BusinessMirror May 30, 2025

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

“If you have a better streamlined government, then we can actually reach 8 percent [GDP growth]. The ideal computation is 8-10 percent GDP growth for 8 to 10 consecutive years. That was done by China

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

and that’s why they eliminated the poverty of 300 million Chinese,” Ronilo Balbieran, Senior Economist at University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) and E-Commerce,

economy currencies are projected to end the year 0.4 percent stronger against the dollar, compared to how they traded at the start of 2025. BMI noted that this is considered a major shift as these currencies declined by an average of 8.1 percent in 2024. Based on Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data, the Philippine peso has been depreciating since 2022.

BOC, DA seize ₧90M worth of smuggled agri products

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized a total of P90.065 million worth of smuggled agricultural products from separate operations at the Port of Manila in its bid to uphold food security, public health and rule of law.

In a statement on Thursday, the BOC said it found about P9 million worth of smuggled sugar in two separate shipments.

On May 23, the BOC examined two 20-foot container vans from Thailand storing 1,000 sacks of refined sugar.

A joint team from the BOC, Sugar Regulatory Administration

(SRA), Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) led the inspection. The BOC said that while the consignee was registered with the SRA, the importation was unauthorized since the shipment lacked the required import allocation and clearance.

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS)— POM recommended the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) for violations of Section 117 (Regulated Importation and Exportation) in relation

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

@blessogerio

THE scars left by the pandemic-era work shift and the mass exit of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) are still dragging Metro Manila’s office market, with vacancy

to Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and Sugar Order No. 6, Series of 2022–2023.

In another operation on May 29, the BOC, in coordination with the SRA, DA, Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. (CCBI) and Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) inspected two abandoned 20-foot containers at Warehouse 3 in the Port of Manila, concealing 1,040 bags of sugar labeled as “sweet mixed powder.”

The BOC said the registered importer disclaimed ownership of the shipment due to its unexpected arrival and associated demurrage costs.

During the same inspection activity, the team also examined a 40-foot container concealing 1,046 boxes or 52,300 reams of illicit cigarettes, worth P81.065 million, misdeclared as fabric.

A WSD was also issued for the shipment in violation of Sections 1400 and 1113 of the CMTA, in relation to National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Board Resolution No. 079-2005.

“President Marcos Jr. has made it clear that the smuggling of agricultural commodities and other regulated goods will not be tolerated. These operations are a direct response to his marching orders to safeguard our borders and protect the welfare of the Filipino people,” Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said.

Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

DA eyes reinstating MSRP for pork as early as end-July

By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking at reinstating the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork as early as end-July.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the revised plan to impose the MSRP for pork anew would involve the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) intervening in the market to bolster competition that could pull down prices of the protein source.

He explained that the FTI would directly purchase pork from farms and

Firm: WFH…

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clocked in at P987 per square meter (sqm) per month by end-Q1 2025, a minor decline from P990 per sqm in the previous quarter.

deliver it to retailers, giving the latter a margin of P30 to P50 per kilo.

“If we compete with the other retailers, prices should go down. We are creating more competition,” Laurel told reporters on the sidelines of a smuggling inspection in Manila on Thursday.

The DA chief said they plan to pro -

cure from farms in Pampanga and Tarlac, with the overall aim of purchasing 150,000 metric tons (MT) of pork this year.

Furthermore, Laurel said the agency has requested a P500-million budget from the Malacañang “as a standby money in case [the DA] needs it] for the program.

He noted that the purchase of imported pork also stands as the government’s last resort to bring down the prices of the commodity.

“If we need to use imported meat to lower the price of pork in the market, we will do it,” Laurel said. “But that is the last resort. That’s not our priority.”

The DA lifted the MSRP for pork this month following mounting calls from industry players due to

tight supply. Laurel earlier noted that the lifting of the measure heeded the industry’s clamor to allow them to sell beyond the P230 per kilo farmgate price following supply shortage and the low compliance from retailers. Under the initiative to curb the spike in pork prices, the MSRP for freshly slaughtered carcass is P300 per kilo, P350 per kilo for pigue (leg/ham) and kasim (shoulder), and P380 per kilo for liempo (pork belly). Retail prices of pork ham in Metro Manila markets range from P350 to P430 per kilo, while pork belly is being sold from P370 to P480 per kilo, based on the latest government price monitoring report.

Digitalization, Infrastructure, Policy and Planning Specialist at Research, Education, and Institutional Development (REID) Foundation, Inc. said at a forum organized by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta) on Thursday. On the sidelines of the forum, Balbieran explained to reporters how critical ease of doing business (EODB) can be in spurring economic growth.

“So if you are able to facilitate the creation of businesses, if you are able to facilitate the registration of investments, and then for them to fully realize the investment plans, then actual businesses will be created, then jobs will be created, then actual incomes will be earned, and then that will lead to increased consumption, then that will lead to the so-called circular flow of income, where you can actually expand your economy, because you have production, employment, income, spending back to production, so that’s how you jumpstart, so that’s the role of government, to really make sure that that circular flow of income continues to circulate,” Balbieran told reporters. He said the circulation of money in an economy cannot happen if the government is “not facilitative, not responsive, not streamlined, in relation to businesses and investments.”

Cordero noted that rents in major central business districts (CBDs) such as Makati and Taguig are expected to hold steady in the near term. However, he warned that should demand fail to rebound in the latter half of 2025, “another rental adjustment may occur.”

External shocks ADDING to the property sector’s woes are the global ripple effects of shifting economic policies, particularly those stemming from the United States.

Outside the core CBDs, the firm said newer developments could face downward pressure as the market grapples with excess supply and global economic uncertainties.

Cushman and Wakefield said the “already fragile recovery path” of the local office property sector is facing renewed risks amid “new global dynamics,” including policy changes during the early days of the new US administration.

Still, the broader Asia-Pacific region has shown resilience, the firm noted, with businesses and investors adapting to a “complex global environment shaped by tariff adjustments, evolving trade policies, and uneven growth trajectories.”

Sustainability, digitalization REAL estate players must evolve

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merely provides for a mechanism through which the concessionaire may apply for an increase of the LRT fare,” the SC declared.

Likewise, the Court dismissed the petitioners’ claim that the agreement violated the right of the employees to security of tenure.

It gave weight to LRMC’s argument that the agreement is not an employment contract between the LRMC and the transferring employees, but rather a contract that governs the obligations of the government and the concessionaire to one another.

“Not being an employment contract, the Concession Agreement is not intended to lay down the tasks that the transferring employees must undertake. It is not meant to provide for the reasonable standards that the probationary employees must conform to,” the Court ruled.

The SC also noted that under the agreement, the LRMC has no absolute prerogative of dismissing a transferring employee due to economic reasons since it should be done in accordance with the “Relevant Rules and Procedures.” “Accordingly, we find the concession agreement does not violate the constitutional right to security of tenure,” the

in a changing global landscape, per Cushman & Wakefield. International trends now favor energy-efficient buildings, greencertified projects and digitally enhanced asset management.

In the Philippines, however, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

“Philippine developers and investors must strategically position themselves to cater to increasing demand for energy-efficient buildings and smart infrastructure expected to rise alongside consumer spending,” the firm said.

As macroeconomics risks, such as rising inflation and currency fluctuations, will remain a big factor, it added that “developers must also remain alert to disrupted supply chains, which directly affect project timelines and construction costs.”

SC said.

Contrary to the claim of petitioners, the SC said congressional approval or legislative franchise is not a prerequisite for the execution of the concession agreement.

The SC noted that Congress has granted certain administrative agencies the power to grant licenses for, or authorize the operation of certain public utilities, which include the DOTr.

The Court noted that under Section 5 of Executive Order No. 125-A, one of the powers and functions of the DOTr pertains to the issuance of “certificates of public convenience for the operation of public land and rail transportation utilities and services.”

On the alleged violation of the petitioners’ right to information, the SC held that the respondents complied with their obligations under Article II, Section 28, which requires the government to make full disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest.

“Here, respondents DOTr and LRTA posted in their respective websites and bulletin boards the Invitation to Qualify and Bid for the LRT 1 Extension Project,” the SC explained.

“The Invitation to Qualify, which was also advertised in various newspapers, contained the following information relating to the project: first, estimated cost; second, description and components; third, bidding process; and fourth, bidders’ qualifications,” it added.

In a statement, De Lima emphasized the significance of Torre’s appointment at a time when the country is calling for public institutions that are trustworthy, accountable, and protective of the rights and welfare of all Filipinos. De Lima praised Torre’s demonstrated courage and dedication to his duty, par-

In terms of sectors, Balbieran cited the example of the Construction industry which requires a lot of permits.

“For example in Construction, you have the pickup license—which we’re very happy that it’s fully automated, the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board. So the construction company license is fully automated. And we can do that in between 4 hours to 4 days, depending on the nature of the license that you’re getting,” he said. However, Balbieran noted that it doesn’t simply end there. “Once you have the license, as a company, then you will have to secure the permits of your construction project. So there are construction permits, building permits at the local level, quarry permits, there are a lot of them.”

“Aside from the usual mayor’s permit, etc., and then filing your taxes, etc. So if all of those can actually be done inside your office, then, you know, we have a lot of gaps in terms of construction. There’s so much demand for building more houses,” he further explained.

In fact, the economist said the country has a “big backlog” in terms of housing requirements versus housing supply.

“There’s a lot of demand for resorts, hotels. So would you like to spend that time in waiting?” said Balbieran.

As to the other sectors, he cited the abundant opportunities for Tourism, Online retail.

Balbieran said hitting the 8 percent GDP growth may be attained in the first half of the next administration.

“If we are able to completely, consistently, systematically pursue these streamlining efforts, digitalization efforts, then you have a big foundation to establish all your investments,” he explained.

However, he noted that the country’s investments have to grow “simultaneously.”

“Manufacturing cannot grow and leave the investments in energy. What is the power supply of the manufacturing? It will not grow by 8 percent even if it is ready to grow,” he added.

With this, he said the government should assist all sectors, as it is difficult to “synchronize” everything.

“The government must be able to synchronize all its efforts so that it can help all the sectors and synchronize all their investment plans capable of growing by 8 percent. So, it will take 5-6 years for us to be ready.”

ticularly in challenging circumstances that tested the values of law enforcement. She expressed her hope that the new PNP Chief would continue to carry out his responsibilities with independence, professionalism, and loyalty to the Constitution. Samuel P. Medenilla, Rex Anthony Naval, Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

ELEVATING CONDO LIVING AT VERTIS NORTH

By Candy P. Dalizon Contributor

WHEN looking for a new home or investment, one must weigh the distinct advantages and disadvantages of condominiums, ultimately aligning their choice with personal lifestyle and needs.

Condo living within a masterplanned estate presents a unique proposition. This offers enhanced benefits to residents and the broader community by contributing to urban development and potentially influencing local economic growth.

Redefining Urban Lifestyles

Essentially, real estate development helps boost local economies through construction, employment, and increased property values. Commercial spaces within estates attract businesses that generate economic activity. Furthermore, the strategic placement of condominiums within such estates can optimize existing infrastructure and support more efficient land use.

With its residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, estates contribute to planned urban development. When thoughtfully placed near transport and commercial hubs, it enhances urban accessibility and mitigates traffic congestion. An estate’s walkable design also fosters a lifestyle that may even minimize reliance on personal vehicles, with locations near essential services, transportation hubs, and commercial centers.

Condominiums set within an estate thus provide significant community benefits, including enhanced community building, increased safety and security, comprehensive amenities and services, as well as improved accessibility and convenience. Residents, for example, benefit from a robust, duallayered security system. Estates provide initial security with controlled access and surveillance, which are complemented by the condominium buildings’ dedicated personnel and systems. This helps ensure enhanced safety and peace of mind.

O verall, living within an es-

tate fosters a sense of community through shared spaces and organized activities. These can serve as hubs for social interaction to amplify community spirit, which build closer connections among neighbors and promote a feeling of belonging.

anao Avenue, Quezon Avenue, and NLEX. It provides easy access to key business districts in Metro Manila, reducing commute times and enhancing overall convenience. This ensures seamless connectivity to the rest of Metro Manila and beyond.

Vertis North also has easy access to public transportation, with MRT-3 and LRT-1 stations within walking distance. Future developments like the Metro Manila Subway and Grand Central Station will further enhance accessibility.

World-class Amenities

At present, residents and visitors can already indulge in a wide range of world-class amenities, including upscale hotels, shopping malls, fine dining establishments, and serene parks. Vertis North boasts of two hectares of green spaces, three fully leased corporate centers, three

A pr ime example is Vertis North, a dynamic estate by leading developer Ayala Land. Vertis North has since transformed Quezon City’s landscape, offering a diverse mix of residential, commercial, retail, and entertainment spaces that redefine urban living.

Strategic location

Vertis North’s strategic location makes it easily accessible via major highways, including EDSA, Mind-

office towers under construction, and six completed residential towers with a growing 40 percent occupancy across 6,866 units.

Experience a refined shopping and dining experience at Ayala Malls Vertis North and Trinoma. There’s also Seda Vertis North, a 438-room hotel, and Solaire Resort North, Bloomberry’s second integrated resort in the Philippines.

A lso, within the estate, Vertis North Corporate Center caters to the growing needs of modern businesses. The development’s three high-rise office towers offer stateof-the-art workspaces for both startups and established enterprises. These offices provide easy access to a range of amenities, including dining, shopping, and residential options.

Vertis North likewise features Ayala Land’s commitment to sustainable development with the stunning two-hectare Vertis North Rain Garden. This multi-purpose park, lined with trees and lush greenery, offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Its terraced

design not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also serves as a functional rainwater catchment basin. The garden’s expansive lawn thus provides the perfect spot for relaxation, while the activity area can be used for various events, be it intimate gatherings or community celebrations.

Modern Condo Spaces

Above all, living in Vertis North allows you to enjoy a secure and convenient lifestyle with immense investment potential.

A lveo Land offers a diverse range of residential options, including High Park, Orean Place, and Orean Residences, which provide modern living spaces for various lifestyle preferences.

A s its latest and most premium offering in the estate, Orean Residences is designed with spacious interiors, high-quality finishes, and

refreshing city views. This high-rise development is truly designed to impress, offering easy access to Vertis North’s serene green spaces and vibrant amenities while embodying a sophisticated living experience. Characterized by quality, exclusivity, and a sense of cultural vibrancy, Orean Residences is a prime address to live in the heart of Quezon City’s transformation.

Promising Future

Condominium living within a master-planned estate like Vertis North provides a clear pathway to elevate one’s lifestyle, offering superior convenience, security, and community in Quezon City. With its strategic location, strong developer reputation, and diverse offerings, this presents excellent investment opportunities for those seeking a promising future.

Friday, May 30, 2025

New appointees start assuming posts

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

PRESIDENT Marcos has started bringing in fresh faces to his Cabinet amid his ongoing efforts to implement a widescale revamp in his administration.

On Thursday, the Chief Executive sworn in former Pag-IBIG President and Chief Executive Office Darlene Marie B. Berberabe as the new Solicitor General.

Berberabe, the current dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law, replaced former Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra.

Guevarra said he welcomes the new appointment of Berberabe, who he considers as a top-caliber lawyer.

“As for me, maybe it’s time to go back to a quiet and peaceful private life,” Guevarra said.

As early as March, there were speculations that Guevarra will be replaced by the President after he recused himself from representing the government on the three habeas corpus petitions filed by the children of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte before the Supreme Court (SC). At that time, Marcos said Guevarra still enjoys his trust.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday, Executive

Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, however, stressed that the acceptance of Guevarra’s courtesy resignation was not related to the said incident.

“But you know, he and the President had a conversation about this and the President respected his ethical decision to recuse. Now if there was a reservation about his professionalism at that time, the President would have already removed him but the President continued to repose trust in him,” Bersamin said.

New appointments

JOSE RAMON P. ALILING also took his oath of office before Marcos on Thursday as the new secretary of Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) vice Jose Rizalino L. Acuazar, who was named as Presidential Advisor for Pasig River Improvement with the rank of Secretary. Bersamin said the President has also named Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, as the next National Police chief, when Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil retires on June 7. Bersamin also announced other changes in the Cabinet after Marcos accepted the courtesy resignation of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson J.

Prospero de Vera III.

De Vera, who served for almost seven years, will be replaced by CHED Commissioner Shirley C. Agrupis.

On Thursday, de Vera welcomed the decision of Marcos to accepted his courtesy resignation.

“While I have a term of office until July 2026, I submitted my courtesy resignation pursuant to the instructions of the President. I respect the President’s decision and thank him for the trust and the opportunity to continue with the educational reforms in higher education that I started when I was appointed Commissioner in 2016, Chairman in 2018, and under his administration,” de Vera said in a statement.

De Vera also extended his warm congratulations to Agrupis who was designated to replace him.

Remullas retained MARCOS , Bersamin said, has opted to retain Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Juanito Victor C. Remulla, Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, and Department of Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Eduardo C. Teodoro.

They will join the heads of the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Finance, Department of Economic, Planning and Development, Department of

Budget and Management and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick D. Go, who were all retained by Marcos in his Cabinet.

Last week, Marcos ordered all his Cabinet members to submit their courtesy resignations to give him the lee way to review their performance.

He said the initiative aims to allow him to remove underperforming or corrupt officials in his administration to fasttrack the completion of the priority agenda of this administration.

Earlier this week, Marcos also ordered the heads of governmentowned and -controlled corporations (GOCC) to resign through the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG).

“Practically, all GOCCs or their leaderships have submitted but we are still awaiting the submission of other GOCCs,” Bersamin said. He assured the changes will have no major impact on the operations and policies of the government.

“The stability of policies will continue. The policy directions have been issued to these offices by the President and the governing or the supervising cabinet secretaries so there is a clear path for all of them to see, to follow and to traverse,” Bersamin said. With Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

Gatchalian pushes efficient implementation of Aral

SBy Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

EN. Sherwin Gatchalian is keen on seeking efficient implementation of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (Aral) Program which launches this year.

Names of senators found on Sara’s confi fund list

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

AS the Senate prepares for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial next week, a leader of the House of Representatives on Thursday revealed a new list of dubious names that allegedly benefitted from the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential funds, including surnames strikingly similar to those of sitting senators, a congressman, and even a well-known bakeshop.

Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V revealed entries such as “Beth Revilla,” “Janice Marie Revilla,” “Diane Maple Lapid,” “John A. Lapid Jr.,” “Clarisse Hontiveros,” “Kristine Applegate Estrada,” and “Denise Tanya Escudero,” all bearing surnames akin to current senators.

Beyond the previously flagged “Mary Grace Piattos,” new additions include “Cannor Adrian Contis” and individuals with the surname “Solon”—Kris Solon and Paul M. Solon—a surname shared with Sarangani Rep. Steve Chiongbian Solon.

“These irregularities are too glaring to ignore—these names from the supposed Budol Gang call for a deeper look,” Ortega said as lawmakers zero in on what could be one of the alleged biggest fund misuse scandals in recent memory.

“It turns out Mary Grace Piattos isn’t the only one with a café-restaurant namesake; now there’s Contis too. If your office has confidential funds, do you also have a sweet tooth?” Ortega quipped.

“And then there’s ‘Solon,’ with the same surname as our colleague Congressman Steve Solon.”

strong evidence against her in the impeachment trial,” Ortega asserted.

“The repeated use of fake names that seem pulled from movies and showbiz is not funny,” Ortega added, suggesting that the frequency and creativity of these names are unlikely coincidental and could indicate a systemic effort to obscure confidential fund transactions.

Similar to earlier findings, Ortega noted that the newly surfaced names do not appear in official birth, marriage, or death records from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Previously, Ortega had revealed other alleged bogus names, including Honeylet Camille Sy, Feonna Biong, Feonna Villegas, and Joel Linangan from the OVP, as well as Fiona Ranitez, Erwin Q. Ewan, Ellen Magellan, and Gary Tanada from the Department of Education (DepEd). He also cited “Team Grocery” beneficiaries such as Beverly Claire Pampano, Mico Harina, Ralph Josh Bacon, Patty Ting, and Sala Casim, and a cluster dubbed “Team Amoy Asim” with names like Amoy Liu, Fernan Amuy, and Joug De Asim. Ortega also flagged names like Mary Grace Piattos, which combines a popular bakery and snack food, and Xiaome Ocho, which closely resembles a well-known smartphone brand.

Earlier investigations by the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability found that 405 out of 677 names listed as beneficiaries of DepEd’s confidential funds under Duterte lacked birth records, indicating alleged fabrication. All newly flagged names are linked to the OVP’s P500 million confidential funds disbursed in 2023.

Gatchalian underscored the urgent need for the effective rollout of Aral Program to fasttrack learning recovery in the country.

availability of tutors.

“Sa pagbabalik-eskuwela ngayong taon, mahalagang maipatupad natin nang maayos ang  Aral Program  dahil ang  tutorial session  na bahagi nito ay para sa mga mag-aaral nating nangangailangan ng tulong. Kailangang tiyakin nating hindi na sila mapag-iiwanan,” said Gatchalian, pointing out that there is a need to ensure the

Pinoy survivors in ship sinking home soon

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said efforts to repatriate the 20 Filipino crew members of the Liberianflagged cargo ship MSC ELSA 3, which sank near the coast of India, are now ongoing.

In a statement, DMW disclosed it is now coordinating with the Office of Migration Affairs (OMA) of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to bring home the said mariners as soon as possible.

It is also coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi for the issuance of temporary travel documents for the seamen after they lost their passports and Seafarer Registration Cards (SRCs) when MSC ELSA 3 capsized near Kochi City in India.

“The DMW will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates. We stand ready to extend any and all assistance required by the seafarers and their families,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans J. Cacdac said. He earlier said that the 20 Filipino mariners

were safe and are staying in a hotel in Kochi, India.

DMW said they will remain in India “for the next few days” as maritime authorities continue the investigation into the incident and once the preparations for the repatriation are completed.

It said local manning agency (LMA) of the seamen is providing adequate legal support, interpreters, and the basic needs of the affected Filipino mariners.

MSC ELSA 3 sank while traveling from the Vizhinjam port to Kochi last Sunday after one of its compartments got flooded.

The Indian Navy was able to save the 24 crew members of the ill-fated ship, including the 20 Filipinos.

The Indian Coast Guard is currently trying to contain the hazardous substance from the ship including oil, fuel and calcium carbide, which release flammable gas when exposed to seawater. Samuel P. Medenilla

He noted that the Department of Education earlier stated that some three million learners need assistance due to learning gaps. Aral Program was established under Republic Act 12028, which Gatchalian authored and sponsored.

The program seeks to help public school learners from Kindergarten to Grade 10 who

have returned or are returning to school after a furlough; those who are below the minimum proficiency levels required in reading, mathematics, and science; and those who are failing in examinations and tests during the school year.

For Grades 1 to 10, the program will focus on reading and mathematics, and on science for Grades 3 to 10.

Teves now in Philippine custody

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday confirmed that expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. has been turned over to Philippine authorities, following the decision of the Timor-Leste government to deport him to the Philippines.

In an interview with reporters, Remulla said Teves is expected to arrive at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City Thursday evening and would immediately undergo medical check-up and other booking procedures.

Teves would then be taken to a detention facility under the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for temporary custody.

Remulla added that Teves will either be taken before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Manila on Friday or next week for the setting of his arraignment on the multiple counts of murder charges filed against him in connection with the 2023 killing of then Negros Oriental Gov. Noel Degamo and 12 other individuals.

“He is already in Philippine custody, in custody of our government and we will bring

him home so he can face the charges. We will bring him home so he can face all the accusations against him…,” Remulla said.

“We waited two years for this to happen…This is the reckoning that we have been waiting for,” Remulla said.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier announced that it has mobilized a team to facilitate the safe return of Teves.

The joint team, according to the DOJ, is composed of representatives from the DOJ, the Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

“We will discuss the details of the custody later on once he is already here,” Remulla said.

Teves was re-arrested Tuesday night by Timor Leste immigration authorities after more than two years of legal battle to prevent the Philippine government from taking custody over his person.

He left the country prior to Degamo’s killing and eventually sought political asylum in Timor-Leste.

Ortega emphasized the brazenness of these alleged entries. “This ‘Budol Gang’ didn’t even spare the Senate. It’s truly outrageous that they’re involving the surnames of our esteemed senators. That’s how brazen the list of supposed beneficiaries of the OVP confidential funds is,” he said.

Systemic irregularities

ORTEGA stressed the gravity of the situation, particularly given the public nature of the funds.

“Public funds are what we’re talking about. If they cannot show evidence that these people are real, this itself will be

Ortega stressed that while confidential funds are used for sensitive operations, existing regulations, specifically Joint Circular 2015-01 from the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Department of Budget and Management, mandate agencies to maintain sealed and verifiable documentation linking aliases to real identities.

“When suspicious names—from snacks to senators—appear consecutively, it’s no longer just a joke. It seems someone truly planned to hide where the people’s money went,” Ortega said.

Comelec disallows use of barangay certificate for voter’s

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) banned on Thursday the use of barangay certificates for voter registration, reactivation or transfer of registration.

