Manila Standard - 2025 April 4 - Friday

US slaps 17% levy on PH exports

Opportunities, concerns raised over Trump’s reciprocal tariff

By Charles Dantes, Othel Campos, Maricel Cruz, and Ram Superable

THE United States imposed a 17 percent reciprocal tariff on the Philippines, one of the lowest rates among affected nations and the second lowest for Southeast Asian countries, following Singapore's 10 percent.

Malacañang said the move of the Trump administration presents

challenges and opportunities for the

Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said initial assessment from the Department of Trade and Industry suggested the impact will be minimal.

"Since our tariff rate is among the lowest, we believe this is still a manageable situation," she added.

The US has imposed higher tariffs on Vietnam (46 percent), Thailand (36 percent), Indonesia (32 percent), Malaysia (24 percent), and Cambodia (49 percent).

While the tariff may lead to higher

"This 17 percent tariff could actually be seen as a good development, considering that many other countries have been hit with much higher rates,” Castro said.

By Rio N. Araja

TTrump’s sweeping global tariffs sparks trade war, recession fears

HE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.

WASHINGTON —US President Donald Trump ignited a potentially ruinous global trade war Wednesday as he slapped 10 percent tariffs on imports from around the world and harsh extra levies on key trading partners.

Holding up a chart of the sweeping measures in the White House Rose Garden, Trump unveiled particularly stinging tariffs on major trade partners China and the European Union on what he called "Liberation Day."

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.

gressmen how Garma allegedly fa cilitated 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.

incumbent National Police Com missioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.

general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption with in the PCSO shortly before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City.

Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in

"This is one of the most important days, in my opinion, in American history," said Trump. "It's our declaration of economic independence."

An official of Fitch Ratings warned the fresh tariffs may cause many countries to fall into recession.

Olu Sonola, Fitch Ratings' Head of US Economic Research, said tariff

By Charles Dantes

By Darwin Amojelar

MALACAÑANG sought to soothe jitters over Philippine military preparations in anticipation of a conflict in Taiwan, even as the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) reported that it is still “business as

TRANSPORTATION Secretary Jaime Bautista denied an online news report claiming that Malacañang was angry with the increase in airport fees without the approval of the Cabinet members.

By Charles Dantes

“The Bilyonaryo article is malicious and unfounded,” Bautista said in a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said story. “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

STORYTELLING

legal counsel of Chinese 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 Lawyer Raymond Fortun questioned the House Quad Committee’s impartiality and its ability to pin Chinese national Yang down for ay wrongdoing in a real

“I am very interested in how they [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

adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Fortun, a lawyer who often finds himself at the center high-profile cases, apparently sought to mock congressmen, calling their probe “unacceptable.”

CHINA said yesterday it had "destroyed" an intelligence network set up by the Philippine espionage agency and arrested three spies from the country even as Philippine authorities announced the arrest of 12 Chinese nationals for possession of firearms and ammunition. The announcement comes as the two countries continue to confront each other over disputed territory in the South China Sea and tensions mount over the Philippines' security ties with ally the United States.

However, House members argued they did not come by their suspicions about Yang recklessly.

On Friday, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon presented a matrix showing Yang’s first appearance and his subsequent activities at the Quad Comm hearing.

“We saw a pattern, and we tracked it to the top of these corporations... 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

Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal

By Rex Espiritu

usual” for the island's population. On Thursday, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin told Palace reporters that discussions about the possible invasion of Taiwan by China are not new, and the Philippine government has for years been preparing for the

THE Philippine Navy debunked on Sunday the recent announcement by China that it conducted military exercises off Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). China reportedly made the announcement coinciding with the fourth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative 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 -

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.

At least five Chinese nationals were arrested on suspicion of espionage in January and another two in February by Philippine authorities. And the latest arrests in China come two days after Beijing's embassy in Manila issued a travel warning to its citizens about frequent "harassment" from Philippine law enforcement agencies.

On Wednesday, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said 12 Chinese nationals were arrested in raids on three places in an exclusive

The solons explained how the matrix details Yang’s connections to other individuals involved in illicit activities, including the operations of illegal POGOs.

Among the companies implicated are Brickhartz Technology Inc. and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd.,

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.

By Charles Dantes

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 -

THE Philippine government on Sunday publicly called for the United Nations (UN) to give it a seat on the UN Security Council, highlighting the country’s strong record and dedication to upholding the rule of law.

subdivision in Muntinlupa City. The NBI agents seized five pistols, along with magazines and ammunition in the first location. They recovered four pistols with magazines and ammunition, two Taser guns, three bulletproof vests, tactical knives, a kitchen knife, handcuffs, and identification cards in the second site. On the third target place, the agents seized a pistol with a magazine and ammunition, tactical gear for pistols, and identification cards. Two vehicles were also seized by authorities.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo in a speech delivered at the UN General Assembly in New York said the Philippines continues to emphasize the “importance of upholding the rule of law and the integrity of the multilateral system in the face of today’s global challenges.”

Quoted by reports, Manalo also said: “The Philippines has consistently pursued peace, the sovereign equality of states, the rights and dignity of all persons.”

He added that the country is also recognized as the “first Asian Re-

SESSION. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and his dog join a groupie yesterday with grade school students of Miriam College after a storytelling session in Malacanang Palace. Revoli Cortez

VOL. XXXIX • NO. 52 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •FRIDAY, APRIL 4,

PAGASA

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

adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, that controlled the illegal activities of the POGOs and

PH to take out loan to purchase F-16 fighters

THE Philippines intends to secure a long-term loan from Washington to purchase 20 new F-16 fighter jets and other defense equipment from the U.S. government, Manila's top envoy to the United States said.

"We are looking at possible U.S. loan. Long-term," Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said, adding the Department of National Defense (DND) will soon discuss the terms

US...

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costs, Castro said it could also position the country as an attractive destination for foreign investors, particularly those from countries facing steeper US levies.

"If this policy remains in place, we may see more investors choosing the Philippines as a manufacturing hub because of the lower tariff,” she said. "It can have both negative and positive effects.

She said the DTI and the Department of Finance are evaluating whether the tariff increase will significantly affect Philippine exports to the US.

The Philippines could be a hub for global value chains, particularly in industries like electronics, textiles, food, and automobiles, the Department of Finance said.

With the country’s global comparative advantage in coconut oil, the DOF said the Philippines is also wellpositioned to expand its market share in the US for coconut-based products, including desiccated coconut and copra meal/cake.

The United States remains a key export market for the Philippines, accounting for about 17 percent of total

Trump’s...

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rate on all imports is now around 22 percent, up from 2.5 percent in 2024.

"This is a game changer, not only for the US economy but for the global economy. Many countries will likely end up in a recession," Sonola said.

"You can throw most forecasts out the door if this tariff rate stays on for an extended period of time," Sonola added.

Escudero...

From A1

are addressed to Philippine Air Force (PAF) Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura and Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon of the National Prosecution Service (NPS).

Escudero pointed out that there are two Supreme Court decisions that upheld the power of the Executive Department to invoke executive privilege, not only in answering certain questions, but also in their attendance to congressional investigations.

The Senate President said he is trying to avert a constitutional crisis that could arise if the committee of Senator Imee Marcos continues to insist on the presence of the officials despite Malacañang’s steadfast insistence on executive privilege.

"The last thing I want to happen, amidst all the turmoil in our country, is to add to it by creating a constitutional crisis related to the subpoena on one hand and the invocation of executive privilege on the other," the Senate President said in Filipino. He revealed that he received three letters from the Executive Secretary invoking executive privilege regarding the attendance of certain officials at Senate hearings.

Furthermore, Escudero said that the findings presented by Senator Marcos remain preliminary and have not undergone committee or plenary voting to be considered the Senate’s official position. "It is clearly just preliminary. The committee members have not yet voted on it. The Senate as a whole has also not voted to declare it as its official findings on the matter," he said.

PBBM... From A1

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is currently investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed during the Duterte admin-

with its American counterparts. He said the Philippines intends to purchase brand-new F-16s to be delivered "in tranches" like the 10 Blackhawk helicopters acquired by Manila in 2024.

exports as of 2024. Notably, electronic products make up 53 percent of Philippine exports, and overall, the US represents approximately 10 percent of total trade, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said.

“We view this situation as an opportunity to further strengthen our strategic partnership with the US. Our focus is on collaborating to secure and enhance supply chains, improve the efficient flow of goods, and boost economic security for both nations,” Roque said.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto added the Philippine economy remains relatively resilient amid global trade shifts, with the government leveraging the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act to attract more investors to locate in the country.

"The Philippine economy is primarily driven by domestic demand rather than exports. This makes us relatively resilient against trade wars. However, as with all countries, we are not spared from the impact of the expected decline in international trade and possible slowdown of global growth due to supply chain disruptions, higher interest rates, and higher inflation,” he said.

Trump's announcement triggered immediate anger, with China warning the tariffs could "endanger" global economic development, US ally Australia blasting them as "not the act of a friend," and threats of retaliation from around the world.

Stock markets looked set for major volatility Thursday, with Tokyo's Nikkei leading an Asian selloff, collapsing more than four percent. US futures plummeted and safe haven gold hit a new record as investors took fright.

Trump reserved some of the heavi-

China...

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They were charged with violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

China's state broadcaster CCTV reported that authorities had identified one of the suspected spies as a Philippine national who had lived and worked in China long-term and had been found conducting espionage near military facilities.

The CCTV report included a video of his arrest and what appeared to be a recorded confession.

He was recruited by Philippine intelligence services to "take advantage of his long-term residence in China to conduct espionage activities in China and collect sensitive information, especially on military deployment," state media said.

He came close to military facilities multiple times and "conducted close

Bersamin...

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evacuation of its citizens should a worst-case scenario materialize.

"There should not be any alarm on the part of the Filipinos," he said.

"The Philippines has been preparing for the eventuality of an invasion. We’re not saying when that invasion will take place or whether it will take place at all, but what’s important is that we are not caught off guard," he added.

Bersamin’s remarks followed statements from Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., who called for preparations ahead of possible regional instability.

istration’s war on drugs. The probe has led to increased scrutiny of the former president’s policies and has prompted responses from both the present and past administrations.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro, however, suggested that the

The multi-role Black Hawks will be used for aid and rescue, and are part of a 32-unit Lockheed Martin contract.

The U.S. firm will also produce F16s, whose sale to the Philippines was recently approved, Romualdez stated. "The State Department's F-16 approval signifies strong U.S. alliance commitment and deterrence," Romualdez noted.

This is the first official Philippine confirmation of F-16 sale specifics. Manila is considering jets from the

“Nevertheless, the CREATE MORE Act will strengthen our ability to attract investors looking to expand or relocate to the Philippines, given the relatively lower tariffs imposed on our exports to the United States. We are also actively pursuing more free trade agreements with our global partners,” Recto added.

For its part, the country’s premier group of exporters, the Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines (FOBAP), expressed concern over the tariffs saying these would likely lead to higher costs for imported goods from the Philippines to the US.

"Importers will pass on these additional tariffs to the selling price in the US. Consumer behavior suggests that people may opt not to buy anymore,” said FOBAP president Robert Young.

He said the Philippines may face difficulties in securing export orders due to diminished or non-existent demand.

“This would lead to factory closures in the Philippines, and a loss of foreign revenues and employment opportunities,” he added.

On the other hand, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PhilExport) president Sergio Ortiz-Luiz viewed the tariffs as potentially beneficial.

est blows for what he called "nations that treat us badly."

That included an additional 34 percent on goods from superpower rival China—bringing the new added tariff rate there to 54 percent.

Beijing swiftly vowed countermeasures and called for dialogue, warning the levies would "seriously harm" those involved.

"There is no winner in a trade war, and there is no way out for protectionism," its commerce ministry said.

The figure for the European Union

observation and secret photography," CCTV added.

Meanwhile, National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the country's foreign ministry was "currently confirming these reports and the involvement of any Philippine national, if any."

"We have no further comment as of this time until we are able to verify these new reports," he added.

Col. Margaret Padilla, armed forces spokesperson, said the military "has not received any official report regarding the alleged espionage claims."

"We defer to the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is currently verifying the situation through appropriate diplomatic channels," she said in a statement.

The three individuals had been recruited by the same Philippine spy since 2021 and received regular payment for their work, CCTV said.

The Executive Secretary clarified that Brawner’s comments were not meant to cause panic but to assure the public of the government’s readiness.

"This is a whole-of-nation, wholeof-government approach," he said, adding that the top priority in any crisis would be the safe repatriation of more than 200,000 Filipinos in Taiwan.

Bersamin also addressed reports about potential U.S. military assistance, saying that while details are still being worked out, any support from Washington would be for defensive purposes.

"The Americans would give us the material for a defensive force, a defensive stance," he said.

"But that is not for any specific target or state. It is for our defensive

Vice President should first thank her father, citing the circumstances that led to their renewed bond.

"It would be better if VP Sara first thanked her father, former president Duterte, because if she had the opportunity and time to be with him, it was due to the extrajudicial killings

U.S., Sweden, and France to boost its defense.

The U.S. State Department’s F-16 approval followed Secretary Hegseth’s Manila visit. Hegseth affirmed the Trump administration’s support for Philippine military modernization, aiming to counter China’s South China Sea aggression. He also stressed the "iron-clad" 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty commitment. U.S. support is key for Manila's military upgrade—a regional weakness—to enhance maritime power against increasing Chinese assertiveness. Chinese forces persistently threaten Philippine assets in the WPS, its exclusive economic zone.

“If we have lower tariffs compared to our competitors, it doesn’t necessarily mean that this will be bad for us. In fact, it could be an opportunity. All we need to do is adjust our prices. Our competitors, facing higher tariffs, will become less competitive than us,” he said.

The resident economist of the House of Representatives, Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, likewise looked at the positive side of Washington's decision to impose tariffs on all nations.

"Sovereign countries can do as they please with their trade policy. I’m frankly surprised the tariffs rates imposed on us turned out lower than I expected," said Salceda in a statement.

"Among our competitors, the Philippines was imposed relatively lower retaliatory tariffs, so there are, possibly, some opportunities to explore," he said. "We just have to fortify our own house as much as we can."

Senate President Francis Escudero called on the country’s economic managers craft immediate contingency plans to cushion potential economic effects of the 17 percent tariff and ensure a calibrated response that protects local industries and consumers.

"Any tariff raised is a pass-on tax to our already overtaxed people," he said.

was 20 percent, and 24 percent on Japan, whose trade minister called the tariffs "extremely regrettable."

For the rest, Trump said he would impose a "baseline" tariff of 10 percent, including another key ally, Britain.

