Manila Standard - 2025 May 5 - Monday

Marcos touts Alyansa bets' prowess but leaves out naming Rep. Villar

By Vince Lopez

By Rex Espiritu

PNP resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay

VIETNAM is protesting claims made by the Philippines and China over Sandy Cay, a disputed reef in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) that Hanoi is also claiming as part of its territory.

By Rio N. Araja

Gwen stays put, denies defying Ombudsman

Governor won't budge until Sec. Remulla offers clarity

TAccording to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang, Vietnam has sent protest notes to both countries, demanding respect for its sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, which include Sandy Cay. Hanoi sought to assert its claim over the ocean feature even as it called on all contending parties to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions.

Last week, the Philippine Navy (PN) refuted China’s claim that it has occupied Sandy Cay, which it calls Tiexian Reef.

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

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Navy spokesperson for the WPS, said the claim is meant to divert the attention of the public amid allegations of Chinese spies and an alleged troll farm hired by the Chinese Embassy in Manila in 2023.

On Sunday, PNP Chief Police

By Minerva Newman

CEBU Gov. Gwen Garcia steadfastly refused to vacate her post over the weekend, insisting that she was not defying the Ombudsman’s suspension order but merely exercising her right to exhaust all legal remedies.

In a press briefing, Garcia explained that since issuing preventive suspensions on officials is prohibited during election season, her legal team has advised against stepping down until the matter is clarified.

“I have decided, upon the advice of my counsel, to write a clarificatory query to the Secretary of Interior and

mulla, since it is the DILG, through the PNP, that is tasked to implement this order,” she told reporters.

For his part, lawyer Alex Avisado, the governor’s lead counsel, said they are merely awaiting Sec. Remulla’s guidance on the matter.

“There is no defiance of the Ombuds man’s order. With all due respect, there is

Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry

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

DEFENSE READINESS EXERCISES. Filipino and American troops (bottom right photo) demonstrate synchronized firepower and rapid response during a high-intensity counterlanding and live-fire exercise in Barangay Dodan, Aparri, Cagayan — a key event under the PH-US Balikatan wargames. The Philippine Army and the Philippine Marine Corps mobilized a robust array of assets, including ATMOS 155mm self-propelled howitzers, and additional firepower from 105mm howitzers. Public Affairs Office, AFP

Two killed, four others hurt in

organized crime. Lawyer Raymond Fortun questioned the House Quad Committee’s impartiality and its ability to pin Chinese national Yang down for ay wrongdoing in a real criminal court.

“I am very interested in how they [Quad Comm members] can prove this criminal network in court. In Congress, lawmakers act as both prosecutor and judge,” he said. Yang, who already admitted having a fake Philippine birth certificate, is the brother of Michael Yang, a presidential economic

THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines'has issued a rare statement on clerical sexual abuse, defending Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle on the issue days before the

By Darwin Amojelar

TWO people were killed, including the five-year old daughter of a departing overseas worker, and four others injured after a black SUV plowed into passengers waiting at the departure area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on the morning of May 4. The victims were with family members when the vehicle suddenly veered into the queue.

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

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

“We saw a pattern, and we tracked it to the top of these corporations... we stripped it of its layers , to get to the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue

opening of a conclave to elect a new pope. The CBCP posted a statement to its Facebook page Saturday night saying that "addressing allegations of miscon-

Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal

By Rex Espiritu

which, in turn, can be directly traced to disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guo.

During Friday’s Quad Comm hearing, lawmakers cited Tony Yang in contempt for “lying” to about his businesses and business partners.

duct by clergy rests with the respective diocesan bishops or religious superiors" and not with Tagle.

"Since his appointment to a fulltime position in the Roman Curia,

Cardinal Tagle no longer holds direct authority over any diocese in the Philippines," the statement dated May 2 reads.

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

Bilyonaryo reported online that “Bautista and his long-time protege in Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are at the center of the storm after it was

The SUV driver, who reportedly lost control of the vehicle, is now in the custody of the Philippine National Police. The New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC), working closely with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and the police, said investigations are ongoing. Authorities have yet to confirm the total number of victims and the official cause of the crash.

THE Philippine Navy debunked on Sunday the recent announcement by China that it conducted military exercises off Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). China reportedly made the announcement coinciding with the fourth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Philippines, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the regional waters over the weekend.

Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vin -

cent Trinidad told reporters that Manila troops did not monitor any such activity, adding that Beijing’s statement was meant only for its internal audience.

“Our troops did not observe any exercise, we have to understand that sometimes, China is doing this for their internal audience, right? For them not to look weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad said. Two Chinese warships were monitored at a distance ranging from eight to 14 nautical miles. One of these went up to 1,000 yards at the MMCA site but eventually went away. “It was not threatening, just normal,” accord -

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday denied involvement in the unauthorized release of sensitive materials linked to two separate high-profile cases — the Anson Que kidnap-murder case and the alleged bar assault involving Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong”

Que. Fajardo stressed the document is “highly

PAGASA

House leaders Aurelio Gonzales and David Suarez presented this matrix during the last QUAD Comm hearing which shows the operations of a criminal syndicate allegedly led by fugitive Michael Yang, then economic adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, that controlled the illegal activities of the

Cebu

China, Japan trade airspace violations

TOKYO and Beijing exchanged diplomatic protests, each accusing the other of "violating" national airspace, after a Chinese helicopter and coast guard vessels faced off with a Japanese aircraft around disputed islands.

The islands in the East China Sea— known as the Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan—are administered by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing and are a frequent hotspot in bilateral tensions.

China's foreign ministry said in a statement Sunday it had lodged "solemn representations" with the Japa-

Gwen...

From A1

Garcia also described Ombudsman Samuel Martires’ media statement as “grossly misinformed,” when he accused her of allowing quarrying in Managga River, when she only approved its desilting.

This lack of understanding of the situation apparently served as the basis of the Ombudsman's 6-month preventive suspension order against her, she added. It can be recalled that Martires was

From A1

The footage and an affidavit from the complainant — who filed charges of physical injury and grave threats before the Department of Justice — have circulated online, but the PNP said it does not possess nor disseminate such materials

The PNP reiterated its respect for due process and clarified it will only assist in the investigations if officially requested by appropriate authorities.

The PNP emphasized that any dissemination of evidence, whether in the form of video footage or affidavits, must come through legal and authorized channels to ensure the integrity of ongoing investigations

Both cases have drawn significant public attention, prompting calls for transparency while also raising concerns over the handling of confidential information

Authorities urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified or sensitive content on social media, noting that doing so could compromise legal proceedings or violate privacy laws.

The PNP assured that it remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will cooperate fully with the Department of Justice and other concerned agencies in resolving both cases.

CBCP...

From A1

It also noted the key role Tagle— who served as archbishop of Manila between 2011 and 2019—had played in crafting pastoral guidelines on sexual abuse that were disseminated in 2003.

Watchdog group BishopAccountability.org warned Friday that Tagle and Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin could not be relied on to protect children, with its co-director accusing the church in the Philippines of remaining in the "dark ages." Both men are considered frontrun-

Marcos...

From A1 at the opposition’s candidates, several of whom have no experience in lawmaking whatsoever.

“Most of them have [already served as] senators, so there is no longer any [need for] OJT. They are

Vietnam...

From A1 Forces of the Philippines), the BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources), and other agencies. Nothing was found there, and we were able to debunk what they [the Chinese] were claiming,” he said in an interview.

nese embassy's chief minister after "a civilian aircraft intruded into the airspace of the Diaoyu Islands", calling it an "illegal infringement activity."

A day earlier, the Japanese foreign ministry said in a statement that its vice minister lodged "a strong protest" with the Chinese ambassador to Japan "over the intrusion of four China Coast

quoted as saying, “Remember Chocolate Hills in Bohol? This case is worse!

At the Chocolate Hills, they put up a resort, but the damage was not that extensive. This is quarrying! It destroys everything. And they did it in a protected area.”

Garcia said that the Ombudsman’s swift issuance of a preventive suspension against her revealed his misappreciation of certain facts.

The Ombudsman would have been more enlightened if he had carefully, even just read the special permit that was attached to the complaint.

“It is not quarrying,” Gov. Gwen

Guard vessels into Japan's territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands."

The vice minister also protested "the violation of Japan's territorial airspace by a helicopter launched from one of the China Coast Guard vessels, strongly urging (China) to ensure that similar acts do not recur."

Japan's defense ministry said the helicopter flew within Japanese airspace for about 15 minutes on Saturday near the Senkaku islands.

"The Self-Defence Forces responded by scrambling fighter jets," the ministry said.

Public broadcaster NHK and other

said in response to this statement by the Ombudsman.

“I really stretched my imagination trying to find some relevance, an iota of relevance at all between what happened to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, where private resorts were allowed to be constructed there up and what happened in Manangan River, we were desilting in order to let precious water flow to the group and dam so that Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) could meet its commitments,” Garcia explained.

“The ombudsman, I believe, because he never gave me the opportu-

local media reported that this is the first time a Chinese government helicopter violated the Japanese airspace off the disputed islands.

China's coast guard on Saturday announced it had used a helicopter to "expel" a Japanese aeroplane from airspace around the disputed islands.

Liu Dejun, a spokesperson for China's coast guard, said a Japanese civilian aircraft "illegally entered" the airspace of the islands at 11:19 am (0219 GMT) and left five minutes later.

Beijing frequently announces it has driven Japanese vessels and aircraft away from the islands, but Japanese officials have told

nity to respond, has been grossly misinformed. That is his tragedy, not mine, because his statements in Rapper exposed how truly unenlightened he was as regards the Mananga case,” Garcia stated.

Meanwhile, lawyer Rory Jon Sepulveda, a member of Garcia's legal team, pointed out that when the suspension order was served on April 29, it lacked accompanying documents, such as the complaint itself, which is typically necessary for a respondent to file a counter-affidavit or position paper.

He said this was a violation of Garcia’s right to due process.

CONCLAVE VENUE. This photo handout by The Vatican Media shows the setting up of the

and installation of the chimney before the start of the conclave on May 7, 2025.

ners to replace Pope Francis. Cardinals from around the world are currently in the Vatican, ahead of a conclave on Wednesday of the eligible ones among them to elect a new pontiff. Anne Barrett Doyle, co-director of BishopAccountability.org, said Friday that guidelines dealing with sexual abuse cases have not been published on the webpages of the Manila archdiocese nor the bishops' conference of the Philippines. "If Cardinal Tagle cannot even get his brother bishops from his home country to publish guidelines, what on earth can we expect for him to achieve as pope of a global church?" asked Doyle.

ready to work,” Mr. Marcos said on Saturday.

“No one here could be called inexperienced in making laws. They already know their jobs," he added The Alyansa slate is composed of Benhur Abalos, Abigail Binay, Pia Cayetano, Panfilo Lacson, Lito Lapid, Manny Pacquiao, Bong Revilla, Tito Sotto, Francis Tolentino, Erwin

The document cited by the CBCP, "Pastoral Guidelines on Sexual Abuses and Misconduct by the Clergy," could not be found on the body's website by Agence France Presse (AFP) journalists Sunday.

Doyle reserved even harsher criticism for Italian cardinal Parolin, calling him a "consummate secret-keeper" and saying "any hope of transparency around sex abuse will be dashed completely," were he to be elected.

Meanwhile, the Holy See Press Office released images and video of the Sistine Chapel on Saturday as preparations continue for the conclave that begins on May 7. On Friday, the Vatican's fire bri-

Tulfo and Camille Villar.

However, it was noticeable that the President omitted Villar in his endorsement speech at the Batangas campaign sortie. It can be recalled that Mr. Marcos mentioned the Las Piñas lawmaker in his previous speeches despite her absence.

The omission of Villar’s name

gade was seen atop the Sistine Chapel's roof installing the chimney that will emit black smoke if at least 89 Cardinals have not agreed on the next Pope.

White smoke is expected to signal that the 133 Cardinal electors have decided on the man to lead the Catholic Church into the future.

The Cardinal electors will begin May 7 in St. Peter's Basilica at 10:00 AM with the pre-conclave votive Mass Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice, to pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance as they elect a new Pope. At 4:30 PM that same afternoon, the 133 Cardinal electors will gather in the Pauline Chapel to pray the Litany of

came days after he ordered an investigation into Villar-led water utility firm PrimeWater due to complaints from consumers.

Agence France Presse (AFP) that Chinese authorities sometimes announce expulsions when none have occurred.

Unnamed Japanese officials told local media that Beijing was possibly reacting to a small Japanese civilian aircraft flying near the islands.

Chinese and Japanese patrol vessels in the East China Sea have routinely staged dangerous face-offs around disputed islands.

Tensions between China and other claimants to parts of the East and South China Seas have driven Japan to deepen ties with the Philippines and the United States. AFP

Two...

From A1

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) chairman Ramon Ang visited the scene to assist with the response. The NNIC appealed to the public not to speculate online and to await verified updates.

In response, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a 90-day preventive suspension on the driver’s license and a show-cause order to both the driver and the vehicle’s registered owner.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza expressed deep condolences, noting that one of the deceased was a child of a fellow OFW. “We must determine accountability and take swift action,” he said.

