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PBBM PLAN TO MONITOR 2026 BUDGET PROCESS DRAWS MIXED REACTIONS

By Ram Superable, Maricel Cruz, Joel Zurbano and Darwin Amojelar

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s reported plan to personally monitor the 2026 national

budget process and attend the bicameral conference drew mixed reaction from lawmakers yesterday.

Senator Risa Hontiveros warned it would violate the Constitution even as senator-elect Pan-

ﬁlo Lacson said it sends a strong signal to Congress to respect the budget process. "He cannot. He should not. The Constitution does not allow it," Hontiveros said. "The power of the purse is wielded by Congress and Congress

alone, not by the executive, not by any member of the executive, not even by the chief executive.” Lacson, however, said the President’s plan sends a strong and clear message to Congress about

resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay

By Rio N. Araja

Palace: Reconciliation no shield for accountability

TBy Charles Dantes

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

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for national reconciliation should not be construed as a move to shield anyone from accountability as he will not allow himself to be blackmailed into bending the law to beneﬁt a few people, a Palace ofﬁcial said yesterday.

On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma.

Mendoza narrated before con gressmen how Garma allegedly fa cilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.

The whistleblower also implicated incumbent National Police Com missioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.

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

Garma, herself an ex-police Lt. Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in

The President chooses the rule of law over personal ties. (A choice between a) friend or the law? The President will still choose the law.

—PCO Usec. Claire Castro

“The President will not allow himself to be dictated upon by other people to do something wrong (in the spirit of reconciliation). The President will not turn his back on the law and he will not bend the law just to serve the interest of a few people,” Presidential Communications

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Budget and Management has rolled out a digital monitoring and evaluation platform for big-ticket projects as part of the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, together with the University of the Philippines and the Department of Public Works and Highways, signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the implementation of the Digital Information for Monitoring and Evaluation (DIME) Project or Project DIME.

Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a press briefing Wednesday. Castro said Mr. Marcos’ message of unity, aired in his recent podcast, extends to all Filipinos regardless of political affiliation or past Another OWWA exec fired over P1.4b

"With the advent of technology, the demand for progress from our citizens increases. In just one click, they can rightly demand for greater openness, transparency, and accountability, especially for projects and initiatives that have signiﬁcant impact in their lives. And if our people demand for progress,

Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry

of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English.

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

Among the companies implicated are Brickhartz Technology Inc. and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., which are being linked to alleged

The two firms supposedly have connections with the Baofu Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which, in turn, can be directly traced

By Rex Espiritu

FLASH

By Darwin Amojelar

Yang, who already admitted having a fake Philippine birth certificate, is the brother of Michael Yang, a presidential economic

we stripped it of its layers , to get to the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue

Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal

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

Some P171 million in standby fund is also available for utilization by the DSWD, including P123 million which can be allotted as Quick Response Fund (QRF) in the central office of the DSWD. In Batanes, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) advised residents to secure their roofs and install window shutters as Typhoon Julian is expected to make landfall

By Charles Dantes

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

MALACAÑANG announced yesterday that former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Deputy Director Emma Sinclair was also sacked for her role in an unauthorized P1.4-billion land deal. In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said Sinclair, like former OWWA administrator Arnell Ignacio, was fired after President Marcos lost trust and confidence in her.

“Both of them were fired. They were not asked to resign. This is just a warning. We can say that this is the President’s call to all those working under him to do your job, to stop irregularities or doing irregularities in your work,” Castro told Palace reporters.

"This is a clear signal from the President to all government ofﬁcials: perform your duties or be removed. The President will not hesitate to ﬁre those

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo in a speech delivered at the UN General Assembly in New York said the Philippines continues to emphasize the “importance of upholding the rule of law and the integrity of the multilateral system in the face of today’s global challenges.” Quoted by reports, Manalo also said: “The Philippines has consistently pursued peace, the sovereign equality of states, the rights and dignity of all persons.”