The 78-year-old Republican brushed off fears of turmoil, insisting that the tariffs would restore the US economy to a lost "Golden Age."

"For decades, our country has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike," Trump said. AFP

They were also tasked with "assisting the Philippine spy intelligence agency in selecting and developing personnel, and expanding its intelligence network in China."

They had provided "a large amount of military-related and confidential video materials" to Philippine agents, "causing serious harm to China's national security and interests," CCTV quoted a Chinese national security officer as saying.

Asked about the charges, Beijing's foreign ministry said it would "handle the cases in accordance with the law and will also safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the relevant personnel."

But spokesman Guo Jiakun also accused Manila of having "fabricated several so-called Chinese espionage cases."

"China urges the Philippines to stop chasing shadows and pinning labels on people," Guo said.

Rex Espiritu with AFP

posture," Bersamin added. He acknowledged that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration had expressed commitment to strengthening Philippine defense capabilities, citing discussions between U.S. officials, including former Army officer Pete Hegseth, and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

On the country’s level of preparedness, Bersamin assured that the Philippine government has the necessary assets for large-scale evacuations, including air and sea transport.

"We have every asset that is needed for that—maybe large evacuations requiring a confluence of air and water assets, including ships and planes," he said.

(EJK) case," Castro said in a briefing. "If the alleged actions related to the war on drugs had not taken place and if no complaints had been filed, they would not have had the opportunity to go to The Hague," she added.

The Philippines is also said to be exploring the purchase of advanced fighter jets from several countries, including the U.S., Sweden, and France, to enhance its defense capabilities. Rex Espiritu

SC concludes oral arguments over Philhealth funds

THE Supreme Court (SC) concluded yesterday the oral arguments on the consolidated petitions seeking to block the transfer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) excess funds back to the national treasury.

“Considering that the oral argument has been concluded, we will require the parties to submit their respective memoranda, including the amicus curiae please, within 30 days from today,” Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said.

Gesmundo said this is non-extendible. The oral arguments were held at the SC compound in Baguio City. During the hearing, Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Mario Lopez asked whether the excess funds will be used for other purposes irrelevant to the purpose of Philhealth.

"Once there is a fund balance, this becomes a general fund that can be used for any other purpose," said Lopez, chairperson of SC's Health and Welfare Committee. In response, Government Corporate Counsel Solomon Hermosura noted that "PhilHealth, under its charter, is required to always use its funds under its purpose."

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto explained that "upon consultation with economic managers, it will be used from health to health."

This is why the administration has already paid off more than P100 billion that the government owes to frontliners, he said.

The high tribunal tackled the petitions filed by Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, the Philippine Medical Association, the 1SAMBAYAN Coalition, and Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares and others.

The petitioners asked the SC to block the transfer of PhilHealth's excess funds amounting to P89.9 billion back to the national treasury. The High Court issued a temporary restraining order last year to halt the transfer of the remaining P29.9 billion. Pot Chavez

Marcos... From A1

"The President’s first question was, 'How are they? What is their condition?'" Cacdac said in a Palace briefing.

"This prompted welfare visits from our One Country Team under Ambassador Lillibeth Pono-Melicor, along with Labor Attaché Atty. Ed Ferrer and our retained Qatari legal counsel," he added. Following diplomatic efforts, the Qatari authorities released the detained OFWs in two batches: the males at approximately 2:30 a.m. and the females at around 4 a.m. local time.

"The release means they can now return to their respective homes in Qatar and reunite with their families while the investigation continues," Cacdac said, emphasizing that legal assistance will remain available to the 17 individuals as they remain under investigation.

According to him, no formal charges have been filed against the OFWs at this time.

"The President specifically asked about the existence of charges, and our legal counsel in Qatar raised this matter with Qatari authorities," Cacdac said.

Despite their provisional release, the OFWs are prohibited from leaving Qatar while the investigation is ongoing. Cacdac has since expressed gratitude to the Qatari government for their cooperation in securing the workers’ liberty while due process continues.

NEWS IN BRIEF

New DICT chief orders executives to resign

NEW Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)

Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda has asked all undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, and directors to hand in their courtesy resignations.

In a memorandum, Aguda ordered the officials in these posts to resign by April 4, in order to give him a free hand to perform his duties and responsibilities.

However, all of these officials are also expected to perform their duties and responsibilities until their courtesy resignations are acted upon, Aguda said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Aguda, former president and CEO of UnionDigital Bank, as the new DICT Secretary, to replace Ivan John Uy who resigned in March.

The Palace said Aguda’s specialty is in “digital transformation, digital banking and financial crimes.”

Transport groups back Ako Ilocano partylist

TRANSPORT groups in Quezon City on Thursday expressed support for the Ako Ilocano Ako partylist and its senatorial candidates.

Former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson, Ako Ilocano Ako partylist first nominee Richelle Singson, and senatorial candidates Ping Lacson, former Senate president Tito Sotto, Sagip partylist Representative Rodante Marcoleta, TV host Willie Revillame, and former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Benhur Abalos met with representatives of the transport sector to present their plans.

“We want to focus on ensuring they have access to housing, a sound retirement plan, medical assistance, and insurance. These are crucial things for drivers to feel secure. From there, we will see what laws we can formulate to benefit them,” Ako Ilocano Ako Partylist first nominee Richelle Singson told reporters when asked about her specific plans for the sector. Rex Espiritu

Heydarian is persona non grata in Davao MEDIA personality and political analyst Richard Heydarian was declared persona non grata by the Panabo City Council in Davao Del Norte.

Through Resolution No. 155, Series of 2025, the Panabo City Council declared him persona non grata on March 25, 2025.

The resolution stemmed from a privilege speech by Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative Bae Merlinda B. Aranar.

Aranar said Heydarian’s comment, comparing the Human Development Index of Mindanao to the level of SubSaharan Africa, had not only insulted Mindanao but also tarnished its reputation. Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa

Speaker honors irrigators, farmers

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Martin G. Romualdez recognized irrigators associations (IAs) as critical partners in ensuring the country’s food security, hailing their invaluable contribution and designating them among the “heroes of agriculture.”

Addressing hundreds of irrigators and farmers gathered for the 2025 Nationwide NIA-IA Congress, held at Canyon Woods Resort Club in Laurel, Batangas, on Wednesday, Speaker Romualdez pledged full legislative support to uplift their conditions and address their longstanding concerns.

“This is not merely a seminar, nor simply an exchange of plans. This is a gathering of the true heroes of agriculture – you,” Romualdez stated, em-

phasizing the significance of the event beyond routine discussions.

The congress, spearheaded by NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen, aimed to strengthen collaboration between irrigators, government agencies, and legislators, fostering a unified approach to agricultural development.

In his address, Romualdez underscored the central role irrigation plays in the livelihoods of Filipino farmers, directly linking adequate water sup -

ply to national food security. “There is no need to further explain the vital role of irrigation in the life of a farmer. Without irrigation, there is no harvest.

Without a harvest, there is no food on the table of every Filipino family,” Romualdez stressed, highlighting the fundamental connection between irrigation and sustenance.

He further assured IA leaders of Congress’s deep appreciation for their efforts and sacrifices, acknowledging them as frontline partners in the national economy, particularly amidst the persistent challenges faced by the agriculture sector. “We recognize your sacrifice and contribution to our economy. You, the members of the IAs, are our partners in promoting the country’s food security. In Congress, we consider you the frontliners of the food supply chain,” Romualdez emphasized, solidifying their importance in the national framework.

For most Filipinos, vote-buying always part of country’s elections

By Rachelle Tonelada

VOTE-BUYING has long been a part of Philippine elections, but many Filipinos see it as a serious problem, especially for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.

A recent Tugon ng Masa survey by OCTA Research found that 68% of Filipinos believe vote-buying will have a nega-

AKO ILOCANO AKO. Former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson, Ako Ilocano Ako partylist first nominee Richelle Singson and their senatorial bets Ping Lacson, former Senate president Tito Sotto, Sagip partylist Representative Rodante Marcoleta attend a press conference. Rex Espiritu THE

tive impact on the May 2025 elections.

Young voters are especially concerned, with 73% of Gen Z (18-24 years old) and 74% of Millennials (2534 years old) saying that vote-buying will affect the results. Since these age groups make up a large part of the voting population, their views highlight a growing awareness of the issue. Across different regions, the concern

is even stronger. At least 75% of voters in SOCCSKSARGEN, CALABARZON, CARAGA, Northern Mindanao, Western Visayas, BARMM, MIMAROPA, Cagayan Valley, and the Cordillera Administrative Region believe vote-buying will damage the elections.

In Cagayan Valley, 99% of voters shared this concern, while in Cordillera, the number reached 100%. Despite

this, 32% of Filipinos do not think votebuying will have a major effect on the elections.

The survey also revealed that 66% of registered voters expect vote-buying to be widespread in the coming polls, especially in Ilocos Region, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, CARAGA, BARMM, Cordillera, MIMAROPA, and Cagayan Valley.

Chiz approves final Senate bldg. design

SENATE President Francis Escudero announced yesterday that he has signed the detailed architectural and engineering design (DAED) for the new Senate building in Taguig City, a crucial step that was notably absent since construction began in 2019. Speaking at a press conference, Escudero emphasized the significance of the DAED, stating,

“This is the first time that this building has a DAED, which should have been there before any building construction even started. But finally we already have one. It’s like a roadmap, not just a plan, but a detailed one.” He further explained that the DAED, secured through bidding, provides a comprehensive plan for the building’s completion.

“This was agreed through the bidding of the amounts needed, the work that needs to be done. Whatever will happen in the coming weeks, it’s because there is already a complete plan until the building is finished,” he added.

Escudero also revealed that a ceremonial signing and inspection of the building will take place next week, during which he will demonstrate why the project cannot be completed this year. Ram Superable

Lawyers to Comelec: Go back to manual

By Rio N. Araja

A GROUP of lawyers on Thursday urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to go back to manual voting for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and manual counting of votes at the precinct level for the May 12 polls. At a news conference at Amorata PH in Quezon City, lawyer Israelito Torreon of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan said: “There is no law for online voting, and yet Comelec issued three resolutions to allow it.”

“The act of Comelec is ultra vires or null and void,” he added. He said Sections 24 and 27 of Republic Act 10590 have been violated because of online voting.

Along with Torreon, lawyers Raul Lambino and Jimmy Bondoc running as senators earlier filed a petition for a temporary restraining order and writ of preliminary injunction against Comelec before the Supreme Court.

Torreon cited Section 31 of RA 9369 that amended the counting via electronic system.

“The intention of the law is manual counting at the precinct level, but the Comelec amended it to electronic counting,” he stressed. He claimed receiving mounting complaints from disenfranchised OFW voters, saying there is still enough time for Comelec to go back to overseas manual voting and manual counting at the precinct level “since Comelec is used to doing these in the past elections.”

Speaker Martin G. Romualdez

NBI SCORES ON CHILD ABUSE, TRAFFICKING.

The National Bureau of Investigation presents to reporters two arrested suspects, one of them a Swedish national, for sexual abuse of minors, and a woman apprehended for human trafficking and illegal recruitment. Norman Cruz

BI agents, cops nab rogue Russian

By Vito Barcelo and Vince Lopez

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) agents have arrested a Russian vlogger who went viral on social media for unruly behavior at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City.

The suspect was declared an undesirable alien and will be subsequently deported after serving time in jail.

The Russian identified as Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, 34, was tagged as an undesirable foreigner following his viral

social media posts featuring him harassing Filipinos he met on the streets, according to BI intelligence chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. His arrest was deemed part of the government’s continued efforts to en-

IN BRIEF

Dasma cops nab two, seize P1.66-m drugs

DASMARINAS City policemen have seized P1.66 million worth of prohibited drugs and arrested two suspects in separate buy-bust operations over the past two days within the city..

Local police chief Lt. Col. Regino Oñate identified the suspects only as alias Toyo, 34, of Brgy. 5 Poblacion Gen. Mariano Alvarez, Cavite and alias Barok, 43, of Brgy. Gregorio De Jesus, also of Gen. Mariano Alvarez. Police report showed that members of the Drug Enforcement Team of Dasmariñas Component City Police Station, in coordination with the PDEA 4A, conducted the raids on Wednesday in Barangay San Agustin 2, and in Barangay Burol Main, Dasmarinas City on Thursday. These successful operations are testament to the relentless efforts of the Cavite PPO in combating illegal drugs in the province, Oñate said. Dennis Abrina

Bets need permits to rally in Iloilo

BARANGAY officials in Iloilo City remind political parties to secure the necessary permits before conducting rallies or caucuses within their jurisdictions, following the guidelines set by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Liga ng mga Barangay president and ex-officio councilor Ma. Irene Ong emphasized that the precondition ensures organized and lawful political activities. Before holding any political gathering, parties must first get a permit from the barangay where the event will take place. After securing barangay endorsement, they must then apply for an additional permit with the Iloilo City Government. Ong advises political groups to submit their applications in advance to allow enough time for preparation. She also assured that permits would be issued fairly and promptly to all parties. Caloy Lozada

BuCor, DENR forge pact on Iwahig prison

THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have formalized the land titling of the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Puerto Princesa with the signing of an agreement at the BuCor headquarters in Muntinlupa City last Monday.

The accord was executed by BuCor director general Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and DENR-MIMAROPA officer-in-charge executive director Felix Mirasol Jr. Catapang underscored the importance of formalizing land ownership, saying the BuCor maintains and administers several public lands across the country through various methods, including presidential proclamations, executive orders, donations, and more.

He specifically cited the IPPF which encompasses over 29,000 hectares of land, highlighting its significance for both the Bureau and the broader community.

sure public safety and maintain order, in line with the President Marcos’ commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of Filipinos.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said while Filipinos are known for hospitality, foreign visitors are expected to respect local customs and obey Philippine laws.

“The Philippines welcomes visitors from all over the world, but those who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws will be held accountable,” he said.

“Harassment and disruptive behavior have no place in our society, and we

will take swift action against offenders,” he added.

Vitaly drew the ire of netizens after he posted videos of himself harassing Filipinos while filming around the BGC.

The arrest was conducted in coordination with the Makati police and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

A police reported filed at the Southern Police District by a security guard stationed in BGC, citing harassment.

The CIDG immediately coordinated the matter with BI intelligence operatives, who effected the arrest based on a mission order issued by Viado.

ROUGE RUSSIAN FINDS HIS MATCH. Operatives of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group arrested Russian national Vitaly Zdorovetskiy for disruptive and unruly behavior at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City. The foreigner, tagged as ‘undesirable alien,’ faces deportation proceedings.

