since 1988, along with prospects for continued appreciation, has triggered calls for one of the most export-dependent Asian economies to overhaul its growth model.

For decades, Taiwan’s careful management of its currency’s exchange rate has helped transform the economy into one of the world’s export powerhouses. But the resulting current-account surpluses have repeatedly stoked concerns in Washington, where the Treasury Department has kept it on a “monitoring list” for its foreign-exchange practices.

At home, some executives, economists and government officials are arguing a stronger exchange rate could be the spur Taiwan needs to overhaul its economy to focus on promoting domestic demand, innovation and higher-value added production.

While the Taiwan dollar continued to settle on Wednesday, it followed its biggest two-day gain since the 1980s. That historic rally stirred memories of past turning points: Paul Peng, chairman of electronic display maker AU Optronics Corp., noted that a similar surge in the early 1990s led to a “good transformation” that helped spur Taiwan’s semiconductor industry.

“Taiwan may also take this opportunity to think about our next transformation,” toward products like artificial intelligence, he said.

A stronger Taiwan dollar would also give the public greater spending power, which could drive domestic demand, Tung Tzu-hsien, chairman of computer and communication equipment maker Pe gatron Corp., said at an event in Taipei on Tuesday.

The sentiment adds to years of

calls from academics to rethink the policy maintaining a weak currency, which, they say, has imbalanced the economy in favor of exporters while inhibiting incentives for businesses to move up the value chain, keeping them tied to a low-cost production model and depressing wages for Taiwan-based employees.

President Lai Ching-te laid out his vision last month for an evolution in Taiwan’s economy, saying that overseas investment should target the Global North rather than mainland China—which was the destination for Taiwanese firms through the 1990s to the 2010s. Taiwan should “seize every moment of geopolitical and economic transformation” to guide national development, he said.

A stronger currency, along with tariffs threatened by President Donald Trump, could provide an opportunity to accelerate muchneeded reforms, said an official who asked not to be identified as they’re not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. It could help phase out lo. wer-value manufacturing and redirect capital toward research and development, along with other more competitive sectors, the official said.

It could also help local firms attract foreign talent—especially important as Taiwan’s population ages. How durable the recent currency’s rise proves remains to be seen, but some market observers see scope for substantial further appreciation. The two-session advance in the local

dollar, amounting to a gain of about 6%, caught traders off-guard, and spurred the central bank to call an emergency briefing to warn against speculation.

The volatility emerged after a recent article in the Taipei-based Business Weekly magazine suggested the Taiwan dollar might need to rise to as strong as 13 per US dollar, from about 32 at the end of last month.

Coming against the backdrop of trade talks between Taiwanese and US officials, what began as market chatter snowballed into a rush by exporters, retail investors and asset managers to convert their US dollar holdings.

While Taiwanese authorities have underlined that the US didn’t demand currency appreciation in the first round of talks that ended last week, that hasn’t quelled such speculation.

“Taiwan can expect a higher currency will be a quid pro quo for tariff relief,” said Paul Cavey, founder of Taipei-based research firm East Asia Econ. “The current White House has made it clear that currency practices are a trade barrier. Even under the previous administration the Taiwan dollar was considered an issue,” he said.

Trump set a “reciprocal” tariff rate of 32 percent for Taiwan, paused until July while negotiations ensue. A 10 percent universal baseline tariff is in effect in the meantime.

Taiwan’s exports have benefited from a long-stable exchange rate that’s enhanced the competitiveness of its world-leading chipmakers— epitomized by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.

Woods Chen, chief economist at Yuanta Securities Investment Consulting Co., said the shift could prove helpful as more Taiwanese companies look to follow TSMC’s lead and

invest in the US. “A stronger Taiwan dollar will come to their aid in this sense,” Chen said.

‘Painful’ shift

BUT the barriers to a major realignment of the Taiwanese economy may prove too great to overcome. The current system has generated an enormous amount of wealth for the small island with few natural resources. Per-capita gross domestic product leapfrogged Japan’s last year and, according to Taiwan’s Cabinet, is on track to overtake South Korea’s this year.  Also, while big companies like TSMC may be able to weather the impact of a major currency appreciation, smaller, lower-margin exporters, which employ a large proportion of Taiwan’s workers, will feel the squeeze.

“It is painful for exporters, particularly if tariffs on the rest of the world cause a global recession,” Cavey said. “And it could be very painful for Taiwan in general given the years of accumulated USD exposure.”

Sustained Taiwan dollar appreciation could also affect the calculus of the island’s giant life insurance companies—which have long poured cash overseas given limited options for financial investments at home. In its latest annual tally, the US Treasury counted almost $800 billion of Taiwanese holdings—practically the size of the island’s GDP. The recent slide in the greenback means they face potential losses and cash-flow issues.

All things considered, it’s unlikely the central bank will fully loosen its grip on the currency, Cavey said.

“If currency appreciation is a deliberate strategy to get on the right side of the US, then there are many reasons to think Taiwan will want to move gradually,” he said. Bloomberg

China’s economic rescue plan stalled by wariness over tariffs

CHINA is counting on its 1.4 billion consumers to help cushion the blow from Donald Trump’s tariffs. But that strategy is running into a wall of uncertainty, with millions of factory jobs at risk.

Beijing has made expanding consumption a key pillar of its policy agenda this year, rolling out a 30-point action plan that includes subsidies for home goods, financial aid for childcare and improved access to paid leave.

But on the ground, business owners, office workers and migrant laborers are tightening their belts, worried about job security and future income. Many say they’re holding off on nonessential purchases and saving more for what they fear could be harder times ahead.

Some doubts over Lee’s candidacy were cleared Wednesday when South Korea’s high court delayed its first hearing on his election law violation case until June 18, ensuring he’ll be able to run in the election.

The snap election was triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and ouster over his bungled attempt to impose martial law in December. That debacle hangs over both conservative candidates, who were part of Yoon’s cabinet. Kim won plaudits from conservatives for opposing Yoon’s impeachment and refusing to apologize for the martial law decree, while Han apologized for the decree.

The election comes at a critical time for Asia’s fourth-largest economy as it faces slowing exports resulting from Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs campaign.

Later Wednesday, Han and Kim are scheduled to meet for the first time since Han joined the race to discuss whether and how to unite their campaigns in a bid to rally conservative voters against Lee.

Both have expressed their willingness to join hands, although the PPP leadership on Tuesday accused Kim of dragging his heals on unifying the campaigns as it aims to complete the process before the Sunday deadline for official candidate registration. Bloomberg

“I won’t be willing to spend if the US continues to impose tariffs,” said Annie Chan, a saleswoman at a porcelain company in Guangdong, speaking from her booth at last month’s Canton Fair. “I’d rather save money in case I need it when things get worse.”