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

ﬂoods submerged 98 villages across Maguindanao del Sur on Tuesday night, displacing 38,689 families or around 192,000 people, according to the region's top ofﬁcial. Flooding was reported in several barangays across the municipalities of Datu Abdullah Sangki, Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Ampatuan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Mamasapano, Datu Piang, Sultan sa Barongis, Datu Salibo, and Guindulungan.

zone (ITCZ), which triggered flash floods across various towns in Maguindanao del Sur, disaster officials said.

By Rex Espiritu

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.

“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.

The ﬂoods caused signiﬁcant damage, with three homes reportedly destroyed and two road sections, along with a bridge, affected.

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

Since May 14, Mindanao has been experiencing overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the intertropical convergence

Rescue teams waded through waistdeep waters to evacuate 100 stranded residents in Datu Anggal Midtimbang town after the Brar River overﬂowed, according to Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua.

“Some areas show only house roofs,” Macacua said in a statement, though he conﬁ rmed that no casualties were reported in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Separately, in Koronadal City, ﬂoods claimed the lives of two individuals—24-year-old teacher Jessa Mae Huesca and 28-year-old delivery rider Christian Pederiso—who were swept away while attempting to cross the Cacub River.

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.

is currently seeking

in The Netherlands.

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 -

conflicts, and not solely to former President Rodrigo Duterte and his allies.

“Let’s not focus on reconciliation as something meant only for the Dutertes. The President was clear that his openness applies to anyone,” she said.

Castro made the clarification after some allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte said reconciliation would only be sincere if Mr. Marcos took steps to bring his predecessor back from The Hague.

“The President chooses the rule of law over personal ties. (A choice between a) friend or the law? The President will still choose the law,” she added.

She said the administration remains committed to governance and public service without being derailed by political drama and misinformation.

"The President’s offer of reconciliation comes without conditions. It’s about the Filipino people—not personal interests," Castro said.

Earlier, senators and an official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines the President’s openness to reconciling with the Dutertes, saying it showed his intention to rise above political bickering for the sake of national unity.

Senator Ronald dela Rosa, however, said Mr. Marcos must show “extreme sincerity” if he truly intends to reconcile with the Duterte family.

"Because of the depth of the wounds they inflicted on us, I think what’s really needed is ‘extreme sincerity’ and not just something superficial," Dela Rosa said.

The senator renewed his claim that Mr. Marcos had assured him the government would not cooperate with the International Criminal Court in its bid to arrest Duterte. Dela Rosa said Duterte’s arrest on March 11 upon his arrival from Hong Kong was a violation of the said assurance.

Senator Robin Padilla, also a Duterte ally, underscored the importance of a goodwill gesture in any peace talks.

"In every peace negotiation, exploratory talks are always the beginning. The biggest question from the aggrieved party starts with: 'What is the goodwill offer?'" he said.

For his part, Fr. Jerome Secillano, CBCP – Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs (ECPA) executive secretary, said unity and reconciliation “should be motivated by the common good."

Stratbase ADRI president Dindo Manhit added political reconciliation must be anchored on accountability and good governance.

"I hope the reconciliation or the unity of our political leaders is based on the core principles of accountability and truth and also respect of institutions,” Manhit said.

President Marcos on Monday said he is open to reconciling with the Duterte family, saying he prefers peace and unity over political conflict.

“Do I still want to reconcile with the Dutertes? Yes,” the President said. “Me, I don't like trouble. I want to get along with everyone. It's better that way.”

"I already have many enemies, and I don't need more. I need a friend," he added.

NFA eyes P27 billion budget for rice procurement in 2026

By Othel Campos

NATIONAL Food Authority administrator

Larry Lacson said they are proposing a P27billion budget for 2026 to fully fund their rice buffer stock for 15 days in line with the agency’s mandate to ensure national food security.

“Our proposal covers the procurement of around 900,000 metric tons of palay from local farmers. We based our request on the maximum estimated expenses for the year,”

Lacson said in a briefing Wednesday.

He is facing an arrest warrant for charges of qualified human trafficking in connection with the operations of the Lucky South 99 POGO firm in Porac, Pampanga.