MMDA enforcer says sorry to NAPOLCOM

By Joel E. Zurbano

AN ENFORCER of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) appeared at the National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Thursday to issue a public apology regarding a road clearing operation in Quezon City during which he berated a policeman for a parking violation. Gabriel Go, head of the MMDA Special Operations Group Strike Force, apologized to Capt. Erik Felipe and the entire Philippine National Police (PNP) organization for the incident. “It was not my intention to tarnish the good reputation of the PNP,” he declared. Go also apologized to Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Calinisan who accompanied him during the press briefing. The public apology came a day after Calinisan announced that Felipe was considering filing a criminal complaint against Go. The incident involving Go and Felipe was recorded on video and went viral on social media.

Palace raises grave concerns over fake news

By Charles Dantes

EXECUTIVE Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Thursday raised serious concerns over the growing problem of fake news, saying its impact is being felt worldwide.

“You know, our situation now is very difficult. Fake news has such a severe effect—it’s not just the Philippines, it’s the entire world that is suffering from the deceit brought about by fake news. It’s really devastating,” Bersamin said. Bersamin called for stronger measures against misinformation and disinformation, saying those responsible should be held accountable.

“They should really be prosecuted,” he stressed. The Palace official also emphasized that operational matters should be left to the proper authorities, particularly the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

“That’s operational, so I’m not free to disclose even if I knew,” Bersamin said when asked about a specific course of action.

“We leave that to the people who are on the operating line. Because if we make announcements, then there is a variance from them. It’s not easy to explain. We might be contradicting each other,” he added.

Bersamin asserted that the NBI would be responsible for implementing any necessary actions.

NBI director Jaime Santiago confirmed earlier that the agency is coordinating with the International Police (Interpol) to identify and apprehend individuals responsible for spreading fake news.

NSC eyes inclusion of WPS issue in school curriculum

By Rex Espiritu

THE National Security Council (NSC) is in discussions with the Department of Education (DepEd) about the possibility of integrating West Philippine Sea issues into the school curriculum.

“The National Security Council represented by Jonathan Malaya is currently in talks with the Department of Education as to how we can be able to include the West Philippine Sea issues in our curriculum,” said Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum.

“Even at a young age, they would know what the West Philippine Sea is and why it matters to the next generation,” Tarriela noted.

In January, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) released a comic book titled *“Ang mga Kwento ni Teacher Jun” (The Stories of Teacher Jun)* to promote the government’s position on the West

Philippine Sea. Tarriela disclosed that the PCG has donated copies of the comic book to several schools in Metro Manila. So far, nearly 20,000 copies have been produced, he added.

Relations between the Philippines and China have been strained over their territorial dispute on the WPS.

Philippine authorities, notably the Philippine Coast Guard, accused the Chinese Coast Guard and militias of incessant harassment of Filipino-owned vessels and fishing boats even within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

The WPS crisis developed as Beijing ignored a ruling by The Hague Arbitral Tribunal that resoundingly favored Manila, declaring that China’s arguments, including the nine-dash line had no legal basis and therefore, unlawful.

Expectedly, China reacted negatively to the decision, claiming it was “null and void.”

RUEFUL MMDA ENFORCER. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Special Operations Group Task Force head Gabriel Go, who went viral over a traffic altercation incident, apologizes to National Police Commission Commissioner Rafael Calinisan and the Philippine National Police for having offended a police officer during a road clearing operation in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

OPINION

Second Typhon missile system deployment

the

and

by the United States of a second Typhon mid-range missile system in Philippines amounts to an escalation of the arms race in the South China Sea.

But look who’s talking. Who started to militarize the South China Sea by building artificial islands even in parts of our Exclusive Economic Zone over which we claim sovereign rights according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)?

If reports of the potential second deployment of the US-made missile system in the country are accurate, this will reflect Washington’s commitment to assist us in our efforts to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity amid China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea based on its fictional ten-dash line claim of ownership over the vital sealane.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is correct in welcoming the planned deployment of another battery of Typhon missiles in Philippine territory. “The more assets we have, the more that we are able to train more personnel,” according to its spokesperson.

We recall the US deployed one Typhon unit—also known as the Mid-Range Capability—to Northern Luzon in April 2024 as part of joint military drills, and it has remained in the country since then.

Capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of up to 2,500km (1,550 miles), the Typhon can reach areas in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

China has strongly opposed its deployment, repeatedly demanding the Philippines remove the system from its shores and accusing Manila of starting a regional arms race by hosting it.

The possibility of a second Typhon deployment had been reported by the Virginia-based Defence News, which said the US Army’s 3rd multi-domain task force (MDTF) unit was preparing a second Typhon battery “for deployment in the Pacific theatre”.

While the weekly newspaper did not specify whether the Typhon would be deployed to the Philippines, Michael Rose, the unit commander, said the US Army anticipated a support role for the Typhon in Operation Pathways, a series of yearround exercises to strengthen cooperation between Washington and its regional allies.

Operation Pathways encompasses the annual Balikatan joint military exercise between US and Philippine forces, which will run from April 21 to May 9, and other bilateral drills.

The US Army has said the Typhon will not be deployed for live-firing exercises

at this year’s Balikatan. However, Manila and Washington are reportedly looking at other opportunities to do so in the near term.

Chester Cabalza, president of the Manila-based think tank International Development and Security Cooperation, said the additional Typhon deployment would allow the US to fortify its position as the dominant military force in the Indo-Pacific. “Deployment of land-based missiles [such as the Typhon] shows a level of sophistication of power itself. It does not need to be test-fired to create a web of fear,” he said.

We need the Typhon missile system as part of our deterrence efforts

Another academic, Sherwin Ona, De La Salle University political science professor and a visiting fellow at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defence and Security Research, pointed out that a second Typhon deployment in the Philippines would act as another layer of “active deterrence” against regional threats and provide crucial training opportunities.

Then there’s another observer, Muhammad Faizal Bin Abdul Rahman, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, who believes a second Typhon battery deployment in the Philippines would definitely boost Washington’s standing among its Indo-Pacific allies.

The Philippine Navy, for its part, hailed the possible deployment of another Typhon battery in the country amid China’s “aggressive and coercive behavior” in the South China Sea.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, emphasized: “We welcome all opportunities to train with modern weapon systems. The defense posture of the Republic of the Philippines is not designed against any other country. It is an action of a sovereign state.”.

While the Philippine government is now implementing a new approach to national security through the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept that calls for accelerated AFP modernization, it also includes strengthening security cooperation with other friendly countries such as the US.

We need the Typhon missile system as part of our deterrence efforts, while we build up our own internal capability to address external threats.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Children of a prodigal country

THE Gospel of Laetere Sunday celebrates the joy of the prodigal son’s return, symbolizing God’s boundless forgiveness. It also invites us to avoid self-righteousness, as seen in the elder brother’s reaction, and instead emulate the humility and repentance of the younger son.

As a community of sinners, we are called to seek God’s mercy, experience His presence in the Eucharist, and extend forgiveness and peace to one another.

The story of the prodigal son beautifully illustrates the themes of renewal and conversion.

The younger son begins by straying from his father’s guidance, squandering his inheritance, and facing the depths of despair. In his moment of realization, he chooses repentance, returning humbly to his father with a contrite heart.

This act of turning back is the essence of conversion—a profound change in direction toward love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Come to think of it – we as a nation, despite its myriad of problems and weaknesses, is still very fortunate. Who would have thought that the vic-

tims of the war against drugs, and their families, would get some measure of justice?

The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court is indeed another opportunity to renew ourselves.

The story of the prodigal son beautifully illustrates the themes of renewal and conversion

For many, it represents a cathartic moment—a release of pent-up frustration and a step toward accountability for the alleged human rights violations during his administration’s war on drugs.

For unrepentant supporters of EJKs and Duterte’s enablers, the former president’s arrest may serve as a wake-up call, urging reflection on God’s call for

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in a horizontal format that is reminiscent of the old Punch cartoons. Draw a corpulent man with a puffy face with a hairpiece running away. He has a pug

with skewed glasses and scrunched eyes. He has a pair of small wings labeled “refugee claims.” His feet are soiled. so are his pants and shirt. The mud is labeled “official summons.”

Sinkhole for Sara

IT’S not just the father who’s in hot water at the moment. The daughter is in deep trouble as well.

Slowly but surely, the House of Representatives has been unearthing enough evidence to show that the confidential funds Sara Duterte had asked for the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education she headed until September had apparently not gone to actual programs and projects but simply disappeared into thin air.

Of late, lawmakers have dug up fund recipients of such funds bearing another set of obviously fictitious names, reinforcing wellfounded fears that taxpayers’ money has been diverted elsewhere, most probably in private pockets.

How else should we treat the House discovery of fund receipts bearing such names they subsumed under the category “Team Grocery” as these alluded to food items.

For House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V of La Union, the newly discovered names confirm suspicion that large sums of public money have been funnelled to fictitious individuals.

The questionable names, accord-

renewal. For enablers of the massacre of the poor, it highlights their complicity and a reminder that no one is above the law. For the judgmental among us, and there are many on both sides of this issue, let us learn the lesson from the older son who was envious of his brother.

We are reminded that justice and mercy are two aspects of the same reality of God’s love.

It is possible to seek justice and accountability without being overwhelmed by hate.

Moving forward, let us not repeat the mistakes of the failed Duterte regime. Let us also recall the 1986 Edsa Revolution when, we failed miserably to grab the opportunity to truly transform the nation and make it more peaceful, just, and equal.

If we do not convert like the prodigal children we are, we will repeat the mistakes of our history. Worst, a Duterte, Marcos Sr., or someone worse could

ing to Ortega, have no official birth, marriage, or death records from the Philippine Statistics Authority. The OVP submitted these names to the Commission on Audit.

“The new names we found look like a shopping list for the market or grocery,” Rep. Ortega said. “If they are not real people, where did the funds go?” he asked.

Not peanuts, or even chicken feed, that the OVP tried to foist on the public with fund receipts that bore obviously fake names

That’s what taxpayers should also be asking Vice President Sara Duterte. The odd names on the list of recipients of the OVP and the Duterte-led Department of Education’s combined P612.5-million.

Not peanuts, or even chicken feed, that the OVP tried to foist on the public with fund receipts that bore obviously fake names.

The list keeps on growing, according to the lawmakers who have been sifting through 4500 receipts for confidential funds.

come to power again. We are children of a prodigal country.

But we have a Father who gives us many chances, definitely not a Tatay Digong who said he killed many because he loved our country.

We have a faithful God who never abandons, always willing to forgive those who ask for His mercy.

When I look at everything happening in the world, I can say that the Philippines is actually in a good spot, better than many other countries. We went through the worst of times with Duterte, now we can go back to nation building even as we still have to combat disinformation, social injustice, and persistent human rights violations.

When I look at the future of our politics, I see a lot of hope in many of our young politicians like Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Gabriela’s Sarah Elago, and Kabataan’s Renee Co. Like Vico, there are local government officials like Mayors Joy Belmonte of

Rep. Ortega noted that out of 1,992 supposed recipients of the OVP’s CF, 1,322 had no birth records, 1,456 had no marriage records, and 1,593 had no death records.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Manila Rep. Joel Chua, chair of the House committee on good government and public accountability, revealed earlier that 405 out of the 677 names listed as beneficiaries of DepEd’s CFs have no birth records, an indication that the names were clearly fabricated.

Perhaps it’s providential that the Senate has postponed Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial to July this year as this would give the House prosecution team enough time to gather more evidence of wrongdoing on the part of the OVP.

On the basis of just one part of the impeachment complaint alone, or the alleged misuse of confidential funds by the OVP, it would appear that Sara’s goose is cooked, so to speak, and she will have a lot of explaining to do before the Senate.

Of course, the Vice President is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and she has every opportunity to respond to the accusations levelled against her, but will the senators be convinced?

Let’s wait and see.

Quezon City and Benjie Magalong of Baguio as well as Caloocan Vice-mayor Karina Teh who are running for their last terms and might be engaged in national politics starting 2028. Leni Robredo is running for mayor of Naga and her expected victory will surely be a bright spot in May. Many good people from social movements and with proven records – my law partner Kaloi Zarate among others - running for the Senate and the partylist election. This includes Leila De Lima of Mamayang Liberal and Chel Diokno of Akbayan for the House of Representatives and the Makabayan candidates, Luke Espiritu, Leody De Guzman, Heidi Mendoza, Robert Ballon, and of course Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan for the Senate. We must not squander the opportunity for renewal this election presents us. Website: tonylavina.com Facebook: tonylavs X and Bluesky: tonylavs

nose

Australia sweats through record hottest year

SYDNEY – Australia has just sweltered through its hottest 12 months on record, a weather official said Thursday, a period of drenching floods, tropical cyclones and mass coral bleaching.

Senior government climatologist Simon Grainger said the rolling 12-month period between April 2024 and March 2025 was 1.61 degrees Celsius (34.9 degrees Fahrenheit) above average -- the hottest since records began more than a century ago.

“This is certainly part of a sustained global pattern,” he told AFP.

“We’ve been seeing temperatures since about April 2023 that were globally much warmer than anything we have seen in the global historical record.”

The previous hottest period was in 2019, Grainger said, when temperatures were 1.51 degrees Celsius above average.

“That is a pretty significant difference,” Grainger said.

“It’s well above what we would expect just from uncertainties due to rounding. The difference is much larger than that.” The record was measured on a rolling 12-month basis -- rather than as a calendar year. Australia has also recorded its hottest-ever March, Grainger said, with temperatures more than two degrees above what would normally be seen.

“There has basically been sustained warmth through pretty much all of Australia,” he said.

“We saw a lot of heatwave conditions, particularly in Western Australia. And we didn’t really see many periods of cool weather -- we didn’t see many cold fronts come through.”

From the arid outback to the tropical coast, swaths of Australia have been pummelled by wild weather in recent months.

AFP

Shaken NATO allies to meet Trump’s envoy

BRUSSELS – Rattled US allies will press Secretary of State Marco Rubio Thursday to lay out Washington’s plans for NATO and Ukraine, but his first visit to the alliance risks being overshadowed by a growing trade war.

President Donald Trump has rocked the foundations of Western security by casting doubt on NATO’s collective defense vow, reaching out to Europe’s nemesis Russia, and threatening the territory of Canada and Denmark.

In a further stoking of transatlantic tensions on Wednesday, the mercurial leader announced tariffs that will buffet allies and look set to draw retaliation.

“I know that there have been allies, for example, on this side of the pond being worried about the long-term commitment of the US to NATO,” alliance head Mark Rutte said.

