Manila Standard - 2025 April 24 - Thursday

GOV’T PILOT TESTS SALE OF RICE AT P20 PER KILO IN VISAYAS

By Charles Dantes and Othel Campos

THE Department of Agriculture on Wednesday announced the pilot implementation of the P20-per-kilo rice program in the Visayas region, marking a key step in the fulfillment of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s campaign promise to lower rice prices for Filipino consumers.

The announcement came shortly after a closed-door meeting between

First Couple to attend Pope Francis’ funeral

Nat’l period of mourning set until late pontiff’s burial

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City on Saturday, Malacañang announced yesterday.

By Charles Dantes

By Rex Espiritu

ANOTHER batch of BrahMos cruise missiles is set to be delivered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. announced yesterday.

The defense chief made the confirmation after Indian media reported that the second of three ordered BrahMos batteries is now being shipped to the Philippines.

“These are on the way and we will do what is needed so that these are used properly,” he said during an ambush interview at the EDSA Shangrila Hotel in Mandaluyong City.

“Those are from the previous order and already scheduled for delivery,” Teodoro added.

He was referring to a PHP 18.8 billion contract signed in January 2022 between the Department of National Defense (DND) and India-Russia joint

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI) on Wednesday declared its full support for the 11 senatorial candidates of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, the administration’s official slate for the 2025 midterm elections. The endorsement followed a luncheon

SUPPORT. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez welcomes the expression of support of the Party-list Coalition Foundation, Inc. (PCFI) for the senatorial slate of the

Nora Aunor Pilita Corrales

Margarita Fores Gloria Romero

would depart for the Vatican.

Mr. Marcos also declared a period of national mourning that would last until the late pontiff is buried.

“During this period of mourning, the national flag shall be flown at halfmast from sunrise to sunset, on all government buildings and installations throughout the Philippines and abroad,” the President said in Proclamation No. 871 signed yesterday.

“The passing of Pope Francis is a moment of profound sorrow for the Catholic Church and the Filipino people, who recognize him as a global leader of compassion and a tireless advocate for peace justice and human dignity.”

“Pope Francis holds a special place in the hearts of the Filipino people, particularly for his Apostolic Visit to the Philippines in January 2015, where he offered comfort and solidarity to victims of Typhoon Yolanda.”

Mr. Marcos earlier described Francis as the “best Pope” in his lifetime and a “man of profound faith and humility.”

“Pope Francis led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten. By example, Pope Francis taught us that to be a good Christian is to extend kindness and care to one another,” the President said.

Lying in state

Pope Francis’s open coffin was transferred Wednesday to St Peter’s Basilica for three days of lying in state,

with thousands of people gathering to pay their respects to the leader of the world’s Catholics.

where it will be interred in the ground and marked by a simple inscription: Franciscus.

See instructing them to return to Rome to select a new pope.

President Marcos and 12 Visayas governors at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, where the initial rollout of the highly anticipated subsidy initiative was discussed.

“This is the beginning of a long-term commitment,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said at a press briefing following the meeting.

“The President has directed the Department of Agriculture to begin the implementation of the P20-perkilo rice program, starting in the Visayas,” he added.

The program will be launched using two distribution models—providing either 5 or 10 kilos of rice per family per week.

Tiu Laurel said the consensus from the meeting leaned toward the 10kilo model, which would amount to 40 kilos per household per month.

The pilot phase will run until December and may be extended to February 2026.

Mr. Marcos has instructed the DA to sustain the program through 2028, aiming for a full nationwide rollout once logistical and operational concerns are resolved.

“This has always been an aspiration of this administration,” Tiu Laurel said.

“Since taking office, the President has pushed us to find a way to make affordable rice a reality for every Filipino,” he added.

Still, Vice President Sara Duterte questioned the motives behind the initiative, suggesting it may be the administration’s way of winning over Visayan voters.

“Why only in the Visayas? Don’t people in Mindanao and Luzon get hungry as well? Why was there a meeting with most of the governors [in Visayas]? Maybe they have a problem getting votes,” she said in a televised interview.

The decision to begin in the Visayas was influenced by both high local demand and the availability of government rice stocks in the region, particularly in Iloilo, according to Tiu Laurel.

The DA chief cited current national rice inventory levels at 358,000 metric tons—significantly higher than previous months due to the ongoing harvest season.

He emphasized that part of the program’s goal is also to decongest the Department of Agriculture’s warehouses, which are currently at capacity.

Bells from the basilica rang out as the wooden coffin was carried in procession past packed crowds in St Peter’s Square, accompanied by red-robed cardinals and the Vatican’s Swiss Guards.

Pilgrims and tourists snapped photos, with some applauding as the procession passed on its way from the Santa Marta residence, where the 88-year-old Argentine pontiff died Monday after a stroke.

Francis’ body had been held in the chapel of the Santa Marta, where he lived during his 12-year papacy, but will now lie in state at the basilica until Saturday’s funeral.

Anna Montoya, 33, from Mexico, was among those who arrived early to catch a glimpse of a man she said was like “a family member” to her.

“I had to come... it feels like I knew him,” she told AFP. “He was a good man. He represented what the church needs to be, what Jesus wanted to teach us.”

Francis’ coffin was placed before St Peter’s Altar of the Confession, where Bernini’s bronze baldacchino soars up towards Michelangelo’s famous dome. It was placed on a low bier, unlike the higher, more ornate platforms of his predecessors.

The funeral is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of pilgrims as well as world leaders including US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as Britain’s Prince William.

Afterwards, Francis’ coffin will be taken to his favorite church, Rome’s papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore,

HOMETOWN SORTIE. Reelectionist Senator Lito Lapid urges his kabalen to support the candidates of the Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas during a rally yesterday in his home province of Pampanga. With Lapid is Rep. Camille Villar who joined the sortie together with the nine other Alyansa Senate bets.

‘Sorely missed’

Italy is preparing a major security operation for the funeral, with the weekend already due to be busy because of a public holiday on Friday.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said authorities were expecting 150 to 170 foreign delegations, and tens of thousands of people.

Barriers have already been installed inside and outside the basilica to control the crowds, security checks have been increased and staff have been distributing bottles of water due to the warm weather.

Pasquale Apolito, a 43-year-old Rome teacher, said he was leaving the city later in the day but wanted to see the pontiff if he could.

“I’m not sure I’ll be able to see the body but I wanted to be here today. I felt something inside me this morning that told me to come,” he said.

“He was a guide for his capacity to listen, to welcome. He will be sorely missed.”

Italy has declared five days of national mourning -- longer than the three days observed for Polish pope John Paul II in 2005, but less than the week declared for Francis by his native Argentina.

Cardinals’ meeting

After the funeral, all eyes will turn to the process to choose Francis’ successor as leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

Cardinals around the world have already been sent letters from the Holy

Only those under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave, which should begin no less than 15 days and no more than 20 after the death of the pope.

About 60 cardinals of all ages already in Rome met Tuesday to choose the funeral date, in a so-called “general congregation.”

A second meeting is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon led by the camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is charged with running the day-to-day operations of the Holy See before a successor to Francis is chosen.

Francis’s death came less than a month after he was discharged from the hospital, where he spent five weeks battling pneumonia in both lungs.

Despite doctors calling for two months of rest, Francis continued to make appearances in public during his convalescence, where he appeared short of breath and without energy.

On Easter Sunday, the day before his death, he circled St Peter’s Square in his “popemobile” following mass and his traditional address to greet the crowds, stopping to kiss babies along the way.

He died the next morning at 7:35 am after suffering a stroke, a coma and heart failure, according to his death certificate.

Sister Maria Guadeloupe Hernandez Olivo, from Mexico, said it was “very hard, very sad” to hear news of his death.

“I did not expect it,” she told AFP in St Peter’s Square. “I believe he’s in a better place, no longer suffering, but I do feel this emptiness for our pastor.” AFP

ance, and a commitment to reform under the President’s Bagong Pilipinas campaign,” added Co, PCFI Secretary General.

mer DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo; and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar.

Trump’s levies.

“Strengthening relations with Southeast Asia, a global growth center and strategic location, is one of the top priorities of Japanese diplomacy,”

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters. “Relations with Vietnam and the Philippines are of particular importance, with their populations exceeding 100 million and as they continue their strong economic growth.”

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will host Ishiba and his wife, Yoshiko, for formal engagements at Malacañan Palace on April 29.

The Palace said the meeting aims “to deepen and improve economic and development cooperation, political and defense engagements, and people-to-people exchanges.”

Japan is a key security partner of the Philippines, and an agreement that would allow them to deploy troops on each other’s territory is awaiting ratification by Tokyo.

The two countries in January vowed to strengthen cooperation to counter China’s actions in the South China Sea – with Japan pledging to enhance the Philippines’ “maritime security” and “maritime safety capabilities.”

This will mark the latest in a series of high-level exchanges between the longtime allies.

The leaders last met on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos, in October 2024.

President Marcos previously visited Japan in February 2023, followed by an official visit to the Philippines by then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in November of the same year.

Before his two-day visit to Manila, Ishiba will first hold talks with To Lam, general secretary of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party.

Last week, Xi urged Vietnam to join forces with China to “oppose unilateral bullying and uphold the stability of the global free trade system.”

Hours later, Trump said Xi’s visit to Hanoi had been aiming to “screw” the United States.

Despite being a key US ally and the biggest investor into the United States, Japan has been pinched by steep tariffs imposed by Trump on imports of cars, steel and aluminum.

Some Japanese companies, reportedly including gaming giant Nintendo, are increasingly shifting production to Vietnam and its neighbor Cambodia, partly because of the fallout from the last US-China trade war. With AFP

Natasha Co, both PCFI officials, said their bloc is firmly united behind the Alyansa slate. They described the endorsement as a strategic move to ensure the next Senate collaborates effectively with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s administration.

“We are backing candidates who share the same legislative priorities and aspirations for a more progressive, stable, and inclusive Philippines,” said Teves, PCFI Vice President.

“These are individuals with long records of public service, competence in govern-

During the gathering, Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co also called on PCFI members to unite behind the pro-administration slate. “Like the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), where the good Speaker is the party president, the PCFI also stands united in declaring our full and unwavering support for the 11 senatorial candidates of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.

The slate includes former DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Senators Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, Francis Tolentino; former Senators Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, Tito Sotto; for-

Speaker Romualdez also appealed to the coalition members to go “straight Alyansa,” emphasizing the political weight of the party-list bloc. “So, we are appealing to you to go straight Alyansa.

If we can do that, we will demonstrate the political clout of the Party-list lawmakers,” he said. “I’m here to reiterate, to gently remind our party-lists, to support the Alyansa senators.”

“Conservatively speaking, when the Party-list acts together or in unison, we are talking about a conservative 15 million votes that you can command easily,” Romualdez added. Teves said each candidate in the slate

has consistently supported the Marcos administration’s national development goals and is seen as capable of advancing its reform agenda in the next Congress.

He stressed that the coalition’s strength lies in its diversity and shared readiness to support the Bagong Pilipinas reform agenda. “These are not unfamiliar names to us. They are tried and tested public servants who know how to get the job done—especially in the Senate, where deliberation and policy depth are critical,” Teves said. Romualdez had earlier urged LakasCMD members to rally behind the administration slate, citing the need for legislative harmony in pursuing the government’s vision.

venture BrahMos Aerospace.

Deployment sites as well as storage facilities for the medium-range supersonic cruise missile system have already been prepared, he said.

A single BrahMos battery typically includes three to six launchers, along with monitoring and tracking equipment and logistics support vehicles.

The first battery was delivered in April 2022, but the DND and the AFP have yet to provide updates on its operational status.

The BrahMos cruise missile, capable of being launched from ships, aircraft,

at the age of 71 due to acute respiratory failure, as confirmed by her son Ian. She was laid to rest at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani on Tuesday, April 22, which was also declared a Day of National Mourning by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Pilita Corrales, known as Asia’s Queen of Songs, also passed away on

submarines, or land platforms, has a top speed of Mach 2.8 (approximately 3,400 km/h) and can carry warheads weighing 200 to 300 kilograms.

This missile system is expected to enhance the Philippines’ military capabilities in sea control, anti-access/areadenial (A2/AD) strategies, and coastal and island defense operations.

Meanwhile, Teodoro said the Philippine government has yet to receive a formal proposal from the United States regarding the potential sale of Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets.

“We are still to receive any formal offer or proposal up to now,” he said

Shortly after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Manila visit, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency disclosed

April 12 at the age of 87. Hailed as one of the country’s finest vocalists, Corrales recorded over 135 albums in various languages, including Filipino, English, Spanish, and Cebuano, showcasing Filipino artistry and diversity. Margarita Fores, the celebrated restaurateur and chef behind renowned

that the Philippine government had requested 16 F-16C Block 70/72 fighter jets and four F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft.

As this developed, Philippine troops were oriented and briefed by their US counterparts on the capabilities of the Avenger Air Defense System, which is considered to be the premier “shoot-onmove” US air defense platform.

In a statement on Tuesday, the AFP said the orientation was made through a “subject matter expert exchange” that took place at the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command in San Antonio, Zambales.

It focused on familiarizing soldiers with the system for shooting down aerial targets, particularly its primary armament, the FIM-92 Stinger missile.

establishments like Cibo, Lusso, and Grace Park, died on February 11 in Hong Kong after suffering from cardiac arrest. She was 65. In 2016, Fores was named Asia's Best Female Chef and was posthumously recognized by The World's 50 Best Restaurants for her contributions to the culinary world.

The Avenger, a highly mobile, shortrange air defense system, integrates eight ready-to-fire Stinger missiles mounted on a Humvee, providing rapid target engagement against low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems.

The Stinger missile, known for its infrared homing guidance and fireand-forget capability, allows operators to quickly neutralize aerial threats with high precision.

“This exchange strengthens tactical synchronization, enhances combined operational readiness, and demonstrates the enduring interoperability and mutual commitment of both forces to regional security and defense preparedness,” the AFP said.

Gloria Romero, a veteran actress, passed away on January 25 at the age of 91. Throughout her more than 70-year career, Romero received multiple acting awards for her exceptional performances in films such as Magnifico, Dalagang Ilocana, Tarima, Tanging Yaman, and Rainbow’s Sunset.

SC warns public vs. fake orders and issuances

By Pot Chavez

THE Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday cautioned the public against the circulation of falsified court issuances and the activities of fraudulent individuals posing as court employees.

“The [SC] warns the public against fake orders, notices, issuances, and advisories falsely attributed to the [SC] and other courts and offices in the Judiciary... We strongly urge everyone to remain vigilant. Do not be misled. Always verify the authenticity of any court-related document, announcement, or advisory,” the SC Office of the Spokesperson said in a statement. The Court emphasized that it issues official orders, notices, and related documents only through authorized communication channels. These include its official website and verified social media pages.

The public is advised to verify documents and announcements through the official websites of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, and the Sandiganbayan to avoid falling victim to misinformation or scams.

The High Tribunal also urged the public to report any suspicious communications, documents, or individuals to the Judiciary Public Assistance Section via chiefjusticehelpdesk@judiciary.gov.ph for proper investigation and appropriate action.

This warning comes amid a rise in incidents involving fake court documents used in scams, including fraudulent land sales and false legal threats. In recent months, several individuals have reported receiving fabricated court orders intended to pressure them into financial transactions.