The hesitation reflects a deeper problem for Chinese policymakers. Unless they can shore up confidence in jobs and wages, the consumer may not be able to carry the weight of China’s economic shift away from exports, making it harder for Beijing to hit its growth target of around 5 percent this year without more aggressive support.

Trump has imposed 145 percent tariffs on Chinese exports and Beijing has responded with its own 125 percent duties on US goods. Tariffs at those levels threaten to severely disrupt trade between the world’s two biggest economies. The fallout is already starting to show, with China’s factory activity slipping into its sharpest contraction since December 2023 last month.

Gordon Gao, who runs a bamboo crafts business in Anhui province, said US orders—once a third of his revenue—have dried up completely since the tariffs kicked in. To cope,

he stopped replacing departing staff and trimmed employee bonuses. “I may have to keep shrinking and cut more jobs,” he said.

Economists warn that the tariff shock could ripple widely. Nomura Holdings Inc. estimates that if exports to the US are halved, as many as 15.8 million jobs could be at risk.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. puts the number of vulnerable positions at 16 million, especially in sectors producing communication equipment, apparel and chemicals. The loss of “de minimis” tariff exemptions is also expected to weigh on retail and logistics jobs.

While official data shows a slight dip in urban unemployment, many workers say conditions feel far worse.

Li Yifeng, 29, a production planner at a Shenzhen-based medical equipment firm, said he’s worried about losing his job less than a year after joining the company, as new orders slow.

His family—including his wife who’s recently laid off from her kindergarten job, and elderly parents who rely on modest pensions—depends on his monthly wage of 7,500 yuan ($1,031).

“I’d make very careful calculations of every penny we spend,” said the father of a one-year-old boy. The household now spends less than 3,000 yuan a month on basic needs like groceries, baby formula and electricity, and saves the rest.

About a dozen consumers surveyed by Bloomberg last month identified stable income as their top consideration when making spending decisions, followed by shopping and childcare subsidies, and reliable access to paid annual leave.

Policymakers acknowledge the growing pressure on jobs. At a key meeting last month, the Communist Party’s Politburo listed stabilizing employment as a priority. Authori-

Beijing has made expanding consumption a key pillar of its policy agenda this year, rolling out a 30-point action plan that includes subsidies for home goods, financial aid for childcare and improved access to paid leave. But on the ground, business owners, office workers and migrant laborers are tightening their belts, worried about job security and future income. Many say they’re holding off on nonessential purchases and saving more for what they fear could be harder times ahead.

ties pledged to expand hiring in tech, infrastructure and services, and are rolling out tax breaks, subsidies and training to help firms keep workers and support vulnerable groups like new graduates and migrants.

Maintaining employment is crucial to President Xi Jinping’s broader push to shift China’s growth model away from one driven by investment and exports and toward domestic consumption. But that transformation is proving difficult. The economy is still grappling with a prolonged property slump, weak consumer and business confidence, and persistent deflation.

In the latest sign of fragile consumer sentiment, retail and catering sales during the Labor Day holiday grew more slowly than last year, while box office revenue more than halved.

Although more people traveled during the break, average spending per tourist remained 10 percent below the same period in 2019, before the pandemic.

A move away from supply-side policies would mark a major change in how China’s economy works. Consumption makes up about 40 percent of gross domestic product, compared with 50 percent to 70 percent in more developed economies. Investment, much of it in manufacturing, makes

up another 40 percent—roughly double the US share and unusually high by global standards.

Analysts say short-term measures won’t be enough to turn things around. To unlock consumer spending, people need to feel secure about their long-term income, said Lu Feng, an emeritus professor of economics at Peking University’s National School of Development, one of the country’s top state think tanks.

“Given the insufficient consumer confidence, household permanent income has to increase to reduce people’s desire to save,” Lu said. He pointed to regular, substantial increases in pension payouts for farmers and unemployed urban seniors as examples of changes that could support consumer confidence. Lu believes that the trade shock could be the jolt needed for China to push through long-overdue reforms in how it distributes income. The public sector controls funding worth an estimated 45 percent of GDP—most of which still flows into investment-heavy, supply-side initiatives. Redirecting even 10 percent of that toward households, pensions and public goods could help build a stronger safety net and more balanced economy, he said. Still, others remain doubtful that Beijing will embrace such sweeping changes anytime soon. Logan Wright, director of China markets research at Rhodium Group, said the real test of China’s commitment to a consumption-driven model lies in its willingness to overhaul its tax system.  Trump’s tariffs, he added, could make reform harder by cutting trade revenues and straining government finances.

“China collects tax on the investment-led growth model. They do not collect tax based on domestic consumption, services activity or individual income tax,” Wright said. Until that changes, a real pivot to consumption-led growth is unlikely, he added. With assistance from Shuiyu Jing and Kevin Dharmawan /Bloomberg

BusinessMirror

Farm output up 1.9% in Q1; absence of ‘El Niño’ cited

By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

THEcountry’s farm production inched up by 1.9 percent in the first quarter, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Wednesday.

PSA data showed that the livestock subsector shrank in terms of value while the crops, poultry, and fisheries subsectors buoyed the performance of Philippine agriculture in January to March.

The value of agriculture and fisheries production reached P437.74 billion in the reference period, higher than last year’s P429.62 billion.

The Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) said the rebound in farm output during the first quarter was “expected” due to the absence of El Niño that ravaged plantations in the previous year.

of 9.4 percent. Every poultry commodity except for duck eggs recorded an expansion in their value of production.

Livestock production amounted to P57.82 billion and contracted by 2.8 percent during the reference period, with the value of hog production recording a 3.7-percent decline as the swine industry continues to grapple with the effects of African swine fever (ASF).

cy might hinder the growth of the poultry sector.

“The poultry sector will experience headwinds, however, if the US will require the entry of more chicken to the country as a bargaining chip to reconsider the tariff imposed by Trump for [Philippine] exports to the US,” Fausto said.

TRADE and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque has advised local furniture makers to diversify and look for other markets to export to aside from the United States and Europe, the country’s top export destinations for furniture.

ture makers want to grow their business, adding, “Because of course after the pandemic, they’re looking for growth. And the fact that they’re exporters, that means that the quality is very good.”

In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, Roque said the country’s furniture artisan makers are in the US as “they are looking for more markets. They’re looking for more supplies and they’re looking for other avenues or they’re looking for what the government can offer to them.”

For the fisheries subsector, the state statistics agency said it reached P55.10 billion during the reference period, recording an increment of 1.5 percent.

Poultry, which amounted to P75.22 billion, posted a growth

“The better performance of our agriculture sector is good news, and as expected due to the absence of El Niño that affected our agriculture sector first quarter last year,” PCAFI President Danilo Fausto told the BusinessMirror PSA data showed that crop production, which amounted to P249.61 billion, grew annually by 1 percent. Rice output, which makes up a chunk of crop production, posted a 0.3 percent increment.