In a media forum, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said this is the first time the poll body will implement such a measure, as they want to prevent barangay officials from “weaponizing” the document to manipulate the number of voters in an area.

“We have investigated and filed cases against many barangay officials because we believe that the document was used, weaponized, to transport people from other areas and make it appear as if they are residents of the locality,” Garcia explained, mostly in Filipino.

In 2024, the Comelec discovered several areas with instances of “mass migration” of voters who transferred their records to specific cities and towns using barangay certificates.

These include some barangays in Makati and Cagayan de Oro.

From February 1 to September 30 last year, Makati recorded 38,031 applicants who used barangay certifications for voter transfer.

Of this number, 17,514 applicants—or 46 percent—came from the 10 enlisted men’s barrio (Embo) barangays requesting transfers within Makati’s First and Second districts.

Meanwhile, barangay Carmen in Cagayan de Oro also saw a significant increase in transfer requests, recording 21,854 in total last year.

Around 8,218 applicants of these, or 37 percent, used barangay certificates for registration.

Garcia said the Comelec no longer wants such instances to happen again, which is why the barangay certificate will be completely removed from the list of acceptable documents that can be used as proof of residence by applicants.

Under Comelec guidelines, Filipino

registration

citizens who are not yet registered voters may apply for registration, provided they are at least 18 years old on the day of the elections; have been a resident of the Philippines for at least one year; have lived in the place where they intend to vote for at least six months immediately preceding the elections; and are not otherwise disqualified by law.

First-time registrants or applicants for reactivation or transfer must present valid identification documents such as the PhilSys National ID card, Postal ID, Person with Disability ID card, or student ID or library card signed by a school authority. They may also present their senior citizen ID, Land Transportation Office driver’s license or student permit, Natuibak Bureau of Investigation clearance, Philippine passport, Social Security System or Government Service Insurance System ID or other UMID card, Integrated Bar of the Philippines card, Professional Regulation Commission license, or Certificate of Confirmation issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples for members of tribal communities.

Garcia acknowledged the 2012 Supreme Court (SC) ruling in Sabili v Comelec, which permitted the use of a barangay certificate as proof of residency for a Batangas candidate whose residency was challenged. However, he believes that this ruling only applies to candidates and that the requirements for voters are different.

“If the High Court later says, ‘No, bring back the barangay certification,’ then who are we not to follow? We will comply,” the poll chief added.

Comelec will reopen the voter registration period nationwide, excluding the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, from July 1 to 11 in preparation for the barangay and sangguniang kabataan elections in December.

At least one million Filipinos are expected to register during this 11-day period. Justine Xyrah Garcia

www.businessmirror.com.ph

‘Market tobacco, vapor

products in plain packs‘

PUBLIC health and environmental groups are calling on the newly elected legislators to pass the Plain Packaging bill for all tobacco and electronic smoking devices (ESDs) such as vapes and heated tobacco products.

“The tobacco and vape industries are still targeting our children with flashy, deceptive packaging because the current laws only require graphic health warnings to be printed on the lower half of the packs, and are often obscured when being sold in stores,” Dr. Maricar Limpin, executive director of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Philippines, said in a statement.

Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo, executive director of Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (Seatca), for his part, pointed out that four Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries already require plain packaging of tobacco products where large graphic health warnings appear prominently at the top of the pack’s front and back panels, while the brand name is at the lowest portion, in standardized font type and font size, and stripped of other branding or design elements.

“The Philippines,” he added, “has one of the smallest health warnings on tobacco packaging in the Asean in addition to being the only Asean country that places its graphic warnings on the lower half of the pack.” Thailand has the largest (85 percent) graphic health warnings in Asean.

“We cannot allow another Congress to ignore this deadly tactic of designing tobacco packs to appeal to the young and overlook international standards while our current smoking and vaping rates have both gone up.“We urge our lawmakers to rise to the occasion, ipasa ang Plain Packaging Bill ngayonna!Our youth deserve protection, not addiction. We’ve seen in countries like Australia and Thailand how plain packaging significantly reduced smoking rates, especially among young people,” added Limpin. Jonathan L. Mayuga

Tobacco

farmers back House bill vs illicit trade in cigarettes, vapes

TOBACCO farmers are rallying behind a House measure aimed at curbing the rampant illicit trade of cigarettes and vapor products, which they say is crippling their livelihoods owing to the unchecked influx of smuggled goods and rising excise taxes.

In a statement, the Philippine Tobacco Growers Association (PTGA) backed House Bill 11360, stressing that the unchecked entry of untaxed and smuggled tobacco products, coupled with steep excise tax hikes, has left many of the country’s 40,000 tobacco farmers struggling to survive.

Authored by Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Suansing, HB 11360 seeks to impose a structured tax increase on tobacco products while establishing the Inter-Agency Tobacco Illicit Trade Council, which will be chaired by the Department of Finance. The council will be responsible for strengthening enforcement measures and cracking down on the smuggling of cigarettes and vape products.

Suansing said the proposed legislation could lead to a P66 billion revenue recovery over five years, help reduce smoking rates, and prevent further losses in excise tax collection.

The bill, approved by the House in Febru -

Teves.

. .

Continued from A4

Just two months ago, Teves won before the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal after it denied the plea of the Philippine government to have him extradited to face trial for the killing of Degamo and several others.

Several hours after his arrest, the Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste issued a statement saying that its Ministry

ary 2025, also proposes a unified tax rate for nicotine salt and freebase vapor products to streamline regulations and prevent loopholes exploited by illicit traders.

Meanwhile, the PTGA noted that widespread smuggling has severely reduced demand for locally produced tobacco, as illegal products dominate the market without utilizing domestic crops. Although 80 percent of tobacco production is exported, even this market is being affected by the rise of illegal trade within the country.

“Our earnings would be better if only legitimate and local cigarettes were sold in the market,” PTGA said in a statement.

National Tobacco Administration (NTA)

Administrator Belinda Sanchez echoed PTGA’s concerns, warning that illicit tobacco sales not only reduce government revenue but also jeopardize national security.

“The continuing proliferation of illegal tobacco sales in the local market is causing a decline in government revenue. This reduction in funds limits the resources available for essential public services, particularly universal health care,” Sanchez said.

Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

of the Interior has decided to deport Teves to the Philippines.

The statement said the continued presence of Teves in Timor-Leste poses “a disruptive factor in bilateral relations” between the two countries and “establishes a serious precedent with potential implications for internal security.”

It also cited Teves’ lack of a valid visa, legal authorization to remain, and holding a passport as basis for his deportation.

“The decision, which takes effect im -

House passes 27 of 28 priority bills

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

FOLLOWING the eighth meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac), Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez announced on Thursday the near-complete approval of 27 out of 28 priority measures under the Common Legislative Agenda (CLA), with the Agrarian Reform Law as the only bill still pending in the lower chamber.

Romualdez said these legislative measures are targeted for passage before the 19th Congress adjourns its Third Regular Session on June 13. The third regular session of the 19th Congress is scheduled to open on June 2.

“As of today [Thursday], we have acted on 27 out of the 28 Ledac priority bills—a near-100 percent accomplishment rate,” Romualdez reported to President Marcos.

Also in attendance were Senate President Francis Escudero, Cabinet members, and key congressional leaders led by House Majority Leader Manuel Jose M. Dalipe.

“This milestone reflects the House’s unwavering commitment to President Marcos’s call for legislative action that

mediately, is based on national legislation regarding migration and asylum and is grounded in the risks that this citizen’s continued presence poses to public order and national security,” it added.

“The government considers the presence of a fugitive citizen in Timor-Leste a threat to national security and interests,” the statement said.

It added that Teves’ continued stay undermines the country’s reputation ahead of its full accession to the Associa -

makes a difference in the lives of ordinary Filipinos. These are not just bills— they are real solutions to real problems,” Romualdez said.

A status report showed that the 12 bills Marcos has signed into law from 27 measures are the New Government Procurement Reform Act, Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, AntiAgricultural Economic Sabotage Act, VAT on Digital Transactions, Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program Act, Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act, Philippine Maritime Zones Act, Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, CREATE More, EnterpriseBased Education and Training Framework Act, and amendments to the Agricultural Tariffication Act.

Additionally, the proposed amendments to the Epira law lapsed into law last April 18, while the proposed Capital Markets Promotion Act was transmitted to Malacañang on April 29.

Six more measures are currently undergoing bicameral conference committee deliberations. These include the Blue Economy Act, amendments to the Universal Health Care Act, Open Access in Data Transmission Act, E-Governance Act, Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime, and amendments to the

tion of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in October.

Teves’s deportation pushed through despite the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus by Timor-Leste’s Court of Appeal ordering authorities to present him before the court within 48 hours.

Teves’ lawyer in the Philippines, Ferdinand Topacio, denounced the deportation of his client, noting that the denial of the Philippine government’s extradition plea by the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal has already

Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease Act. Approved on third and final reading by the House and transmitted to the Senate were the National Water Resources Act, amendments to the Right-of-Way Act, the National Citizens Service Training Program Act, the Military and Uniformed Personnel Pension System Act, the Water Treatment Technology Act, the Single-Use Plastic Bags Tax Act, the Revised Government Auditing Act, and the Immigration Modernization Act.

Since the start of the 19th Congress, the House has acted on 61 of 64 Ledacendorsed measures, which included State of the Nation Address priorities measures. The three remaining bills still in the pipeline are the National Defense Act, the Budget Modernization Bill, and the amendments to the Agrarian Reform Law.

Romualdez assured Marcos that the House of Representatives remains committed to passing legislation that would make daily life better for Filipinos.

“As Congress resumes session on June 2, rest assured of our unwavering commitment to enacting

attained finality.

Topacio, however, assured that Teves’s legal team is ready to defend him before the local court once the proceedings resume. He added that they are now coordinating with the joint team formed by the DOJ to be able to assist Teves upon his arrival in the country.

“We will avail of all legal avenues that are available to us in order to protect the rights and interests of our client,” he said.

Joel R. San Juan

Angel R. Calso

Chaos and tragedy in Gaza: Four dead as Palestinians storm UN food warehouse amid severe aid shortages

By Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy & Melanie Lidman The Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip—

Hundreds of Palestinians stormed a United Nations food warehouse Wednesday in Gaza in a desperate attempt to get something to eat, shouting and shoving each other and ripping off pieces of the building to get inside. Four people died in the chaos, hospital officials said.

The deaths came a day after a crowd was fired upon while overrunning a new aid-distribution site in Gaza set up by an Israeli and USbacked foundation, killing at least one Palestinian and wounding 48 others, Gaza’s Health Ministry said.

The Israeli military, which guards the site from a distance, said it fired only warning shots to control the situation. The foundation said its military contractors guarding the site did not open fire. A Red Cross field hospital said the 48 people wounded suffered gunshot wounds, including women and children. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country killed senior Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar, the brother of Yahya Sinwar, one of the masterminds of the militant group’s October 7, 2023, attack, who was killed by Israeli forces last year. Speaking before parliament, Netanyahu included Mohammed Sinwar in a list of Hamas leaders killed by Israeli forces, apparently confirming his death in a recent airstrike in Gaza.

In other developments, Israel carried out airstrikes on the international airport in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, destroying the last plane belonging to the country’s flagship airline. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said it was the last plane used by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

It was not immediately clear if anyone was killed or wounded in the strikes, which came after Houthi

rebels fired several missiles at Israel in recent days, without causing casualties.

The Israeli-backed distribution hub outside Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah was opened Monday by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has been slated by Israel to take over aid operations. The crowd of Palestinians broke through fences Tuesday around the distribution site where thousands had gathered. An Associated Press journalist heard Israeli tank and gunfire and saw a military helicopter firing flares.

The UN and other humanitarian organizations have rejected the new aid system, saying it will not be able to feed Gaza’s 2.3 million people and that it lets Israel use food to control the population. They have also warned of the risk of friction between Israeli troops and people seeking supplies.

Four dead as crowd storms warehouse holding UN aid PALESTINIANS burst into the UN’s World Food Program warehouse Wednesday in central Gaza. Two people were fatally crushed in the crowd, while two others died of gunshot wounds, officials at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said.

Scores of aid-seekers could be seen carrying large bags of flour as they fought their way back out into the sunlight through throngs of people pressing to get inside. Each

bag of flour weighs around 25 kilograms (55 pounds).

A United Nations envoy compared the limited aid being allowed into Gaza to “a lifeboat after the ship has sunk.” Sigrid Kaag, acting UN special coordinator for the Mideast, told the UN Security Council that people facing famine in Gaza “have lost hope.”

“Instead of saying ‘goodbye,’ Palestinians in Gaza now say, ‘See you in heaven,’” Kaag said.

The World Food Program said “humanitarian needs have spiraled out of control” after Israel’s long blockade of supplies entering Gaza, which began in early March to pressure Hamas.

The Palestinian ambassador to the UN broke down as he spoke of the 1,300 children killed and 4,000 wounded since Israel ended the latest ceasefire in March, and of mothers seen “embracing their motionless bodies, caressing their hair, talking to them, apologizing to them.”

“If this is civilized,” Riyad Mansour said, “what is barbarism?”

Wael Tabsh, a displaced man from the city of Khan Younis, urged world leaders to help end the war.

“How long will this torture last?” he asked.

Violence erupted soon after new hub opened PALESTINIANS are desperate for food after nearly three months of Israeli border closures have pushed Gaza to the brink of famine.

Israel says it helped establish the new aid mechanism to prevent Hamas from siphoning off supplies, but it has provided no evidence of systematic diversion, and U.N. agencies say they have mechanisms in place to prevent it while delivering aid to all parts of the territory.

GHF says it has established four hubs, two of which have begun operating in the now mostly uninhabited Rafah. It said around eight truckloads of aid were distributed at the hubs on Wednesday without incident.

About 600 trucks entered Gaza every day during the ceasefire earlier this year.

The GHF sites are guarded by private security contractors and have chain-link fences channeling Palestinians into a what resemble military bases surrounded by large sand berms. Israeli forces are stationed nearby in a military zone separating Rafah from the rest of the territory.

The UN and other aid groups have refused to participate in GHF’s system, saying it violates humanitarian principles. They say it can be used by Israel to forcibly displace the population by requiring them to move near the few distribution hubs or else face starvation, a violation of international law.

See “Chaos,” A11

Israel authorizes more settlements in occupied West Bank; strikes on Gaza kill 13, officials say

By Julia Frankel & Natalie Melzer The Associated Press

JERUSALEM—Israel said Thursday it would establish 22 Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, including the legalization of outposts already built without government authorization. Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip meanwhile killed at least 13 people overnight, local health officials said. Israel captured the West Bank, along with Gaza and east Jerusalem, in the 1967 Mideast war and the Palestinians want all three territories for their future state. Most of the international community views settlements as illegal and an obstacle to resolving the decades-old conflict. Defense Minister Israel Katz said the settlement decision “strengthens our hold on Judea and Samaria,” using the biblical term for the West Bank, “anchors

our historical right in the Land of Israel, and constitutes a crushing response to Palestinian terrorism.”

He added it was also “a strategic move that prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state that would endanger Israel.” Israel has already built well over 100 settlements across the territory that are home to some 500,000 settlers. The settlements range from small hilltop outposts to fully developed communities with apartment blocks, shopping malls, factories and public parks. The West Bank is home to 3 million Palestinians, who live under Israeli military rule with the Western-backed Palestinian Authority administering population centers. The settlers have Israeli citizenship. Israel has accelerated settlement construction in recent years—long before Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack ignited the war in Gaza—confining Palestinians to smaller and smaller areas of the West

Bank and making the prospect of establishing a viable, independent state even more remote.

During his first term, President Donald Trump’s administration broke with decades of US foreign policy by supporting Israel’s claims to territory seized by force and taking steps to legitimize the settlements. Former President Joe Biden, like most of his predecessors, opposed the settlements but applied little pressure to Israel to curb their growth. The top United Nations court ruled last year that Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is unlawful and called on it to end, and for settlement construction to stop immediately. Israel denounced the non-binding opinion by a 15-judge panel of the International Court of Justice, saying the territories are part of the historic homeland of the Jewish people. See “Israel,” A11

PALESTINIANS stormed a UN World Food Program warehouse and carried bags of flour in Zawaida, Central Gaza Strip, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. AP PHOTO/ABDEL KAREEM HANA

Trump says he warned Netanyahu to hold off on Iran strike to give US time for nuclear talks

By Jon Gambrell, Zeke Miller & Aamer Madhani The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump said Wednesday he has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold off on striking Iran to give the US administration more time to push for a new nuclear deal with Tehran.

“I told him this would be inappropriate to do right now because we’re very close to a solution,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “Now, that could change at any moment. It could change with a phone call. But right now, I think they want to make a deal. And, if we can make a deal, (it would) save a lot of lives.”

Trump added that an agreement could come together “over the next couple of weeks, if it happens.”

The Israeli prime minister’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump’s comments came as the head of the United Nations’ atomic watchdog said “the jury is still out” on negotiations between Iran and the US over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program.

But Rafael Mariano Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, described the continuing negotiations between Iran and the US as a good sign.

Grossi said he’s in near-daily conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as well as talking to Steve Witkoff, the US Middle East envoy.

Grossi acknowledged one of his deputies was in Tehran on Wednesday. Iranian officials identified the official as Massimo Aparo, the head of the atomic energy agency’s safeguards arm. That’s the division that sends inspectors into Iran to monitor its program, which now enriches uranium up to 60 percent purity — a short, technical step from weaponsgrade levels of 90 percent.

“For the moment, the jury is

Chaos...

Continued from A8

Netanyahu said Tuesday there was only a brief “loss of control” at the site.

He repeated that Israel plans to move Gaza’s entire population to a “sterile zone” at the southern end of the territory while troops fight Hamas elsewhere. Netanyahu has also vowed to facilitate what he refers to as the voluntary emigration of much of Gaza’s population to other countries, a plan that Palestinians and many others view as forcible expulsion.

Israel says it destroyed the Houthis’ last plane

THE Israeli strikes on the main airport in Yemen destroyed the last plane belonging to the country’s flagship carrier, Yemenia, according to the airport. The airline did not say if anyone was wounded.

Israel...

Continued from A8

still out,” Grossi told journalists attending a weeklong seminar at the agency in Vienna. “We don’t know whether there’s going to be an agreement or not.”

However, he described the meetings as a good sign.

“I think that is an indication of a willingness to come to an agreement. And I think that, in and by itself, is something possible.” Iran and the US so far have held five rounds of talks in both Muscat, Oman, and in Rome, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. A sixth round has yet to be set.

Talks focused on Iranian enrichment

THE talks seek to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of some of the crushing economic sanctions the US has imposed on the Islamic Republic, closing in on a half-century of enmity.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to unleash airstrikes targeting Iran’s program, if a deal isn’t reached. Iranian officials increasingly warn they could pursue a nuclear weapon with their stockpile of uranium.

Trump has described Iran as having an American proposal to reach a deal. However, Iran repeatedly has denied receiving such a proposal, including on Wednesday with Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.

However, if a deal is reached, Iran might allow the UN atomic energy agency to have American inspectors on its teams during inspections, Eslami said. Americans

Yemenia had a total of four registered aircraft, according to the plane-tracking website FlightRadar24. Israel destroyed three in a May 6 airstrike on the airport that also riddled the runway with craters.

Houthi-backed Yemeni President Mahdi al-Mashat visited the airport Wednesday and said his group “will not back down” from its support of people in Gaza until the siege ends, according to SABA Yemen News Agency.

The Houthis have targeted Israel throughout the war in Gaza in solidarity with Palestinians, raising their profile at home and internationally as the last member of Iran’s self-described “Axis of Resistance” capable of launching regular attacks on Israel.

The Houthi missiles have mostly been intercepted, although some have penetrated Israel’s missile defense systems, causing casualties and damage. Israel has frequently

University, who has examined IsraeliPalestinian land use patterns for decades.

represent the largest single nationality of that agency’s employees, a 2023 agency report showed.

Iran maintains its own pressure BEFORE Grossi’s comments to journalists in Vienna, the head of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard issued a new warning to the US as the negotiations go on.

“Our fingers on the trigger, we are in ambush and we are waiting,” Gen. Hossein Salami warned. “If they make a mistake, they will immediately receive responses that will make them completely forget their past.”

Despite the tensions, Grossi said he believed “there’s always a way” to reach a deal between the Americans and the Iranians—even with the disagreement over enrichment.

However, he added that any possible deal likely would require a “solid, very robust” UN agency investigation of Iran’s program to understand where it stood after years of Tehran restricting inspectors’ ability to assess it.

“My conversations with my Iranian colleagues and counterparts, I always invite them to be absolutely transparent,” Grossi said. “And they tell me that a nuclear weapon is un-Islamic. I tell them, ‘Well, yeah. You know, that is perfect. It’s a statement that I respect. But in this business, you have to show it. You have to be verified in this.’”

Nasser Karimi and Amir Vahdat contributed to this report from Tehran, Iran. Gambrell reported from Vienna.

struck back, especially around the vital Hodeida port.

The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel in the October 7 attack, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251. Hamas still holds 58 hostages, around a third of them believed to be alive. Most of the rest were released in ceasefire deals or other agreements. Israeli forces have rescued eight and recovered dozens of bodies. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry says women and children make up most of the dead, but it does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its tally.

Magdy reported from Cairo, and Lidman reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Jamey Keaten in Geneva, Fatma Khaled in Cairo and Edith Lederer in New York contributed to this report.

Calls for settlements in war-ravaged

Gaza

ISRAEL withdrew its settlements from the Gaza Strip in 2005, but leading figures in the current government have called for them to be re-established and for much of the Palestinian population of the territory to be resettled elsewhere through what they describe as voluntary emigration.

Palestinians view such plans as a blueprint for their forcible expulsion from their homeland, and experts say the plans would likely violate international law.

Israel now controls more than 70% of Gaza, according to Yaakov Garb, a professor of environmental studies at Ben Gurion

The area includes buffer zones along the border with Israel as well as the southern city of Rafah, which is now mostly uninhabited, and other large areas that Israel has ordered to be evacuated.

The war began with Hamas’ October 7 attack, in which militants stormed into Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251. Hamas still holds 58 hostages, around a third of them alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements. Israeli forces have rescued eight and recovered dozens of bodies.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many

of the dead were civilians or combatants. Israeli strikes killed at least 13 Palestinians overnight in Gaza, according to local hospitals.

Four were killed in a strike on a car in Gaza City late Wednesday and another eight, including two women and three children, were killed in a strike on a home in Jabaliya. A strike on a built-up refugee camp in central Gaza killed one person and wounded 18. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which says it only targets militants and blames civilian deaths on Hamas because the militants are embedded in populated areas.

Melzer reported from Nahariya, Israel. Associated Press writer Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut contributed.

RAFAEL MARIANO GROSSI, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, speaks to journalists attending a weeklong seminar at the agency in Vienna, Austria, Wednesday, May 28, 2025 AP PHOTO/JON GAMBRELL

Chinese students condemn modern-day ‘Chinese Exclusion Act’ after Rubio’s visa revocation pledge

By Fu Ting, Kanis Leung, & Huizhong Wu The Associated Press

HONG KONG—Chinese students studying in the US are scrambling to figure out their futures after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that some students would have their visas revoked.

The US will begin revoking the visas of some Chinese students, including those studying in “critical fields”, and “those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party,” according to the announcement.

China is the second-largest country of origin for international students in the United States, behind only India. In the 2023-2024 school year, more than 270,000 international students were from China, making up roughly a quarter of all foreign students in the US.

This is a “new version of Chinese Exclusion Act,” said Linqin, a Chinese student at Johns Hopkins University, who asked to be identified only by his first name out of fear of retaliation. He said Wednesday was the first time he thought about leaving the US after spending one third of his life here.

Chinese international students are point of tension between US and China

CHINA’S Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Thursday called the US decision unreasonable and said “Such a politicized and discriminatory action lays bare the US lie that it upholds the so-called freedom and openness.” She added that China has lodged a protest with the US.

The issue of Chinese students studying overseas has long been a point of tension in the bilateral relationship. During Trump’s first term, in 2019, China’s Ministry of Education warned students about visa issues in the US, with rising rejection rates and shortening of visas.

Last year, the Chinese Foreign Ministry protested that a number of Chinese students have been unfairly interrogated and sent home upon arrival at US airports.

Chinese state media has long hyped gun violence in the US and violent protests during the pandemic, and portrayed the US as a dangerous place that wasn’t safe for its citizens. The tense bilateral relationship has also meant that some Chinese students are opting to study in the U.K. or other countries over the US after the pandemic.

Zou Renge, a 27-year-old public policy master’s student at the University of Chicago, said she had planned to take some time off and work in humanitarian aid

programs abroad after graduating at the end of this year. But now, she will refrain from leaving the US and will look for jobs in the meantime. “In a very uncertain environment, I’ll try my best to find myself a solution,” she said.

Hong Kong seeks to draw in talent amid uncertainty

SOME were eager to capitalize on the uncertainty facing international students in the US. Hong Kong’s leader John Lee told lawmakers on Thursday that the city would welcome any students who have been discriminated against by American policies to study in the city.