“But I’m absolutely convinced this alliance is there to stay with the US. Their commitment is absolutely clear.”

NATO’s 31 other members will be desperate to separate the trade row from their two days of talks on the alliance’s future and the war in Ukraine, whose foreign minister will also attend.

Ahead of a June summit in The Hague, they’re looking for details from Rubio on Trump’s demands for allies to hike defense spending, warnings the United States could pull back forces from Europe, and intentions for Russia and Ukraine.

“Obviously Rubio will keep pushing us to do more,” one European diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“But we need some sort of additional reassurance from the US as well, and would be happy if he says ‘we’ll stand by you’.” AFP

Israel’s Netanyahu arrives in Hungary

UDAPEST –

BIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Budapest early Thursday on his first trip to Europe since 2023 and in defiance of the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban extended an invitation to Netanyahu last November, a day after the ICC issued the arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Orban vowed the EU member would not execute the warrant, despite being an ICC member, saying the court’s decision

“intervenes in an ongoing conflict... for political purposes.”

“Welcome to Budapest, Benjamin Netanyahu!” wrote Hungary’s Defence Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky on Facebook as Netanyahu began his visit, and after greeting him at the airport in capital Budapest.

Netanyahu was welcomed with military honors, after which he will hold talks with Orban.

A joint news conference is expected around 12:30 pm.

Experts say the Israeli premier, who is scheduled to stay in Hungary until Sunday, is trying to diminish the impact of the court’s decision, while hoping to drive attention away from tensions at home as he meets like-minded ally Orban.

“His ultimate goal is to regain the ability to travel wherever he wants,” Moshe Klughaft, an international strategic consultant and former advisor to Netanyahu, told AFP.

“At first, he’s flying to places where there’s no risk of arrest, and in doing so, he’s also paving the way to normalize his future travels.”

Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz in February vowed to make sure Netanyahu can visit his country.

The Hungary trip “goes hand in hand with US sanctions against the ICC,” Klughaft said, referring to the punitive measures US President Donald Trump imposed in February over what he described as “illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel”.

The ICC, based in The Hague, stressed it would be Hungary’s “legal obligation” and “responsibility towards other state parties” to enforce the court’s decisions.

“When states have concerns in cooperating with the court, they may consult the court in a timely and efficient manner,” ICC spokesman Fadi El-Abdallah said. AFP

Myanmar’s junta chief to head to Bangkok summit of 7 nations

SAGAING, Myanmar – The head of Myanmar’s junta was expected to travel to Bangkok Thursday for a regional summit, as the death toll from his country’s devastating earthquake passed 3,000.

Min Aung Hlaing will join a BIMSTEC gathering -- the seven littoral nations of the Bay of Bengal -- where he will raise the response to Friday’s 7.7-magnitude quake that has flattened buildings across the country.

Many nations have sent aid and teams of rescue workers to Myanmar since the quake, but heavily damaged infrastructure and patchy communications -- as well as the country’s rumbling civil war -- have hampered efforts. Myanmar has been engulfed in a brutal multi-sided conflict since 2021, when Min Aung Hlaing’s military wrested power from the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Following reports of sporadic clashes even after the recent earthquake, the jun-

ta on Wednesday joined its opponents in calling a temporary halt to hostilities to allow relief to be delivered. AFP journalists saw hectic scenes on Wednesday in the city of Sagaing -- less than 15 kilometers from the epicenter -- as hundreds of desperate people lined up for the distribution of emergency supplies.

Roads leading to the city were packed with traffic on Thursday, many of the vehicles part of aid convoys organized by civilian volunteers and adorned with banners saying where they had been sent from across Myanmar. Destruction in Sagaing is widespread, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that one in three houses have collapsed.

Nearly a week after the quake, locals have complained of a lack of help.

“We have a well for drinking water, but we have no fuel for the water pump,” Aye Thikar told AFP. AFP

set to rule Friday on whether to strip impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol of office over his abortive declaration of martial law which plunged the country into political chaos. Yoon, who has defended his Dec. 3 attempt to subvert civilian rule as necessary to root out “anti-state forces,” still commands the backing of die-hard supporters, who have staged protests for weeks in the run-up to the verdict.

But tens of thousands of demonstrators have also poured into the streets every weekend demanding the court remove him. They say a failure to act could endanger the democracy their country has enjoyed since 1987, following years of dictatorships.

AFP spoke to people in Seoul about how they feel: Lee Jae-hee, 47, said he hoped the court would uphold Yoon’s impeachment. “I’ve learned that the foundation of the rule of law is common sense,” the welfare worker told AFP.

“I don’t think President Yoon has ever acted in that spirit. That’s why I believe he needs to be fully impeached.” AFP

KUALA LUMPUR – The latest search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has been suspended, Kuala Lumpur’s transport minister said, more than a decade after the plane went missing.

“They have stopped the operation for the time being, they will resume the search at the end of this year,” Transport Minister Anthony Loke said in a voice recording sent to AFP on Thursday by his aide.

The Boeing 777 carrying 239 people disappeared from radar screens on March 8, 2014 while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

Despite the largest search in aviation history, the plane has not been found.

Loke’s comments come just one month after authorities said the search had resumed, following earlier failed attempts that covered vast swathes of the Indian Ocean.

An initial Australia-led search covered 120,000 square kilometers in the Indian Ocean over three years, but found hardly any trace of the plane other than a few pieces of debris.

Maritime exploration firm Ocean Infinity, based in Britain and the United States, led an unsuccessful hunt in 2018, before agreeing to launch a new search this year. AFP

COPENHAGEN – Denmark’s prime minister will aim to shore up a united front with Greenland on Thursday (Friday Manila time) during a visit to the autonomous territory, which US President Donald Trump has vowed to take over. Tensions between the United States and Denmark have soared since Trump has said repeatedly he wanted to take control of the resource-rich Arctic island for security reasons.

“It is clear that with the pressure put on Greenland by the Americans, in terms of sovereignty, borders and the future, we need to stay united,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Wednesday after arriving on the island for a three-day visit.

Frederiksen’s visit comes on the heels of a trip by US Vice President JD Vance last week that both Nuuk and Copenhagen viewed as a provocation. P It also follows the formation of a new Greenland coalition government led by the center-right Democrats party, which won a general election in March. “I have but one wish and that is to do all that I can to take care of this marvelous country and to support it at a difficult time,” Frederiksen said. AF

BOLD BENJAMIN. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plane is seen on the tarmac at Liszt Ferenc International Airport in Budapest on Thursday on his first trip to Europe since 2023 and in defiance of the International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban extended an invitation to Netanyahu last November, a day after the ICC issued the arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

as rescue personnel work to find any survivors trapped in the rubble in Bangkok on Wednesday, five days after an earthquake struck central Myanmar and Thailand. Min Aung Hlaing will join a BIMSTEC gathering -- the seven littoral nations of the Bay of Bengal -- where he will raise the response to

U.S. TARIFF SHOCK. Cranes unload shipping containers from a ship at a port in Qingdao, in eastern China’s Shandong province on Thursday. US President Donald Trump ignited a potentially ruinous global trade war on April 2, as he slapped 10 percent tariffs on imports from around the world and harsh extra levies on key trading partners. AFP

GCash Eco Run plants over 76K trees thru Green Heroes/Partners

THE time, effort, and dedication needed to train for a race or marathon make crossing the finish line so rewarding for many runners. In the same way, creating a greener, more sustainable future requires the same level of collective commitment.

More than just a race, the first-ever GCash Eco Run turned the streets of Ayala Avenue, Makati, into an ecomovement. Over 12,000 eco-runners laced up their shoes—not just to set personal records but to make a lasting impact on the environment. With the support of its event sponsors and sustainability partners, this milestone initiative has already planted 76,000 trees across 11 hectares in the Negros region.

A Race That Goes Beyond the Finish Line

In support of the South Negros Reforestation Initiative, a long-standing partnership between Silliman University and GCash, each sign-up to the GCash Eco Run contributed to the planting of a grey stilted mangrove tree in Negros Occidental. GCash doubled their commitment by pledging an additional tree for every participant. This means that the runners alone contributed 24,000 new trees. Grey stilted mangroves play a vital role in environmental conservation as they mitigate the impacts of extreme weather and sequester carbon while providing habitats for marine life. As a result, mangrove forests are some of the most effective natural ecosystems for carbon storage today, making them a crucial asset in the fight against climate change.

In line with its commitment to using tech for good, the GCash Eco Run served as a platform to raise awareness on sustainable living, bringing together partner organizations and eco-conscious brands to share their advocacies and inspire collective action.

Organizations championing various sustainability advocacies joined, such as Berdeng Kalaw, which collects paper and metal for recycling; Caritas Manila, which turns clothing donations into funds for scholars; Zolo, which resells and recycles e-waste; and Aling Tindera, which gathers plastic waste for recycling.

Attendees also explored products from the partner eco-merchants such as Cut the Craft, Bukid ni Bogs, Wonderhome Naturals, Eco Shift, and Commune. They also got their GCash VISA cards from 100% recycled plastic. GCash makes it easy for partners to drive positive change by bridging them to Silliman University, turning commitments into real action. With the support of 8 companies working together for a greener future, a total of 52,000 trees will be planted in Negros on top of the 24,000 trees from the eco runners.

Tsunoda keen to make impact after promotion

SUZUKA—Yuki

Tsunoda vowed on Thursday to bring “something different” to Red Bull after his sudden promotion ahead of his home Japanese Grand Prix this weekend.

The Japanese driver was catapulted into the Red Bull hot seat alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen last week when he replaced the underperforming Liam Lawson two races into the season.

Tsunoda will make his Red Bull debut at Suzuka, with Lawson swapping places to return to sister team Racing Bulls (RB).

Tsunoda said Red Bulls chief Christian Horner had “clearly” told him that “their main priority is Max”

but the Japanese racer is keen to make an impact in his own way.

“I’m not saying I’m confident that I can perform straight away like Max,” said Tsunoda, who is into his fifth F1 season and is yet to get on the podium.

“But I have confidence that I can do something different, hopefully, com-

pared to other drivers.

“If I don’t have confidence, I’m not very good. I would stay at Racing Bulls,” the 24-year-old added.

Tsunoda said that he fully accepted that Verstappen was the team’s top priority.

“He’s a four-time world champion and so far already in the last few races, even in the car’s difficult situation, he still performed well,” said Tsunoda.

He added that his instructions from the team were to “be as close to Max as possible”.

Tsunoda was passed over for a Red Bull seat in favour of Lawson when Sergio Perez left at the end of last season.

Tsunoda said the decision was “brutal” for him but he accepted it at the time as part of life in the Red Bull organization.

“We understand, I’m sure Liam understands as well how the situation can very quickly change within our structure,” he said.

MARU Gamerpact Esports crowned Grassroots champ

MARU Gamerpact Esports, the Philippine representative at the MLBB x OPPO Smooth Legend Cup APAC Grand Finals, were named the Grassroots Team Champions after defeating five other national champion teams from Southeast Asia. Maru Gamerpact Esports made the Philippines proud with their triumph over 882 registered teams. As MLBB’s largest cross-regional grassroots tournament, the event provided a vital platform for empowering emerging talent to pursue their esports aspirations. All tournament matches were played on the OPPO Reno13 5G, designed even for the most competitive gamers. Delivering unparalleled smoothness, high-performance, and lag-free gameplay, players were able to compete at their best, worry-free!

The MLBB x OPPO Smooth Legend Cup APAC Grand Finals featured top teams

from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines, who competed to claim the title for their nations. During the three action-packed days, the Grand Finals displayed MLBB esports passion with teams demonstrating strategic gameplay that thrilled the audience. Celebrating the event and partnership

During the awarding ceremony that culminated the esports event, Andy Shi, APAC President of OPPO and Eric Wu, Senior Partnerships Manager, Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games, recognized the players’ dedication and tournament’s success. Andy said: “At OPPO, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of mobile gaming by providing cutting-edge technology that enhances the mobile esports experience. The OPPO Reno13 5G has proven to be the ultimate device for competitive gaming, ensuring seamless and responsive

Oplan Mt. Everest

THERE are at least seven Filipinos, who have reached the summit of Mt. Everest.

At 8,848 meters above sea level, Mt. Everest is the highest mountain in the world. First to achieve the feat was Heracleo “Leo”

to reach the first base camp on Everest.

Then we will have the acclimatization and rotation, where we will spend most of our days to train by climbing up and down para masanay ang aming mga katawan sa kondisyon sa Everest at maging safe rin ang pag-akyat namin,” Panganiban said.

Panganiban, who initially started mountain climbing because his friends were into the sport, said it is his ultimate dream to reach the “top of the world” not only because not too many have managed to do this,a but he hopes to bring back interest and excitement to mountain climbing again. Just like what happened during the aftermath of Oracion, Emata and Garduce summiting Everest in three successive days, almost 19 years ago.

Panganiban is also aware that climbing Mt. Everest will not be easy considering the many factors that every climber will face in every footstep. The mountain is very unforgiving with several degrees below zero temperatures, extreme weather conditions, avalanches and its dreaded death zone. Also, climbing up and get-

ting down are two different matters.

“Kinakabahan ako at natatakot, pero I use that para maging conscious ako sa bawat galaw ko, sa mga gamit ko, sa approach ko. Most deaths actually happen during the descent. Pagod na kasi sila. Kaya may plan kami ng team ko for both ascent and descent,” he admitted.

Before coming back to the country a few days back, Panganiban had been training in Nepal for several weeks. Before planning to climb Everest, he has already sumitted several 8,000-plus meter peaks to prepare him for the ultimate ascent.

In all of his experiences climbing several peaks, he has a key motto. “Sabi nila climbing a mountain is optional, but getting down is mandatory,” he added.

Panganiban will leave for Nepal on April 9. From there, he will rendezvous with Mapalad at the first base camp where they will prepare climbing up and down the several base camps before making the final assault to the top of Mt. Everest.

REASSERTING

dominance over Criss Cross, Cignal is determined to do what it does best – close out a title series – as the HD Spikers go all-out to secure a sweep against the King Crunchers in Game Two of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference finals at the Philsports Arena in Pasig tonight (Friday). Cignal’s championship experience once again proved pivotal as it outlasted Criss Cross in a grueling fiveset showdown in Game 1 of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals last Wednesday. With a commanding Finals record and a history of rising to the occasion, the HD Spikers are now on the verge of clinching their ninth championship title in the league organized by Sports Vision.

Gametime is at 6 p.m. at the Philsports Arena.

However, their path to another crown is anything but guaranteed, as Criss Cross’ deep and talented roster is out to bounce back in Game 2.