The tragic NAIA crash comes just days after a May 1 incident in Tarlac City, where a passenger bus rammed into several vehicles at the SCTEx toll plaza, killing 10 and injuring over two dozen. The bus company, Pangasinan Solid North Transit Inc., has since been slapped with a 30-day suspension.

These back-to-back tragedies have renewed concerns over road safety. Data from the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group show that in 2024 alone, over 31,000 road crashes have occurred, leading to nearly 2,750 deaths involving over 47,000 vehicles.

Senator Grace Poe has called for a full investigation into the NAIA incident and urged authorities to prioritize victim welfare. She reiterated her call for the creation of a Philippine Transportation Safety Board, a centralized agency to investigate all transportation-related accidents. “The spate of crashes is a wake-up call. These are not isolated incidents. We need systemic reforms to make our roads safer,” Poe emphasized. With rising fatalities and recurring collisions, officials and the public alike are pressing for urgent and long-term solutions to address the country’s transport safety crisis. Joel Zurbano and Rio N. Araja

the Saints, before processing into the nearby Sistine Chapel.

Following the procession, the Cardinals swear an oath committing each of them to faithfully fulfill the Munus Petrinum as Pastor of the Universal Church, if they are elected. The oath also binds the Cardinal electors to absolute secrecy regarding all details surrounding the election of the new Pope, while promising to rebuff any attempts from outside to sway the election.

The Master of Pontifical Liturgical Ceremonies then proclaims 'extra omnes,' ordering everyone not involved in the conclave to leave the Sistine Chapel. AFP

Recently, Vice President Sara Duterte endorsed the senatorial bids of Villar and Sen. Imee Marcos, who has left Alyansa, because after a very public falling out with the administration led by her younger brother.

Meanwhile, Mr. Marcos said the rest of his anointed senatorial candidates would ensure the continuation of policies initiated by his administration.

Alyansa promises to offer solutions even to “small problems that every Filipino citizen is facing" on a daily basis, the President said.

However, the naval officer confirmed that four Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and 19 maritime militia boats were monitored near Sandy Cay.

“Some CCG and maritime militia vessels were spotted, but they have always been there because Sandy Cay is close to Pag-asa Island,” he added.

Trinidad also assured the public that Philippine authorities are con-

Trinidad’s remark came after China claimed that it seized control of Sandy Cay, which is part of the Spratly Islands.

tinuously monitoring Sandy Cay. It can be recalled that the AFP has called for vigilance against pro-China narratives being actively promoted to the Philippine public through various channels, including online propaganda, think tanks, and even by some politicians and entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, former Senator Nikki Coseteng denounced what she called a wave of “Sinophobia” sweeping across the Philippines in the wake

of overlapping territorial claims that have led to near-clashes between Philippine and Chinese maritime forces.

“There’s no substitute for peace.

Anyone who says otherwise is like a mad dog frothing in the mouth,” the former lawmaker noted. Coseteng said she cherishes her Chinese heritage, as her grandfather, Eduardo Coseteng, was formerly mayor of Xiamen City in China before co-

founding Equitable Banking Corp. of the Philippines. Rio N. Araja

“I have this justified apprehension over the safety of our friends and relatives in the Chinese community, because this creeping paranoia may trigger hostile and unfriendly reactions from lawless sectors who might take advantage of the tense situation. This kind of talk will further aggravate hatred against them,” she raised.

Sistine Chapel

VATICAN MEDIA / AFP

Speaker vows support for food security

IN BRIEF

CHR marks 38 years of human rights work

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) marks its 38th anniversary today, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the rights of all Filipinos, especially the marginalized and vulnerable. Under the 6th Commission en banc, the CHR continues to expand its reach and strengthen its services. This year’s theme, “Layag: Komisyong Nagbubuklod sa Agos ng Pagbabago,” highlights the agency’s collective push for change and progress. Among its key initiatives was Lakbay Karapatan Tungo sa Kamalayan (LAKARAN), a nationwide human rights education campaign covering all 16 regions.

The CHR also concluded a public inquiry into the situation of human rights defenders, with a focus on red-tagging cases. Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc commended staff for their dedication and underscored the need to continue promoting transparency, accountability, and public awareness. Rio N. Araja

Leila De Lima rallies support in Camarines

ML Partylist visited Daet, Camarines Norte, engaging with local communities as part of its final week of campaigning ahead of the May 12 elections.

Lead nominee “Manay Leila” De Lima spearheaded the visit, beginning with a walk-through at the Daet Public Market, where she was warmly greeted by residents and volunteers. De Lima then met with local fisherfolk and barangay officials at Baybay Beach before concluding her visit with a courtesy call to religious leaders at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity. At the fisherfolk meeting, De Lima highlighted the partylist’s commitment to protecting coastal communities. She introduced the proposed Magna Carta for Small Fisherfolk, which aims to reinforce the Fisheries Code of 1998 by securing 15-kilometer municipal waters for small-scale fishers’ exclusive use.

DHSUD engages urban poor in housing dialogues

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) recently held a dialogue with representatives of Partido Lakas ng Masa-Urban Poor Communities, focusing on inclusive, in-city housing under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino

Acuzar led the conversation, providing a platform for community leaders to raise housing concerns and suggest improvements to government initiatives, particularly for informal settler families in urban areas.

Acuzar emphasized that 4PH aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision to provide decent, safe, and affordable shelters for Filipino families. He reiterated that in-city and on-site housing projects would be prioritized for the urban poor. Rio N. Araja

‘Freedom ranking doesn’t reflect real conditions for media’

THE National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) on Saturday stressed that the country’s improved ranking in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index does not reflect better conditions for media workers on the ground.

In a statement, NUJP acknowledged that the Philippines rose to 116th place this year, up from 134th in 2024. However, the group pointed out that the improvement is partly due to worsening press freedom conditions globally, rather than meaningful progress within the country.

“This ranking does not translate into better working conditions for journalists,” NUJP said. “It also does not guar-

antee a broader range of reliable sources of public information.”

NUJP emphasized that many challenges remain for media professionals, particularly in terms of fair wages, job security, and safety.

One of the most significant industry developments cited was the impending change in management at the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI). Effective July 1, 2025, the print operations of the newspaper will be transferred to its sister company, Inquirer Interactive Inc., which already runs Inquirer.net.

“The possible job losses could mean the disappearance of valuable institu-

tional memory and decades of collective journalistic expertise that have shaped both the publication and national discourse,” NUJP warned.

The group also raised alarm over the killing of veteran journalist and publisher Johnny Dayang, who was shot dead in his home in Kalibo, Aklan, on April 29. His death ended a year-long period without a recorded work-related media killing.

“These developments underscore that our struggle for press freedom, media safety, and the economic and labor rights of media workers is far from over,” NUJP concluded. Rex Espiritu

Monitoring of Mt. Bulusan evacuees will continue, says DSWD

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will continue to monitor families affected by the recent eruption of Mt. Bulusan, even after they have returned to their homes, an official said Saturday.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group said all five evacuation centers have now been closed, according to the agency’s 6 a.m. report. Personnel from DSWD’s Field Office in Bicol helped coordinate the safe return of evacuees to their communities.

“While evacuees have left the shelters, our efforts do not stop here. Continued monitoring is crucial, especially with Mt. Bulusan still under Alert Level 1,” Dumlao said. Following the April 28 eruption, the DSWD has provided at least P22 million worth of humanitarian assistance to affected families in Sorsogon province.

This included family food packs, hot meals, drinking water, kitchen and hygiene kits, and water filtration devices.

Dumlao noted that the agency is prepared to distribute more relief supplies if needed. The DSWD’s Bicol regional office currently maintains over P3 million in standby funds, along with additional food and non-food relief items valued at over P205 million.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian earlier said financial assistance may also be provided to cover urgent survival needs, including medical expenses not covered by food packs. The agency may also support housing repairs and livelihood restoration for affected households.

Dumlao emphasized that DSWD Bicol remains in close coordination with the Sorsogon provincial government to ensure rapid and appropriate aid delivery as the situation evolves.

By Rio N. Araja

SPEAKER

Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Sunday reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to addressing the pressing concerns of job creation and food security, as highlighted by a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

“The survey confirms our legislative direction—a direction we have been proactively pursuing in the past months and years,” he said.

The SWS survey, commissioned by the Stratbase Group and conducted from April 11 to 14, showed that 93% of Filipinos would vote for candidates advocating increased job opportunities and the development of agriculture to ensure food security.

Romualdez, president of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, said that over the past two years, Congress has shepherded a suite of laws that collectively strengthen the country’s job engine. Republic Act 11962, or the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, created the National Employment Master Plan that aligns curricula, skills training, and apprenticeship with real industry demand.

To attract large-scale investments, RA 11966, or the Public-Private Partnership Code of 2023, was passed to unify all scattered PPP rules and streamline approvals, giving big infrastructure projects a stable legal runway.

Digital economy jobs gained momentum with the passage of RA 11967, or the Internet Transactions Act, which set up an E-Commerce Bureau to protect online buyers and sellers and professionalize Philippine e-commerce.

Alyansa bets among top Senate candidates

FIVE candidates from the Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas (ABP) are poised to win Senate seats in the 2025 midterm elections, according to the latest PAHAYAG Senate Preference Survey by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc.

Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) candidate Christopher “Bong” Go leads the race with 42% nationwide support. He is followed closely by opposition candidate Bam Aquino with 41%, Francis Pangilinan with 36%, and Ronald Dela Rosa with 35%, cementing their positions as key front-runners.

The survey, conducted among 3,000 registered voters across five major regions, reveals regional voting patterns. Go dominates in the Visayas and Mindanao, where his ally Dela Rosa also polls strongly. Meanwhile, Aquino and Pangilinan lead in Metro Manila and Luzon, highlighting a geographic divide in political support.

ABP candidates Panfilo Lacson (32%), Erwin Tulfo, Tito Sotto, and Pia Cayetano (28% each) are also polling competitively. Independent hopefuls Ben Tulfo, Rodante Marcoleta, and Imee Marcos each garnered 23%, while Manny Pacquiao followed with 22%. Candidates just outside the “Magic 12” include Francis Tolentino (21%), Heidi Mendoza (20%), and Abby Binay (18%).

MEETING DE AVANCE. General Trias, Cavite candidates led by reelectionist Mayor Luis Ferrer IV and other officials party hold a Grand Meeting de Avance together with gubernatorial aspirant Abeng Remulla and vice gubernatorial candidate Ram Revilla on Saturday. Dennies Abrina

FULL SUPPORT. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Vilma Santos, and Lucky Manzano vows the support for Senator Lito Lapid and the Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas.

DUSK OR DAWN? A fisherman tends a fish cage at Sampaloc Lake, San Pablo City, Laguna. Revoli Cortez

OPINION

1967, for Benigno Aquino Jr., Salvador H. Laurel, Emmanuel Pelaez and Larry Henares, two Nacionalistas and two Liberals, at a time when we had a twoparty system which makes infinitely more sense than our present multiplicity of flags of convenience masquerading as political parties. The first three won, but Henares lost. When the 1987 Constitution took effect, and we had to initially elect 24 senators, I would choose only six to eight names. My reasons are two-fold: In my own small way, I want to give a multiplier advantage to my favorite candidates. If I elect only four out of 12 candidates, I give each of my choices three votes. The other reason is I vote only for those I truly admire.

So for 2025, my choices are limited to three from Team Sara, one from Team Bongbong, and two who are running as independents.

The two independents might fail to win, as current surveys rate them still low and may not be able to hit the minimum 30 to 35 percent vote to win. Nonetheless, they deserve to be in the Senate.

The only Alyansa candidate I will vote for is one who has proven both competence and integrity in his years in public service, whether as an appointed or elected official. I wished he would retire and take a rest from having to endure the company of clowns and con men, but I guess he is not the type to enjoy smelling the flowers at the break of dawn and marvel at majestic sunsets. There are friends who no longer need my vote, because they are high up in the surveys, so I would rather help in my own small way those who are still fighting for life.

The two independents who deserve my vote have demonstrated integrity and strict adherence to principle when they were in public service, though voters prefer celebrities whose performance is best characterized by the law of infinitely diminished marginal utility who give the public no incremental returns for their vote. Many of them populate the Alyansa slate.

The three I have chosen from Team Sara are one from PDP who is better qualified than many who rate in the surveys, and who I expect will author a law that would create a Department of Culture and History, a favorite advocacy of mine.

A neophyte in public service during the previous administration, he nonetheless

took further studies to become a lawyer, and thus equipped himself with enough qualification to be a legislator, unlike the unworthy the president endorses.

The other is a lawyer who stood out in the series of inquisitorial hearings in the HoR for his defense of due process, fairness and sanity, just when pharisaic legislators were insulting our intelligence with their bullying antics.

It may be forgivable if you defend your kin, right or wrong, if you are just a private citizen, but public interest demands otherwise of public servants

In an interview by Rico Hizon taped in February but aired in the third week of March, I was asked if I thought any of the impeachment trial prosecutors from the HoR could become presidential material in 2028, I politely said I could not see one. Some of them, thank heavens, are likely to lose in their re-election bid, and for the termlimited, in their desire to be governors or mayors.