“The students who face unfair treatment can come from different countries beyond the US. I think this is an opportunity for Hong Kong,” he said. “We will work with our universities to provide the best support and assistance.”

That followed a widely shared post by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology offering to smooth the process for any Harvard University students to transfer after Trump had said he would revoke the university’s ability to accept international students.

Hong Kong, a former British colony that returned to China in 1997, is a popular destination for mainland Chinese students to pursue their university degrees because of its international image and relative freedoms.

The city in 2022 already had launched a new visa scheme to counter the exodus of expatriates and local professionals that occurred after Beijing imposed a national security law to quell dissent and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Kitty Wu, director of education

consultancy Litz USA Student Service in Hong Kong, said that some students who planned to apply to American universities in the future are now also considering the University of Hong Kong, the city’s top university and an option because of its high ranking—something that had not happened before.

“Things are different every day now, we don’t know how things will change in the future, so we don’t know the impact for next year,” she said.

Will Kwong, managing director at AAS Education Consultancy in Hong Kong, said his company was already helping students with offers from American universities to apply to other institutions, predominantly in Britain and Australia, to give them an alternative. He said they made the move after the media reported the State Department had halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for foreign students hoping to study in the US.

US was known for diversity and this will hurt it, students say “HAVING fewer international exchanges is definitely not good for America’s development,” said Zhang Qi, a post-doctoral fellow in Beijing. “This could be a positive change for China’s development. More talented individuals may choose to stay at Tsinghua or Peking University, or with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other top institutions in China, which would benefit the development of domestic science and technology.” For many, there is little they can do as they now wait for the fallout from the move.

Chen, an incoming Chinese student at Purdue University who only gave his last name out of concern for retaliation by the Trump administration, has been waiting anxiously for his visa approval. But he was also angry. Currently in China, he said this was the exact opposite of what he thought the US stood for.

“I was expecting freedom and tolerance, the US was known for its diversity which allows international students to fit in, but it is a pity to see such kind of change,” he said.

Fu Ting reported from Washington, Wu from Bangkok. Associated Press researcher Shihuan Chen and video producer Olivia Zhang contributed to this report from Beijing.

This is a “new version of Chinese Exclusion Act,” said Linqin, a Chinese student at Johns Hopkins University, who asked to be identified only by his first name out of fear of retaliation. He said Wednesday was the first time he thought about leaving the US after spending one third of his life here.

AMERICAN flags are displayed together with Chinese flags on top of a trishaw on September 16, 2018, in Beijing. AP PHOTO/ANDY WONG

Fear of immigration raids drives Venezuelan families to withdraw children from US schools and self-deport

By Bianca Vázquez Toness of The Associated Press, Neal Morton & Ariel Gilreath of The Hechinger Report & Sarah Whites-Koditschek & Rebecca Griesbach of Al.com

FOR the last two months of their life in the United States, José Alberto González and his family spent nearly all their time in their onebedroom Denver apartment. They didn’t speak to anyone except their roommates, another family from Venezuela.

They consulted WhatsApp messages for warnings of immigration agents in the area before leaving for the rare landscaping job or to buy groceries.

But most days at 7:20 a.m., González’s wife took their children to school.

The appeal of their children learning English in American schools, and the desire to make money, had compelled González and his wife to bring their 6- and 3-year-old on the monthslong journey to the United States. They arrived two years ago, planning to stay for a decade. But on Feb. 28, González and his family boarded a bus from Denver to El Paso, where they would walk across the border and start the long trip back to Venezuela.

Even as immigrants in the US avoid going out in public, terrified of encountering immigration authorities, families across the country are mostly sending their children to school.

That’s not to say they feel safe. In some cases, families are telling their children’s schools that they’re leaving.

Already, thousands of immigrants have notified federal authorities they plan to “self-deport,” according to the Department of Homeland Security.

President Donald Trump has encouraged more families to leave by stoking fears of imprisonment, ramping up government surveillance, and offering people $1,000 and transportation out of the country.

And on Monday, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to strip legal protections from hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan immigrants, potentially exposing them to deportation. Without Temporary Protective Status, even more families will weigh whether to leave the US, advocates say.

Departures in significant numbers could spell trouble for schools, which receive funding based on how many students they enroll.

“The amount of fear and uncertainty that is going through parents’ heads, who could blame somebody for making a choice to leave?” said Andrea Rentería, principal of a Denver elementary school serving immigrant students. “I can tell them as a principal that I won’t let anybody in this school. Nobody is taking your kid. But I can’t say the same for them out in the workforce or driving somewhere.”

Rumors of immigration raids on schools became a turning point WHEN Trump was elected in November after promising to deport immigrants and depicting Venezuelans, in particular, as gang members, González knew it was time to go. He was willing to accept the tradeoff of earning just $50 weekly in his home country, where public schools operate a few hours a day.

“I don’t want to be treated like a delinquent,” González said in Spanish. “I’m from Venezuela and have tattoos. For him, that means I’m a criminal.”

It took González months to save up the more than $3,000 he needed to get his family to Venezuela on a series of buses and on foot. He and his wife didn’t tell anyone of their plan except the single mom who shared their apartment, afraid to draw attention to themselves. Telling people they wanted to leave would signal they were living here illegally. They sent their children to their Denver school regularly until late February, when González’s phone lit up with messages claiming immigration agents were planning raids inside schools. That week, they kept their son home.

“Honestly, we were really scared for our boy,” González said. “Because we didn’t have legal status.” In the months following Trump’s inauguration, Denver Public School attendance suffered, according to district data.

Attendance districtwide fell by 3percentin February compared with the same period last year, with even steeper declines of up to 4.7 percent at schools primarily serving immigrant newcomer students. The deflated rates continued through March, with districtwide attendance down 1.7 percent and as much as 3.9percent at some newcomer schools.

Some parents told Denver school staff they had no plans to approach their children’s campus after the Trump administration ended a policy that had limited immigration enforcement at schools.

The Denver school district sued the government over that reversal, saying attendance dropped “noticeably” across all schools, “particularly those schools in areas with new-tocountry families and where ICE raids have already occurred.” A federal judge ruled in March the district failed to prove the new policy caused the attendance decline.

Attendance dropped in many schools following Trump’s inauguration DATA obtained from 15 districts across eight additional states, including Texas, Alabama, Idaho and Massachusetts, showed a similar decline in school attendance after the inauguration for a few weeks. In most places, attendance rebounded sooner than in Denver.

From 2022 to 2024, more than 40,000 Venezuelans and Colombian migrants received shelter or other assistance from Denver. Trump said during the campaign he would begin his mass deportation efforts nearby, in the suburb of Aurora, because of alleged Venezuelan gang activity.

Nationwide, schools are still reporting immediate drops in daily attendance during weeks when there is immigration enforcement—or even rumors of ICE raids—in their communities, said Hedy Chang of the nonprofit Attendance Works, which helps schools address absenteeism.

Dozens of districts didn’t respond to requests for attendance data. Some said they feared drawing the attention of immigration enforcement.

In late February, González and his wife withdrew their children from school and told administrators they were returning to Venezuela. He posted a goodbye message on a Facebook group for Denver volunteers he used to find work and other help. “Thank you for everything, friends,” he posted. “Tomorrow, I leave with God’s favor.” Immediately, half a dozen Venezuelan and Colombian women asked him for advice on getting back. “We plan to leave in May, if God allows,” one woman posted in Spanish.

In Denver, 3,323 students have withdrawn from school through midApril—an increase of 686 compared with the same period last year. Denver school officials couldn’t explain the uptick.

At the 400-student Denver elementary school Andrea Rentería heads, at least two students have withdrawn since the inauguration because of immigration concerns. One is going back to Colombia and the other didn’t say where they were headed.

School officials in Massachusetts and Washington state have confirmed some students are withdrawing from school to return to El Salvador, Brazil and Mexico. Haitians are trying to go to Mexico or Canada.

In Chelsea, Massachusetts, a 6,000-student district where nearly half the students are still learning English, a handful of families have recently withdrawn their children be -

cause of immigration concerns. One mother in March withdrew two young children from the district to return to El Salvador, according to district administrator Daniel Mojica. Her 19-year-old daughter will stay behind, on her own, to finish school – a sign that these decisions are leading to more family separation.

In Bellingham, Washington, two families withdrew their children after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid in early April at a local roofing company, where agents arrested fathers of 16 children attending Bellingham schools. Both families returned to Mexico, family engagement specialist Isabel Meaker said.

“There’s a sense, not just with these families, that it’s not worth it to fight. They know the end result,” Meaker said.

Immigrant families are gathering documents they need to return home

COUNTRIES with large populations living in the United States are seeing signs of more people wanting to return home.

Applications for Brazilian passports from consulates in the US increased 36% in March, compared to

the previous year, according to data from the Brazilian Foreign Ministry. Birth registrations, the first step to getting a Brazilian passport for a USborn child, were up 76 percent in April compared to the previous year. Guatemala reports a 5 percent increase over last year for passports from its

from New Jersey to Boston to get Honduran passports for their American-born children.

See “Fear,” A16

nationals living in the United States. Last month, Melvin Josué, his wife and another couple drove four hours

CLASSROOM aid Zhour Boutyebi works with students in a second grade math class at Place Bridge Academy, May 20, 2025, in Denver. AP PHOTO/REBECCA SLEZAK

Poland’s presidential runoff election: Battle between liberalism and nationalism with global stakes at play

By Vanessa Gera | The Associated Press

WARSAW, Poland—Poland’s presidential election has come down to a stark ideological choice: a liberal pro-European mayor versus a staunch nationalist conservative. They are polling so close that the outcome is impossible to predict in the run-off round on Sunday.

It’s not just a domestic affair. President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind the nationalist candidate, Karol Nawrocki, and dangled the prospect of closer military ties if Poles choose him over liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski.

A contest with global implications

TRUMP met with Nawrocki earlier this month at the White House and sent his Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to a meeting of the conservative pressure group CPAC in Poland, where she offered a strong endorsement.

Noem even dangled the prospect of closer US-Polish military ties in the event of a Nawrocki win—with the implied warning that a Trzaskowski victory could jeopardize Poland’s security.

At stake is not only Poland’s domestic course but also the international standing of a key European Union and NATO member on the alliance’s eastern flank, in a region gripped by anxiety over Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Sunday’s vote will either empower Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a proEU reformer, with a presidential ally who can advance his rule-of-law agenda — or saddle him with a rival who could veto legislation and block government initiatives.

Trzaskowski’s supporters argue that a pro-European leader would enhance Poland’s global standing during

a time of war in Europe. Nawrocki’s backers believe only conservative rule can safeguard national sovereignty and traditional Christian values, and they say Trump’s support would greatly enhance Poland’s security.

Growing support for the populist right BUT the candidate who may ultimately decide the outcome is one who won’t appear on the runoff ballot.

Sławomir Mentzen, a 38-year-old far-right politician and beer producer from the central city of Torun, finished third in the first round of voting on May 18, with nearly 15 percent of the vote. Though eliminated, his supporters—often young, anti-establishment, and deeply skeptical of both Brussels and Poland’s political establishment—have become the most sought-after constituency in the country.

Both remaining candidates have gone out of their way to court Mentzen and his base. In recent days, each man traveled to the north-central Polish town of Torun, famous for being the birthplace of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, to appear on Mentzen’s YouTube channel, where he has built a following with a mix of libertarian economics, nationalist rhetoric, and anti-EU invective.

His influence highlights a broader shift in Polish politics, where the far right—once considered a fringe force—is increasingly shaping the

national agenda. It’s also part of a larger trend of hard-right parties gaining traction across Europe.

The appeal of right-wing forces in changing times

PIOTR BURAS, head of the European Council on Foreign Relations’ Warsaw office, says Poland is part of a larger pattern in which voters turn to populist forces amid rapid social change. But he also cites local factors, such as disillusionment with Tusk’s coalition.

That coalition, which spans the ideological spectrum, has struggled to agree on key issues, including liberalizing the abortion law—a campaign promise. Meanwhile, outgoing conservative President Andrzej Duda has blocked parts of Tusk’s agenda. Observers say the coalition’s voters must be highly mobilized on Sunday to defeat Nawrocki.

Many votes in the first round went to protest candidates. Among voters aged 18–29, over 35 percent backed Mentzen, and nearly 20 percent supported a far-left candidate, Adrian Zandberg, according to exit polls.

In addition, an extreme right-wing antisemite, Grzegorz Braun, won more than 6percent of the votes overall.

Buras believes right-wing protest candidates are more appealing today than those on the left because they

promise to restore a lost past, while the left promises a better future that many see as unattainable.

“The world is changing, society is changing very fast, much faster than any time in the past,” Buras said. “People are worried and they vote for those who say we can go back to the glorious past.”

Campaigning on a YouTube stage SINCE the first round, Mentzen—coleader of the Confederation party— has presented both candidates with an eight-point list of demands: no new taxes; defense of cash payments; expanded gun rights; and opposition to NATO membership for Ukraine, among others.

Nawrocki, who appeared on Mentzen’s show on June 22, signed on to all eight points—including the controversial Ukraine stance—breaking with his Law and Justice party’s longstanding support for Kyiv’s integration with the West.

Trzaskowski appeared two days later. He said he could agree with some points, like fiscal restraint, but rejected others. He strongly defended LGBTQ+ rights and reaffirmed that Ukraine should eventually join NATO, once the war ends, calling it key to Poland’s own security.

The YouTube interviews have dominated the political conversa -

tion, underscoring how Mentzen, a TikTok-savvy outsider, has upended traditional campaigning.

The exchange between Trzaskowski and Mentzen on Saturday was occasionally tense, especially over LGBTQ+ rights, but remained civil and substantive.

In many ways it overshadowed a traditional televised debate the day before. The substance of that debate did not seem to change the trajectory of the campaign. The thing Poles discussed most was a brief moment when Nawrocki inserted something into his mouth which he later said was a tobacco pouch. Some have questioned if he is fit to be president if he couldn’t get through a two-hour debate without taking a hit of tobacco.

A post-debate meeting over beer

AFTER the sometimes-sharp exchanges, Mentzen sat down for a beer with Trzaskowski and others in the pub he owns.

The informal gathering was documented by Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski, who was there as well. He posted a video on social media Saturday evening showing the group with the words: “For a Poland that unites, not divides.”

The video quickly went viral, with commentators speculating about whether it was a spontaneous gesture or a calculated political move.

It was also one more example, if more were needed, of how far-right forces in Europe are slowly becoming accepted.

For Mentzen, the moment was also awkward. The man who made his name skewering the political elite appeared cozy with establishment figures.

Critics on the hard right lashed out, revealing fractures in the movement he helped popularize.

After dangling the promises of an endorsement for days, Mentzen on Wednesday afternoon said he wouldn’t offer one to either candidate.

“Vote as your conscience tells you,” he told his supporters.

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The size of the exodus and its impact on schools remains unclear, but already some are starting to worry.

A consultant working with districts in Texas on immigrant education said one district there has seen a significant drop in summer school sign-ups for students learning English.

“They’re really worried about enrollment for the fall,” said Viridiana Carrizales, chief executive officer of ImmSchools, a nonprofit that advises school districts how to meet the needs of immigrant students and their families.

Education finance experts predict budget problems for districts with large immigrant populations.

“Every student that walks in the door gets a chunk of money with it, not just federal money, but state and local money, too,” said Marguerite Roza, a Georgetown University professor focusing on education finance. “If a district had a lot of migrant students in its district, that’s a loss of funds potentially there. We think that’s a real high risk.”

Trump’s offer to pay immigrants to leave and help them with transportation could hasten the departures.

González, now back in Venezuela, says he wouldn’t have accepted the money, because it would have meant registering with the US government, which he no longer trusts. And that’s what he’s telling the dozens of migrants in the US who contact him each week asking the best way home. Go on your own, he tells them. Once you have the cash, it’s much easier going south than it was getting to the US in the first place.

Associated Press writer Jocelyn Gecker contributed to this report.

KAROL NAWROCKI, front, the conservative candidate heading into the second round of Poland’s presidential election, meets with union members in Warsaw, Poland, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 AP PHOTO/CZAREK SOKOLOWSKI

Financial markets welcome court ruling against Trump’s tariffs as shares, US dollar and oil gain

By Elaine Kurtenbach AP Business Writer

FINANCIAL markets welcomed a US court ruling that blocks President Donald Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs on imports under an emergency-powers law.

US futures jumped early Thursday and oil prices rose more than $1. The US dollar rose against the yen and euro.

The court found the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which Trump has cited as his basis for ordering massive increases in import duties, does not authorize the use of tariffs.

The White House immediately appealed and it was unclear if Trump would abide by the ruling

in the interim. The long-term outcome of legal disputes over tariffs remains uncertain. But investors appeared to take heart after the months of turmoil brought on by Trump’s trade war. The future for the S&P 500 was up 1.5% while that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.2%.

In early European trading, Germany’s DAX gained 0.5% to 24,160.75. The CAC 40 in Paris jumped 0.9% to 7,860.67. Brit -

ain’s FTSE was nearly unchanged at 8,722.63.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index jumped 1.9% to 38,432.98. American’s largest ally in Asia has been appealing to Trump to cancel the tariffs he has ordered on imports from Japan and to also stop 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum and autos.

The ruling also pushed the dollar sharply higher against the Japanese yen. It was trading at 145.40 yen early Thursday, up from 144.87 yen late Wednesday.

A three-judge panel ruled on several lawsuits arguing Trump exceeded his authority, casting doubt on trade policies that have jolted global financial markets, frustrated trade partners and raised uncertainty over the outlook for inflation and the global economy.

Many of Trump’s double-digit tariff hikes are paused for up to 90 days to allow time for trade negotiations, but the uncertainty they cast over global commerce has

stymied businesses and left consumers wary about what lies ahead.

“Just when traders thought they’d seen every twist in the tariff saga, the gavel dropped like a lightning bolt over the Pacific,” Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said in a commentary.

The ruling was, at the least, “a brief respite before the next thunderclap,” he said.

Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 1.3% to 23,561.86, while the Shanghai Composite index gained 0.7% to 3,363.45.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.2% to 8,409.80.

In South Korea, which like Japan relies heavily on exports to the US, the Kospi surged 1.9% to 2,720.64. Shares also were helped by the Bank of Korea’s decision to cut its key interest rate to 2.5% from 2.75%, to ease pressure on the economy.

Taiwan’s Taiex edged 0.1% lower, and India’s Sensex lost 0.2%.

On Wednesday, US stocks cooled, with the S&P 500 down 0.6% but still within 4.2% of its record after charging higher amid hopes that the worst of the turmoil caused by Trump’s trade war may have passed. It had been roughly 20% below the mark last month.

The Dow industrials lost 0.6% and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.5%.

Trading was relatively quiet ahead of a quarterly earnings release for Nvidia, which came after markets closed.

The bellwether for artificial intelligence overcame a wave of tariff-driven turbulence to deliver another quarter of robust growth thanks to feverish demand for its high-powered chips that are making computers seem more human. Nvidia’s shares jumped 6.6% in afterhours trading.

Like Nvidia, Macy’s stock also swung up and down through much of the day, even though it reported

milder drops in revenue and profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Its stock ended the day down 0.3%.

The bond market showed relatively little reaction after the Federal Reserve released the minutes from its latest meeting earlier this month, when it left its benchmark lending rate alone for the third straight time. The central bank has been holding off on cuts to interest rates, which would give the economy a boost, amid worries about inflation staying higher than hoped because of Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

In other dealings early Thursday, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.52% from 4.47% late Wednesday.

US benchmark crude oil gained $1.06 to $62.90 per barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, added $1.00 to $65.32 per barrel. The euro slipped to $1.1280 from $1.1292.

Dollar steadies, Treasuries drop as Trump faces tariff setback

By Ruth Carson, Matthew Burgess & Vassilis Karamanis

AGAUGE of the dollar briefly rose to a more than one-week high and Treasuries fell as investors reacted to news that the vast majority of President Donald Trump’s global tariffs were deemed illegal by the US trade court. T he currency strengthened as much as 0.4% on Thursday, before erasing most of its advance following the US Court of International Trade in Manhattan’s ruling that Trump wrongfully invoked an emergency law to justify the levies. The White House

said it will appeal the decision. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. analysts said the judgment represents only a temporary setback to Trump’s trade agenda and can be offset by other taxes.

“For markets, it’s a small deviation along the same path, same end goal. Tariffs are coming,” said Jordan Rochester, head of macro strategy for EMEA at Mizuho International Plc. “But on the margin, this pushes back on the consensus bearish dollar theme through a potential pick up in US growth expectations and so we may see some short covering.”

The dollar index has tumbled more than 7% since a February high as the trade war hurt sentiment toward US assets and fueled a

re-think of the world’s reliance on the reserve currency. The court decision may allay some market jitters for now on just how far US tariffs could upend global trade and growth.

T he yen and Swiss franc led losses against the dollar in Asian trading, as improved risk sentiment damped demand for traditional havens. The moves faded after the European open, even as rates markets held their direction.

Yields on 10-year US Treasuries rose five basis points to 4.53%, while two-year yields climbed as much as six basis points to around 4.05% before trimming gains.

The court decision suspends the vast majority of Trump’s tariffs: the global flat

tariff, elevated rates on China and others, and fentanyl-related tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico are all covered by the ruling. But other tariffs imposed under different powers are unaffected, including those on steel, aluminum and automobiles.

Virginie Maisonneuve, global chief investment officer equity, at Allianz Global Investors, said investors should prepare for Trump to resist efforts to disrupt his trade policy agenda.

“I think we have to expect that he’s gonna try to do this,” Maisonneuve said on Bloomberg TV. “But what is really important here is this grassroot movement that we’ve been waiting for, for a while, in terms of putting a little bit more rationality around those practices.”

The ruling offers a welcome moment of relief to investors, but it also adds another source of uncertainty to the global trade dispute that has roiled markets this year. Traders have been forced to digest not just tariffs and counter-tariffs from the US and its rivals, but also a series of delays and reversals by Trump.

Now, they are being forced to confront yet another unknown: whether the White House can navigate legal challenges at home.

“Right now there are tariffs, and scope for more after July 9,” said Stephen Spratt, a strategist at Societe Generale in Hong Kong. “This raises the chance there are no tariffs, but it’s so difficult to know how much that chance has changed.”

Options sentiment OPTIONS traders remain bearish on the dollar over the next year, though with slightly less conviction. So-called onemonth risk reversals—which track the difference in demand between bullish and bearish dollar bets—continue to show a preference for downside protection.

Data from the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation reinforce that view. Despite the dollar’s sharp rebound in the spot market this week, bearish options positions still outpace bullish ones by approximately $13 billion in notional terms. With assistance from Alice Atkins and Alice Gledhill/Bloomberg

Friday, May 30, 2025

Federal agencies crippled as Elon Musk’s DOGE slashes workforce and programs

By Ted Mann

BRENDAN DEMICH and his team of research engineers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in Pittsburgh were racing to complete a virtual reality program to help train miners on what to do in an emergency underground.

They feared that soon, time would run out, and Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency would throw them out of work.

“You’re calling on an incredible day,” Demich said while speaking with a reporter on the phone on May 2. The night before, his group had finished a stable version of their simulator, which could teach thousands of workers how to assist each other in the event of a mine collapse, explosion or fire.

“Nobody else in the world is doing this kind of thing,” Demich said. “And it’s basically going to get shelved.”

Hours later, Demich, along with nearly everyone else at his agency, learned he was out of a job. The fallout from DOGE’s campaign to downsize the federal workforce is continuing to unfold. A fter a wave of summary firings,

layoffs and buyout offers, thousands of federal employees are expected to leave their jobs in the weeks ahead. Many are warning that the ways in which Musk and the Trump administration made the cutbacks are likely to lead to unintended consequences.

Following a monthslong crusade that tore at the roots of the federal bureaucracy, Musk signaled on Wednesday night that his time leading DOGE was at an end. In a post on X, the social-media platform he controls, the world’s richest person thanked President Donald Trump for the opportunity to reduce “wasteful spending,” adding that DOGE’s mission “will only strengthen over time.”

E ven before entering government, Musk had a track record of reinventing his businesses through severe job cuts and costsaving measures. His tactics echo a brand of harsh corporate capitalism that won plaudits in the 1980s and 1990s. Jack Welch valorized layoffs as he built General Electric Co. into a conglomerate. So did Sunbeam Corp. turnaround guru Al Dunlap, whose approach earned him the nickname “Chainsaw” — the very tool Musk brandished on a stage earlier this year as he

boasted about DOGE.

Just as Dunlap, who died in 2019, and Welch, who died in 2020, were lionized for improving efficiency by thinning the ranks, Musk and DOGE have demonstrated a “wish to really disembowel and downsize what the government historically has done,” said Rita McGrath, a management scholar and professor at Columbia Business School.

Yet trying to reduce headcount in the way DOGE has is likely to be costly, McGrath said. Institutional knowledge, social networks and shared sense of mission will have to be rebuilt if the government is to function, she said.

“There doesn’t seem to have been any thought at all devoted to that part,” McGrath said.