After suffering three defeats to Criss Cross in the elimination and semifinal rounds, Cignal flipped the script when it mattered most, pounding out a 22-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-21, 15-12 victory in the opener of their best-of-three series. The win moved them to the brink of yet another title, reinforcing their reputation as the kings of the Finals.

Cignal had previously swept Criss Cross for both the 2024 Invitational and the previous season’s Open title, proving their ability to deliver in highstakes matches.

Despite the setback, Criss Cross remains a formidable force. Armed with a souped-up roster, they entered the Finals with an unblemished 13-0 record, dominating both the elims and semis, highlighted by three victories over the HD Spikers.

If plans push through, Panganiban and Mapalad will reach the summit either on the third or 4th week of May, which offers the best window to push for the summit.

“It’s about time for the global community to recognize once more our ability to climb Everest na kaya na naman natin ulit. It’s also time to raise the Philippine flag once more atop Mt. Everest and hopefully, this will unify us as a country and as Filipinos,” Panganiban said.

More than anything else, the last sentence matters most. I can’t stress enough how recent events have polarized the country and our people. Maybe, just maybe, we need something or someone, in case this forthcoming Mt. Everest expedition, to remind us that at the end of the day, there are so many things and reasons that could and should unite us. Stay safe. Stay happy peeps! For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_ cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

Members of the Maru Gamerpact Esports team

Red Bull Racing’s Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda attends a press conference ahead of the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka. AFP

gameplay. We are thrilled to see such an incredible display of skill and sportsmanship at the MLBB x OPPO Smooth Legend Cup APAC Grand Finals.”

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, RANDY M. CALUAG, EDGARD HILARIO,

Fajardo, Thompson join list of PBA’s 50 Greatest Players

By Peter Atencio

THE impact of June Mar Fajardo and Scottie Thompson as most valuable players has made them worthy to be included in the list of the Philippine Basketball Association’s 50 Greatest Players.

Hall of Famer Ronnie Magsanoc said this on Wednesday after he led the league in naming the 10 newest members of the list.

Fajardo is an eight-time MVP for the San Miguel Beermen, which has won 10 league titles with him around.

“June Mar Fajardo is a generationaltype of player, who is of a rare breed,” said Magsanoc, during the announcements made on the ONE Sports program Starting Lineup, at the Cignal TV offices in Mandaluyong. Magsanoc, who made it as an AllStar player seven times, believes that Fajardo belongs in the same league as first batch honorees Atoy Co, Robert Jaworski, Ramon Fernandez and Alvin Patrimonio with his dominant game.

Lady Altas stun Letran belles, grab NCAA lead

By Dennis Abrina

THE Perpetual Help Lady Altas outlasted the Letran Lady Knights in a thrilling 5-set victory, 23-25, 25-23, 14-25, 25-22, 15-13, on Thursday in the NCAA Season 100 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Home of the Altas Gym in Barangay Pamplona III, Las Pinas.

Middle blocker/quicker Winnie Bedaña topscored with 18 points on 13 attacks, 4 blocks and a service ace to lead the Lady Altas to the lead and their seventh win in eight games.

The Intramuros team fell to 6-2 at third place, trailing the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers with a 7-2 record.

Bedana was joined in the hard-fought win by Shaila Omipon, who contributed 17 points, all of which came from attacks, to go with 17 excellent receptions, while rookie Jemalyn Menor had 14 points on 10 attacks, plus 4 blocks.

Setter Fianne Ariola recorded 25 excellent sets, while also contributing 17 digs. Libero Marian Andal recorded

memory sport competition set

By Randy M. Caluag

ROBERT Racasa, a seven-time Philippine team member in the World Memory Championship, is set to host a groundbreaking “memory sport” event—the Battle of the Calendrical Savants—on April 9 at Eurotel, Cubao, Quezon City.

This unique competition challenges participants to mentally compute and determine the exact day of the week for any given date in history.

“People will witness a truly oneof-a-kind competition—the first of its kind in the Philippines and the world,” said Racasa.

A calendrical savant, also known as a calendar savant, possesses an extraordinary ability to instantly and accurately determine the day of the week for any date, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia.

Imagine someone telling you the exact day of the week you were born, and upon verifying, you find out they were absolutely correct.

On the other hand, Thompson, the 2021 MVP playing for Barangay Ginebra, earned the nod for the leadership that he provides for his team.

“Siya ay isang MVP. And that put him in the pedestal with the greatest players. The only drawback he has is bata pa siya. But he deserves to be there,” added Magsanoc.

Fajardo and Thompson, the only active players added in the Greatest List, will be among those who will be honored when the PBA celebrates its 50th anniversary on April 11 at the Solaire North in Quezon City.

Basketball legends Nelson Asaytono, Jeffrey Cariaso, Bong Hawkins, Abe King, Danny Seigle, Manny Victorino, Yoyoy Villamin, and the

late Arnie Tuadles were among those 10 named with Fajardo and Thompson, completing the list of the league’s 50 best pros.

Lengthy discussions by the PBA Selection Committee culminated in the choices that were made.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial commended the hard work of the selection committee in picking the deserving cagers.

“Dumaan ito sa malalim na proseso nang pagpili, and the PBA would like to thank the members of the Selection Committee for the effort they rendered. Hindi madali ang kanilang naging pagpupulong dahil alam nating lahat na marami ang deserving,” said Marcial.

18 digs and 17 receptions for the Perpetual squad.

Three Lady Knights recorded double-digit points, namely Marie Nitura with 18 points, Gia Maquilang, with 16 points and Sheena Sarie, with 15.

SOFIA Pagara and Khylem Progella had their sizzling run doused by a dispiriting officiating blunder as China’s Yu Tong and Jiang Kaiyue beat the Alas Pilipinas duo, 14-21-15-21, on Thursday in the Rebisco Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Nuvali Open in the City of Santa Rosa, Laguna.

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Invitational champions, coming off a straightsets win in their opener, looked set to seize a set from the pair of Chinese six-footers when they held a 12-9 lead in the second.

But the streak was halted by an errant ball touch call against the Filipinas by a line judge on a shot that sailed long.

Meanwhile, the Mapua Cardinals won, 25-17, 21-25, 28-26, 26-24, and handed the College of St. Benilde Blazers their first defeat after 8 consecutive wins to take the lead with a clean 8-0 slate.

Progella and Pagara, who both stand 5 feet 9 inches, were stunned with the call and the crowd at the world-class Nuvali Sand Courts started shouting in disbelief.

That triggered a series of errors on the Philippine side and allowed the Chinese to regain the lead, scoring eight straight points on the way to their second victory in pool play.

“It’s about momentum in beach volleyball, and it was quite disheartening right when we were getting our groove back. Our run was cut short just because of that very wrong call,” the 19-year-old Progella said.

The 20-year-old Pagara and 19-year-old Pagara, who beat Malaysia’s Ee Ling Pua and

Rachael Go of Malaysia, 21-8, 21-18, march on after going 1-1 in pool play of the tournament organized by the PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, also chief of the AVC.

The University of Santo Tomas pair vowed to put the loss behind them and reset as they prepare for the Round of 16 on Thursday.

“We don’t even want to know right now who we are facing next. For now, we rest,” Pagara said.

The Philippines men’s team also suffered tough early losses on the second day of pool play, as Lerry John Francisco and Edwin Tolentino could not get past Thailand’s Surin Jongklang and Kittituch Khomkham, 14-21, 12-21, and wound up 0-2 in pool play.

You’d likely be amazed—perhaps even shocked—by their seemingly superhuman ability. Now, picture an entire group of individuals demonstrating this skill, recalling any random date across more than 8,418 years of the Gregorian Calendar, from October 15, 1582, to December 31, 9999. Witnessing such a feat in real-time is bound to leave audiences in awe.

The event will be judged by some of the most accomplished minds in the field, including Ireneo Bughao, a Ripley’s Believe It or Not Hall of Famer known as the Walking Human Calendar; Grandmaster Mark Anthony Castaneda, the first Filipino Grandmaster of Memory Sport; Axel Tabernilla, an International Memory Master; and John Paul Botin, the creator of the Perpetual Calendar Formula.

Among the standout participants are Antonella Berthe Racasa, a twotime Philippine representative in the World Cadets Chess Championship; Jeanne Arcinue, a 10-year-old prodigy who memorized the entire Gregorian Calendar and gained viral fame online; and lawyer Jerzon Sebastian, a mental athlete with a passion for memory sports.

Lady Tams earn UAAP chess blitz’ top seeding

87 women’s blitz Final Four as the top seed while bolstering its three-peat feat bid at the Adamson Gym. Franchesca Largo, Mhage Sebastian and Me Ann Joy Baclayon provided the decisive wins on boards one, two and four, respectively, while Samantha Umayan drew with Angela San Luis on fourth board in capping the Lady Tams’ domination of the elimination round where it finished with 46 match points, or a whopping eight points head of No. 2 La Salle. Ateneo and University of Santo Tomas ended up at third and fourth, respectively, with 37 points each in completing the semis cast set tomorrow (Saturday) also at the Falcons’

FEU had already its men’s team making the Final Four after finishing second in the elims behind UST while the former’s high school boys and girls have both entered straight to the final.

FEU is trying to assert its might in chess after snaring three of the four chess gold medals in the standard event last year and two of four in the rapid section just less than a week ago.

Both rapid and blitz are making their debut as demonstration sports and there’s a big possibility it just might end up as regular events if not next season but in the near future.

“That’s our hope, to promote chess and add more scholarships to young chess players who also want an education,” said FEU coach Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales, who is also National Chess Federation of the Philippines chief executive officer.

San Miguel Beer’s JuneMar Fajardo (right) and Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson (left)

The Lady Altas celebrate after securing a hard-fought 5-set victory over Letran Lady Knights . Dennis Abrina

The Philippines’ Khylem Progella against Yu Tong of China

Robert Racasa

PSA upgrades 2024 economic growth to 5.7% 5.7%

THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Thursday it upgraded the gross domestic product (GDP) growth to 5.7 percent from an initial estimate of 5.6 percent, following the adjustment in fourth-quarter performance.

It revised the fourth-quarter GDP growth to 5.3 percent from the previous 5.2 percent, resulting in fullyear changes.

“The PSA revises the GDP estimates based on an approved revision policy [PSA Board Resolution No. 1, Series of 2017-053], which is consistent with international standard practices on national accounts revisions,” the PSA said.

It will release the first-quarter GDP growth on May 8, 2025.

Despite the slight adjustment, the 2024 growth still fell below the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s (DBCC) growth target of 6.0 to 6.5 percent. However, it was faster than the 5.5-percent expansion in 2023.

Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said the Philippine economy remains relatively resilient amid global trade shifts, with the government leveraging the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize

Revised GDP growth in 2024

5.6% 5.3%

Initial 2024 GDP growth estimate Revised fourthquarter growth

Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act to attract more investors to locate in the country.

“The Philippine economy is primarily driven by domestic demand rather than exports. This makes us relatively resilient against trade wars. However, as with all countries, we are not spared from the impact of the expected decline in international trade and possible slowdown of global growth due to supply chain disruptions, higher interest rates, and higher inflation,” said Recto.

Power prices at spot market surge as heat index rises

By Alena Mae S. Flores

AVERAGE system-wide electricity prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) surged to P5.34 per kilowatt-hour in March from P2.73 per kWh in February, following reduced supply and increased demand.

Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) corporate planning and communications manager Arjon Valencia said the system-wide average supply from Feb. 26 to March 25, 2025 decreased 4.4 percent to 19,611 megawatts from 20,512 MW in February due to forced outages and derations of power plants.

IEMOP is the operator of the WESM, the trading floor of electricity where electricity prices usually go up when supply is tight and demand is high. He said power demand also in-

creased 5.9 percent to 13,670 MW in March from 12,904 MW in February, driven by extreme heat during the first week of March.

Valencia said power supply margins shrank 1 percent to 3,957 MW from 5,725 MW in February, “leading to tighter system conditions.”

The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) on Thursday warned of red alerts for the Luzon grid in June, which may lead to power outages.

ICSC, in its latest report, assessed the operating margins, or the difference between available generating capacity and peak demand, in the three main island grids based on the 2025 weekly demand, supply and operating margin profile issued by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines and the Department of Energy (DOE) in December 2024.

ICSC said its findings showed that the Luzon grid would likely have nor-

mal reserves in April, with yellow alerts possible in May and red alerts likely in June.

It said the Luzon grid is projected to export power to the Visayas grid through the high voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnection from March 31 to June 1 to ensure sufficient reserves in Visayas. However, it will need to restrict exports from June 2 to 8, as this is the tightest period for Luzon given the reduced coal generation of around 842 MW forecasted by the NGCP and DOE, potentially leading to red grid alert levels.

“Maintaining sufficient reserve levels during this period will depend heavily on the timely delivery of committed capacities and the prevention of forced outages in power plants outside the GOMP. Ensuring GOMP compliance is critical to maintaining grid stability and reliability,” the report said.

DIGITAL LEARNING. Department of Information and Communication Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, together with Department of Education assistant secretary Aurelio Bartolome, Republic Asia Inc. president and chief executive Bran Reluao and iAcademy president and chief operating officer Raquel Perez Wong sign a partnership agreement to boost digital learning through an initiative called ‘Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy’ in Manila on April 3, 2025. The event aims to promote awareness about ICT development and advance digital transformation efforts across various sectors of society. Norman Cruz

PH stocks plunge amid Trump’s tariffs

THE Philippine Stock Exchange index plunged Thursday by more than 1.6 percent, or 101.95 points, to close at 6,145.73, as the reciprocal tariffs announced by the Trump administration sent markets reeling. The wider all-shares index also declined by 40.71 points, or 1.1 percent, to settle at 3,664.41.

The newly-imposed tariffs include a 10-percent baseline tariff on all imports, effective April 5, and additional reciprocal tariffs targeting countries with substantial trade surpluses with the US.

The Philippines faces a 17-percent reciprocal tariff, one of the lowest in the Southeast Asian region. While this could affect the growth of the domestic economy, economists are still seeing opportunities for the Philippines.

“While we think the country’s strong domestic consumption base (about 75 percent of GDP), will provide a buffer against external shocks and reducing overall trade vulnerability, we acknowledge certain risks that will bring some adjustments to our economic forecast,” Bank of the Philippine Islands lead economist Emilio Neri said.

“The Philippines might see indirect benefits from the U.S. tariffs on other countries. Softer global demand could put downward pressure on oil prices, easing import costs. Additionally, exporters from countries like China, facing higher tariffs, may redirect their goods to alternative markets, including the Philippines, which could help contain inflation,” he said.

