Albayalde joins Bato in seeking gov't protection
By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz
FORMER National Police chief Oscar Albayalde is asking the Marcos administration to shield him from the long arms of the International Criminal Court (ICC) amid reports that a warrant for his arrest and extradition to the
Hague is already in the pipeline.
He joins his predecessor, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, in seeking government protection from the global tribunal that has charged them of being primary co-conspirators in the previous administration’s bloodsoaked war against drugs.
“I am also counting on the government’s protection… I have not lost
hope that our President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. [will extend protection],” he said in Filipino.
Albayalde, who is running for mayor of Angeles City, asked for protection from the incumbent administration even as he attended a proDuterte rally in the city to express his support for his former boss.
PNP resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay
ICC sets pre-trial Sept. 23
Rejects request for another hearing next week, says Rody 'fit, mentally aware'
By Rio N. Araja
By Charles Dantes, Rachelle Tonelada, Cherrie Anne Villahermosa and Rolando Ng III
TTHE Hague, Netherlands— The International Criminal Court rejected a petition from the camp of former President Rodrigo Duterte to move the first hearing to next week, ruling that the 79-year-old was "fully mentally aware and fit."
HE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.
During Duterte' first appearance before the ICC via video conference Friday evening (9:34 p.m., Manila time) to face crimes against humanity charges over his deadly war on drugs, ICC Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc also set the next hearing for the confirmation of charges on Sept. 23, 2025. Duterte, wearing a blue suit and tie, was allowed to sit down during the entire hearing.
On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma. Mendoza narrated before congressmen how Garma allegedly facilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.
"As Mr. Duterte made a long journey, involving a considerable time difference, the chamber authorized Mr. Duterte to follow the hearing at a distance,” Motoc said. Motoc informed him of the crimes he is alleged to have committed, as well as his rights as a defendant.
The whistleblower also implicated incumbent National Police Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.
Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption within the PCSO shortly before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City.
Garma, herself an ex-police Lt. Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in-
Palace won’t stop Rody fans from airing sentiments
By Vince Lopez and Rosas Olarte
MALACAÑANG said it would not bar supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte from venting out their sentiments as he faces trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity.
At a press briefing on Friday, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said it is the right of supporters to express their feelings over Duterte’s current predicament.
By Darwin Amojelar
in airport fees without the approval of the Cabinet members. cious and unfounded,” Bautista said in a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said
THE businessman Tony Yang sought to disparage lawmakers’ conclusions about his client’s supposedly sketchy past and his alleged ties with Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) and even organized crime.
questioned the House Quad Committee’s impartiality and its ability to pin Chinese national Yang down for ay wrongdoing in a real criminal court.
Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry
of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English.
The solons explained how the matrix details Yang’s connections to other individuals involved in illicit activities, including the operations of
Among the companies implicated are Brickhartz Technology Inc. and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., which are being linked to alleged
[Quad Comm members] can prove this criminal network in court. In Congress, lawmakers act as both prosecutor and judge,” he said. Yang, who already admitted having a fake Philippine birth certificate, is the brother of Michael Yang, a presidential economic
The two firms supposedly have connections with the Baofu Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which, in turn, can be directly traced to disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guo.
PRELIMINARIES. The International Criminal Court (ICC) begins proceedings in the crimes against humanity charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte by conducting yesterday an initial appearance hearing at the ICC's pre-trial chamber 1 venue, inset, led by Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, at left, of Romania. Duterte, at right, was represented by former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. ICC video grab
During Friday’s Quad Comm hearing, lawmakers cited Tony Yang in contempt for “lying” to about his businesses and business partners.
“Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added. Bilyonaryo reported online that “Bautista and his long-time protege in Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are at the center of the storm after it was
we stripped it of its layers , to get to the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue
By Vince Lopez
Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal
Philippine Navy debunked ment by China that it conducted military exercises off Bajo de
nouncement coinciding with the operative Activity between the Philippines, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the regional waters over the weekend.
Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vin -
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said the Special Action Force (SAF) officer allegedly hurt
cent Trinidad told reporters that Manila troops did not monitor any such activity, adding that Beijing’s statement was meant only for its internal audience.
“Our troops did not observe any exercise, we have to understand that sometimes, China is doing this for their internal audience, right? For them not to look weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad said.
SEN. Imee Marcos skipped a campaign sortie led by her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday and criticized the arrest of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte. "I CANNOT ACCEPT WHAT HAPPENED TO PRRD. I apologize to my Waray kababayans because I won’t be able to join the campaign rally in Tacloban."
Two Chinese warships were monitored at a distance ranging from eight to 14 nautical miles. One of these went up to 1,000 yards at the MMCA site but eventually went away. “It was not threatening, just normal,” accord
by former president Rodrigo Duterte's partner, Honeylet Avanceña, will no longer pursue a complaint of direct assault against her. PNP spokesperson BGen. Jean Fa-
jardo said talked to SAF chief MGen. Mark Pespes about the decision of one of his personnel. "It is the police officer’s personal
By Rachelle Tonelada
NEARLY half of Filipinos, or 45%,
the public and come up with a realistic solution regarding the arrest of the former president," she added. Marcos is part of the 12-member Senate slate of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
IN TACLOBAN. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is welcomed
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and Marty Romualdez upon his arrival at Tacloban City Airport yesterday to attend the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate Grand Rally at the Plaza Libertad.
House leaders Aurelio Gonzales and David Suarez presented this matrix during the last QUAD Comm hearing which shows the operations of a criminal syndicate allegedly led by fugitive Michael Yang, then economic adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, that controlled the illegal activities of the POGOs and was involved in the drug
A2
stand trial before the ICC.
From A1
The ICC said in its arrest warrant there were "reasonable grounds to believe" at least 19 people had been murdered in the city by members of the "Davao Death Squad" headed by Duterte.
Additionally, based on the warrant, at least 24 people were killed by Philippines police in various locations.
Duterte's legal counsel, Salvador Medialdea, tried to convince the court to set another hearing next week after his earlier petition was rejected.
"Only this morning have I met him for the first time with less than an hour to discuss legal issues. I have not been able to present him with a hard copy of the arrest warrant because we were not supplied with such. I have not even been able to explain to him what the prosecution requested when seeking the issuance of arrest warrant," Medialdea said.
"Accordingly, I repeat my peaceful request which was rejected this morning to postpone the substantive aspect of this hearing to the next week when I will have the opportunity to sit with my client and to explain to him what a confirmation hearing is and what disclosure is, and how the prosecution alleges that he committed crimes."
Medialdea also described Duterte as "an elderly man with debilitating medical issues, hard of hearing and poor of sight."
He also questioned the manner Duterte was brought to The Hague to
Albayalde...
From A1
"It's a sad day in the history of the Philippines that our [former] president was brought to another country to be tried for alleged crimes against humanity when we have sovereignty,” he argued.
To recall, Malacañang said it would respond positively to further ICC arrest warrants if coursed through the Interpol.
"As of now, we haven't received information if there will be another warrant of arrest through the Interpol. Should there be one, we will have the same response, if the Interpol again requests the help of the administration. We will respond accordingly,"
Pinoys...
"To us lawyers, this will be called an ‘extrajudicial rendition.’ To the less legally inclined, it was a pure and simple ‘kidnapping,'" Medialdea said.
Motoc, however, rebuffed him, saying Duterte and his legal team will have all the chance to discuss the substantive issues during the confirmation of charges hearing.
"There will be a full procedure that will unfurl, leading up to the confirmation of charges that will enable Mr. Duterte to raise all the matters with regard to the warrant of arrest, with regard to the crimes committed, with regard to the charges and other matters associated with his arrest and the matters of jurisdiction of the court," Motoc said.
She also ordered the prosecution to start disclose information on the basis of the arrest warrant within seven days to allow Duterte and his counsel to prepare.
It is only after the confirmation of charges hearing that the court will decide whether to press ahead with a trial, a process that could take several months or even years.
Duterte, the first Asian head of state to face ICC charges, stands accused of the crime against humanity of murder over his years-long campaign against drug users and dealers that rights groups said killed thousands.
In the prosecutor's application for his arrest, they said Duterte's alleged crimes were "part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against the civilian population in the Philippines."
"Potentially tens of thousands of kill-
Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro earlier said.
On Thursday, Dela Rosa said he would seek refuge at the Senate to keep him out of the ICC’s reach.
“When my warrant of arrest comes out, and the government will really try to have me arrested, I will avail of the protection that is going to be afforded to me by the Senate as an institution," he told ANC in a mixture of Filipino and English.
“But if they tell me that it’s no longer tenable, you have to surrender yourself, then I will turn myself in peacefully," he added.
Dela Rosa is apparently counting on a repeat of the “Batasan 5” incident, when five party-list lawmakers sought refuge at the House of Rep-
From A1 of Filipino registered voters agree with her impeachment, while 23% remain ambivalent on the matter.
Meanwhile, 7% are unable to state an opinion due to a lack of knowledge on the issue.
The same survey found that an overwhelming majority (92%) of Filipinos are aware of the impeachment case, having encountered it through “reading, hearing, or watching.”
However, public opinion remains divided on whether the Senate will be fair in handling the impeachment trial. According to the poll, 35% of registered voters believe the Senate will not be fair, with Mindanao—Duterte’s bailiwick—showing the highest level of distrust at 66%.
Meanwhile, 33% are uncertain about whether the process will be fair, and only 21% believe the Senate will conduct a fair trial when it convenes as an impeachment court.
The Duterte family has dominated headlines in recent weeks due to key developments, including the impeachment case against VP Sara and the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his war on drugs.
VP Sara has repeatedly dismissed the impeachment case as politically motivated, suggesting that it is tied to the 2028 presidential elections. She further alleged that beyond her own impeachment, the legal troubles faced by her family, particularly her father’s ICC arrest, are part of a broader political strategy to weaken the Duterte-backed Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) senatorial candidates ahead of the elections.
Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte echoed this sentiment, describing the impeachment as a clear act of “political persecution.”
He warned that the administration is “treading on dangerous ground,” foreshadowing potential consequences if the impeachment moves forward.
ings were perpetrated," the prosecutor alleged about the campaign that targeted mostly poor men, often without proof they were linked to drugs.
Victims' families have welcomed the trial as a chance to get justice, while Duterte supporters believe he was "kidnapped" and sent to The Hague amid a spectacular fall-out with the ruling Marcos family.
According to international law experts, his whirlwind arrest and surrender to the ICC marks a welcome boon for the embattled court, which is being attacked from all sides and sanctioned by the United States.
"I see the arrest and handing over of Duterte as a gift at an important moment in time," Willem van Genugten, Professor of International Law at Tilburg University in The Netherlands, told Agence France Presse.
As he landed in The Hague Wednesday, the former president appeared to accept responsibility for his actions, saying in a Facebook video: "I have been telling the police, the military, that it was my job and I am responsible."
In his application for arrest, the prosecutor quotes from some of Duterte's more colorful pronouncements when he was running for president.
Duterte was cited as saying the number of criminal suspects killed "will become 100,000... I will kill all of you" and the fish in Manila Bay "will become fat because that's where I will throw you."
Duterte has undergone health checks during his detention in The Hague.
resentatives to evade arrest for their alleged involvement in a coup plot against then-President Gloria Arroyo in 2006.
He said Senate President Francis Escudero promised to extend him the Senate’s protection for as long as it is possible.
However, Dela Rosa’s request from the Senate President did not sit well with a party-list lawmaker, who said the upper chamber should not be protecting mass murderers.
“When he [Dela Rosa] was PNP chief, he used his position to orchestrate the killings of poor Filipinos under the bloody war on drugs. Now, he wants to hide behind his Senate seat to escape accountability,” said Gabriela Women's PartyList Representative and senatorial
Imee...
From A1
Meanwhile, Former Senate President Manny Villar, his wife Sen. Cynthia Villar, and their son Sen. Mark Villar have come out with statements of support for ex-President Duterte.
Cynthia Villar said she disagreed with the government's decision to surrender Duterte to the ICC, saying: "We don't give our former president to foreigners."
Mark Villar, who served as Duterte's Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary, posted pictures of himself with the former leader, while recalling their time together and praying for fairness for Duterte.
Injured...
From A1 decision not to file a case and her reason is because of the hazard of her job. So it’s okay," Fajardo told reporters in Filipino.
"She said she will recuperate and then go back to work,” she added. According to the spokesperson, the
The Philippine embassy in The Hague said on its website the former president told a consular official he had "received medical care and that he is generally fine."
Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan hailed Duterte's arrest as a key moment for victims and international justice as a whole.
"Many say that international law is not as strong as we want, and I agree with that. But as I also repeatedly emphasize, international law is not as weak as some may think," Khan said in a statement following Duterte's arrival in ICC custody.
As this developed, Malacañang said while the government funded the flight that transported Duterte to The Hague, he will be responsible for all other expenses, including legal fees.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro explained the transportation expense was part of the government's assistance to Interpol.
"As a Filipino—not just because he is a former president—the government must ensure that Duterte gets a fair trial, especially because he is a Filipino," Castro said.
"(But) even for the complainants, the government really will not shoulder that (legal fees) because they have their own lawyers, and like we said, we do not have any responsibility or hand over the ICC proceedings," the Palace official added. With AFP
candidate Arlene Brosas. Brosas said the Senate must uphold its integrity and refuse to shelter those facing serious charges of crimes against humanity.
“The Senate should not become a hideout for criminals. It’s an embarrassment if an institution that should promote justice would be used to evade accountability,” she added.
“Just a few days ago, he boldly challenged the ICC with ‘bring it on’ and even said he was ready to join and take care of Duterte in jail. But now that accountability is catching up to him, especially after Duterte’s arrest, he’s suddenly trembling in fear and scrambling for Senate protection,” Brosas noted.
"Mr. President, I hope that you are in good health and being treated well. I'm sad that your simple wish to be judged by the Filipino people did not reach fruition. I continue to pray that you will be given the fairness and compassion that all Filipinos deserve," Mark Villar said.