The SC reminded all citizens that impersonating a court official or producing fake judicial documents is a criminal offense and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

PHILATELIST.

A stamp collector shows old stamps featuring the late Pope Francis during the opening of the threeday National Philatelic Exhibition and competition at the Lucky Chinatown Mall in Divisoria Market on Wednesday. These old Pope stamps, released by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), were referred to as a “block of four” to commemorate Pope Francis’s visit to the Philippines. Danny Pata

PBBM praises new VITRO data center, cites role on connectivity

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday lauded the launch of the VITRO Santa Rosa Data Center, calling it a major step in the Philippines’ journey toward becoming a digital economy leader in Southeast Asia.

Speaking at the data center’s grand opening in Santa Rosa, Laguna, Mr. Marcos said the facility signals the country’s readiness to compete globally in the areas of data, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure.

“We now have this incredible facility, which makes us AI-ready and definitely in the running to compete with our neighbors and partners all around the world,” the President said.

DSWD urges solo parents to register with LGUs to get benefits

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Inter-Agency Coordinating and Monitoring Committee (IACMC) has ramped up efforts to support solo parents nationwide by organizing a one-stop-shop caravan offering various services, including registration.

“In line with Republic Act No. 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, the DSWD, together with the IACMC, will spearhead a one-stop-shop caravan on April 26 at the Mandaluyong College of Science and Technology (MCST),” said Social Welfare Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao.

The initiative is part of the celebration of National Solo Parents Week, observed from April 21 to 26. This year’s theme, “Solo Parent na Rehistrado, sa Gobyerno Tiyak na Suportado,” underscores the government’s commitment to encouraging solo parents to register

with their local government units (LGUs) to access the full range of benefits provided under the law.

Dumlao explained that the caravan aims to streamline the process for solo parents to apply for or renew their Solo Parent Identification Card (SPIC) in a single, accessible venue. “We also want to educate solo parents about the range of benefits and services available to them, which they can avail of with a valid SPIC,” she added.

The event is held in collaboration with several national government agencies, including the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), PhilHealth, the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), all of which will provide services on-site.

Solo parent representatives from Metro Manila LGUs, along with delegates from government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and national government agencies (NGAs), are expected to participate in the event.

to the needs

not

“This is a very important achievement,” he added.

The VITRO Santa Rosa Data Center, operated by ePLDT, is the country’s largest and most advanced data center, built to support hyperscale, cloud, and enterprise workloads.

The facility is designed to host digital services for global technology giants such as Google, Amazon, and Meta.

The President underscored the cent-

er’s role in extending digital development beyond Metro Manila and into the provinces, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to regional growth and inclusivity.

Describing data as “as critical as water and electricity,” the President emphasized the need to bolster the country’s digital infrastructure to protect sensitive information and ensure national digital security.

“Every time you attend a virtual meeting, pay online, stream a movie—that data passes through a facility like this,” Mr. Marcos said. “We need to safeguard our digital future.”

Infusing the speech with humor, Marcos likened data backups to preserving memories from failed relationships, referencing his son San-

Trillanes case against Roque dismissed

THE Quezon City Office of the Prosecutor has dismissed the cyber libel complaint filed by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV against former presidential spokesperson and lawyer Harry Roque, citing insufficient evidence.

In a resolution dated October 9, 2024, Assistant City Prosecutor Darlene Oani found no probable cause to charge Roque, effectively junking Trillanes’ claims that the lawyer made “derogatory statements” against him in a Facebook post on his verified personal account. Roque shared the dismissal resolution on his social media page and reiterated the statement that sparked the complaint: “Hey Trililing, excuse me, the Philippines did not lose even an inch of territory during President Duterte’s term. And I reminded him that we lost territory during the time

of President Noynoy Aquino, when he (Trillanes) was appointed as a special envoy without the Senate’s permission, even though he was a sitting senator at the time.”

“I thank the public prosecutors for applying the law on libel correctly,” Roque said following the dismissal.

Trillanes, however, downplayed the development, saying it was premature for Roque—who is currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands—to claim victory. “He can’t even come home yet. Anyway, we will still be filing a motion for reconsideration today,” he said in a statement. The legal spat between the two political figures stems from longstanding tensions, with Roque, a known ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, often clashing with Trillanes, a vocal critic of the previous administration.

dro’s social media habits to draw laughs from the audience.

Beyond entertainment, President Marcos highlighted real gains in the digital sector. He cited the Philippines’ improvement in the Global Innovation Index—from 56th in 2023 to 53rd in 2024—and the government’s initiatives such as the National Fiber Backbone Project and the Free Public Internet Access Program.

The President also pointed to efforts by the Department of Energy to streamline processes for energy project approvals, aiming to secure reliable power for hyperscale data centers.

“We are creating a digitally connected and energy-aware environment that is ready to attract the world’s largest technology companies,” he said.

IN BRIEF

Noveleta octogenarians, nonagenarians get cash NOVELETA, CAVITE—Senior citizens celebrating their 80th, 85th, 90th, and 95th birthdays were honored with cash gifts from the local government during a distribution event held at the New Noveleta Municipal Hall on Monday.

Mayor Dino Chua, together with Board Member Davey Chua, Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) head Donato Alvarez, and local DSWD chief Jinky Sidocon, led the distribution of ₱10,000 to each eligible senior. The program aims to recognize and support the town’s octogenarians and nonagenarians. Dennis Abrina

Quezon City bags 11 nominations in UP awards

THE Quezon City local government has earned 11 nominations at the 19th University of the Philippines Los Baños Gandingan Awards, marking its debut participation in the prestigious communication awards organized by the UP Community Broadcasters’ Society.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the UP Gandingan Awards 2025 for recognizing our efforts in promoting sustainability, history, gender equality, and the beauty of Quezon City,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte, who is also a nominee for Gandingan ng Kalikasan for her work in advancing a green and livable city. Rio N. Araja

PhilHealth, SSS meet to strengthen ties

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on Wednesday welcomed officials from the Social Security System (SSS) in a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening collaboration on social protection programs for Filipino workers and their families.

SSS president and CEO Robert Joseph De Claro met with acting PhilHealth chief Dr. Edwin Mercado to explore future partnerships, with a focus on improving service delivery and access to benefits.

Key discussions included enabling registration for PhilHealth’s Konsulta program through the SSS online portal and unifying member data via the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) to streamline services and ensure consistent, reliable information across agencies. Ram Superable

RESCUE IN BOHOL. Members of the Philippine Navy conducted rescue operations for 506 passengers after the M/V Lite Ferry 5 ran aground near Jagna Port in Bohol. Philippine Navy

DOING THE ROUNDS. Senator Cynthia Villar, who is running for congresswoman in the lone district of Las Piñas, shakes hands with residents of Barangay Manuyo Dos. Villar pledged to provide support and implement programs tailored

of various sectors,

only in Barangay Manuyo Dos but throughout the entire district of Las Pinas.

Ex-CA justice sued for complicity in murder

By Pot Chavez

THE Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday disclosed it has formally charged retired Court of Appeals Associate Justice Isaias Dicdican with gross misconduct for alleged involvement in the 2020 murder of lawyer Joey Luis Wee in Cebu City.

SC spokesperson Camille Ting made the disclosure during a press conference in Baguio City.

IN BRIEF

PNP warns vs. illegal solicitation by imposters

THE Philippine National Police -Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (PNP-SOSIA) warns against persons impersonating police officers and soliciting money or donations from private security industry players.

The PNP-SOSIA raised the red flag following reports of people calling or contacting security agencies to ask for donations, whether monetary or “in kind” using the name of the PNP. The unit clarified it does not conduct or allow any type of solicitation, hence this practice is illegal and tarnishes the image of the police.

It urged all stakeholders in the private security industry not to give anything to those impersonating PNP representatives and report the attempt to the authorities.

Vince Lopez

Agents seize P3.63-m party pills during raid

GOVERNMENT agents have intercepted a package containing suspected ecstasy tablets also referred to as party pills valued at P3.63 million during a raid conducted on Tuesday, April 22, in Manila..

The operation was conducted by elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s Seaport Interdiction Unit at the Port of Manila, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Postal Corp. Closer examination of the shipment at the Customs laboratory showed it contained 2,136 ecstacy tablets declared as vitamins.

The PDEA said they are now looking for the consignee of the package from Germany.

Rio N. Araja

10 QC cops placed in custodial custody

THE Quezon City Police District on Wednesday confirmed that 10 personnel from Police Station 14 in Barangay Holy Spirit have been placed under restrictive custody following a viral post alleging irregularities during an Oplan Galugad on April 12.

The police station initially reported the arrest of five men for illegal gambling or violation of Presidential Decree 1602.

On April 22, a validation showed that a handbag with suspected dried marijuana leaves was recovered but not documented, inventoried or turned over to the crime laboratory.

“No charges under RA 9165 were filed, constituting neglect of duty and grave misconduct,” the QCPD statement read. All involved personnel have been relieved from their posts, reassigned to the QCPD headquarters, and had their issued firearms secured. Rio N. Araja

Wee was reportedly shot dead while on his way to his law office in Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City.

In its en banc session, the High Tribunal directed Dicdican to respond to the charge within a non-extendible period of 10 days from receipt of notice.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) endorsed the case to the Cebu City Prosecution Office and the Office of the Prosecutor General.

Earlier, the NBI and local police formed a special task force to investigate the killing of Wee who was known for handling cases involving government officials.

“Acting on a memorandum from court administrator Raul Villanueva dated March 24, 2025, the SC formally charged Dicdican with gross misconduct for his alleged involvement in the murder of Atty. Joey Luis B. Wee,” Ting said.

“Another penalty for the retired Court of Appeals justice possibly is he won’t be able to receive his pension anymore,” said Ting.

With the charge being administrative in nature, Ting said Dicdican may also face disbarment as addi-

tional penalty.

Wee was shot and killed by two assailants on November 23, 2020 at the ground floor of a building in Cebu City where Dicdican’s law office was located. On December 8, National Bureau of Investigation agents arrested in Cabuyao, Laguna former Army Sgt. Fausto Edgar Benigno Peralta who was tagged as a suspect in the killing. Peralta, along with five other suspects have been charged for the murder.

Debate on drug war victims’ ID

By Rachelle Tonelada

FORMER

President Rodrigo Duterte’s chief counsel has dismissed claims by prosecution lawyers that the International Court of Justice (ICC) rejected their proposal for stricter protocols in establishing the identities of victims of the previous administrations bloody drug war.

“That never happened,” said Nicholas Kaufman, lead counsel for the defense, brushing aside assertions by prosecution lawyers Joel Butuyan and Kristina Conti that the ICC judges had denied the defense panel’s suggestions for tighter requirements in vetting the

identities of victims linked to Duterte’s controversial war on drugs.

In a video posted by former Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Facebook, Kaufman countered that there was no such rejection from the ICC judges.

He clarified that the only reference point used was the Philippines’ Social Security System (SSS) standards for verifying identification.

“This whole thing about the judges rejecting my proposal, that never happened. All that happened was that there were two activist victims’ representatives by the names of Joel Butuyan and Kristina Conti, who made all sorts of assertions in the press that I had asked to re-

issue rages on

strict victims’ participation in the process by limiting the ID documents that could be used,” Kaufman explained.

“That never happened. All I was doing was, I was relying on what the Philippine Social Security System requires for ID to be verified in the Philippines,” he added.

Earlier, the ICC’s pre-trial chamber released a document stating that it would proceed with the registry’s alternative recommendation. In cases where standard identification is not available, the court will accept a declaration signed by two witnesses–each accompanied by valid identification documents to verify either the applicant’s identity or their relationship to the victim.

SC upholds village rights to raise funds

BAGUIO City—The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday announced here its decision upholding the right of barangays to hold bingo games as fundraising projects.

SC spokesperson Camille Ting said the High Tribunal, in an en banc ruling, voted 11-4 affirming the rights of three barangays in Baguio City to conduct fundraising projects without securing permits from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) or any national or local government entity.

The High Tribunal explained that the Constitution guarantees local autonomy among barangays, allowing them to run lawful activities including fund-raising that benefit their communities.

It cited the PAGCOR’s Charter, as amended by Republic Act No. 9487 which stipulates that games managed by local government units are not covered by regulatory powers of the state-run

gaming corporation.

The barangays involved in this case include Barangays Trancoville, Military Cut-Off, and Outlook Drive.

Ting said the full text of the decision would be uploaded on the SC website as soon as it is available.

In the same press briefing, the SC warned the public anew against fake orders, notices, issuances, and advisories falsely attributed to the high court and other courts and offices in the Judiciary.

The SC likewise warned against individuals fraudulently claiming to be court employees.

“All courts use only official communication channels when issuing orders, notices, and other court-related documents. These channels may be verified at the respective websites of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, and the Sandiganbayan,” it said.

Comelec opens precinct finder online website

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday announced it has opened a precinct finder platform for the 2025 national and local elections to help voters check on their registration status.

Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said the website includes information on newly registered voters and deleted deactivated accounts. He said the precinct finder has two key functions: it helps users verify their voter registration status and shows them their designated voting location.

Laudiangco also said the website is available for Filipinos living abroad, enabling them to find out in which embassy or consulate they could cast their votes. Through https://precinctfinder. comelec.gov.ph, voters will be able to locate their polling place for the May 12, 2025 midterm elections.

The information needed are the voter’s full name, birth date, and place of registration.

Laudiangco said “it’s really important to type your name exactly how you registered it. Then, pick your province and your city or town from the lists.”

MASS FOR GOOD GOVERNNANCE. His Eminence Jose Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, on Wednesday leads a Mass for Good Governance and Integral Human Development at the EDSA Shrine in Quezon City marking Jubilee Year 2025: Lakbay Pag-Asa,

LIVING ROOM POOL. Children of a family in Barangay San Jose, Guagua, Pampanga can’t be any happier with a small swimming pool right inside their living room to beat the

BLAZE AFTERMATH Fire victims rummage through the debris of their houses razed by two structural fires that swept through a residential area in Moriones, Tondo, Manila on Wednesday, April 23, leaving a thousand families homeless. Norman Cruz

OPINION

Unsettling

THE past three months have been unsettling, both to the country and to the whole world. It was also a period of successive tragedies. In the last 10 days for instance, National Artist and acclaimed superstar Nora Aunor died. Beloved of the masa, she was probably the greatest movie actor in two generations of Filipinos. I had the privilege of having been with her many times during the nationwide campaign of Joseph Estrada in the 1998 presidential elections. Then came Hajji Alejandro, one of the favorite musical artists of our generation, who succumbed to a lingering illness. Only through the obituaries did I learn that Hajji was my “tocayo,” our first name being Angelito.

But most poignant of all was the Easter Monday announcement that Pope Francis had died. We were all buoyed up with hopes of his recovery after five weeks in the hospital, his return to the Vatican, and on Easter Sunday, his brief motorcade to greet the faithful gathered at St. Peter’s Square.

It was as if the Holy Father just extended his mortal life to be able to greet the faithful on the holiest of Christendom’s festivals.

***

Before all these deaths, our people were deeply unsettled by the extrajudicial rendition of a well-loved former president into the waiting arms of the largely discredited International Criminal Court on March 11, after 14 grueling hours of mishandling and abuse by his captors led by a police general at the Villamor Air Base.