China Banking Corp. managing director Juan Paolo Colet also sees silver lining for the Philippines.

Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

PSE buys more shares in PDS from SSS, Insular

Foundation in December.

VISAYAS Container Terminal

(VCT), operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), welcomed SITC Container Lines’ restructured China-Philippines Express 7 (CPX7) service, which introduces regular weekly calls to Iloilo starting March 2025.

The revamped service enhances Iloilo’s trade connectivity with key Asian markets, offering improved reliability, service frequency and cargo handling efficiency.

The CPX7 service was deployed with the SITC Fujian, a 1,800-TEU capacity gearless vessel that takes full advantage of VCT’s new mobile harbor cranes.

The cranes, along with other recent terminal upgrades, enable seamless cargo operations and faster vessel turnaround times.

As part of the expanded weekly rotation, the CPX7 service connects Iloilo with Shanghai, Xiamen, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro, strengthening trade access to China’s economic hubs and key domestic markets in the Philippines.

The increased frequency also enhances schedule reliability and supply chain efficiency to the benefit of importers and exporters in Western Visayas and beyond.

SITC, a leading intra-Asia shipping provider based in Hong Kong, operates a network spanning 120 ports across ASEAN, China, Japan and other major markets. With this service expansion, Iloilo becomes an integral part of SITC’s growing regional network, further positioning the Visayas as a key trade gateway in the Philippines.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Philippine Stock Exchange is acquiring more shares in Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corp. (PDS) as part of its strategy to consolidate the equities and fixed income exchanges.

The PSE said Thursday it signed a share purchase agreement to acquire Social Security System’s (SSS) and Insular Investment Corp.’s stake in PDS.

SSS owns 96,388 PDS shares, while Insular holds 4,030 shares.

The PDS is the holding company that owns the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp., the operator of the fixed income exchange. It also owns the Philippine Depository & Trust Corp. which serves as the depository for equities and fixed income securities.

With the acquisition, PSE will own a total of 79.94 percent of PDS, inclusive of the company’s existing 20.98-percent equity interest.

The PSE also entered into share purchase agreement with other PDS shareholders including Singapore Exchange Limited, Bankers Association of the Philippines, San Miguel Corp., Whistler Technologies Services, Inc., AIA Philippines Life and General Insurance Company Inc., Golden Astra Capital, Inc and FINEX

The transaction is subject to customary post-closing conditions.

The PSE offered to acquire 3.87 million PDS shares at P600 apiece, or for a total of P2.32 billion. The transaction cost was based on the P3.75-billion enterprise value of PDS.

“These signed agreements bring us a step closer to achieving our objective of consolidating the equities and fixed income exchanges and realizing the synergies and efficiencies from this unified setup. This will also allow us to be instrumental in the growth and development of the Philippine capital market with the introduction of new products for various stakeholders as well as the implementation of risk management processes,” said PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon.

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) is boosting its Cebu hub network by adding more flights and increasing the number of seats available amid a surge in travel during the peak summer season. The country’s flag carrier will operate 287 weekly roundtrip domestic flights between Mactan-Cebu Airport and 18 destinations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, increasing flight frequency by 10 percent starting April

2025.

It said that on top of frequency increases, PAL would boost seat capacity by using larger aircraft on certain routes, such as 199-seater Airbus A321s in lieu of 86-seater De Havilland Dash 8-400 NGs. With the added flights and aircraft upgrades, PAL’s weekly seat capacity to and from Cebu will increase by over 39,000 seats, reflecting an uptick of 17 percent.

TARI Estate, a 384-hectare industrial-anchored mixed-use development in Tarlac province, is set to become a hub for investment, employment and sustainable development in Central Luzon, according to Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates.

Launched in 2024, the estate marks Aboitiz InfraCapital’s first project in the region, building on its experience in Batangas and Cebu.

The company aims for TARI Estate to replicate the success of its LIMA Estate in Batangas,

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) denied NOW Telecom Company Inc.’s request for an extension of its nationwide mobile telecommunications system operating authority, citing the company’s failure to meet regulatory and operational standards.

The NTC, in a unanimous decision, ruled that NOW Telecom failed to comply with critical regulatory and operational requirements, including the rollout of infrastructure, severe underutilization of spectrum and more than P3.57 billion in unpaid regulatory fees.

“[NOW Telecom’s] provisional authority to install, operate and maintain a nationwide mobile telecommunications system, offer services and to charge rates therefor, with the clarification that said authority is not specific to 3G is hereby deemed inoperative in view of its expiration/nonextension of its provisional authority,” the NTC said in a 45-page order dated March 19, 2024.

The NTC held that its earlier rulings—specifically those dated Sept. 14, 2020, and Dec. 4, 2020—had attained finality, barring the company from reasserting the same claims. It also dismissed NOW Telecom’s claims that it owed no outstanding supervision and regulation fees (SRF) and spectrum user fees (SUF), citing Supreme Court rulings that upheld the NTC’s imposition of said fees.

“As of 31 December 2024, NOW Telecom Company Inc./ NEXT Mobile, Inc. still has an outstanding SRF in the total amount of P3,578,211,841.22,” the NTC said, broken down into P1.33 billion in principal and P2.24 billion in penalties.

These additional services give summer travelers the flexibility to choose from a wider array of flights serving idyllic Boracay, breathtaking Coron, the renowned surfing capital Siargao, and the myriad wonders of Palawan province, home of the famed underground river in Puerto Princesa. PAL flights from Cebu to Boracay and Siargao, two of the country’s top island-destinations, will increase from 14 to 21 weekly Cebu-Caticlan flights, and 18 to 26 weekly CebuSiargao flights, respectively. Cebu hub services to and from Palawan will likewise get a boost, from 7 to 14 weekly flights between Cebu and Puerto Princesa; and from 14 to 17 weekly flights between Cebu and Coron (Busuanga). Cebu - Tacloban v.v. services will go up to 14 weekly flights while Cebu - Davao v.v. services will increase to 29 flights weekly. Darwin G. Amojelar

a 1,000-hectare development housing nearly 250 businesses and employing over 100,000 workers.

Aboitiz InfraCapital signed a preliminary agreement with House of Investments Inc., part of the Yuchengco Group of Companies in October 2024, to expand TARI Estate by 184 hectares through Tarlac Terra Ventures Inc.

Under the agreement, House of Investments will hold a 51-percent stake in Tarlac Terra Ventures Inc., while Aboitiz In-

fraCapital Economic Estates will have 49 percent. This expansion is part of the overall 384-hectare TARI Estate footprint. Construction is ongoing for the initial 200-hectare phase, with turnover of the first 85 hectares targeted for the third quarter of 2026. This will allow businesses to begin construction and operations within the estate. Aboitiz InfraCapital projects TARI Estate will create about 60,000 jobs, boosting Tarlac’s contribution to Central Luzon’s economy.

SCHOOL ELECTRIFICATION. Bohol Light connects Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School to the power grid, bringing electricity to the institution and illuminating the future of its students. Bohol Light president and chief executive Roel Castro (eight from left)

City.

SITC Yokohama makes its maiden call to Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), on March 29, 2025, marking the resumption of SITC’s revamped weekly service. The service enhances Iloilo’s trade connectivity with key Asian markets, offering improved reliability, service frequency and cargo handling efficiency.

BCDA vows to sustain New Clark City projects

By Othel V. Campos

TATE-RUN Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) reiterated its commitment to advancing the Philippines’ infrastructure development, following significant progress in its flagship New Clark City project.

BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang highlighted key advancements in New Clark City at the 15th Philippines-Japan High-Level Meeting of the Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation on March 24, 2025.

BPI boosts local production, bans 18 agri importers

THE Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) announced major milestones in 2024, including the distribution of over 54 tons of vegetable seeds to boost local production, blacklisting 18 importers to safeguard plant and human health and opening new international markets for Philippine fruits.

Based on the annual report submitted to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., BPI executive director Glen Panganiban said the agency’s efforts led to the interception of hundreds of tons of illegal agricultural imports such as onions, carrots, mushrooms and tomatoes as well as over half a million border inspections that surpassed internal targets.

“A total of 515,375 first-border inspections and 28,000 second-border inspections were carried out in 2024, achieving 199 percent and 206 percent of our targets, respectively,” Panganiban said.

BPI said it seized 1,958 non-compliant shipments, with notable intercepts including 5,640 Phalaenopsis orchids infected with the Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus, which poses a serious threat to critical crops.

BPI’s efforts in 2024 resulted in the blacklisting of 18 importers, the highest in a single year and surpassing the total number blacklisted in the previous decade.

The violations were primarily due to misdeclarations, failure to secure sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances, and other regulatory violations. Othel V. Campos

“With Japan’s support, we are making great progress in transforming New Clark City into a smart, sustainable, and thriving economic hub,” Bingcang said.

One major update is BCDA’s partnership with Science Park of the

Philippines Inc. (SPPI) to develop a 100-hectare industrial park, together with Japanese companies with the goal of attracting high-value manufacturing and technology investments.

BCDA is piloting an AI-driven smart mobility system within New Clark City in partnership with Zenmov and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

The first of its kind in the Philippines, the mobility system features lowcarbon transport solutions and autonomous public utility vehicles (PUVs).

The final report from Zenmov, which will e released in the third

quarter of 2025, will provide crucial insights for the future development of the city’s comprehensive mass transit system.

Further, BCDA and the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN), a Japanese government-private infrastructure investment fund, are accelerating the implementation of the New Clark City master plan.

The partnership is preparing a business case for estate management services, ensuring the efficient and sustainable administration of the city as it welcomes more businesses.

DA, PHLPost to expand KADIWA store network

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday to launch a partnership expanding the KADIWA ng Pangulo program nationwide.

The program, which connects small farmers and fisherfolk directly with Filipino consumers to provide affordable, high-quality food, would now be accessible through post offices across the country.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and postmaster general and PHLPost chief executive Luis Carlos emphasized the collaborative effort between the two agencies to enhance food security, improve the lives of Filipino consumers, and make essential food products more accessible, especially to financially struggling households.

“This reminds us that when institutions come together with a shared purpose, they can break barriers and create meaningful change,” he said.

With a network of 1,100 post offices nationwide, Carlos said the KADIWA ng Pangulo program would initially cover 67 post offices across Metro Manila, as well as areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

He said the six post offices hosting pop-up KADIWA stores already benefitted not only postal workers but also the communities served by PHLPost.

Othel V. Campos

Makati Business Club proposes BOT scheme for power grids

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Makati Business Club (MBC) proposed on Thursday that the executive department issue an order allowing a build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme for the power grids.

MBC said this would allow thirdparty investors, whether private sector or government-owned and controlled corporations, to build needed transmission infrastructure and accelerate grid development, both of which are critical to achieving reliable, afford-

able renewable energy.

The organization said bottlenecks and challenges should be resolved through policy reform to ensure reliable, affordable and renewable power. It said one of the main issues is grid infrastructure as the Philippines has yet to achieve full electri

fication.

It said household electrification levels stood at 91.1 percent as of June 2023, and the Department of Energy (DOE) was seeking to achieve 100 percent electrification by 2028.

“Increased investments in grid infrastructure improve the development of renewable energy, and reduce longterm cost, by improving transmission efficiency,” MBC said.

Department of Energy Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said the MBC may be referring to the Office of the President to issue an EO that the agency proposed.

“Not BOT but advanced construction of transmission assets by RE developers and third party. These assets will be turned over to NGCP. System

operation and transmission network operator is still NGCP,” Guevara said. NGCP operates the power grid under its franchise and concession agreement with the government. MBC said these improvements needed to happen at a faster pace given the growing interest of investors in the renewable energy industry. It cited the 2024 Climatescope report by BloombergNEF which ranked the Philippines as the secondmost attractive emerging market for renewable energy investment.

Air Canada inaugurates Vancouver-Manila flight

By Darwin G. Amojelar

AIR Canada expanded its Southeast Asian network with the inaugural flight between Vancouver and Manila on April 3, 2025.

The new route strengthens the airline’s presence in the region, supports Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy and positions Air Canada as the leading North American carrier for non-stop flights to Southeast Asia.

“We are proud to be the only Canadian carrier flying to the Philippines, building on the longstanding ties between our countries to make visiting family and friends, conducting business, or heading on

vacation more convenient than ever.

With more than one million Filipinos living in Canada representing an important market, direct air services are a catalyst to facilitating tourism, trade and connectivity, and represent the fastest way of travelling to Manila,” said Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s executive vice president, revenue and network planning and president of cargo.

THE Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) is holding its 34th biennial national convention from April 3 to 6, 2025, focusing on technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in a message, lauded the FFCCCII’s 71-year contribution to the Philippine economy and its role in nation-building.

“Your success exemplifies the potential of our combined cultures and promises a harmonious, prosperous future,” he said.

Vice President Sara Duterte cited the convention’s focus on technology and innovation as drivers of economic resilience.

She also lauded the FFCCCII’s “Op-

eration: Barrio Schools” program, a private-sector school building initiative, and called for continued collaboration to support entrepreneurs.

“Everything we do is for God, for the nation, and for every Filipino family,” she said.

The FFCCCII, under president Cecilio Pedro, donated over 6,500 school buildings through its “Operation Barrio Schools” program and supports volunteer fire brigades and disaster relief efforts.

The convention will focus on strategies to boost innovation, global competitiveness and equitable development.

“Together, let’s harness technology and entrepreneurship to propel our nation forward,” Pedro said.

Recto defends transfer of PhilHealth’s excess fund

By Darwin G. Amojelar

DEPARTMENT of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto defended the government’s transfer of excess funds from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), describing it as legal, economically sound and a “moral duty.”

Recto told the Supreme Court during oral arguments that the move, mandated by Congress, was necessary to use idle funds for national development.

“We cannot, in good conscience, allow funds to languish in bank ac-

By Othel V. Campos

PHILIPPINE chief executives are cautiously optimistic about 2025, with mergers and acquisitions (M&A) a key growth strategy, a recent survey showed.

Eighty-six percent of Philippine CEOs are prioritizing investments to boost operational efficiency and growth, with M&A and joint ventures topping their strategic agendas, according to the survey.

“M&A activity is poised to accelerate as companies look to expand their capabilities, enhance service delivery, and leverage synergies in a rapidly evolving market,” said Noel Rabaja, head of strategy and transactions at SGV, the Philippine member firm of Ernst & Young (EY).

While 62 percent of Philippine CEOs are slightly optimistic about the domestic business environment, their outlook is tempered by global headwinds, including inflation and global trade uncertainties, the survey found.

Rabaja said the growing interest in M&A reflects a trend towards consolidation and expansion, particularly in sectors such as technology, finance, and customer experience.