Manny Villar said he had hoped that Duterte could have had "the opportunity to defend himself in our courts under the protection of our country's rule of law." "I spent years protecting Filipinos overseas when they were charged abroad. That is why it was painful to see a very good friend, a former President who dedicated himself to public service, a Filipino citizen, being taken and charged by a foreign entity," he said.
PNP shouldered the medical needs of their personnel injured during the operation and will give her a commendation. The said cop sustained a head injury when Avanceña allegedly hit her with a cellular phone during an altercation while operatives from the Interpol and PNP were to transport Duterte into a bus in Villamor Air Base in Pasay.
“Sympathizing with former President Duterte is their right. We won’t stop that… it is their right to be sad, to grieve for the former president,” she said in Filipino. At the same time, Castro emphasized that there is currently no credible threat against the administration.
However, she assured that the administration would act decisively should Pro-Duterte groups engage in actions that threaten the government’s stability.
Additionally, Castro said that there is no need to conduct “loyalty checks” on the military and police establishments amid an explosion of scuttlebutt of instability and dissatisfaction following Duterte’s arrest and extradition.
For its part, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) denied the online rumors spreading of a supposedly looming emergency situation in Metro Manila. The NCRPO said that a social media post by “Maranao TV,” advising residents to make preparations for a possible emergency situation in Metro Manila.
“There is no credible information monitored by our intelligence units that would suggest any form of threat in Metro Manila,” the NCRPO said in a statement.
“We want to assure everyone that an in-depth validation was immediately conducted and based on the latest intelligence report by various intelligence units, there is no information of any security threat that can cause a security alarm in Metro Manila,” it added.
Moreover, the NCRPO were now investigating and tracking the identity and whereabouts of the person in the video.
“We encourage everyone to remain calm, deliberate and to be very discerning in what you see in social media,” the NCRPO police told the public.
Similarly, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) announced it is officially downgrading its “heigthened alert” status as the situation in its jurisdiction appears stable. The “Bicol Shield” was activated as law enforcement units throughout the country raised their readiness for trouble following Duterte’s arrest on Tuesday.
On Thursday, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago (Ret.) ordered the agency’s Cybercrime Division to conduct a case build-up against vloggers who are spreading fake news on online platforms. In a media forum, Santiago said the right of freedom of speech and freedom of expression are not excuses to proliferate false information. "[We can file a case for] cyberlibel, we can also charge them with incitement to sedition because they are already causing confusion," he said.
GRAND RALLY. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presents the senatorial line-up of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas during a grand rally yesterday at the Plaza Libertad, Tacloban City. From left are Manny Paquiao, Lito Lapid, Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. Erwin Tulfo, Vicente "Tito" Sotto lll, Francis Tolentino, Benhur Abalos, Abby Binay and Panfilo "Ping" Lacson. Ver Noveno
NEWS
IN BRIEF
Masungi contractor defies eviction order
DESPITE a cancellation order of a supplemental agreement, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) failed to evict Blue Star Construction Development Corp. from the Masungi Georeserve and Garden Cottages Resort in Baras, Rizal.
“The DENR demands with finality that you vacate the premises covered by the transfer certificate title issued to the Bureau of Corrections and DENR Region IV-A within a non-extendible period of 15 days from receipt of this notice,” the order read.
“The DENR reserves its right to initiate the applicable administrative, civil and criminal cases against the appropriate party/ies before the proper courts or administrative bodies in relation to other relevant agreements between this Department and Blue Star, other corporate bodies with interlocking directors, and other entities in the area,” it warned.
According to DENR Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs Norlito Eneran, the agency sent a team from the Records Section and Environmental Law Enforcement andProtection Service to serve the cancellation order against Blue Star but private guards in the area prevented the team’s entry and refused to receive the notice a week ago. Rio N. Araja
CHR reaffirms vows to protect media rights
THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of media and entertainment workers.
In a position paper on Senate Bill No. 2427 or the proposed Media and Entertainment Workers' Welfare Act, the CHR cited its recommendations to strengthen and ensure an effective enforcement.
The bill pending before the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development seeks to enhance protection, security and benefits for media and entertainment professionals, ensuring fair treatment and improved working conditions.
“CHR’s position paper puts forward key recommendations to strengthen the bill and ensure its effective implementation. One of the Commission’s primary concerns is the need for a clear dispute resolution mechanism in employment contracts to facilitate fair and efficient conflict resolution,” the Commission said. Rio N. Araja
“CHR also underscores the necessity of regular reviews and adjustments to overtime pay and night shift differential rates to keep them competitive and reflective of economic conditions,” it added.
PDEA seizes P340-m shabu, nabs 2 in Munti WITH help from the police, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Friday arrested two drug suspects for alleged possession of shabu worth P340 million in Muntinlupa City.
PDEA’s Intelligence Service, in coordination with PDEA’s National Capital Region headquarters, conducted the buybust operation at the South Green Heights Village in Barangay Putatan.
The suspects were identified only as Tita Joy and Liezel. They allegedly yielded a large quantity of white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu with an estimated value of P340 million. Rio N Araja
LINE OF WORK.
Meralco linemen replace a high tension cable along E. los Santos Ave. in Muñoz, Quezon to ensure stable power supply in the area. Manny Palmero
Issues on Rody’s arrest clarified
By Pot Chavez
AS FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte appeared for the first time before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands on Friday, Manila Standard sought the opinion of legal luminaries in the Philippines to clarify common misconceptions about the arrest of the former leader amid contrasting interpretations of local and international laws.
Here are the frequently-asked questions (FAQs) and their answers from a purely scholarly perspective to guide the public in understanding the ongoing case:
Q: Does the ICC have jurisdiction in the country where there is a working judicial system?
Lawyer Arnaldo Espinas, who teaches Private International Law (PIL), said that each state has its own legal system encompassing civil and political rights as well as the criminal justice system. Talking about jurisdiction, if the Philippines, by having entered into a treaty such as the Rome statute, submits to the jurisdiction of that court in cases involving crimes against humanity or such other crimes denominated as contra bonus mores, he said.
On the other hand, litigation lawyer Ernesto Tabujara III said the ICC under the Rome Statute may assume jurisdiction if there is already recourse to local courts which are functioning, but cannot be addressed properly or failed to take action.
For his part, lawyer Ismael Sarangaya who also teaches PIL in several law schools, explained that this matter has two concerns including unwillingness and genuine inability to investigate and prosecute. In this case, there
was already a prior determination by the ICC.
Q: Can the former president claim immunity from suit for his defense in this case?
Immunity from suit only pertains to local laws and only to the specific time when a President is in office, Tabujara said.
Law dean and author Ralph Sarmiento is of the opinion that "while Duterte is no longer immune from suit as a former President, he retains the right to challenge actions that infringe on his constitutional rights.”
Sarmiento shared that the SC has consistently upheld the protection of individual liberties, even in cases involving international obligations. In the case of Bayan Muna vs. Romulo, the Court emphasized that executive actions must comply with domestic laws and constitutional safeguards.
Article 27 of the Rome Statute provides that official status, including head of state or former head of state, does not grant immunity before the ICC.
Q: Is it possible for the Supreme Court (SC) to intervene in the ongoing case?
Sarangaya, also an associate dean of law school, recognizes that the decisions of the SC are binding only within the territory of the
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (erc) has directed the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to refund its consumers a total of P19.958 billion, equivalent to P0.1189 per kilowatthour to be reflected in the April bill of consumers.
ERC, in its notice of commission action, said that after careful deliberation, the majority of commissioners resolved to grant provisional authority to Meralco’s application for confirmation of the trueUp calculation of the actual weighted average tariff (AWAT) vis-à-vis approved final distribution rate Implemented during the lapsed period from July 2022 to December 2024. The commissioners, Alexis Lumbatan, Floresinda Baldo-Digal, and Marko Romeo Fuentes, approved the refund with modifications and subject to the instructions issued by the commission during the discussion.
In a 3-2 vote, the ERC resolved to grant the proposed refund scheme of Meralco but disallowed its proposed offsetting of alleged under-recoveries from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2020 in the amount of P862.034 million, resulting in a refund amount of P19.958 billion higher than Meralco’s proposed P19.096 billion.
“Accordingly, Meralco shall be directed to refund the total amount of P19,958,945,951 or an equivalent average refund rate for all customer classes amounting to P0.1189 per kWh,” the ERC said.
Philippines. The ICC, being an international tribunal, may assert the superiority of international law over domestic law. Meanwhile, he noted that the SC may still have several considerations such as the issues raised before becoming moot and academic, or the exceptions in the mootness doctrine.
Sarmiento explained that a case is considered moot and academic when the relief sought can no longer be granted, or any judicial action on the issue would have no practical effect. He added that "if Duterte has already surrendered and is in ICC custody, the SC’s intervention to halt his transfer would serve no legal purpose."
Given the unprecedented nature of Duterte’s case and its implications on Philippine sovereignty, treaty obligations, and executive powers, the SC may still rule on the petition despite mootness, particularly to clarify the government’s authority to cooperate with the ICC post-withdrawal, Sarmiento added.
Q: Was there a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the SC?
SC spokesperson Camille Ting, in an earlier statement, noted that "after a virtual deliberation on the 94-page petition, the SC, by majority vote, found that the petitioners failed to establish a clear and unmistakable right for the immediate issuance of a TRO.”
Q: Does the withdrawal of the Philippines from the ICC affect jurisdiction over the Duterte case?
Sarangaya opined that prior to the effectivity of the withdrawal in 2019, the ICC retains jurisdiction over the proceedings that earlier commenced. He cited Article 127 of the Rome Statute which provides that a "State shall not be discharged, by reason of its withdrawal, from the obligations arising from this Statute while it was a Party to the Statute." Further, he adds that the "withdrawal shall not affect any cooperation with the Court in connection with criminal investigations and proceedings in relation to which the withdrawing State had a duty to cooperate and which were commenced prior to the date on which the withdrawal became effective.”
Sarmiento agreed that "this principle was acknowledged in Pangilinan vs. Cayetano where the Court noted that withdrawal from a treaty does not extinguish liabilities for acts committed before the withdrawal took effect.”
Q: Who can represent the former president in the ICC?
While there is a freedom to choose counsel, accreditation is required under the Rules of Procedure and Evidence (RPE), said Sarangaya, citing Rule 22.
Disbelief still rife on Rody’s apprehension
By Rex Espiritu
THE arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte upon order of the International Criminal Court ((CC) has yet to sink in among human rights advocates and victims of his bloody war on drugs. However, there appeared a shared sentiment that even with Duterte now in ICC custody, their search for justice might not end in the very near future.
“Although, we told the families that the ICC is international, but it will take a long time. Yes.
But somehow (it will shed light for justice.)" Rise Up for Life and for Rights Coordinator Rubilyn Litao told Manila Standard.
“You know, on Tuesday, we were surprised. But we know that he should be arrested, he should be punished. But the feeling was, is this it? Because it happened so fast. So, personally, I was thinking for a long time, is it true that Duterte was arrested? So, it took me a while to figure out what to do. And you know, the mothers who reach out to us, their reactions are different," Litao narrated.
The advocacy group led by church members, has long championed justice and peace. Since 2016, their work focused on supporting victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) through documentation, legal aid, and community-capacity building. They emphasize the importance of human rights, rehabilitation, and healing while advocating at the same time for systemic change.
Rise Up collaborates with organizations such as the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) for legal support, and has submitted cases to the International Criminal Court (ICC) due to lack of progress in local courts.
BLACK FRIDAY. Various groups light candles as they conduct a Black Friday protest in front of UP-PGH, Taft Avenue to press for justice for all those killed in the drug war during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. victims of Rodrigo Duterte amid the ongoing proceedings in the ICC in front of UP-PGH, Taft Avenue. Danny Pata
DSWD’s automated travel permit for minors bars middlemen, fixers
By Maricel V. Cruz
THE Department of Social Welfare and Development said its automated processing of travel clearance for minors travelling abroad is a vital tool in expediting transactions and doing away with the interventions of ‘fixers’ and ‘middlemen’ in the process of obtaining governmentissued permits.
Assistant Secretary Ada Colico of the DSWD’s Protective Programs said the newly-launched system only allows parents or guardians to apply for minors’ travel clearance. “The only people who can create an
IN BRIEF
OTS: Abusive officers won’t be tolerated
OFFICE for Transportation Security (OTS) administrator Arthur Bisnar assured the public that any abuses by officers will not be tolerated and will not go unnoticed.
The assurance came after three OTS personnel were terminated for their alleged involvement in the so-called “bullet-planting” extortion scheme at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The latest incident occurred on March 6 and involved OTS security screening officers. It was captured on video and subsequently went viral on social media and various media outlets.
“There is no need to insult or harass our passengers to ensure the security of our airport. There are many effective ways to implement airport security,” Bisnar said. Joel E. Zurbano
Gov’t needs private sector help during calamities—Ping
ALYANSA para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate Panfilo Lacson underscored the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector, including non-governmental and civil society organizations, in helping Filipinos recover from major calamities such as Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
“One lesson I learned is this: the government cannot operate on its own. It needs the cooperation of the private sector. Even local government units will struggle without the private sector’s assistance. That is the lesson I learned while serving as Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR),” Lacson said during a gathering of local officials from Samar.
The devastation caused by Yolanda impacted 171 cities and towns across six regions, with Tacloban and Samar among the hardest-hit areas when the super typhoon struck in November 2013.
“Our national government must place its trust in the private sector, including NGOs and CSOs. They are essential partners in addressing crises and implementing key government programs,” Lacson said. Joel E. Zurbano
Noveleta to inaugurate 4-storey municipal hall
THE newly constructed 4-storey Noveleta Municipal Hall in Barangay Poblacion is set to be inaugurated and blessed on Monday, March 17, 2025.
It will be led by Senator Ramon Revilla Jr, Cavite 1st District Congressman Ramon Revilla III, Mayor Dino Chua and Cavite 1st District Board Member Davey Chua.
The state-of-the-art local government building was an initiative project of Senator Revilla to ensure that the municipal hall will not be flooded again during the rainy season such as what happened during Typhoon Paeng.