That apparent “kidnap” as many now label it, has touched a raw nerve among many of us, eventually creating an emotional tsunami that has unsettled the politics of this country leading to the now crucial May elections.

Meanwhile too, Donald Trump, POTUS of a fast-decaying military, political and economic empire, has unsettled the world not only for his irascible conduct but also because of his on-and-off play on tariff impositions that has discombobulated the world trading system. ***

One wonders, what else will come to unsettle our lives?

For now, we have mid-term elections in less than three weeks, and the early advantage of the Alyansa slate filled with well-known political “brands” has been challenged by a resurgence of the Duterte candidates, no matter how less known, on account of the former president’s rendition to the ICC, which caused an explosion of sympathy bordering on rage especially in Mindanao and Central Visayas. Will Team Sara be able to get enough of its candidates inside the win column, and dislodge some of the Team Bongbong candidates from their heretofore assured rankings?

This happens at a time when the president’s approval and trust ratings

nose-dived by some 17 percent, down to 25 points, lower even than the much reviled PGMA was during the mid-terms of 2007, when her approval rating was down to 30.

The administration advantage in 2007 was utterly destroyed by the Genuine Opposition, resulting in a lopsided 8 GO winners versus 2 from GMA’s Team Unity (that word again!), one Liberal and one independent.

It was as if the Holy Father just extended his mortal life to be able to greet the faithful on the holiest of Christendom’s festivals

Can Inday Sara who is about to face trial in the Senate manage to carry four or five, even six perhaps, neutralizing therefore the administration’s resources and its well-known candidates? It will be tough, but who knows how voter sentiment will swing on E-Day?

Note that in 2007, PGMA’s rating was down to 30 percent, already recovered from the Hello Garci scandal of 2005, and the government had more stable finances generated by the E-VAT while food prices were relatively stable.

In 2013, President PNoy had a high approval rating of 68 percent as the country went into its mid-term elections. His Team PNoy candidates won overwhelmingly in the Senate race, at a ratio of 9 versus 3 UNA candidates supported by Vice-Pres. Jojo Binay.

In 2019, with PRRD’s all-time 87 percent approval rating, the entire Ocho Derecho opposition slate was slaughtered by the Duterte coalition candidates on an 11 senator-sweep plus then Lakas candidate Bong Revilla who squeaked into the winning column after a last-minute TVC featuring him dancing a “bu-dots” craze.

A strange phenomenon is shown in the recent surveys in Mindanao, where there is a shut-out by the Duterte Nine, with only latecomer Mata not inside the win column, and Team Bongbong’s Erwin Tulfo and Manny Pacquiao surviving.

Even in Central Visayas, seven of Team Sara’s candidates are in the latest win column of Pulse Asia.

Will the more publicly-trusted Inday

Sara’s endorsement of Imee Marcos and Camille Villar help them win in these Duterte strongholds?

After May 12, the Senate trial of the HoR impeached vice-president starts, another inflection point.

The present Year of the Snake looks to be very unsettling for our country.

The May 12 elections

WITH the midterm elections literally just around the corner, the candidates vying for political office both local and national have been ramping up their campaigning feverishly.

It is a process we have been doing since 1907 with interruptions during the second world war in the 1940s and Martial Law (1972-1981).

I do not know of any Asian country that started this process earlier than us. And since we have been having elections for 118 years, it presupposes we should have grown in democratic stature and political maturity. It seems we have the complete opposite. Just look at the families who have taken control of municipalities, cities and provinces as if political positions are something to be inherited by family members, a phenomenon found only in this country.

Let us also look at our Senatorial and Congressional elections.

In the current Senate race, all that the public see on TV are the political ads of senatorial candidates extolling their virtues on why we should vote for them. The political ads, however, should

make us question their public service sincerity. Many of the senatorial candidates have their own Party List with family members being the nominees.

—“—

If the recent polls are accurate and those projected to win will in fact win, the Senate composition will really become the laughing stock the world over

If the recent polls are accurate and those projected to win will in fact win, the Senate composition will really become the laughing stock the world over.

There will be three siblings in the 24-member Senate which will be the first of its kind here or anywhere in the world.

If Camille Villar will also win, she will join her brother who is currently a Sena-

Generate a horizontal cartoon of an angry-looking squid with green Filipiniana butterfly sleeves. The squid has a medium lady’s haircut that is parted on the side. The squid has the face of a chubby female ogre. The squid’s tentacles are spread open, and thick black gooey ink is splattered onto a woman whose face is covered with this splatter of ink. The woman has a teased hairdo with plastered side hair. She is smiling, so only her eyes and a gleaming smile are seen amidst the black splash. The lady being sprayed raises her right hand in a fist bump.

EDITORIAL

After Typhon, there’s NMESIS

CAN we rely solely on our own resources to defend the country from any foreign aggression or external threat?

At this stage in our socio-economic development, we need to give priority to fighting poverty and raising the quality of life of the poor and marginalized sectors and providing them with vital social services, including education and health.

We cannot afford to spend billions and even trillions of pesos for our defense requirements.

While we do need to raise enough funds on our own to purchase advanced military equipment to defend our shores.

We can already test and familiarize our military with state-of-the-art defense equipment from out treaty ally, the United States, for future use.

Washington has deployed the NMESIS or Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System for use in the Philippines in the Balikatan exercises between Filipino and American troops being held from April 21 to May 5 in our western flank and near the country’s northern tip near Taiwan.

NMESIS is a highly mobile coastal

tor because her mother Senator Cynthia Villar can no longer run for the 20th Congress.

Pia Cayetano will simply continue with her brother Alan, already a sitting member.

With the two Estrada brothers already in the Senate, there will be four sets of siblings totaling nine. They will join the current four Senators whose background have been in the entertainment field. This is not all. It looks like comedian Willie Revillame might also make it together with former pugilist champion Manny Pacquiao who is trying to regain his Senate seat.

A quick scan of those who might be in the Senate come July 1 does not at all inspire confidence.

Given that we are living in perilous times with so many challenges confronting our country, we the public would be sleeping better knowing that those we

antiship missile system designed to strike surface vessels from land-based positions. Its introduction as part of the current Balikatan exercises is as significant as the arrival of the midrange Typhon missile system in the country in April last year.

—“—

The Balikatan military exercise will involve 5,000 Filipino troops and 9,000 American personnel

Despite initial pronouncements that its Philippine deployment would only be temporary, the Typhon system has remained on local soil.

This has prompted China, which has been threatening to invade Taiwan while also harassing Philippine vessels and fisherfolk in pursuit of its expansionist claims on the South

will be electing as Senators are topnotch and capable legislators. Problem is, there is one Senator who the public never heard speak in his years as a senator. I have always maintained a healthy respect for the collective wisdom in the choices of our voters in national elections in the past but I am now having second thoughts. There seems to be other factors influencing their choices. It also does not make us feel any better if some Senators are doing other endeavors aside from legislating. Some of them have their own Podcasts, product endorsements or have their own TV programs. In the House of Representatives, their number continues to grow instead of decrease. This is mainly due to our broken Party List system which has not only become a

China Sea, to call for the pull-out of the missile system, warning that its continued presence is raising the risks of geopolitical confrontation and an arms race in the region.

A NMESIS battery has already been set up in Cagayan province, one of the Balikatan sites this year. The NMESIS battery demonstrates the Trump administration’s intention to deploy advanced military assets to the Philippines and reestablish deterrence in the region in the face of growing Chinese aggression.

The Balikatan military exercise will involve 5,000 Filipino troops and 9,000 American personnel.

Last year’s exercises also saw more US troops participating—11,000— compared to only 5,000 from the host country. The exercises will also have 200 active participants from Australia, and international observers from 19 other countries.

The NMESIS—like the Typhon— is expected to remain in the country for future exercises. We need advanced weapon systems such as this to serve as deterrence against foreign incursions and to assert our firm commitment to defend our national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

big joke but scandalous as well. It is hard to believe that no member of Congress can even think of filing a bill to put a limit to this preposterous situation. Can the country afford for instance if the number of Representatives reaches 400 with all the billions of pork barrel money being allotted to each member instead of spending the money to improve our country’s infrastructure or modernizing our defense capability?

This May 12 election has been billed as a referendum on PBBM or a proxy fight between the Dutertes and PBBM. Both descriptions are apt for it will almost certainly determine the outcome of the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte when the 20th Congress convenes. Let us hope that our political leaders can think strategically for the sake of the country and not only for their own selfinterests.

India hunts killers of 26 in Kashmir

PAHALGAM, India – Indian security forces in Kashmir carried out a major manhunt Wednesday, a day after gunmen opened fire on tourists, slaughtering at least 26 people in the region’s deadliest attack on civilians since 2000.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi decried the “heinous act” and pledged that the attackers “will be brought to justice”. Modi, who cut short a state visit to Saudi Arabia to return to India early Wednesday, met with top security officials immediately on his arrival, a government official said.

No official toll has been released, but security sources told AFP that at least 26 people were killed on Tuesday afternoon when gunmen burst out of forests at a popular tourist spot and raked crowds of

visitors with automatic gunfire. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister

Omar Abdullah said the attack had been “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years”.

No group has claimed responsibility, but rebels in the Muslim-majority region have waged an insurgency since 1989.

They are seeking independence or a merger with Pakistan, which controls a smaller part of the Kashmir region and, like India, claims it in full.

“This attack on our visitors is an

abomination,” Abdullah said in a statement after the attack.

“The perpetrators of this attack are animals, inhuman and worthy of contempt.”

AFP journalists near the site of the attack in Pahalgam, a popular site for tourists in summer some 90 kilometers by road from the key city of Srinagar, reported heavy deployment of security forces.

“The search operation is currently in progress, with all efforts focused on bringing the attackers to justice,” the Indian army’s Chinar Corps said in a statement overnight.

A tour guide in Pahalgam told AFP he reached the scene after hearing gunfire and had transported some of the wounded away on horseback.

Waheed, who gave only one name, said he saw several men lying dead on the

ground, while a witness who requested anonymity said the attackers were “clearly sparing women”. The killings came a day after Modi met US Vice President JD Vance in New Delhi.

“Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger,” Modi said in a statement shortly after the attack.

The deadliest recent attack on civilians was in March 2000, when 36 Indians were killed. That attack occurred on the eve of a visit by US president Bill Clinton.

The killings on Tuesday sparked global outrage.

US President Donald Trump called Modi to quickly offer “full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous attack”. AFP

‘EVIL AGENDA.’ An Indian paramilitary serviceman keeps watch in Pahalgam, south of

were killed April 22 in Indian-administered Kashmir when gunmen

deadliest attack on civilians since 2000. No group has claimed responsibility, but rebels in the Muslim-majority

1989. They are seeking independence or a merger with Pakistan, which

2nd Fukushima debris removal trial complete

TOKYO – A tricky operation to remove a second sample of radioactive debris from inside Japan’s stricken Fukushima nuclear plant has been completed, the site operator said Wednesday.

Dangerously high radiation levels mean that removing melted fuel and other debris from the plant hit by a huge tsunami in 2011 is seen as the most daunting challenge in the decades-long decommissioning project. Around 880 tonnes of hazardous material are inside the power station — the site of one of history’s worst nuclear accidents after the tsunami, which was triggered by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake.

Plant operator TEPCO said its second trial debris removal operation, which began just over a week ago, “has been completed” as of Wednesday morning. The debris was “removed from a different location from the previous sampling location” to better understand the material’s “characteristics and distribution”, government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters.

TEPCO completed its first trial removal, using a specially developed extendible device, in November. That first sample weighing just under 0.7 grams (0.02 ounces) — roughly equivalent to one raisin — was delivered to a research lab near Tokyo for analysis. AFP

FUNERAL ON SATURDAY. A photo of Pope Francis is displayed in the Frankfurt Cathedral, near the central Roemer Square in Frankfurt, on Monday, the day he died aged 88, after making a much hopedfor appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, the Vatican said in a statement. On Wednesday, it was taken to the ornate St Peter’s at 9:00 am in a procession accompanied by a liturgy, psalms and prayers. AFP

UK

hosts

new round of Ukraine talks to end war

LONDON – Britain hosts a new round of talks on Wednesday involving the United States, Ukraine, and European nations amid a new US effort to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.

US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff is to visit Moscow this week, the White House has confirmed, in what would be his fourth trip to Russia since Trump took office. And the London meeting comes as US media reports that US President Donald Trump is ready to accept recognition of annexed land in Crimea as Russian territory.

BRIEF EASTER

TRUCE. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses a press conference in Kyiv on Tuesday as Russia resumed airstrikes this week following a brief Easter truce and where Zelenskyy said his country was only ready for direct talks with Russia after a ceasefire. US

President Donald Trump said at the weekend he hoped an agreement could be struck ‘this week’ despite no sign of the two sides coming close to a ceasefire, let alone a wider long-term settlement. Last Thursday, US, French and British foreign ministers, along with a senior German official, met in Paris to discuss events. AFP

The reports said the proposal was first raised at a similar meeting with European nations in Paris last week. Trump has since threatened to “take a pass” on efforts to end the conflict unless progress is quickly made.

Russia resumed airstrikes this week, however, following a brief Easter truce and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that his country was only ready for direct talks with Russia after a ceasefire.

The Kremlin has warned that it cannot rush into a ceasefire deal.

Trump promised on the campaign trail to strike a deal between Moscow and Kyiv in 24 hours but has since failed to secure concessions from Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt his troops in Ukraine.

Trump said at the weekend that he hoped an agreement could be struck “this week” despite no sign of the two sides coming close to a ceasefire, let alone a wider long-term settlement. Last Thursday, US, French and British foreign ministers, along with a senior German official, met in Paris to discuss events. AFP

Iraq should not be dragged into reg’l conflicts in Middle East — French FM

Gaza rescuers say 17 charred bodies recovered from Israeli strikes

GAZA CITY – Gaza’s civil defense agency on Wednesday said its crew recovered charred bodies from a schoolturned-shelter for displaced people, as Israeli strikes killed 17 people in the Hamas-run territory since dawn. Since Israel’s military campaign resumed, at least 1,890 people have been killed in Gaza, bringing the total death toll since the war erupted to at least 51,266, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

Hamas’s attack on Israel in 2023 that ignited the war resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza on March 18, following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire that had largely halted the fighting in the besieged Palestinian territory.

“Seventeen people have been killed since dawn,” civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP. He said 11 of the victims, which included women and children, died in an air strike targeting the Yafa school building in Gaza City’s Al-Tuffah neighbourhood.

“The school was housing displaced people. The bombing sparked a massive blaze, and several charred bodies have since been recovered,” he said. Since the war began following Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, tens of thousands of displaced Gazans have sought refuge in schools to escape the violence. AFP

3,000 evacuate in New Jersey

NEW YORK – Some 3,000 residents were evacuated in the US state of New Jersey after a wildfire exploded in size, scorching thousands of acres and threatening hundreds of structures, the state’s fire service said Tuesday.

As of 10:30 pm the Jones Road Wildfire was raging across Ocean County and was 10 percent contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in a post on social media platform X. It put the size of the blaze at 3,440 hectares, just two hours after reporting the fire had hit 1,200 hectares. The fire service said “numerous” fire and rescue personnel had been deployed along with fire engines, bulldozers and ground crews. It said the cause of the fire was “under investigation.”