My other favorite is one who has the same surname as the Mindanao-hated president, but has courageously defied that politico-cultural aberration about the primacy of blood ties over public interest.

It may be forgivable if you defend your kin, right or wrong, if you are just a private citizen, but public interest demands otherwise of public servants.

If one’s own blood relation is committing egregious errors of governance due to a lack of vision and direction, his pandering to the interests of a foreign power at the expense of flirting with war, and his clear vindictiveness --- then that senator who can transcend the cultural demands of kinship is my kind of public servant.

This candidate who seeks re-election after a fruitful term where she has authored significant laws especially those that intend to revive our dying agriculture and food security, has faithfully adhered to the motto of the party she is a member of, which is: “Ang bayan higit sa lahat.”

Beware of ‘Stingray’ attacks

ON APRIL 29, 2025, the National Bureau of Investigation arrested a Chinese national, identified as “Tak Hoi Lao” based on his Macau-issued passport, outside the Commission on Elections main office in Intramuros, Manila.

Authorities discovered an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher in his vehicle—a device capable of intercepting mobile communications and tracking user locations. The suspect faces charges under the Espionage Act, the Data Privacy Act, and the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

This incident highlights a growing concern around IMSI catchers — surveillance tools that, while legally used by law enforcement and intelligence agencies for criminal investigations, counterterrorism, national security, and emergency response, require strict authorization due to their privacy implications and potential for abuse. Increasingly, these devices are being weaponized by bad actors. Originally designed to aid public safety, IMSI catchers are now being exploited for illegal data collection, fraud, spreading misinformation and even election campaigning.

IMSI catchers, commonly called Stingrays — named after a surveillance device developed by Harris Corporation — mimic legitimate cell towers to intercept communications, track user locations, and compromise network security. They operate covertly, bypassing standard telecom infrastructure and evading detection by both users and service providers. Their clandestine nature poses serious risks to personal privacy and national security.

As consumer advocates, we at CitizenWatch Philippines, have expressed alarm over the proliferation of these devices, noting a growing sense of vulnerability among digital users. Every mobile phone user is at risk.

When trust in digital communication erodes, so will the public’s willingness to engage with online services.

The economic implications are profound. As government services and commercial transactions increasingly move online, maintaining public trust is paramount. Without it, users may revert to inefficient offline alternatives, hindering the growth of the digital economy and undermining eGovernment initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency and accessibility.

The Philippine government must align its digital transformation goals with a resolute commitment to systemic cybersecurity

Internationally, countries like the United States and Germany have implemented strict regulations on IMSI catchers, limiting their use to law enforcement under stringent oversight.

Australia mandates telecom companies to install detection systems to identify and report unauthorized signals. These measures demonstrate that proactive, legally grounded interventions are both feasible and effective.

In the Philippines, cybersecurity regulatory frameworks are still evolving. However, recent enforcement actions indicate a shift towards addressing this issue more robustly.

On Feb. 20, 2025, the NBI, in collabora-

Comprehend this

THE latest numbers from the Philippine Statistics Authority are depressing – 18.9 million Filipinos who completed secondary education in the last five years may be deemed functionally illiterate after all.

A change in the definition of literacy in the latest PSA Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Study – a national survey that gathers information on basic and functional literacy rates, as well as the educational skills qualification of the population, is key to the surge in numbers.

The old definition, used in the 2019 study, automatically deems high school graduates or junior high school completers as functionally literate.

The PSA, however, changed the definition of “functional literacy” in 2024 which now includes higher-level comprehension skills that go beyond basic reading, writing, and numeracy.

At a Senate hearing last week, a senator said there were approximately 5.8 million people who are not basically literate and 24.8 million who have problems comprehending.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Chair of the Committee on Basic Education and Co-Chair of EDCOM, said he preferred the new definition because it gives a true picture of the gravity of the situation.

Basic literacy is easy to claim – an ability to read, write, or count would make someone literate in this manner. But actually understanding what was

tion with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, arrested five individuals operating IMSI-equipped vehicles near sensitive government and military facilities.

Utilizing advanced signal detection and monitoring tools, authorities tracked and apprehended the suspects, marking a significant step in combating unauthorized surveillance activities.

Subsequently, on May 1, a former security guard associated with a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) was apprehended for attempting to sell an IMSI catcher online for P600,000.

The Philippine National Police-AntiCybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) conducted the entrapment operation.

According to ACG chief Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang, such devices could be misused for scamming, unauthorized election campaigning, or disseminating disinformation. The suspect faces multiple charges under existing cybercrime and data privacy laws.

read, realizing what numbers mean, and even further, practicing critical thinking, are significantly more difficult tasks that cannot be acquired from a few sessions.

The PSA numbers should be a wake-up call on just how bad the state of education is.

Instead, they must be practiced constantly, over the long term, with careful guidance from educators and families alike.

These numbers simply validate what many of us have suspected for a long time – that we are barely grazing the surface when it comes to meaningful learning. Our students are passing for the sake of moving up, despite not possessing the skills that are truly needed to show they have learned, if not mastered, what they are supposed to know. And while it is easy to dismiss the

These incidents highlight the urgent need for comprehensive legislation and enforcement mechanisms to regulate the use of IMSI catchers and similar surveillance technologies.

Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda has emphasized the critical importance of cybersecurity, stating, “Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue — it’s a national security concern and a fundamental pillar of our digital agenda.”

To safeguard the integrity of the nation’s digital infrastructure, the DICT, in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission and other relevant agencies, must prioritize the development and implementation of policies specifically targeting unauthorized IMSI use.

This includes establishing mandatory detection protocols, creating reporting systems for suspected incidents, and imposing stringent penalties for the possession or de-

failure to achieve satisfactory results in functional literacy as a result of a lack of drive, it would disregard the struggles faced by Filipino students who are not able to perform well because of structural ills like malnutrition, poverty, and the need to start earning a living at an early age. There are also countless overwhelming challenges in the education system. Whatever the reason, our schools and educators must be empowered to deliver the kind of service that would enable our children to pick up the skills necessary to thrive despite the setbacks that threaten to hold them back.

Our people need functional literacy not only to land and keep jobs but also to navigate day-to-day life and engage in meaningful decision making. More importantly it provides good defense against the ills brought on by technology that prey upon people who don’t question what they see. Functionally literate people are less likely to be defrauded or taken advantage of, and they are also able to make healthy decisions not only for themselves but for their families, communities, and nations. They are less likely to believe in disinformation and more inclined to question and criticize instead of blindly following anybody’s bidding. They are better able to decide whom to vote for based on merit, and whom to reject for the lack thereof. If we truly want to enable our people to make right choices, the achievement of critical thinking and functional literacy must be a priority.

ployment of unlicensed IMSI equipment. Public awareness campaigns are also essential to educate citizens on recognizing and avoiding potential threats. At its core, this is about digital inclusion — not just giving people access to technology, but making sure that access is safe for everyone. If only the tech-savvy are protected while others remain exposed, many everyday users will be left behind and vulnerable.

The digital economy will not prosper if it not secure.

The Philippine government must align its digital transformation goals with a resolute commitment to systemic cybersecurity.

By implementing robust regulations, leveraging technological solutions, and fostering public awareness, the nation can fortify its digital landscape against emerging threats and ensure that progress does not come at the expense of security.

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in Horizontal format that looks like a traditional pen and ink with watercolor washes. It is newspapers strewn over a body. The feet are sticking out of this pile of newspapers. There is a trickle of blood under the newspapers. One newspaper has a clear headline: ‘Press Freedom Under Attack Yet Again.’

The Fifth Gospel

Jude Avorque Acidre

A pope from PH? Or a people worthy of one?

TRY to imagine it: white smoke rises, the bells ring, and the world hears the words “Habemus Papam!” – and he’s Filipino. It would be a proud moment. The first Filipino, the first Asian, to become pope. Headlines would explode. Churches would be filled. Flags would fly. We’d call it a dream come true – for the most Catholic country in Asia.

of people who live the Gospel he would preach?”

The Fifth Gospel

Because we don’t need to wait for a Filipino pope to clean up our act. The challenge is not for Rome – it’s for us. It calls us to live our faith with integrity – to bring Gospel values into politics, into daily decisions, into our future.

But when the joy fades, we must ask the deeper question: Are we ready – not just to have a pope – but to be the kind of people worthy of one?

Because the papacy is not just about prestige. It’s a witness to Christ. A call to holiness. If a Filipino pope ever rises, it should not just be a cause for pride – it should be a call for conversion.

We must look at who we are as a nation. We profess a deep faith, but too often that faith is performa tive. We are the third-largest Catho lic country in the world, yet we are plagued by poverty, corruption, and injustice.

Jude Acidre

We hear God’s name in speeches but ignore the cries of the poor. We go to church on Sunday but look away from wrongdoing on Monday. The wounds are still fresh. A brutal war on drugs that killed thousands –mostly the poor – without trial or justice. Pandemic funds lost in corruption. Truth buried under digital disinformation. We call ourselves resilient – but maybe what we need is repentance. Not just survival – but moral revival.

Jude Avorque Acidre —“—

Especially now, as we approach the 2025 elections.

It’s another chance to choose not just leaders, but the kind of leadership we believe in. We’ve seen elections twisted by money and manipulation. We’ve seen how trolls drown out truth, and how voters get disillusioned.

But this time can be different.

If the thought of a Filipino pope inspires us, then let it move us – to demand integrity, to reject lies, and to vote with principle.

Because if we hope for a pope from our people, we must first be a people of justice, mercy, and truth.

Jude Avorque Acidre

We must show the world that our faith is not just cultural – but transformational. That we don’t idolize strongmen – but uplift servant leaders. That we don’t run from our past – but face it with humility, healing, and hope.

We must show the world that our faith is not just cultural – but transformational

A Filipino pope, if he comes, will not save us. But he might remind us that we are worth saving.

So maybe the real prayer isn’t “Lord, make one of us pope.”

Maybe the better prayer is: “Lord, make all of us better Christians.”

Israel calls up reservists for wider Gaza offensive

JERUSALEM—Israel

was issuing orders to call up tens of thousands of reservists ahead of an expanded offensive in Gaza, Israeli media reported Saturday, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attacked truce mediator Qatar.

Several news outlets reported the military had begun sending the orders for reservists to replace conscripts and active-duty soldiers in Israel and the occupied West Bank so they can be redeployed to Gaza.

A military spokesperson neither confirmed nor denied the reports, but relatives of AFP journalists were among those who received mobilization orders.

So if a Filipino were elected pope, what would it demand of us?

Look at history.

When Karol Wojtyła became Pope John Paul II, his election stirred the Polish soul. His faith sparked courage. He didn’t bring tanks, only truth – and, with it, Solidarity was born. The Iron Curtain fell not through violence, but faith.

When Jorge Bergoglio became Pope Francis, he reminded a broken Argentina – and the world – that the Church must be close to the poor, and that greatness lies in simplicity. His witness healed wounds and rekindled faith.

In both cases, their elections inspired more than pride. They called their nations to rise higher. Could the same happen to us?

If a Filipino pope were chosen, it should not only be a symbol --it should be a mirror. Instead of asking, “Will we ever have a Filipino pope?” perhaps the better question is: “Will we ever become the kind

Because the true measure of our faith is not whether one of us wears the white cassock – but whether all of us wear the Gospel in our hearts.

And maybe, just maybe, if we live that faith – if we vote, lead, serve, and love as Christ taught us – then the world won’t just see the Philippines as a Catholic country.

They’ll see a country that lives the Gospel.

A people who will tell the truth, lift the poor, and love the forgotten.

Not just ready for a pope – but ready to change the world.

So let’s begin now.

Not by waiting – but by walking.

Not by boasting – but by becoming.

And when the day comes – and a Filipino steps onto that balcony in Rome – may the world not just cheer.

May they say: “Now there is a people who live what they believe.”

May it be so.

(The author currently seats at the HoR as a nominee of the Partylist Tingog)

According to Israel’s public broadcaster, the security Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Sunday to approve the

LANDSLIDE WIN. Supporters of the opposition Worker’s Party gather at Serangoon Stadium to wait for the results of the general election in Singapore on Sunday. Hours later they discovered voters have handed Singapore’s long-time ruling party a landslide election victory, offering Prime Minister Lawrence Wong a clear mandate to navigate the tradeoriented Southeast Asian nation through economic upheaval sparked by looming US tariffs. AFP

expansion of the military offensive in Gaza.

Israel resumed major operations across Gaza on March 18 amid deadlock over how to proceed with a twomonth ceasefire that had largely halted the war sparked by Hamas’s October 2023 attack.

Qatar, which hosts Hamas’s political office, brokered the truce alongside the US and Egypt that came into effect in January. Efforts to secure a new deal however have appeared to stall in recent weeks.

Netanyahu accused the gas-rich Gulf state of “playing both sides with its double talk”. Posting on X, he said Qatar had to “decide if it’s on the side of civilization or if it’s on the side of Hamas barbarism.”

The Israeli prime minister, under pressure from his far-right supporters, without whom he would lose his governing coalition, has been increasingly vocal in his calls to continue the war since the restart of the Gaza offensive.