“The Philippines is poised to see more M&A transactions in the coming months, which could attract more foreign investors looking to participate in the country’s growth through strategic acquisitions. This increased activity could not only drive local growth but also bolster the nation’s appeal as an investment destination,” Rabaja said.

counts as our nation’s needs multiply daily,” Recto said. He said the funds would support the government’s Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, which aims to reduce the fiscal deficit from 8.6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021 to

3.7 percent by 2028, and cut national debt from 60.9 percent of GDP in 2022 to 56.3 percent in 2028.

Recto said the transfer allowed the government to raise funds “without raising taxes and adding more borrowings.”

He also addressed concerns that the move harmed PhilHealth members, stating “not a single centavo” from member contributions was touched. The funds transferred were government subsidies, he said.

Recto dismissed claims PhilHealth was bankrupt, attributing confusion to “inaccurate and unreliable” Insurance Contract Liabilities (ICLs) flagged by

the Commission on Audit (COA). He said ICLs were not actual debts but future obligation provisions based on flawed estimates.

He said PhilHealth, as a state health insurer, is backed by the government and cannot go bankrupt.

Recto noted PhilHealth’s “low absorptive capacity” and significant accumulated net income, which grew from P109.95 billion in 2019 to P464.27 billion in 2023. Even after transferring P60 billion , PhilHealth retains P498 billion, he said.

“To let billions sleep while our people suffer is not prudence—it is negligence,” Recto said.

OKADA Manila installed Entertainment City’s first electric vehicle (EV) charging station in a move towards sustainable innovation.

The charging station, at the Lower ground floor parking near the VIP and valet drop-off area, features two Type 2 charging sockets with a 22 kWh power output, the resort said. It can charge an EV from 50 percent to 100 percent in about two hours.

The service is available through Okada Manila’s valet service.

“At Okada Manila, sustainability

is a core part of our responsibility as a corporate citizen,” said Rob Scott, vice president of hotel operations at Okada Manila, in a statement.

“This EV charging station reflects our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and our role in shaping a greener future for tourism and hospitality in the Philippines,” said Scott.

The installation is part of Okada Green Heart, the resort’s sustainability initiative, aligning with its Energy Efficiency pillar, which focuses on

THE head of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) on Wednesday lauded the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) for its role in stabilizing rural electrification.

NEA administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, speaking at the 2025 Market Participants Update, said IEMOP’s work fostered collaboration among power generators, distribution utilities like electric cooperatives (ECs), and regulators.

“The IEMOP, as the market operator, ensures the transparency and efficiency of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market [WESM], allowing power producers and consumers to

integrating smart systems, renewable energy solutions, and advanced technologies to reduce the resort’s carbon footprint.

By encouraging the adoption of EVs, Okada Manila said it aims to support the transition to clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The resort, also a recipient of the Forbes VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality badge, said the charging station enhances guest convenience and reflects its dedication to environmental responsibility.

participate in a competitive market,” Almeda said. He cited WESM’s importance for ECs, enabling access to competitive and flexible power supply options, reducing consumer costs while maintaining supply stability.

“It also serves as a backup source of power in times of peak demand and supply disruptions, allowing ECs to secure electricity for their consumers without the usual considerations of long-term commitments,” he said.

Almeda reaffirmed NEA’s support for ECs through legal, institutional, financial and technical assistance, cit

ing reforms to performance standards under his leadership.

said it offers trade-in and bank installment plans.

The company aims to expand its store network across the Philippines by 2030.

Okada Manila introduces the first electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Entertainment City. The initiative underscores the resort’s commitment to

hospitality while catering to the growing number of EV users in the country.

TRANSPORT

THE Philippines’ retail industry is undergoing a significant transformation, primarily driven by the increasing demand for convenience in today’s fast-paced world.

The shift is evident in the rapid growth of small-format stores –neighborhood supermarkets, minimarts, and convenience stores –which are reshaping the shopping habits of Filipinos.

This boom in compact retail spaces highlights the critical importance of seamless and efficient logistics to meet the needs of time-conscious consumers.

“Consumers seek speed and convenience, but they also value a wide product selection,” said Jose Alvin Perez, Ninja Van Philippines country head.

“The challenge lies in balancing these needs within just a 500-squaremeter store,” he said.

In the Philippines, known for ‘tingi’ or sachet culture, the industry reached $1.5 billion in 2022, complementing the ubiquity of sari-sari stores but offering a more structured retail experience.

“The rapid expansion of smallformat modern trade in an archipelagic country presents an opportunity for brands to reach more consumers across diverse locations,” Perez said. However, this share is still low at 9 percent, up from 5 percent in 2013, compared to that of Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

AirAsia eyes PH key market for 2025 growth

AIRASIA Aviation Group has identified the Philippines as a key market for its growth strategy in 2025.

This year, AirAsia Group will be focused on optimizing its route network with frequency increases across high-demand routes including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia aiming to support growth in high-demand destinations such as India, China, and throughout Asean.

As part of this growth, AirAsia Philippines confirms it will ramp up its Taipei service to 17 weekly flights from 14 times weekly starting in July 2025.

“We look forward to supporting AirAsia Aviation Group’s strategy to enhance connectivity for both domestic and international services focused on flying the most profitable and popular routes,” Ricky Isla, AirAsia Philippines chief executive said.

“The Philippines offers immense potential, especially in terms of global tourism with strong forecast demand. Increasing our Taipei flight frequencies is part of our forward strategy and brand promise in democratizing air travel while providing purposeful journeys that will endear travelers to explore their dream destinations,” he added.

These efforts lay the foundation for a sustainable, viable and profitable future, ahead of the proposed acquisition of AirAsia by AirAsia X Berhad from Capital A Berhad when the consolidation of both short- and medium-haul airlines into an enlarged and robust aviation group is complete.

A report by the Boston Consulting Group notes that while the smallformat industry in the Philippines is underpenetrated, it has the potential to follow a similar pathway of its regional peers

Adding to the economic hurdles of high inflation rates and high interest rates, the Philippine Retailers Association has identified disruption to logistics as a major challenge for retailers, leading to increased operational costs. Therefore, an efficient and agile logistics network, tailored to the unique challenges of the Philippine market, is crucial to unlock the potential of the smallformat industry in the Philippines.

Small-format stores pose significant logistical hurdles that require specialized solutions due to their distinct distribution landscape and smaller order volumes. They typically cater to niche markets and bustling residential communities outside the metro, many of which are inaccessible to standard six- or fourwheeler delivery trucks.

On-demand trucking services, designed for single-trip bulk shipments, are inefficient for delivering smaller drop sizes that are less-than-truckload (LTL). When a truck isn’t fully loaded, shippers are forced to either wait to fill the truck or absorb higher costs to account for the unused space.

Retail boom needs seamless logistics

Full truckload (FTL) shipping also poses challenges for multi-drop deliveries to small-format stores across the Philippines. Long travel times between scattered locations, unpredictable unloading delays, and costly empty return trips, especially in remote areas, can disrupt routes and drive up expenses.

Consumers seek speed and convenience, but they also value a wide product selection.

Jose Alvin Perez, Ninja Van Philippines country head said.

“Since small-format stores have a high frequency of customer visits, it is crucial to ensure consistent stock levels across locations. Delivery challenges can cause out-of-stock or overstock situations which are both operationally undesirable,” Perez said.

Ninja Van Philippines has stepped up its tailored solutions for this growing sector’s logistics needs.

“Ninja Restock, our tech-enabled B2B service, provides manufacturers

and distributors the flexibility to restock stores regardless of volume,” Perez said.

Optimized route planning can address challenges in servicing dispersed small-format locations with low-volume drops. By leveraging Ninja Van Philippines’ extensive network and e-commerce-speed lead times, Ninja Restock ensures timely deliveries for these small-format stores.

“Distributors looking to reach small-format stores can readily use our diverse fleet. This includes fourwheel vehicles for larger deliveries, as well as more agile two- and threewheelers that can navigate tighter spaces and handle smaller volumes efficiently” Perez noted.

Ninja Restock also offers flat, per cubic meter rates shipments. This allows multiple shipments from different customers to share space within the same truck, reducing costs versus FTL. Because ensuring optimal stock needs a robust monitoring system, Ninja Restock uses tech-enabled tracking and management to provide full visibility over shipments across the Philippines. This gives businesses such as neighborhood supermarkets, minimarts, and convenience stores valuable insights into their supply chain.

“Our fully integrated end-to-end operations ensure that store mapping and trip-routing are centralized to integrate with fleet and capacity planning,” Perez said.

Cebu Pacific wins best airline at 2025 Routes Asia Awards

CEBU Pacific, the Philippines’ leading airline, has been recognized as the Best Airline at the 2025 Routes Asia Awards, marking its second consecutive victory at this esteemed regional event.

The Routes Asia Awards celebrate airlines, airports, and tourism organizations for their exceptional contributions to route development and tourism growth throughout the Asia-Pacific region. CEB’s back-toback win highlights the success of its network expansion and strategic alliances over the past year.

“This recognition reflects the strength of our network strategy and, more importantly, the partnerships we’ve built with our airport partners and stakeholders. It’s a meaningful reminder of our commitment to accessible air travel and expanding our presence across key markets in the region,” Xander Lao, CEB president and chief commercial officer said.

In 2024, the airline launched 28 new routes, comprising 19 domestic and 9 international services, connecting passengers to popular destinations like Chiang Mai, Kaohsiung, and

Sapporo. New hubs in Davao and Iloilo were also established, boosting connectivity alongside its key hubs in Manila, Cebu, and Clark.

Complementing its network growth is CEB’s historic purchase order of 152 Airbus aircraft—the largest in Philippine aviation history. This strategic investment is part of the airline’s long-term plan to modernize its fleet and meet the rising demand for air travel.

Cebu Pacific officials, alongside aviation industry leaders, receive recognition for excellence in route development and tourism growth across Asia-Pacific.

The airline also amplified its tourism efforts with the launch of its “Fly to Happy, Fly to the Philippines!” campaign, aimed at attracting more travelers to the country’s natural attractions and cultural experiences.

Cebu Pacific currently operates flights to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has once again surpassed its previous record in dividend remittance, with its board of directors approving a historic P5.20 billion contribution to the national treasury for 2024. This figure represents 54 percent of PPA’s net earnings based on its Calendar Year 2024 Unaudited Financial Statements, exceeding the P5.06 billion dividend in 2023 and the P4.4 billion in 2022—marking another significant milestone in the agency’s fiscal performance.

Under Republic Act 7656, also known as the Dividends Law, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) are mandated to declare and remit at least 50 percent of their annual net earnings as cash dividends to the national government.

PPA remains one of the country’s top-performing GOCCs. In 2023, it ranked as the fourth highest dividend contributor, surpassing key state agencies such as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Its strong financial performance was recognized during GOCC Day at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in May 2024, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. commended the agency’s achievements.

Meanwhile, PPA’s 2024 financial performance report shows that the agency generated a total revenue of P27.64 billion for the year, reflecting an 8.61 percent increase from the P25.45 billion recorded in 2023.

“This growth is attributed to enhanced revenue collection, strategic income management, and the development of new business opportunities,” PPA said.

“The expansion was further bolstered by a thriving external trade sector, with data from the Philippine Statistics Authority indicating that external trade in goods reached $15.45 billion in 2024,” it added.

LRTA strengthens emergency preparedness with fire training

LIGHT Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) personnel recently participated in a Basic Fire Safety Training session conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Pasig. The orientation was attended by personnel from various LRTA divisions and departments.

This initiative is part of LRTA’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and welfare of the riding public, as well as ensuring that frontline and core service personnel are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively respond to

fire emergencies. The training covered essential topics, including fire prevention techniques, fire behavior and development, proper use of fire extinguishers, and evacuation procedures. Participants engaged in hands-on demonstrations, allowing them to practice using firefighting equipment under the guidance of BFP professionals.

This initiative reinforces LRTA’s dedication to strengthening emergency preparedness and maintaining a safe environment for both its workforce and the public it serves.

NICKIE

WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

By Nickie Wang

FILIPINO rock bands

Urbandub and Typecast are set to go on a joint concert tour in April, marking 25 years in the music industry.

The tour, which celebrates their long-standing presence in the local scene, will take place on April 6 at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City and on April 12 at the Baguio Convention Center.

Gabby Alipe , vocalist and guitarist of Urbandub, and Steve Badiola , frontman of Typecast, expressed their excitement about reconnecting with fans through the anniversary tour.

“When we get a chance to play — regardless if they’re longtime fans or

ERASERHEADS frontman

Ely Buendia has been saying things lately—like setting the record straight that Spoliarium was not based on the controversy surrounding a starlet in the ‘80s and that his beloved band has gotten back for good, so there’s no point in doing reunions.

The latest of which? He says that Carbon Stereoxide is his favorite among the albums they made during their phenomenal run.

It’s not the album you’d think of if you’re a regular fan because there’s Cutterpillow and more. But there’s logic in his pick, considering it was their last, and musicians always think they’re better than their previous work.

At least for me, “Maskara” truly rocks, and “Playground” sounds like they recorded it specifically for Gen Zs.

That revelation from Ely made me think about the apparent lost allure of making albums—the fact that artists these days would come out with digital singles, which actually makes sense because it’s cheaper and keeps them from putting out gems as mere album fillers.

Despite that, it’s still a statement to produce an album, for it is a representation of a point in an artist’s run, a showcase of consistency and diligence, and a way for listeners

SHOWBIZ

first-timers, maybe younger audience — we get excited to perform and share the music we’ve made,” Alipe said.

“This tour is more than just a celebration of our music; it’s a celebration of our fans who have been with us through every chord, every lyric, and every show,” he added.

Organizers said that the Urbandub x Typecast 25th Anniversary Tour 2025 will open in Manila before heading to Baguio, with potential additional dates to be announced. Tickets for the Manila show range from P800 to P2,200 during the presale period and from P1,100 to P2,500 for general sales. The Baguio show will have

Formed in 1999, Typecast releases a new single ‘Slight’ in August 2024, their first in five years

Rock bands Urbandub, Typecast celebrate 25 years with joint tour

pre-sale tickets priced between P1,800 and P2,000, with general sales ranging from P2,000 to P2,200.

Urbandub and Typecast have shared the stage multiple times over the years, most recently in October 2024 as special guests for Australian rock band Hands Like Houses ’ first Manila concert alongside Filipino band Greyhoundz Formed in 1999, Typecast is known for songs including “The Boston Drama,” “Will You Ever Learn,” “Another Minute Until Ten,” and “Last Time.” The band has released four full-length albums, with their latest, How Your Influence Betrays You , in

2011. In August 2024, they released a new single, “Slight,” their first in five years following the 2019 track “Mulat Na Mata,” their first song in Tagalog.