Local media said the blaze had begun in a massive, rural coastal ecosystem known as the Pine Barrens, one of the largest protected land areas on the US East Coast. AFP

PM faces 1st test in Singapore polls

SINGAPORE – Singapore’s election campaign officially kicked off Wednesday, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong facing his first major test amid public frustration over rising living costs and a rejuvenated opposition. The May 3 polls are also coming as the wealthy city-state faces a turbulent global economy upended by US tariffs. Along with supporters, potential candidates gathered at nine nomination centres across the island to submit their documents to stand in the election.

Wong -- who took over in 2024 after succeeding Lee Hsien Loong, the son of founding premier Lee Kuan Yew -- said “there is much at stake this election.”

“We are in a changed world with turbulence all around,” he said. “Your vote will determine your future and your children’s future.”

For more than half a century, Singapore has been dominated by the People’s Action Party (PAP), which is expected to remain in power. AFP

Cambodia opposition figure goes on trial

PHNOM PENH – An outspoken Cambodian politician went on trial on incitement charges on Wednesday, in the latest legal case against a prominent opposition figure.

Rong Chhun, an adviser to the Nation Power Party, which was founded in 2023, faces up to four years in prison if he is convicted on charges of incitement to cause serious social unrest.

“It is essential for Iraq not to be drawn into conflicts it did not choose,” Barrot said in a joint conference with his counterpart Fuad Hussein. He praised the Iraqi government’s efforts to “preserve the stability of the country.”

“We are convinced that a strong and independent Iraq is a source of stability for the entire region, which is threatened today by the conflict that started on October 7, and Iran’s destabilising activities,” Barrot said. AFP

BAGHDAD – France’s Foreign Minister said on Wednesday that Iraq should not be pulled into conflicts in a turbulent Middle East during his first visit to the country, which has suffered from decades of instability. Jean-Noel Barrot will also visit Kuwait and Saudi Arabia as part of a regional tour to push for a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Iraq, an ally to both Tehran and Washington, has been navigating a delicate balancing act not to be drawn into the fighting, after pro-Iran factions launched numerous attacks on US troops based in Iraq, as well as mostly failed attacks on Israel.

The charges were brought last year after he met victims of land disputes, and comments he made about Prime Minister Hun Manet’s visit to the border area with Vietnam. The incitement charge is frequently used by Cambodian authorities against activists.

As he arrived at court, Rong Chhun told reporters the case against him was “politically motivated”. AFP

Srinagar on Wednesday, following an attack. At least 26 people

opened fire on tourists, security sources told AFP, in the insurgency-hit region’s

region have waged an insurgency since

controls a smaller part of the Kashmir region and, like India, claims it in full. AFP

Lakers level playoff series; Pacers, Thunder win again

LOS ANGELES—Luka Doncic scored 31 points and LeBron James added 21 as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 to level their NBA Western Conference playoff series at one game apiece on Tuesday.

Slovenian star Doncic, acquired in a blockbuster February trade, also had 12 rebounds and nine assists for the Lakers, who led by as many as 22 and held on late in a bruising clash at Crypto.com Arena.

The Lakers bounced back from a blowout loss on their home floor, while elsewhere the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder seized 2-0 leads in their best-ofseven first-round series.

The Pacers withstood another big performance from Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo and the return of Damian Lillard, beating the Bucks 123-115 in the East.

The Thunder followed up their crushing 51-point game-one victory over Memphis with another dominant win, beating the Grizzlies 118-99 in their Western Conference clash.

After a disjointed effort in their game-one loss, the Lakers rocketed out of the gate, taking a 10-point lead with 5:07 left in the first quarter and maintaining a double-digit advantage until midway through the fourth quarter.

James, chasing a fifth NBA title in his 22nd season, added 11 rebounds and seven assists for the Lakers, who persevered in a physi-

cal game that saw the teams combine for 46 personal fouls.

Caught out early by the Lakers’ increased defensive intensity, the Timberwolves managed to apply some pressure in the final period, when the Lakers suddenly couldn’t get a basket to fall.

The Lakers scored just 13 points in the final period, but Minnesota—led by 27 points from Julius Rand le and 25 from Anthony Edwards—couldn’t muster enough offense to capitalize.

“We played hard for 48 minutes,” Doncic said. “We played physical, that’s how we’ve got to play over the whole 48 minutes.”

In Indianapolis, Pascal Siakam scored 24 points and pulled down 11 rebounds and Tyrese Haliburton added 21 points and 12 assists for the Pacers, who saw a 15-point fourthquarter lead slashed to two thanks to a 13-0 scoring run from the Bucks. Two-time NBA Most Valuable

Player Antetokounmpo led all scorers with 34 points, adding 18 rebounds and seven assists.

Lillard returns Nine-time All-Star Lillard, playing his first game in five weeks after undergoing treatment for a blood clot in his right calf, scored 14 points and handed out seven assists for Milwaukee. Lillard’s three-pointer with 2:33 to play pulled the Bucks within 115113. But Siakam responded with a three-pointer.

Andrew Nembhard drilled another trey and the Pacers held on to win a game that was testy throughout. A brief scuffle in the first quarter resulted in technical fouls for Milwaukee’s Gary Trent Jr. and Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin. Siakam and Milwaukee’s Bobby Portis received technicals with less than two minutes to play, and there was plenty of jawing in between. AFP

Perpetual Help celebrates NCAA title with bon re party

By Dennis Abrina

UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help

celebrated its first NCAA Junior Basketball title with a bonfire party on Tuesday at the Football Field of the school’s Las Piñas City campus.

The title was the Junior Altas’ first since joining the league in 1984, ending a 41-year drought after defeating La Salle Greenhills in Game 3 of the Finals on April 15 via a 10167 victory.

The surroundings of the Home of the Altas were filled with the color maroon as the players and coaches presented to the Perpetual Help community their elegant #NCAASeason100 trophy, plus three other pre-season plums from 2024 NGBL (Next Generation Basketball League), Under Armour Curry 12 Invitational Championship and Season 2 of Junior MPBL U18.

Thousands of students, alumni, school officials and administrators participated in the bonfire revelry, in conjunction with the celebration of the school’s 50th foundation an-

Local squads eye reversals vs. AVC titans

HERE comes the tough part. After finishing second in their respective pools, PLDT and Creamline now face daunting tasks in the quarterfinals of the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions Cup at the Philsports Arena.

It’s win-or-go-home as both squads square off against the top seeds of the opposite groups today (Thursday).

The knockout stage kicks off at 4 p.m. with the High Speed Hitters, who placed second in Pool D, battling Pool A top seed Zhetysu VC of Kazakhstan, and the Cool Smashers, who placed second in Pool A, clashing with the undefeated Nakhon Ratchasima QminC from Thailand, the top team from Pool D, at 7 p.m. Petro Gazz will take on Beijing Baic Motor on Friday.

Despite a heartbreaking five-set loss to the Thais last Tuesday, PLDT proved its resilience, rallying from a 0-2 hole before falling short in the decider. That performance showcased the High Speed Hitters’ fight – but against the powerful Kazakhs, resilience alone won’t be enough. They’ll need to execute a near-perfect game plan to crack the tall and disciplined Zhetysu defense, which had previously swept the Cool Smashers.

PLDT coach Rald Ricafort and his team have had a brief window to analyze their opponents during Wednesday’s break, drawing up tactics to slow down the Kazakh juggernaut. The margin for error? Almost none.

But Ricafort believes their grueling five-set showdown against Nakhon Ratchasima will serve as a valuable learning experience – one that will ignite his team’s determination.

“Same nung bago mag-Thailand. Alam naman namin high level, malakas and all. Pero bilog pa rin naman bola. Tulad ngayon, wala naman nag-expect na makakahaboll kami ng dalawa. Pero umabot kami sa dulo (Same as before we faced Thailand. We already knew the level was high, that they were strong and all. But the ball is still round. Like now – no one really expected us to catch up by two sets. But we made it all the way to the end),” said Ricafort.

La Salle ties for 3rd spot in men’s

volley

one during the party, together with graduating players and holdovers for Season 101 in Louie Rosales, Jim Corpuz, Kurt Velasquez, Keanne Zanoria, Ezekiel Zamoras, Ryan Llupar and Lance Nitura.

“You made history by winning the first championship trophy in NCAA Junior Basketball,” Dr. Tamayo told the players. “We watch you with heart inside the court, game after game and your dedication in every game, we know your journey was not easy, and we thank you all for the honor you brought to Perpetual, long live and congratulations to you.”

Perpetual Help Medical Center (PHMC) president Richard Tamayo added: “Let us recognize the former and late Junior Altas head coach Mauro Tamayo, I know that even though coach Mao is in the afterlife, he is still very happy with the achievement that the Altalettes, now, the Junior Altas, have finally become champions. I know the late coach Sammy Acaylar, who gave Perpetual many honors in the field of volleyball (is also proud).”

Larrazabal

By Peter Atencio

edges PH teammate Matias for UST’s 2nd fencing gold

ORMOC City standout Alexa Larrazabal lived up to expectations on her rookie year in 87th University Athletic Association of the Philippines Fencing Championship on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate, Manila. The 18-year-old Larrazabal, a veteran of the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, overcame a scary start and beat national teammate and University of the East bet Andrea Matias, 15-10, in the women’s epee finals. This gave University of Santo Tomas its second individual gold

medal, a day after schoolmate Janna Catantan ruled the women’s foil event.

“It was the most difficult game, the finals against my teammate with the national team and in the SEA Games. The first three minutes were scary because of the pressure. But I didn’t want to disappoint my teammates. I wanted to win the medal,” said Larrazabal. She reached the gold medal round after getting past La Salle’s Cyrra Vergara, 15-8, in the semifinals, and another La Sallian, Krupskaya Ednilag, 15-6, in the quarterfinals.

Earlier, University of the Philip-

pines fencer Miggy Bautista edged reigning MVP Nicollei Felipe of University of the East in a dramatic 15-14 gold-medal men’s epee finale. James Lim handed UE its second gold in its quest for a 13th straight championship in the boys’ division, following a 15-7 triumph over UST’s Rayne Maravilla in the finals of the foil event. UE got its first gold from Bryn Gale’s gold in the boys’ epee with his 15-10 stopping of Ateneo’s Samuel Gatmaytan. Over in the girls’ division, UST’s Liah Gillian snared its first gold by toppling teammate Kathleen Tuy, 15-14, in an all-UST final.

DE La Salle University recovered from a thirdset hiccup to defeat Adamson University, 25-20, 27-25, 24-26, 25-17, forging a tie for third place in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Wednesday afternoon at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Fueled by the 26-point explosion of graduating spiker Noel Kampton, the Green Spikers improved to a share of third place alongside the UST Golden Spikers with identical 9-4 records. Despite facing an also-ran team in Adamson, La Salle made sure to not rest on its laurels as the victory -- alongside UST’s sweep of University of the Philippines earlier today -- meant that the third seed in the men’s division’s Final Four will be determined in the last set of elimination games come the weekend at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Cubao. A Green Spikers triumph over the top-ranked FEU Tamaraws on Saturday, coupled by a Golden Spikers loss against the NU Bulldogs on Sunday will give them the No. 3 seed. If UST and La Salle still hold identical win-loss records after the final weekend of elims, the Golden Spikers will grab the No. 3 spot by virtue of the win over the other rule.

“Siguro, it’s more of the mental aspect na lang kailangan namin i-work on. The technique and skills ay nandoon, pero it’s just that naghahabol kami ‘eh, kaya hindi namin minsan makita kung paano kami maglaro as a team, ‘yon yung nagiging struggle namin. We are still on track on finding the right recipe para mapakita kung anong klaseng laro maibibigay ng DLSU,” Green Spikers head coach Jose Roque said. Eager to prevent a sweep, the Soaring Falcons rallied from three points down in the extended third set. With the Green Spikers at match point, Adamson unleashed three straight points—a John Gay crosscourt hit, a Jude Aguilar off-the-block attack, and a RJ Obeda ace—to force a fourth set. Despite the setback, the Green Spikers immediately recovered with a flurry of well-orchestrated attacks and floor defense to prevent another five-setter match at the hands of an already-eliminated team.

Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers races to the basket as Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels give chase in Game 2 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playo s at Crypto. com Arena in Los Angeles, California. AFP

niversary this year, spearheaded by UPH chairman Dr. Antonio Tamayo. Season and Finals’ MVP LeBron

Jhames Daep, Mythical 5 member

Jan Roluna, Most Improved Player Jericho Cristino, JD Pagulayan, Icee Callangan, Kelsey Baldoria, Aries Borja, TJ Tabbuan and Jacob Dela Cruz were introduced one by

Perpetual University celebrated its Junior Altas Basketball Team’s championship in the NCAA Season 100 with a bon re party held at the Football Field of the school’s Las Piñas City campus. Dennis Abrina

Alexa Larrazabal

La Salle’s Noel Kampton

A

THURSDAY, APIRL 24, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI,

RANDY M. CALUAG,

EDGARD HILARIO,

SPORTS

Gregorio, Tolentino hail return of fabled Tour

By Riera U. Mallari

PAOAY, Ilocos Norte—The Tour of Luzon: Great Revival kicks off Thursday in this charming city up north with 119 riders from 17 teams pedaling furiously for eight stages in a bid to claim cycling fame.

Veteran riders Marcelo Felipe and Ronald Oranza together with Jan Paul Morales and George Oconer are just some of the riders to watch as the fabled Tour, now chistened Tour of Luzon: Great Revival, presented by Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation and organized by DuckWorld PH, returns on the road after six years.

Eala looking for best tactics against world no. 2 Swiatek

By Peter Atencio

ALEXANDRA Eala will dig into her arsenal of tactics and find out what will work best against world no. 2 Iga Swiatek.

The 19-year-old Eala will have two days to get her act together, when she and Swiatek collide in the second round of the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open Tennis Tournament women’s singles at the clay courts of La Caja Majica Stadium.

And Eala promises that this encounter will be different from that last time, when they met for the first time at the Miami Open last month.

“Iga is spectacular. She pushes you to the limit,” said Eala, after she stunned Bulgarian netter Veronika Tomova, 6-3, 6-2, in the first round on Tuesday, ahead of her Friday showdown with Swiatek.

One of Eala’s improvements is her service, something she gives credit to tennis great Rafa Nadal and what she learned through the Rafa Nadal Academy.

“I still have a lot to improve on in that regard. I’m open to advice. But it’s true that Rafa helped me with my serve and I’m seeing a big improvement,” said Eala after her match with Tomova. Last month, the Filipina sensation scored the biggest win of her career after a shock victory over Swiatek, 6-2 7-5, in the Miami Open quarterfinal on hard court.

As they face each other again in a WTA 1000 tournament, it will be on a different stage and a different surface.

“I definitely think that each match is a different story. Even if it’s against the same player every time -- doesn’t matter if I play her at the same time next year in Miami or in Madrid next year, it’s going to be a different story than the last one,” added Eala.

SMART/MVPSF Taekwondo Summer Program under way

TRECE MARTIRES, Cavite—Mavis

Espedido and Lisa Sarines continued their stellar run in junior golf, sweeping the second leg of the ICTSI Junior PGT Luzon Series at Sherwood Hills Golf Club in contrasting but equally impressive fashion.

Espedido edged Venus delos Santos by one stroke in a tense finale to the girls’ 7-10 division, carding a final round 77 for a 153 total.