Siklab-Laya Class top grad holds highest average in PMA history

By Marilou Guieb

Topnotcher Cdt. 1Cl

Ticar holds the distinction of having the highest grades ever in the history of the PMA. He is the fourth summa cum laude produced by the academy, with the highest average among them.

Ticar, 23 years old, is certainly a beacon of inspiration for overcoming the odds in life and turning adversary into opportunity.

Financial concerns was a hindrance to finishing college which became even more unreachable when his father, a taxi driver, suffered a stroke, leaving the family to survive on his mother’s earnings as a vendor of ballpens and paper outside the Quezon City Hall building. However, Ticar vaguely remembered the tip of a classmate about taking an exam at the PMA which would offer free education if he passed, and he took the leap of faith. He had no aspiration to be in the military, and had no notion of life inside the academy. In fact, adjusting to a life where every move was dictated by rules and authority became his biggest hurdle. “I was used to a carefree life back home,“ he said. But carrying over the discipline that always made him an achiever in his student days to the routine of the PMA, he excelled in the training courses. He said the secret was time management and the unwavering support and encouragement of his family, upperclassmen and friends. While improving his family life was at first a motivation, the daily indoctrination at the PMA stirred his sense of duty to the country. “Initially when I entered the academy, the need to support my family was my biggest motivation. But as I progressed, I discovered my calling to protect the people of this country and give them a safe environment.”

Ticar said that he has not informed his family as they also just learned of their rankings before the announcement to the media and the public. Finishing on top of his class came as no surprise to him, however, as he had maintained that status from his first year at the academy. Ticar, 23 years old, will be joining the Philippine Army. A sweet touch to his graduation will be the attendance of his girlfriend at his graduation together with his parents.

PMA Superintendent VADM Caesar Bernard N. Valencia PN announced that Siklab-Laya is a batch of 266 with 212 males and 54 females: 137 will be joining the army or PA (112 male and 25 female); 58 will join the air force or PAF (44 male and 14 female); and 71 will join the navy or PN ( 56 male and 15 female). Two are college graduates, 143 are college un-

dergraduates and 121 finished senior high school. Region 1 has the highest number of graduates at 39, followed by Region 1V—A and Region X with 36 graduates each.

The following are the top 10 graduates according to rank:

1. Cdt 1Cl Jessie JR R. Ticar—(PA) 23 years old from Quezon City. As summa cum laude, he will be awarded the Presidential Saber, Jusmag Saber, Tactics Group Award, Natural Sciences Plaque, Army Professional Courses Plaque, Army Saber, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award, General Antonio Luna Award, Humanities Plaque.

2. Cdt 1 Cl Murthan P Zabala—(PA) 24 years old from Cebu City, son of a salesman and housewife. He will receive the Vice Presidential Saber, Academic Group Award, Management Plaque, National Security Studies Plaque, Spanish Armed Forces Saber, Information Technology Plaque, Social Services Plaque.

3. Cdt 1Cl Joana Marie D. Viray—( PN) 23 years old from Pasay City. She is the daughter of a retired soldier and a teacher. As cum laude, she will also be awarded the Australian Defense Best Overall Perfromance Award, Philippine Navy Saber, and the Secretary of Defense Saber.

4. Cdt 1Cl Carlo A. Badiola—(PA) 24 years old from Camarines Sur. His mother is a public school teacher. He graduated with honors (HS and undergraduate) from the Bicol University.

5. Cdt. 1Cl Jetron Giorgio A. Nazareno—(PN) 23 years old from Oriental Mindoro. He is the son of a vulcanizer who raised his three children as a single dad after their mother died when he was in Grade 5. He finished high school with high honors and as an undergraduate of the Mindoro State University. He finishes with a cum laude award and will be receiving the Navy Professional Courses Plaque.

6. Cd 1 Cl Kobe Jo Ann Q, Pajaron—(PAF) 21 years old from Negros Oriental. She is the daughter of a barangay kagawad and self- employed mother. She finished senior high school with high honors at the Siaton Science High School. She finishes cum laude and will be awarded the Philippine Air Force Saber, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award, and the Department of Leadership Award.

7. Cdt 1 Cl Malvin Brian N. Dapar—(PA) 24 years old from Bohol. His father is the Dep-Ed district supervisor and his mother is a teacher. He finished senior high school, graduating with high honors from the Holy Name University. He will be given the AGFO, Inc Award and will graduate as a magna cum laude.

8. Cdt 1 Cl Elzur D. Salon—(PAF) 24 years old from Nueva Vizcaya. His father is an OFW and his mother is a housewife. He finished senior high school with high honors from the St. Mary’s University. He will be receiving the Air Force Professional Courses Plaque.

9. Cdt 1Cl Aprilyn A. Magsigay—( PAF) 25 years old from Agusan del Sur. She is the daughter of a farmer and a housewife. She is an undergraduate

According to Fausto, the growth in poultry mirrored the shift in consumer preference amid elevated prices of meat products like pork and the lingering effect of the deadly hog disease.

“We can see a little shift in the consumption pattern of consumers to the poultry sector as a source of food protein due to higher prices of meat, especially of hogs, and the continuing effect of ASF,” he said.

“This can be seen in the good performance of chicken and egg production and decrease in growth of the hog sector.”

Despite this, the PCAFI President raised a caveat that factors like Washington’s new tariff poli -

Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed confidence that the rebound in farm output during the first quarter would cascade until yearend through the agency’s interventions.

“We are optimistic that the recovery in the first quarter signals momentum for the latter half of the year, especially as we bring new infrastructure online, such as cold storage facilities and rice processing systems,” Laurel said in a statement.

“Hopefully, we could also begin later this year the commercial rollout of the long-awaited vaccine for African swine fever, which will help kickstart the DA’s large-scale hog repopulation effort,” he added.

The DTI, she said, relies on “the 29 posts with 21 trade attaches which they can use to assist them to find other markets also. Because the US market is good, the Europe market is good. But the more markets we have, the better. Because if one falters, at least you have another fallback. And I’m really an advocate of diversification,” added the Trade chief.

“So, we must diversify. Because we can’t rely on a single source. Because if the single source is gone, it’s gone,” Roque said. Roque said these local furni -

By Andrea E. San Juan

LOCAL manufacturers are prodding government regulators to ensure that the country is protected from substandard car batteries amid reports that some Chinese traders are scouting for markets with “weak enforcement regimes” where they can dump their products to recover losses from the “trade impasse” between China and the US.

In a statement on Wednesday, Jesus L. Arranza, chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), particularly asked the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to intensify the inspection and testing of Chinese-made products, some of which, he said, “have records of failing to pass the Philippine and international standards.” Arranza cited the case of automotive batteries coming from China.

“In a raid conducted by the joint operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation and Department of Trade

and Industry [DTI], close to P100 million worth of automotive batteries were seized at a warehouse in Quezon City for having no imported commodity clearance [ICC], which is a requirement before imported products could be sold in the market,” FPI said in a statement on Wednesday.