“Israel will win this just war with just means,” he added.

Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari rejected the “inflammatory” comments, charging that they “fall far short of the most basic standards of political and moral responsibility” in a statement on X. AFP

Zelenskyy says won’t play Putin ‘games’ with short truce

KYIV—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed a threeday truce ordered by Russian leader Vladimir Putin as theatrics, but said Kyiv was ready for a full ceasefire. Moscow said the truce, set to coincide with its World War II commemorations on May 9, was aimed at testing Kyiv’s “readiness” for long-term peace. It also accused Zelensky of making a “direct threat” to events on the holiday. The Kremlin rejected an unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by Kyiv and Washington in March, and Putin has since offered little to end the three-year Russia invasion.

“This is more of a theatrical performance on his part. Because in two or three days, it is impossible to develop a plan for the next steps to end the war,” Zelensky said.

He was speaking Friday to a small group of journalists including AFP in remarks embargoed until Saturday.

Some in Ukraine have criticized the truce as an attempt to prevent Kyiv from disrupting the World War II anniversary celebrations. Foreign

leaders are due in Moscow to watch a military parade on Red Square and an address by Putin.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine would not be “playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere to allow for Putin’s exit from isolation on 9 May.”

In his evening address, the Ukrainian leader added he saw no “readiness” for a longer-term ceasefire on Russia’s part.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the short, three-day truce was aimed at testing “Kyiv’s readiness to seek ways to achieve long-term sustainable peace”.

Russian shelling killed two people in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region on Saturday, while a drone strike on the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson left one other person dead, regional officials said.

Russian authorities meanwhile accused Ukraine of an overnight attack on the southern port city of Novorossiysk, damaging apartment buildings and injuring five people.

Leaders of around 20 countries, including China’s Xi Jinping, have ac-

cepted invitations to join the May 9 celebration, according to the Kremlin.

Zelensky said some countries had approached Kyiv to warn they were traveling to Russia and had requested safety.

“Our position is very simple towards all countries that have traveled or are travelling to Russia on May 9 -- we cannot take responsibility for what is happening on the territory of the Russian Federation,” he said.

“They are ensuring your safety,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Russia “may take various steps on its part, such as arson, explosions, and so on and then blame us”.

Zelenskyy did not say what Ukraine would do during the truce, but Russia jumped on the comments, accusing Kyiv of making a “direct threat” to the commemorations.

“He is threatening the physical safety of veterans who will come to parades and celebrations on the holy day,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Telegram.

“His statement... is, of course, a direct threat.” AFP

India-Pakistan gunfire triggers terror conflict in mountains, deep valleys

INDIA—For 10 nights straight, gunfire between Indian and Pakistani soldiers has echoed from the mountains and deep valleys that form the heavily defended de facto border between the nuclear-armed rivals. And, each night, it brings back afresh the horror for 50-year-old maize farmer Bashir Dar—the last time the bitter enemies battled across the Line of Control in contested Kashmir, his wife was killed.

“The mortar shell landed right next to my wife—she died instantly”, said Dar, describing fighting in 2020 near his mountain village of Balkote, on the Indian side of the dividing line. His home lies less than a mile from Pakistani-controlled territory.

“These days, that moment flashes in my head all the time,” the widower said, holding up a picture of his late wife.

Every night, I sit huddled with my four children in one room—with an

ear to the sounds of gunfire coming from the border.”

Relations between the neighbours have plummeted after India accused Pakistan of backing the worst attack on civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir in years, in which a gang of gunmen shot dead 26 men, mostly Hindus.

Islamabad has rejected the accusations.

Indian police have issued wanted posters for three men—two Pakistanis and an Indian—accused of carrying out the April 22 attack at Pahalgam.

They say they are members of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba group, a UN-designated terrorist organization. India’s army said Sunday that its troops had exchanged gunfire with Pakistani soldiers overnight across the Line of Control in multiple sites, which it says has taken place every night since April 24. AFP

RESERVISTS MOBILIZED. Demonstrators raise placards and Israeli flags during an anti-government protest calling for action to secure the release of Israeli hostages held captive since the Oct. 7 attacks by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip and to end the war, in front of the Israeli Defense Ministry in the coastal city of Tel Aviv during the weekend. Relatives of AFP journalists were among those who received mobilization orders for reservists. AFP

BI nabs fugitive wanted by Beijing gov’t

IN BRIEF

QC cop who assailed Rody’s arrest resigns

THE Quezon City policeman who went viral with his social media post slamming the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo Duterte over alleged crimes against humanity has resigned from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

According to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Pat. Francis Steve Fontillas, who is facing criminal and administrative charges for his internet tirade against President Marcos, was no longer a member of the PNP.

The QCPD learned that Fontillas submitted his irrevocable resignation to the PNP effective April 10, and approved by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin.

The confirmation was made public Friday night by the QCPD after Fontillas resumed his tirade against the administration on social media. Vince Lopez

Tie-up forged to help PWDs in Bataan

BATAAN Vice Gov. Cris Garcia has partnered with a non-government organization to extend teletherapy services to persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the province.

Garcia recently forged an agreement with the Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Adults and Children with Handicap (REACH) Foundation aiming to make teletherapy services more accessible, especially to those in farflung or underserved communities

Under the accord, the Office of the Vice Governor and the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) will deliver online therapy services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology.

The program will also include free educational webinars to help PWDs’ families better support the patients’ therapy needs. Butch Gunio.

CL police resolves 145 corruption cases in April

THE Central Luzon police force reported having resolved a total of 146 cases of corruption in their ranks last month following the launch of an intensified drive against corruption in the ranks.

In a statement , the Central Luzon Police Office said the resolved cases were mostly administrative in nature, such as grave misconduct, serious neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

According to Region 3 police director and concurrent Philippine National Police spokesperson

Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, her command “continues to push for the internal cleansing program in its ranks, in line with the directive of PNP chief, Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.” Fajardo also urged the public to continue to collaborate with the authorities and immediately report any irregularities or corruption involving policemen in their community. Vince Lopez

Agri group bares support for five senatorial bets

THE Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) has announced its endorsement of five senatorial candidates for the upcoming May 12th mid-term elections, citing their unwavering commitment to the Philippine agriculture sector.

SINAG chairman Rosendo So revealed the organization’s support for incumbent senators Imee Marcos and Ramon Revilla, Jr., former senator Panfilo Lacson, incumbent Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar, and former Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. These candidates have consistently championed the protection of the local agriculture industry, aligning with SINAG’s core initiatives, the group said in a statement.

SINAG also said the four senatorial bets have actively supported crucial legislations, including Republic Act (RA) 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and RA 12078 (Rice Tariff Law) which increased farmer allocations to ₱30 billion annually. The four have also reputedly collaborated with SINAG in opposing detrimental policies, such as repeated tariff reductions on rice, pork, and chicken. They have supported the establishment of the First Border Facility, a vital measure against agricultural smuggling, the SINAG statement read.

OCD suggests readiness to reduce quake disasters

By Rex Espiritu

THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Saturday strongly recommended earthquake preparedness, warning the people to “brace for the inevitable.”

Speaking at Security Bank’s First Quarter 2025 Townhall, OCD chief Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of a potential seismic disaster.

He warned that a potential magnitude

7.2-earthquake along the West Valley Fault could hit Metro Manila with devastating consequences.

According to government data, such an event could result in the loss of 30,000 to 52,000 lives, injure at least 160,000 people, and displacing millions.

“We must prepare now,” Nepomuceno stressed. “In a scenario like that, hospitals will be overwhelmed. The most effective way to save lives is to start preparing today.”

Nepomuceno outlined three critical pillars of earthquake preparedness, starting with engineering solutions. He highlighted the importance of strict compliance with the National Building Code, ensuring structures are built to withstand at least a magnitude 8.5 tremor.

“Compliance with the National Building Code is non-negotiable,” he

declared.

The OCD, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry and private sector engineers, is taking steps to enhance the quality of construction materials and eliminate substandard imports, particularly steel rebars. He also emphasized the importance of avoiding construction in no-build zones like fault lines and landslide-prone areas.

To empower communities, Nepomuceno recommended the use of HazardHunterPH, a digital platform that identifies geohazards and supports safer development planning.

Nepomuceno also underscored personal safety measures, particularly the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” technique. He explained that this method, proven to save lives during the critical first seconds of an earthquake, can help individuals avoid falling debris and maintain balance.

Beyond drills, he urged families and workplaces to create concrete emergency plans that include evacuation routes, designated meet-up points, and safe open spaces. These preparations are especially vital in the event of communication network failures.

Acknowledging the country’s limited resources compared to more developed nations like Japan which has over 12,000 trained earthquake responders, Nepomuceno assured the public that the

Pangilinan eyes ‘best practices’ to spur sustainable agri dev’t

By Jessica M. Bacud

CAUAYAN City—Comebacking senatorial candidate Francis Pangilinan, a staunch advocate for agriculture and fisheries development, said here he is focused on sustainable practices to help Filipino fishermen maintain their livelihoods amid challenges.

Pangilinan emphasized the need for helping farmers and fishermen, whom he sees as foundations of the country’s economy and are essential to solving national problems with food security.

Pangilinan underlined the value of supporting local farmers and buying agricultural products directly from the farmers in order to address issues

with food supply.

Pangilinan also cited Sagip Saka Act, also known as Republic Act 11321, which he sponsored up to approval in 2019, saying the measure served as the cornerstone of his plan to revive the agriculture industry. The law sought to raise the incomes of fishermen and farmers to a point where they may live with dignity, he said Allowing the national and local governments to purchase produce directly from farmers and fishermen, the act does away with the need for public bidding.

Pangilinan gave examples of the law’s successful implementations as demonstrated by the provincial government of Isabela.

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a Chinese national wanted in Beijing for operating an illegal online gambling operation, amassing more than 1.1 million yuan (P8.3 million) from illegal operation.

The suspect, identified as Li Wen Jie was apprehended at his residence along Gen. V. Lucban Street, Barangay Bangkal, Makati City.

The arrest was carried out by operatives from the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) after receiving information about Li’s crimes from the Chinese government.

Li had overstayed in the Philippines for nearly two years, having entered the country on May 6, 2023, without leaving since.

OCD is ramping up capacity-building initiatives.

He outlined ongoing collaborations with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Red Cross, the Philippine Coast Guard, and other agencies. These partnerships aim to increase the number of trained responders and establish a unified roster of deployable personnel and assets.

The OCD is also expanding partnerships with reserve forces, college volunteers through the National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC) and the National Service Training Program (NSTP), as well as private organizations like the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) and ARISE Philippines.

“Our goal is to expand, organize, and build capacity,” Nepomuceno said. “But remember, the first responders to save lives during an earthquake will ultimately be the people themselves.”

He thanked the Security Bank for the opportunity to raise awareness. “Preparedness begins with awareness. Gatherings like this are essential to building a culture of resilience,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of individual and collective responsibility in reducing the impact of earthquakes through proactive preparation, community awareness, and strict adherence to safety standards.

“We are committed to ridding the country of foreign nationals who use the Philippines as a safe haven to escape prosecution,” BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said .

“This operation is part of our firm support for President Marcos’ efforts to maintain law and order by removing from our soil undesirable aliens who pose a threat to public safety.”

FSU acting chief Rendel Ryan Sy said Li is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Longmatan District Branch of the Municipal Public Security Bureau in Luzhou, Sichuan Province.

Li operated a gambling den through the online app “Qikaidesheng,” employing numerous agents and reportedly earning over 1.1 million yuan, or approximately $154,000, in commissions.

UNIQUE VACATION EXPERIENCE. F amilies enjoy a rare get-away experience at a bay in Calatagan, Batangas which offer floating cottages and swimming in impeccably clear waters. Manny Palmero

PHOTOJOURNALISM IN FOCUS. Photojournalism takes center stage during a Press Freedom Day seminar with the theme ‘One Shot, One Truth: The Power of Visual Storytelling’ organized by ROPA PICS. Manila Standard photographer Edd Castro was among the resource speakers, along with Francis Malasig of European Pressphoto Agency.

MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Rondina-Pons fail to sustain strong start, fall to Romanians

INSPIRED by the roar of the crowd in their comeback tournament, Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons vowed to polish their game after their sizzling run in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures Nuvali ended in the quarterfinals.

The Alas Pilipinas pair got the sellout crowd at the Nuvali Sand Courts going, but could not sustain the strong start, falling to Romania’s Beata Vaida and Francesca Ioana Alupei, 21-18, 1921, 12-15, on Saturday in the City of Santa Rosa.

Pons deftly scored with rolls and tip shots, but was visibly frustrated as she couldn’t get the timing right in blocking, while the high-flying Rondina had her usual explosive shots but struggled with accuracy in their first beach volleyball tournament after focusing on indoor competition the past two years.

“I’m proud of our performance here. The preparation was really short, but we worked hard for this. Unfortunately, we fell short,” Pons said, noting they had less than a week to train for the event featuring 19 countries.

“We have a lot to work on, I was looking to get that one kill block because that would have been huge in a close match like this. But this is still a good start and we’ll do better in the next events,” she added.