According to Mayor Chua, the new municipal hall is a symbol of the unstoppable development of Noveleta. Dennis Abrina
suspension vs. Paraynos’
INTERIOR Secretary Jonvic Remulla has ordered the DILG Region 1 to implement the one year suspension order against Urdaneta City Mayor Julio Parayno III and his nephew, Vice Mayor Jimmy Parayno. In a memo to DILG regional director Jonathan Leusen, Remulla said the Paraynos should be restrained from entering the city hall building of Urdaneta City and
UNITY WALK. Senator Nancy Binay and former Vice President Jojo Binay lead the ‘UNA ang Makati’ candidates during a unity walk, interfaith rally, and peace covenant signing.
account are the parents or the accompanying adult or guardian. Fixers are not allowed,” Colico said.
As part of the government’s preventive measures against child-trafficking, a travel clearance is issued by the DSWD for minors or individuals below 18 years old travelling outside the Philippines who are not accompanied by any of the parents or persons having parental responsibility or legal custody over the child.
Colico explained that in the old manual, the system was time-consuming on the part of parents and guardians,
which often prompted them to rely on the services of middle men such as travel agents, or worse, fixers in order to obtain travel clearance or certificate of exemption from the DSWD.
“Sometimes there is only a Special Power of Attorney or SPA that is given to our travel agents and they are the ones who process which is risky on our part, because we are the ones held accountable there,” she added.
Under the streamlined process of securing travel clearance, parents or guardians no longer need to physically
visit the DSWD regional offices and can now submit their applications directly via the online system. Applicants can receive their requested document in just 1-3 working days upon their compliance to complete and verified documents.
According to Colico, the digitized system is a sustainable way to address red tape and the public’s vulnerability to fixers while ensuring that minors’ travelling outside the country have received the full consent of their parents and legal guardians.
EU, 3 countries seek stronger cybersecurity ties with
THE Philippines is deepening collaboration with like-minded partners to safeguard democracy and election integrity amid continuous rise in cybercrimes and the on-going threat of foreign interference ahead of the 2025 national elections.
Ambassadors from Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Germany emphasized this during a two-day conference on cybersecurity organized by the Stratbase Institute in partnership with the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines.
Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman emphasized the importance of cooperation with Philippines and other likeminded allies to build cyber resilient systems and protect each other’s sovereignty.
“There is tremendous potential for Canada and the Philippines, as well as other partners in the region, to collaborate on cybersecurity initiatives. Our countries can share best practices and lessons learned, work together on incident response, enhance capacity building and advocate together for responsible state behavior in
PH
cyberspace,” Hartman said. Hartman shared that similar to the Philippines, Canada is primarily concerned with malicious cybersecurity threats, which attack their critical infrastructure and which spread online disinformation campaigns and engage in malign influence operations.
He noted that a Canadian public inquiry found that multiple foreign states engaged in malicious activities to undermine Canada’s sovereignty during their 2019 and 2021 federal elections.
DOH urges parents to vax kids vs. measles-rubella
THE Department of Health on Friday urged the public to get children under 2 years old vaccinated against measles-rubella after recording a rise in cases in the first two months of the year.
In a report, the DOH said a total of 922 measles-rubella cases have been recorded from Jan. 1 to March 1 this year, up by 35 percent from 683 cases logged in the same period in 2024.
From Feb. 2 to March 1, an increase in cases was observed in the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos, Bicol, Western Visayas and Soccsksargen. About 625 or 68 percent of the total cases are not vaccinated against the disease, the DOH noted.
Measles could lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain infection, and death, especially among children under five years old when not treated.
SCHOOL OPENING. Students perform during the opening of the Emilio Jacinto Elementary School on Velasquez Street, Tondo. The inauguration was led by Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, along with Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto.
OPINION
Fury vs. US Deep State, proxies, ICC
WHAT we witnessed in the Philippines in the past week was a national uprising against the government of Bongbong Marcos and its co-conspirators, the US Deep State, its proxies and the ICC.
From my personal communications with pro and non-Duterte contacts across the country, the extent of the outrage reaches 90 percent of the people of the Visayas and Mindanao and up to 70 percent of the people of Luzon.
The vast majority find the thought of a foreign judicial institution of dubious repute, the ICC, which has been rejected by the major powers of the world and particularly the African Union, many of whose members have been known to be objectionable to the Western Powers, have been selectively persecuted by it.
But has been allowed by the widely unpopular Bongbong Marcos government to victimize one of the most beloved national leaders of other country – former President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
The patently illegal arrest conducted by the chief of the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group General Nicolas Deloso Torre III on board a plane upon return of President Duterte from an election campaign tour of Filipino workers in Hong Kong violated all standard procedures of presentation of warrant of arrest, right to counsel.
It was conducted under the absolutely untenable claim of the jurisdiction of the ICC that has been invalidated by the Philippine withdrawal from the ICC which took effect in March 2019.
The ICC will do what it did to justify its existence, gladly engaging with the Filipino US Deep State chihuahuas like Trillanes and Gary Alejano while serving the pleasures of the ICC geopolitical masters.
A paper published by the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies (ACPSSII) describes the ICC roots, and the compromising sources of its funding:
The ICC was established in 2002 and functions as a court of last resort ‘to investigate and prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity when national courts are unable or unwilling to do so.’
So, the ICC exercises sovereignty over sovereign states that accept its jurisdiction, and this is why self-respecting states such as the U.S., Russia, China, Indonesia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar and 68 other UN members are not party to the ICC.
“Many states are compelled to join the ICC due to political and economic pressures and many articles and books have been written about it, such as “Is the ICC Targeting Africa Inappropriately?” or the book ‘The
ICC: A Political Tool? How the Rome Statute is Susceptible to the Pressures of More Power States.’
The article ‘The evolution of funding for the International Criminal Court: Budgets, donors and gender justice’ by Eric Wiebelhaus-Brahm &Kirsten Ainley states, ‘... the patterns of funding seen at the ICC support the claim that the Court remains, to a significant extent, a tool of powerful states.’
—“—
The vast majority find the thought of a foreign judicial institution of dubious repute, the ICC, which has been rejected by the major powers of the world
In 2017, the African Union called for the mass withdrawal of member states from the ICC. South Arica, Gambia, and Burundi have withdrawn but Gambia has rejoined.
The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in March 2018 after purely politicized efforts by anti-Duterte elements brought spurious issues to the ICC and it remains to be beyond the jurisdiction of the ICC to this day – despite this fact the anti-Duterte forces used the corrupt PNP to whisk President Duterte out of the country to The Hague.
The injustices which the ICC has committed against national leaders uncooperative with the Western Powers are many, among the first was Yugoslavia’s President Slobodan Milosevic who resisted the balkanization of his country by US President Clinton as a stage in the encirclement of Russia.
Yugoslavia and its center Serbia were bombed mercilessly by NATO, Milosevic captured and charged for genocide, died in detention an innocent victim of US aggression.
History eventually proved the innocence of Milosevic as many of the claims of genocide against him were proven to be US disinformation.
“The ICC issued warrants of arrest for Muammar Gaddafi to buttress then French President Nicolas Sarkozy and President Obama’s justification for the war on Libya.
“Gaddafi as eventually murdered by US backed terrorists.
“Fifteen years after the war President Sarkozy was exposed to have started the war to stop Gaddafi from revealing Libya’s € 50-million election donation to Sarkozy which continued after Sarkozy became president. These are a few examples of a long list of geopolitical victims of the ICC.”
Alterations in a contract of surety
(Last of two parts)
“IN the alternative, the Court of Appeals decreed that there was a substantial alteration in the conditions set forth in the Distributor Agreement, particularly as regards the credit term and credit limit.”
Under the Agreement, “[SBDI] granted PASSI a P5 million credit limit but this limit was increased to P8.5 Million [while] the original credit term… was for monthly deliveries[,] but… [SBDI] sought to collect covered deliveries made on
a daily/weekly basis, as shown by the invoices.”
“As decreed, not all changes in the principal contract would work to absolve a surety from liability.
“This liability is not extinguished when the modifications in the principal contract do not substantially or materially alter the principal’s obligations… [considering that] the touchstone for contrariety would be an irreconcilable incompatibility between the old and new obligations.”
on her face. Her eyebrows are slightly furrowed, and her mouth is open as if she is mid-sentence. She has a sagging jowl and deep lines from the side of the nose down to her jaw. She is seated comfortably in cushions and bags of money. She has servants fanning her at the side. There is a window near her. Outside the window is a scene of pandemonium with students collapsing from the heat while the sun smirks at them wickedly.
EDITORIAL
The Presidential vow
THIS week, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to intensify efforts to improve irrigation systems and expand agricultural support programs nationwide.
The country’s irrigation system, managed by the National Irrigation Administration, aims to irrigate 3.1 million hectares of agricultural land, with 65.28 percent currently developed for irrigation, including national, communal, and private systems.
The country’s irrigation development status at the end of 2021 is now at 65.28 percent out of the 3.128 million hectares of estimated total irrigable area nationwide
But the President has spoken, and many – those at the inauguration of the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative Grains Terminal and Trading Project in Batangas City – and beyond the area must have had bullish gratitude, particularly that scorching summer is on the farmers’ front yard.
Against the challenges posed by the country’s irrigation system, some buoyant feeling must have lifted up the farmers and their families to have heard the President reiterate the government’s commitment to enhance irrigation infrastructure, which he said is
“By the language of the contract, delivery was not set on a monthly basis. The phrase ‘equal monthly quantities’ referred to the volume of products which [SBDI] bound itself to deliver to PASSI per month and not on the frequency of delivery.”
Not all changes in the principal contract would work to absolve a surety from liability
As “to the second alleged material alteration pointed out by the Court of Appeals, i.e., the extension of the credit term from 15 days to
crucial to increasing agricultural productivity.
“We will intensify projects that will improve irrigation and water supply to be used at pump stations for more efficient and effective water flow to the fields,” the President said in Filipino, adding the government is allocating funds for the establishment of key agricultural facilities like warehouses and rice and corn mills.
The Marcos government plans to introduce more modern technologies to further foster production and address challenges in the agricultural sector
Farmers and their families and plain observers heard the President assure the public that the government would do everything in its power to ensure the success of
30 days by [SBDI] was deemed by the Court of Appeals to be more onerous to [WGC).”
“But this extension should actually give PASSI more time to settle its obligations and reduce the risk of default in the payment of its purchases. Consequently, this, too, is more favorable to [WGC] as surety.”
“Now, as for the alleged increase of PASSI’s credit limit from P5 million to P8.5 million, the records should be set straight. [WGC] was aware of the variance between the credit limit indicated in the Distributor Agreement (P5 Million) and the amount of performance bond actually applied for by PASSI (P8.5 Million).”
“In fact, [WGC] admitted that it
these initiatives, adding his government plans to introduce more modern technologies to further foster production and address challenges in the agricultural sector. What are these challenges?
They include under-performance, poor maintenance, and water scarcity, issues which impact on the agriculture sector and food security.
Their causes range from underdevelopment to mismanagement to environmental degradation, climate change, deforestation, and soil degradation – they have harmed the sustainability of irrigation systems – siltation to flooding to salinity, institutional and policy issues, which include conflicts among users and water delivery scheduling.
But there are solutions available, like improving maintenance and rehabilitation, improving watershed management, monitoring and enforcing policies, considering extreme weather conditions and exploring more efficient water management.
With the same decibel as the President’s vow was his emphasis on the need to provide farmers with the necessary support to facilitate the efficient delivery of their farm produce to the market.
Farmers cling to the President’s pledge.
issued the surety bond despite this variance because PASSI undertook to have the Distributor Agreement amended to increase its credit limit, albeit, it did not eventually succeed. But notwithstanding PASSI’s failure to have the contract amended, [WGC] cannot negate its liability under the contract of surety.”
“[WGC’s] theory that [SBDI] and PASSI colluded so that the former may run after [WGC’s] bond is specious.” “A creditor’s right to proceed against the surety exists independently of his right to proceed against the principal… [which means] that the creditor may proceed against any one of the solidary debtors or some or all of them simultaneously” (op. cit.) citing Article 1216 of the Civil Code).
This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format of a corpulent slug with the face of a middle-aged or older woman with medium-length dark hair with a serious or intense expression
MARCH 15, 2025
Court jails 8 for Hanoi fire that killed 56
TAKEDOWN PROTESTS. People participate in a protest against Elon Musk outside of a Tesla dealership in West Bloomfield, Michigan on Friday. US President Donald Trump’s senior advisor Tesla CEO Musk is leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which has cut thousands of government jobs and upended agencies, prompting numerous court challenges.In recent days, there have been a several peaceful ‘Tesla Takedown’ protests across the US, but there have also been several violent incidents that led to arrests. Trump told reporters on the White House South Lawn he will label violence against Tesla facilities as ‘domestic terrorism’ because ‘they’re harming a great American company.’ AFP
Canada rallies G7 vs. Russian ‘aggression’
HANOI – A Vietnamese court jailed eight people on Friday over a fire that tore through a Hanoi apartment block in 2023, killing 56 in the country’s deadliest blaze in two decades.
The building had only a single exit and no emergency ladder on the outside. Neighbours and residents reported hearing screams as people struggled to escape the flames through barred windows.
The owner of the nine-story block deserved “the most serious punishment” for the blaze in September 2023, the court in Hanoi said, convicting him of violating fire prevention regulations and jailing him for 12 years.
However, victims’ relatives said the sentence should have been longer.
Families were prevented from talking to the media outside the courthouse. One crying woman who was shouting that the sentence was not fair was pushed away.
“I am not happy with the verdict,” said Le Van, whose brother, sister-in-law and their child were killed in the blaze.
“They should be punished even more for what they have done to us,” she told AFP by phone, fighting back tears. The couple’s other child survived, she said, but had been forced to leave the capital to live with relatives in the countryside.
CHARLEVOIX – Canada called Thursday (Friday Manila time) on the Group of Seven powers to back Ukraine against Russia’s “aggression” as US President Donald Trump’s more conciliatory approach toward Moscow split the club of wealthy democracies. Canada, the current G7 president, is gathering foreign ministers for three days of talks inside a rustic hotel in snow-dusted Charlevoix, on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec. Once broadly unified, the G7 -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States -- has been rattled since the return of Trump, who has reached out to Russia and slapped punishing trade tariffs on close allies and competitors alike.