The umbrella organization of industry groups in the Philippines asked the Philippine Association of Battery Manufacturers (PABMA) to conduct laboratory testing of two Chinese automotive battery brands, namely Oursun and Superstart, which it said are now being sold locally after securing ICC.

According to FPI, laboratory test results showed that both batteries failed in three critical parameters under international quality standards: the Ampere Hour Test, Cold Cranking Ampere, and Heavy Load Endurance Test.

Moreover, the industry group said the posts of these batteries melted after being subjected to a “simulation of cranking and discharging” at

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that Philippine woodcraft and furniture exports to the US amounted to $338.41 million in 2024, 5.1 percent down from the $356.43 million export revenues in 2023. The country’s Trade and Industry chief said these furniture makers usually supply to hotels, houses, restaurants, cafes and retail stores.

“So I discussed that with them. I can also link them to hotels, retailers and cafes,” said Roque, factoring in the proliferation of new cafes and concept stores which she said would need furniture.

During her recent trip to the US, Roque met with the country’s finest furniture artisans, DTI said.

“Secretary Roque’s message was clear: unlock markets, clear bottlenecks, and use every DTI post as a launchpad for international success,” DTI

a temperature of 40 degrees. Arranza underscored the consequences of substandard batteries lurking in the Philippine market.

These substandard products could just explode or catch fire anytime, he said, adding that even netizens have already been posting on social media their experience with exploding imported batteries. He said car batteries are “critical” because there are about 38 million vehicles in the Philippines.

“In the case of automotive batteries alone, we have discovered two things—there are batteries in the market that have no ICC, which is illegal per se, and there are batteries that have secured ICC despite being substandard in quality,” Arranza said.

The FPI, Arranza said, is ready to work with the government in the “intensified” campaign against substandard products to protect the Filipino consumers. Some laboratory testing groups that are accredited or recognized by the government are members of the FPI, he added.

“Our first line of defense against these substandard products are the FDA and BPS, so we are appealing to them to heighten their monitoring and testing of imported products. The Bureau of Internal Revenue can come in later by looking at the income and tax declarations of the unscrupulous importers,” Arranza said. He also asked the FDA and BPS to launch an information drive to educate Filipino consumers about the dangers of substandard products and their negative impact on the economy and local manufacturers.

“Yes, these substandard products are cheaper. However, their quality is very poor that they will definitely not last long, and you are also putting your lives in danger when you use them,” the FPI chief pointed out. Just last month, steel industry experts revealed at a media briefing that there are substandard steel bars proliferating in the market. (See: https://businessmirror.com.

MARCOLETA RALLIES SUPPORT AT PHILIPPINE ARENA Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta speaks during his miting de avance at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, on Tuesday night, May 6, 2025. Backed by Sen. Robin Padilla and Kitty Duterte—daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte—Marcoleta is running for a Senate seat in the May 12 elections. BERNARD TESTA

Loyalty in a Fintech World

HE

Togy (fintech) has significantly changed the traditional banking industry, leading to a shift in how financial services are provided to customers. These banks face several challenges in adjusting to the new landscape of technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences.

Traditional banks are rising to the significant challenges posed by fintech firms that have reshaped the financial landscape with their nimble business models and user-centric processes. By proactively learning from these innovations and adopting cutting-edge digital solutions, banks can enhance customer experiences and reclaim their position in the market. With strategic adjustments, they can effectively compete with fintech companies and solidify their place in this dynamic environment.

In reaction to the competition posed by fintech companies, traditional banks have had to adopt technology to remain relevant. Many major banks have made significant investments in creating mobile applications and online payment systems to adapt to the digital age. As a banker at a traditional savings bank, I understand the necessity of embracing rapidly evolving technology. This awareness highlights the distinct group of customers we serve—individuals who are conventional in their approaches, not necessarily young, but who were young… once. I am committed to meeting their needs in this dynamic landscape. Automation is crucial in delivering financial services through technology-driven channels like chatbots. This has led to fintech’s rise in appealing to younger generations comfortable with using digital platforms instead of visiting traditional bank branches. This demographic tends to be less loyal to specific banking institutions and will likely switch providers if they find better technological offerings.

In contrast, we are grateful for the unique group of customers we serve, who are very comfortable visiting the physical branch of our main office almost every day. They exemplify loyalty in a landscape where many are quick to change providers.

In conclusion, the emergence of financial technology has profoundly transformed traditional banking institutions. The introduction of innovative tools and platforms has provided customers with a broader array of options for managing their finances and executing transactions. Although this transformation presents challenges to traditional banks, it concurrently offers opportunities for these institutions to adapt and evolve within an increasingly dynamic landscape.

It’s essential to categorize customers into tiers and create personalized offerings that meet their unique needs. This requires identifying individual requirements and developing tailored solutions to improve service. Financial institutions should leverage technology to analyze customer data and craft customized fintech solutions that address specific client demands.

As technological advancements continue to unfold at a rapid pace, it is essential for banks to embrace digital transformation to maintain competitiveness and deliver convenient services to their clientele. The future of banking is linked with financial technology, and institutions willing to embrace these changes will be positioned to thrive in this continuously evolving industry. For more information, visit www. bmap.org.ph or https://facebook.com/ BankMarketingAssociationPH

Judith C. Songlingco is Head of Corporate Affairs and Brand Marketing at the Philippine Business Bank (PBB) and Secretary of the Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines. She can be reached at judith.songlingco@yahoo.com. The views she expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror and the BMAP.

Personal loans form bulk of digital lending app use

AADB mustn’t put public funds in private hands, group says

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

MILAN, Italy—Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) here on Wednesday expressed concern over the decision of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to quadruple its support for the private sector.

According to ADB President Masato Kanda, increasing private sector financing to $13 billion by 2030 will help support entrepreneurs, businesses and investors for innovative business solutions.

(See: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2025/05/06/adb-to-add100-billion-to-dmc-financing-in10-years/).

However, NGO Forum at ADB Executive Director Rayyan Hassan said multilateral development banks (MDBs) should not place public funds on private hands.

“ADBs private sector lending has come with patronage from bank to deregulate private sector into its project financing at the cost passing the risk to communities and the environment. Short term profit gains being the motivation leads an MDB to shift public finance to private hands,” Hassan told the BusinessMirror.

According to him, the ADB should closely monitor the projects operated by the private sector using their support to ensure that these adhere to strict environment and social guardrails.

T“There has to be a serious look at public sectors such as health, energy and transport sectors have strong public agencies involved in ADB projects to meet public interests,” Hassan told this newspaper.

“If private sector is being attracted into these sectors it has to be only if they operate within environmental and strict social guardrails aiming to best achieve the public interest. It cannot be a blank cheque given for profit generation,” he added.

Meanwhile, civil society organizations from across Asia and the Pacific raised alarm bells over the multilateral lender’s continued support for harmful development.