Rondina pledged to do everything she could to fight for medals in future tournaments, with the Southeast Asian Games in December as the main goal.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity and we deeply appreciate the warm reception,” the 28-year-oldRondina said.

“So amazing! It just feels so bad that it ended early.”

Three matches in a scorching day proved too much for Khylem Progella and Sofia Pagara as they lost steam in the quarterfinals, bowing to Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Nuvali Open silver medalists Shaunna Polley and Olivia MacDonald of New Zealand, 17-21, 14-21.

Junior Altas hold tryouts

By Dennis Abrina

FRESH off their NCAA Season 100 Juniors’ Basketball championship, the Perpetual Help Junior Altas wasted no time in holding tryouts on Saturday at their UPH Campus gym. The team aims to build a roster capable of securing back-to-back titles in Season 101. Over 200 aspiring young players, born between 2006 and 2010, flocked to the “Home of the Altas” for the oneday event.

Coach Joph Cleopas explained the tryout was crucial to fill the void left by graduating standouts, including Season MVP LeBron Jhames Daep and Finals MVP Jan Roluna, along with JD Pagulayan, Icee Callangan, TJ Tabbuan, Jericho Cristino, Kelsey Baldoria, Jacob dela Cruz, and Aries Borja.

Participants underwent rigorous skills assessments and individual play evaluations.

While no official pool has been established for the upcoming season, Cleopas noted the return of Grade 11 players Lance Nitura, Kurt Velasquez, Louie Rosales, Jim Corpuz, Keanne Zanoria, Ezekiel Zamoras, and Kurt Patalinghug, expressing hope for the discovery of new talent ready to contribute.

Brown nails 3rd gold in PH Open; Cabang-Tolentino, Morrison win

By Peter Atencio

CAPAS, Tarlac—Philippine team

mainstays Robyn Brown, John Cabang-Tolentino and William Morrison III lived up to the challenges they faced against national champions from Thailand and local rivals on Saturday in the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships at the New Clark City Stadium here.

Brown started and finished strong against Thai national champion Arisa Weruwanarak with a time 13.85 seconds in the women’s 100-meter hurdles.

This gave the Fil-Am her third crown after she also ruled the 400m hurdles and helped the national squad claim the 400m mixed relay honors in the event, also known as the National Open.

“The 110-meter hurdles is a hard thing to do. It’s not an easy event,” said the 30-year-old Brown, who came close to the national mark that fellow Fil-Am Lauren Hoffman

set last year in the national open at 13.34 seconds.

Weruwanarak, who won the Thai national title in the 400-meter hurdles last year, took the silver in 14.15 seconds, while Malaysia’s Lee Yie Teng (14.48) nailed the bronze in this competition supported by the ICTSI Foundation and CEL Logistics.

Meanwhile, Cabang-Tolentino, back from an injury, snared the gold in the men’s 110-meter hurdles in 13.98 seconds, holding off national teammate Clinton Bautista in the final stages.

Bautista settled for silver in 14.66 seconds, while FilAmerican Kaleb Luton ended up in third at 14.29 seconds.

“He’s always a challenge. He’s very fast in the first part. But I saw him in the last hurdles and I sort of almost screamed,” said Cabang-Tolentino, who retained his crown.

Morrison earned his third crown in the shotput event, after heaving 18.81 meters, higher than the 17.56-meter feat he did in the Kansas Relays last April.

Malaysian Open champion Jonah Rigan took runnerup honors at 17.95 meters, with another Malaysian Kamai Rahman (15.96) in third.

“It’s humid. But I love the heat. It’s just challenging coming from the US and competing with athletes from other countries. It makes me work harder,” said Morrison.

MACTAN, Cebu—Homegrown talents aim to make the most of their course familiarity as the ICTSI Mactan Island Junior PGT Championship gets under way today (Monday, May 5) at the par-72 Mactan Island Golf Course here, launching the VisayasMindanao series of the nationwide Junior Philippine Golf Tour.

The event, the first of seven regional legs, stakes crucial ranking points across three age-group divisions for coveted spots in the North vs. South Elite Junior Finals later this year. These will bring together the top performers from both the VisMin and Luzon circuits, with the latter’s first three legs held last month at Eagle Ridge, Sherwood Hills and Splendido Taal.

While Cebu’s local bets enjoy the socalled homecourt advantage on the tight and flat Mactan layout – known for its narrow fairways, subtle defenses and tricky sand and water hazards – they face stiff resistance from a determined and wellprepared Mindanao contingent hungry to assert its dominance.

Mindanao players are represented across all divisions, headlined by Davao’s Precious Zaragosa

EIGHT players—six male and 2 female—will carry the colors of the SMART/MVPSF Philippine taekwondo team in the World Cadet Taekwondo Championships on May 10-15 in in Fujairah, UAE.

Small and compact, the PH cadet team is one of the highly-regarded teams in the prestigious event owing to numerous memorable triumphs of the previous PH squads in the event.

Members of the team are Dondy Santillan, Jr.(-37kg), Wynn Azmyth Dela Cruz(-41kg) Achim Jeconiah Resimo (-45kg) Mark Julian Santiago (-49kg), Jian Axl Khloe Liyad (-53kg), Jose Martin Omayan(-61kg), Samantha Gley Duria (-41kg), Sophia Maria Bautista (-44kg).

and Cagayan de Oro’s Kenley Yu in the 15-18 category. They will challenge Cebu standouts Apple Gotiong, Lois Laine Go and Niña Balangauan in the girls’ division.

Bukidnon’s Alexis Nailga, on the other hand, battles Visayan counterparts Yosef Tiongko, Jose Tiongko III, Ritchie Go, Bacolod’s Inno Flores and Mandaue’s Zeus Suzara in the boys’ 15-18 division of the 54-hole championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Even in the youngest age bracket (7-10), the 36-hole competition is expected to be fierce. Denise Mendoza and Skye Yocte lead the charge for the hosts, while Cagayan de Oro’s Sistine Marie Yu aims to spoil their bid in the girls’ division.

James Rolida of CDO and Davao’s Franco Lago headline the Mindanao charge in the boys’ side, facing tough opposition from Charles Tan, Ethan Ong, Tobias Tiongko and Anthony Avila.

All eyes will also be on the 11-14 age group, where Cebubased Monique Tan, Daven Dy and Davelyn Dy brace for battles against Mindanao’s rising stars, including Bukidnon’s Rafella Batican, South Cotabato’s Brittany Tamayo, and CDO’s Margaux Espina. Mandaue’s Zuri Bagaloyos and Bacolod’s Chelsea Ogborne bolster the Visayas campaign in the girls’ side of the 36-hole event.

Backing the team are the Philippine Olympic Committee, Milo and Philippine Sports Commission

The Philippine Taekwondo Association, however, said the team will be up against traditional powers like Korea, Iran, Russia, China, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Spain, Turkey, and USA. A total of 50 countries are taking part in this year’s edition.

Having trained long and hard enough, the association is confident the PH cadets will perform prominently in their respective divisions.

Former world champion Roberto Cruz is head of the delegation while designated as coaches of the team are Paul Romero and former Asian champion Kirstie Elaine Alora.

Members of the SMART/MVPSF Philippine taekwondo team are out for a

big mission in the World Cadet Taekwondo Championships on May 10 to 15 in Fujairah, UAE. They are (standing from left) Jose Martin Omayan, Paul Romero, Roberto Cruz, Kirstie Elaine Alora, Jian Axl Liyad. Kneeling are Achim Jeconiah Resimo, Wynn Azymyth Dela Cruz, Sophia Marie Bautista, Samantha Gley Duria, Dondy Santillan, Mark Julian Santiago

Hundreds of Junior Altas wannabes joined the school’s one-day tryouts. Dennis Abrina

Precious Zaragosa

Sisi Rondina dives to keep the ball in play as partner Bernadeth Pons looks on in their Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures Nuvali game against Romanians.

Robyn Brown claims victory in the women’s 110-meter hurdles.

By Jimmy Montejo

daughter Vina Vanessa with actress Mina Aragon perished in a fire that razed their home in San Juan. Arson investigators charged that Rodolfo Quizon Jr. torched Del Rosario residence.

Aragon is a descendant of the famous Salvador clan who contributed many actors and actresses to the Philippine cinema sector. Also known as Mina Salvador,

a front man for popular band The Ramrods.

The partnership sowed the seed of Vicor in a virtual hole-in-thewall office on Raon St. in Quiapo, Manila. Vicor’s initial artists were Jeanne Young and Helen Gamboa.

Del Rosario and Ilacad acted as their own salesmen, visiting record bars in the vicinity to ask if they could help sell Vicor’s records.

With business picking up, Tony Ocampo was hired to help manage Vicor. The firm launched its first long-playing record in 1970, featuring young singer Tirso Cruz III with the title Maria Leonora Theresa.

Eventually, Freddie Aguilar of the “Anak” fame also signed in. In the late 70s, Ilacad left Vicor to create a new company named Canary Records.

Del Rosario followed suit not long after to go into films. In 1983, Ocampo’s Ivory Records bought Vicor; lock, stock and barrel.

In March 1980, tragedy struck as Del Rosario’s three-year-old

Aragon was herself a notable Filipino actress and producer. She made significant contributions to Philippine cinema, appearing in numerous films throughout her career. She died in 1996, but details about her passing were limited.

In March 1981, Del Rosario put together the media conglomerate Viva Communications with his sister Teresita and named it after his late daughter Vina Vanessa. Viva Films launched its first movie P.S. I Love You which turned out to be a hit. By the 1990s, Viva Films was the biggest movie producer in the country.

At the turn of the century, Viva’s movie outputs were bolder and raunchier. These included Lupe: A Seaman’s Life starring Andrea del Rosario, Anna Karenina and T.G. I.S. featuring Mahi Taylor and Gamitan.

The trend also gave rise to the controversial Viva Hot Babes.

In mid-2022, Viva started production of Maid in Malacañang following a series of negotiations with Senator Imee Marcos.

Del Rosario and Marcos had previous working relationships in organizing the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival in 1978 and the Cecil Awards in 1982.

“I think it would be great to put on film what [the Marcos family] experienced during their last three days in Malacañang,” Del Rosario mused.

By Othel V. Campos

The United States remains committed to supporting the Luzon Economic Corridor and increased its funding for the pre-feasibility study of the SubicClark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Freight Railway, according to Secretary Frederick Go, the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs.

Go said the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) raised its grant from $2.5 million to $3.8 million, reinforcing its commitment to fast-track transformative projects that link key business hubs and bolster the country’s economic competitiveness.

“Great positive news. This milestone demonstrates that RPUS economic ties are stronger than ever. The increased USTDA grant for the SCMB Rail pre-feasibility study signals renewed investor confidence and will translate to more job opportunities along the corridor,” said Go, who recently arrived from a meeting in Washington D.C. to negotiate bilateral tariffs.

Go said that on April 28, 2025, the USTDA notified the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) of the grant approval.

THE Philippine delegation to Washington D.C. pushed for the interests of local industries following the US government’s move to impose a 17-percent reciprocal tariff on Philippine exports, the second lowest in Southeast Asia.

The officials expressed confidence on stronger bilateral trade following the high-level meeting with the US Trade Representative that concluded on a constructive note.

Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, who headed the Philippine delegation, said the discussions “went very well,”

stressing that the interests of local industries remained a top priority.

“We made sure to put the welfare of Philippine local industries at the center of our negotiations. We are hopeful that these discussions mark the beginning of a process toward arrangements from both sides that will not only strengthen US-Philippines trade ties but also help diversify our country’s export markets,” Go said.

“Our goal for this meeting is a partnership that benefits both sides and supports the growth of our industries at home,” Go said.

Department of Trade and Industry

Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque cited the efforts to advance Philippine interests despite competing priorities among nations facing similar challenges.

“We were able to clearly convey to the USTR our local industries’ asks and concerns, and we are hopeful this will yield our desired results,” she said.

The Philippine delegation also included Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.

The team outlined both the opportunities and challenges posed by the new tariff structure on key export products. Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) urged visitors and stakeholders to comply with the suspension of all travel and tourism-related activities at Mount Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambales. It said the suspension follows the issuance of Executive Order No. 05 s. 2025 by the local government unit (LGU) of Botolan.

The EO, titled “Suspension of All Tourism-related Activities, Programs,

and Projects at Mt. Pinatubo until Further Notice” took effect on May 2, 2025.

The DOT said it acknowledges Mount Pinatubo’s significant role in the local tourism industry and fully supports the actions taken by Botolan Mayor Jun Omar Ebdane.

The DOT said it gives utmost consideration to concerns raised by five Aeta clans from Capas, Tarlac during a recent consultative session

Secretary Frederick Go (right), Philippine Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs engages US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer (center) in discussions on potential arrangements to strengthen USPhilippines trade ties and support the growth of homegrown industries during a meeting held in Washington. Listening is Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque (left).

organized by the DOT Central Luzon Office and various stakeholders.

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) reported in April that the Aeta community members blocked access to the Mt. Pinatubo over concerns on fair compensation and recognition of their ancestral domain.

NCIP also slammed law enforcement agencies for the arrest of several Aeta community members.

INVESTMENTS generated by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) surged 210 percent to P7.72 billion in the first quarter of 2025 from P2.49 billion in the same period in 2024.

BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang said the higher investments reflect strong investor confidence, particularly in developing dynamic growth centers particularly New Clark City in Tarlac and Camp John Hay in Baguio City.

“These high-impact investments will surely help spur increased business activity and drive economic growth, providing more employment and livelihood opportunities for the local communities,” he said.

Local investors accounted for the majority of BCDA’s first-quarter investment portfolio, contributing P5.81 billion, while foreign investors infused the remaining P1.91 billion, he said. Among the major players is Science Park of the Philippines Inc., a local real estate developer that signed a 50-year lease for the development of a 100-hectare industrial park in New Clark City with a total project cost of P2.7 billion.

Another major investor is the Filipino-South Korean consortium composed of Sta. Clara International Corp., Saekyung Realty Corp. and Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corp. Othel V. Campos

Viva Communications Inc. founder Vicente del Rosario Jr.

BUSINESS

DOTr keeps status quo on Move It operations

By Darwin G. Amojelar

TRANSPORT Secretary Vince Dizon has granted temporary relief to thousands of Move It drivers, delaying the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) decision against the ridehailing app while its appeal is pending.

Dizon said that Move It has already filed its motion for reconsideration with the LTFRB, after the agency ordered the firm to slash its rider fleet. “Status quo first. The LTFRB decision will not be implemented while the motion for reconsideration

of Move It yesterday is being studied. So there will be no action until the motion is resolved,” Dizon said. Move It, in a motion for reconsideration, called the LTFRB order “unjust and discriminatory,” saying the decision was done without

public consultation, carried out based on outdated data and figures, and violated due process and equal protection.

“The implementation of the order threatens to displace around 14,000 riders who have relied on Move It for their lawful, decent, and respectful livelihood,” the company said.

The LTFRB had ordered Move It to stop onboarding riders for a year and cut its fleet down to 6,836, claiming the figure reflected the company’s allocation based on a 2020 press release.

Move It, however, countered that this number was never intended as a

TREATMENT PLANT. Manila Water Infratech Solutions (MWIS), an operating unit of Manila Water Co. Inc. which provides products and services for water and wastewater projects, deployes its first i-TECH Packaged Sewer Treatment Plant (STP) at the Calbayog Water Septage Treatment Facility (SpTP) in Calbayog City. The project underscores MWIS’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, enhancing sanitation infrastructure and contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future for the country.

Tiu Laurel calls for urgent reforms in PH farming

By Othel V. Campos

AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has called for urgent reforms in Philippine farming, stressing the need for sustainable, climate-smart practices to address the growing threats of climate change, shrinking farmlands, and population growth.

“These challenges are not distant threats. They are here now. They demand urgent, creative, and adaptive solutions,” Tiu Laurel said at the 2025 Sustainable Agriculture Forum hosted by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

He said that as the Philippines is highly vulnerable to extreme weather, resilience in agriculture is essential to food security, economic stability, and job creation.

“Climate change is not abstract here. Our farmers face their impacts daily—typhoons, droughts, unpredictable seasons. This is a clear call to change how we farm,” he said.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is promoting revised cropping calendars, greenhouse farming, water-saving methods, and mobile soil labs.

Precision and regenerative farming, supported by AI and digital tools, are also being introduced to improve efficiency and reduce losses.

Tiu Laurel also emphasized attracting younger generations to agriculture through mentorships, scholarships, and startup support.

He said with the average Filipino farmer now over 55, making farming “aspirational” is vital.

cap and that official guidelines issued later that year allowed each player in the motorcycle taxi pilot program up to 15,000 riders.

“There is no regulation, prior or after the supposed February 2020 press statement, limiting Move It’s allocation to 6,836 riders,” the motion said.

According to Move It, for the LTFRB to impose a penalty based on a press statement, and not a law or regulation, “is clearly ultra vires and beyond the authority of a government agency, instrumentality, or other body.”

Move It said that even more

troubling is the fact that it was the only player penalized despite public reports that other operators have onboarded more riders—Angkas with over 50,000, and Joyride with nearly 20,000.

“The Honorable Board is only penalizing Move It for an alleged violation of the rider allocation cap although Angkas has publicly admitted to have onboarded over 50,000 riders and Joyride has been found to have onboarded around 19,500 riders. No administrative action has been taken by the Honorable Board on Angkas and Joyride to date,” the motion stated.

Bus firm involved in SCTEX accident stops entire operations

PANGASINAN Solid North Tran-

sit, Inc. (PSNTI) said it has stopped its whole operations in compliance with the directive of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The bus company’s move came after one of its buses was involved in yesterday’s tragic road crash on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway on May 1, 2025.

“For its patrons, unless otherwise provided, all trips of PSNTI are temporarily suspended.,” the bus operator said.

PSTNI also said that affected advance bookings may request for their respective cancellations.

“We are one with the Nation in sympathizing with those affected by this unfortunate event. As a bus operator, we’ve always strived in continuously providing the best for our

passengers,” PSTNI said.

“However, some uncontrollable factors get even the best of us that lead to this isolated case,” it added. PSTNI said it understands the gravity of the situation, and “we will be responsible and accountable for it.”

Dizon earlier suspended the entire fleet of PSTNI for 30 days while the investigation is ongoing.

He also instructed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to file criminal charges against the bus driver and the bus company.

To prevent similar incidents, the transport chief ordered a thorough review of existing road safety protocols and directed bus companies to ensure their drivers are fit to drive.

DOE endorses eleven power projects for NGCP system impact study

THE Department of Energy (DOE) has endorsed to the grid operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) 11 energy projects for system impact study last month.

“In March 2025. the DOE issued 11 SIS endorsements, which are composed of three amendments and eight new applications,” the DOE said.

The SIS will determine the capacity of the power grid to

accommodate additional capacities and identify necessary improvements needed such as transmission lines, transformers or substationsThis includes the 1,200 megawatt combined cycle gas turbine power plant of Batangas Clean Energy Inc. in Batangas.

Other endorsed projects includes the 300 MW Kidlat solar project of TP Azimuth 8 Corp. in Leyte, 12 MW solar project of

Iloilo Power Corp. in Dumangas, Iloilo and the 30 MW battery energy storage system of Solana Energy Solutions Hermosa, Inc. in Bataan.

The DOE likewise endorsed the 200 MW wind project of San Nicolas Wind Corp. in Nueva Ecija, 512 MW Ilosong wind project of Ilosong Wind Corp. in Quezon province, 136 MW Bukidnon wind project of Northman Renewables Corp., and two

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced plans to expand its support to long-term food and nutrition security in Asia and the Pacific by $26 billion, bringing its total funding for food security initiatives to $40 billion over 2022–2030.

The assistance will fund a comprehensive program spanning the entire food production process—from farming and processing—to distribution and consumption. Through financing and policy support for governments and companies, the program aims to help Asia and the Pacific generate diverse and nutritious food, create jobs, reduce environmental impacts, and promote resilient agricultural supply chains.

“Unprecedented droughts, floods,

extreme heat, and degraded natural resources are undermining agricultural production, while at the same time threatening food security and rural livelihoods,” said ADB President Masato Kanda at ADB’s 58th Annual Meeting in Mila.

“This expanded support will help countries alleviate hunger, improve diets, and protect the natural environment, while providing opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.

The new ambition builds on ADB’s September 2022 pledge to invest $14 billion by 2025 to improve food security and ease the regional food crisis.

By the end of 2024, ADB had committed $11 billion—about 80 percent of the original allocation—with an additional $3.3 billion in investments

DEEP WELL. Clark Development Corp. and its partners inaugurate on May 2 a deep well facility to enhance access to clean and safe water in Bamban, Tarlac. Joining the event are (from left) Manila Water Foundation executive director Reginald Andal; Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. executive director Sebastian Quiniones, Jr.; Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. executive director Filipina Laurena; CDC vice president for Security Services Group PMGen. Lina Sarmiento (Ret.) San Vicente Barangay Kagawad Remy Tolentino; and Municipal Administrator Jim Sanggalang. Photo courtesy of CDC.

24.28 MW BESS projects of The Ark Green Dynamic Resources Corp. in Misamis Oriental and Iloilo province.

The 36.139 MW PAVI Green San Vicente solar project of PAVI Green Camnorte Renewable Energy Inc. in Camarines Norte and the 368 MW Haraya omshore wind project of Haraya Wind Energy Corp. in Zambales were also endorsed for the conduct of SIS by NGCP. Alena Mae S. Flores

Retailers urged to help shape future of retail

THE Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), the country’s national organization for retailers and suppliers, is staging the highly anticipated National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) on July 31 - August 1 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. The PRA, following the remarkable success of its 30th anniversary celebration, is committed to bring an even more dynamic and world-class experience to all attendees.

The NRCE not only offers invaluable learning sessions, but also serves as the ultimate platform to showcase their latest products and services. It’s a game-changing opportunity to elevate their business and forge meaningful connections with like-minded industry leaders.

The PRA is set to deliver an event that exceeds expectations.

programed for 2025. The $26 billion in additional funding announced today will consist of $18.5 billion in direct ADB support for governments and $7.5 billion in private sector investments. By 2030, ADB aims for private sector investments to account for more than 27 percent of the total $40 billion program—underscoring the critical role of the private sector in driving food systems transformation. More than half of the world’s undernourished people live in developing Asia. Biodiversity loss and malnutrition are straining food systems, which account for 70 percent of global water use, 50 percentof habitable land, and 80% of biodiversity loss. Food systems also employ 40 percent of the region’s workforce.

This year’s theme, “Retail GameChangers,” will highlight the trailblazers who are revolutionizing how to inspire and empower people, engage customers, harness cutting-edge technology, and achieve extraordinary growth.

Attendees will gain unparalleled insights into the critical success factors needed to thrive in today’s fastevolving retail landscape and return to the fundamentals that will drive long-term success.

“The NRCE will provide a reality check on the ongoing transformations within the industry, offering invaluable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities reshaping the retail sector,” PRA president Roberto Claudio, who is also the chairman emeritus of Quorum Holdings Corporation (Toby’s Sports) said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

IN BRIEF

Chinabank welcomes buyers for 14-hectare Cebu resort lot

extended by bank in 2018.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CHINA Banking Corp. said over the weekend it is entertaining interest from potential buyers for the 14-hectare property in Mactan, Cebu which it acquired from PH Resort Group Holdings Inc. of businessman Dennis Uy.

“We have it [the property]. We’re open to people. We’ll start opening up to people who showed interest. There are a couple of interested parties,” Chinabank chairman Hans Sy said in an interview at the sidelines of the recent SM Investments Corp.’s annual shareholders meeting. Sy said the property, which is now under the name of the bank “is very valuable” because of its good location.

Emirates hiring 1,500 aviators including Filipinos

EMIRATES reaffirmed its commitment to hiring more than 1,500 new pilots in the next two years, including Filipinos aspiring to fly for the airline.

The Dubai-based carrier highlighted the success of its Accelerated Command program, which fast-tracks first officers to captain roles, noting that over 80 pilots are progressing toward this upgrade.

Emirates employs eight Filipino pilots among its global flight crew, who operate its Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft across the airline’s extensive network. The airline emphasized the range of benefits and perks offered to its pilots.

Emirates pilots operate a modern fleet of 261 wide-body aircraft, including Airbus A380s, Boeing 777s, and the new A350.

Flying to over 148 destinations across six continents, Emirates’ pilots connect cities from San Francisco to Sydney, as well as destinations like the Maldives and Mauritius. The airline noted the diverse terrains pilots navigate and the views from 40,000 feet.

Emirates pilots receive a competitive tax-free salary with profit-sharing, along with access to a provident fund, retirement benefits, and life, medical, and dental coverage.

The airline said it provides chauffeur service to and from work in luxury cars and accommodation in spacious villas within gated communities. Pilots receive 42 annual leave days and family flight tickets in First or Business Class, as well as discounted tickets for themselves, family, and friends. An advanced rostering system allows for bidding and swapping flights.

He said the property is now entirely under Chinabank’s name, as previous arrangements with Uy had expired.

“We gave Dennis really a chance to redeem. Of course, he was appealing, but we gave already more than a year,” Sy said.

When asked if PHR has an option to lease back the property, Sy said the bank was not planning to renew the lease back agreement which expired in March.

“We always do things with a heart. We gave them a chance. That’s true. It’s almost two years. A year and a half. Yeah, more than a year. So, at least, we don’t want to really be very ruthless,” he said.

PH Resorts in October 2023 sold and signed a lease back agreement for the 14-hectare property in Mactan, Cebu for its ongoing Emerald Bay casino with China Bank.

This enabled PH Resorts to restructure its P3.1-billion loan

PH Resorts is now in talks with EEI Corp for possible investment in its $300-million casino project.

Uy-led Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp. entered into a dacion-en-pago transaction with China Bank last week. The property, which was used as payment for the debt, involves a real estate land in Taguig City. The move was aimed at reducing the company’s debt.

Meanwhile, the Sy family which also into real estate development under SM Prime Holdings Inc. will not acquire the 14-hectare lot as the group has several ongoing projects, including the 360-hectare reclamation project in Pasay City, according to Sy.