Before the full talks, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly sat down with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the highest-level US official to visit since the inauguration of Trump who has taunted the United States’ northern neighbor as the “51st state.” Canada put its mapleleaf flag next to the US Stars and Stripes in a meeting room where Joly and Rubio exchanged French-style pecks on the cheek and shook hands. They did not respond to questions and issued no statements. AFP
The actions of the apartment block owner Nghiem Quang Minh were “very dangerous”, the verdict said, “causing especially serious consequences in human lives and material damage”.
One of the four sides of the building, which was down a narrow alley in a densely populated area of the capital, had no windows at all and another had only tiny ventilation slots.
“Among those dead and injured were several children and people of the same family, causing huge pain,” the court said. AFP
WASHINGTON, DC – The US government was hours from shutting down Friday as Democrats smarting over President Donald Trump’s spending cuts threatened to block his federal funding plans -- although hopes were high for a resolution to the impasse.
Facing a Friday night (Saturday Manila time) deadline to fund the government or allow it to start winding down, the Senate is set to vote ahead of the midnight cut-off on a Trump-backed bill passed by the House of Representatives.
The deal would keep federal operations going for another six months, but Democrats are under pressure from their grassroots activists to defy Trump and reject a text they say is full of harmful spending cuts.
Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer -- who has long insisted that it is bad politics to shut down the government -- said he would support the bill, a move seen as improving its chances of success.
“President Trump and Republicans leaders would like nothing more than to pull us into the mud of a protracted government shutdown. For Donald Trump, a shutdown would be a gift,” Schumer said on the Senate floor.
“It would be the best distraction he could ask for from his awful agenda. Right now, Donald Trump owns the chaos in the government.” AFP
Myanmar troops under armed attack flee across border, says Thai military US shutdown threat piles funding pressure
BANGKOK – A group of Myanmar soldiers fled across the Thai border on Friday after an assault by an ethnic armed group ousted them from their base, Thailand’s military said. Myanmar has been riven by civil war after the military seized power in a 2021 coup, with the junta fighting an array of armed ethnic organizations and prodemocracy partisans.
Fighters from the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) attacked the Pulu Tu frontier military base in the early hours of Friday, the Thai military said.
“The Myanmar military defended the base but ultimately the KNLA successfully seized control,” it said in a statement.
“Several Myanmar soldiers were killed and some fled across the border into Thailand.”
The statement did not specify how many Myanmar soldiers had crossed the border into Thai-
land’s Tak province but said they had been “provided humanitarian assistance”.
KNLA forces seized the base around 3:00 am (2030 GMT Thursday), according to a spokesman for the organization’s political wing, the Karen National Union. The KNLA fighters took the base after Myanmar troops “abandoned their guns and ran into Thailand”, it said. A spokesman for the Myanmar junta could not be reached for comment.
The Pulu Tu base is around 80 kilometers north of the border town of Myawaddy, a vital trade node that became a battleground between anti-junta fighters and the military last year. The region is also the epicenter of the scam-center boom in Myanmar, where thousands of foreign nationals trawl the internet for victims to trick with romance or investment schemes. AFP
La Salle, FEU belles dispute 3rd spot in UAAP volley
3
DE LA SALLE and Far Eastern University, aiming for a better ranking at the end of first round, dispute solo third spot today (Saturday) in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Both sporting 4-2 records, the Lady Spikers and the Tamaraws are going all out in the 3 p.m. match as the winner will keep within reach of the pacesetters.
Defending champion National University (6-0) and University of Santo Tomas (5-1) clash in a rematch of last season’s Finals Sunday at the Big Dome.
Ateneo and University of the East, mired at the bottom of the standings with 1-5 and 0-6 records, try to close out their challenging first round campaigns on a high note at 1 p.m.
After losing two of their first three matches to open the season, De La Salle and FEU were able to remain in the upper half of the standings.
The Lady Spikers were able to pick up three straight victories with the league’s third-leading scorer Angel Canino and Shevana Laput leading the charge. Despite the short turnaround after last Wednesday’s 25-15, 25-14, 2025, 25-19 conquest of Ateneo, De La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus is looking forward for an ideal preparation for its first round finale.
Well rested after playing a stretch of three matches in one week, the Lady Tamaraws were perfect during that span that tested their character behind Gerzel Petallo and Congo’s Faida Bakanke.
“Lahat naman ng teams, nirereview namin at pinapagaaralan namin kung ano bang advantage ang puwede namin makuha sa kanila at bibigyan namin ng magandang laban ang FEU,” said De Jesus.
The Lady Tamaraws hope to capitalize on their week-long break to handle the Lady Spikers.
INQUIRER sports editor
Francis T. J. Ochoa has been elected president of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA), the country’s oldest media organization.
Ochoa takes over from Philippine Star sports editor Nelson Beltran, whose term saw the PSA soar to newer heights.
Alcaraz clips Cerundolo, puts 3-peat bid on track
INDIAN WELLS—Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz fought off determined challenger Francisco Cerundolo 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) on Thursday to reach the semi-finals of the Indian Wells ATP Masters.
On another cold, blustery night in the California desert, Alcaraz battled back from 1-4 down in the second set, coming up with a break and two love service holds to force the tiebreaker as he kept his bid to join Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic as the only men to win three straight Indian Wells titles on track.
Alcaraz had to save break points in each of his first three service games. But after an emphatic hold for 4-3 he gained the first break of the contest with a deft volley and just like that he was serving for the first set.
After sliding to pop a drop volley winner over the net for set point Alcaraz drilled a deep forehand that Cerundolo could barely get a racquet on.
But it was Cerundolo who broke first in the second, finally converting his ninth break point of the match then holding for 4-1. But he couldn’t hold off the world
number three, who raced to a 5-2 lead in the tiebreaker on the way to victory.
“It was really difficult for me to start the match,” said Alcaraz, who looked less comfortable in the windy weather than he did just a day before.
“He got a lot of chances in the first set,” Alcaraz said. “I’m just pleased about saving all of them and taking the only one that I had.
“I didn’t hit the ball as clear as yesterday, but I just did what I had to and that’s what it’s about.”
Alcaraz next faces Britain’s Jack Draper, who reached his first Masters 1000 semi-final with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over American Ben Shelton.
Draper took the opening set with one break of serve then rallied from 0-3 down in a second-set slug-fest.
Shelton’s 32 unforced errors included five double-faults— including one to hand Draper a break
for 6-5 in the second. Russian Daniil Medvedev, runner-up to Alcaraz each of the past two years, rallied from a break down in a wild, wind-blown final set to beat Arthur Fils 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (9/7). The world number six booked a semi-final meeting with Denmark’s Holger Rune, a 5-7, 6-0, 6-3 winner over Tallon Griekspoor. AFP
5 teams to crowd Stallions for crown
By Peter Atencio
AFTER winning the Philippine Football Federation Women’s Cup last December, Stallion Laguna FC is getting ready for its next challenge -defend its PFF Women’s League 2025.
Coach Finn McDaniel said this will be their next goal following their successful campaign last season.
“We’re defending our title. Our past campaigns have been good,” said McDaniel following the official launch on Friday of the PFF Women’s League 2025 at the Studio 300 along Chino Roces Ave. in Makati City. Five other teams will crowd the Stallions for the title, namely the Capital1 Solar Strikers, Makati FC, Kaya FC-Iloilo, University of Santo Tomas and the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons. Finn’s sisters Olivia and Chandler are returning three months after Stallion Laguna FC beat Kaya FC-Iloilo, 1-0, in the final of the PFF Women’s Cup last December at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. Another McDaniel, Kayla, is coming in, along with national team player Kaya Hawkinson.
Also joining the Stallions are FilAmerican Malia Cerdon, a new member of the national squad, along with US-based players Madison Samilo and Jenna Mills.
Organized by the National Capital Region Football Association, the tournament starts on March 22 at the Mall of Asia rooftop football pitch. Chandler, who scored the winning goal in the second minute of the game last December and was named as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, will surely make her presence felt.
The Capital1 Solar Strikers, formed three weeks ago to replace the Manila Diggers, will challenge the Stallions, who fought them for the crown back in 2023.
The Strikers are managed by the Romero sisters, Milka and Mandy, and coached by multi-titled Far Eastern University mentor Let Dimzon. In the roster are former collegiate standouts Judie Arevalo, Yasmin Elauria, Regine Rebosura and Hazel Lustan, and Lyka Teves. They will be backed by foreign players Emma Young and Arianna Del Moral, who played for teams in the US. Officials of the Philippine Football Federation, led by its president John Gutierrez and secretary general Gelix Mercader, lauded National Capital Region Football Association head Mico Gutierrez for the NCRFA’s efforts in organizing the event.
Lawa-an edges Agoncilo, makes Little League Series finale
EMERGING baseball power
Lawa-an, Eastern Samar pulled off a stunning 3-1 victory against Agoncillo, Batangas and advanced to the championship match in the Little League Philippine Series (Junior division) at the Kamagsangkay Culture and Sports Complex in Pambujan, Northern Samar.
Coming off a historic sweep in the Group A elimination round, the Lawaan batters displayed will and determination in shutting down Agoncillo in the final
Inquirer sports editor Ochoa voted PSA president
Jasmine W. Payo, the Rappler sports editor, was named vice president while Manila Bulletin sports editor Ramon Bonilla was appointed secretary general. The other officers, who will serve a two-year term, are Spin.PH’s Gerry Ramos (treasurer), Abante Tonite’s Ramil Cruz (auditor) and Manila Times’ Emil Noguera (assistant secretary). Beltran will assume the post of chairman of the board, which will include sports editors Dodo Catacutan (Spin.PH), Rey Lachica (Tempo), Jun Lomibao (Business Mirror), Riera Mallari (Manila Standard), Jimmy Cantor (Malaya), Celest Flores-Colina (Inquirer.net), Dino Maragay (PhilStar.com), Julius Manicad (Daily Tribune), Ed Andaya (People’s Tonight), Ferds delos Santos (Abante) and Beth Repizo (Pilipino Star Ngayon) and assistant sports editors Musong R. Castillo (Philippine Daily
Inquirer) and Abac Cordero (Philippine Star). Ochoa, born in Cagayan de Oro but also tracing his roots to Cebu, has been sports editor for the Inquirer for nearly a decade. He is also active in the journalism lecture circuit.
Among his plans is to fully implement the PSA Charter drafted and approved during the Beltran administration and further enhancing the PSA’s public relevance. The PSA board will be formed into several committees that will further push the group’s projects and agenda. The new officers and board will be inducted on Tuesday after the weekly PSA Forum.
frame as the Parker Incisomanaged squad secured the victory.
Lawa-an will play Tanauan in the do-or-tie titular match.
“Victory secured—now, we set our sights on the championship,” said Inciso. Playing under the Samahang Beysbol-Softball ng Lawaan (SBBL), the squad was so impressive in the elimination round where they swept the Group stage via mercy-rule against Maguindanao, 18-0; Davao City, 15-10 and host Northern Samar, 14-3.
Members of the Stallion Laguna are shown during the team’s presentation.
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates his win. AFP
Members of the Lawa-an team
PSA
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
UAAP mulling guest teams in high school tournaments
By Peter Atencio
ORGANIZERS of the University
Athletic Association of the Philippines are toying with the idea of adding guest school teams in the high school division.
The idea stemmed from the participation of non-UAAP teams Southridge of Muntinlupa and Claret School of Quezon City in the ongoing 74th UAAP boys’ football meet at the University of the Philippines pitch at the Diliman campus in Quezon City.
“This is an experiment. So far, it’s doing well,” said UAAP Football Commissioner Rely San Agustin.
The Southridge Admirals are a step closer into entering the Final Four, after beating Claret School of Quezon City, 3-0.
The Admirals now have a 3-1-5 win-draw-loss record, going into their final game in the elimination round.
Agustin said that their move to add guest squads are being done at the high school level in football because for so many years, only four schools are competing.
Organizers are hopeful that they can expand this in other junior level events next year.
“We will stick with this muna,” added San Agustin.
In the future, football-savvy schools like Don Bosco and Xavier School could come in if the UAAP’s guest program works well.
Lady Altas seek 5th win in a row
By Dennis Abrina
THE Perpetual Help Lady Altas aim for their fifth consecutive win when they face the Emilio Aguinaldo College Lady Generals on Saturday in the NCAA Season 100 Women’s Indoor Volleyball Tournament at the Arellano Gym in Legarda, Manila.
Lady Altas coach Sandy Rieta hopes to extend their winning streak in order to boost their morale as they approach the second round.
The Lady Altas enter the match following a four-set 2512, 25-15, 21-25, 26-24 victory against Arellano University on March 7.
On the other hand, the Lady Generals suffered their third loss in four games, falling to the Mapua Lady Cardinals in a five-set match, 25-27, 21-25, 25-22, 25-19, 10-15.
Rieta, a Cavite native, will once again rely on rookie Jemalyn Menor, who scored 19 points against the Lady Chiefs, including 18 attack points and one service ace.
Key players Shaila Omipon, middle blockers Winnie Bedaña and Bea Uy, open hitters Pauline Reyes and Camille Bustamante, setter Fianne Ariola, and liberos Jodi Lozano and Marian Andal are also expected to contribute. Meanwhile, the defending champion Perpetual Help Altas men’s spikers seek to rebound from a five-set loss to Arellano University when they battle the EAC Generals at 3 p.m.
Asusano, Mangliwan lead PH to 5 golds in world para meet
By Randy M. Caluag
PARALYMPIC standouts Cendy Asusano and Jerrold Mangliwan powered the Philippines to an impressive campaign at the 2025 New Delhi World Para Athletics Grand Prix in India, securing five gold medals for Team Philippines, along with six silvers and four bronzes.
Asusano delivered a stellar performance, sweeping all her events, including the Women’s Javelin Throw F53, F54, F56, the Discus Throw F54, and the Shot Put F54.