The Forum Network—together with grassroots communities, labor movements, Indigenous rights defenders, gender

By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto

HE Philippine gaming industry’s revenues recorded a strong double-digit growth in the first quarter, with the electronic gaming sector emerging as the top revenue driver.

On Wednesday, state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) announced that gross gaming revenues (GGR) expanded by 27.44 percent to P104.12 billion in the first quarter from P81.70 billion in the same period last year.

The increase was driven by the electronic games (e-games) sector, which contributed nearly half, or 49.36 percent, to the total gaming revenues. Revenues from e-Games and e-Bingo doubled to P51.39 billion from P22.5 billion in the same period a year ago.

Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the surge marks a “turning point” in the e-Games sector, now becoming the leading revenue generator, and has drastically reshaped the local gaming landscape.

justice advocates and environmental campaigners—is demanding that ADB end its legacy of destruction and embrace a bold new direction.

The CSOs said despite efforts to address climate change, the ADB is still investing in fossil fuels, fund projects that displace communities and undermine fundamental rights.

“While we recognize that ADB’s current safeguard policy is strong, the Bank is very weak in monitoring the implementation of Environmental Management Plans on the ground, which leads to serious social and environmental issues for local communities,” said Hemantha Withanage, international convenor of the NGO Forum on ADB.

“Though the ADB-funded Upper Elahera Canal project in Sri Lanka was designed to transfer 974 MCM, only 223 MCM is currently available to meet the needs of the North Central Province—making it a white elephant,” he added. The groups are advocating for a complete, time-bound phase-out of all fossil fuel financing—including fossil gas.

While the ADB’s 2021 Energy Policy excluded new coal power generation, it continues to finance gas infrastructure, including pipelines, LNG terminals and gas-fired plants. This locks the region into decades of carbon-intensive energy and undermines the Paris Agreement. They also called out ADB’s new Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) for failing to mandate binding environmental and social impact assessments (EIA/SIA) before project approvals. The CSOs said that in high-risk sectors like energy and infrastructure, this gap allows projects to bypass safeguards, leaving vulnerable communities and ecosystems exposed to harm. The Forum Network called for a complete overhaul of the ADB’s Accountability Mechanism, which communities say has consistently failed them. The CSOs said the current mechanism is inaccessible and ineffective.

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

FINANCING company’s review of digital lending applications last year revealed these were used mostly for personal loans.

A Digido Finance Corp. study showed that that the lion’s share of activity by 47 digital lending apps was for personal loans at 76.4 percent, followed by ‘buy now, pay later’ (BNPL) services at 21.4 percent and installment loans at 2.2 percent.

Digido Business Development Manager Rose Arreco was quoted in a statement as saying that the activity seen in the apps increased by 16 percent when comparing it to activity in 2023. On average, Arreco said, active users of digital lending apps spent approximately 12 minutes and 14 seconds per month in 2024 while the average duration of a user’s session was 58 seconds.

About 1.54 billion seconds— equivalent to 49 years—were spent by persons in using non-bank digital lending applications in the Philippines in 2024, read the statement Digido issued last Tuesday.

According to Arreco, the personal loans segment was also the primary driver of the total number of applica-

tion downloads, which increased by 42.4 percent year-on-year (YoY) from 89.66 to 127.69 million units. Unique users increased by 43 percent YoY from 47.46 to 67.84 million people, while the number of active users increased by 53 percent YoY from 7.7 to 11.78 million people.

“Non-bank, digital-forward lenders maintain their current market growth rates despite the already high level of fintech penetration and saturation of offerings. Personal loans, in particular, remain a key driver of this industry due to its flexibility, ease of access, and competitive rates.

“The growth in downloads, active and unique users, as well as the increase in total time spent in applications indicate continued consumer interest and high demand for such financial instruments while illustrating the industry’s role in promoting financial inclusion and continuing towards increased access to formal credit.

“We also continue to implore the general public to transact with online lending platforms that are duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as thoughtfully study the terms and conditions before proceeding with any loan transaction,” Arreco explained.

“The e-Games and e-Bingo segment made history by becoming the industry’s top revenue driver for the first time,” Tengco was quoted in a statement as saying.

“Thiºs represents not just revenue growth but how consumer behavior continues to shift towards digital, on-demand gaming experiences, accelerated by greater access to mobile technology,” Tengco added.

Meanwhile, gaming revenues from licensed casinos slipped by 0.84 percent to P49.28 billion in the first three months from P49.7 billion in the same period last year. Still, GGR from licensed casinos accounted for almost half, or 47.32 percent, of the industry’s total.

“While there was a minimal dip in revenues from licensed casinos compared to last year’s figures due to growing digital competition, this segment shows sustained strength and relevance,” Tengco said.

He added that despite the growing shift to digital, land-based casinos continue to be essential in maintaining industry stability, especially in tourist-driven areas such as Entertainment City and Clark.

“As digital platforms take center stage, the Philippine gaming industry is likewise undergoing a paradigm shift. Hence, our goal as a regulator is to strike the right balance between innovation, player protection and long-term industry sustainability,” Tengco said.

Casinos operated under Pagcor’s Casino Filipino brand continued to post lower revenues, booking P3.45 billion, or 26.43-percent lower than last year’s P4.69 billion. Nonetheless, the amount still made up 3.31 percent of the country’s GGR.

As the state-owned casinos continue to result in revenue losses, the Pagcor is looking to sell Casino Filipino licenses by early 2026 in its bid to privatize all of its 45 casinos so that it could also focus on its mandate as a regulator.

“Since day one, I have been very vocal about our plans to focus solely on Pagcor’s role as regulator to provide a level playing field for all our stakeholders,” Tengco had said.

This year, Pagcor eyes the country’s GGR) to grow by double digits to P480 billion. Last year, GGR became the second-highest in Asia after Macau after reaching P410.47 billion, which is 24.81-percent higher than the P328.88

Health&Fitness

Top oncologist highlights importance of early cancer detection, promising innovations

By Candy P. Dalizon | Contributor

EARLY stage diagnosis offers the most favorable prognosis for cancer treatment. Although conventional screening methods retain their critical importance, a new development in the market shows significant promise for finding cancers at their earliest stages.

“Conventional screening methods are still extremely important. The three that have been really found to be effective are mammographic screening as far as breast cancer is concerned, pap smear for the detection of cervical cancer and in terms of colon cancer, the use of stoolbased test and colonoscopy,” said Dr. Ang Peng Tiam in an interview with BusinessMirror

He pointed out that these three methods are well-established as effective screenings that significantly improve early cancer diagnosis and, consequently, the likelihood of a cure.

Dr. Ang is a Senior Consultant, Medical Oncologist and Medical Director of Parkway Cancer Centre in Singapore. He is experienced in managing a wide range of cancers including lung cancer, breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, genitourinary cancer and malignant lymphoma.