TOP Line Business Development Corp. said over the weekend it posted an all-time high of P3.35 billion in gross revenues in 2024, marking a 21-percent increase from P2.78 billion in 2023.

The company also booked a 49-percent year-on-year growth in net income, reaching P115 million in 2024 compared to P77 million in the previous year.

“Our record performance reflects Top Line’s commitment to sustaining

value creation through efficient operations, strong inventory management and steadily expanding our customer base,” said Top Line chairman, president and chief executive Eugene Erik Lim.

Fuel volume sales also saw strong momentum, with the company selling about 72.45 million liters of liquid fuels in 2024, a 29-percent increase from 56.2 million liters sold in 2023.

The company reported no write-

Outsourcing firm Conduent opens facility in Batangas

By Othel V. Campos

CONDUENT, an American IT-business process management company, opened its first provincial office at LIMA Tower One, a newly-launched development by Aboitiz InfraCapital within the LIMA Estate in Batangas province. Spanning three floors, the new facility is expected to create hundreds of high-value jobs for residents of Batangas and nearby areas.

Aboitiz InfraCapital vice president Rafael Fernandez de Mesa noted the significance of the BERDE (Building

for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) rating system, which evaluates projects based on environmental, economic and social sustainability.

“We chose to pursue BERDE certification not just because of its technical credibility, but because it was designed by Filipinos, for Filipinos, rooted in the realities and aspirations of our communities,” Fernandez de Mesa said.

LIMA Tower One, positioned as the centerpiece of the LIMA Biz Hub, responds to growing demand for high-quality workspaces outside Metro Manila.

Fernandez also recognized the Philippine Green Building Council’s role in promoting sustainability in the built environment.

Aboitiz InfraCapital manages nearly 2,000 hectares of industrial land and hosts more than 250 global and local companies across its economic estates.

The group supports over 100,000 direct jobs and is the only industrial estate developer in the country with all operating estates BERDE-certified, reinforcing its commitment to building smart and sustainable communities.

downs to the net realizable value of inventories in 2024, reflecting its disciplined and efficient inventory management practices.

“Our strong inventory position, supported by reliable suppliers and a competitive pricing strategy, has allowed us to navigate fuel price volatility while ensuring quality, consistent product availability,” said Lim.

Lim said with Top Line’s recent listing to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the company is commit-

ted to deepening its presence in the high-growth region of Central Visayas.

Top Line said it would continue to invest in expanding its retail footprint and operational capabilities with the infusion of P732.6 million in fresh capital raised from the listing.

“We remain focused on our strategic initiatives on scaling our network and volume capacity to deliver quality fuel solutions to more communities in the region,” Lim said.

MOST Filipinos aspire to own their own businesses, underscoring the need for adequate microfinancing and business-friendly laws.

A 2023 survey by OCTA Research showed that 78 percent of 1,200 adult Filipino respondents, or nearly eight out of 10, wanted to become entrepreneurs to manage their own time and schedules.

The National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) “Ambisyon Natin 2040” report also found that 47 percent of Filipinos preferred to be employers in their own family-operated businesses, while 22 percent wanted to be self-employed without any paid employees.

Zofia Canlas, an online seller, a marketing expert and a nominee of the Batang Quiapo (Quiapo Youth) Party-list, said the survey results indicated

a strong desire among Filipinos to own and operate their own businesses, driven by motivations such as flexibility, financial stability, and entrepreneurship.

Canlas cited the need to support Filipino entrepreneurs with microfinancing, which provides small loans, savings and other financial products to lowincome individuals or entrepreneurs lacking access to traditional banking services. This promotes financial inclusion and supports self-sustaining economic development, she said.

Microfinancing would benefit low-income entrepreneurs such as small business

and

REAL ESTATE

THE Filinvest Group is reshaping Cebu’s South Road Properties (SRP) with City di Mare (CDM), a mixed-use township development quickly emerging as the city’s next premier business and lifestyle hub.

Strategically located in one of the country’s fastest-growing urban corridors, the once quiet coastal area is now a busy zone, as leading commercial brands set up branches and residential and office spaces were built within CDM to create a thriving community.

“Our townships are designed with purpose—integrating business, lifestyle, and green spaces to create environments where people and progress can coexist,” said Catherine Ilagan, president and chief executive of Filinvest Alabang Inc.

“At CDM, we are not just developing land—we are creating a future-ready community for the next generation of Cebuanos.

Investment hotspot

FIlinvest said CDM’s strategic location is complemented by strong infrastructure and a growing roster of top tenants, enhancing its attractiveness for potential investors.

City di Mare Cebu’s next business hub

RHR and DOT offer Muslim- friendly hotels

ROBINSONS Hotels and Resorts (RHR), the hospitality arm of Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) and the Philippines’ largest hotel group, has partnered with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to promote Muslimfriendly accommodations across the country.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held recently in Dubai.

This collaboration aims to make all RHR properties welcoming and accessible to Muslim travelers, particularly from the Middle East.

“At Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, we are proud to partner with the Department of Tourism through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for ‘MuslimFriendly Accommodations’,” said Barun Jolly, RHR senior vice president and business unit general manager. “This partnership reflects

our support for the DOT’s vision of inclusive travel for all.”

RLC has developed a portfolio of 30 hotels in over 20 locations across the Philippines. With its nationwide presence, RHR is positioned to support this initiative by offering services and amenities that cater to the needs of Muslim travelers.

“We look forward to providing ‘Hospitality by Heart’ to all travelers as they experience the Filipino brand of service excellence at all our hotels,” added Jolly.

Jolly also highlighted the importance of holding the signing at ATM, one of the global travel industry’s most prominent events.

“There could not have been a more appropriate venue than ATM in Dubai to formalize this important agreement. We are deeply grateful to Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and the Department of Tourism for their continued support and partnership.”

PHINMA launches Bacolod condo project

As infrastructure around SRP continues to improve, so does CDM’s appeal to entrepreneurs and investors seeking growth opportunities in the Visayas.

“CDM opens new opportunities for economic growth with its commercial lot offering, attracting further investments into the new Cebu City,” Ilagan.

“By creating spaces where enterprises can build and communities can thrive, we are driving sustainable progress and laying the foundation for this new business district,” she said.

CDM’s layout includes premier commercial zones, future-forward residential communities, and dynamic recreational areas. A pedestrian bridgeway currently under construction will soon link the township to Il Corso Filinvest Malls, ensuring walkable convenience and stronger connectivity for shoppers and residents alike.

The development of CDM also marks a major milestone in the Filinvest Group’s 70-year journey of building dreams for Filipinos.

Its real estate projects are known for creating large, well-planned communities, namely Filinvest City in Alabang and Filinvest Mimosa Plus in Clark.

Cebu’s growth With only eight hectares of commercial land remaining, CDM offers an opportunity for investors to secure property in Cebu’s most promising business district. The township offers just 25 exclusive lots divided between two premium areas: the Coastal Block, ideal for high-profile businesses with its expansive seaside views, and the Greenway Block, set amid lush open spaces and key community hubs. Its proximity to the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), MactanCebu International Airport and Cebu International Port makes CDM a strategic base for businesses aiming to serve both domestic and global markets. The township is also home to midrise residential condominiums like Sanremo Oasis and Amalfi. It also has new places for sports and fun such as a driving range, a football academy and a skate park

Filinvest’s ongoing transformation of CDM reflects not just a vision for urban growth, but a deeper commitment to creating spaces that inspire opportunity and uplift communities—cementing its role in shaping the future of Cebu and the dreams of the Filipino people.

Jenniffer B. Austria

PHINMA Properties, in partnership with local developer JEPP Property Corp, recently broke ground on Maayo Terraces, a mid-rise residential condominium project within the 21-hectare Saludad Township in Bacolod.

The ceremony also marked the blessing and public opening of the project’s model unit, signaling its readiness for future residents and investors.

Maayo Terraces is located along the Bacolod-Silay Airport Access Road. It is designed for Bacolod’s growing middle class, offering accessible and sustainable homes. The master plan focuses on wellness and urban integration, with 60 percent of the area dedicated to open space.

Maayo Terraces Saludad is designed to serve Bacolod’s rising middle class, offering thoughtfully designed homes that align with their evolving lifestyle and aspirations.

“Bacolod is in the midst of an exciting transformation― economically and culturally,” said Felix. “Maayo Terraces reflects our belief that real estate should go beyond shelter. It should shape communities where people thrive, grow, and come home to something deeply rooted in tradition yet forward-looking in design.”

“Saludad is a township that evolves with Bacolod,” said Reyes. “Maayo Terraces is just the beginning―a first chapter in a place where people, purpose, and progress come together.”

Royal Pineda+ Architecture·Design created the community’s master plan. The design features gardens, courtyards, and walkways that encourage interaction while supporting daily comfort.

The project targets professionals, families, and returning Bacolodnons. It also appeals to investors attracted by Bacolod’s strategic location and economic potential.

The development is strategically located near the Bacolod-Silay International Airport, schools, and business districts. It also benefits from upcoming infrastructure projects like the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge and the Bacolod Economic Highway.

“Maayo Terraces offers a rare combination of design integrity, accessibility, and value appreciation,” said Felix. “It’s a community built to endure―not just as a residence, but as a strategic, future-ready investment within Bacolod’s most promising new township.”

Maayo Terraces’ permeable design, 60 percent green and open spaces, with a spectacular view of Bacolod’s scenic mountains and sunsets anywhere you are in the development also appeals to a growing market of individuals drawn to Bacolod’s unique charm, strategic location, and expanding economic potential.

From left: Joy de Mesa, RHR director of sales and marketing; Barun Jolly, RHR senior vice president and business general manager; Tourism Secretary, Christina G. Frasco and Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirate Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, chief of mission

MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

By Nickie Wang

’90s pop band

InnerVoices has introduced Patrick Marcelino as its new lead vocalist, coinciding with the release of four original tracks now available on digital platforms.

The group, known for performing 1980s hits, 1990s tracks, and contemporary classics, launched “Meant to Be,” “Galaw,” “Idlip” and “T.H.A.L.” (short for “Tubig, Hangin, Apoy, Lupa”) during a media event last week.

Founder and keyboardist

Attorney Rey Bergado said “Meant to Be” was written in 2016 but remained unreleased after the band went on hiatus in 2017. Efforts to record it with a former vocalist did not proceed. Marcelino, who had previously stepped in for live performances, later expressed interest in recording the song.

“In 2024, Patrick messaged me asking if he could have ‘Meant to Be’ as a birthday gift. I said yes, since we weren’t planning to use it. That’s how the recording happened,” Bergado said.

The band decided to bring in Marcelino full-time after the former vocalist formally exited the group.

“Since we had already recorded the songs, we thought we might as well use them for InnerVoices. It was really ‘meant to be,’” Bergado added.

Bergado said some of the songs were given to him by other composers, including “Galaw” by Glen and “Idlip” by Bob He initially intended to release

InnerVoices returns with new vocalist, fresh tracks in digital debut

the tracks as solo works for Marcelino. InnerVoices is composed of Bergado, Jojo Esparago (drums

Lady Gaga rocked Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach on Saturday with a free mega-concert that the Brazilian city said drew about two million fans.

“Brazil, I missed you so much,” screamed the American pop star—in her first Brazil gig since 2012—before launching into “Poker Face” on a monumental chessboard, one of many grandiose backdrops in the two-hour extravaganza.

The 39-year-old singer kicked off the concert perched more than two meters (6.5 feet) above the stage, sporting a massive scarlet hoop gown that opened to reveal a vertical cage from which her dancers exited to a rendition of her 2011 song “Bloody Mary.”

She then moved on to “Abracadabra,” one of the highlights of her latest album, “Mayhem,” released in March.

In the middle of the song, Gaga removed the red dress, revealing another she was wearing underneath in the colors of Brazil’s national flag: green, blue, and yellow.

“Lady Gaga means everything to me, I’ve been a fan of hers since 2008,” said Walter Segundo, a 23-year-old student who traveled almost 3,000 kilometers (2,000 miles) from Sao Luis in Brazil’s northeast.

All week, Gaga fans—known affectionately as “Little” Monsters”—flocked to Rio, a city famous for its annual Carnival that attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world.

Rio officials had expected a turnout for the Gaga show of around 1.6 million people, which they estimated could bring $100 million into the local economy, but City Hall said later that 2.1 million had attended.

The Gaga crowd was about half a million people more than was estimated to have attended a Madonna concert at the same venue last year.

Rio officials want to continue holding free mega-concerts in May in an effort to boost tourism during what is considered the low season. AFP

and percussion), Rene

guitar), Joseph

and Ruben Tecson

Bergado also noted the

FRONTROW

By Chong Ardivilla

Side A, and Freestyle

Lessons from a snail

MEMOIRS of a Snail (2024, directed by Adam Elliot) exemplifies how crucial time and pacing are in storytelling. In the glut era of Computer-Generated Images (CGI) animation, Australia produced traditional stop-motion work that takes time. This measured pace is a metaphor for the snail and the nature of making such a deep and beautiful work. This movie takes time to reach its beautiful point (and what a profound one it is!), just like a lesson from a laggard snail, arguably even slower than an encumbered tortoise. This is among the bleakest animated films in recent memory. Though animation is not just for kids, viewing a cartoon with such adult themes is still jarring. The cinematography is like

being inside a snail’s shell—cramped, dank, dark, and suffocating. The film delves into how others are so deprived of love, not just the romantic kind, but the kind with a substantial connection; the suffocation is not only present but thought to be deserved.