Meanwhile, Mangliwan dominated the track, winning gold in the Men’s 400m T52, T53, T54, and 800m T52, T53, T54. He also claimed silver in the
Men’s 1500m T52, T53, T54, and 100m T52, T53, T54. The 34-year-old Asusano, a wheelchair thrower, kicked off her campaign with a gold medal in the Women’s Shot Put F54, recording a 5.91m throw to outclass India’s Keerthika Jayachandran, who registered 5.46m.
Her fellow Filipina Marites Burce managed 4.73m.
Asusano followed it up with another gold in the Women’s Javelin Throw F54, F56, recording 14.79m.
Although India’s Fatima Khatoon posted a longer throw of 15.88m, the Raza point system, a World Para Athletics handicapping method, awarded the gold to Asusano due to her classification disadvantage.
The Philippines also secured several silver medals through Rosalie Torrefiel in the Women’s Discus Throw F11, Cyril Ongcoy in the Men’s 1500m T11, T12, and Arvie Arreglado in the Men’s 100m T47.
Marites Burce contributed two
silver medals in the Women’s Discus Throw F54 and Women’s Shot Put F54.
Meanwhile, Maekel Lita added a bronze in the Men’s Discus Throw F56, F57, while King James Reyes secured a bronze in the Men’s 1500m T46.
Other members of the Philippine squad included Jesebel Tordecilla, Ronn Russel Mitra, Jolan Camacho, Evaristo Carbonel, and Christian Ebrahim Asis.
They were joined by Philspada Secretary General Goody Custodio, head coach Joel Deriada, and assistant coaches Bernard Buen, Ernie Candelario, and Pacifico Tolentino.
Olympiad veteran Canino grabs share of chess lead
OLYMPIAD veteran Ruelle Canino
waylaid Yuri Paraguya to seize a share of lead with Phil Martin Casiguran after three rounds of the premier Under-18 open section of the National Age Group Chess Championships at the FPJ Arena in San Jose, Batangas. Canino, who beat women Grandmasters in last year’s Budapest Olympiad, now has three points in joining Casiguran, who smashed Khent Lourence Canas, at the helm of this three-day event sponsored by CoinEx.
The winner per category of this meet, which drew a total of 502 participants from all over the country, will represent the country in the Asian Schools Chess Championships slated
Pangasinan mauls Bulacan, seizes solo MPBL lead
THE Pangasinan Heatwaves turned hot from the start and torched the Bulacan Kuyas, 91-51 , on Friday to grab the early lead in the Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna. Way ahead, 45-20, at the half, the Heatwaves kept on grinding behind Michael Mabulac, Michael Digregorio and homegrown Kriss Kelly Gurtiza to notch their second straight win in the round-robin elimination round of the 30team tournament.
Mabulac tallied 14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists to earn best player honors over Digregorio, who finished with 12 points and 2 rebounds, and Gurtiza, who notched 12 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals for Coach Jerson Cabiltes. Vic Manuel flexed his muscles with 11 points and 4 rebounds, while Jerald Bautista chalked 8 points and 5 rebounds for the Heatwaves, who posted their biggest margin at the buzzer. The Kuyas got 17 points and 8 rebounds from RR De Leon and 13 points plus 8 rebounds
from Jebb Bulawan, but still got clobbered off the boards, 39-55. Thriving underneath, the Heatwaves pumped in 52 points against only 28 for the Kuyas. They also scored 23 from turnovers against only 7 for the Kuyas.
The MPBL goes to the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City on Saturday, with games pitting Quezon City against Valenzuela at 4 p.m., Manila against Rizal at 6 p.m., and Nueva Ecija against Basilan at 8 p.m.
Dec. 1 to 11 in Bangkok, Thailand. Grandmaster Eugene Torre, host Mayor Ben Patron and Rep. Mark Lester Patron, NCFP chief executive officer GM Jayson Gonzales, WGM Janelle Mae Frayna and CoinEx Filipino country manager Del Omasas ushered in the tournament in simple rites. Canino was half a point ahead of a five-player group paced by top
FIDE
Arca,
seed
Master Christian Gian Karlo
who was slowed down by a draw with John Cyrus Borce. April Joy Claros defeated Sara Dalagan to lead the way in the girls ‘ U18 alongside Jersey Marticio and Kate Nicole Ordizo with perfect three
Members of the Philippine Para Team are shown before boarding their flight to India for the 2025 New Delhi World Para Athletics Grand Prix.
Host Mayor Ben Patron with GM Eugene Torre
Michael Mabulac turns hot for the Pangasinan Heatwaves.
WOMEN’SMONTH.
In support of the 2025 National Women’s Month celebration, women employees of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) participate in a Zumba session at the General Luna Street, DOLE Central Office, Intramuros, Manila. The wellness activity, scheduled every Wednesday during March, is part of the department’s diverse Women’s Month initiatives, which include learning sessions on women’s rights and wellness, a livelihood bazaar and a film showing/discussion series. Source: DOLE
BOP surplus in 2024
$609 million -$17.54 billion
Current account deficit in 2024
57.29 a dollar
Average peso-dollar exchange rate
Current account deficit widens 41% to $17.5b
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Philippines’ balance of payments (BOP) position recorded a surplus of $609 million in 2024, lower than $3.7 billion in 2023 due to larger current account deficit. Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that the current account deficit widened by 41.4 percent to $17.5 billion, equivalent to -3.8 percent of the gross domestic product in 2024 from $12.4 billion or -2.8 percent of GDP in 2023.
“The higher current account deficit emanated from lower net receipts in trade in services and a higher deficit in trade in goods. However, this was offset partly by higher net receipts in the primary and secondary income accounts,” the BSP said. The capital account recorded net receipts amounting to $72 million in 2024, which was 2.9 percent lower than $74 million recorded in 2023. This developed on the back of lower net receipts in the national government’s other capital transfers at $67 million from $70 million.
The financial account posted $17.6 billion net inflows, or net borrowing by residents from the rest of the world, in 2024, higher by 29.6 percent than $13.6 billion net inflows in 2023. This was driven by the reversal of the portfolio investment account to net inflows from net outflows and higher net inflows in the direct investment account. Meanwhile, the gross international reserves (GIR) amounted to $106.3 billion as of end-2024. This was higher than $103.8 billion level registered as of end-2023.
The peso averaged at 58.15 against the US dollar in the fourth quarter of 2024, depreciating by 1.5 percent from an average of 57.25 in the third quarter.
The BSP said the peso also depreciated 3.6 percent year-on-year from an average of 56.06 in the fourth quarter 2023. “For the full year of 2024, the peso averaged 57.29/ $1, reflecting a 2.9-percent depreciation from the 2023 average of 55.63/ $1,” the BSP said.
PH among fastest-growing trade hubs in Asia, says DHL
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippines is set to become one of Asia’s fastest-growing trade hubs, according to the latest DHL Trade Atlas Report 2025.
DHL Express Asia Pacific chief executive Ken Lee said in a virtual regional briefing Friday that global trade is expected to grow at a slightly faster pace over the next five years despite the economic uncertainties.
He said these uncertainties are driving more resilient and diverse supply chains, benefiting economies like the Philippines.
“India, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines are set to be the future growth leaders. The region, particularly South Asia and Southeast Asia, is positioned for much faster trade
volume growth than other parts of the world,” Lee said. Forecasts indicate that between 2024 and 2029, the Philippines will rank among the top 30 globally in both speed and scale of trade growth, alongside India, Vietnam and Indonesia.
The Philippines is also expected to leap 114 positions to rank 15th on the speed dimension, and rise from 68th to 30th on the scale dimension.
The surge is attributed to the country’s ability to capitalize on supply chain shifts and diversification strategies.
Steven A. Altman, senior research scholar and director of the DHL Initiative on Globalization at NYU Stern, said the Philippines is forecast to achieve a 7.4-percent compounded annual trade volume growth rate over the next five years.
He said that in absolute volume terms, this translates into an estimated increase of $88 billion in trade value.
Altman said that while geopolitical tensions such as declining trade between the US and China have slightly shifted global trade patterns, overall trade remains on an upward trajectory, albeit slower.
“The world economy is far from a complete split along geopolitical lines. Instead, we’re seeing recordhigh average trade distances, reflecting the sustained interconnectedness of global markets,” Altman said.
INAUGURAL AWARD. The Board of Investments (BOI) hosts the inaugural Gawad Bayanihan sa Pamumuhunan Milestone Event at Malacañang in Manila on March 13, 2025, recognizing the outstanding contributions of national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) in facilitating strategic investments across the country. President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., who served as the event’s keynote speaker, cited the need for seamless coordination between agencies to drive economic growth and national development.
Ayala Corp. spending P230b in 2025 to expand businesses
By Jenniffer B. Austria
CONGLOMERATE Ayala Corp. said Friday it earmarked P230 billion for 2025 capital expenditures to support the expansion plans of its core real estate, power generation and telecommunication businesses.
Ayala said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board of directors approved the issuance of up P20 billion via a preferred shares offering to help fund this year’s capital spending.
Bulk of the spending will go to the group’s property unit Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) which earmarked P95 billion to roll out more malls, hotels and residential projects. Power generation arm AC Energy (ACEN) allotted P70
billion in capital spending, up 44 percent from last year’s P48.7 billion to support incoming pipeline projects.
Globe Telecom Inc. will also spend P46.6 billion, lower than the 2024 spending of P56.2 billion, while AC Mobility will invest P3.8 billion this year, up by 125 percent from P1.7 billion in 2024 as it ramps up inventory, dealership and EV charging infrastructure.
Ayala Corp. reported a net income of P42 billion in 2024, up 10 percent from 2023. Excluding one-off items, core net income increased 10 percent to an all-time high of P45 billion.
“2024 was Ayala’s strongest year ever. We continue to be reliant on our core business units but 2025 should be an inflection point for our smaller and
US bank still bullish on PH growth opportunities
THE economic prospects in the Philippines remain strong amid a changing global market, according to Citi Philippines chief country officer and banking head Paul Favila.
Favila made the statement during Citi Philippines’ annual Perspectives event for market clients with the theme “Navigating Economic Growth Amidst Geopolitical Shifts.” Favila said in his opening remarks that as the world’s most global bank, Citi is in a unique position to help clients navigate these geo-political shifts.
“The Philippines is a key market for Citi, and we are able to leverage our local knowledge and longstanding
presence in the country with our global insights to enable clients to grow globally,” he said. Around 80 clients attended the forum which featured speakers including Johanna Chua, Citi‘s head of emerging market economics and chief Asia economist; Nalin Chutchotitham, Citi economist for Thailand and the Philippines; and Blake Herzinger, director for policy, strategy and advocacy, government affairs for Japan, Asia North and Australia and Asia South. Looking into 2025, Citi Research adjusted Philippines’ GDP growth forecast from 6.0 percent to 5.9 percent due to the slightly softer momentum coming from 2024.
newer businesses. We will continue to build a more concentrated, collaborative and connected Ayala and grow businesses that deliver long-term shareholder value,” Ayala president and chief executive Cezar Consing said.
ALI’s net income grew 15 percent to P28.2 billion on the back of solid growth across its business units.
Globe’s core net income, which excludes non-recurring charges, foreign exchange and mark-to-market charges, improved 14 percent to P21.5 billion in 2024
ACEN’s profit accelerated 27 percent to P9.4 billion, driven by higher attributable renewables output, and supported by P2.8 billion in value realization gains.
for future industry development.
The decision to transfer followed a comprehensive review of operational needs and space utilization, aligning with APECO’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
The new office is designed to promote collaboration and support APECO’s mission of attracting foreign investments, generating jobs and advancing sustainable development, it said.
Othel V. Campos
and
MGreen eyes backdoor listing through SPNEC
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE board of Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) approved the selection of advisers for the planned backdoor listing of its renewable energy subsidiary MGEN Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen) on the Philippine Stock Exchange.
The listing could occur through SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC).
“We would like to clarify that Meralco Powergen Corp. (MGEN) is currently evaluating the potential initial public offering [IPO] of MGEN Renewable Energy Inc. [MGreen], which may include the possibility of injecting assets into SPNEC,” Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said in a disclosure.
MGEN is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meralco, the country’s largest power retailer.
MGreen plans to join the stock exchange through a backdoor listing via SPNEC.
Meralco is considering an IPO for MGreen due to its portfolio of renewable energy power plants, specifically solar and wind projects, while also boosting SPNEC’s assets.
“As part of this review, the MGEN board has approved the engagement of professional advisers to assist in
assessing the feasibility and structure of such a transaction,” Meralco said.
MGreen has a net sellable generating capacity of 397.3 megawatts (MW) of pure renewable energy.
It also holds a stake in SPNEC, which has a controlling interest in Terra Solar Philippines Inc., the company developing MTerra Solar in Nueva Ecija.
Once completed, MTerra Solar will be the world’s largest integrated solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage system, with a capacity of 3,500 megawatts peak solar energy and 4,500 megawatts alternating current battery.
MGreen targets an initial 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy portfolio.
The MGEN group had a combined net sellable capacity of 4,912 MW from traditional and renewable sources, including MGreen, as of February 2025.
DMCI’s net income dropped 21% to P19b in 2024
By Jenniffer B. Austria
DMCI Holdings Inc. reported a net income of P19 billion in 2024, a 21-percent decline from P24 billion in 2023 on mixed results from core businesses.
DMCI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday the weaker commodities and electricity prices, lower construction accomplishments and slump in real estate market contributed to the decline in 2024 profit.
It said the record-high water utility and off-grid power contributions, along with all-time high highest-ever coal shipments and power generation, helped cushion the decline.
“While some of our key businesses continue to face headwinds, our diversified portfolio helped mitigate the impact of challenging market conditions,” DMCI Holdings chairman and president Isidro Consunji said.
“In 2025, we remain focused on
DA seizes P2.83-b illicit products in stronger agri smuggling campaign
By Othel V. Campos
THE Department of Agriculture’s Inspectorate and Enforcement (DAIE) unit said it intensified its campaign against agricultural smuggling in 2024, conducting 71 operations that led to P2.83 billion worth of seized illicit goods—nearly a billion more than in 2023.