“But there is something that is really up in the market now that people are very excited about and that is what we call MCED or Multiple Cancer Early Detection,” said Dr. Ang. New form of cancer screening MCED tests, as defined by the American Cancer Society (ACS), are a new form of cancer screening that can look for signs of many types of cancer. By examining blood samples for fragments of DNA, RNA, or proteins from abnormal cancer cells, these tests aim to detect cancer early. While some MCED tests can potentially pinpoint the cancer’s origin, others may only indicate the presence of cancer without identifying the type or location.

“But this is something that is very new and it is something that I think is being promoted really in the last one year or so and it has been found to be very useful. But unfortunately, because it is a new technology, the cost is still extremely high. The good laboratories can charge up to $5,000 for each screening,” said Dr. Ang.

“Although this is just a blood sample, the cost is considered quite exorbitant at this point and not really ready for routine use because more p eople will not be able to afford it,” added Dr. Ang.

He pointed out a significant concern which is the proliferation of laboratories now offering this type of testing. The crucial question is which of these companies are properly licensed

and have obtained FDA approval.

“In Singapore, we are very fortunate because the company that we use is a company called Lucene. Their liquid biopsy is actually FDA approved, which means that even in the United States, you can use your Medicare to pay for these tests.”

“So it’s very important that anyone who wants to do MCED to make sure that the company that’s doing this MCED test is actually FDA approved and not just some random company that sets up to say, look, I’m doing this testing. Then you’re just wasting money because the test may not be reliable,” said Dr. Ang.

No FDA clearance ACCORDING to the ACS, MCED tests have not been FDA cleared or approved yet. However, some are offered as labdeveloped tests under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) regulations, which allows doctors to order them.

While promising, MCED tests require further research before widespread use in asymptomatic individuals can be recommended. Many companies are diligently conducting studies and gathering data to seek FDA approval.

The prevailing view among test developers is that MCED tests are not intended to replace current screening methods. Instead, they hold the potential to complement existing tests and, importantly, aid in the detection of cancers where effective screening tools are not yet available.

Most common cancers

DR. Ang further noted that the three most common cancers oncologists deal with are lung, breast, and colorectal cancer.

“These are the top three, both in terms of frequency as well as in terms of death. So it is very important that people are aware. For example, in lung cancer, we know that cigarette smoking is a very important cause and we do encourage everyone to stop smoking,” shared Dr. Ang.

He also pointed out the concerning reality that lung cancer is increasingly diagnosed in non-smokers, highlighting the need for vigilance in everyone. On a more positive note, significant advancements in treatment now offer options even for very advanced stages of the disease.

In the past, Dr. Ang related, the only treatment for stage 4 lung cancer was chemotherapy. However, nowadays, depending on the lung cancer subtype, there are targeted agents as options—tablets that patients can take. Based on the specific mutation found, different targeted therapies are available, and these often allow patients to achieve good disease control.

“So besides chemotherapy, besides the targeted agents, we now also have immunotherapy which has been found to be very effective in treating patients with lung cancer,” said Dr. Ang.

Previously, chest X-rays were used for lung cancer screening, but they are highly inaccurate. Dr. Ang pointed out that by the time a lesion becomes visible on an X-ray, the cancer is often in an advanced stage.

“Nowadays, there are many studies which have shown that for patients considered as high risk, we can actually do a low dose CT scan of the lung. In other words, we use low doses of radiation but we do this as a screening of the lung.”

“From this, we can often pick up small lesions which we need to investigate and some of these are in fact lung cancers that can be treated at a very early stage. So for smokers, I think it is a meaningful form of screening once a year to detect early-stage lung cancer,” added Dr. Ang.

Head and neck cancer SMOKING, chewing tobacco, and using snuff are significant risk factors for various head and neck cancers. Additionally, chewing betel nut is a known cause in certain populations.

“But now what is far more prevalent is that we have actually found that many of these patients with head and neck cancer have the human papillomavirus, or HPV. As you are aware, HPV is a well-established culprit for development of cervical cancer,” said Dr. Ang.

The Philippines offers HPV vaccination in public schools as part of the “Bakuna Eskwela” program, aiming to protect students against vaccinepreventable diseases, including cervical cancer. This program is a joint effort between the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd). The program focuses on vaccinating female Grade 4 students in selected public schools, with the goal of achieving high vaccination rates among girls by age 15. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends HPV vaccination for girls as early as age 9, but particularly for those aged nine to 14, before they become sexually active.

Dr. Ang said the question of whether it should be given between the ages of 9 to 12 or whether it should be given at a later stage is still being debated.

“If indeed the girls start having sex at a very young age, like 12 years old, then certainly we need to consider HPV vaccination at a younger age. In more conservative societies, the younger girls may not have sex until a later age, 18 years old. So you can vaccinate them even at 15 or 16 as the

case may be. The important thing is to do the vaccination before they become sexually active,” Dr. Ang explained. He added that it may be worthwhile to consider HPV vaccination even for men as it can cause cancers in men too such as head and neck cancer (mouth or throat cancer).

“But unfortunately, this cannot be a standard recommendation because there have been no studies done to demonstrate the effectiveness of HPV vaccination for men. Because firstly, head and neck cancers are not that common,” said Dr. Ang.

He explained that research on prevention is most effective when focused on prevalent cancers, such as cervical cancer. This allows for meaningful comparisons between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups in terms of who develops the disease. Consequently, widespread HPV vaccination in women is also expected to reduce the risk of HPV infection in men.

“So is it necessary for us to vaccinate both men and women?” is a big question mark as we answered both in terms of economics as well as practicality,” said Dr. Ang.

Vaping

WHILE both smoking and vaping carry health risks, the long-term consequences of e-cigarette use are still being investigated. However, current scientific understanding suggests that vaping is not a safe substitute for smoking.

The American Heart Association, among others, highlights that the perception of vaping as a safer alternative to smoking is not supported by the growing body of evidence indicating its dangers.

Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol produced by e-cigarettes or vapes, which contains various chemicals like nicotine and flavorings. Vaping carries significant risks.

“In fact, some believe it may cause even more harm to the lungs than cigarette smoking. One concerning trend is that vaping may actually be a soft introduction to cigarette smoking. People who find the flavors and scents appealing might start vaping at a much younger age,” said Dr. Ang.

“That’s why in Singapore we have decided to take a very firm stance against vaping. Vaping is illegal in Singapore. The sale of vapes is illegal in Singapore. The possession of vapes is illegal in Singapore. The inhaling of vapes is also illegal in Singapore,” shared Dr. Ang.

A brighter outlook than before OVERALL, cancer treatment has significantly improved over time. Dr. Ang concurred, emphasizing the numerous advancements in the field.

“Definitely, the outlook for anyone who has got cancer now in the year 2025 is far better than let’s say 10 years ago in 2015 and far better than in 2005. So every decade, you can clearly see the significant improvements that are made in the various cancers,” said Dr. Ang.