DOGE has claimed $175 billion in savings, but its “Wall of Receipts”—a list of contracts, grants and leases canceled since Inauguration Day—only accounts for 42% of that number. And DOGE’s numbers can be fuzzy: They often assume that contracts would be maxed out, they don’t include offsetting costs, and independent factcheckers have found double-counting and data-entry errors.

In a Bloomberg interview at the Qatar Economic Forum last week, Musk walked back his pre-election claims that DOGE would cut “at least $2 trillion” from the federal budget. Permanent spending reductions would depend on approval from Congress and the executive branch, he said.

“We are simply advisers,” Musk said. “In that context, we’re doing very well. We cannot take action beyond that because we’re not some sort of imperial dictator of the government. There are three branches of the government that are to some degree opposed to that level of cost savings.”

Musk has criticized the spending bill recently passed by the House, saying it increases the deficit and works against the aims of DOGE.

The Department of Health and Human Services earlier announced a “restructuring” that would see it shed 20,000 employees and largely shutter subagencies including NIOSH, which conducts scientific research to support workplace safety regulations and policy. T he union says roughly 300 NIOSH employees have been reinstated, less than one-third of the pre-DOGE workforce, and that those changes

leave the institute’s ability to fulfill its normal responsibilities effectively crippled.

The cutbacks have stopped NIOSH from carrying out basic functions such as certifying respirators used by miners and firefighters, said Demich, who is chief steward for Local 1916 of the American Federation of Government Employees union, which represents agency workers in Pittsburgh as well as Spokane, Washington.

While his team left behind a working version of the mine-safety program, it wasn’t clear what its fate would be.

“To think we’re not going to be able to provide that service a month from now is devastating to the team,” Demich said.

“We wanted to provide whatever we could, theoretically, before we walk out the door.

We’re hoping someone sees the value and reverses this.”

Musk’s approach to DOGE has been framed by a general disregard for government work. The first “fork in the road” email encouraged federal workers to “move from lower productivity jobs in the public sector to higher productivity jobs in the private sector.” Musk has said some public workers should be replaced with artificial intelligence.

Other groups at NIOSH have also had their work all but shut down.

In Cincinnati, an agency office that does research informing safety standards and regulations for firefighters has been curtailed by executive orders and DOGE cuts. Researchers there have been trying to preserve years’ worth of data and scientific findings, said Micah Niemeier-Walsh, an industrial hygienist in the Firefighter Health Program specializing in exposures during lithium-ion battery and electric vehicle fires. She also was told May 2 that her job was being eliminated.

NIOSH scientists have been banned from presenting research at conferences and collaborating with outside experts. In February, DOGE put $1 limits on the agency’s credit cards, depriving staffers of basics like pens and paper.

“The effort to prevent us from doing our important work began months before the reductions in force started,” said NiemeierWalsh, who is also the vice president of American Federation of Government Employees Local 3840.

See “DOGE,” A19

Japan intensifies military posture amid rising tensions with China in the Asia-Pacific Region

By Alastair Gale & Mari Kiyohara

JAPAN is stepping up efforts to deter China’s military ambitions in the Asia-Pacific as Tokyo and other US partners seek clarity from the Trump administration about its plans to counter Beijing’s power in the region.

For the first time, Japan sent destroyers through the Taiwan Strait on two occasions in recent months, according to a person familiar with the operations, a sign of its willingness to directly challenge China over the waterway and the self-governing island it claims as its own.

Japan has also increased its military budget and the tempo of its naval exercises as far away as the Indian Ocean and South China Sea, a region Beijing claims almost complete control over but which is a vital trade route for the global economy.

“When I was younger and even in the first decade of this century, we used to stay close to Japan’s shores,” said Katsuya Yamamoto, a retired rear admiral in Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force. “Now the world has changed, and the Japanese people accept that we can’t just passively allow China’s actions.”

It’s not just Japan taking note.

China’s assertiveness has alarmed many governments: Beijing has in recent years ramped up aerial and naval deployments around Taiwan, repeatedly confronted Philippine vessels around disputed islands and shoals and sent warships into international waters off the coast of Sydney.

Those actions and the response in Asia will be one point of discussion for military leaders meeting in Singapore starting Friday for the Shangri-La Dialogue. The annual gathering typically includes high-level officials from China and the US.

This year, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will give a speech Saturday at the event, which Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun is skipping. It’s the first time China isn’t sending its top military diplomat to the conference since 2019. The US delegation will include the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, and Admiral

Continued from A18

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services said that Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was “working hard to ensure that the critical functions under NIOSH remain intact.”

The Trump administration is committed to supporting coal miners and firefighters, and under the Secretary’s leadership, NIOSH’s essential services will continue as HHS streamlines its operations,” she wrote in an email. “Ensuring the health and safety of our workforce remains a top priority for the Department.”

Last week, Demich and Niemeier-Walsh helped lead a union rally on the plaza outside HHS headquarters, calling on Kennedy to reverse the job cuts. “This isn’t just a staffing cut; it is an attack on millions of workers across the country,” Niemeier-Walsh said. The layoffs are “cutting the science that makes those jobs survivable.”

Among those pressing Kennedy is Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mine Workers of America, who credited NIOSH workers with helping to prevent illnesses and deaths that have plagued workers in the industry for decades, including members of Roberts’ own family.

“I wish we had had a NIOSH in the ’60s,” he said, “and I wish it was much larger than it is now.” In an interview, Roberts said he had spoken briefly with Kennedy, at the behest

of Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, urging him to undo the reductions. Workers from across the government said that after this year’s cutbacks, a diminished and demoralized bureaucracy was being made less productive and more vulnerable to calls to do away with it completely.

“It seems like we’re being set up to fail,” said Brittany Coleman, a civil rights attorney and union steward in Dallas whose office in the Department of Education was closed.

Coleman’s division saw its offices nationwide cut from 12 to 5. Previously, she said in an interview, workers in the unit handled about 50 cases a year. The cuts mean the remaining workforce will have to take on more than 300 cases annually.

“We were already bare-bones anyway,” Coleman said. “It’s not sustainable, long-term.”

Musk has also paid a price for making himself the face of Trump’s government overhaul. Sales of Tesla Inc. electric vehicles have suffered because of consumer ire over Musk’s DOGE activities, and this week, another SpaceX Starship rocket exploded in flight, increasing the pressure on him to get focused once again on the enterprises that built his massive wealth.

Still, workers who were turned out of their roles by DOGE said the ethos he brought to the government will remain.

“The concept of DOGE is still there, the ideas behind DOGE are still there,” said NiemeierWalsh, the former NIOSH staffer. “It’s not going away.” With assistance from Gregory Korte, Nancy Cook, Joshua Green and Dana Hull/Bloomberg

Samuel Paparo, commander of Indo-Pacific Command.

While Japan has for decades been wary of foreign military entanglements, in part due to a World War II-era constitution that bars the use of force to settle disputes, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and a Chinese missile barrage over Taiwan in 2022 marked a turning point.

Now Tokyo is doing more to boost defense ties with regional partners such as the Philippines and Australia just as Trump raises questions about the US commitment to historic alliances. The US president has said Japan and South Korea don’t pay the US enough for basing American troops in their countries and has been ambiguous about his support for Taiwan if it came under attack.

Chinese warnings Japan can’t afford that ambiguity. The most southerly of Japan’s islands is just 70 miles (113 kilometers) from Taiwan, and Tokyo fears it could be drawn into any conflict over the archipelago that China views as its territory. Beijing regularly warns against Japanese military activity in the region.

After Japanese news outlets reported the transit of a Japanese destroyer through the Taiwan Strait in February, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, said: “China respects the navigation rights of all countries under international law, but firmly opposes any country creating trouble in the Taiwan Strait, infringing upon China’s sovereignty and security, and sending wrong signals to the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces.”

Opinion polls show growing support in Japan for a more visible role for the Self-Defense Forces, as the military is known. Yet the scale of the challenge is daunting. While China’s actual defense spending is unclear, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates it spent around $314 billion on its military in 2024, about half of all defense spending in Asia and Oceania.

Largely in response, Japan is raising defense spending more

rapidly than at any time in recent decades. In 2022, Tokyo pledged ¥43 trillion ($298 billion) to a military build-up that would span five years and lift defense spending to roughly 2% of gross domestic product from just over 1%.

Total defense-related spending this fiscal year is set to reach ¥9.9 trillion, including funds to develop a network of satellites to improve the detection of incoming missiles. Japan has also begun taking delivery of 147 US-built F-35 Lightning II jets, the world’s most advanced stealth fighter.

Those F-35s will be equipped with long-range cruise missiles that could hit targets in China from hundreds of miles away. Tokyo is also developing long-range missiles that could be deployed at a string of military bases along its southwest island chain.

So-called “stand-off” missile capabilities are core to a defense strategy adopted in 2022 to threaten Chinese military bases that could be used against Japan.

The same year, Japan was shaken when China launched missiles over Taiwan that landed in the sea in Japan’s exclusive economic zone after a visit to Taipei by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The missiles added to anxieties that Beijing might target Japan and US military bases in the country as part of any attempt to seize Taiwan.

‘Bitter experience’ JAPAN has also felt pressure from heightened Chinese coast guard and military activity around uninhabited islands that Tokyo controls in the East China Sea.

“The desire to avoid conflict after the bitter experience of World War II made Japan allergic to possessing weapons. More people understand now that simply having them can demoralize and deter the enemy,” said Misa Sakurabayashi, a security analyst based in Tokyo who has advised the government on defense issues.

China says it wants to resolve the Taiwan issue peacefully, but hasn’t ruled out the use of force.

In addition to developing its own capabilities, Japan has been

working with other Asian democracies to bolster collective deterrence. In 2023, it created a new category of foreign aid called official security assistance to fund military investments, primarily in Asia.

On a visit to Manila earlier this year, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed to begin talks on sharing some basic military supplies.

Last year, the two countries signed a deal to ease border controls to facilitate more military training. The Philippines and Japan are also discussing sharing real-time military intelligence in an arrangement similar to one Japan has with South Korea.

On a visit to Tokyo in March,

Hegseth said the US will “re-build” deterrence against China with allies including Japan. He pledged to follow through on Biden administration plans to establish a new military command center in Japan and said he’ll deploy more advanced capabilities to the Philippines.  At the same time, Trump has criticized the US-Japan Security Treaty, saying it’s a better deal for Tokyo than Washington.  Japan, meanwhile, has made its own calculation that it has to send a clear message to China, according to Kocihi Isobe, a retired lieutenant general in Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force.

“If deterrence fails, the price to pay will be very high,” he said. With assistance from Yasufumi Saito, Josh Xiao and Lucille Liu/Bloomberg

New Mexico students near oil and gas wells suffer health and learning setbacks amid rising pollution

By Ed Williams Searchlight New Mexico & Susan Montoya Bryan The Associated Press

COUNSELOR, N.M.—On a Tuesday in March, Billton Werito drove his son Amari toward his house in Counselor, New Mexico, navigating the bumpy dirt road that winds through a maze of natural gas pipelines, wellheads and water tanks. Amari should have been in school, but a bout of nausea and a dull headache kept him from class.

“It happens a lot,” Amari explained from the backseat, glancing up from his Nintendo Switch. The symptoms usually show up when the sixth grader smells an odor of “rotten egg with propane” that rises from nearby natural gas wells and wafts over Lybrook Elementary School, where he and some 70 other Navajo students attend class. His little brother often misses school for the same reason.

“They just keep getting sick,” Amari’s father, Billton, said. “I have to take them out of class because of the headaches. Especially the younger one, he’s been throwing up and won’t eat.” The symptoms are putting the kids at risk of falling further behind in school.

Lybrook sits in the heart of New Mexico’s San Juan Basin, a major oil and gas deposit that, along with the Permian Basin in the state’s southeast, is supplying natural gas that meets much of the nation’s electricity demand.

The gas pulled from tens of thousands of wells in New Mexico has reaped huge benefits for the entire country. Natural gas has become a go-to fuel for power plants from coast to coast, sometimes replacing dirtier coal-fired plants and, by extension, improving air quality. Locally, oil and gas companies employ thousands of workers, often in areas with few other opportunities, all while boosting the state’s budget with billions in royalty payments.

But those benefits may come at a

cost for thousands of students in New Mexico whose schools sit near oil and gas pipelines, wellheads and flare stacks. An Associated Press analysis of state and federal data found 694 oil and gas wells with new or active permits within a mile of a school in the state. This means around 29,500 students in 74 schools and preschools potentially face exposure to noxious emissions, since extraction from the ground can release unhealthy fumes.

A measurable effect on students AT Lybrook, where Amari just finished sixth grade, fewer than 6% of students are proficient at math, and only a fifth meet state standards for science and reading proficiency.

Other factors could help explain students’ poor achievement. Poverty rates are higher in some areas with high levels of gas development, and students at rural schools overall tend to face challenges that can adversely affect academic performance. AP’s analysis found two-thirds of the schools within a mile of an oil or gas well are low-income, and the population is around 24% Native American and 45% Hispanic.

But research has found student learning is directly harmed by air pollution from fossil fuels—even when socioeconomic factors are taken into account.

The risks go far beyond New

Mexico. An AP analysis of data from the Global Oil and Gas Extraction Tracker found over 1,000 public schools across 13 states that are within five miles of a major oil or gas field. Major fields are collections of wells that produce the highest amount of energy in a state.

“This kind of air pollution has a real, measurable effect on students,” said Mike Gilraine, an economics professor at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada, who studies connections between air quality and student performance.

In 2024, Gilraine co-wrote a study showing student test scores were closely associated with air contamination. Each measured increase in PM2.5, a type of pollution created from the burning of fossil fuels, was associated with a significant decline in student test scores, Gilraine found. Conversely, researchers have documented that reductions in air pollution have led to higher test scores and fewer absences.

“To me, the surprise was certainly the magnitude of the effects” of air pollution on students, Gilraine said. “It’s hard to find a similar factor that would have such an impact on schools nationwide.”

America’s shift to natural gas has resulted in substantial increases in student achievement nationwide, Gilraine’s research shows, as it has displaced dirtier coal and led to cleaner air on the whole. But there has been little data on air quality across New Mexico, even as it has become one of the most productive states in the nation for natural gas. State regulators have installed only 20 permanent air monitors, most in areas without oil or gas production.

Independent researchers have extensively studied the air quality near schools in at least two locations in the state, however. One is Lybrook, which sits within a mile of 17 active oil and gas wells.

In 2024, scientists affiliated with Princeton and Northern Arizona universities conducted an air-monitoring study at the school, finding that levels of pollutants— including benzene, a cancercausing byproduct of natural gas production that is particularly harmful to children—were spiking during school hours, to nearly

double the levels known to cause chronic or acute health effects.

That research followed a 2021 health impact assessment conducted with support from several local nonprofits and foundations, which analyzed the effects of the area’s oil and gas development on residents.

The findings were startling: More than 90% of people surveyed suffered from sinus problems. Nosebleeds, shortness of breath and nausea were widespread. The report attributed the symptoms to the high levels of pollutants that researchers found—including, near Lybrook, hydrogen sulfide, a compound that gives off the sulfur smell that Amari Werito associated with his headaches.

Those studies helped confirm what many community members already knew, said Daniel Tso, a community leader who served on the committee that oversaw the 2021 health impact assessment.

“The children and the grandchildren need a safe homeland,” Tso said during an interview in March, standing outside a cluster of gas wells within a mile of Lybrook Elementary.

“You smell that?” he said, nodding towards a nearby wellhead, which smelled like propane.

“That’s what the kids at the school are breathing in. I’ve had people visiting this area from New York. They spend five minutes here and say, ‘Hey, I got a headache.’ And the kids are what, six hours a day at the school breathing this?”

Lybrook school officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Despite risks, oil and gas can pump money into schools

RESEARCHERS have identified

similar air quality problems in New Mexico’s southeast.

In 2023, a team of scientists from a coalition of universities conducted a detailed, yearlong study of the air in Loving, a small town in the Permian Basin. Local air quality, researchers found, was worse than in downtown Los Angeles, and the tested air contained the fifth-highest level of measured ozone contamination in the US.

The source of the ozone—a pollutant that’s especially hazardous to children—was the area’s network of gas wells and related infrastructure. Some of that infrastructure sits within a half-mile of a campus that houses Loving’s elementary, middle and high schools.

A small group of residents has spoken out about the area’s air quality, saying it has caused respiratory problems and other health issues. But for most locals, any concerns about pollution are outweighed by the industry’s economic benefits.

Representatives of the oil and gas industry have claimed the air quality studies themselves are not trustworthy.

“There needs to be a robust study to actually answer these questions,” said Andrea Felix, vice president of regulatory affairs for the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association (NMOGA). Felix said other sources of emissions, such as cars and trucks, are likely a larger source of air quality problems near wells.

“Companies follow the best available science” for well placement and emissions controls, Felix said, and also contribute huge amounts of money to the state’s education budget. In the most recent fiscal year, oil and gas revenue supported $1.7 billion in K-12 spending in New Mexico,

Experts.

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Continued from A1

“Despite the near-universal view that the Trump administration’s protectionist economic policy would boost the greenback and depress EM currencies, the trade war has prompted a bout of dollar weakness that shows no signs of fading,” BMI said.

Given this weakness, BMI expects that emerging economy currencies will not only be stable but also help slow down inflation, providing central banks ample room to continue reducing interest rates.

BMI said median inflation among emerging market economies like the Philippines will hover around 4 percent for the rest of the year.

Inflation in the Philippines recently slowed to 1.4 percent in April 2025 such that the average year-to-date inflation reached 2 percent. The government’s inflation target is at 2 to 4 percent until 2028.

“A weak dollar will provide several economic benefits to EMs over the remainder of 2025. While we still expect that US policy will cause almost all EMs to decelerate this year, a weaker greenback will help to cushion the impact of tariffs and significant policy uncertainty via several channels,” BMI said.

according to a NMOGA report.

Officials with Loving Municipal Schools are also skeptical of the alarm over the wells. Loving Superintendent Lee White said the school district used funds from the oil and gas industry to pay for a new wing at the elementary school, a science lab for students, turf on the sports field and training and professional development for teachers. He said the industry’s contributions to state coffers can’t be ignored.

“Are we willing to give that up because people say our air is not clean?” he said during an interview. “It’s just as clean as anywhere else.”

As White spoke, a drill rig worked a couple of miles east of Loving’s elementary school while parents poured into the gymnasium to watch kindergartners collect their diplomas. White touted the district’s success, saying the elementary school scores above state averages for reading, math and science proficiency, while Loving’s high school students far outpace the state average for college and career readiness.

But environmental groups, attorneys and residents continue to push for limits on drilling near schools.

Those efforts saw a boost in 2023, when New Mexico State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard issued an executive order prohibiting new oil and gas leases on state-owned land within a mile of schools.

Industry representatives decried the move, saying it added potentially insurmountable costs and barriers to drilling operators. However, AP’s analysis found that relatively few wells would be impacted even if the rule applied to all of New Mexico; only around 1% of oil and gas wells in the state are within a mile of a school.

In the years since, residents of areas where exploration is heavy have lobbied for legislation prohibiting gas operations within a mile of schools, regardless of land status. That bill died in committee during the most recent session of the New Mexico legislature.

Advocates have also sued the state over an alleged lack of pollution controls. That lawsuit is currently pending in state court. AP journalist Sharon Lurye contributed to this report from New Orleans.

Apart from helping depress prices, stronger currencies will help reduce the risk of capital flight. BMI said since “Liberation Day” when Trump tariffs were announced, inflows were put to a halt but has not caused major outflows. BMI said this may be due to the weakness of the US dollar and the strength of emerging market economies currencies. A weak dollar ensures strong returns in dollar terms, discouraging investors from taking their investments back to developed markets. Further, a weak US dollar also reduces debt repayment costs. However, the impact on dollar-denominated debt will be limited in emerging markets as these countries “public debt is worth less than eight percent of GDP.”

Based on data from the BSP, the worst depreciation of the peso was recorded in 1970 when the peso depreciated 34.95 percent followed by 1984 when the peso depreciated 33.45 percent. However, the last time the peso depreciated in double-digit against the greenback was in 2001 when the depreciation reached 13.33 percent.

In 2024, the peso averaged P57.2907 to the US dollar with the end-of-period valued P58.014 to the greenback. This represented a depreciation of 2.9 percent.

BILLTON WERITO and his son Amari stand in front of a drilling pad near their house in an area where oil and gas drilling close to a local elementary school is causing students, including Amari, to miss school from negative health effects according to Werito, in Counselor, N.M., Navajo Nation, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. NADAV SOROKER/SEARCHLIGHT NEW MEXICO VIA AP

PIDS

study: Siblings, grandparents,

kasambahay, daycare play critical roles in raising our children

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

ARENTS have not been the sole

Pcaretakers of the nation’s future as the responsibility of raising Filipino children has always been shared with siblings, grandparents, kasambahays, and, more recently, day care facilities.

This was according to a Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Policy Note authored by University of the Philippines Diliman Lecturer Gideon D. Lasco and University of the Philippines Manila Research Associate Jhaki A. Mendoza. Lasco and Mendoza said that given this, siblings, grandparents, kasambahays, and day care facilities must be included in policies that focus on Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD).

“Despite the Philippines’ sociocultural, geographic, and economic diversity, Philippine societies are characterized by their intergenerational and communal nature, with extended families and community members playing meaningful roles in Filipinos’ social lives,” Lasco and Mendoza said.

“As classical literature on Filipino social structure shows, this has been true historically, and demographic shifts and economic trends [e.g., mothers working abroad, dual incomes, the rise of ‘nontraditional’ families] suggest that this will be even more pronounced in the future,” they added.

Lasco and Mendoza said the Early Years Act of 2013 or Republic Act 10410 is one of the country’s most significant laws on ECCD. However, the law provides that support be extended to parents who are considered “primary caregivers and as their children’s first teachers.”

“This parent-centric view, however, risks overlooking the ‘significant others’ [i.e., the other important actors or participants] in ECCD,” the authors said.

In order to address the lack of support, the authors recommended the incorporation of caregiving skills in the school curriculum, particularly in senior high school, to help older siblings support younger siblings.

The authors also recommended extending caregiver training sessions for seniors to empower them and recognize their important roles as “bearers of intergenerational knowledge.”

These activities can also include community-based childcare initiatives that offer income opportunities. These will help strengthen intergenerational bonds and create benefits for all members of the households.

Training for yayas and kasambahays will also help them better contribute to ECCD. This will not only improve the quality of childcare they deliver and could help make them “fairly compensated” for their efforts.

Day care institutions and preschool teachers should be supported through an increase in publicly owned day care institutions and the improvement of existing facilities.

There is also a need, the authors said, for training of community health and social workers involved in ECCD programs implemented by local government units.

This will help these workers be better equipped to meet the needs of the children in their care and the families they serve. Apart from these, the authors said there must be greater effort to address the

inequality of childcare. More often than not, women shoulder this responsibility and unpaid care work.

“Investments in ECCD must address this inequality by ensuring adequate support and proper compensation for women and pursuing strategies to increase men’s participation in childcare,” the authors said.

“Importantly, those belonging to nontraditional families [e.g., single parents, live-in arrangements, same-sex couples] must be meaningfully considered in these initiatives,” they added.

Based on the findings of the study, older siblings taking on co-parenting roles is common among low-income households where the eldest sibling performs household chores and supervises younger siblings.

The eldest child also provides emotional and educational support to younger children in the family. This is what is termed parentification where the eldest child becomes the “tagasalo” or burden bearer of the family.

“This dynamic is pervasive in lowerincome households where parents may be preoccupied with work or other obligations. Although this arrangement helps relieve the burden on parents, it raises questions about the psychological and emotional impact on the panganay, who often assumes adult-like responsibilities at a young age,” Lasco and Mendoza said.

“While this arrangement can cultivate resilience and responsibility, it may also hinder the child’s emotional and psychological development. Mental health support and community-level interventions are crucial in addressing these challenges while preserving the benefits of sibling caregiving,”they added.

Grandparents, meanwhile, provide emotional and social support to their children and grandchildren. They also provide health and nutritional support that influence childcare during emergencies and in sickness prevention.

The authors said “intentional intergenerational programs not only sustain cultural continuity but also foster emotional security in children.” Programs that include grandparents must respect local beliefs and traditions while upholding “contemporary parenting standards.”

Meanwhile, kasambahays or yayas employed by middle- to upper-class households are tasked to perform day-to-day care while parents are working. Kasambahays “are involved in feeding, bathing, storytelling, and ensuring children’s physical and emotional well-being.”

Despite this, kasambahays and yayas lack access to professional development opportunities that could enhance their contributions to child development. This gap should be addressed not only through legislation but also public awareness campaigns.

Day care centers, the authors said, are increasingly recognized as vital spaces for ECCD. They offer early learning, health monitoring, and socialization opportunities to their children under their care.

Lasco and Mendoza said while public day care is free, there are additional costs for activities or supplies. In rural areas, they said, community-based day care centers provide more personalized care, serving up to 15 children.

However, in urban centers such as Metro Manila, these daycare centers can accommodate 20 to 30 children. This can reduce the quality of care.