Delos Santos, who finished with a 75 and 154 total, nearly forced a playoff with a birdie on the 18th. Winter Serapio and Penelope Sy followed in third and fourth place, posting 85 and 88 for 173 and 178, respectively, as slight gusts and stifling heat added another layer of challenge to the day.

Espedido, who dominated the first leg at Eagle Ridge by 14 shots, highlighted her round with five birdies, including chip-ins and a mix of long and short putts.

Her back-to-back wins solidified her lead in the race for a Luzon team slot in

the North vs. South Finals, where the top finishers from the region will face their VisMin counterparts.

“I stayed focused to shoot a good score and come out on top again,” said Espedido, crediting her win to the Lord, her family, and her coach. She now sets her sights on a three-peat at Splendido Taal next week.

In the girls’ 11-14 category, Lisa Sarines pulled away from her twin sister Mona after a frontside 37 and a string of pars on the back nine to shoot a 73, spiked by a pitch-in birdie on No. 9, and win by three strokes with a 150 total. Mona carded a 76 for a 153, while Keira Que placed third at 170.

“That pitch-in on No. 9 was tough, but it gave me the momentum I needed,” said Lisa. “I’ll never get tired of winning, but I know I have to stay humble.”

Reflecting on her double bogey start, she added: “Never lose hope…I kept fighting and turned things around.” Keira Que placed a distant third at

IT’S summer time and the Philippine Taekwondo Association is once again holding its traditional SMART/MVP Sports Foundation Taekwondo Summer Program all over the country.

The annual event, which started last Monday, April 21, has already attracted thousands of martial arts enthusiasts – young and old – all of them looking for another memorable summer activity.

The PTA and its top guns are encouraging sports-minded parents to encourage their kids to take the popular Korean martial arts as their choice of activity since taekwondo’s teachings and character as a whole, have been proven most effective and practical.

“Taekwondo enriches one’s health and it is highly regarded as perhaps the most rewarding exercise for physical conditioning, alertness and

self-protection,” said PTA Secretary General Rocky Samson. “It’s also about building champions and building character.” Backed by the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission and Milo, the annual summer program will go on until June 8, 2025.

Long considered as one of the country’s most successful associations, PTA added that its branches in Region 1 to XII, including the CAR, ARMM, and CARAGA, plus the elite clubs of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines are open and willing to guide the participants. For the dates and venues of the clinics, they may contact PTA at Tel. Nos. 85220518/85220519. For other details, they can send querries at philtkd@gamil.com/philippinetaekwondo@gmail.com.

``We are all excited. We are all thankful, the Tour of Luzon is back. This is for Philippine cycling. This is for the Filipino people,’’ said DuckWorld PH chairman Patrick ``Pato’’ Gregorio, expressing his gratitude to the MVP Group led by sports godfather Manny V. Pangilinan. Continental teams Standard Insurance, 7Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines, Go for Gold Cycling Team and Victoria Sports Pro Cycling will try to fend off the challenge of four foreign squads South Korea’s Gapyeong Cycling Team, Malaysia’s Pro Cycling, Taiwan’s Bryton Racing Team and CCN Factory Hong Kong.

``It’s a thrilling and exciting time for all cycling enthusiasts and fans all over the country as the Great Revival of Tour of Luzon is now going to happen. The cycling community and fans have waited for this race. Now this is the moment,’’ said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham ``Bambol’’ Tolentino.

``We are praying for the safety and health of all riders and all the people involved in this eight-day race especially in this hot weather,’’ added Tolentino, also the president of PhilCycling, which sanctioned the multi-stage race. Covering 1,074.90 kilometers, the Tour begins with the 190.70-km PaoayPaoay Stage 1 a day before the 68.39km team time trial from Paoay to Vigan City in Stage 2.

By Randy M. Caluag

THE Philippines made another impact on the global combat stage as another 17-year-old Cebuana Elisse Xoe Malilay clinched the gold medal at the Women’s Professional AJP Tour East Coast Regional Championships in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Competing in the 49-kilogram purple belt pro division, the younger sister of world champion Eliecha Zoe proved her rising stature by defeating UAE’s Fatma Al Rahma in the semifinals before overpowering Mariam Al Ali of Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club in the final.

The victory marks Malilay’s first major international gold of the year. The Malilay sisters were recently honored with the Global Filipino Award for their sporting achievements.

In 2023, representing Atrixion Combat Sports of Dubai, Ellise Xoe enjoyed a stellar international run, including a notable gold medal at the 2024 Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championships and representing Cebu City in the 2024 Batang Pinoy National Games. Malilay is currently ranked 28th globally in her division.

ICTSI Sherwood Hills Junior PGT Championship winners are shown here, namely Lisa Sarines (11-14), Mavis Espedido, Tyro Edoc (7-10) and Vito Sarines (11-14). Manny Marcelo

A player in blue armor foils an ax kick from an opponent.

Sarines staged a back-nine rally to snatch the title from Ryuji Suzuki, firing a 71 for a 147 total –five strokes ahead of Suzuki.

Elisse Xoe Malilay

Exporters face growing orders backlog on US tariff policy

THE United Ports Confederation of the Philippines, Inc. (UPC) has flagged a growing backlog of Philippine export orders as trade uncertainty mounts over the new US tariff policy, with billions of pesos worth of goods currently on hold.

UPC president Nelson Mendoza said in a stakeholders forum Wednesday exporters were grappling with the ripple effects of the recently imposed 90-day US tariff measure, which triggered widespread hesitation among buyers.

“They were not cancelled, but they’re on hold,” Mendoza said, referring to numerous outbound shipments that are now in limbo. While a temporary reprieve is expected within the 90-day window, the fate of longer-term orders remains unclear, he said.

“Orders for 2025 were already placed in 2024. But the rates in 2024 will not hold because of the new tariff. After 90 days, we don’t know what will happen,” Mendoza said.

The uncertainty is already reshaping shipment schedules and pricing models, particularly for large shipping firms like Maersk.

Maersk cited reports of a possible 20-percent impact on freight costs, translating into significant peso losses given the dollar-based nature of most export contracts.

“But for the Philippines, I think the impact will be limited because we can still import, and I think we still have a very good relationship with the US. Let’s see how it goes in the next 90 days,” said Maerks head of Oceana operations Ma. Elenita Metzker. Othel V. Campos

Go expects PH-US talks to boost bilateral trade

By Othel V. Campos

The Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expressed confidence that the upcoming dialogue with the United States will open doors for mutually beneficial trade arrangements.

“We are confident that, through our strong economic and diplomatic ties, we can find arrangements that are mutually advantageous,” said OSAPIEA Secretary Frederick Go during a consultation Tuesday.

DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said “the consultative process has enhanced mutual understanding and

By Darwin G. Amojelar

FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) said Wednesday British airline industry veteran Richard Nuttall would become its new president effective May 29, 2025.

Nuttall, most recently the chief executive at SriLankan Airlines, led the South Asian carrier’s successful turnaround and return to profitability, a PAL statement said.

He will succeed Captain Stanley Ng, who has served as PAL president and chief executive since January 2022. Ng will take on new responsibilities within PAL Group as vice president of PAL Holdings Inc. and as a member of the airline’s board of directors. In these roles, he is expected to provide strategic direction and oversight to bring the flag carrier to a new level of service and profitability.

Nutall’s appointment “is an important part of our medium-term and long-term strategy of building a robust management team and growing our business internationally”, said Lucio Tan III, president and chief operating officer of PAL Holdings Inc.

“I am honored to join Philippine Airlines at such a pivotal time. The airline has accomplished so much in recent years, and I look forward to building on that progress as we explore new avenues for growth,” said Nuttall.

Nuttall will report directly to Dr. Lucio Tan, chairman and chief executive and Tan III. He joins PAL after leadership stints in airlines across Asia, Africa, Europe and the

alignment on shared goals.”

Ahead of their anticipated meeting with their US counterparts, Go and Roque jointly led stakeholder consultations with leaders of the country’s export sector.

The consultations aimed to gather insights and develop strategic measures to reinforce bilateral trade amid the

recently imposed US reciprocal tariffs.

The discussions brought together key stakeholders from various export industries, including producers, manufacturers, consolidators, industry associations and relevant government agencies.

Participants shared their views on the current US market landscape, identifying both opportunities and challenges under the prevailing international trade environment.

Roque said the consultations highlight the country’s commitment to an open and inclusive process.

The DTI reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the interests of all sectors are considered in working to secure the best possible outcomes for the Philippines in the upcoming dialogue with the US.

Middle East.

Nuttall also served as an executive board member of the SkyTeam Alliance, where he helped reform the Alliance’s governance structure to accelerate decision-making and deepen airline collaboration.

“Philippine Airlines has always

THE Department of Finance (DOF) issued revenue regulations streamlining the process for availing tax incentives in the education sector to entice private sector investment in human capital.

“By prioritizing education, we are accelerating not only national development, but more importantly, we are creating more opportunities to uplift the lives of every Filipino through strategic human capital investments,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said. Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 13-2025, signed by Recto on March 17, 2025, upon the recommendation of Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui,

been committed to working with the best people across all levels, and I welcome Richard Nuttall as a worthy addition to an already formidable team. I am confident that he will create and develop sustainable growth for PAL,” Tan said.

With Joel E. Zurbano and AFP

Jr., aims to simplify and consolidate outdated procedures that have hampered access to tax incentives granted under existing laws for education and training. Entitled “Consolidated Provisions to Simplify and Streamline the Procedures and Requirements Relative to the

China’s Panhua to start $3.5-b Sarangani steel project this year

By Michael Wong Ho

CHINESE Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian announced that China’s Panhua Group will begin the construction of a massive $3.5-billion integrated steel manufacturing complex in Maasim town, Sarangani province within 2025.

Speaking to the Philippine media at the Chinese Embassy in Manila, Huang hailed the project as a “milestone” that reflects China’s strong confidence in the longterm economic prospects of the Philippines.

“It’s a symbol of our confidence in long-term Philippine development,” he said.

The Panhua steel complex, first launched with an opening ceremony in 2018 under the administration of then-President Rodrigo Duterte, experienced delays over regulatory issues, site development challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic. Now back on track, the project is expected to generate 25,000 jobs, including 20,000 positions for Filipino workers.

Panhua Group, headquartered in Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu Province, is one of China’s leading exporters of steel products. The Sarangani project will mark its largest investment in the Philippines to date.

Beyond heavy industry, Huang emphasized China’s growing investments in the Philippines’ green and digital sectors. These include electric vehicle charging infrastructure, renewable energy technology, 5G network expansion and smart grid development. Huang said that China, as the world’s largest manufacturer of renewable energy, is willing to share its technologies in solar power, wind energy and smart infrastructure with the Philippines.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) names British airline industry veteran Richard Nuttall as its new president, effective May 29, 2025. Nuttall will replace Captain Stanley Ng, who has served as PAL president and chief executive since January 2022.

ACEN expects to raise P30b from stock rights offering

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ACEN Corp., the power genera-

tion arm of the Ayala Group, said on Wednesday it expects to raise up to P30 billion in fresh capital from a stock rights offering (SRO) in September to finance its renewable energy expansion.

The company said its board had approved the offer and issuance of primary common shares via an SRO to eligible stockholders of record and the subsequent listing of those shares.

“We just approved the stock rights offering... As I explained, the increase in authorized capital stock was to allow fresh equity raising either in the form of SRO or private placement right, or a follow-on offering. But what the board has decided... is a stock rights offering of up to 30 billion pesos with a floor price of 2.30 pesos per share,” ACEN president and chief executive Eric Fran-

cia told reporters. ACEN said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the common shares to be issued would come from its current unissued common shares and the increase in its authorized capital stock, which was approved by the board and stockholders on March 10 and April 23, respectively.

The final terms and conditions of the SRO, including the final issue size, entitlement ratio and offer price would be determined before the launch and disclosed at the appropriate time in the final prospectus, the company said.

ACEN said the increase in its authorized capital stock, the SRO and the listing of the common shares to be issued with the Philippine Stock Exchange are subject to relevant regulatory approvals. The company said it expects to launch the SRO after obtaining all necessary approvals and subject to suitable market conditions.

Stock market climbs, tracks strong gains of US equities

THE benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) closed higher Wednesday, tracking strong gains from US equities.

The PSEi jumped 22.89 points, or 0.37 percent, to close at 6,168.48, while the broader all-shares index added 6.64 points, or 0.18 percent, to settle at 3,658.78.

US stocks rose overnight on hopes that US-China trade tension may soon ease.

“Philippine shares booked minor gains as investors brushed off USChina trade tension tracking the US market with a sharp rebound,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said. Services led the sectors, rising by

2.89 percent, followed by property which advanced 0.82 percent.

Mining and oil index dropped 2.55 percent as gold prices retreated after reaching new highs.

Value turnover improved to P7.63 billion, with 92 advancers, 97 decliners and 56 unchanged issues.

International Container Terminal Services Inc. rose 4.13 percent to P353, while ACEN Corp. declined 7.86 percent to P2.58.

ACEN announced a P30 billion stock rights offering plan with a indicative minimum price of P2.30.

Asian equities rallied with Wall Street on Wednesday after Donald Trump said he had “no intention” of firing the head of the Federal Reserve

and that eye-watering tariffs on China would be slashed drastically.

Global markets, already upended by a trade war, were battered further at the start of the week by fears the US president was looking to remove central bank boss Jerome Powell for not cutting interest rates, calling him a “major loser” and “Mr. Too Late”.

Observers warned such a move would have dealt a blow to the Fed’s independence and sparked a crisis of confidence in the world’s top economy, sparking a sell-off of US assets and another global crisis.

However, Trump looked to temper those fears on Tuesday, saying: “I have no intention of firing him.”

Jenniffer B. Austria

head of agency strategic initiatives and salaried leaders program JF Salazar, chief agency officer Sailesh Nalinakshan, national agency sales and expansion head Ian Mar Dayot, branch head Lisette Aguila and zone head John Cesar Agustin.

THE smudge left by Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) is hard to erase.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made it clear last year that POGOs have no place in the country. The Chief Executive banned POGOs because of their overt ties to human trafficking, online fraud and money laundering.

An Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) report said POGOs were susceptible to money laundering, fraud and other illicit financial activities, and posed substantial threats to the integrity of the national financial system. Yet, POGO’s influence over certain sectors have not waned a bit despite the Malacañan ban. POGO’s imprint lingers.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla just this week made a public accusation and raised alarm bells about the rule of law and the Philippines’ appeal as an investment hub.

Remulla publicly called out Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston Casio for what he

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION

The public is hereby notified that the Philippine Branch Office of GFK Custom Research Pte. Ltd., with registered address at 5th Floor 111 Paseo de Roxas cor. Legaspi St., San Lorenzo, 1223 Makati City, Philippines, will be CLOSED The closure of the Philippine representative office will take effect upon approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(MS-APRIL 24/MAY 1/8, 2025)

described as illegal actions.

Megaworld set to launch P20-b projects in 2025

By Jennifer B. Austria

PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. plans to launch P20 billion worth of real estate projects this year, down 31 percent from last year’s level amid an oversupply in the condominium market.

Despite fewer launches, Megaworld is targeting reservation sales of P130 billion, slightly lower than P131.9 billion in 2024.