Family planning takes a back seat during calamities–expert

IBy Rizal Raoul S. Reyes Contributor

N disaster-prone communities across the Philippines, access to family planning services often becomes collateral damage during calamities, leaving many women vulnerable and without support.

In a recent forum hosted by the Socioeconomic Research Portal for the Philippines (SERP-P) of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), Dr. Ma. Carmen Peñalosa, an expert on gender and reproductive health at Miriam College,  emphasized the need to address this issue and ensure reproductive health services remain available during emergencies.

Editor:

Plastic substance leads to heart disease–study

By Manuel T. Cayon Contributor

DAVAO CITY—A substance used in the production of plastic has been found to contribute to heart ailment, the environmental group Greenpeace Philippines said, citing a New York study released recently.

Greenpeace said researchers from New York University Langone Health recently released the findings of their study “linking chemicals found in plastics to heart disease.”

“The researchers found that phthalates used in common plastic products like food packaging have contributed to over 350,000 global deaths from heart disease in 2018,”

Greenpeace added.

Greenpeace cited the study to further promote its campaign against wanton dumping of plastic waste, especially in the waterways. It also said in previous statements that the country is one of Asia’s leading contributors to the accumulation of plastic waste in the Pacific.

“Plastics are poisoning our bodies. Every sachet, every single-use plastic produced, carries hidden health risks. This new study linking chemicals used in everyday plastics adds to the large amount of scientific evidence of the health harms connected to the plastic lifecycle and the chemicals used in common plastic products,” said Mar -

ian Ledesma, Greenpeace Philippines Zero Waste campaigner.

Single-use plastic

SHE said that given the prevalence of single-use plastic in the Philippines, “and the fact that heart disease has consistently been the leading cause of death in the country for many years, these findings should be a clear signal to reduce plastic production and use now.”

“Our country is drowning in singleuse plastic, which could contain any of 4,200 hazardous chemicals still used in various plastic products. One example are sachets, which are used for food, cosmetics, and personal care products. Millions of sachets are used each day in the Philippines and could contain many chemicals that can put people’s health at risk,” she said. Ledesma said government must enact stringent plastic regulations, specifically mandating plastic reduction.

“As a start, Congress must pass a law to ban single use plastics. At the same time, the government and businesses must support and shift to proven systems like reuse and refill solutions that decrease our reliance on sachets and other single-use plastics,” she said. She said that transitioning from single-use plastic to reuse and refill systems “not only protects people’s health and food security, it also safeguards the health of our environment and climate.”

Road crashes are leading cause of death of children, young adults–WHO

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

APPROXIMATELY 1.19 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes and that road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged five to 29 years, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) said that early last year, data showed that 12, 000 Filipinos die yearly nationwide due to road crashes. The figure, the DOH said, has steadily increased in the last decade.

The DOH said that from 7,938 deaths in 2011, the number of deaths increased to 11,096 in 2021. Males represent 84 percent of the fatalities.

This is worrisome, the DOH said.

Nakababahala ang sunod sunod na banggan na kumitil sa buhay ng ating mga kababayan [The series of collisions that have claimed the lives of our countrymen is worrying.],” the DOH said, citing reports from the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group that from 2024 alone about 31,258 road crashes were recorded.

sit Inc., which left 10 people dead, including six children, and injured 37 on May 2, 2025. On May 5, two people, including a fiveyear-old girl, died when a sports utility vehicle crashed into the entrance of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1’s departure area. He said most road crashes are due to the driver’s misbehavior and not following traffic rules.

“There are other underlying factors why we have accidents, also because of irresponsible or reckless driving of drivers,” he added. Data from the Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS) in 2024 revealed an alarming rate of approximately 92,583 road crashes annually over the past few years, resulting in an average of 410 deaths each year. Among these fatalities, 51 percent are drivers, 36 percent are pedestrians, and

A study funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) revealed that women in disasteraffected areas report difficulties in accessing contraceptives when calamities strike.

Out-of-pocket expense IN areas like Batangas, Eastern Samar, and Siargao Island, health systems often buckle under pressure, forcing women to bear the financial cost of contraceptives out-of-pocket, ranging from P50 to P200 per pill.

“Women and girls, those in rural areas, indigenous communities, and other marginalized groups are often disproportionately left behind in the development process, especially during times of disaster,” she said.

Peñalosa underscored the need for  local health systems to be prepared to withstand disasters to ensure continuous access to family planning services.

Aside from experiencing financial challenges, sociocultural factors in communities such as Marawi City exacerbate the problem. Moreover, women face stigma for using contraceptives, with some even accusing them of trying to control Muslim populations.

“If you don’t have children, you are ashamed. If you use pills, you are called promiscuous,” Peñalosa said. “There’s even some who see it as a way to control the population of the Muslims.”

Interestingly, across all study areas, vasectomy was not considered a viable option, reflecting a widespread lack of male involvement in family planning decisions.

Sociocultural barriers

PEÑALOSA noted that these sociocultural barriers, compounded by the

disruptions caused by disasters, create an even more challenging environment for women seeking reproductive health services.

Given these multifaceted challenges, Peñalosa urges local health authorities to secure a steady supply of contraceptives during disasters and most especially to the most vulnerable communities.

She also called for culturally sensitive education campaigns to reduce the stigma and myths surrounding contraception and emphasized the need to actively involve men in these efforts.

Furthermore, she urged local governments to integrate family planning into disaster preparedness and response plans, ensuring that reproductive health remains protected, no matter the circumstances.

Ang mga insidenteng ito ay maiiwasan sa pinagsamang maayos na sistema at imprastraktura ng road safety at ng kahandaan, disiplina at maayos na kondisyon ng motorista , pedestrian at maging ng mga sasakyan. [These incidents can be prevented through a well-functioning road safety system and infrastructure, as well as the preparedness, discipline, and good condition of motorists, pedestrians, and even vehicles.] Road safety is a shared responsibility,” the DOH reiterated.

Obey traffic rules

MEANWHILE , the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) echoed this and called on motorists to be responsible and to always obey traffic rules.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility. It is not only the government’s responsibility. It is the responsibility of everyone using the road, all road users,” said MMDA Traffic Education Division Chief Edison “Bong” Nebrija  during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon forum, citing the crash involving Solid North Tran -

The

will emphasize five pillars of road safety, namely, road safety management, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer road users, and post-crash response.     Prevention  WHO said that road traffic injuries can be prevented. Governments must take action to address road safety in a holistic manner.