DA Undersecretary Carlos Carag reported the unit’s largest single seizure of P1.9 billion in imported rice intercepted during the first border inspection, followed by fisheries products worth P316.4 million.
“Last year’s operations exposed regulatory gaps that must
be addressed and procedures that need streamlining to curb agricultural smuggling,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.
He said the newly-enacted AntiAgricultural Economic Sabotage Act equips the DA with stronger tools to combat illicit trade that threatens farmers’ livelihoods and public health.
The DAIE collaborates with other agencies such as the Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Animal Industry and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to ensure regulatory compliance.
Eleven inspections between Jan. 19, 2024 and June 5, 2024
uncovered 32,825 metric tons of undervalued imported rice, resulting in a P285.3-million tax assessment.
Other interdictions included preventing the recycling of 90.2 metric tons of condemned meat valued at P74.9 million, while in Santa Maria, Bulacan, DAIE oversaw the destruction of P102.2 million worth of confiscated Chinese frozen food and black chicken.
A May border inspection uncovered 99.9 metric tons of contraband meat and other products worth P100 million at unlicensed cold storage facilities in Kawit, Cavite.
Meanwhile, Navotas inspections revealed P35.9 million
worth of white onions, P13.5 million worth of carrots and P44,000 worth of tomatoes and mushrooms.
A joint operation in Subic in September seized P115 million worth of white onions and P8.4 million worth of cigarettes, and in November, inspections at the Port of Manila led to the confiscation of P178.5 million worth of frozen mackerel, which was later donated to Typhoon Kristine victims after passing safety tests.
A raid in Marilao, Bulacan, uncovered smuggled goods, including rotten onions, garlic, pigeon meat, and frozen bullfrogs, valued at P100 million.
Pueblo de Oro expands financial literacy program
PUEBLO De Oro Development Corp. (PDO) expanded its financial literacy program beyond its successful initial implementation in the municipality of Malvar and the cities of Lipa and Batangas in Batangas province.
The program now reached Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu, reinforcing the company’s commitment to community empowerment and financial education.
PDO, in collaboration with the BDO Foundation, conducted financial literacy sessions in Barangay Babag, Lapu-Lapu City. The workshops, held at Babag National High School, focused on the Basics of Personal Finance and benefited over 240 residents.
The sessions marked the conclusion of a series of workshops that capped the year 2024, with plans to expand to other areas where ICCP Group companies operate.
It is one of Pueblo de Oro’s key initiatives, aligning with its broader mission to foster sustainable and empowered communities.
Beyond financial education, PDO actively
supports livelihood programs that provide capital, training, and continuous monitoring to individuals and groups facing employment challenges.
These programs aim to create sustainable income sources and enhance economic stability within local communities.
PDO also champions environmental conservation through seminars and initiatives that promote green practices. These efforts underscore the company’s dedication to fostering eco-friendly, sustainable communities.
Pueblo de Oro’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach, through its social development arm the ICCP Group Foundation Inc. integrates real estate development with community enrichment. By implementing mindful initiatives, the company ensures holistic growth and meaningful contributions to the localities it serves.
Expanding its footprint in Cebu, PDO developed a thriving 30-hectare mixed-use and residential community in
City.
strengthening our group ecosystem with the addition of the cement segment, enhancing operational efficiencies and deploying targeted sales approaches to adapt to evolving market dynamics,” said Consunji.
Net income in the fourth quarter went down 14 percent to P3.8 billion from P4.4 billion in the same quarter in 2023 largely due to weaker contributions from the integrated energy, real estate and construction businesses.
DENR, UK vow to develop PH blue economy
DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom for its strong support through the Blue Planet Fund (BPF).
UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs David Lammy met with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and other officials during an official visit to the Philippines on March 8 to promote enhanced partnerships between the two nations.
The visit resulted in the signing of a joint framework agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation in key areas such as economic development, defense and regional security, climate change adaptation and mitigation and biodiversity conservation among others.
Loyzaga thanked the UK and other development partners in promoting regional and global stability, as well as long-term peace and prosperity.
“Although we may be small in terms of land mass, both the Philippines and the UK are large ocean nations with some of the longest coastlines in the world,” she said. The Philippines and the UK share the characteristics of being small, blue, archipelagic nations with vast ocean territories.
The development of the blue economy has enormous potential for the Philippines, as 86 percent of its territory is water.
Loyzaga and Lammy, during the Blue Horizon: Accelerating UK-Philippines Blue Economy Partnership panel discussion, noted their countries’ shared values and commitment to the inclusive, sustainable economic development of ocean resources, while upholding a rules-based international order and safeguarding critical ecosystems.
Both the UK and the Philippines rely on the health and biodiversity of their seas and waterways for food, livelihoods and security.
Launched in 2021, the UK’s Blue Planet Fund supports developing countries in protecting marine environments and combating poverty.
The fund focuses on climate adaptation, tackling plastic pollution, promoting blue carbon initiatives, and preserving natural systems and biodiversity.
Loyzaga said two out of eight significant programs are supported by the BPF. The first program centers on enhancing sustainable livelihoods by improving the management of marine protected areas in the Verde Island Passage, the Calamianes Islands in Palawan, and the Tañon Strait between Negros and Cebu.
Lapu-Lapu
QUICK AND READY. Officials and employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Office shows earthquake readiness, during the 1st Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on March 13, 2025. The activity involved disaster preparedness activities including the ‘Duck, Cover and Hold’ organized office evacuation and moving to the designated emergency operation center for west quadrant located at the Intramuros Golf Course.
TECHNICAL EXPERTS. The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) convenes its technical advisory council members to improve actuarial assumptions and refine the disease coverage selection process. The council members include Dr. Tessa Tan-Torres Edejer, Dr. Carlo Irwin Panelo, Honesto Nuqui Jr., Dr. Michael Tee, Dr. Valerie Gilbert Ulep, Dr. Vivencio Jose Villaflor and Henry Aguda.
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025
extrastory2000@gmail.com
RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor
ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
DTI vows to make PH global investment hub
By Othel V. Campos
THE Department of Trade and Indus-
try (DTI) said Friday it will strive to drive a robust investment pipeline to solidify the country’s position as a premier global investment hub.
It said the Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC) engaged with investors on 247 projects estimated at $76 billion as of January 2025.
Around 51 projects reached advanced stages, of which 28 companies either registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or were working with investment promotion agencies. About 23 started commercial operations.
The investments span critical in-
dustries including manufacturing, IT-BPM, renewable energy, data centers, retail, agriculture and telecommunications.
Aligned with the administration’s economic agenda, the FTSC plays a crucial role in converting high-level trade and economic missions into job-generating investments.
The agency not only facilitates business entry, but also ensures commitments translate into tangible economic benefits.
The Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTICs) assisted over 1,900 exporters, helping local companies and MSMEs access new markets and secure international buyers in 2024.
CebuPac’s passengers up 26% in February
By Darwin G. Amojelar
CEBU Pacific said Friday its passenger volume rose 26.3 percent in February 2025 from a year ago, driven by an increase in seat capacity.
Data from the airline unit of the Gokongwei Group showed it carried 2.2 million passengers in February, up from 1.72 million passengers a year earlier.
Seat load factor (SLF) improved to 86.8 percent from 85.3 percent last year, while seat capacity grew 24.1 percent.
Domestic passengers increased 28.9 percent to 1.61 million on the back of 27.3-percent growth in seats, with a SLF of 88.1 percent.
International passenger traffic grew 19.6 percent to 560,000 yearon-year, supported by a 16.1-percent increase in seats, which allowed a 2.4-percentage-point growth in SLF
GCash, NPC sign deal to promote data privacy awareness among subscribers
GCASH, the country’s leading finance super app, signed an agreement with the National Privacy Commission (NPC) to enhance data privacy awareness and provide data privacy-related educational resources across the Philippines.
The mobile wallet said that in line with its mission to provide secure and accessible financial solutions, it aims to inform and educate its users on data privacy by utilizing the app’s features to effectively reach more Filipinos.
“This MOA with NPC underscores our commitment to upholding the highest standards of data privacy and security, strengthening the trust and confidence of our users,” said RenRen Reyes, president and chief executive of G-Xchange Inc.
“We look forward to implementing robust measures in increasing awareness on data privacy by providing the tools and knowledge that Filipinos
need to make informed decisions in safeguarding their personal information. Through public-private collaborations, we aim to foster a secure digital environment for all,” NPC commissioner John Henry Naga said.
The MOA aims to elevate data privacy education and promote compliance with the Data Privacy Act (DPA). As part of the agreement, GCash will incorporate NPC-provided privacy awareness and educational materials into the app’s privacy choices feature, allowing its users to learn about the DPA.
The agreement reinforces GCash’s vision of creating a secure digital landscape and promoting financial inclusion. By equipping users with privacy tools and educational resources, the collaboration aims to empower individuals to navigate the digital economy securely and confidently.
Darwin G. Amojelar
to 83.3 percent.
Cebu Pacific said that in the first two months of 2025, it flew 4.7 million passengers, a 30-percent increase from 3.6 million in 2024.
Domestic passengers grew 31.9 percent to 3.5 million, while international passengers increased 25 percent to 1.2 million. SLF averaged 86.7 percent, while overall capacity in seats grew 27.8 percent to 5.5 million.
“February traffic remained strong, surpassing capacity expansion and improving seat load factor across both our domestic and international
UPGRADED VIABILITY.
Land Bank of the Philippines receives an upgraded viability rating (VR) from Fitch Ratings, rising from ‘bb’ to ‘bb+’, reflecting the bank’s improved standalone financial strength. This highlights the bank’s stronger capital buffers and enhanced profitability outlook. Fitch also reaffirmed LandBank’s longterm issuer default rating (IDR) at ‘BBB’/stable’ and government support rating (GSR) at ‘bbb’, reflecting the bank’s systemic importance, full state ownership and continued strong government support.
networks,” said Candice Iyog, chief marketing and customer experience officer of Cebu Pacific.
“Considering that February is typically not a peak travel month for most Filipinos, these results reinforce our confidence that the market has already absorbed the additional capacity we’ve introduced since the third quarter of last year,” she said.
The airline offers the widest network coverage in the Philippines with 37 domestic and 26 international destinations. It operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, with a fleet of 98 aircraft.
CICC warns about rising threat of deepfakes, cyberattacks ahead of elections
THE Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) warned about the rising threat from deepfakes and cyberattacks, particularly ahead of mid-term elections and amid the increasing use of artificial intelligence.
“We, in DITO Business, are honored to be
of GSMA and this groundbreaking Open Gateway initiative, Connectivity is the backbone of progress, and true innovation happens when networks, businesses, communications service providers, developers, and system integrators collaborate in an open and secure environment,” said Adel Tamano, chief revenue officer for enterprise of DITO Telecommunity. Julian Gorman, GSMA head of Asia Pacific, said the collaboration underlines the transformative power of GSMA Open Gateway.
“Elections are just a few weeks away, and I think that’s the thing that we have to address right now, because it will spell the big difference of how we’re going to go into the future of the country,” said CICC executive-director Alexander Ramos.
“We are facing a challenge on
The agency said it was detecting 200 to 300 deepfakes daily as it stressed the urgency of addressing the issue to safeguard the country’s future.
THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) convened their first Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) meeting to advance their technical cooperation project aimed at strengthening the financial resilience of public assets against natural disasters.
The meeting marks a milestone in the three-year project titled “Strengthening Financial Resilience of Public Assets to Natural Disasters by Improvement of Public Insurance,” which was launched in May 2024 following a November 2023 agreement.
“This joint effort is not just about protecting the future of government assets. With a robust insurance framework, this collaborative mission is a proactive approach in demonstrating the GSIS commitment to build a stronger and safer nation through
artificial intelligence and deepfakes creating havoc,” he said.
The CICC said to combat the proliferation of deepfakes it is working with stakeholders to establish a nationwide task force comprising representatives from government agencies, technology companies, media organizations, educational institutions and civil society.
“We are now working on some guidelines on the reporting mechanism for this. But the tools we have acquired are for distribution,” Ramos said.
The CICC said it recently procured new software to detect deepfakes in 30 seconds with a 95-percent accuracy rate.
Darwin G. Amojelar
disaster resilience project
The technical cooperation project is designed to enhance GSIS’s underwriting capabilities, improve the capacity of its insurance group to calculate replacement costs and establish
The initiative will focus on developing an effective information and education campaign (IEC) strategy to raise public awareness about the importance of
“There is a compelling need for us in the GSIS to harness advanced systems and innovative approaches. We are very
“By adopting federated CAMARA APIs, the Philippines’ leading operators are driving a new wave of digital services that will benefit businesses, developers, and consumers alike. We thank DITO for their participation in the GSMA Open Gateway initiative and their commitment to tackling digital fraud through open network APIs,” he said. Darwin G. Amojelar
NPC opens bidding for RE supply NATIONAL Power Corp.
ASUS Republic of Gamers launches ROG Phone 9 Series
ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the new ROG Phone 9 series of stylish and powerful gaming phones, developed to offer the best possible gaming experience in a premium phone design.
At launch the ROG Phone 9 series comprises the ROG Phone 9 FE and ROG Phone 9 Pro models, both boasting a sleek high-end design featuring the innovative AniMe Vision miniLED auxiliary display, which gives the phones stand-out looks and personalization capabilities.
Console-like game controls have always been a killer feature of the ROG Phone’s design philosophy, and the ROG Phone 9 series continues that legacy, with its exclusive AirTrigger touch system and an extensive ecosystem of ROG gaming accessories. And to top it all off, the ROG Phone 9 series will launch at a special limited
early bird starting price of P39,995 and early bird buyers will also receive an ROG Chill Case and ROG Antibacterial Glass Screen Protector. There will also be an exclusive 50% discount for selected accessories including the Aeroactive Cooler X Pro and Devil Case (Guardiang Gaming).
The ROG Phone 9 series transcends being just a gaming phone — it’s a lifestyle statement for true gamers. Styled for gamers
The ROG Phone 9 series has a sleek design that exudes a futuristic and sophisticated vibe, using matte finishes crafted with a crystalized nano-texture for a silk-like feel and optimum resistance to fingerprints.