The company also plans to establish two new township developments this year, adding to its current portfolio of 35.

Megaworld introduced four major townships in 2024, adding nearly 400 hectares to its land bank.

To finance the development of ongoing and upcoming projects, Megaworld earmarked P50 billion for 2025 capital expenditures.

The company said up to 80 percent of the amount would be for project development, while the remaining 20 percent would be for land acquisitions.

Megaworld is set to launch nearly six office projects offering 140,000 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA) from 2025 to 2026. These projects are located in Iloilo City, Pampanga, Bacolod, Davao and Bulacan.

The property firm also intends to launch six commercial developments

POGO stain won’t easily go away

Remulla accused Casio of “usurpation of authority” after the latter allegedly ordered the release of foreign nationals tied to illegal POGO operations, despite having no authority to do so.

Remulla’s revelations have turned what could have been dismissed as internal government friction into a full-blown public scandal with direct consequences for the country’s business climate.

A document has surfaced―a written note on the letterhead of the Office of the President authorizing the release of suspected POGO kingpin Wang Yushi. It bore Casio’s name and what appears to be his signature. Castro’s notes point to a serious breach in protocol and accountability.

Casio’s actions, if proven true, smack of an abuse of power. He approved the release of foreign detainees through the so-called recognizance, and signed deportation documents without legal authority.

Such powers rest solely with the Bureau of Immigration Commissioner and its Board of Commissioners. This is a breakdown in institutional protocol.

Remulla noted that suspects, many linked to cybercrime and trafficking syndicates, were released before digital forensic investigations could be completed, significantly weakening the government’s ability to prosecute these networks.

Casio’s actions appear to have sabotaged the anti-POGO crackdown from within and turned what should have been a unified law enforcement effort into a cautionary tale of rogue decisionmaking.

… POGO’s influence over certain sectors have not waned a bit.

President Marcos already made it clear last year that POGOs are more of an economic disruption.

According to the Department of Finance, allowing these gaming hubs to continue operating is costing the Philippines as much as P99 billion annually in lost revenue. The President’s firm stance aims to combat crime, and restore international confidence in the country’s regulatory environment as well.

Thus, what message does it send to serious investors when directives from the highest office are quietly disregarded within the system, or by Casio?

A scandal involving the unauthorized release of detainees, potential criminal charges and public accusations from the Justice Secretary would trigger swift action from Malacañan.

But Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the most powerful figure in government after the President, appears unfazed.

When a government mid-level official is accused of overstepping legal bounds and compromising a high-stakes policy initiative, most executive offices would respond with immediate accountability. Bersamin’s indifference is surprising, to say the least.

For investors in tech, fintech and licensed gaming, regulatory clarity is non-negotiable.

in the same period. These projects, which offer 151,100 sq. m. of GLA, are located in Taguig City, Boracay, Pampanga, Cavite, Cainta and Bacolod City. Megaworld also plans to launch eight new hotel projects from 2025 to 2029, with a combined total of 3,570 room keys.

These include Chancellor Hotel Boracay, Grand Westside Hotel –North Wing, Belmont Hotel Iloilo, Kingsford Hotel Bacolod, Savoy Hotel Palawan, Savoy Hotel Capital Town, Paragua Sands Hotel – Palawan and Arcovia Hotel in Pasig. These office, mall and hotel developments are expected to boost Megaworld’s leasing revenues.

Megaworld posted a record net income of P21.7 billion in 2024, a 12-percent increase from the previous year’s, as sales grew at a double-digit rate.

Consolidated revenues also rose 17 percent to P81.7 billion, driven by strong performances across its real estate, leasing, and hospitality businesses.

They make long-term bets based on a country’s ability to uphold its own rules.

What they see now is unsettling. Policies are being overridden by unauthorized officials, blurred legal processes and hesitation from top leaders to enforce accountability.

The release of foreign suspects tied to cybercrime before proper investigations sends the wrong message to global markets. For serious investors, that’s a red flag and one with a real price tag.

If this were only about inter-office turf wars, businesses might stay out of it. But that’s not the case. Investors, especially in tech, fintech and legitimate gaming, need certainty and stability. What they’re seeing instead is a government that publicly bickers, lets unauthorized personnel make legal decisions and hesitates to clean up after.

When suspects involved in syndicated cybercrimes can be released without proper investigation, it tells businesses that rules can be bent depending on who’s in the room―or who’s on the press release.

Casio’s actions must be investigated. If found illegal, he should face charges. That’s how you restore public trust. It’s time to remind Secretary Bersamin that quiet leadership is admirable but silence can be interpreted as complicity. Investors value clarity, consistency and the rule of law. If the Philippines can’t show these, investors can take their business elsewhere.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com

agreement between San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL) on April 22, 2025. Once the

to Bulacan, will be cut down to 35 minutes from two to

MANULIFE BRANCH. Manulife Philippines opens its first branch in Nueva Vizcaya province, bolstering its presence in North Central Luzon and offering customers from Bayombong and other parts of the province wider access to the company’s health and financial solutions. Attending the opening ceremony are (from left) region head Hannah Esguerra,

BUSINESS

Zhangpu, Iligan City vow to boost China-PH ties

By Michael Wong Ho

ZHANGPU County in Fujian

Province, China and Iligan City in Lanao del Norte signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on friendly exchange relations on April 21, 2025, focused on cultural, tourism, trade and economic development.

Six counties in Quanzhou City have established friendly exchange relationships with cities in the Philippines as of now.

Historically, Quanzhou played a vital role as a starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Its Yue Port was a key hub in building

PhilMech achieves rice mechanization targets for 2024

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), an agency under the Department of Agriculture (DA), said it achieved its rice mechanization targets for 2024, delivering thousands of machines and expanding support for farmers, cooperatives, and local government units (LGUs).

PhilMech said in its 2024 report to the Department of Agriculture (DA) it deployed 5,030 rice production and post-harvest machines, including tractors, seeders, harvesters, dryers and milling systems.

It said of the 5,030 machines deployed, 2,450 were funded by the 2024 budget and 2,580 were from previous years, while an additional 4,784 units were newly procured, exceeding the agency’s annual procurement target.

The DA said the installation of rice processing systems (RPS) improved milling recovery rates from 55 to 58 percent to 63 to 65 percent, translating into a gain of at least eight more sacks of rice per 100 sacks of palay, boosting output and cooperative income. Since the program began, 104 RPS units have been established nationwide, 98 of which were under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while an additional 47 units under Phase 1 of RCEF are set for completion.

PhilMech attributed its success to a rigorous validation process, selecting over 2,000 qualified cooperatives and LGUs in 2024.

sea trade routes through Luzon, extending as far as America and Europe.

According to officials from the Zhangzhou City Foreign Affairs Office, the city aims to further develop sustainable economic relationships with Philippine partners.

Through the friendship platforms, they will strengthen exchange and cooperation with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), expanding their international circle of friends.

Iligan City will use the opportunity

to further promote cultural, tourism, economic and trade cooperation with Zhangpu county.

The Zhangpu County government also hosted a promotion fair for the China–Philippines Innovation and Development Demonstration Park, showcasing investment opportunities and development strategies aimed at deepening cooperation between the two sides.

The Zhangpu International Chamber of Commerce and the Mindanao Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce signed a cooperation MOU, further cementing ties between the business communities of both regions.

ENEX still keen on 1,100-MW gas plant in Batangas

By Alena Mae S. Flores

LISTED Ayala-owned ENEX Energy Corp. remains keen on developing a 1,100-megawatt combined cycle gas turbine project through Batangas Clean Energy (BCE) and the Cinco oil and gas prospect under Petroleum Service Contract 55.

ENEX chairman Gerardo Ablaza Jr. said that while SC 55 in the West Philippine Sea remains under force majeure due to ongoing geopolitical issues in the region, the company continues to be on the lockout for potential partners for the asset.

“Nonetheless, we continue to engage with potential partners and sponsors who have both the technical capability and strategic interest to move this forward once conditions permit,” Ablaza said.

“We believe in the long-term importance of developing indigenous energy resources, and SC55 remains a key part of that vision,” he said.

ENEX has a 75-percent interest in SC 55 in offshore West Palawan through its subsidiary, Palawan55 Exploration & Production Corporation. The remaining 25 percent is owned by Pryce Gases.

SC 55 holds the Cinco prospect, estimated to contain 1.3 trillion to 2.4 trillion cubic feet of gas and 45 million barrels of oil.

Meanwhile, Ablaza said Batangas Clean Energy (BCE) is making a steady progress on its gas turbine project in Batangas province. ENEX and US-based Blackstone Inc. portfolio company Gen X Energy LLC are jointly developing BCE.

“This project is well-positioned to support grid stability and cleaner baseload capacity. The project is awaiting the launch of a competitive selection process in order to secure a long-term offtake agreement—a key step towards construction and development,” Ablaza said.

He said 2024 marked a significant inflection point for ENEX after it was able to address the company’s historical negative capital position through the losses from early-stage investments in BCE and SC 55, through a successful restructuring effort.

ENEX is a wholly owned subsidiary of ACEN Corp., the power generation arm of the Ayala Group.

BIR: Crackdown on ghost receipts sets standard for financial integrity

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) attributed its success in meeting its 2024 collection target, the first time in 20 years, largely to its crackdown on the use of ghost receipts through the Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) task force. The agency created the task force in 2023.

“The BIR’s fight against Ghost Receipts will set the standard for corporate accountability, for financial integrity,” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said.

“The BIR will imprison corporate executives of big businesses involved in Ghost Receipts. We have proven that, and we will continue doing the same. This is not merely a matter of audit. This is already a matter of imprisonment,” he said.

Top News Asia magazine honored Lumagui as one of its “Men of the Year,” featuring him on the cover of its April 2025 issue alongside other high-ranking government officials. A separate article in the magazine

also highlighted the success of the RAFT task force, the BIR’s nationwide crackdown against ghost receipts.

“The BIR is grateful for the recognition given by Top News Asia magazine. All credit goes to the men and women of the BIR,” Lumagui said.

BUSINESSES should adapt quickly to shifting consumer preferences to connect with future generations and thrive in a rapidly changing market.

The Franchise Asia Philippines Conference will feature a session titled “Consumer Outlook: Understanding Your Future Consumer” on April 24 at Function Room 5 of the SMX Convention Center in Manila.

The session aims to provide delegates with insights into navigating changing consumer behavior and scaling their business strategies to remain competitive.

Industry experts Dr. Dae Lee, founder of The Fourthwall, and Joaquin San Agustin, executive

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. is honored by Top News Asia magazine as one of the ‘Men of the Year’. The BIR was lauded for its successful Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) task force, which is the nationwide crackdown against ghost receipts.

vice president for marketing of SM Supermalls, will discuss emerging consumer trends in the Philippines and ASEAN, the impact of shifting behaviors on the food, retail, and service sectors, strategies for staying relevant, and anticipating the needs of Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers.

“This event gathers experts and franchise practitioners from here and abroad to share global best practices and discuss what’s in store for franchising in the country and across the globe,” said PFA President Joseph Tanbuntiong.

“It is also an excellent venue to meet and network with top industry names. So, if you want to stay ahead

The BIR said its success was largely attributable to increased tax compliance by corporations due to the “chilling effect” of the RAFT Task Force. The agency said corporations are now afraid of using ghost receipts because they will be audited.

Thai trade center in Manila joining Franchise expo

“As long as we follow our pillars of good governance, we will continue to meet our objectives. Of particular importance is our nationwide crackdown on Ghost Receipts. Gone are the days when big businesses use fabricated receipts in their tax returns. In the words of TNA magazine, this is a turning point for corporate accountability,” he said.

THE Thai Trade Center in Manila, under the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) of the Royal Thai Embassy, will participate in the Thailand Franchise Pavilion at the International Franchise Expo, part of Franchise Asia Philippines 2025. The event will take place from April 25 to 27, 2025, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.

The pavilion will feature a selection of Thai franchise brands, including restaurants, cafes, spas and tutor centers. The participating Thai brands have established an international presence and are now seeking to expand into the Philippines.

Entrepreneurs, investors and food industry professionals are invited to visit the pavilion to explore distribution, franchise and business partnership opportunities with Thai brands.

in franchising, this is the must-attend event of the year,” he said.

PFA chairman Chris Lim said conference topics would empower business owners to not only keep pace with changes but also to anticipate them.

“By anticipating needs and driving innovations, it enables us to lead with purpose and create lasting values for our business, built to stand the test of time,” Lim said. The session will offer perspectives from industry experts, equipping attendees with insights and strategies to stay connected with evolving consumer needs and ensure business relevance in a fast-changing world. ECONOMIC

HALAL SEMINAR. Ginga Agrifoods Manufacturing Enterprise Inc. holds a seminar on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Halal Principles and Concepts at the Ginga Café in Barangay Mabilog na Bundok, Lobo, Batangas on April 10, 2025. The move is a significant step toward enhancing its food safety practices and Halal compliance, which was facilitated through the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Batangas and DOST CALABARZON.

Pag-IBIG Fund offers cash prizes to MPL borrowers

PAG-IBIG Fund has launched two new raffle promos aimed at increasing members’ awareness of the benefits and favorable terms of the Pag-IBIG MultiPurpose Loan (Pag-IBIG MPL), while encouraging greater employer engagement—further strengthening its efforts to provide timely financial support to members nationwide.

As part of its initiatives to assist more Filipino workers in addressing their immediate financial needs through the Pag-IBIG MPL, the agency introduced the “Loan to Win!” and “Hatid Pana-Loan!” raffle promos, which offer cash prizes as additional incentives for borrowers and employ-

SSS, TESDA sign social security arrangement for 3,800 workers

AROUND 3,800 job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers in the central and regional offices of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) will now have access to the social security protection provided by the Social Security System (SSS) after the two state-run agencies sealed a partnership arrangement under the KaSSSangga Collect Program. Meanwhile, 4,300 regular employees of TESDA may also join the program as voluntary members to continue their contributions to SSS from previous private sector employment or self-employment.

SSS president and chief executive Robert Joseph Montes De Claro and TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez signed the agreement on April 22, 2025 at TESDA Central Office in Taguig City that will facilitate registration to SSS and payment of contributions for eligibility to the various benefits and loan programs of SSS. The KaSSSangga Collect Program is designed to extend social security coverage to workers in the government under JO and COS arrangement. SSS will issue an agency reference number to TESDA to generate a payment reference number which will be used when remitting contribution through SSS or through SSS-accredited collecting partners online or overthe-counter.

er representatives. “In 2024 alone, our Pag-IBIG MPL program assisted more than 3 million members with over P70 billion in cash loans. This highlights the Pag-IBIG MPL’s role as a dependable source of financial assistance for Filipino workers in times of need,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, head of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and chairperson of the 11-member PagIBIG Fund board of trustees. “In line with President Marcos’ directive to provide accessible and affordable financial services to our citizens, we are launching these promos

to assist even more members while recognizing the efforts of employer representatives who actively support their employees’ loan applications,” Acuzar said.

Running from April to December 2025, the “Loan to Win!” raffle promo gives Pag-IBIG members with an approved Pag-IBIG MPL a chance to win cash prizes. Each approved loan during the promo period automatically earns one raffle entry, with bonus entries awarded to first-time PagIBIG MPL borrowers, applications submitted via Virtual Pag-IBIG for Employers, or loans worth P50,000 or more.