‘Gibo’ to represent PHL in Singapore defense meet from May 30 to June 1

By Rex Anthony Naval

EPARTMENT of National Defense

D(DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will be in Singapore from May 30 to June 1 to represent the country in the 22nd International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue. Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong, DND spokesperson, said Teodoro will be accompanied by other senior officials of the DND, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Teodoro and his delegation are scheduled to hold bilateral and multilateral meetings with counterparts from various countries.

“The engagements aim to discuss

₧20 rice program won’t replace wage hike push, DOLE assures

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

THE Department of Labor and Employment clarified on Thursday that the inclusion of some minimum wage earners in the government’s P20 rice program is not intended to undermine or replace ongoing efforts to raise wages.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma emphasized that the subsidized rice initiative is a form of non-wage benefit, and separate from legislative proposals to increase pay.

“This is not a replacement for the additional pay being sought. We’re allowing the process in Congress to move forward on the proposed P200 across-the-board wage hike,” Laguesma said in a radio interview.

DOLE earlier announced that about 120,000 minimum wage earners nationwide

are now part of the pilot run of the rice subsidy program.

Initially, the program—implemented under the Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative—was limited to indigents, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents.

Each qualified individual is allowed to buy up to 10 kilograms of National Food Authority rice per month at P20 per kilo.

Several labor groups, however, raised concerns over the move.

Sentro Secretary-General Josua Mata argued that while affordable rice is welcome, it is not the solution to the broader issue of low wages.

“What workers need is not charity but a living wage,” Mata said.

“What minimum wage earners truly need is the immediate passage of the

P200 wage hike. Give workers what they deserve—a fair share in the fruits of their labor—and they will be able to buy the rice their families need with dignity, not dole-outs,” he added.

Trade Union Congress of the Philippines

Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza shared similar concerns. He warned that the rice subsidy would benefit only a “tiny fraction” of the country’s workforce.

“The P20 rice is a band-aid. The P200 wage hike is the cure which we shall pass into law right now,” Mendoza added.

These criticisms come amid persistent wage disparities across regions.

Currently, Metro Manila has the highest minimum wage rate at P645, while the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has the lowest at P361.

Talks on a P200 across-the-board wage hike are ongoing, with a pending bill having already passed second reading in the House of Representatives in February.

While welcoming criticism, Secretary Laguesma appealed to labor leaders to allow the government to implement the program before drawing conclusions.

“My only request, especially to our labor leaders, is to let us roll out the program first....Implementation is always the issue...so we’re making sure the guidelines are solid,” he said.

The DOLE chief also assured that the guidelines are being finalized to ensure only truly deserving minimum wage earners benefit from the program.

Eligible workers may avail of the P20 rice from June until December this year. A nationwide rollout is expected in 2026.

Red-striped soft scale insects infect 186 hectares of Negros Occidental sugarcane fields, emergency measures sought

Aregional and global security issues and strengthen defense and security cooperation with allies,” Andolong stressed. The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue brings together defense ministers, military chiefs, and strategic experts to tackle pressing security challenges and reinforce regional cooperation.

“Building on the keynote address delivered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. at last year’s Dialogue, Secretary Teodoro’s participation underscored the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based international order and sustained peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region through open dialogue and strategic partnerships,” the DND spokesperson added.

By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

ROUND 186 hectares of sugarcane plantations have been infested with the red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI) in Negros Occidental, according to the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said the RSSI, which could reportedly reduce sugar content by nearly half, has already affected 115 farmers since its detection in the region last week.

“Malaki yung sugarcane industry sa Negros and nasa 186 [hectares] na siya. That’s

not a big percentage on the total area, but ayaw naman natin na lumawak,” Azcona told reporters on the sidelines of a smuggling inspection in Manila on Thursday.

“So, continuing effort po kami and nage-experiment kami on whatever the fastest and most efficient way to spray the pesticides. So, everybody’s on board naman,” he added.

Meanwhile, Azcona said the agency has already applied for the emergency-use permit from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) for the pesticides identified in controlling the spread.

Based on the study of the National Crop

Protection Center (NCPC) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, buprofezin, dinotefuran, phenthoate, pymetrozine, and thiamethoxam could curb the infestation.

The protocol states the need for a second trial in a different location to further test the efficacy of the insecticides before receiving an emergency-use permit from the FPA, since “these insecticides are not yet registered for sugarcane.”

Industry sources said the pest infestation plaguing Negros Occidental’s sugarcane fields could weigh on the country’s production of the sweetener if it is not controlled immediately.

The United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines (Unifed) President Manuel Lamata expressed concern over the first case of RSSI in Negros Occidental, considered the country’s sugar bowl. “We do have an infestation in Negros Island. We are very worried about this issue because uncontrolled, we could lose the whole crop. This is a killer insect,” Lamata told the BusinessMirror. Despite this, the SRA chief expressed confidence that the pest infestation could be contained through pesticides.

“Looking on the brighter side, pwede naman siyang i-contain,” Azcona said.

PHL NGOs gear up for 3rd UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France

NBy Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

ON -government organizations based in the Philippines are gearing up for the 3rd UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France on June 9 to tackle the United Nations’ Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and are pushing for the Philippine Senate’s ratification of the international accord.

Commonly known as the High Seas Treaty, the BBNJ was adopted in June 2023 after over two decades of negotiations

The treaty marks a pivotal moment in global efforts to protect marine life in the vast, ecologically vulnerable regions of the ocean that lie beyond national jurisdiction,

covering nearly two-thirds of the world’s ocean surface.

In support of the Treaty, the High Seas Alliance and Oceana held a legislative forum on May 28 at the Conrad Hotel to emphasize the urgency of ratification. They are advocating for the Philippine Senate to approve the necessary concurrence for the country to ratify the treaty officially.

The BBNJ Agreement is the first legally binding international accord dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in the high seas. Historically, these areas have suffered from fragmented management and a lack of coordinated regulations, making them susceptible to overexploitation, pollution,

and the escalating threats posed by climate change.

The Treaty aims to tackle these issues by establishing a framework for creating marine protected areas, conducting environmental impact assessments, and ensuring fair sharing of benefits from marine genetic resolurces.

For the Philippines, a nation blessed with rich marine biodiversity, the treaty offers numerous avenues for engagement and benefits. The mechanisms for scientific research, data access, and participation in global knowledge repositories are especially advantageous.

In a statement, French Ambassador to the Philippines, Marie Fontanel, emphasized that “in Nice, we look at obtaining

60 ratifications. There is room for optimism in the next two weeks. The Philippines’ ratification is of utmost importance and the country’s diplomatic agenda as a champion of international law is very aligned and coherent with the BBNJ.” The Treaty’s provisions regarding marine genetic resources are particularly pertinent for the Philippines, recognized as one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries. These provisions ensure that monetary and non-monetary benefits, such as access to samples and enhanced scientific cooperation, are shared equitably. A notification system and digital tracking are in place to promote transparency and accountability in the use of these resources.

Go pushes stronger health interventions for women, newborns to avoid maternal deaths

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go expressed deep concern over the recent increase in maternal deaths in Northern Mindanao, following the Department of Health’s (DOH) warning that more women— many of them young or first-time mothers—are dying from preventable childbirth complications. He called for urgent and sustained interventions to strengthen prenatal and postnatal care services, especially in rural and geographically isolated areas.

Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, emphasized that improving maternal health outcomes must remain a priority in both policymaking and public service delivery.

“Hindi dapat may nawawalan ng buhay sa panganganak, lalo na kung maagapan

ito sa tamang impormasyon at maayos na serbisyo mula sa gobyerno,” he said. “Kaya isinusulong natin ang implementasyon ng mgaprogramangnakatutoksakalusuganng mgainaatsanggol.

This comes in the wake of reports from DOH Region X citing a troubling rise in maternal mortality. In 2023, Region X recorded a maternal mortality rate (MMR) of 5.5 per 100,000 live births—the highest in five years and significantly above the previous year’s rate of 4.1.

Among the victims was 27-year-old Almera Andagao from Pigsag-an, who died two days after being brought to a Cagayan de Oro City hospital following childbirth complications.

DOH officials attributed the spike to inad -

equate prenatal care and a lack of access to skilled healthcare providers. The DOH’s Family Health Cluster highlighted the importance of the “1-2-5” prenatal checkup schedule—one visit in the first trimester, two in the second, and five in the third—as part of its Safe Motherhood Initiative.

However, they noted that many women, particularly in far-flung areas, do not complete these vital consultations.

“Kapagmalayoang health center, kadalasan hindi na nagpapa-check up ang mga buntis,” Go lamented. “Ito ang gusto nating solusyunan sa pamamagitan ng mga isinusulongnating Super Health Center.”

Super Health Centers (SHCs) are Go’s initiative to bring primary care services— including maternal checkups, consultations,

and early detection—closer to communities. Go emphasized that many of these centers will also feature birthing facilities to better serve mothers in underserved and remote communities.

Over 700 SHCs have been funded for construction nationwide through coordinated efforts with the DOH, fellow lawmakers and local governments.

Go also reiterated the importance of institutional support through Republic Act No. 11148, or the “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act,” passed during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte. This law targets the health and nutrition needs of mothers and children during the first 1,000 days of life—a period widely recognized as critical for long-term physical and cognitive development.

Group taps social media to boost awareness of poor girls’ difficulty in education, health care

DBy Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox

AVAO CITY—A women’s advocacy organization is mounting a national movement to raise awareness on the difficulty faced daily by girls to access education, health care and surmounting lifethreatening challenges in conflict situations.

The Philippine-based FundLife has gathered Filipino sports and physical fitness enthusiasts to relate their daily running routine to the the girls’ “daily struggles many girls must overcome just to reach school, access healthcare, or navigate public spaces safely.”

It said more than 1,300 Filipinos ran a combined 130,000 kilometers as part

of FundLife’s nationwide Move for Equity campaign, a movement turning physical activity into a show of solidarity for girls facing barriers to safety, education, and opportunity.

Fundlife mounted this campaign across the country to complete 3.8 kilometers of movement each day over the entire month of March and said it wanted the move to become a daily awareness for Filipinos that their physical fitness efforts have a corresponding life-and-death struggles among girls in difficult and unfortunate situations.

It said the distance required by participants to cover “is symbolic distance that represents the daily struggles many girls must overcome just to reach school, access healthcare, or navigate public spaces safely”

It said the March campaign was dubbed “Move for Every Girl Who Can’t,” and was held in partnership with Girls Got This and global athletic brand ON Running. “This asked participants to align their physical efforts with a broader social purpose.”

In March alone, more than 1,300 people joined the campaign and logged more than 130,000 kilometers in support of gender equality and girls’ rights, it added.

As a new campaign, FundLife said the first runs were held in Tacloban and Makati on March 9, where in Tacloban City, for instance, 150 individuals participated at the historic Old Leyte Provincial Capitol. Simultaneously, about 480 runners took over Ayala Avenue in Makati City. “Girls are told where they can go, how to

behave, and what they should aspire to,” said Marko Kasic, executive director of FundLife. “Move for Equity is about challenging that narrative. We’re not just running for visibility—we’re running toward a world where every girl is safe, supported, and seen.” The campaign was further amplified by 22 advocates and content creators, who shared their personal motivations on social media. Among them was Dana Lora, a strength and conditioning specialist and campaign ambassador, who completed the 3.8-kilometer challenge daily.

“Every step I took was for the girls who still don’t have the freedom to move without fear,” Lora, a participant runner in Makati, said. “Movement is more than exercise, it’s advocacy.”

Transforming BARMM: A pivotal investment in Mindanao’s future

THE Bangsamoro government’s approval of a P133.91-billion Annual Investment Program (AIP) for 2026, with its strong emphasis on infrastructure, marks a crucial step forward for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This commitment to funding 637 development projects across the region addresses critical needs in infrastructure, social services, economic development, peace and security, and administrative improvements. It demonstrates a clear intention to uplift a region historically burdened by conflict and neglect. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “BARMM clears P133.91-B development plan for 2026,” May 9, 2025).

However, while this investment is a welcome start, it is essential to acknowledge that it is merely a foundation upon which a more substantial and sustained effort must be built. The challenges facing BARMM are deeply rooted and multifaceted. Decades of conflict have crippled economic activity, displaced communities, and left a legacy of damaged infrastructure. This instability has deterred private investment, hindering job creation and economic growth. The lack of adequate infrastructure, including transportation, education, and healthcare, further exacerbates poverty and limits opportunities for the Bangsamoro people. The Marcos administration has a unique opportunity to transform BARMM and secure a lasting legacy. To achieve genuine progress, a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach is required, focusing on both economic development and political stability.

On the economic front, strategic investments in infrastructure are paramount. Improving transportation networks will connect communities, facilitate trade, and improve access to essential services. Supporting the agricultural sector through training, technology, and sustainable practices will empower farmers and enhance food security. Creating investment incentives will attract both local and foreign capital, stimulating economic growth and creating jobs in sectors like tourism, renewable energy, and manufacturing.

Achieving lasting political stability requires inclusive governance, conflict resolution, and strong institutions. Ensuring the participation of diverse groups in decision-making processes will promote inclusivity and representation. Facilitating dialogue and peace-building initiatives will address historical grievances and foster reconciliation. Strengthening governance institutions will ensure transparency, uphold the rule of law, and protect human rights. Community engagement and security cooperation will empower local communities and maintain peace and security while respecting community rights. To effectively realize this vision, the President requires a dedicated point person to coordinate with BARMM leaders, monitor projects, and bring urgent policy matters to his attention. He need not look beyond Malacañang to find someone ideally suited for this role. Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. is an excellent fit, thanks to his close relationship with Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua. This connection fosters open communication and trust, enabling the effective conveyance of BARMM’s needs and aspirations to the national government. Lagdameo’s prior experience as a Representative of Davao del Norte’s 2nd district further strengthens his ability to foster dialogue between local leaders and the national government. By prioritizing the development of BARMM, President Marcos can leave an indelible mark on Philippine history. Success in this endeavor would not only address the long-standing grievances of Filipino Muslims but also unlock Mindanao’s vast potential, paving the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region and the nation as a whole. The P133.91-billion AIP is a promising start, but it is the sustained commitment, strategic vision, and effective implementation that will ultimately determine the success of BARMM’s transformation.

Honoring the  Philippine flag

IKuwentong Peyups

PARTICIPATED in the 126th Independence Day parade on June 2 of  last year on Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York wherein its highlight is a huge Philippine flag, estimated  to be 25  by 50 feet.

It is a major event for many Filipino Americans that aimed to rekindle their roots and heritage and to commemorate the June 1898 Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain.

In the Philippines, our Flag is permanently displayed from May 28 to June 30 by all government offices and agencies, businesses, educational institutions and private residences  to celebrate the country’s independence and promote patriotism.

National Flag Day is celebrated every May 28 as the country commemorates the first use of the Philippine flag after the victory in the Battle of Alapan in 1898.

The flag was first raised after the Battle of Alapan that occurred on May 28, 1898 that was fought between the Filipino revolutionaries led by Emilio Aguinaldo and Spanish troops. The Spanish were defeated, and the revolutionaries recaptured the province of Cavite.

After the battle, Aguinaldo entered Cavite City and unfurled the would-be national flag for the first time.

On June 5, 1898, Aguinaldo issued the 21-page declaration Acta de la Proclamacion de la Independencia del Pueblo Filipino at his house in Cavite, proclaiming June 12, 1898 as the day of independence.

R. Calso, Dionisio L. Pelayo

Ruben M. Cruz Jr.

Eduardo A. Davad Nonilon G. Reyes D. Edgard A. Cabangon

The Philippine flag was officially unfurled for the first time at about 4:30 p.m., as the Marcha Nacional Filipina was played by the band of San Francisco de Malabon.

The proclamation was promulgated by 190 municipal presidents from the 16 provinces controlled by the revolutionary army on August 1, 1898, at Bacoor, and was officially ratified on September 29, 1898, by the Malolos Congress.

RA 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, states that reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the anthem, and other national symbols that embody the national ideals and which express the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity.

The heraldic items and devices shall seek to manifest the national virtues and to inculcate in the minds and hearts of our people a just pride in their native land, fitting respect and affection for the national flag and anthem, and the proper use of the national motto, coat-of-arms and other heraldic items and devices.

In Gerona v. Secretary of Education (GR L-13954. August 12, 1959), the Supreme Court sustained the flag ceremony as a valid exercise of the police power aimed at inculcating in the public the virtue of patriotism and consequently did not exempt

members of Jehovah’s Witnesses from saluting the flag, reciting the pledge of allegiance, and singing the national anthem.

The group used as an argument “religious freedom” noting that the Philippine flag is an “image” to which the Bible prohibits them from rendering obeisance. However, the SC noted that the Philippine flag is not merely an image, but rather a symbol of the nation’s sovereignty, national unity and cohesion, as well as its freedom and liberty—all of which are guaranteed and protected by the Constitution.

Under the complete separation of church and state, the flag is utterly devoid of any religious significance. Saluting the flag consequently does not involve any religious ceremony.

The State was not imposing a religion or religious belief or a religious test on said students. It was merely enforcing a non-discriminatory school regulation applicable to all alike whether Christian, Moslem, Protestant or Jehovah’s Witness.

The State was merely carrying out the duty imposed upon it by the Constitution which charges it with supervision over and regulation of all educational institutions, to establish and maintain a complete and adequate system of public education, and see to it that all schools aim to develop among other things, civic conscience and teach the duties of citizenship.

Three decades later, the SC reversed the 1959 Gerona decision in Ebralinag v. Division Superintendent of Schools of Cebu (GR 95770 March 1, 1993) that involved members Jehovah’s Witnesses that were expelled from the public school in relation to the flag ceremony.

The 1993 decision stated the punishment “is alien to the conscience of the present generation of Filipinos who cut their teeth on the Bill

of Rights which guarantees their rights to free speech and the free exercise of religious profession and worship.” Religious freedom is a fundamental right which is entitled to the highest priority and the amplest protection among human rights, for it involves the relationship of man to his Creator.

“Freedom of speech includes the right to be silent. Aptly has it been said that the Bill of Rights that guarantees to the individual the liberty to utter what is in his mind also guarantees to him the liberty not to utter what is not in his mind. The salute is a symbolic manner of communication that conveys its message as clearly as the written or spoken word. As a valid form of expression, it cannot be compelled any more than it can be prohibited in the face of valid religious objections like those raised in this petition. To impose it on the petitioners is to deny them the right not to speak when their religion bids them to be silent. This coercion of conscience has no place in the free society,” the SC said.

The Ebralinag decision was used in the guidelines for flag ceremonies in schools issued by the Department of Education (DO 78, S. 1994) where the students may either (a) be allowed to join the flag ceremony and while the flag is being raised, should stand at attention without causing any disturbance or (b) be allowed to enter their classrooms during the flag ceremony and required to wait until the flag ceremony is over. Non-attendance at the flag ceremony will not be an excuse for being late in their classes.

Peyups is the moniker of the University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail info@ sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808 or 09088665786.

US to revoke Chinese student visas in escalating crackdown

THE US plans to start “aggressively” revoking visas for Chinese students, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, escalating the Trump administration’s push for greater scrutiny of foreigners attending American universities.

Rubio said in a statement that students affected would include “those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.” The US will also enhance scrutiny “of all future visa applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong,” he added. China had the second most students in the US of any country in 2024, behind India. China’s Foreign Ministry didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment made outside working hours.

The decision comes just weeks after the US and China negotiated a truce in their tariff war. The issue of revoking visas could now emerge as another

flashpoint between the world’s two biggest economies, potentially upending progress made on trade.

It will also add to heightened tensions over sales to China of sophisticated chips and Beijing’s determination to limit US access to rare earths, which have been simmering even after the breakthrough agreement in Geneva to sharply lower tariffs for 90 days as officials try to strike a broader deal.

“This action intends to build a wall between two countries,” said Wu Xinbo, director at Fudan University’s Center for American Studies in Shanghai. “I don’t think it will help facilitate the forthcoming trade talks between two sides.”

The move followed Rubio’s order a day earlier instructing US embassies worldwide to stop scheduling interviews for student visas as the administration weighs stricter vetting of applicants’ social-media profiles. It marks yet another effort by President Donald Trump’s push to restrict foreign students’ entry to American schools over claims that they might threaten US national security.

The White House has waged a highstakes battle with universities that initially focused on elite universities such as Harvard and Columbia over antisemitism. That has turned into a bigger attack over the role of US higher education and the foreign students whose tuition is a crucial source of income for schools around the country.

“For the ones that really can make a contribution, want to make a difference, we want to make it possible for them to come here and bring their great ideas, bring their great intellect and help us build a great America,” Nvidia Corp. Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. “I think the administration is all in on that and I don’t think anything they have said changes that.” The scrutiny of Chinese students and researchers in the US in recent years dates back to Trump’s first term, as part of a broader attack on China’s ties in

Dennis Gorecho

How Pasig residents benefited from

Coney

Reyes’ parenting style

WHEN a child grows up in an environment rooted in moral integrity, empathy, and good values, it’s often only those closest who reap the benefits. But when 800,000 people experience the positive impact of someone’s parenting, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the parent behind the person.

Such is the influence of Coney Reyes, mother of Vico Sotto—the elected mayor of Pasig City—now serving his third and final term. In 2019, Vico ran on a platform that prioritized corruption crackdowns, good governance, and improved services for constituents—goals that often clash with the realities of Philippine politics.

Remarkably, Vico delivered on those promises in his first two terms, demonstrating that a clean, corruption-free local government is possible and achievable, provided the mayor has the political will, moral grounding, and intelligence to make it happen.

Vico Sotto set a high bar, surpassing many seasoned mayors in performance and integrity. He also unintentionally humiliated other mayors with his accomplishments and probably the only mayor who revealed his city’s budget because he can justify where it all went.

In a country where corruption is deeply entrenched, integrity often buckles under the weight of vast potential wealth—like the P20 billion annual budget of a city like Pasig. Resisting such temptation is a test only someone with a deeply rooted moral compass can pass with ease. That kind of moral fortitude doesn’t develop overnight. It is shaped through years of upbringing that instill a strong sense of right and wrong, God-centered values, and positive role models. Coney Reyes provided exactly that to Vico and his two older siblings, serving as the wellspring of moral guidance, ethical instruction, and compassion.

Coney Reyes, a veteran TV actress, host, and producer, was previously married to Larry Mumar, with whom she had two children. Their marriage was annulled in 1986. Vico, her youngest, was born in 1989 to actor and comedian Vic Sotto. Fourteen months after his birth, Coney embraced a born-again Christian faith—an event that profoundly shaped her life and parenting.

In one of her talks, reflecting on her past, she shared: “I got into a relation-

ship with a married man, and then I eventually had a son with this married man. My marriage was annulled, but his marriage wasn’t annulled, even if he also eventually got separated. It was a sin. I decided to turn my back on sin.”

Coney raised her children as a single mother, grounded in spiritual conviction. In her own words: “I want to be a wonderful pot made by the Lord, that He will mold me to be the person He wants me to be. And I want to share that with my children.”

And share she did, through “modeling” rather than merely preaching them. Whether in public or private, Coney consistently acted with honesty, humility, and integrity. For her, leading by example was essential: “Many things that we do as parents, sometimes we don’t even have to teach.”

Guided by the question, “What will my kids say?” Coney ensured her choices aligned with the values she wished to instill. It wouldn’t be surprising if Vico now asks himself a similar question: “What would my mother say?”

Children learn best through example; when honesty and integrity are practiced at home, they become part of a child’s core. Beyond a strong moral compass, Coney also provided emotional stability. In an interview, Vico shared: “Sundays are family days. It’s sacred. Growing up, my mom wouldn’t accept Sunday guestings, no matter what happened.” His older brother LA Mumar echoed this sentiment: “She will do whatever is necessary—whatever it takes—to support us.”

Ultimately, it is Coney Reyes’ parenting—steadfast, values-driven, and lived through example—that helped shape Vico Sotto into a principled and effective public servant. Because of that, 800,000 residents of Pasig have reaped the benefits of real, meaningful governance.

Kudos to Vico. And heartfelt thanks to Coney Reyes, whose quiet strength and moral leadership offer hope that clean, honest governance in the Philippines is possible and within reach.

Redefining regional cinema

TTito Genova Valiente ANNOTATIONS

HE 17th edition of the Cinema Rehiyon has been recently concluded in the heritage city of Butuan.

Each time this festival paying tribute to regional films is held, there is bound to be a re-imagining of what makes cinema regional. As with any definition, inclusion and exclusion are issues that can never be dismissed. And as with any kind of definition, we are bound by the principle of the “mutually exclusive.” This means that whatever you place under the category “regional,” you are not able to place in the other categories named non-regional.

The debate is dense. If you are from the regions, this is not a problem. You are what the region makes you to be. This is only a source of conflict if you are from the putative center, the Manila of development and culture. The truth is there are indeed regions and they are characterized by being peripheral, even marginal and marginalized.

Which came first: the realities or the theories? The question is a chicken-and-egg predicament—which came first, the chicken or the egg?

The fact is theories and studies (aren’t we all students?) have been developed to help us cope with and understand why cinema cannot only flourish from the center. This proposition extends beyond films and the arts but to other domains as well, like identities, the notions of the self, the assertion of dreams and ideas.