Urbandub, formed in Cebu City in 2000, is known for being the first indie band in the Philippines to release albums nationwide with major label support. The band, composed of Gabby Alipe, John Dinopol, Lalay Lim, Sam Saludsong, and Russ Manaloto , gained wider recognition in Southeast Asia after a tour in Singapore. They were also featured in the Pinoy rock compilation Full Volume with a remake of Sade’s No Ordinary Love.

Top Filipino rock albums from the ‘90s

to dig deeper into the soul of someone making music. It’s like coming out with a book— way more in-depth than a published feature. It’s like offering a full-length movie, beyond the limits of a short.

May the Filipino artists of today, and even those who have been around for long, make more effort in recording albums. You will be remembered for your singles. But you will be defined by your albums.

Since I am a Batang ‘90s music journalist, here are some of the best Pinoy rock albums from the 90s—a dozen of them. Only one from every artist in the list because I could put three albums from both Eraserheads and Rivermaya, and that would not look good for the others.

Sticker Happy (Eraserheads) –This is the album where “Spoliarium” can be found. My brother Rockefeller, who’s a hardcore fan (yes, he has all those tapes!), noted that this album sealed the group’s reputation as it came after “Fruitcake,” where the band experimented and essentially moved on from their wave of hit albums, namely Ultraelectromagneticpop! Circus, and Cutterpillow. He said Ely

Touchbass Yugel Losorata

and his pals had one more outburst of hits, with this one also containing “Kaliwete,” “Hard to Believe,” and “Para Sa Masa.” Atomic Bomb (Rivermaya) –The better one that the quartet of Bamboo , Rico, Nathan, and Mark could offer—and I say better because this classic lineup only produced this and Trip . They had Perf de Castro on the first one, and Bamboo was no longer in the band when they put out It’s Not Easy Being Green . Anyway, this album explodes with non-singles like “Ballroom Dancing,” “Fever,” and “Wild Angel Candy,” which sound like single material for less gritty acts.

Gulong Itlog Gulong (Parokya Ni Edgar) – Arguably, a Pinoy band peaks on their third album, so this release was highly anticipated, and it did not disappoint, with numbers

such as “Halaga,” “Inuman Na,” and “Wag Mo Na Sana.” Even Vinci Montaner, backup singer to Chito Miranda, shined in singing “Picha Pie” (a parody of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive”).

Beyond Doubt (True Faith) – The follow-up to True Faith’s debut Perfect had four of its nine tracks becoming radio favorites— three of them standing the test of time: “Huwag Na Lang Kaya,” “Sa Puso Ko,” and “Muntik Nang Maabot Ang Langit.” Breaking New Grounds (Introvoys) – Imagine when two songs from your album (“Di Na ‘Ko Aasa Pa” and “Will I Survive”) landed at one and two in the year-end countdown of the most popular FM station at the time. That’s how you really break some ground.

Album Na Walang Pamagat (The Youth) – You’d be perceived as insensitive to sing “Multo Sa Paningin (Multong Bakla)” in front of a woke crowd. But back in the 90s, that was the carrier single off a loaded album that also boasted “Mukha Ng Pera,” “Takbo,” and “Basura.” Yano (Yano) – Ely Buendia is said

to have felt insecure about this album. Going through the tracks, you can’t overrate the work, and by the time you hear “Senti,” you’d understand such a sentiment from a prolific hitmaker. Panaginip (Alamid) – This is the album that opened with “SamaSama,” as the group also offered their heartfelt rendition of “Hesus.” Wolfgang (Wolfgang) – I read that the band’s demos of “Left Alone” and “Darkness Fell” led to the recording of this album. In that context, some other tracks from this package were actually the ones that became touchstones of their legacy: “Arise,” “Halik Ni Hudas,” and “Natutulog Kong Mundo.” Tayo Na Sa Paraiso (Siakol) At some point in this album, you’d hear “Lakas Tama,” “Peksman,” and “Bakit Ba” in succession. That’s head-banging to contemplating in a three-song stretch. Tag-Ulan, Tag-Araw (AfterImage) – More than half of this album’s content became part of our youth’s soundtrack: “Tag-Ulan,” “Mangarap Ka,” “Forevermore,” “Without You,” and, of course, “Habang May Buhay.” FreeMan (Francis Magalona) –The King of Rap earned the respect of the rock community from here on with this release, with songs like “Jolog,” “Pen & Ink,” “Three Stars and a Sun,” and “Kaleidoscope World.”

OPM icon Eraserheads is known for hit tracks like ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo’ and ‘Ligaya’

Parokya Ni Edgar members (from left) Dindin Moreno, Chito Miranda, Gab Chee Kee, and Darius Semaña

Before creating his own band, Bamboo (rightmost) was one of the members of ‘90s band Rivermaya

Urbandub, formed in Cebu City in 2000, is the first indie band in the Philippines to release albums nationwide with major label support

GMA Network leads Southeast Asia in global digital rankings

GMA Network climbed to No. 16 in the Tubular Leadership Worldwide Rankings for February, strengthening its position as the top-ranked media company in Southeast Asia’s entertainment

sector, data from video analytics firm Tubular Labs showed.

The Philippine broadcaster, previously ranked 18th, recorded over five billion video views across its social

media platforms last month. This included 2.07 billion views on Facebook, 2.2 billion on TikTok, and 716 million on YouTube. As it marks its 75th anniversary, GMA Network

continues to expand its digital presence, leveraging online platforms to reach global audiences. Viewers can access GMA’s live-streaming service, Kapuso Stream, at gmanetwork.com/ kapusostream and YouTube.

By Nickie Wang

LOCKED , the latest actionthriller from producer Sam Raimi , promises a highstakes battle for survival, trapping its protagonist inside a luxury SUV turned deadly prison. While it delivers moments of tension and strong performances, it largely follows a familiar formula.

Skarsgård battles Hopkins in claustrophobic ‘Locked’

Bill Skarsgård stars as Eddie, a small-time thief whose break-in attempt turns into a life-or-death struggle.

The vehicle belongs to William ( Anthony Hopkins ), a vigilante who has rigged the car with mechanisms to keep Eddie locked inside, forcing him into a psychological and physical battle for survival.

IN CELEBRATION of International Women’s Month, the Sheroes Summit 2025 Gala Night was held successfully at Seda Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The event featured fifteen Miss Universe Philippines 2025 candidates, including Quezon Province’s Ahtisa Manalo , Siniloan Laguna’s Yllana Marie Aduana , and Sultan Kudarat’s Chelsea Fernandez , showcasing beauty and glamour in Pina-inspired Filipiniana outfits.

Filipina-American Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel served as keynote speaker

Skarsgård, known for playing Pennywise in the It films, delivers a performance that shifts between desperation and resolve. Hopkins, in a role reminiscent of his turn as Hannibal Lecter, brings a calculated menace to William, reinforcing his status as one of cinema’s great screen presences.

Director David Yarovesky

The film relies heavily on its leads to sustain suspense.

whose previous work includes Brightburn and Nightbooks , leans into claustrophobic horror, using tight shots and a confined setting to heighten the tension. While effective, the premise follows a well-worn path—viewers familiar with single-location thrillers may find little new here. In a statement, Yarovesky described working with Skarsgård and Hopkins as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience,” crediting Raimi for his trust in the project. Despite strong performances and a sleek presentation, Locked treads familiar ground. Fans of contained thrillers will find enough to enjoy, but it may not break new territory in the genre. The film, distributed by Viva in the Philippines, is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

and panelist, along with distinguished Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, AFP spokesperson, and Rogerine MiguelIrvine of the National Innovation Council (NIC).

Sheroes Summit, Asia’s largest forum for women professionals, was made possible by Pamela Nicole Mejia and Caroline Nacional , serving as an opportunity for women in peace & security, beauty & health, and creative entrepreneurship.

Sheroes Summit was founded to bring

“This Summit is about

F R O N T R O W

Anthony Hopkins in a scene from

Filipina-American Miss Universe 2022

Swedish actor Bill Skarsgård takes the role of a thief named Eddie

NICKIE

WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER

VALDEZ, Writer

Batangas on a plate

By Jasper Valdez

CHEF Stephen George Bustamante may have trained in California and worked in some of Manila’s top kitchens, but his newest venture brings him right back to where it all started—just two kilometers from his Lola’s old house in Batangas.

That homecoming takes shape at Pastorelli, the newest dining concept at PonteFino Hotel, which has now officially opened its doors to guests.

Before welcoming the public, the restaurant hosted a private preview for members of the media, offering a first look (and taste) at its elevated take on classic Filipino comfort food.

More than just a new restaurant, Pastorelli represents a fullcircle moment for Bustamante. It’s a place where childhood memories, Batangueño flavors, and his years of culinary experience come together in a menu that’s rooted in tradition but delivered with polish and purpose.

“We don’t want to reinvent the wheel,” said Bustamante during the launch, where guests were treated to a curated multicourse dinner.

“We want to serve dishes that are familiar to the Filipino palate but made with premium ingredients and extra attention to detail.”

‘Beauty’

A taste of home

Pastorelli’s menu pulls heavily from local favorites but with thoughtful upgrades that elevate each bite without losing authenticity.

The meal began with a bowl of steaming Batangas bulalo , made from primequality beef—rich, comforting, and instantly grounding.

For starters, house-made chicharon offered a satisfying crunch, the kind that wakes up your palate and hints at the indulgence to come.

Among the standout mains was the lamb shank adobo, where the strong, gamey flavor of the lamb was mellowed by the classic adobo marinade.

“The adobo cuts through the intensity of the lamb,” Bustamante explained. “That’s why we chose the shank—it carries flavor well.”

The wagyu kare-kare was another crowd favorite, with its sauce made from scratch—peanuts roasted in-house, then ground with garlic cooked in the same oil, lending a depth rarely tasted in commercial versions.

Every spoonful carried both comfort and complexity.

Rounding out the mains was the binagoongan lechon kawali , where the spotlight was deliberately placed on the bagoong

“The lechon kawali is actually secondary to the bagoong ,” Bustamante said. “The goal is to make the bagoong shine.”

For dessert, biko cheese fritters played on nostalgia and surprise,

in shared dreams

Filipina and Thai entrepreneurs with similar journeys join forces in business

A SPECIAL kind of magic sparks when women join forces. There is a synergy that goes beyond individual ambition and creates something “beautiful.” This power is seen in the story of two self-made female entrepreneurs, Linda “Lyn” Macanas from the Philippines and Kwan Wannathong from Thailand.

The two have jumped into a joint venture to launch LM Makeup and Skincare. The partnership, sealed on March 8, International Women’s Day, is both a major business deal and a celebration of two power women’s resilience, shared values, and strength in business.

Both Lyn and Kwan’s journeys are proofs of the power of perseverance. Lyn, now a major player in the construction industry, hails from humble beginnings in Samar, Philippines.

During the interview, she recalled her early struggles, saying she used to walk nine kilometers to school, worked on a farm, tended to animals, and did everything she could to survive. She shared that she did not have a mother and her father was unable to fully support the family. Despite these challenges, Lyn financed her education through plain grit and determination, eventually building a successful construction firm. Her venture into the beauty industry was inspired by her daughters, leading her to think, “Why not create my own?”

Kwan’s story shares a similar rise from modest circumstances. Before becoming the CEO of

Vega Natural Cosmetics in Thailand, she was a street vendor selling fish balls in Bangkok. She described her initial aspirations with simple conviction – that she lived on a dream and took action to make it come true.

She built her business in manufacturing cosmetics and partnered with clients along the way.

This shared experience of once simple girls with big dreams from the Philippines and Thailand became the foundation for an immediate connection when the two women met over a business dinner in Thailand.

When hearts and minds met The bond between Lyn and Kwan goes beyond mere business transactions. Kwan spoke warmly of their initial encounter.

“When we talked, I felt how strong her energy was. It touched my heart to see how she cared for the people around her, just as we do in Thailand. I knew we could succeed together,” she said.

a familiar sticky rice transformed into golden, bite-sized pieces with a savory cheese finish.

A culinary homecoming Born in Manila but raised partly in Batangas, Bustamante moved to San Francisco at 13, where he received his culinary education and training in California-style cooking. He returned to the Philippines more than a decade ago and worked with notable establishments like Sentro and One World Deli before finding himself back in Batangas.

“After years and years, I kind of forgot which part of Batangas I was from,” he said with a laugh.

“My Lola’s house is actually probably like two kilometers away from here. So, I guess it’s just fate that I’m back. I feel very at home.”

Random Talk

Kate Adjar

was witnessed by Kwan’s family members who traveled all the way from Thailand.

Modern beauty crafted with care

LM Makeup and Skincare, Lyn and Kwan’s joint project, is set to introduce a range of

philosophy centers on high quality, utilizing skincare innovations from France and Spain.

A key focus is ensuring the products are wellsuited for the climate and complexions most common in the Philippines and the wider region. The initial product line will include essentials such as soaps, creams, lotions, and serums. Beyond catering to the Philippine market, LM Makeup and Skincare has ambitious plans for regional expansion across Southeast Asia.

Their decision to sign the official agreement on International Women’s Day was also a deliberate act, a symbolic gesture acknowledging the power of female forces in the business world. The signing ceremony, held in Parañaque City,

Inspiring

“Everything can be done. Everything is possible. You have to focus. First, pray. Ask the Lord. Make the Lord the center of your life. When you do that, everything will follow without you realizing it.” Kwan echoed the words of wisdom, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and perseverance. “This opportunity came at the right time. We will bring the best products here and beyond. We will succeed together,” she confidently stated.

The launch of LM Makeup and Skincare in 2025 offers more than just a new beauty brand entering the market. It gives us the spirit of women empowerment, the strength in unity, and the possibilities that can be realized when women support and uplift each other. Undoubtedly, there is beauty in kindness and shared dreams.

Chef Stephen Bustamante comes home with Pastorelli

Chef Stephen George Bustamante returns to Batangas for his new venture Pastorelli

House-made chicharon offers a satisfying crunch, awakening the palate and hinting at indulgence

Wagyu kare-kare is created with a homemade sauce made from roasted peanuts and garlic

The main course is the binagoongan lechon kawali, where the spotlight is intentionally placed on the bagoong

From left: Vega Cosmetics president Prathomsak Techavetcharoen, Vega Cosmetics Thailand CEO Kwan Wannathong, and Chrizmarie Builders and Construction Supply and LM Makeup and Skincare CEO Linda ‘Lyn’ Macanas