Panelo added that Roque should return to the Philippines and face the charges against him.

“The burden of proof lies on the government. He is constitutionally presumed innocent. Let the government prove its case,” Panelo said. Meanwhile, Malacañang dismissed Roque’s recent statement accusing the government of wasting public resources in tracking him down.

“If he is truly concerned about public funds, then he should have started showing that concern as early as 2016,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a briefing.

“As we know, the full amount is not actually given. That’s why we proposed the maximum, so that even if it’s reduced, we can still procure from farmers,” he added.

Lacson explained that in 2023,

the NFA received P9 billion, but was only able to procure enough palay for a one-day buffer stock, citing limited local production as the major constraint. When Lacson assumed office in March 2024, he said P8 billion in unused funds from the previous year were carried over.

Combined with the P9 billion allocated for 2024, the NFA had P17 billion for palay procurement. Of this amount, P12 billion was spent last year, raising the buffer stock to nine days.

The remaining P5 billion was used

CDO solon nixes ASEAN unified visa

By Maricel Cruz

A LEGISLATOR from Mindanao vehemently opposed the country’s participation in the planned ASEAN unified visa system, citing as his reason serious risks to national security.

Reelected Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez urged President Marcos to direct Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco to withdraw her agency’s support for the plan.

According to Rodriguez, the country’s involvement in the system, if it materialized, "will pose greater risk to our national security and interest, our people and our society than the present set-up."

"This will allow Chinese tourists who are actually spies to get ASEAN visas in Chinese client states like Cambodia and Laos, or even the liberal visa grant by Thailand to Chinese citizens,

the importance of respecting the budget process and ensuring transparency.

"As long as the President does not actively participate in the bicameral conference deliberations and merely observes—so as to avoid any misunderstanding regarding the legislature's traditional exercise of the 'power of the purse'—I support this gesture,” the returning senator said.

“It will send a strong signal to Congress members not to undermine our role in the budget process… (and that) the national budget should not be treated as an individual prerogative… (but) must align with the administration’s policy direction towards achieving the country’s development goals in 2026 and beyond,” Lacson added.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said he sees nothing wrong with President Marcos personally watching over the 2026 budget process as conveyed by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

"The President was a former senator and congressman. On that basis alone, our rules allow him as a former colleague to be present and be deferred to in most of our proceedings," said Salceda, chair of the House committee on ways and means.

who fail to fulfill their obligations to the public," she added.

The two erstwhile highest OWWA officials were terminated due to anomalies previously disclosed by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac. Castro emphasized that the Palace remains firm in its anti-corruption stance across all government agencies.

to come to the Philippines, and they will automatically be admitted under the ASEAN visa scheme. This will be more dangerous to our national security than our present visa issuance process,” Rodriguez explained.

The lawmaker warned of Chinese "Trojan horses" that can enter the country as tourists, students, and businessmen.

"Many of them are actually spies of Beijing, several of whom have been caught red-handed by the authorities near military installations and sensitive government offices, including the Commission on Elections," Rodriguez pointed out.

"Others are scammers, illegal gambling operators, illegal POGO operators, human traffickers, drug smugglers, and criminally-minded nationals of China. They are a plague in our society. We cannot have more of them here through a system that fa-

"It’s his proposed budget after all. And we allow Secretaries to be present in bicams for most bills, what more the President himself,” Salceda added.

Lacson said he has consistently advocated for transparency in the budget process, including allowing members of the media and the public to observe the deliberations from the gallery during the bicameral conference committee meetings.

"The public and the media should be allowed in the gallery. While they won’t directly participate in the deliberations, they will at least be informed about what is happening. Currently, the bicameral discussions involve members whispering to each other, keeping the public in the dark," said Lacson, who filed Senate Bill 24 in the 18th Congress to encourage public participation in the national budget process.

Still, Hontiveros maintained the executive's role is limited to submitting the national expenditure program to the House of Representatives.

After submission, she said the budget deliberation becomes solely the responsibility of the legislature.