The AniMe Vision auxiliary display is a unique feature of both models. On the ROG Phone 9 Pro, it features 648 programmable mini-LEDs for an array of exclusive animations that react to phone interactions, and the newly-added red mini LEDs enhance the gamer vibe even further. It can also be customized to add your personal touch into the visual experience. AniMe Vision is totally invisible when inactive, so gamers can switch between an understated look and a gaming aesthetic at will.
AniMe Vision also allows gamers to
dive into the ROG Phone 9 Pro’s exclusive AniMe Play, where the charm of classic pixel games is brought to life for the modern era. With AniMe Vision, gamers can step into gaming adventures steeped in tradition, effortlessly mastering them through touch with the ROG AirTrigger system.
Incredible AI gaming power
Boasting an advanced suite of ROGdeveloped AI-driven gaming features, the ROG Phone 9 series deliver an unparalleled gaming experience.
X Sense 3.0 leverages AI image recognition to streamline gaming tasks, such as detecting key events and autocollecting items. Our latest 3.0 version even auto-upgrades character skills, enabling gamers to unleash their ultimate abilities with ease.
X Capture 2.0 employs AI imagerecognition to detect key events and automatically records moments of victory, team fights, and when the user draws character cards in the game.
AI Grabber 2.0 utilizes AI for text recognition, making it incredibly easy to search for tips, and now it even supports a translation feature, ensuring smoother communication.
AI Noise Cancelation uses machine learning to identify different noise fre-
quencies, making it easy for gamers to eliminate unwanted sounds for clear communication during gameplay.
Advanced performance Gamers can experience gaming supremacy with the ROG Phone 9 Pro of trailblazing gaming phones, powered by the 3-nanometer Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform while the ROG Phone 9 FE equipped with the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, engineered for peak gaming performance. Performance soars to stratospheric heights, with Qualcomm Seamless syncing effortlessly to Snapdragon X Elite-powered PCs, and each processor — including the powerful Oryon™ CPU, the Adreno™ GPU, and the AI-dedicated Hexagon NPU — features significant enhancements to ensure that even demanding titles with the highest graphic settings offer an ultrasmooth and lag-free experience.
Connectify MNL marks 1st anniversary
Go all day, beyond with vivo V50’s 6000mAh battery
WHY just keep up when you can take the lead? More than just a smartphone, the vivo V50 is a powerhouse designed for professionals,
creators, and go-getters who demand durability and peak performance—in one sleek device.
A dynamic star like Alden Richards needs a smartphone that can keep up—one with a battery built to last.
Advancing its legacy, the vivo V50 pushes innovation further with a powerful 6000mAh BlueVolt Battery, an upgrade from its predecessor’s 5500mAh, ensuring even greater endurance and performance.
With this battery, Alden stays charged from early call times to evening commitments, keeping him at the top of his game. Now, you can pursue your ambitions all day with confidence, just like Alden. The vivo V50 keeps you powered for every moment! Fast recharge, unstoppable momentum Think 1% means game over? Not
with the vivo V50! Its Super Battery Saver Mode extends standby time by up to two hours.
When it’s time to recharge at last
but the hustle never slows down, the blazing-fast 90W FlashCharge technology gets you back in action instantly, so you spend less time plugged in and more time conquering your day.
Designed for fast-paced lifestyles, it delivers a rapid power boost, ensuring you stay connected, productive, and ready for every moment. No interruptions, no worries indeed!
Experience every day at full power with vivo V50
The vivo V50 isn’t for those who settle; it’s for those who demand more. Stylish and tough, this smartphone packs durability and top-tier performance.
Now’s the time to experience a device that works as hard as you do!
Own the NEW vivo V50, starting at P27,999, in three striking colorways: Ancora Red, Mist Purple, and Satin Black.
miliar and culturally relevant. Whether it involves the use of local dialects or the incorporation of community-driven narratives, hyperlocalized content fosters deeper connections and enhances audience engagement.” – Angela Baltan, Brand Partnership Manager The Power of Short-Form Videos “With platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts leading the way, brands and influencers must deliver impactful and engaging messages within seconds while maintaining authenticity.” – Christine Zamora, Brand Partnership Officer The Rise of Nano Influencers
“Smaller influencers are making a big impact. Nano influencers, with their highly engaged niche audiences, are becoming go-to partners for brands looking for authenticity and higher conversion rates. Their close-knit communities trust their recommendations, making them powerful voices in influencer marketing.” – Jennyvil Bello, KOL Lead The Pros and Cons of AI
“At Connectify MNL, we view AI as a tool that enhances storytelling rather than replacing human creativity. While AIgenerated captions, visuals, and executions can streamline workflows, over-reliance on them risks removing the human touch that makes content truly resonate with audiences.” – Rapha Garcia, Brand Partnership and Content Lead
HP Philippines celebrates National Arts Month with DIY Print Party
IN celebration of National Arts Month, HP successfully hosted the DIY Print Party: Zines & Stickers Edition at First Coworking Space in Escolta, reinforcing its commitment to supporting local artists, makers, and entrepreneurs. This hands-on workshop provided participants with the tools and knowledge to explore independent publishing and creative printing, highlighting the enduring relevance of print in artistic expression. As the country celebrates a month dedicated to the arts and creative industries, the event served as a platform for participants to embrace DIY culture, experiment with different print mediums, and discover how high-quality printing technology can enhance their creative work. With the rise of independent publishing, many artists and small business owners seek accessible, professional-grade printing solutions to bring their ideas to life. Recognizing this need, HP is championing creative entrepreneurs by making printing more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible. Through this initiative, attendees got first-hand experience using the HP Smart Tank 580, a printer built for productivity, efficiency, and highvolume printing. The Smart Tank 580
ensures consistent, high-quality output while reducing downtime—making it an ideal choice for creatives who need a reliable, cost-effective, and long-lasting printing solution.
“We are thrilled to bring creatives together for this hands-on experience
with the HP Smart Tank 580, especially as we celebrate National Arts Month. Print remains a powerful and tangible way to share ideas, tell stories, and express creativity. Seeing artists and makers bring their designs to life reminds us why print continues to be relevant,” said Ida Evina Ong-Co, Managing Director of HP Philippines. The DIY Print Party featured an interactive session led by Project Lemons, a creative facilitator known for engaging hands-on workshops. Participants learned the fundamentals of zine-making and sticker design, from concept creation to final printing. With HP printers on-site, attendees printed their own designs in real-time, experimenting with different formats and materials. This event was made possible through HP’s collaboration with 98B COLLABoratory, an artistrun initiative that fosters creativity and learning through experimental and community-driven programs.
Revolutionizing credit access with AI-powered analytics
ISLAND Credit Solu-
tion, Inc. has officially entered the Philippine credit landscape as the newest credit bureau after being accredited as a Special Accessing Entity (SAE) by the state-owned Credit Information Corporation (CIC).
This milestone partnership aims to transform the country’s credit risk assessment system by making credit data more accessible, reliable, and technology driven.
With this accreditation, Island Credit Solution is set to redefine financial inclusion by offering a suite of ready-to-use analytics tools designed for agile and scalable financial applications. By integrating AIdriven analytics and alternative data sources, the company provides deeper credit insights not only for banks and fintech lenders but also for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and rural banks — sectors that often struggle to access credit.
A Next-Generation Credit Bureau Island Credit Solution differentiates itself from traditional credit bureaus by leveraging advanced analytics and non-traditional data sources to create a
comprehensive risk profile of borrowers. Instead of relying solely on bank transaction histories, the company incorporates telecom usage, e-commerce ac-
tivity, and digital transactions to assess creditworthiness more accurately. At the core of this innovation is “PhilScore,” a credit rating system
Power Mac Center equips Bataan schools with 4,000 MacBooks to boost digital learning
PREMIER Apple partner Power Mac Center (PMC) provided the technology requirements of the Provincial Government of Bataan in its bid to accelerate capacitybuilding for its grade school and high school teachers.
In a recent turnover ceremony led by Governor Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia III, over 4,000 MacBook devices were distributed to Elementary teachers and School Heads, and schools with computer laboratories across Bataan. The province is accelerating the digital transformation of its classrooms by integrating technology. This initiative aims to enhance teaching and learning experiences through the adoption of digital tools and interactive learning platforms.
“Power Mac Center is honored to extend our education solutions to the local government of Bataan and its dedicated teachers to empower them amid the increasingly tech-driven education setting. We hope to partner with more local governments and members of the academe in our mission to continuously help Filipino students be globally competitive,” said PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management Joey Alvarez.
As a valued Education partner, the Bataan government enjoys PMC’s spe-
Provincial Government of Bataan, Power Mac Center team up to
of education. Over 3,000 teachers and school
receive
laboratories
schools across Bataan get to
In photo (center, from left) Jernie Jett V. Nisay, Representative - Pusong Pinoy Partylist; Dr. Carolina S. Violeta - Department of Education Bataan Schools Division Superintendent; Jose Enriquez S. Garcia III - Governor, Province of Bataan; Ma. Cristina M. Garcia - Vice Governor, Province of Bataan; Jomar Gaza - Board Member, Province of Bataan & Chairperson, Committee on Education; and Lawrence C. Sison - Chief Executive O cer, Power Mac Center
cial support in overall servicing, from product procurement and priority service and repair to technical training for teachers, school principals, and IT personnel. This covers topics that explore the possibilities of teaching and learning with Mac and foundational resources that will help them innovate in their classroom.
Such investment is ultimately expected to make students in Bataan more competitive and equip them with the digital skills required in the workplace now and in the future.
“Alam natin na makakatulong ito sa inyong pagtuturo, paggawa ng inyong mga lesson plans (We know that this
designed to provide every Filipino with a unique and accessible credit profile using the CIC credit reports. This empowers individuals — espe-
will help you in your teaching, creating your lesson plans),” said Bataan Vice Governor Ma. Cristina Garcia.
“Makakaasa po kayo at ipinagmamalaki ko sa iba pang mga Vice Governor sa ibang probinsya na talagang ang ating SEF o special education fund ay talaga namang ramdam sa ating lalawigan ng Bataan, at talagang ibinibigay natin yung parte para sa ating education system (Rest assured and I proudly tell Vice Governors in other provinces that our SEF or special education fund is fully harnessed in our province of Bataan, and we are really giving the share for our education system).”
The event was actually the second installment of device turnovers, following the success of the initial implementation benefiting no less than 2,500 junior and senior high school teachers and Division supervisors in 2023.
Learning made limitless
PMC’s Education Business group has been paving the way for digital empowerment within the academe by extending end-to-end tailored support, from the procurement and use of Apple devices and accessories to service and training.
Its solution packages are specially designed to prepare teachers and students alike for the classroom of today and of the future. The company even accommodates Customized-to-Order (CTO) units to cater to the individual needs of schools, universities, and LGUs. With its expansive presence of over 120 retail stores nationwide, it is now easier than ever for LGUs and school administrators to accelerate their education campaigns.
realme 14 Pro+ 5G first impressions: Mid-range marvel
By Jessica Luna
REALME smartphones have continuously impressed users of all kinds with its top-notch design, impressive features and overall quality. The newly unveiled realme 14 Pro+ 5G appears poised to continue that trend. After spending some time with the device, here are Manila Standard’s initial impressions.
Design
Right off the bat, the design is what grabs your attention as it clearly focused on creating a premium aesthetic expected to please young users and professionals alike. The circular camera module, reminiscent of classic watch designs, adds a touch of sophistication. It feels solid and wellbuilt, definitely a step up from previous generations. The size of the camera bump might be a be an issue to some, though. Its Pearl White design (our unit) features a thermochromic back that shifts to blue in cold temperatures and has a shimmering, pearl-like texture due to embedded seashell powder.
Display The 120Hz curved AMOLED display is undeniably vibrant and smooth. Colors pop, and the viewing angles are excellent. The slim bezels enhance the immersive experience, making it ideal for media consumption. The high refresh rate translates to fluid animations and scrolling, contributing to a premium feel. Early impressions suggest it’s a strong con-
tender in its price bracket.
Battery
The realme 14 Pro+ 5G’s 6000mAh battery is also a standout feature, intended to comfortably last a full day, even with moderate to heavy usage, including tasks like gaming, video streaming, and social media browsing. The 80W SuperVOOC fast charging technology allows users to quickly top up the battery, minimizing downtime.
Camera
The realme 14 Pro+ 5G’s camera system is where the magic happens, with a triple rear camera setup that features a 50MP Sony IMX896 main sensor with OIS for sharp, detailed images, a 50MP Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and 120x super zoom, and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. A 32MP front camera with autofocus and a wide field of view handle selfies and video calls. The telephoto lens, in particular, is a welcome addition, offering versatility in capturing various perspectives. The software processing seems to be well-tuned, producing pleasing, sharp and crystal-clear images even
cially those new to credit — to build and improve their financial standing while enabling lenders to make more informed decisions.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between financial institutions and borrowers, particularly those who have been underserved or unbanked,” said Hongcheng (Steven) Zhou, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Island Credit Solution.
“We offer fully digital services that cater not only to existing bank customers but also to those new to credit. By helping them start from zero, we contribute to a more inclusive financial system.”
Breaking Barriers in Credit Risk Assessment
For years, the Philippine credit industry has faced challenges such as data fragmentation, outdated risk assessment models, and limited technological integration. Many financial institutions struggle to maximize credit data due to technological constraints, often resulting in inefficient lending processes.
Island Credit Solution addresses these issues with its agile, SaaSbased plug-and-play solution, which allows banks, fintech lenders, and MSMEs to integrate advanced credit analytics into their decision-making processes without requiring extensive technical expertise.
In addition to credit scoring, the company operates on a Business-toBusiness (B2B) and Business-to-Business-to-Customers (B2B2C) model, enabling loan applicants to be matched with alternative lenders with the correct risk appetite and best interest rate. This improves the efficiency for lenders while increasing financial accessibility for borrowers.
“Our approach goes beyond standard credit reporting. By integrating financial and alternative data, we provide lenders with deeper insights while empowering individuals with greater financial opportunities,” Zhou added.