Ayala sees 2025 as turning point for smaller units

By Jenniffer B. Austria

AYALA Corp. said it expects 2025 to be turning point for the company’s smaller businesses which could potentially boost the company’s share price.

Ayala president and chief executive Cezar Consing said in the company’s annual report several of the group’s smaller businesses undertook major rationalization initiatives last year that could lead to better results this year.

“I think 2025 could be an inflection year for our smaller businesses. Each of them undertook major rationalization initiatives last year, and we should begin to see the payoffs of such moves this year,” Consing said. He said the group’s mobility business and retail ventures are displaying promising growth. He said that if the group’s smaller businesses continue to improve, they could help boost investor interest on Ayala shares.

“In the not too distant future, l think investors will want to acquire our stock to get exposure to our smaller and newer businesses,” Consing said. Meanwhile, Consing attributed the decline in the company’s share price to challenging macro environment and losses posted by the group’s unlisted businesses.

“It is ironic that after a year in

FREE WIFI. Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda joins the inspection of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3, as the agency plans to integrate new technologies and roll out more e-payment methods at rail stations.

DOT: Air India flights to Manila to boost tourism sector

By Othel V. Campos

DEPARTMENT of Tourism Secre-

tary Christina Frasco said the upcoming Air India flights to Manila by the latter part of 2025 will boost connectivity and confidence in the Philippine tourism sector.

Speaking at a forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) on Wednesday, Frasco said preparations are underway to launch the new route, with close coordination among Air India, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Civil Aviation Board (CAB) and private sector stakeholders.

“The national government is in full

Hepmil PH appoints Mojica as chairperson of the board

HEPMIL Philippines, a digital advertising and creator economy company, named Joanna Chan Mojica chairperson of the board.

Mojica brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the Philippine advertising industry to the fast-growing company. Hepmil Philippines works with clients such as Jollibee, Unilever, Unilab, CDO, and Century Pacific Food, as well as agency partners Publicis Groupe and GroupM. Mojica will advise Hepmil Media Group chief executive Karl Mak and work closely with Erwin Razon, general manager of Hepmil Philippines. The appointment reflects Hepmil’s aim to be a leader in the Philippines’ expanding digital advertising and creator market.

Mojica will also continue in her roles as president of AmplifAI Media Services, a position she has held since July 2024, and as a shareholder of Metropolis Evolving Media Solutions, where she has been since 2018.

Her previous experience includes positions as Connexion head at Unilab Inc., chief media officer at Dentsu Aegis Network Philippines, chief executive of Starcom MediaVest Group, investment head of GroupM and media director roles at MindShare and J. Walter Thompson. “Hepmil Philippines has been our group’s standout growth market since we entered as a startup in 2018 through PGAG,” said Mak in a statement. He said Mojica has been a mentor and advisor to the company.

support of welcoming this inaugural flight from India. We are looking to India as a huge potential source market for the Philippines,” she said, noting that the recent launch of the electronic visa system has paved the way for easier travel access.

The announcement follows the entry of carriers such as Air France and Air Canada into the Philippine market.

Frasco said the opening of European routes after 30 years is a “vote of confidence in Philippine tourism”, and more carriers from Europe are expected to follow suit.

She also highlighted the Philippines’ growing interest in expanding air connectivity with the Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

countries, where arrival growth surged by 500 percent to 800 percent.

Frasco also emphasized South Korea’s continued importance as the country’s top source market.

She acknowledged the challenges in the outbound Korean travel market due to weakening Korean won, but said the DOT is ramping up promotional campaigns and strengthening ties with stakeholders both in Korea and the Philippines.

“We are watching this very, very closely. With the measures we are putting in place and our partnerships with DOTR, DILG, and the Tourism Promotions Board, we hope to sustain and further grow Korean arrivals,” Frasco said.

which we recorded all-time high earnings, our share price trades at historically low multiples. The macro environment has been challenging. President Trump’s win strengthened the US dollar, and that encouraged capital inflows into the US and capital outflows from the emerging markets. The Philippine stock market is 20-percdent lower than it was just last October, liquidity has dried up and capital inflows are negligible,” Consing said.

From a 52-week high of P740 in early October, the share price of Ayala Corp. went down to P560 on Wednesday. The conglomerate reported a net income of P42 billion in 2024, up 10 percent from 2023. Excluding one-off items, core net income increased 10 percent to an all-time high of P45 billion.

Consing expects its four core businesses, real estate, banking, telecommunications and power generation, to continue to support the company’s growth.

He also expects other businesses to contribute to positive equity earnings, shareholder value and dividends.

IN BRIEF

FFCCCII lauds PNP for arrest of kidnappers

THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) welcomed the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) arrest of individuals allegedly involved in the abduction and killing of businessman Anson Tan and his driver, Armanie Pabillo.

The FFCCCII also expressed appreciation for the PNP’s prompt dialogue with the group following the crimes, saying the operation and meetings were important for upholding public safety and the rule of law.

FFCCCII president Victor Lim lauded the collaborative resolve of law enforcement agencies, noting his recent dialogue with PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil to strengthen public-private cooperation in combating criminality.

The group said similar constructive discussions were held with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago and Bureau of Immigration Deputy Commissioner Daniel Laogan, emphasizing the need for systemic vigilance and interagency coordination to thwart and dismantle criminal networks.

While the arrests marked progress, the FFCCCII urged authorities to pursue remaining suspects, including purported masterminds and accomplices, with equal rigor.

The federation also cited the need for a thorough investigation to uncover the full scope of this case and other similar incidents, ensuring accountability and deterring future threats to civil order.

Lim reiterated the business community’s steadfast support for initiatives that enhance the nation’s peace and order infrastructure, a cornerstone of economic stability and an important requirement to attract foreign investors and tourists.

The FFCCCII expressed hope that sustained collaboration between civic stakeholders and law enforcement would yield a stable climate where justice prevails, and enterprises thrive unimpeded by fear.

The federation called for expeditious judicial proceedings to deliver justice for the victims and their families, reaffirming its commitment to working with authorities in safeguarding the welfare of all people in the Philippines.

PH-China tensions affect business ties

By Michael Wong Ho

THE ongoing strain in Philippines-China relations is beginning to affect business ties, as Chinese nationals face increasing difficulty in securing Philippine visas, according to Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI) president Samuel Uy.

Speaking at a recent forum in Manila, Uy shared the experience of two professional businessmen from Shanghai who were unable to obtain Philippine visas.

“They are professionals, yet they found it very hard to get a visa. From their experience, it seems that very few Chinese nationals can apply successfully now,” he said.

The situation comes amid a fresh

travel advisory from the Chinese Embassy in Manila, which warned its citizens about rising incidents of questioning and harassment by local law enforcement authorities.

The advisory underscored concerns over the safety and treatment of Chinese nationals in the Philippines.

Uy acknowledged that these developments could be tied to increasing nationalism in the country.

“There are some Filipinos with that kind of attitude, but not the majority,” he said, noting that most Filipinos remain understanding and welcoming.

Tensions between Manila and Beijing have heightened due to maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea and recent allegations of Chinese espionage within Philippine territory.

Uy clarified that the FilipinoChinese business community is committed to lawful conduct and maintaining harmony.

Uy said Filipino-Chinese businessmen try to stay away from people involved in POGOs.

“Our stand is that we don’t take part in any illegal activity. We want to keep a good relationship with the government,” he said.

Manila Patriotic High School holds graduation ceremony

By Julie Ann Lope

THE Manila Patriotic High School held a grand graduation and promotion ceremony for its kindergarten, elementary and high school students on April 11, 2025.

Board chairman Xie Zheng Shi, incoming chairman Zhu Min Hui, school director Guan De Lian, incoming alumni association chairperson Wu Xun Ling and members of the school chorus were present during the event.

FCAAF empowers new wave of athletes

THE Filipino Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation (FCAAF) concluded its 2025 national games with a grand closing and awarding ceremony in Pasig City on April 6, 2025.

More than 1,000 athletes and coaches from 26 Chinese schools across the Philippines participated in the event.

FCAAF president Natalie Sia said the event served not only as a venue for athletic competition but also as a platform for cultural and sports exchange among Filipino-Chinese communities. She said FCAAF aims to hold the national games biennially to further align with national-level sporting events and increase opportunities for young athletes. Counselor and consul general

Wang Yue of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines encouraged participants to strive for excellence, while Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner Matthew Gaston expressed hope that FCAAF would help train future national athletes.

Founding chairman Jimmy Chan Cuan lauded the achievements of this year’s games and expressed confidence in the organization’s future.

Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Victor Lim also attended and delivered a message of support.

Plaques of appreciation were awarded to all 26 schools, and special recognition was given to outstanding Filipino-Chinese athletes. Among them were Amparo “Wee-

Principal Lin Mei Yun and chairman Xie Zheng Shi each delivered a message of congratulations to the graduates. They encouraged the students to maintain a positive and motivated mindset as they move forward in life, to face future challenges with courage, pursue their dreams with passion, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Student representatives from each department delivered speeches and reflected on their learning journey, shared personal growth experiences and expressed deep gratitude for the

nurturing environment provided by the school and the guidance of their dedicated teachers.

Kindergarten students conducted song and dance performances, showing confidence and strong Chinese language skills.

At the end of the ceremony, all graduates officially became members of the school’s alumni association.

Many expressed their love for the school and their sadness to leave, while also showing readiness and determination for the future.

Shishi townmates vow to deepen PH-China friendship

THE Filipino Chinese Shisi Townmate Association held its 34th founding anniversary and induction ceremony of its 17th council of officers, 9th batch of women’s group and youth group officers and fifth batch of chamber of commerce officers on April 13, 2025 at the East Ocean Palace Restaurant in Paranaque City. Honorary chairman Agostino Gan, who also served as the chairman of the assembly, thanked the officers for their cooperation which helped the association run smoothly, and expressed gratitude for the dedication of the members and fellow townmates.

He expressed confidence that under the leadership of newly elected chairman Orlando Bongat, the association would move forward with greater unity and innovation in service of their hometown in Shishi, China. New chairman Orlando Bongat said that for 34 years, the FilipinoChinese Shishi Townmate Association has been a home for Shishi people in the Philippines, connecting their hometown to the Philippines.

He expressed hope that the association would continue its traditions and strengthen China-Philippines friendship, encouraging everyone to work together for an even brighter future.

Shishi Municipal Government leader and Overseas Chinese Association chairman Qiu Yongfeng acted as the inducting officer, overseeing the official handover of the seal and delivering a speech at the ceremony.

Consultant Lin Yuyan inducted the officers of the women’s committee, while honorary chairman Agostino Gan led the induction for the youth committee.

Counselor and consul general Wang Yue of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) vice [resident George Chiu, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Associations of the Philippines Foundation Inc. (FFCAP) chairman Dante Chua, Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PCCCII) president Arian Hao, World Shishi Hometown Association president Lin Youbi and Hong Kong Shishi Hometown Association president Wang Renjiang all delivered speeches, offering their congratulations and expressing strong support for the association’s efforts to strengthen ties between the Philippines and Shishi. Michael Wong Ho

Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI) president Samuel Uy.

The Manila Patriotic High School holds a graduation ceremony for its kindergarten, elementary and high school students on April 11, 2025.

FFCCCII president Victor Lim

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

Editor

NICKIE WANG,

ANGELICA

VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER

VALDEZ, Writer

SOUTH Korean actor Lee Minho is reuniting with his Filipino fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila on April 26 as part of his ongoing Asia fan meeting tour.

The event, titled Minhoverse, brings the actor back to the Philippines following his visit in October 2023, when he was introduced as the newest brand ambassador of SM Development Corporation and joined a special fan gathering during SM’s 65th anniversary celebration.

Lee, widely recognized as one of the leading figures in the Korean wave, gained international fame through his lead roles in popular dramas such as City Hunter (2011), The Heirs (2013), The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016), and The King: Eternal Monarch (2020). His latest project, the science fiction series When the Stars Gossip co-starring Kong Hyo-jin, continues to attract global audiences.

The Manila fan meeting is expected to offer fans a closer connection with the 37-year-old actor. All attendees will receive a photocard, a souvenir show

Lee Minho returns to

card, and an official poster. Depending on the ticket tier, fans may also enter raffles for additional perks such as signed posters, group photo opportunities, hi-bye events, and signed photocards. VIP ticket holders are guaranteed a hi-bye event with the actor.

Oscar enforces new rule requiring voters to watch all nominated films

OSCAR voters will be required to demonstrate that they have watched all the films in each category before they cast their final ballots, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Monday.

The new rule, which addresses a longstanding concern that voters are skipping some films, will apply for the next Oscars ceremony in March 2026, the Academy said in a statement. The Academy previously operated under an honor system that voters would see every Oscarnominated film before casting their ballots.

However, with the number of nominees growing in recent years, some voters have admitted not fully fulfilling that duty.

Under the new system, Academy members will be tracked on the organization’s votersonly streaming platform to make sure they have watched each film.

For movies seen elsewhere, such as in cinemas or at festival screenings, voters will be required to “fill out a form” vouching for when and where it was watched, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

For the Best Picture category alone, which has 10 nominated films, competing studios traditionally host glitzy events to woo voters during their awards campaigns, with parties, screenings, and festival showings, sometimes followed by Q&A sessions with the stars and filmmakers.

The Academy also weighed in on a controversy that arose during the last voting season, which was marred by questions about the use of artificial intelligence in movies, such as The Brutalist and In guidance issued Monday, the Academy said AI and other digital tools will “neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination.”

The new rule clarifies that the use of technology is not disqualifying.

“The Academy and each branch will judge the achievement, taking into account the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship when choosing which movie to award.”

SHOWBIZ

Manila for ‘Minhoverse’ fan meet

Tickets are available via SMTickets. com and authorized SM Tickets outlets nationwide. Prices range from P2,760 for General Admission to P11,660 for VIP seats, with ticketing charges applied. The full ticket pricing is as follows: General Admission at

P2,760, Upper Box at P5,090, Lower Box B at PHP 6,360, Lower Box A at P7,420, Patron at P10,070, and VIP at P11,660. The event is presented by Pulp Live World and will take place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, a preferred

venue for international concerts and entertainment shows. Additional information, including seating charts and fan benefit details, is available at www.mallofasia-arena.com and through the arena’s official social media pages.

Vertical series are dominating online, and a Filipino f ilmmaker helped start the trend

T’S hard to scroll through social media these days without running into clips from vertical series. Whether it’s a scandalfilled plotline from True Heiress vs. Fake Queen Bee or a fastpaced romance like My Secret Agent Husband, these bite-sized dramas have clearly found their audience. They’re flashy, addictive, and tailor-made for short attention spans.

It’s no surprise, then, that even Rolling Stone has weighed in on the trend, calling vertical storytelling the next frontier of entertainment. Platforms like ReelShort are betting big on it, with executives such as Crazy Maple Studios CEO Joey Jia declaring vertical video “the next film industry in parallel.”

But while the U.S. is catching up, this isn’t entirely a Western innovation. The format’s branded storytelling roots trace back to the Philippines — and to filmmaker Christopher Cahilig Before vertical series flooded TikTok, Cahilig was already experimenting with the format. In 2022, he and his agency, Insight 360 Consultancy Services, launched 52 Weeks, the world’s first branded vertical series, in partnership with retail chain Puregold. What started as a novel experiment became a viral juggernaut, pulling in more than 34 million views. The series didn’t just work — it redefined what brand content could look like. It was fast, engaging, and deeply in tune with what the mobile-first audience craved.