We can bring in names of thinkers from Edouard Glissant to Gilles Deleuze not to mystify but to demystify the importance of these creatures of growth called the regions and the arts, i.e., cinema, they spawn. In the archipelagic thinking of Glissant, there is no unity, an ideology claimed by the ideas from some kind of a center, a glorious

US.

. . continued from A22

the visas of more than 1,000 Chinese students and researchers for national security reasons.

In 2018, the Justice Department created a project to investigate and prosecute Chinese and Chinese-American researchers it said were stealing American secrets while hiding their links to the government in Beijing and to the People’s Liberation Army. Known as the “China Initiative,” the program was shut down four years later after coming under intense criticism for fanning discrimination against Asian-Americans.

The visa restrictions announced on Wednesday extend a broader crackdown underway since Trump reclaimed the White House this year. Hours earlier, the US president said Harvard should cap foreign student enrollment at 15 percent, escalating his campaign to force policy changes at the elite institution.

Rubio told senators last week that the number of revoked student visas is

citadel. For him, to locate ideas in the archipelago is to situate events and ideas in multiplicities. This connotes as well ambiguities, an acceptance that nothing is clearly spelled out not because it is a weakness but

branches or even twigs that spread out, an interconnected multiplicity. How do we apply this to the birth and growth of regional cinema? We are seeing the opportunity of looking at regions developing its own film from within. The archipelagic thought inspires us to consider the film from the region growing independently from what has always been seen as the beginning of cinema, the central studios in the Greater Manila area.

We cease to think of the foundation of short films as happening in the state universities or other top colleges in Metro Manila. The rhizomatic growth of cinema is now justifiably coming from Samar or Cebu or Tagum. They are liberated from the dictates of a Manila-based standard as developed by a national cinema. There is, in fact, no national cinema whose valuation is given more weight because it comes from the center; there are regional cin-

because we do not delude ourselves with homogeneity, a false oneness. Together with Deleuze, Glissant developed the botanical analogy of a rhizome. Here in this theorizing, there is no single root but rather

“probably in the thousands at this point,” adding that “a visa’s not a right—it’s a privilege.” International students accounted for 5.9 percent of the total US higher education population of almost 19 million. In the 2023-2024 school year, more than 1.1 million foreign students came to the US, with India and China accounting for about half, according to the Institute of International Education.

Last year, America sold a net $32 billion in services to China—including education, travel and entertainment— more than double the amount in 2022 and accounting for 11 percent of the nearly $300 billion global total. Almost a third of US services exports to China were related to education, coming from tuition and living expenses for the Chinese students studying in the US.

The number of Chinese students has declined in the US—it fell 4 percent to about 277,000 students in 2024—amid increased tension between the two adversaries. The FBI has warned that China has sought to exploit “America’s deeply held and vital culture of collaboration and openness on university campuses.”

emas, with standards being formed each year.

Language is one prime mover of regional cinema. This language does not use the national language, a label which is itself politically loaded and

The State Department is also clamping down more on foreigners seeking to come to the US more broadly as part of Trump’s crackdown on immigration.

Earlier Wednesday, Rubio announced visa restrictions on foreign officials and other individuals who “censor Americans,” including those who target American technology companies.

Taking action against people with links to the Chinese Communist Party is a sweeping measure, given the role it plays in the lives of Chinese people and institutions, including universities and enterprises. While just under 100 million people count as members of the party, its reach is so pervasive that the number of those who can be said to have ties with it runs into multiples of that figure.

What happens next is less clear.

During his visit to the US to meet with then President Joe Biden, Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged to bring 50,000 young Americans to China to stabilize ties over a period of five years. That he’s lent his name to such an effort could suggest China will be less inclined to engage in tit-for-tat by targeting American stu-

Elon Musk departs US government with his business empire in flux

By Gregory Korte, Jennifer A. Dlouhy & Dana Hull

BILLIONAIRE Elon Musk said Wednesday that his time as formal adviser to President Donald Trump is coming to a close, raising questions about the future of the Department of Government Efficiency effort he spearheaded.

“As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,” Musk posted on X, his social media platform.

“The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”

By law, Musk’s status as a temporary government official was set to run out as soon as May 30, although the exact date was subject to an accounting of his actual days worked.

A White House official familiar with the move, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel

matter, said Musk began the offboarding process Wednesday night and cast the departure as a decision the technology entrepreneur made on his own with the support of the president.

The move comes shortly after Musk gave an interview critical of Trump’s biggest legislative priority— the tax cut proposal known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—as not doing enough to reduce federal deficits.  Tesla Inc. on Wednesday night also railed against “abruptly ending” the US’s energy tax credits, which the EV maker has benefited from over the last few years. Many congressional Republicans have pushed

for the rollback of certain clean energy and solar tax credits as a way to minimize the impacts of the tax and spending bill.

Musk’s campaign to slash the size of the US government sent shockwaves through Washington, with some agencies eliminated outright and tens of thousands of federal workers purged or convinced to accept buyouts, but the initiative fell short of its own high expectations for cost savings.

Trump originally gave the effort a sunset date of July 4, 2026, allowing DOGE nearly 18 months to find what Musk originally promised would be $2 trillion in savings. Musk later downgraded that ambition to $1 trillion—and then even further to $150 billion.

Musk, 53, has joked that his White House title was “chief nothing officer” and maintained he was not essential to the mission. But he quickly became a lightning rod for

critics of the venture who focused on the optics of the world’s richest man working to help dismantle the government’s workforce and functions.

Trump and Musk have previously declined to lay out a succession plan for DOGE. The project was Musk’s brainchild—even down to the acronym that paid homage to an internetfamous dog meme that’s long been an object of his obsession.

“DOGE is a way of life, like Buddhism,” he joked during one briefing, suggesting that the effort would proceed even after his exit. “Buddha isn’t alive anymore. You wouldn’t ask the question: ‘Who would lead Buddhism?’”

The three top lieutenants he brought to that interview—Steve Davis, Antonio Gracias and Anthony Armstrong—have taken up key DOGE outposts at the General Services Administration, Social Security Administration and the Office of Per-

problematic. This language [or languages] becomes the new lens fitted onto the lens of the cinematographer. The eyes and the tongues connive to form instruments of fire.

The old adage Language is culture, disparaged in the social-scientific discipline, is burnished to fully service a cinema that sounds differently. These languages are the bearers of topics and themes that resonate in the locality (the twigs stretching out in multiple splendor), concerns whose expertise lies in the local knowledge. The native exegesis is not novel anymore but a given, a new treasure chest for the basically young filmmakers out there in the field, maintaining fidelity to the truths of the key informants and yet retaining the great infidel in the artifice of cinema.

The central machinery can continue with their own artistic experimentation even as the regional cinema by their very nature of being different and grounded onto different grounds will proceed with their own radical formations.

Circulating online is this question asked of Lamberto Avellana, National Artist for Film: How would you evaluate the development of cinema in our country in the same manner that the Europeans have developed distinctly their own?

The great director’s reply was this:

“I believe that there is a Filipino feeling for movies; a Filipino way of filmmaking; and one day this will emerge, slower than usual, human, pathetic, touching the heart. On the screen, we’ll see the way we talk, the way we make love, the way we die. We are a unique people living in a unique place, and we deserve a uniquely Filipino cinema.”

In Butuan, we already saw all this —the uniquely different cinema. And it is Filipino and they are coming from different regions of this archipelago.

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

dents in China.

Even if it did, that number is minuscule, with the US State Department saying in April last year the figure was fewer than 900 students.  In the past, the two sides vented their fury at one another by closing consulates. China shuttered the US consulate in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu. That came just days after the US government forced their Chinese counterparts out of their mission in Houston in 2020. But this time, China has other options. Neil Thomas, a fellow for Chinese politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis, said a possible response may be indirect, such as new export controls on critical minerals.

“Beijing is increasingly realizing the power of its export control regime to apply pressure on global supply chains and Western political leaders,” he said. “Beijing will be angry and ask more questions about how successful the Geneva talks really were at laying the groundwork for a US-China deal.” With assistance from James Mayger, Derek Wallbank and Yasufumi Saito/Bloomberg

sonnel Management. Those agencies have been among the most active in implementing DOGE’s anti-fraud, cost-cutting mission.

DOGE’s work has drawn lawsuits over its authority and access to government data and some claims about cost savings have been inaccurate, sparking questions about accountability at the endeavor. Musk has also faced questions regarding conflicts of interest for a tech entrepreneur whose varied business interests already make him a major player in federal contracts.

The backlash against Musk over his high-profile political work sparked concerns among investors over the fallout for his companies, most prominently Tesla. Vehicle sales fell to a nearly three-year low in the first quarter of the year and the stock price plummeted, leading many Wall Street analysts to slash growth expectations.  Tesla cars, showrooms and char-

ger stations endured protests and acts of vandalism, with the Cybertruck being a particular target for critics of Musk. Trump and allies have rallied around the CEO, including an event on the White House grounds where the president viewed different Tesla models before settling on buying a red Model S, in many ways an unprecedented spectacle.  Musk has openly acknowledged the challenges of managing his businesses—Tesla, SpaceX, XAI Holdings, Neuralink and The Boring Co.—along with his work in Washington.

The Tesla CEO told investors in April that he would soon devote “far more” of his time to the automaker, sending shares in the company higher. Earlier this month, the billionaire told Bloomberg News in an interview that he now planned to pull back on political spending because “I think I’ve done enough.” With assistance from Mark Chediak/Bloomberg

SC upholds ₧65-B govt deal on LRT-1 extension to Cavite

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

THESupreme Court has affirmed the validity of the P65-billion concession agreement that the government signed with Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) for the extension of Light Rail Transit Line 1 to Cavite or the Cavite Extension Project signed in 2014.

In a 75-page decision penned by

Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the Court en banc dismissed for lack of merit the petition filed by various groups led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and commuters group Train Riders Network (TREN) seeking to declare null and void the concession agreement for LRT 1 extension project.

The project was awarded by the then Department of Transportation and Communications (now Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Light Rail Transit Authority

(LRTA) on May 28, 2014 to lone bidder LRMC which is composed of the Metro Pacific Light Rail Corporation, Ayala Corporation’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings PTE Limited.

The concession agreement signed on October 2, 2024 covers the privatization of the operation and maintenance of the current LRT Line 1 as well as the construction and extension of the existing LRT Line 1 from

THE President has appointed as new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who makes history as the first alumnus of the Philippine National Police Academy to occupy the post.

In recent months, Torres had drawn attention for overseeing high-profile police operations including the arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy and former President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Torres is a member of the (PNPA) “Tagapagpatupad” Class of 1993. All of his predecessors came from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

As of this time, Torre is the head of the service’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Aside from this, Torre also headed the Quezon City Police District and the Davao Regional Police Office.

He will take command of the PNP on June 2. Torre is also slated to retire on March 11, 2027 once he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

“By the time he [Torre] accepts this appointment, he would have the four stars. That is the regulatory rank...the regulatory star,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said in a press briefing.

Torre’s appointment is not expected to demoralize PNP officials, particularly the four other contenders for the top post, since they are professionals, according to Bersamin.

“They are all great professionals. They are very decorated individuals. They just follow what the commander in chief or what the president desires,” Bersamin said.

Speaker’s support

HOUSE Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez expressed strong support for the appointment of Torre whom he described as a “nononsense” leader equipped with the integrity, courage, and command needed to guide the police force during a pivotal period.

“General Torre is stepping into this role with a record that speaks for itself. He is a principled and fearless officer, the kind of leader the PNP needs to restore credibility, enforce the law without fear or favor, and protect the Filipino people with professionalism and respect,” Romualdez said.

Despite the pressures of public scrutiny and political noise, Torre has consistently upheld the rule of law, even while leading high-profile operations, Romualdez noted.

“General Torre’s steady hand in critical situations shows he is not only unafraid to act but also committed to doing so within the bounds of the law. That kind of leadership is rare and exactly what the police force needs today,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez also said Torre’s selection by President Marcos reflects the administration’s commitment to implementing genuine reforms within the PNP, especially amid persistent calls for internal cleansing and modernization.

“With General Torre at the helm, the PNP gains a chief who understands the urgency of reform from within but who also brings the operational experience to crack down on crime, dismantle syndicates, and restore public trust,” Romualdez added.

Romualdez gave assurances that the House of Representatives stands ready to back Torre’s leadership by providing legislative measures and resources to enable the PNP to fulfill its duties efficiently.

“We are fully behind General Torre’s vision of a PNP that is professional, transparent, and people-centered. The challenges ahead are immense, but with the right leadership, we can build a safer, more just Philippines,” the House chief said.

For her part, Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep.-elect Leila M. de Lima expressed confidence in Torre’s ability to lead the institution with integrity and commitment to the rule of law.

20.7 kilometers to 32.4 kilometers by providing trains originating from the end of Baclaran, traversing the municipalities of Paranaque and Las Pinas, and ending in Bacoor, Cavite.

Under the agreement, the LRMC was authorized to construct , operate and maintain the LRT 1 extension for 32 years.

In their petition, the petitioners said the concession agreement was “unconstitutional and detrimental to the Filipino people.”

They argued that the agreement and the scheduled fare adjustments between the respondents DOTr, LRTA and LRMC are null and void for violation of the constitutional right to information on matters of public concern when they refused to furnish petitioners with copies of the concession agreement and other documents related to their negotiations.

The petitioners stressed that allowing the respondents to adjust the LRT fare without notice and hearing, as required under the Public Service Law, constitutes a violation of the public’s right to due process.

Furthermore, the petitioners said

the agreement infringes on LRTA employees’ constitutional right to security of tenure since it gives the concessionaire the absolute discretion to dismiss a transferring employee due to economic reasons.

The petitioners also insisted that the concession agreement fails to provide guidelines to be followed by transferring employees to prevent them from being discharged.

Likewise, the petitioners said the agreement is essentially a public utility franchise which can only be granted by Congress.

The petitioners also maintained that the DOTr’s powers over railways do not include the authority to grant a franchise for LRT’s construction, operation and maintenance.

In junking the petition, the SC pointed out that the LRTA was vested with authority to fix the fare for the use of LRT under Section 4 of Executive Order No. 603 and such authority was recognized by the Court in its ruling in the case of Syjuco, Jr. v. Abaya.

“We find that the Concession Agreement does not violate the public’s right to due process. It

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio @blessogerio

FEWER Filipino households are using renewable energy sources, at least proportionally, compared to over a decade ago, the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed. Despite growing awareness about sustainability, the 2023 Household Energy Consumption Survey (HECS) indicated that 60.7 percent of homes used renewable energy, which was a drop of nearly 20 percentage points from 80.4 percent in 2011.

Yet, in absolute numbers, the PSA reported that the actual number of households using renewable energy still increased slightly from 16.85 million in 2011 to 16.96 million in 2023.

The PSA classifies renewable energy as firewood, charcoal, biomass residue, biogas, solar, wind and hydro energy.

Firewood remains the most commonly used renewable energy source in both 2011 and 2023, though its share dipped from 67.4 percent to 67 percent. On the other hand, charcoal use was down 8.3 percentage points, from 45.3 percent to 37 percent. Biomass residue also saw a steep decline, from 27.8 percent to 17.1 percent, a fall of

10.7 percentage points. However, solar energy has emerged as a growing player. It was now used by 27.2 percent of households.

Biogas, although still niche, showed a notable rise from 0.04 percent in 2011 to 0.3 percent in 2023.

But even with the ups and downs in renewable sources, electricity remains king. The survey showed that 94.8 percent of Filipino homes relied on electricity in 2023, up from 87.2 percent in 2011. This was a jump from 18.28 million households in 2011 to 26.47 million in 2023—an increase of over eight million homes in just over a decade. Petroleum products, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, have 77.4 percent of households consuming them in 2023, up from 72.1 percent in 2011. This was about 21.61 million homes, an increase from 15.12 million in 2011.

According to PSA, the HECS is conducted in partnership with the Department of Energy and is a key component of the Comprehensive Regional Energy Study. The survey tracks how households consume and shift between energy sources, providing data to shape national energy policies.

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced it will soon sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) so it can effectively go after erring motorists, who were identified through their No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP).

Under the proposed agreement, MMDA Traffic Discipline Office head Victor Maria Nuñez said notice of traffic violations, which were recorded through the NCAP, will be forwarded to the LTO.

“The office of the LTO chief will furnish a copy so that they are also aware, especially those who will be given show-cause order,” Nuñez said, partly in Filipino, in a press briefing

in Malacañang on Thursday.

The measure will allow the LTO to issue citation tickets and its corresponding fines to the erring motorists.

Last Monday, MMDA resumed implementing the NCAP, which made use of a close-circuit television (CCTV) to detect and record traffic violations, after the Supreme Court partially lifted the temporary restraining order against it.

The erring motorist will then be notified of the violation through SMS or a new mobile app, which MMDA will soon launch.

“In a week or two, we will release a new app like May Huli Ka.com. But now, it has a onetime password. It is not like before [when] anyone, as long as you

know your plate number, can just type and search; that would be a violation of the Data Privacy Act,” Nuñez said.

Nuñez noted that while CCTVs used for the NCAP are equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI), its footage will still go through a manual validation process to make sure traffic citations are fair and valid.

He explained the manual validation process allows them to exempt emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks, as well as motorists who violated traffic rules due to unclear lane markings and conflicting road signs.

“We want to be fair and equi

table to motorists, as this is not just a capture, since we invalidate and disapprove many CCTV footages, especially those of emergency vehicles, and we do not pursue them to obtain a traffic citation,” Nuñez said.

The MMDA official, however, said

“We

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Hotel101 inks JV deal with Horizon Group

By VG Cabuag @villygc

HOTEL101 Global (Hotel101), a unit of DoubleDragon Corp. on Thursday said it has signed a joint venture (JV) agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Horizon Group as the main partner for the company’s expansion into the Kingdom.

The company said it will develop up to 10,000 rooms under the Hotel101 brand, worth about $2.5 billion.

There will be an initial five locations for Hotel101 projects--first in Medina, followed by Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha and Alula.

“We are inspired by the leaders of Saudi Arabia and their sheer determination and will power to make things happen, as such, we are confident in the plans they have laid out for the

region and we believe the Hotel101 concept will be able to make a significant contribution in terms of room keys to complement the 2030 Vision for the Kingdom, and to form part of our global vision of 1 million Hotel101 rooms worldwide,” DoubleDragon Chairman and CEO Edgar J. Sia II said. Horizon Group is a Saudiheadquartered investment company led by brothers Khaled and Abdulrahman Sharbatly and Wael Daqal. It has a focus on partnering and investing

in Vision 2030 industries with international market leaders.

Saudi Vision 2030 is a government program, aimed at achieving the goal of increased diversification economically, socially and culturally, in line with the vision of Saudi crown prince and prime minister Mohammed bin Salman.

Horizon has many partnerships and affiliations such as Alnahla Group and SAMACO and is a market leader in its industry with a prefer-

ence and focus on hospitality and manufacturing.

Hotel101 offers identical, standardized hotel rooms globally.

“We feel very fortunate to have found the right local partners to rapidly expand the Hotel101 brand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is one of the 25 countries we have identified for the initial expansion of Hotel101.

Continued on B2

B1 Friday, May 30, 2025

ACEN invests in CIP offshore wind project

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

ACEN Corp. announced Thursday its participation in the development of the country’s largest offshore wind (OSW) power project in Camarines Sur.

The power arm of conglomerate Ayala Corp. is acquiring a 25-percent stake in the 1,000-megawatt (MW) OSW power project of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners’ (CIP) Growth Markets Fund II. The project is currently in its predevelopment stage in anticipation of the Department of Energy’s 5th round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA-5) and will be subject to relevant regulatory approvals.

“Offshore wind is poised to play a vital role in diversifying the country’s energy mix. ACEN is pleased to partner with CIP, a global leader in the offshore wind sector. We look forward to collaborating on this trailblazing initiative,” said ACEN President Eric Francia.

The OSW project is located near the coast of San Miguel Bay. Its in-bay location presents a lower typhoon risk, further ensuring stability in

operations. It is set to become one of the Philippines’s first OSW projects with a potential installed capacity of up to 1 gigawatt (GW).

Francia recently said ACEN was seeking partners for OSW projects. “We will need partners for those because we don’t have the expertise… we will have to do it with a strategic, technical partner.”

Through its Growth Markets Fund II, CIP—one of the largest dedicated renewable energy asset managers in the world—has sought a local partner with deep expertise in stakeholder management to advance the project. ACEN, for its part, brings the necessary experience to complement CIP’s technological expertise. The collaboration between the two companies is poised to establish a benchmark for offshore wind in the region and unlock further potential for large-scale clean energy projects.

“Together with CIP’s offshore wind expertise, we believe that ACEN’s experience and domestic and international track record in project execution and stakeholder management will set a strong foundation for successful development of the Camarines Sur offshore wind project, including anticipated participation in the upcoming first offshore wind auction.

We are also working towards the ambition of making this one of the first operational offshore wind projects in the Philippines in line with the offshore wind targets set by the current Philippine administration,” said Robert Helms, Partner at CIP’s Growth Markets Fund II.

Since obtaining a wind energy service contract in 2023, the project has achieved several significant development milestones.

The Camarines Sur offshore wind

BCDA seeks partner for ICT project

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority

(BCDA) said it is currently in the process of selecting a joint venture (JV) partner for the commercialization and the expansion, repair, and maintenance of “passive” information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure in New Clark City.

The state-run firm said the project, which it is undertaking with assistance from the Asian Develop -

ment Bank (ADB), will “future-proof” New Clark City through reliable internet connectivity.

Through this joint venture, BCDA said it will start a “competitive bidding” for the ICT infrastructure.

The state-run firm said it targets to conclude the selection process this year, with the signing of the JV agreement seen by the fourth quarter of 2025.

BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said this P2.5-billion ICT project will help “usher the fifth industrial revolution” in the country, attract high-value investments in the

digital and high-tech industries and create demand for highly skilled Filipino workers in these sectors.

“More than providing fast and affordable internet connection to residents and businesses, this project will become pivotal in the smart urban development of New Clark City.”

The project will be implemented under the “Open Access Fiber” model to form the foundation for “robust” fiber infrastructure and competitive market for ICT services for government agencies, enterprises, and residents in New Clark City.

This model, BCDA said, will allow multiple data transmission

providers (DTPs) to utilize the same physical network and share associated costs.

“The DTPs will then be able to provide affordable, innovative and carrier-grade ICT services to third parties. The Open Access Fiber model will also serve as an anchor for smart city development and e-government solutions in New Clark City.”

The state-run firm said the Open Access Fiber model will also serve as an “anchor” for smart city development and e-government solutions in New Clark City.

BCDA noted that a pre-qualification conference will be held on June 4 at 2:00 p.m. at the ADB Headquarters in Mandaluyong City.

“Interested parties may submit their bids until September 4,2025, 12:00 p.m. at the BCDA Corporate Office in Taguig City,” said BCDA.

Hotel101 inks JV deal with Horizon Group

Continued from B1

We see tremendous opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia given the high growth in tourism both domestic and international. We believe Saudi Arabia will be one of the most exciting markets for Hotel101 globally,” Hotel101 CEO Hannah YuloLuccini said.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia had 27 million international tourists and 79 million domestic tourists breaching the 100 million visitor mark.

By 2030, the country targets to have 150 million tourists.

DoubleDragon recently reported that its income more than tripled to P2.04 billion in the first three months of the year from the previous year’s P592.91 million.

The company said the increase was mainly due to unrealized gains arising from changes in the fair values of investment properties during the period.

Gross revenues doubled to P4.45 billion in the first quarter from the previous year’s P2.05 billion. It booked unrealized gains from changes in fair values of investment property of P1.9 billion due to the completion of projects during the period.

project was granted green lane status by the Board of Investments to help expedite the processing of necessary licenses and permits, underscoring the government’s commitment to attracting and accelerating renewable energy investments.

The project has also received a certificate of energy project of national significance granting it priority processing and expedited approvals from permitting agencies, government agencies, local government units, and other relevant authorities.

It was secured a pre-development environmental compliance certifi-

cate (ECC), enabling commencement of offshore site surveying. In February 2025, the project signed a connection Agreement with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines securing access to grid connection. CIP is touted as the world’s largest dedicated fund manager within greenfield energy investments. The funds managed by CIP focus on investments in offshore and onshore wind, storage, solar PV, biomass and energy-from-waste, transmission and distribution, reserve capacity, advanced bioenergy, and Power-to-X.

Banking&Finance

Higher revenues drove Insular Life’s good ’24

THE Insular Life Assurance Co. Ltd. posted an improved financial performance in 2024, driven by increased revenues, net income and assets.

A statement issued by Insular Life last Thursday quoted President and CEO Raul Antonio E. Littaua as saying the insurer’s net income reached P2.7 billion in 2024, up by 2.27 percent from P2.64 billion in 2023. This comes after Insular Life’s parent company posted revenues amounting to P26.95 billion in 2024, higher by 8.58 percent from P24.82 billion in 2023.

The company’s assets also increased by 3.47 percent to P158.87 billion last year from P153.54 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, new business premiums also grew 20 percent year-on-year to P12.06 billion from P10.05 billion.