Converge uniting women for a greener future
MORE than their ability to nurture families, women also carry the power to foster communities and drive positive change through their leadership in various movements and advocacy efforts. This was beautifully exemplified during a recent tree-planting activity organized by leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. in celebration of Women’s Month, with the mentors and mentees from its women’s leadership program, Grace Under Pressure: MentorSHE, leading the way.
Braving the scorching heat, around 30 employees came together to plant 1,000 mandarin, and coffee seedlings in Sitio Sapangbato, Angeles, Pampanga, supporting the local government’s Watershed Reforestation Program.
in challenging lighting conditions, no matter the setting of the day.
If only for its camera features, the realme 14 Pro+ 5G’s is worth every peso of your hard-earned money.
Performance We haven’t tested the unit for extended periods of time gaming, but the device felt snappy and responsive during casual use. Apps launched quickly, while multitasking was seamless. The chipset powering the device is expected to be a strong performer in the mid-range segment, and early indications suggest it lives up to expectations.
Conclusion
The realme 14 Pro+ 5G is shaping up to be a compelling mid-range offering. Its premium design, impressive display and camera system are key highlights that are worth considering. And we haven’t even talked about its all sorts of IP ratings . Watch out for our full review next week.
“We kicked off Women’s Month with this initiative to not only protect the environment but also demonstrate our commitment to the communities we serve,” said Converge VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado, who is one of the mentors of MentorSHE who volunteered for the activity. “As leaders, we must excel in our professional roles while showing our dedication to sustainability and community welfare.” The tree-planting project contributes to protecting the watershed—which regulates water supply in nearby communities—and at the same time, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers in the area.
Hongcheng (Steven) Zhou, Deputy CEO of Island Credit Solution (left) shakes hand with CIC President and CEO Ben Baltazar (right) during the signing ceremony recently held at No.8 China House, Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City.
boost quality
heads
laptops, while various
beef up their computer
with Apple devices.
Giving back to the planet is one of the pillars of the sustainability commitments of Converge.
SHOWBIZ
Very Wang
Nickie Wang
AFTER attending a block screening of The Caretakers at UP Town Center in Quezon City, I happened to chance upon director Shugo Praico , who shared insights about the film’s future and its strong environmental message.
‘The Caretakers’ director sets sights on film’s international release
Produced by Rein Entertainment and Regal Entertainment, The Caretakers is a unique entry into the horror genre. The producers call it an eco-horror film because it combines supernatural terror with a strong call for environmental awareness.
Praico shared how the film’s production embraced a “zero waste” practice, a commitment that reduced daily waste from 15 trash bags to just a couple.
The film’s producers, Lino Cayetano and Philip King, worked closely with local government units to ensure the sustainability of the production. They set up systems to recycle cardboard and bottles and even created a compost pit for organic waste. This focus on stewardship was integral to the film’s core, as it draws heavily on the themes of nature and its protection.
“Included in the production was the zero waste practice. We segregated. The barangay helped us. The waste, instead of being thrown anywhere, was properly handled... The barangay also had segregation. We felt that this is something we could contribute to mother earth,” Praico explained.
Praico also hinted at the future of the film, expressing hope for The Caretakers’ international success and aiming to showcase it at international festivals. His previous project, Nanahimik ang Gabi, had already achieved global recognition, with Heaven Peralejo winning the Best Actress award at the Asian Academy Creative Awards in 2023.
“We’re looking at the festivals. The more, the better, so we can share the Filipino story with other countries. There are already target international film festivals on the list,” Praico shared.
Set in the scenic yet eerie rural landscape of San Miguel, Bulacan, The Caretakers follows the story of Audrey (Iza Calzado) and Lydia (Dimples Romana), two mothers bound by their love and sacrifices for their children. Audrey, hoping to sell her family’s secluded ancestral home, encounters Lydia, the caretaker who has tended to the property for years.
As the film unfolds, it becomes clear that the house—and whatever spirits haunt it—won’t release their hold so easily. What starts as a routine sale becomes an increasingly sinister battle with supernatural forces that challenges human intervention in nature.
like lamang-lupa (creatures from the underworld). It must be part of our everyday lives. And, of course, there should always be drama,” Praico said. “And I hope the world audience would appreciate that.”
Co-written with John Carlo Pacala, the film extensively explores the tension between modernity and nature, based on Praico’s belief in the pull of simpler, quieter times.
“There’s a certain movement to go back to the simplest life, the simplest times, especially since modern times are moving so fast. When you look at it, there’s something lurking back there. We’re moving forward, but suddenly there’s a pull back,” said Praico. The Caretakers nationwide.
‘Delia D’ hits the high notes with Jonathan Manalo’s greatest hits
THE upcoming musical Delia D will showcase the works of Filipino songwriter and producer Jonathan Manalo , whose music has shaped the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) scene for over two decades.
Running from April 25 to June 8 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Delia D: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo follows the journey of a drag performer competing in a global singing contest. The production will incorporate Manalo’s popular hits along with original songs written for the show.
The musical will feature tracks tied to themes of ambition, love, and national pride. Among the songs included are Patuloy Ang Pangarap by Angeline Quinto , Pangarap Kong Pangarap Mo by Zephanie , and Strings by BINI . Ballads such as Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw by Sheryn Regis and Morissette and Pagbigyang Muli by Erik Santos will also be performed.
Other songs set to be reimagined include Pinoy Ako , the Pinoy Big Brother theme, and Tara Tena , Manalo’s winning piece from the 2001 Himig Handog songwriting competition. The show will also feature R&B tracks such as Kyla ’s Beautiful Days and Vice Ganda ’s Boom Panes
Praico takes pride in local horror and envisions it gaining global recognition for And he dreams of the day horror stands among the “The idea behind me, is that it should story. It should
COMEDIAN Jo Koy will bring his new tour, Just Being Koy , to the SM Mall of Asia Arena on June 21, he announced on Wednesday. Tickets will be available through SM Tickets, with prices ranging from P1,500 to P7,500. Artist presale started on March 10, followed by exclusive access for Mastercard cardholders from March 12 to March 13. Live Nation PH members were able to purchase tickets during a presale on March 13, while general sales opened on March 14.
“I never take for granted that I get to live out my
eight platform were previously featured iWantTFC drama supporting that includes Ordoñezis by Dexter Lauchengcoand Williams
Manalo is currently the most-streamed Filipino songwriter-producer, with over eight billion streams as of March 5, according to music credit platform Muso AI. His compositions were previously featured in the iWantTFC teen musical drama Lyric and Beat The production stars Phi Palmos, Shaira Opsimar, and Floyd Tena , with a supporting cast that includes John Lapus and Tex OrdoñezDe Leon . It is directed by Dexter Santos with Menchu LauchengcoYulo as associate director and Michael Williams as assistant director.
Arena and ended it with a sold-out Tacoma Dome performance. He has performed at venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York and the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The comedian, known for drawing inspiration from his Filipino-American background, starred in the 2022 film Easter Sunday , inspired by his life and
stand-up. He appeared in Haunted Mansion (2023) and voiced characters in Monkey King , Leo , and The Tiger’s Apprentice (2024). He signed a two-special deal with Netflix, with the first set for summer 2024. His six stand-up specials include Live From The Los Angeles Forum (2022) and Comin’ In Hot (2019). Jo Koy: In His Elements (2020) highlighted Filipino culture. Jo Koy’s memoir Mixed late (2021) received praise, and his album Live From Seattle (2019) topped Billboard. He won “Stand-Up Comedian of the Year” at Just For Laughs in 2018.
Iza Calzado (left) and Dimples Romana in a scene from ‘The Caretakers’
Filmmaker Shugo Praico hopes for international success and festival showings for ‘The Caretakers’
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
‘Always
FMindfulness is in fashion
OR KC Leyco, also known as Miss Kayce, fashion has never been just about clothes and shopping. It is a form of self-expression, a reflection of identity, and, most importantly, a responsibility.
As a personal stylist and advocate for minimal and sustainable fashion, KC has found her place in the scene, helping clients discover their personal style while embracing mindful consumption.
“I believe that my experience has led me to realize that I have a role that influences and inspires people to be more responsible and conscious with their fashion choices,” KC shared. “And one that would help save our planet, in our own little way.”
KC’s entry into the fashion industry wasn’t a conventional one. “After doing a couple of jobs after college, I was looking for a job that I would fit in best. I had no prior fashion experience, but I’ve always loved fashion,” she shared.
Her earliest influence? Her mother.
“I grew up being influenced by my mom. I’ve always looked up to her fashion sense and how she’s created her own trends.”
That admiration turned into a career when KC realized she had a gift for
styling. What started as a personal passion evolved into a real profession where she now helps others define their personal style, curate wardrobes that reflect their personality, and embrace sustainability.
Where fashion and sustainability meet
For KC, personal styling is about making intentional choices. “I believe that my experience has led me to realize that I have a role that influences and inspires people to be more responsible and conscious with their fashion choices. And one that would help save our planet, in our own little way,” she explained.
She emphasized that her goal as a stylist is to solve the all-too-common dilemma: “I have nothing to wear.”
“My goal is to help people discover their personal style so they can create their dream wardrobe,” she said.
But beyond just aesthetics, KC ensures that sustainability is at the core of her process. “If and when there
Google Philippines head of industries Prep Palacios discusses strategies to improve efficiency using AI-powered tools in the session
FILIPINO women entrepreneurs are turning to artificial intelligence tools like Google’s Gemini to help manage their businesses, streamlining operations while balancing household responsibilities.
The Department of Trade and Industry said that as of 2024, 60 percent of the country’s registered micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are owned by women. Many of these entrepreneurs juggle business management with domestic responsibilities, making efficiency a priority.
Google’s AI tools, including Gemini, Whisk, and ImageFX, offer solutions tailored to small business owners. Gemini assists with content creation, marketing strategies, and data analysis, while Whisk and ImageFX
How KC ‘Miss Kayce’ Leyco gives sustainable styling a go
is a need to shop and source, we always go for sustainable brands or local brands. If there are clothes that we can save through upcycling or reworking, we do that. I also help with responsibly letting go of items that get decluttered from closets.”
Defining personal style
Random Talk
Kate Adjar
Achieving a true style transformation starts from within. “It always has to start with discovering their personal style. It should always be deeply rooted in who they truly are—based on what they stand for,”
KC said.
When curating a wardrobe, she begins with a wardrobe audit to assess a client’s current fashion situation and goals. “It’s all about making sure their wardrobe reflects their authentic self while also encouraging a mindset of having a solid capsule wardrobe that speaks of their personality, represents what they do, and what they believe in.”
Always Be Chic: A guide
KC’s passion for sustainability led her to write Always Be Chic that guides readers on creating a dream wardrobe while being mindful of consumption.
“It was back in 2017 that I had my eyes opened to what the fashion industry has been contributing in terms of textile waste. It was through Fashion Revolution that had me concerned about this growing problem,” she recalled
Determined to spread awareness, she took a workshop on writing and publishing books in 2019, which led to the creation of Always Be Chic
of awareness of how their fashion consumption affects or contributes to rising waste issues and other environmental problems.”
For KC, the solution lies in discovering one’s personal style.
“When you know your style, and you’re comfortable and confident with it, you can create a wardrobe that can last a lifetime,” she said. “This is possible if you align yourself with the understanding of what a conscious, mindful, and intentional closet is.”
She envisions a future where fashion is greener and more conscious. “More and more people are becoming aware of the problem, so there is a demand for sustainability,” KC said. “Business
“I wanted to write a book so I can help spread awareness about my advocacy of slowing down fashion consumption. I knew that it would be hard to convince and influence people to do this, but I believed it could be done one step at a time.”
The future of fashion and sustainability
Promoting sustainable fashion in the Philippines comes with its challenges, and KC is well aware of them.
“Mindset has a lot to do with the issues of promoting sustainability in fashion. While accessibility and convenience are most important for most, I am saddened by the lack
models are adapting to more sustainable and ethical practices. Local designers are focusing on zero-waste, multi-wear design functionality. Outfit repeating, renting, or borrowing should hopefully become trends that stay year after year.”
Sustainability doesn’t stop at fashion for KC. It is a lifestyle. “I always try to make sure that I don’t overconsume anything—clothes, food, etc. I like to be aware of how much time I dedicate to everything that I do,” she shared.
KC makes conscious choices in every aspect of her life, from knowing how things are made to carefully selecting which brands to support. “Being mindful of use, purpose, and how it will affect my life, others, and the environment will always be considered.”
generate images for branding and promotional materials.
Google recently held a Gemini Academy workshop on March 5, providing training for female entrepreneurs on leveraging AI for business and daily tasks. The session featured Google experts discussing strategies to improve efficiency using AI-powered tools.
“Balancing many responsibilities is a reality for mompreneurs. Google’s generative AI tools—Gemini, Whisk, and ImageFX—are designed to reclaim valuable time,” said Prep Palacios Head of Industry at Google Philippines. “With Gemini acting as a powerful assistant and Whisk and ImageFX enabling stunning visual creation, we hope to empower more people to achieve
greater efficiency, both personally and professionally.”
Some business owners shared how AI has helped them streamline operations.
Princess Alvarez , owner of ISLA Everything Accessories, said she uses AI to track profitability and automate content scheduling. “AI helps me improve my systems and save money,” she said.
Ricca del Rosario owner of HTP Clothing,
It looks like her work as a sustainable stylist transformed from a career to a mission. As she put it, “Once you’ve built your dream wardrobe, you’ll love to wear it over and over again—and care for it to
For your random thoughts, e-mail Kate at
Pinay mompreneurs turn to AI tools to streamline businesses
noted AI’s benefits beyond business. “AI is super helpful not only for our business but also for our personal needs,” she said. “It helps me with important tasks at home, allowing me to get back some time for myself.” With AI-driven tools becoming more accessible, Filipino “mompreneurs” are finding new ways to enhance productivity and maintain work-life balance.
The attendees of the Gemini Academy for Madiskarte Moms PH
KC Leyco is a personal stylist and advocate for sustainable fashion