“This requires involvement from multiple sectors such as transport, police, health and education, as well as the private sector and civil society organizations. It requires actions that address the safety of roads, vehicles and all road users, WHO said. WHO said that effective interventions include designing safer infrastructure and

Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

WHAT’S THAT RASH? PUT SOME THOUGHT INTO ASKING GOOGLE FOR MEDICAL HELP

BY TOM MURPHY The Associated Press

DR. GOOGLE is often on call for worried patients, but it may not give the best advice. Doctors say internet searches for medical information should be done cautiously, especially with artificial intelligence playing a growing role. Information from the right websites can teach patients about symptoms and prepare them for a doctor’s visit. But a poorly done search might inflame anxiety well before someone reaches the waiting room. It’s important to know the source of the information you find and to avoid trying to diagnose your health issue. Here are questions to keep in mind if you seek medical help online.

WHAT’S YOUR SOURCE?

WHEN you do a search, don’t automatically click the first link. It may not contain the best answers. Some companies pay to have their websites listed at the top of a results page. Those links may be listed as sponsored. Scroll for results that come from a source you can trust for medical information. That can include big health systems like the Mayo Clinic or sites run by government agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We’ve gotten so used to clicking on that first link,” says John Grohol, a psychologist who specializes in online behavior. “For your health information, especially when it is personal, you want to think about it.”

SHOULD I USE AI?

THAT depends on what it tells you. More people are using artificial intelligence to get quick answers pulled from a variety of internet sources. Some searches also will generate an AI summary at the top of the results page. But an AI answer may not say where it got the information. That makes it hard to judge credibility.

AI also can be prone to “hallucinations,” an industry term for issues that cause the technology to make stuff up. Be especially wary of this if no source is cited.

WHAT SHOULD I ASK?

HOW you phrase a question plays a big role in the results you see. Doctors say patients should search for information based on symptoms, not an expected diagnosis.

“You’ve got to ask at the very beginning the right questions,” said Dr. Eric Boose of the Cleveland Clinic.

That means asking, “What could cause a lump to form under my skin?” instead of “Is the lump under my skin cancer?” Focusing on a diagnosis means you may miss other explanations, especially if you just click the first few links listed in the results. For some issues, you should skip the search altogether. If you are having chest pains, experiencing dizziness of showing signs of a stroke, seek help immediately.

“You don’t want to delay something that should be treated within a certain amount of time,” said Dr. Olivier Gherardi, medical director of Brown University Health Urgent Care.

CAN THE INTERNET DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM?

NO. Leave that to the real doctors who are trained to ask questions that lead to a diagnosis. Blood in your urine could mean cancer. It also might be caused by kidney stones or an infection. Unexplained weight loss also could be a sign of cancer. Or it could reflect an overactive thyroid or a new job that causes you to move around more.

Some testing and a visit with a doctor who knows your medical history may be the best medicine in these situations.

“There are a lot of symptoms that overlap between minor conditions and major medical problems,” said Dr. Sarah Sams, a board member with the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Nurturing emotional intelligence: Helping children build confidence and compassion

IREMEMBER years ago when my best friend spent the day with me and my children, Meagan and Marcus, in a small mall in the Ortigas area. Meagan was around 12 and Marcus about 9 at the time. Marcus wanted to get a particular snack from a nearby food stand, but I was browsing with my friend. Without hesitation, Meagan offered to take him. The food stand was a good 10-minute walk away— through areas that weren’t exactly spotless or bustling with security.

As the two kids disappeared into the crowd, my friend turned to me and asked, “What should I do for my child to be that confident to volunteer and take charge of tasks? Should I enroll her in taekwondo or a self-defense class?” I smiled and gently replied, “Would you be willing to take your child to unfamiliar, less tidy areas in Manila?” She paused with a smile, then admitted, “Maybe not.”

I shared with her what I’ve learned: developing courage—and emotional intelligence—takes practice. And it often requires a shift in our parenting mindset. It is hard to grow these traits in our children by sheltering them. We grow them by allowing our children to experience challenges, make decisions, and develop confidence in real-life scenarios. It means being present, embracing teachable moments, and giving our kids the space to rise.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions while being attuned to the feelings of others. For young children, it’s a skill that forms the foundation of healthy relationships, effective communication, and long-term academic and personal success.

TECHNIQUES TO FOSTER EMOTIONAL AWARENESS AND EMPATHY

1. Model emotional expression. Children learn more by watching than by listening. When adults show healthy emotional responses, children learn what those emotions look like and how to handle them. Instead of hiding your feelings, try saying things like, “I’m feeling a little stressed because I have a lot to do today, but I’ll take a break and breathe to stay calm.” These simple moments of modeling help kids develop emotional vocabulary and regulation.

2. Encourage open communication.Creating a safe, non-judgmental space allows children to open up. Make it a habit to ask about their day and really listen. Instead of saying “Don’t be sad,” try “Tell me more about what’s making you feel this way.” This invites emotional exploration, helping your child trust their own feelings and your guidance.

3. Implement mindfulness practices. Mindfulness helps children slow down and tune into their inner world. Short, fun exercises—like “smell the flower, blow the candle” breathing—can calm anxious energy and help them reset. Regular mindfulness also builds focus and patience, both key to managing emotions in everyday life.

I found and received great feedback from parents on socio-emotional learning tools from Learning Resources.  My most favorite one is My Feelings Pineapple.  This friendly, customizable pineapple comes with interchangeable pieces to create various facial expressions. Children love the tactile play,

Make every day brighter for every mom with Anko’s thoughtful picks

the home. Speaking of tables, the set of 2 Soho Side Tables (P2,160) blends both beauty and practicality. For a sleeker, more minimalist option, the Noir Side Table (P1,280) offers a stylish black finish that’s effortlessly chic. ■ FOR MOMS

and while they build faces that look happy, sad, or surprised, they’re actually learning to identify and talk about emotions. It’s great for both solo play and group learning environments. Parents have told me how the tantrums of their child lessened a lot because their child would use this toy to tell them how he or she feels.

Another good discovery of mine is called the Open the Joy toys. It curates thoughtful activity kits that help children build empathy, express their feelings, and develop a stronger emotional foundation—all while having fun. Most of all, it showed me that socioemotional learning can be an everyday exercise.  The House of Emotions set introduces children to a range of emotions through storytelling, pretend play, and colorful characters. It invites kids to not only identify how they feel but also understand why they feel that way, which is essential for developing emotional depth and self-awareness.

The best way to develop emotional intelligence is to actually incorporate socio-emotional learning in our daily routines. Pretend play allows children to explore emotions from different perspectives. Choose activities and stories that tackle themes of friendship, disappointment, or courage, and afterward ask questions like, “How do you think she felt?” or “What would you do in that situation?” Just like reading or math, emotional intelligence grows through regular exposure. Make it part of your daily rhythm— morning emotion check-ins, bedtime reflections, or mindful moments during transitions. The more your child practices recognizing and regulating emotions, the stronger their skills become.

This column today is dedicated to remembering the birthday of Manang Eyang, my beloved nanny.

When I was often teased for being dark-skinned in school when I was young, she taught me how to stand up for myself.  She was my best teacher for courage, kindness and joy. ■

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