“We continue to deliver tailored insurance solutions to meet our customers’ evolving financial needs: from building wealth and securing futures; to standing strong against health challenges, ensuring worry-free retirement, and safeguarding companies and their employees,” Littaua reportedly said during the firm’s Annual Members’ Meeting. Meanwhile, Insular Life posted a net income of P2.78 billion in 2024, up by 32.38 percent from P2.1 billion in 2023.

Its revenues also climbed by 6.58 percent to P27.04 billion from P25.37 billion a year ago.

Meanwhile, its assets also saw a 3.48 percent increase at P158.89 billion from P153.54 billion in the previous year.

“At the backdrop of our solid financial position, Insular Life paid P10.5 billion in total claims and benefits in 2024. This mirrors our commitment to our policyholders and their beneficiaries,” Littaua said.

As such, Insular Life paid P10.5 billion in total claims and benefits in 2024, which Littaua said “mirrors our commitment to our policyholders and their beneficiaries.”

With 115 years in the insurance industry as the country’s first and largest Filipino life insurance company, Littaua affirmed Insular Life’s mission to support Filipinos in achieving their dreams and securing their future.

“Insular Life’s enduring commitment is to maintain our strong financial position, sustain the trust of our policyholders, and help empower our communities,” Littaua added.

Data from the Insurance Commission (IC) showed Insular Life’s premium income amounted to P18.263 billion in 2024, higher by 16.74 percent year-on-year from P15.644 billion.

Insular Life ranked third in terms of net worth, fourth in assets, seventh in net income, and eighth in New Business Annualized Premium Equivalent, according to IC’s industry performance report for 2024. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

Association Management and the Peter Principle

OU must have heard the term

Y“Peter Principle” as I do, having worked in a managerial capacity for many years in diverse organizations, both for-profit and non-profit.

The Peter Principle is a concept in organizational management and corporate theory formulated by Dr. Laurence J. Peter in his 1969 book “The Peter Principle: Why Things Always Go Wrong.” The principle suggests that in a hierarchical organization, people tend to rise through the ranks until they reach a level of incompetence.

The essence of the “Peter Principle” resonates in association management, too, where dedicated professionals are often rewarded with promotions based on their performance. This can create a situation where an individual excels in their current role, gets promoted, and continues to ascend the hierarchical ladder. However, the skills, competencies, and abilities that served them well in previous roles may not necessarily align with the demands of their new positions.

We may see association managers promoted to leadership roles but struggle with the responsibilities and expectations of those positions. This can have various consequences for the association such as:

1. Inefficiency: Incompetent leadership can lead to inefficiencies within the association, affecting its operations and overall effectiveness.

2. Job dissatisfaction: When managers find themselves in roles they are ill-equipped for, it can lead to personal frustration and reduced job satisfaction.

3. Diminished member satisfaction: Association members may experience a decrease in the quality of services or engagement i f leadership is not competent in their roles.

4. Reputational risk: The association’s reputation may suffer if it is perceived as having ineffective leadership. However, associations can proactively address these consequences and seek to maintain a balance between competence and promotion through:

LandBank, other GOCC execs resign on ‘recalibration’ tack

By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto

EXECUTIVES of governmentowned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) have tendered their courtesy resignation on orders of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Heads of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank), the Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC), the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) have sent their respective letter of resignation to Malacañang. Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said last Thursday that he and all the members of the agency’s Board of Directors had handed in their papers last week.

Apart from Tengco, Pagcor President and Chief Operating Officer Wilma T. Eisma and Directors Jose Maria C. Ortega, Francis Democrito C. Concordia and Gilbert Cesar C. Remulla also voluntarily stepped down.

“We serve at the pleasure of the President,” Tengco said. “And we will accept whatever the Chief Executive’s decision will be.”

MIC President and CEO Rafael J. Consing Jr. also submitted his unqualified courtesy resignation, while the entire MIC Board of Directors also complied upon receiving the memorandum from the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG).

“We view this as an important and standard measure to uphold accountability and further strengthen public service,” Consing said adding that the MIC fully supports the President’s directive.

Meanwhile, Landbank President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz also confirmed that she has submitted her resignation.

1. Performance assessments: Regular performance assessments and evaluations can help identify the strengths and weaknesses of association managers which allows for the development of targeted training and growth plans.

2. Competency-based promotion: A promotion system can be implemented that focuses on competencies and skills needed for higher-level positions, rather than just performance in a current role.

3. Continuous education: Association managers can engage in continuous learning and professional development to keep their skills up to date and relevant to their roles.

4. Mentorship program: This can be established by pairing experienced leaders with emerging managers which can help provide guidance and support as individuals transition into new roles.

5. Succession planning: A clear succession plan can be developed that identify potential leaders within the organization and provide them with the necessary training and experience to be successful in leadership positions.

The Peter Principle reminds us of the importance of balancing loyalty and past performance with competence in association management. Navigating this balance requires associations to evaluate their promotion and leadership development processes carefully. This way, they can continue to thrive, effectively serve their members, and maintain a positive reputation in their respective fields.

Octavio Peralta is founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.” PCAAE will hold its 13th Annual Associations Summit on November 6, 2025 at the Clark Freeport Zone. The views he expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror. E-mail: bobby@ pcaae.org.

In line with the President’s call, GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso also submitted his courtesy resignation “out of respect for his leadership and to give him full discretion in determining the best path forward for his administration.”

“When I accepted this role, I did so fully aware that I serve at the pleasure of the President, and I remain ready to serve, in whatever capacity he deems best, for the good of the country and the Filipino people,” Veloso added.

PhilHealth’s Acting President and CEO Edwin M. Mercado also complied with the directive, while ensuring that the health insurer will continue its services and improve member benefits.

“President Marcos Jr. and all Filipinos can rest assured of better benefits under our Rise30 Mission towards one PhilHealth that is fast, fair and reliable,” Mercado said.

Last week, President Marcos Jr. directed all Cabinet secretaries, heads of agencies with Cabinet rank and other heads of agencies to submit their courtesy resignations to realign the government’s priorities with the public’s expectations.

The GCG, in a notice, said the order also covers key officials in all gov-

ernment agencies, including GOCCs.

“This directive is intended to allow the President to assess the performance of key officials in all government agencies, including GOCCs, and realign government priorities in response to the evolving expectations of the Filipino people and ensure that the Administration remains dynamic, accountable, and responsive,” the GCG said. About 50 GOCCs have remitted a total of P76 billion in dividends during the first five months of the year. The top contributor was Landbank with P26 billion in dividend remittances, followed by Pagcor with P12.6 billion and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. with P10.13 billion.

In 2024, the DOF raised the mandatory dividend remittances of GOCCs to 75 percent from 50 percent of their annual net earnings to generate more non-tax revenues. Because of this, the DOF expects GOCC dividends to exceed P100 billion by the end of the year and surpass the P136.29 billion collected in 2024.

Dividends form a major source of

Dollar bounce short-lived after Trump tariffs move into limbo

By Alice Gledhill, Ruth Carson & Vassilis Karamanis Bloomberg

THE long-term bearish case for the dollar remained intact after a court ruled that the vast majority of President Donald Trump’s global trade tariffs are illegal, amplifying uncertainty over the US economic outlook.

A gauge of the greenback initially rose to a more than one-week high, though it struggled to maintain the gain and was trading flat by 11:35 a.m. London. The White House has already said it will appeal the decision, while strategists say there are plenty of alternative routes the president could pursue to ensure his flagship economic policy is not derailed.

Traders must now navigate yet another layer of complexity in the global trade dispute that has roiled markets this year, a series of tariffs and counterlevies as well as delays and reversals by Trump himself. All in all, it has undermined the longstanding elevated status enjoyed by US assets, fueling a so-called “Sell America” trade as foreign investors start to rebalance their portfolios.

“I can’t see anything other than over the year a further weakening of

ATOP executive of MUFG Bank Ltd. (MUFG) last week extended the Japanese lender’s hand to domestic enterprises with decarbonization initiatives.

“As a bank with a longstanding history in the Philippines, MUFG is proud and honored to be a trusted financial partner in the country’s long-term development. Beyond corporate and infrastructure financing, we are extending our sustainability financing capability and expertise to help corporations catalyze and sustain decarbonization initiatives in the Philippines,” Nobuya Kawasaki, MUFG’s Chief Executive for Asia Pacific said.

Speaking before business leaders, policymakers and industry experts at the “Net Zero World” conference the bank organized in Manila, Kawasaki also expressed “sincere hope that MUFG’s contributions will continue to be a winwin-win proposition for this wonderful country, its people and the precious environment.”

MUFG’s 72-year presence in the Philippines has been bolstered by strategic investments several companies in the country.

“Beyond supporting the broader economic development of the country through its relationships with Philip -

the dollar, because the dollar is significantly overvalued,” Jim O’Neill, former chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, said in an interview on Bloomberg TV. While the currency might stabilize temporarily on the possibility of lower tariffs, he expects further outflows to other equity markets, dragging the dollar down.

The Bloomberg dollar index has tumbled more than 7 percent since a February high. It strengthened as much as 0.4 percent on Thursday, before erasing that advance following the US Court of International Trade in Manhattan’s ruling that Trump wrongfully invoked an emergency law to justify the levies.

Yields on 10-year US Treasuries rose five basis points to 4.53 percent, while two-year yields climbed as much as six basis points to around 4.05 percent.

The court decision suspends the vast majority of Trump’s tariffs: the global flat tariff, elevated rates on China and others, and fentanyl-related tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico are all covered by the ruling. But others imposed under different powers are unaffected, including those on steel, aluminum and automobiles.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. analysts

said the judgment represents only a temporary setback to Trump’s trade agenda and can be offset by other taxes. The president could also invoke other authorities to impose tariffs on individual sectors or countries, as he did in his first term.

“For markets, it’s a small deviation along the same path, same end goal.

Tariffs are coming,” said Jordan Rochester, head of macro strategy for EMEA at Mizuho International Plc. “But on the margin, this pushes back on the consensus bearish dollar theme through a potential pick up in US growth expectations and so we may see some short covering.”

The yen and Swiss franc led losses against the dollar in Asian trading, as improved risk sentiment damped demand for traditional havens. The moves faded after the European open.

Virginie Maisonneuve, global chief investment officer equity, at Allianz Global Investors, said investors should prepare for Trump to resist efforts to disrupt his trade policy agenda. However, she welcomed the court’s pushback.

“I think we have to expect that he’s gonna try to do this,” Maisonneuve said on Bloomberg TV. “But what is really important here is this grassroot movement that we’ve been waiting for, for a while,

pines’ leading companies, MUFG has in recent years also actively engaged with corporate clients in support of their sustainability aspirations,” read a statement the lender issued last Monday.

In her keynote address, Undersecretary Ma. Angela E. Ignacio, Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, said that the Marcos administration “is committed to achieving energy security by 2028 in support of a vision of a country powered by clean energy, where commu-

nities thrive and benefit from systems that are reliable, accessible and affordable for all.”

According to Ignacio, about 22 percent of the Philippines’s power generation mix comes from renewable energy. She added that the government’s goal is to increase that by 35 percent by 2030 and over 50 percent by 2040 and beyond.

“The rise in renewable energy investments and projects backed by defined policy targets and key initiatives shows

in terms of putting a little bit more rationality around those practices.”

Options sentiment

OPTIONS traders remain bearish on the dollar over the next year, though with slightly less conviction. So-called onemonth risk reversals—which track the difference in demand between bullish and bearish dollar bets—continue to show a preference for downside protection.

Data from the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation reinforce that view. Despite the dollar’s sharp rebound in the spot market this week, bearish options positions still outpace bullish ones by approximately $13 billion in notional terms.

The euro, the Swiss franc, the Norwegian krone and New Zealand’s dollar show the strongest conviction for renewed gains against the greenback, based on the latest flow patterns and positioning metrics.

“If Trump loses control of tariff policy, then I may need to moderate my view,” said Bilal Hafeez, chief executive officer and head of research at Macro Hive Ltd. For now though, he’s sticking with his “core bearish dollar view.”

that we are not merely waiting for the world to change,” Ignacio said. Meanwhile, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Assistant Governor Pia Bernadette Roman-Tayag affirmed the BSP’s commitment to advancing its green agenda, which is anchored in supporting adaptation and resilience.

“The country is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, regardless of geopolitical shifts,” Roman-Tayag said. “A climate-resilient economy and financial stability are mutually reinforcing goals. Our green agenda, therefore, is mandate-driven.”

She also highlighted the significance of the Philippine Sustainable Finance Taxonomy Guidelines (SFTG) as a key enabler in mobilizing capital toward the country’s climate mitigation and adaptation priorities. Roman-Tayag noted that the SFTG, launched in February 2024 by the country’s financial sector regulators, “is a living document that will be progressively enhanced to include other environmental objectives relevant to the Philippine context, such as circular economy and biodiversity.” The central bank official also shared the plans to develop a taxonomy supplement that will offer more granular guidance on adaptation and resilience financing.

Octavio Peralta

A ssociation World

JAPAN has always been a haven for foodies, and an inspiration to many culinary professionals.

Most of its dishes are backed by a long tradition of refined kitchen skills and cooking, and use seasonal ingredients to allow their natural flavors to stand out. The dishes are not just visually appealing, these are also healthy and nutritionally balanced, with meats or seafood, for instance, served with starch (rice or noodles) and vegetables.

Among the popular Japanese dishes is Gyūdon (literally, “beef bowl”), well-loved as it blends comfort, speed, affordability, and a savory flavor. At the University of the Philippines in Diliman, students can turn to Gyu Don Ten for quick, hearty meals like gyudon, without breaking the bank.

Co-founded by Chef Chicklette Keyser (Rafa’s Kitchen), her son Rafael, and food entrepreneur Jose “Jomag” Magsaysay Jr. (Potato Corner), Gyu Don Ten recently opened at Gyud Food Market at the UP Food Hub. I was happy to see that the food market, also owned by Jomag and launched two years ago, is now bursting with a wide array of food and beverage purveyors.

More kiosks, like Gyu Don Ten and Rafa’s Kitchen, are set up in the garden which is dotted by long wooden tables and benches, along with the regular monobloc variants, for diners to enjoy their meals. The massive trees shaded us from the noonday sun, and despite the summer heat, a pleasant, cool breeze flowed through the garden.

“Gyudon is my favorite Japanese dish,” says Rafa, 22, on the reason he and his mom established Gyu Don Ten. “It’s one of Japan’s staples, and it’s just a very basic dish,” consisting of a bowl of rice topped with thin slices of beef and onion, which had been simmered in a mildly sweet sauce. In Japan, it’s commonly served with pickled ginger and a side dish of miso soup. At Gyu Don Ten, authenticity is assured. “Gyu Don Ten doesn’t want to water down the flavors. It doesn’t want to sweeten the flavor or [modify] the taste for the Filipino market. It just wants to remain Japanese, and authentic,” Rafa underscores.

He adds that he collaborated with his mother on the menu, which also features other well-loved

flavors were localized.”

And thus, at Gyu Don Ten, Rafa hopes that diners will “feel like they’ve landed in Japan. No ticket needed.”

For her part, Chef Chicklette says she uses Australian shortplate for the gyudon, thus guaranteeing each thinly sliced beef is melt-in-yourmouth tender. According to an online recipe, the beef and onions are simmered in a sauce made from soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), sake (Japanese rice wine), and dashi (fish and seaweed stock). Then the beef slices are placed over steaming rice, ideally the Japanese variety.

The sauce creates a powerful umami flavor that seeps into both the meat and the rice underneath. Despite being simple to make, it delivers a deep and satisfying flavor. To personalize your bowl of beefy goodness at Gyu Don Ten, you can order an Ajitsuke Tamago (marinated soft-boiled egg) as topping to further enhance the flavors of the dish.

In fact, I stumbled on Chef Chicklette’s delicious Hainanese Chicken Rice online, a testament to the strong marketing push for the family’s first Manilabased business, Rafa’s Kitchen, via Facebook. Rafa’s Kitchen has two other branches—at the Regis Center along Katipunan Ave. and Baler St.—and also serves a devilish Bagnet Kare-Kare, luscious Pork Binagoongan, healthy Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls, and wide-ranging Filipino and Asian specialties. (Their Singaporean Laksa is described by Jomag as his “kryptonite.”) These may also be ordered via Grabfood.

Mother and son have big dreams for Gyu Don Ten (@gyudontenph). “We plan to put up our restaurant in the malls, with a dine-in counter around the center.”

Chef Chicklette says that eventually, they will offer it for franchising.

■ Gyu Don Ten is at Gyud Food Market, Emilio Jacinto Street, Diliman, Quezon City. Open daily from 7 am to 10 pm.

(Sept.

22): Be creative, step outside your comfort zone and see what’s new and exciting. It’s time to expand your awareness, friendships and direction to satisfy your needs and to build a life you desire. Personal growth, partnerships and new beginnings will lead to opportunity and a unique lifestyle.

someone. Get your feelings and emotions in check before you implement change. ★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The sky is the limit. Jump into action; wheel and deal until you are satisfied with the outcome. Domestic improvements will improve your day if you are willing to

A STUNT performer has sued Kevin Costner, alleging she was subjected to an unscripted rape scene without proper warning, consent or protocols while shooting his film Horizon:

An American Saga: Chapter 2. Devyn LaBella filed the lawsuit on Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court. It names Costner—the director, star and cowriter of the Horizon series of Westerns—and its production companies as defendants.

“The impact of this impromptu work demand on Ms. LaBella has been profound, not only upending a career Ms. LaBella spent years building but leaving her with permanent trauma that she will be required to address for years to come,” the lawsuit says.

Costner’s attorney said the lawsuit has no merit, and LaBella’s assertions are contradicted by both the facts and her behavior. A former gymnast, the 34-year-old LaBella has worked steadily as a Hollywood stunt performer since 2020, with credits including Barbie and Yellowjackets

LaBella’s lawsuit says she was the stunt double for one of the Horizon leads, Ella Hunt, throughout the production. The shoot included a planned sexual assault scene, shot in May of 2023, that LaBella performed much of because of its violent and physical nature, the lawsuit says. For that scene, protocols were followed, including meetings, rehearsals, the presence of an intimacy coordinator and minimal crew.

But it alleges that the following day, in an unscripted scene with no warning, rehearsal or choreography, Costner directed an actor to pin LaBella down on a wagon and simulate rape. The lawsuit says Costner asked for many takes as he experimented with the violent action and did not make it clear when a shot was beginning or ending. “There was no escaping the situation, and all Ms. LaBella could do was wait for the nightmare to end,” the suit says. It alleges that safeguards were ignored in violation of union contracts and industry standards. Costner’s attorney, Martin Singer, said that while Costner wants everyone to be comfortable on his sets, LaBella’s claim has “absolutely no merit, and it is completely contradicted by her own actions—and the facts.”

“The scene in question was explained to Ms. LaBella, and after she performed the rehearsal in character with another actor, she gave her Stunt Coordinator supervisor a ‘thumbs up’ and indicated her willingness to then shoot the scene, if needed [which she was not],” Singer said in a statement. “That night, Ms. LaBella had dinner with her supervisor, the stunt coordinator, and with the assistant stunt coordinator, and she was in good spirits and made no complaints to them. She continued to work on the movie for a few more weeks until her wrap date, and she took the stunt coordinator to a thank-you dinner.” Singer provided an image of a text message LaBella sent her stunt coordinator at the end of production saying, “Thank you for these wonderful weeks!” Singer said LaBella “is a serial accuser of people in the entertainment industry,” but her “shakedown tactics won’t work in this case.”

The lawsuit says the rest of the shoot brought LaBella “continuous reminders of the shame, humiliation and complete lack of control she had experienced during the May 2 filming; she experienced sudden bouts of crying on and off set.” The lawsuit seeks damages in an amount to be determined at trial, and it seeks a judge’s order for the defendants to undergo sexual harassment training, to be required to use an intimacy coordinator on future productions, and to issue LaBella a public apology.

Costner sought to make the ambitious, four-part Western epic Horizon: An American Saga for 30 years. The first part was released in June of 2024, but plans to release the second immediately after were put on hold after the poor box office performance of part one. AP

Show BusinessMirror

Stunt performer sues Kevin Costner over his direction of a rape scene in his film series ‘Horizon’ NEW KARATE KID BRINGS TWO MARTIAL ARTS STYLES TOGETHER IN ‘KARATE KID: LEGENDS’ A WORLDWIDE search was on for the actor who will take on the mantle of Karate Kid for Karate Kid: Legends, and producer Karen Rosenfelt felt that Ben Wang was the perfect fit for the role. “It’s always like threading a needle when you’re looking for the center of a film,” she says.

Filming the secrets we keep

ITS Danish title is appropriate and double-edged: Reservated. In English, it refers to a reservation or a place designated for a particular use. But for this series, it refers to a wealthy enclave seemingly protected from any other sense of order and control, including a system of laws. And yet, that which is set aside could point to an outsider, an ethnicity that cannot be absorbed by a more general population—the diasporic migrant or foreign worker.

Secrets We Keep is a look into a wealthy neighborhood somewhere in Copenhagen and the “au pair” phenomenon experienced by certain residents there. An au pair is technically a foreigner who works to help a household take care of the children in that family. They are not considered as foreign overseas workers and more for cultural exchange. In fact, they are limited to a two-year stay with a family.

The film centers on two families: Angel works for Cecilie and Mike and the couple’s two children, one a boy named Viggo. The other au pair is Ruby who works for the neighbors Katarina and Rasmus, with their son Oscar. Both au pairs are Filipinas.

The film opens with Angel preparing dinner for the family. Angel asks permission from Cecilie that Ruby join them, to which Cecilie agrees. We sense that Ruby is always in that household; in fact, Oscar joins Viggo at the table.

After the dinner, Ruby is quite uneasy as she wants to tell Cecilie about a problem in the former’s

Films category. Produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public previously emerged as the runaway winner at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Hollywood, California, taking home the highly coveted Best Picture honor. Shown in 2024, the film also dominated the The Philippines’ most awarded news magazine program, list of international accolades, taking home

household. Cecilie does not want to entertain the complaint of Ruby because it is quite unethical for her to do that. She encourages Ruby to tell Katarina whatever it is that is bothering her.

The next day, Ruby disappears. It is during this event that gradually we get to know the personalities of the two households and those who occupy them. Cecilie is genuinely caring not only about her au pair, Angel, but also Ruby. Katarina seems so self-absorbed that she worries more about the absence of the au pair just in time for the opening of classes.

The six-part series is generally preoccupied with the missing au pair, which reveals the frailties of what otherwise looks like a stable Danish society. All throughout we are treated to these huge palatial homes, occupying vast tracts of front and back yards. But slowly, as the police enter the scene, the gloriously handsome homes begin to crumble before us. Cecilie talks of an earlier depression and depends on Angel to accompany her son (the Filipina has to hug the boy while sleeping) in the bedroom. Later, this would prove to be a sensitive spot for the two women. Across the other home, Oscar would reveal toward the end how he thought the au pair in their home had been hired to like him.

The story of Secrets We Keep follows a structure where for each episode a revelatory trait or past of the character is revealed to us. While this allows for a riveting episode, the tendency is for the series to be a bit disjointed. There is a sense of each biographical

in the film. Credit should be given to the writers of Secrets We Keep. They are Ina Bruhn and Mads Tafdrup. They have given the Filipina au pair human agency and even if, in the process, the common malady of the families of foreign workers being too dependent is exposed, it only shows how the phenomenon of migrant workers has been greatly considered for this project. There is a magnificent scene in the end, when Cecilie opted to release Angel and the latter tells Cecilie how she will never understand the world of the Filipina.

Angel as portrayed by Excel Bueno indeed gives an excellent portrayal, matching the quiet intensity of Marie Bach Hansen who is Cecilie. Hansen provides a study in acting contrast with Danica Curci who, as Katarina, displays a terrifying volatility. As Ruby, Donna Levkovski has a small but unforgettable role. It should be noted that all the Filipina actors in the film are all living in Denmark and married to Danish nationals. The series also stars Simon Sears and Lars Ranshe. Film journalists and other critics often compare Secrets We Keep to a previous equally disturbing series Adolescence. How the Danish film attempted to address the legal implications of abuse in the end should be a lesson for all lawyers and social welfare advocates regarding juvenile delinquents.

Secrets We Keep is a Danish thriller created by Ingeborg Topsøe and directed by Per Fly. Claudia Saginario produces for Uma Film. It is streaming on Netflix.

For the bonus, marvel at the Scandinavian concept in architecture and how the use of lighting has created another layer in the narrative about inequality and sexuality. n

“I couldn’t be happier with Ben. He’s exactly what I saw in my mind. I think he’s the Marty McFly of our generation. He’s so talented—he performed most of his own stunts—and I think he’s got an amazing career ahead of him.”

Ben Wang plays Li Fong, a young kung-fu fighter who moves from Beijing all the way to New York City. He’s faced with new challenges trying to adjust to the new environment, and attracts trouble from the local martial arts group. With the help of his master, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), they seek out original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) to hone his fighting skills and prepare for an epic martial arts showdown. Wang was no stranger to the hit martial arts franchise, having been introduced to the 2010 The Karate Kid film starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith. “It takes place in Beijing, and I had just moved back to the US from Beijing when it came out,” says Wang.