For those who’ve followed Cahilig’s career, the success of 52 Weeks wasn’t out of the blue.

He’s long understood how to tap into pop culture. His earlier short film trilogy with leather brand McJim, including Sinturon — which hit over 55 million views — showed how storytelling and marketing could merge without sacrificing substance. And let’s not forget his role in writing the 2010s PPop hit Sa Isang Sulyap Mo with boy band 1:43 — a song that helped kick off an entire genre.

My Plantito in 2023, Cahilig and Puregold pushed the vertical format even further. This time, it was the first BL (boys’ love) vertical series, and again, audiences responded — to the tune of over 52 million views. The numbers speak for themselves, but more than that, they signal a shift in how viewers want to engage with stories. Quick, mobile-native, and emotionally heightened — that’s what works now. And Cahilig saw it coming.

He’s not stopping at viral content, either. As festival director for Puregold’s CinePanalo, Cahilig has opened doors for new voices in Philippine cinema, backing both veteran and student filmmakers with millions in grants. It’s a move that shows his long-term commitment to the industry — and his belief that innovation should lift others as well.

Cahilig has done something different: he’s consistently set them. And in the case of vertical series, it wasn’t Silicon Valley or Hollywood that led the charge — it was a Filipino director with a sharp eye for what audiences really want.

Lee Minho’s return to Manila is part of his ‘Minhoverse’ fan meeting in Asia

Lee Minho reconnects with Filipino fans through his Asia fan meeting tour stop in Manila

From left: Adrien Brody, Mikey Madison, Zoe Saldaña, and Kieran Cullen pose with their Oscars after a landmark night of wins

Very Wang Nickie Wang

Filmmaker Chris Cahilig, pioneer of vertical series in the Philippines, continues to shape digital storytelling

The viral hit ‘52 Weeks’ starts the Filipino wave of branded vertical series on TikTok

Puregold’s ‘My Plantito’ breaks ground as the country’s first BL vertical series

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Kara David honored for media excellence at Global Filipino Icon Awards in Dubai

GMA Network journalist Kara David received the Star Icon for Investigative Journalism and Media Excellence at the Global Filipino Icon Awards 2025 held April 5 in Dubai. The award recognized David’s contributions to journalism, particularly her work in investigative reporting and documentaries. In her

speech, she paid tribute to Overseas Filipino Workers, calling them the “true icons” of the country.

“Ang salitang ‘icon’ ay karaniwang binibigay sa mga taong may mataas na naabot sa buhay o may nagawang kahangahanga. Pero sa totoo lang... kayo, mga Global Pinoys, ang tunay na kahanga-hanga,” she said.

Voice behind ‘Counting Blue Cars’ to perform at Fil-Am fashion show

ASTRONG melody and interesting lyrics about God propelled the song “Counting Blue Cars” by the band Dishwalla into a radio hit back in the ‘90s. It’s largely the reason why JR Richards, the acknowledged main composer of the song and lead vocals behind the now-classic alternative rock piece, is still a relevant figure in the live gig scene even if he has long been a solo act.

People who are familiar with that hit are simply expected to watch the former frontman of Dishwalla perform in anticipation of him delivering it live through his distinctive, emotive voice, regardless of the arrangement. I, for one, liked his piano-powered ballad version, as it further showcases its appeal as a moving track asking some existential questions and begging to “tell me all your thoughts on God.”

Having been a youth in the 90s heavily exposed to the heyday of the alternative rock scene, the mere mention of his name and the band where he came from made this upcoming fashion show where he is scheduled to perform something worth going to. Richards will be performing at a fashion concert and banquet for a cause on May 10 in Long Beach, California. The event is called Reverie, which is being presented as “a theatrical fashion experience.” He is featured alongside another frontman from a band who made it, but one who is Filipino-born—Marc Tupas of Shamrock

The event organizer is one called Crayon Productions, which describes itself as one “fueled by vibrant, innovative minds who can

sketch new possibilities.” I got to speak with one of them, Richelle Domingo, who said that Reverie is a “completely different mix of entertainment and fashion,” with diverse models unified by a carefully envisioned creative touch.

A deeper look into what this production house intends to contribute to the showbiz scene is its serious effort to blend fashion, music, art, and cinema by way of empowering FilAm and local U.S. talents.

Crayon Productions is collaborating with Chapters by MAYAD USA in presenting Reverie, set at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, which is located at 855 Elm Avenue in Long Beach.

Fashion designers Carl Andrada and DJohn Clement are featured, as performers Ardyanna Ducusin, Kodi Lacebal, and Michael Keith will take the stage for their display of vocal prowess and delightful stage presence.

The fashion show starts at 6:00 p.m., with the after-party at 8:00 serving as the cue for Richards and Tupas to grab the mic and the spotlight. Proceeds of the show will go to Don Bosco’s Boys’ Home Philippines.

“Counting Blue Cars,” which Richards noted he wrote “rather quickly,” was said to have been inspired by his chat with a 10-yearold neighbor. Its massive success made it the most-played song on radio for two years in the U.S., as certified by awards it received from ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers). The track, released as a single in February 1996, appeared on Dishwalla’s debut album Pet Your Friends

Partly because no other single from Dishwalla came close to the success of “Counting Blue Cars,” the band was labeled a one-hit wonder, which to me qualifies them as underrated.

I thought their song “Somewhere in the Middle,” which Richards said is “a reflection on the push and pull

David pledged to continue producing stories that serve and inspire Filipinos, saying she feels a responsibility to both her family and the country. She currently hosts GMA’s longrunning documentary program I-Witness alongside Howie Severino, Atom Araullo, Mav Gonzales, and John Consulta,

and the infotainment show Pinas Sarap In March, David and her I-Witness co-hosts won Best Documentary Program Hosts at the 38th PMPC Star Awards for Television. She also received the Media Excellence in Public Affairs Hosting Award (Female) at the

By Chong Ardivilla

THE greatest war movies would know how to use sound as a vital component to punctuate the scenery. Francis Ford Coppola did this with Wagner’s Flight of the Valkyries’ soaring arias as American military helicopters swoop in on a Vietnamese village in Apocalypse Now. Alex Garland’s contribution to the great war films in cinema is warranted with his latest film Warfare

Instead of some epic opera, Garland jars the audience with film history’s most unusual opening music for a war movie: Eric Prydz’s earworm hit from 2004, “Call on Me.”

It is a juxtaposition of a campy music video of hip thrusts with a group of American military men in full battle gear watching and dancing along with the video. This is like their pre-mission pumpup session. This will be the only time the soldiers will be smiling and laughing. Then, the rest of the movie is without any music.

There are no soundtracks laid over the scenes. But this movie should be one of the greatest films for sound engineering because war is brought to you with the gunfire, the heavy breathing, and, at one time, radio chatter with crumbling walls, rebel gunfire, and screams of pain with the on-and-off switch of the audio to simulate tinnitus. You are listening to warfare beating from the cinema speakers, which makes you wonder if this is also the soldiers’ palpitating hearts.

Garland takes on another American military-industrial complex filmography, but this time, it is about “memories” of those

who were at the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. The film stars today’s hottest Hollywood stars, but chaos, dirt, and screams tend to oscillate between characters, which makes it hard to tell them apart. This is the film’s strength because it is not a superstar vehicle but a retelling of a mission.

Many war movies rely on a grand adventure. Warfare is not about a journey or a descent into madness but about containment, unease of movement, and extraction.

When asked where the soldiers are, they radioed one of the best lines in a war film: “Look for the blood and the smoke, we’re there.” Garland situates this with the men being stuck in an Iraqi house, the color of sand and smoke, with red windows. The interiors are awash with this red glow as the soldiers try to manage the mangled bodies.

There is no romantic character study or an interiority of selfdiscovery. There is something about the absence of such plot points in an American war movie because it is usually a positioning of heroics and exceptionalism. Garland puts the film in an off-kilter take amidst a banality—that this movie is just one day of the thousands of days of the collective American military geopolitical incursions worldwide. Garland has given us a gift wrapped in dismembered limbs of crimson and dirt from a war movie of young men who are easily shattered as they try to leave a scene of chaos, which is, unfortunately, just one day in their mission.

You may reach Chong Ardivilla at kartunistatonto@gmail.com or chonggo.bsky.social

JR Richards of Dishwalla (left) and Mark Tupaz of Shamrock

in California

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Building a wellness empire, one organic product at a time

JOEY Marcelo, CEO of Santé International, spoke about the importance of resilience and reinvention during his keynote address at the Asia SME Forum 2025, held March 27 at Marriott Hotel Manila.

Marcelo recalled the setbacks he faced before founding Santé International in 2007, following five unsuccessful direct-selling ventures from 2001 to 2007. He admitted that he initially had no interest in the business model but eventually developed a deep understanding and passion for it.

“From 2001 to 2007, we ran five failing direct-selling companies. But I stayed passionate,” he said, crediting the turnaround to having the right product, people, and leadership team.

Santé International now operates in 10 countries, including Cyprus, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Qatar, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Marcelo said expansion into Italy is underway.

He pointed to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as a major force in the company’s international growth, noting that many started as consumers and later became distributors.

“They’re no longer just working abroad—they’re building Santé in new markets,” he said.

Marcelo outlined what he called his “four-legged horse” model for success in direct selling: company stability, a strong product, a fair compensation plan, and strong leadership and training. He added, “But if there’s a horse, you need a jockey,” underscoring the role of leadership.

Now in its 18th year, Santé International continues to grow in the wellness sector with a focus on certified organic products. Marcelo urged fellow entrepreneurs to stay committed to their goals, learn from failures, and keep pushing forward. “The dream was always bigger than just the Philippines,” he said. “It was about building a brand that could help people—and building it with people who believe in it just as much as I do.”

Magpapa-tuli ka?

Circumcision is often done in bulk at barangay centers, sometimes by unqualified ’manunuli’

By Nickie Wang

FReasons why an operating room is the best place to get circumcised

OR many Filipino families, summer isn’t complete without tuli —the rite of passage where young boys undergo circumcision.

It’s a tradition steeped in culture, often done in bulk for free at barangay centers, sometimes by manunuli with no formal medical training.

A boy chews guava leaves, grits his teeth, and walks away “a man,” with a bandaged wound and a warning to avoid infection.

It’s easy to dismiss hospital circumcision as excessive. After all, why pay for something that’s already free in the neighborhood? But just because something is tradition doesn’t always mean it’s the safest option.

Let’s be honest: the idea of slicing skin without anesthesia and calling it a day with leaves and river water feels outdated— if not risky. It may have worked for generations, but health experts like Dr. Dennis Galimpin of Makati Medical Center argue that we should consider what’s best, not just what’s common.

In a hospital, the environment is sterile. There are no flies, no shared knives, no whispered prayers that things don’t go wrong. There’s anesthesia, surgical precision, and trained professionals who know how to handle complications like excessive bleeding. That’s more than peace of mind—it’s responsible parenting.

There’s also the question of trauma. Barangay circumcisions are often done assembly-line style. Imagine being an 11-year-old boy listening to the screams of others while waiting for your turn. Some kids might brush it off. Others carry that anxiety for life. In contrast, a hospital offers privacy and professionalism, which could mean less fear, less stress, and a better overall experience.

More importantly, the conversation needs to shift from tradition to choice. Instead of treating tuli as a rite every boy must endure, why not ask him how he wants to go through it? Is it the communal bravery of the barangay that he wants, or the quieter dignity of a

hospital room?

“Since it’s his body, ask your son to decide how he wants to go about it,” suggests Dr. Galimpin. “Speaking up, taking charge of his health, and understanding the pros and cons of his decision are the true signs of manhood.”

Dr. Galimpin puts it plainly: letting your son decide is a bigger mark of manhood than the cut itself. Because growing up shouldn’t just be about enduring pain—it should also be about learning to speak up and take control of one’s body. Tradition matters. But so does health, comfort, and autonomy. Maybe it’s time to give the next generation of boys a say in how they step into manhood.

Top graduates offer advice on supporting student mental health

MENTAL health is a pressing concern at educational institutions. Students face pressure, burnout, and even depression due to the overwhelming weight of deadlines, with many resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms because of low grades. While assistance and counseling are available, mental health continues to be a worldwide concern, indicating that schools may need to do more.

Let’s hear from the latest Summa Cum Laude graduates of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on how schools can best address the mental health of students.

Jonas Fabian G. Roque

BS-Real Estate Management

Schools can address mental health by reducing the stigma around ‘guidance offices,’ shifting perceptions from punitive to supportive. Renaming them (e.g., Well-Being Center) sends caring vibes. While names matter, actions must align to foster trust and inclusion by providing safe spaces, empathetic staff, and proactive outreach.

By lending minds to those struggling with their own, schools can have a supportive and preemptive approach to addressing students’ mental health. From providing accessible help to fostering safe and inclusive spaces, and implementing compassionate teaching methods—tangible value is given to the intangible reality of mental health.

Joriz Lauren P. Gozon

BS-Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management One thing schools can do is educate professors on how to handle students’ concerns, and be more sensitive and mindful of their words and actions. Having an inclusive community that is open and doesn’t shame students when they feel a decline in their mental health promotes a positive mindset.

Therese Victoria M. Jose

BS-Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management For students, mental health can be difficult to take care of. I think schools may help address concerns by fostering an approachable image and ensuring that all faculty members achieve mental health literacy to treat matters carefully and mindfully. Hopefully, schools can

create a safe space for students with reduced stigma towards mental health.

Krista Leigh P. Vega

BS-Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management

I recommend implementing termbased mental health breaks to help reduce academic and extracurricular pressure, fostering improved focus and emotional well-being. Frequent promotion of counseling services through social media, webinars, seminars, and classroom visits ensures students are aware of accessible support, effectively addressing growing mental health concerns.

Elizah Ruth T. Magliquian

BS-Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management

Universities should train faculty and staff to recognize signs of mental distress, even when they’re subtle. Some students are good at hiding their struggles, making it crucial for staff to be observant and informed. Early recognition and response can lead to timely support and a more caring academic environment.

Kyla Marie R. Uy

AB-Multimedia Arts

Mental health remains a challenge for students, often due to academic

stress. Hence, schools must prioritize counseling and spreading awareness. During my time at Benilde, the WellBeing Center excelled by proactively reaching out through emails, offering students support, and encouraging them to speak up.

Katrina Isabel N. Santos

AB-Multimedia Arts

To truly address mental health concerns, schools should create an environment where students can discuss

day,” where I regroup myself to prepare for daunting tasks like finals. A buffer day helps me procrastinate less, allowing me to create a plan for managing my tasks and allocating time accordingly.

AB-Animation Students sometimes conceal their mental troubles

and respected, and bullying, discrimination, public shaming, and favoritism are not tolerated. This includes teaching coping strategies, building resilience, and encouraging peer support. Additionally, supporting educators’ well-being through stress management training and clear workplace expectations is essential for a positive school climate.

Jansen Christian D. Antiporda BS-Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management

Feliza Beatrice O. Zaragoza

Angeline

Santé International CEO Joey Marcelo

The conversation about ‘tuli’ should shift from tradition to choice, allowing boys to decide how they want to undergo the procedure