The excellent Sarah Snook (Australian actor who famously portrayed Shiv in HBO’s Succession series) voices the lead character in Memoirs of a Snail. Snook speaks in uncertain whispers, as one would imagine a snail would sound. She talks like a victim of immense trauma and abuse or somebody who grew up being told they are better off silenced. Snook’s character, Grace Pudel, is part of a twin whose brother has been protective of her. Both of them were born and grew up in tragedy (their mother died in childbirth, and their father is an alcoholic paraplegic) and its attendant violence. Their mother left behind knick-knacks in the shape of snails. These are the only connections Grace has to their mother, and perhaps this is why she has metamorphosed emotionally into a snail.

The snails are not only a reminder of weird ornaments but, eventually, a life lesson that no self-help book could teach. This movie is an effective metaphor for how to live one’s life by emulating the snail. Make no mistake; this film is not for children because it is not feel-good until its last moments, but it has a truly adult trajectory that deals with sexual frankness, addiction, and conservative violence brought by religious fanaticism. You find yourself rooting for the lead character. You want her to win but are also gnashing at the level of her blindness to self-destruction. And, perhaps, that’s the point—nobody realizes they have lost control over their lives until they are forced to see it for themselves in a violent confrontation.

It is not physically violent, but it is a good emotional shaking to your senses. Like the snail, the movie asks us to pause and look at the slow, small things. In this world of accelerated instant gratification with this urge to indulge in elaborate displays of having the “best life,” the snail offers a point of view and approach to a life lived through pain, but life in full.

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

Tecson (lead

Cruz (keyboard),

(drums).

contributions

bands in the local scene, such as Sunkissed Lola, Juan Karlos, BINI, XOXO, SB19, Lola Amour, and Hey June

alongside established acts like Eraserheads, Sandwich, Hale, Kamikazee, Mayonnaise,

InnerVoices introduces Patrick Marcelino (center) as its new lead vocalist, releasing four original tracks

US pop star Lady Gaga performs during a concert at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on May 3

By Tet Defensor

RETIREES are known to take things easy, but certainly not for La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) batchmates

Jack Teotico, Dindo Ibazeta, and Gilbert dela Cruz. All done with the stress of corporate work and happily enjoying their senior discounts, together with other schoolmates, they decided to form a band and eventually open Red Rhino restaurant and bar.

Apart from his interest in visual arts, Galerie Joaquin founder Jack Teotico loves music. A proud collector of vinyl records, he recalls rushing home after school so he and his close friend Dindo Ibazeta (now Red Rhino manager) could play their new records.

“We listened to the Beatles, Chicago, Rolling Stones , and other popular bands. I think I was one of the first to have a Beatles album in the Philippines. My father was sent to Chicago and he bought me two Beatles albums. He told me American teenagers were going crazy over these four guys,” he said.

Back in high school, he and his friends formed a band and played during parties. “I realized when you play the guitar, you win points, especially with the girls. And so I learned to play guitar,” he joked. His love for music continued even with a full-time job. He wrote a music column for a daily newspaper and was immersed in the vibrant concert scene. In time, he and his friends started producing concerts

Red Rhino rocks

featuring top artists like Joey Albert and Martin Nievera

“This was back in the ‘80s and the live concert scene was alive. Composers, artists, musicians, they all became my friends.”

He intends to bring back the excitement of the local music scene with the Red Rhino bar and restaurant. It all started when they were preparing for their 2020 LSGH homecoming. As golden jubilarians, they wanted a memorable celebration. “I suggested that we form a band, this was in 2016, and so we have all the time to prepare. My friends and I got together, learned some songs and started rehearsing.” They called themselves Rockitwell

Inever leave town during the Holy Week holidays because Metro Manila is the best place to be in… no traffic… the city is peaceful and quiet.

This year, I decided to spend the Easter weekend at the Belmont Hotel Manila because it is tucked far away from the city center and is right beside a church, the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. Its location made it very easy for me to perform my Easter religious obligations.

I decided to avail myself of the hotel’s “Sampaguita Wellness Staycation Package,” which came with an upgraded room and many freebies. Aside from a free 60-minute massage at its spa, it also includes a discount on its Sampaguita-inspired Signature Menu.

It was such a pleasant surprise to see in my living room a platter of fruits, another one with chocolates, and a refreshingly cold Sampaguita juice served in a coconut shell. But what I liked the most was the potted sampaguita plant, already with buds, which I could take home with me. This marketing initiative is, indeed, unique and definitely sets the hotel way above its competitors!

I also discovered that, in celebration of Filipino Food Month, the hotel has Pamana, a special Weekend Dinner Buffet that showcases the bold, vibrant, and deeply rooted flavors of Kapampangan cuisine. This is brought to life by acclaimed chef and entrepreneur Felix Niño Asuncion, CEO of Asuncion Family Ventures, Inc. Held every Friday and Saturday, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Café Belmont, Pamana, which translates to “heritage,” invites diners to explore one of the Philippines’ most revered culinary traditions. Pampanga is celebrated for its unique ingredients, time-honored cooking techniques, and richly layered flavors. Through Pamana, guests are offered a meaningful experience that honors these traditions while presenting them in a fresh, inspired way. During its launch, Chef Asuncion declared, “Pamana is more than just a meal. It is the story of who we are as Filipinos. Each dish we serve honors the hands that came before us, the land that has nourished us, and the memories that continue to shape us. With this buffet, customers not only savor the depth and richness of Kapampangan cuisine, but also feel the warmth of our heritage and the soul of our people.” Recently honored as Asia’s Visionary Leader in Empowered Entrepreneurship, Chef Asuncion’s curated specialties include: Asadong Matwa, a sweet and savory pork stew, slow-cooked the traditional way, inspired by heirloom recipes from

simply because they were jammed and rehearsed in Rockwell. “It was just a small space, and we rehearsed for three and a half years, and it was fun,” he said. Pretty soon they started having gigs in venues like Musika in Greenhills, 19 East, 12 Monkeys, and other events.

As expected, they brought the house down when they took centerstage during their 2020 homecoming. The adrenaline rush was like no other and so apart from ‘keeping’ the band they decided to open a place where they could regularly perform. Located in The Hub, Greenfi eld District in Mandaluyong, Red Rhino Bar has a complete menu, “not just bar chows,” he said.

The place serves everything from appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, breakfast treats, beef, pork, and salmon dishes, even desserts. Doors open by 5 p.m., and guests can meet up for an early meal before catching the evening’s featured performers. Aside from Rockitwell, Red Rhino regularly features the music of Area One, Progeny, Inheat and other top bands. The place also holds solo concerts of popular artists, themed nights and private events.

According to manager Dindo Ibazeta, “Balikbayan nights at Red Rhino” are a consistent hit. “We had them on Monday nights in January because usually they like spending the holidays in Manila. By dinner time this place is packed,” he said. Aside from drinking and dancing, their balikbayan guests also love jamming with the band. Red Rhino also holds themed nights like their “Blue and Green” shows where performers from La Salle and Ateneo take centerstage. Check out the bar’s official Facebook

Enjoying the unique o erings of Belmont Hotel

Pampanga’s kitchens; and Begukan Babi, a robust, umami-packed pork dish simmered in bagoong, showcasing the bold flavor profile that defines Kapampangan cuisine. These standout dishes, among others, embody the essence of Pamana, a celebration of heritage passed down through generations, enriched by Chef Asuncion’s personal flair and culinary creativity. I learned that all ingredients are selected from Filipino farmers and producers, and dishes are prepared with mindful practices to reduce waste, in support of the communities that preserve our culinary traditions.

Chef Asuncion is known for championing Filipino food heritage, mentoring young culinary talent, and integrating eco-conscious practices into his work. His award-winning journey and his inspirational book, Always Forward: The Story of Perseverance, continue to empower the next generation of Filipino chefs and entrepreneurs. Belmont Hotel Manila’s Sampaguita Staycation Package continues to attract families, and the popular Pamana Weekend Dinner Buffet is available every Friday and Saturday at Café Belmont from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Margarita Nograles served as guest speaker at the SKAL International Makati General Membership Meeting held at Sheraton Manila. In the photo, she is seen exchanging pleasantries with SKAL International Makati officials (from left): director Cynthia Carrion, president Captain Stanley Ng, and chairman Jaime Bautista

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ , Writer

Chef Felix Niño Asuncion banners his culinary expertise through the hotel’s Pamana Dinner Bu et

Retired batchmates, along with other schoolmates, formed a band and opened Red Rhino restaurant and bar

The batchmates call themselves as Rockitwell because they used to rehearse in Rockwell for three and a half years

Jack Teotico aims to revive the local music scene with the Red Rhino bar and restaurant

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

How travel brings joy in unexpected ways

Marie Kondo is the global icon of tidying up, famous for her KonMari method that helps people declutter by keeping only what sparks joy

MARIE Kondo built her reputation by helping people tidy their lives, focusing on what truly sparks joy. Her method brought calm and clarity to millions. But now, she’s trading folded clothes for unfamiliar roads.

In a new global campaign with travel and experiences platform Klook, Kondo explores something different: how meaningful moments

outside of routine can shape who we become. The campaign, “The Best You,” presents travel as a way to reconnect with what feels important. For Kondo, this shift comes at a time of personal change.

“My system for tidying took the world by storm, but things had to change as I needed to focus on my family,” she says. “I’m coming back to where it all started, to discover what can spark joy in this new phase of my life. I want to always be open to new experiences, to never stop searching for things that touch my heart.”

As someone who enjoys new places and unexpected rhythms, I have felt that shift too. Some days I’m chasing a noisy parade, fully immersed in the energy. Other times, I find myself in a quiet spot with no agenda, simply taking things in. Both moments matter. They don’t

always feel life-changing in the moment, but they move something inside me. They remind me of who I am—or who I’m becoming.

According to Klook’s latest Travel Pulse study, nearly 70 percent of Millennial and Gen Z Filipino travelers are seeking personal transformation. They want clarity, joy, and wonder. Nature retreats and weekend getaways are among the most common ways people are pursuing those goals. Nearly one in fi ve respondents said such escapes help them focus on what’s meaningful.

“When the world feels unpredictable, people look for moments that bring them back to who they are,” said Marcus Yong , vice president, Global Marketing at Klook. “The Best You is our invitation to rediscover joy, connection, and personal growth through the simple power of travel and shared experiences.”

BY simply purchasing hand tools, customers can enter a raffle for a chance to win exciting trips to some of the most beautiful destinations in Southeast Asia, including Da Nang, Vietnam; Apo Island, Dumaguete; and Panglao, Bohol. Stanley Tools is offering customers a chance to win dream vacations with the launch of its Build & Explore Raffle Promo. The campaign invites DIY enthusiasts to build with Stanley Hand Tools and potentially earn tickets to exotic destinations.

For every P500 spent on Stanley Hand Tools at participating hardware stores nationwide, customers will receive a raffle ticket to enter the draw for a variety of prizes, including trips to Da Nang, Vietnam; Apo Island, Dumaguete; and Panglao, Bohol. Additionally, 20 winners will receive Stanley Hand Tool Sets valued at P3,000. The grand prize includes a 3-night trip for two to Da Nang, Vietnam, with second and third prizes offering a 2-night stay at Apo Island and Panglao, respectively. The promo runs until Aug. 31 with the raffle draw scheduled for Sept. 12, at the Black & Decker

It turns out many travelers feel that shift physically too—

48 percent said they felt fully recharged after a trip. Whether it’s a brief local break or something farther away, the act of going somewhere new can change how we see ourselves.

To guide people on this journey, Klook created an interactive online quiz that pairs travelers with one of eight unique travel personalities. Through a short, story-driven experience, people can explore who they are and what suits them best. Each travel type unlocks curated experiences based on personal interests and energy—something I wish I had during my early travel days when I didn’t know what I was looking for until I found it.

Kondo’s latest path takes her back to Japan, where her itinerary includes samurai training for focus and balance, a kintsugi workshop that celebrates broken pieces, and a robot dance session that embraces playfulness. It’s a mix of refl ection and spontaneity. And that’s what makes it feel real.

I have had those kinds of days too—ones that begin with noise and color, then slow down into something quieter. Those moments remind me that travel isn’t always about escape. Sometimes, it’s about stepping into a version of ourselves we haven’t met yet.

Marie Kondo’s return to joy through lived experience, instead of folding and sorting, makes space for something many of us crave: permission to change. And in a world where stillness and chaos often collide, it’s comforting to know that both can lead somewhere meaningful.

Turn your crafting passion into a dream getaway to Da Nang, Apo Island, or Panglao

in

Marie Kondo takes on samurai training in Japan as part of her journey to rediscover joy through travel

Kondo re ects on life changes and the joy of spontaneous travel in Klook’s ‘The Best You’ campaign

In a kintsugi workshop, Marie Kondo celebrates imperfection and personal growth through traditional Japanese craft