Drawing parallels from his and Li Fong’s shared backstory also helped in fully embracing his character.

“It gets me emotional, this idea of going somewhere completely new and having to start over and finding people who help you along the way. And that’s what these movies are really about, you know? Behind the kung fu and the karate and all that cool stuff, it’s about finding your way, learning to fit in, and finding good teachers,” he says.

Wang also has the seal of approval from Ralph Macchio, who’s enjoyed working with the new Karate Kid. “His work ethic, his preparedness, his not taking anything for granted—he will be this generation’s Karate Kid,” Macchio says.

Watch the rise of the new Karate Kid in Karate Kid: Legends, arriving in Philippine cinemas on May 28. The film is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Wilcon Depot Opens 103rd Store in Cordova, Cebu

Wilcon Depot, the Philippines’ leading home improvement and construction supply retailer, continues to solidify its presence in the Visayas region with the opening of its 103rd store nationwide on May 23, 2025. This is the company’s third branch in Cebu, this time in the thriving municipality of Cordova.

Following the success of its Mandaue and Talisay locations, Wilcon Depot Cordova represents a significant stride in the company’s ongoing expansion. With this newest store, Wilcon continues to deliver its renowned brand of home improvement excellence even closer to more Filipino households.

Strategically located near the CebuCordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), the store is well-positioned to serve not just the Cordova community but also the wider Metro Cebu area. The municipality of Cordova has seen a rapid rise in development in recent years,

driven by increased accessibility, growing infrastructure, and a vibrant local economy. With its mix of coastal charm and urban connectivity, Cordova stands out as an ideal location for new residential and commercial growth, making it a natural next step for Wilcon’s expansion.

At the store’s opening, SEVP-COO Rosemarie Bosch-Ong emphasized Wilcon’s inclusive approach to customer service, saying, “Wherever you are in life; a homeowner, a builder, or someone just beginning to dream of your future space, Wilcon is here to guide and support you every step of the way.” This message perfectly captures the brand’s mission of not only being a retail destination but a trusted partner in every Filipino’s home journey.

Wilcon Depot Cordova offers customers a one-stop shop for all their building and home improvement needs. With a full array of high-quality products for construction, interior design, renovation, and finishing, the store is designed to make the home improvement journey more convenient and inspiring for every type of builder and homeowner.

More than just a retail outlet where

convenience and inspiration is top of mind, the Cordova branch also features Wilcon’s value-added services like the Design Hub, which enables customers to visualize their dream spaces through 3D layout and planning assistance, and the ABCDE Lounge, a dedicated space for industry professionals to collaborate and consult with clients.

As Wilcon continues its journey toward reaching more communities nationwide, the opening of its third branch in Cebu underscores the brand’s reputation as a trusted partner in home building and its steadfast commitment to delivering innovative, reliable, and accessible solutions to every Filipino home.

Start to Do it with Wilcon! Visit Wilcon Depot Cordova, located at Brgy. Gabi, Cordova, Cebu (Along Gabi Rd - M.L. Quezon National Highway). This newest branch is open daily from 8 am to 7 pm. Customers may also visit shop.wilcon.com.ph for their home improvement needs.

For more information about Wilcon, visit www.wilcon.com.ph or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. You can also subscribe to and connect with them on Viber Community, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

UBS Women and Finance 2025 showcases female leadership across generations

U

BS hosted another successful run of the Women and Finance dialogue series, a belated celebration of Mother’s Day. UBS featured two dynamic mother-daughter tandems who are redefining leadership across generations in the Philippines. With the event titled “Passing the Torch: The View from Mothers and Daughters,” Myrna Yao and Liza Yao-Bate of Richprime Global Inc., and Dr. Vicki Belo and Cristalle BeloPitt of the Belo Medical Group, shared personal insights into growing their respective businesses and navigating the transition of leadership to the next generation. Robby Go, Country Head of UBS Philippines said, “Through our UBS Women and Finance dialogue sessions, we continue to discuss the key themes that are pertinent to female leaders of today. We believe women are increasingly becoming a serious and powerful economic force and play a crucial role in managing finance in the years to come. Our guest speakers today are not only successful businesswomen and trailblazers, they have also built a strategy of transitioning their business to the next generation. Given the high number of female entrepreneurs in Philippines, we believe in the importance of building an ecosystem to nurture a pipeline of female leaders.” Since its launch in the Philippines in 2023, more than 100 women CEOs, corporate leaders and entrepreneurs have attended the UBS Women and Finance dialogue series. The panellists covered a diverse range of topics including their views as women corporate leaders in finance, the opportunities and challenges encountered by female entrepreneurs, building cohesive and winning teams in the workplace, increasing financial literacy and financial independence for women.

& Managing Director, Intelligent Skincare Inc.

EastWest Ageas Insurance Strengthens Presence in Luzon with House Openings

E+ People) message throughout the Philippines. Through its Luzon expansion, EastWest Ageas can reach out to more potential policyholders and guide them on the path to financial security. The three newly opened agency houses offer policyholders various insurance plans, including the new Life Advantage, Future Assure, and Future Assure MAX. “Our goal is to root ourselves where our people are,” EastWest Ageas Insurance President and CEO Sjoerd Smeets shares. “By opening our agency houses in key strategic locations, we get to bring our brand of financial solutions and advice closer to the customers.

HEVRON , one of the Philippines’ oldest and largest multinational brands, reaffirmed its dedication to education by returning as a platinum sponsor of the American Chamber Foundation Philippines, Inc.’s (AmCham) 11th ScholaCOLORun. This annual fun run raises scholarship funds for underprivileged Filipino students, providing them with tuition support, allowances, and career development opportunities.

This year, 3,458 runners flocked to Liwasang Ulalim in Pasay City—290 of whom came from Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI) and Chevron Holdings Inc. (CHI). Together, they ran to benefit AmCham’s current batch of 109 scholars. Chevron and AmCham have worked closely together for more than 15 years to improve access to quality education. Their efforts have benefited over 2,400 scholars through the years. AmCham President Edwin Feist recalled when the foundation first conceptualized its multiple educational initiatives, including the annual fun run, 20 years ago. He said, “One way to fight poverty is for people to get an education… [That’s why] we sponsor students as scholars to help in their education and make sure they don’t have to worry about their financial needs.”

He added that Chevron shared AmCham’s vision and

has been proactive in helping the foundation mount its educational initiatives. “Chevron also had the same concept that education is very important, so they chose us as their partner to carry on their activities. Today, we continue that partnership in many dimensions.”

For CHI General Manager Ethan Flowers, quality education can help scholars unlock more professional opportunities. “Education is the foundation of the services we deliver for Chevron’s businesses globally. So, we’re happy to support AmCham –– anything we can do to support the education of Filipinos at home.”

Chevron also organized one of the largest delegations during the event. With this, Flowers said, “We are happy to see such a great turnout of folks investing in their health and well-being but also giving back to the communities we operate in.”

For Chevron employees Emil Bertolano and Mico Fetalvero, joining the fun run is their way to help send underprivileged youths to school.

Fetalvero reflected that the ScholaCOLORun is especially timely as public schools need more funds for supplies and infrastructure. He said, “Kulang [ang mga public school] sa supplies at budget so mapupunta yung burden sa mga teachers and sa mga students.”

Officially opening the store with a ribbon-cutting ceremony are, from left, Wilcon Depot AVP for Sales and Operations Ruben Flores, SVP for Human Resources Grace Tiong, Limson Marketing Chief Executive Officer Carl Lim, Cordova Mayor Cesar Suan, Wilcon Depot SEVP-COO Rosemarie Bosch-Ong, Cordova Vice Mayor Victor S. Tago III, Matimco President and CEO Charlie Liu, Chancellor of the College of Fellows of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Architect James Jao, HCG Senior

Marketing David Chang and Mariwasa VP for Sales and Marketing Thanit Chainartvorakul.

In the photo are, from left, EastWest Ageas executives Sjoeard Smeets, President and CEO of EastWest Ageas together with Marlon Vicente, Chief Agency Officer of EastWest Ageas and Greg Martin, Chief Distribution and Marketing Officer of EastWest Ageas at the opening of EastWest Ageas Naga Agency house.

In the photo are, from left, Kristina Chua, Executive Director; Liza Yao-Bate, Managing Director, Richprime Global, Inc.; Myrna Yao; President and CEO, Richprime Global, Inc.; Min Lan Tan, Managing Director; Robby Go, Country Head, UBS Philippines; Dr. Vicki Belo, Founder and Medical Director, The Belo Medical Group; and Cristalle Belo-Pitt, Co-Founder

Henry Ford Awards Best Motoring Section

2007,2008,2009,2010

2011 Hall of Fame

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Motoring

BAGUIO CLIMB WITH THE NEW SORENTO TURBO HYBRID

SEVERAL months after its release, Kia Philippines hosted a media drive to showcase the capabilities and tech of the new Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid. As the latest addition to the brand’s electrified lineup, Kia claims the new model underscores its ongoing commitment to expanding its lineup to offer customers advanced hybrid and electric technologies. The choice of destination was Baguio via the whole stretches of major freeways up north. As a side trip, the convoy tackled the unforgiving roads leading to Lubo Lake in Benguet.

Boosted hybrid AT the heart of the latest Sorento Turbo Hybrid is a 1.6-liter turbocharged Smartstream Gasoline Direct Injection engine, an electric traction motor, and a lithium-ion battery. This intelligent hybrid system generates over 230 hp and 367 N-m of torque. Power is transferred to all four wheels intelligently via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Fresh units of all-wheel drive (AWD) SX variants were commissioned for the drive event. Exclusive to this variant are selectable drive modes (Eco, Sport, and Smart) and Terrain Mode Selector (snow, Mud, and Sand). The Electrification Vehicle Motion Control (E-VMC) system also provides a comfortable, responsive, and adaptable driving experience.

E-VMC technology enhances handling, ride comfort, and safety during evasive maneuvers. It features E-Handling, E-Ride, and E-Evasive Handling, which assist systems that use the electric motor to improve riding comfort and driving stability.

Of course, the Smart Regeneration feature maximizes the system’s battery regeneration function by automatically selecting regeneration intensity based on vehicle distance, speed, and road slope when coasting.

Premium electrified experience ON the freeway, the new Sorento’s Hybrid System took over and demonstrated its brute whenever summoned. With a substantial torque

driving all four wheels, speed increments were effortless, to say the least. Step on it, and the turbocharged engine’s grunt will assist you further. Even so, the vehicle was well-planted and stable the entire time.

Like any premium SUV, any cabin with combined luxury and technology has rewards. All those premium materials, leather upholstery, and the power-adjustable seating with seat ventilation provided the needed comfort for the long drive. Moreover, the panoramic digital display made everything easy to navigate, including connectivity and other functions. However, the 12-speaker Bose premium sound system ups the ante for the audio experience. One interesting function is how the instrument cluster turns into camera views whenever the turn signal is activated—the left gauge to that side and the right gauge to the other side.

Even the second row offers premium features. More than the generous leg room, rear aircon vents, and charging ports, we found the elevated cup holder on the side door, a clever design not found in most SUVs. As for the ride and NVH, everything

inside was tranquil enough to doze off passengers.

Kenon climb AS if having 367 N-m of torque at our disposal was not enough, all we had to do was step on it and let the Turbo Hybrid system do all the work. Of course, the ascending parts felt levelled, not to mention the good steering feedback making the bends seamless. However, it is important to note that the relatively softer damping made the vehicle throw some of its weight when turning hard. The good steering feedback somehow aided in compensating for this.

Another plus factor was the presence of enough regenerative braking force to decelerate before and during curves. We reached our hotel in Cap John Hay feeling relaxed as if it had been a shorter drive.

Lubo Lake side trip

THE next day, the entire convoy resumed the drive. This time, we climbed the tighter curves, necessitating more steering, body control, and a good damping response. So, picking up from the Kenon Road ex -

perience, the anticipation was there, resulting in better tackles. An intelligent all-wheel-drive setup was a big plus, especially when the realtime torque distribution is shown on the panel.

At this point, we realized the effect of having a fully charged battery—the system opted to turn off the regenerative braking. Here, the presence of gearing enabled us to do downshifting, hence engine braking

to control the decelerations. But, of course, we would have preferred otherwise. If only there had been a way to override the program, it could have been better.

After the tight curves came the rough roads with inconsistent paved portions. When tight paths were ahead, passing through became easier thanks to the available 360-degree view camera. These scenarios, the rough roads, slowed down the convoy. It’s a good thing that the plush cabin, cool air conditioning, and crisp audio experience helped a lot to soothe things up.

Bolder look AT the lake site, it was time to photoshoot the vehicles. The nature backdrop perfectly contrasted with the premium SUV embracing the rugged nature. Kia’s decision to update to vertical multi-LED headlamps with two pronounced grilles brought out the needed bolder look. Those twotoned 19-inch alloy wheels matched well. The Sorento Turbo Hybrid may have found itself far from its natural playground and surrounded by protected nature. But impressively, the new electrified SUV proved it can go even further, even to less travelled roads.

The Kia “DriveWise” advantage AS an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the function includes Smart Cruise Control System w/ Stop and Go, Blind Spot View Monitor, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, 360-degree Surround View Monitor, Rear Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (SX), and Safe Exit Warning (SX).

TGR Philippine Cup a blockbuster to the core

IT wasn’t simply a street car race. It was a racing festival like no other.

Truly, a blockbuster to the core.

That, in a nutshell, was the sumtotal of the three-day Racing Weekend 2 of the TGR Philippine Cup May 2325 at the expanded, massively-built, Villar City in Bacoor, Cavite.

The event was so colossal that celebrities and several big wigs from the industry rubbed elbows with famous government officials (scions of the billionaire Villar clan and several of the famed Remullas and Revillas of Cavite were there) as they joined thousands of vehicle enthusiasts that flocked to the 2.4-km street circuit to savor the

roar and zoom of a true-blue car race.  Toyota’s top guns were also there, including Dino and Tini Arevalo, Elijah Marcial, Rene So, Dr. David Go, Andy Ty, Lexus exec Jade Sison-Mendoza and Lexus president Carlo Ablaza--not to mention Vios Cup founder (2014) Mitsonobu Sugata.

Toyota even liberally laced the occasion with glitz and pomp to make it a one-of-a-kind event, enriching all the more the country’s car-racing lore.

“We just wanted to make everybody happy,” said Jose “Jing” Atienza, the executive vice president of Toyota Motoir Philippines (TMP). “This is not only a car race per se but a total package of a racing festival that will truly satisfy all the longings of a family out to enjoy the weekend outdoors in a very special way.”

So special that Jing and his highpowered team led by Sherwin ChuaLim, TMP senior vice president, brought musical heavyweights to entertain the racing throng, including Parokya

ni Edgar, Rico Blanco, Bamboo and Ely Buendia, braving the sweltering heat just to listen to the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) legends do their thing on the grand stage.

All bases covered, indeed, as Jing A and Sherwin CL made sure the public was well-secured and well-attended to, with at least 10 medical tents set up, a slew of stand-by ambulances, platoons of police forces and in-house security all well positioned in strategic places.

There was even a helicopter in case of an extreme emergency parked in the vicinity of the 40-hectare Villar enclave used for the singular occasion.

“We never left anything to chance,” said Jing A. “All for the love of our revered patrons and clients.”

Hashimoto’s statement

“LAST weekend’s TOYOTA GAZOO

Racing Philippine Cup attracted over 10,000 attendees, achieving a historic success. As President, I am deeply honored and proud of this achievement.

“The street road race in Villar City was a new challenge for everyone, but the tighter and more intense course layout brought incredible energy and excitement to the audience. The screams and cheers from the grandstands were the loudest I have ever heard in my life.

Many fans enjoyed the race.

“In the end, the event concluded safely and smoothly with no injuries. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the race directors and marshals, medical team, racing team, AAP, and support staff for their outstanding efforts.

Crash

“PERSONALLY, I crashed during the 10th lap of Race 5. At the 3rd chicane exit, I misjudged my speed and handling, lost control and collided with the central wall.

“My car flipped upside down and became immobilized. While the engine and tires sustained significant damage from the impact, the cabin

remained intact and completely clear, allowing me to escape without even a scratch.

“I lost my beloved Vios #4, but she saved my life.”

Toyota safe

“WE racers experience crashes all the time, many times, which is part of racing, but I have seen first-hand the wonderful fact that Toyota cars are safe, robust and keep the drivers protected.

“The swift actions of the doctor and medical staff enabled me to pass the X-ray examination at the hospital without any issues. The diagnosis revealed no problems with my brain, muscles or bones. I was able to return to the award ceremony venue and celebrate the victory with my Novice teammates.

“Global Chairman Akio Toyoda always emphasizes the importance of “driving, breaking, and fixing” in his vehicle development.

“By repeatedly driving and breaking cars on the race environment, he discovers further areas for improvement and strengthens the cars as a master driver.

“Based on this corporate mantra, Toyota will continue to pursue safer vehicle manufacturing and accessible racing in the future.

“I am deeply proud as a racer to have participated in three races over the weekend and secured two podium finishes. I sincerely thank my beloved family, Noriko, Teppei and Jo, for their unwavering support.”

PEE STOP For his part, Elvin Luciano, Mixie Flavier’s immediate boss as TMP’s PR vice president, said: “Our dream is to build a flourishing motorsports community in the country and it inspires us to see and feel the excitement and passion the

Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino

B8 Friday, May 30, 2025

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph

Editor: Jun Lomibao

Thunder strike Wolves, advance to NBA Finals Sports

OKLAHOMA CITY—The Oklahoma City Thunder tried their best to balance the euphoria of the moment with the fact that they haven’t completed their mission.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points, and the Thunder routed the Minnesota Timberwolves, 124-94, on Wednesday night to win the Western Conference finals series 4-1 and advance to the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals for the first time since 2012. After the win, the league MVP was measured in his excitement. Oklahoma City will play the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks in the finals. Indiana leads the Eastern Conference finals series 3-1 with Game 5 to be played in New York City on Thursday.

We’ve got a lot of growing to do,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do to get to our ultimate goal, and this is not it, so that’s all that I’m focused on.”

S till, the young Thunder players had some of their usual fun and during a postgame interview, coach Mark Daigneault began complimenting his

to local sideline reporter Nick Gallo during postgame interview sessions. They’re idiots,” Daigneault said without breaking focus.

Chet Holmgren had 22 points, seven rebounds and three blocks and Jalen Williams added 19 points and eight rebounds for the Thunder.

A fanbase that had suffered through losing Kevin Durant in free agency in 2016 and a rebuild that had the team near the bottom of the league’s standings just four years ago let loose in the fourth quarter when the Thunder sat their starters with 5:14 remaining and a 108-74 lead.

J ulius Randle scored 24 points and Anthony Edwards added 19 for the Timberwolves, who shot just 41.2

percent from the field and committed 21 turnovers.

I t was a tough loss for Minnesota point guard Mike Conley. The 37-year-old point guard said these opportunities are rare.

“I t’s going to take a while just to kind of dissect what we just did and what we weren’t able to accomplish,” he said. “But at the same time, I’m proud of my team, proud of these guys, man. They really fought. Not just for me, but for the whole team.” Oklahoma City opened the game on an 11-3 run and extended the advantage throughout the

first quarter. Cason Wallace drained a 3-pointer as the first quarter expired to put the Thunder up 26-9 at the end of the period. The game was never close after that. We just struggled to find a rhythm,” Minnesota coach Chris Finch said.

“Everyone was kind of trying to do it all by themselves. We lost our connectivity. But all credit to the Thunder. They certainly deserve this. They played outstanding. And we came up short in a lot of ways.” AP

Casuga books dramatic victory in JPGT Caliraya leg

ACOB CASUGA erased a two-shot deficit over the final two holes to snatch a dramatic one-stroke victory in the boys’ 11-14 division of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Caliraya Springs Junior Philippine Golf Tour Championship on Thursday in Cavinti, Laguna. lutch birdie-bogey swing on No. 8 put him in striking distance and he sealed the win on a closing 75 as Vito Sarines faltered down the stretch with a bogey for a 76 at the challenging Caliraya Springs Golf Club. asuga’s closing three-over card gave him a 36-hole total of 152, one clear of Sarines, whose bid to follow up his Sherwood Hills victory fell short, as he settled for second at 153. Ryuichi Tao carded a second consecutive 78 for a 156, edging Jose Luis Espinosa (79-156) for third place in the countback.

Del Toro, 21, on course in Giro

BDel Toro was the youngest rider in 46 years to win in the maglia rosa, since Beppe Saronni—who was also

21—won a time trial back in 1979.

“It’s incredible, everybody wants this and today I realized I will never give up,” Del Toro said. “And I will always stay one step in front, and I will always try it.

“I don’t have anything to lose and today was not easier than yesterday but for sure I had a better mentality.” With the bonus seconds, Del Toro extended his lead to 41 seconds over Carapaz, the 2019 champion who leapfrogged above Simon Yates into second. Yates is 51 seconds behind Del Toro. I t is Del Toro’s second Grand Tour. He finished 36th in the Spanish Vuelta last year.

The 155-kilometer (96-mile) leg from San Michele All’Adige to Bormio featured three climbs, including the Mortirolo, one of the Giro’s toughest and most famous climbs. AP

“My short game and putting saved me,” said Casuga, breaking a string of three straight bronze finishes in the Luzon series of the nationwide circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. “This win means everything because it proves I can keep getting better.”

Espinosa, who had tied Casuga and Sarines at the top after the first round, slipped with a 79 in the tournament that marked the fourth leg of the seven-stage Luzon series, which offers berths to the Elite Junior Finals later this year.

Casuga thanked his family and coach Dan Cruz, and drew inspiration from

Scribes honor PHL volleyball’s best, brightest

THE Premier Volleyball League (PVL) rolled out the red carpet for the Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards Night that brought together the brightest stars under one dazzling spotlight on Wednesday at the Novotel Manila.

fellow Junior PGT standout Charles Serdenia. “Seeing Charles rise pushed me to work even harder,” he added. It was arguably one of the most electrifying finishes in the three-year history of the ICTSI-backed circuit, as Casuga refused to fold and pulled off a gritty, come-from-behind victory with a clutch closing stretch.

I f Vito’s heartbreak stung, sister Mona more than compensated, firing a sparkling two-under 70 to dominate the girls’ 11-14 division by nine shots. Her seven-birdie, six-bogey aggregate of 143 left Kendra Garingalao (78-74-152) and twin sister Lisa Sarines (77-79-156) at second and third places, respectively.

From Rookie of the Year Thea Gagate of ZUS Coffee to special awardees and first Season MVP Brooke Van Sickle of Petro Gazz, the awards presented by ArenaPlus honored not just individual brilliance, but the passion, perseverance and the league’s journey over the past years that have propelled Philippine volleyball to new heights.

Van Sickle’s on vacation in Hawaii and couldn’t personally claim her trophy, but she celebrated in spirit with her fellow awardees, PVL and Spikers’ Turf athletes, in the formal awards rites organized by Sports Vision Management Group Inc. and the year-old press corps.

“I can’t believe that I was named season MVP and best outside hitter. I have no words. I am truly grateful for everyone recognizing me and you know I feel the love and support so thank you to all,” said Van Sickle. “I never expected it. I just play the sport that I love with as much passion as I can possibly give at all times, and I just want to continue to have fun and be grateful for the sport.

Sia scoops six gold medals in Palaro pool

TSo it’s kind of like a cherry on top.” The Creamline Cool Smashers continued to be the most successful team and hoisted the Team of the Year trophy following a historic grand slam season.

Cool Smashers coach Sherwin Meneses claimed his Coach of the Year trophy, Rebisco Vice Chairman and CEO Jonathan Ng brought home the Executive of the Year honors, while Bernadeth Pons and Bea De leon headlined the season’s Mythical Team as the Best Outside Spiker and Best Middle Blocker, respectively.

Choco Mucho star Sisi Rondina, who wore a sleek burgundy pantsuit partnered with a sleeveless button-down vest, was the Star of the Night, joining her setter and the Awards Night’s Fan Favorite Deanna Wong.

PLDT’s Majoy Baron stood out with her striking one-shoulder bodycon dress in an abstract, earthy-toned print as she claimed the Best Middle Blocker award.

Cignal’s Gel Cayuna bagged Best Setter, Farm Fresh rising star Trisha Tubu won the Best Opposite Spiker recognition, and Alyssa Eroa, who had a great season with Galeries and is set to open a new chapter with ZUS Coffee, was the league’s Best Libero and Comeback Player of the Year.

Ramos leaves mark in Osaka

THE Oklahoma City Thunder rout the Minnesota Timberwolves, 124-94, to rule the Western Conference and advance to the Finals for the first time since 2012 against either the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks. AP

Oh Emma… Britain’s Emma Raducanu reacts after winning a point against Poland’s Iga Swiatek during their second round match at the French Open in Roland-Garros in Paris on Wednesday. Swiatek, however, snatched the victory, 6-1, 6-2. AP