Hontiveros added that the only time the Office of the President may step back into the process is after Congress has passed the final budget for the president’s signature or veto.

"The President has no role, even as

for potential administrative and legal violations, particularly concerning transparency and the source of funds used.

Malacañang previously said initial findings indicate the OWWA trust fund was not affected.

On May 16, the President appointed Migrant Workers Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan as the new OWWA administrator, replacing Ignacio.

cilitates their easy entry in our country," he stressed.

Rodriguez likewise urged Frasco along with other tourism officials and industry stakeholders to think of national security in endorsing the country’s participation in such tourism-related schemes like the ASEAN unified visa system.

"We are all for boosting our tourism sector and our economy by having more tourist arrivals, but, given our experience and our raging dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea, we don’t want to just accept Chinese tourists, but they should undergo rigorous evaluation by our embassy and consulates in China," Rodriguez said.

Frasco endorsed the ASEAN unified visa plan at a forum in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 15. She said she was "very hopeful" the proposal would be tackled when the Philippines hosts the ASEAN Summit next year.

an observer, in the bicameral conference under the Constitution. If they insist on it, they could end up facing problems. They might even face legal action," she warned.

According to Hontiveros, institutional reforms should take precedence over presidential involvement in bicameral budget meetings.

"There are many long-standing budget reform proposals from advocates that we should prioritize and implement, rather than allowing the President to take part in the bicam," she said.

Pangandaman, for her part, said the President wants to ensure the inclusion of priority government projects, especially the P20 per kilo rice project of the Department of Agriculture and the flood control projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, May 26, to finalize and announce the official budget ceiling, which will depend on revenue projections from the Department of Finance, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and Bureau of Customs.

Once the budget ceiling and proposed programs are finalized, the DBM, together with the DBCC, DOF, and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, will meet with the President to review key projects, especially those under the administration’s priority agenda.

Ignacio’s watch.

in early 2025, along with P9 billion already spent for procurement this year. At present, the NFA still has P9.8 billion in available funds to support procurement for the coming cropping season.

“We won’t have problems procuring palay this year. We still have enough to buy from farmers this coming harvest,” Lacson said.

“But for 2026, we’re assuming the current funds will be fully used up, which is why we’re requesting P27 billion to sustain a full 15-day buffer,” he added.

then their government must be able to respond," she said.

Project DIME, one of DBM's digitalization flagship initiatives, fosters enhanced transparency by providing real-time visibility into project status and progress, improving accountability and reducing the risk of delays. It displays relevant information, including the project's completion rate, fund source, implementing agency, and contractor's name.

It also facilitates stronger collaboration among stakeholders by providing a unified platform for sharing information and updates, leading to more coordinated and effective project management.

"The delay in government projects is also a delay in providing a good and prosperous life for our people. We cannot let that happen,” Pangandaman pointed out.

In June 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 31 institutionalizing the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP).

The Philippines, as a founding member of the OGP, has committed to promoting transparency, increasing civic participation, fighting corruption, and leveraging new technologies to strengthen governance.

Among the approved commitments to the 6th PH-OGP National Action Plan is DBM's program to establish an efficient and effective technology-enabled participatory validation and reporting mechanism for selected government infrastructure projects through the Project DIME.

The agreement provides that the UP Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (UP-NOAH) Center will work with the DBM to improve Project DIME by integrating disaster risk reduction strategies and ensuring that government projects are resilient to natural hazards.

"Today's signing is a testament to our shared commitment to good governance, disaster resilience, and inclusive development. To our government partners, thank you for trusting UP. We are honored to join you in this journey," UP Vice President for Digital Transformation Peter Sy said.

In particular, alleged procedural lapses and a lack of proper authorization in acquiring land near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Parañaque City for a dormitory-type accommodation for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are under scrutiny. Another...

The land deal is under scrutiny

Floods...

From A1

In response to the persistent flooding, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced on Wednesday that it has prepared two major flood control projects in the southern Philippines, particularly in the Maguindanao provinces. According to the DPWH, the fea-

For his part, Cacdac said no one will be spared from the ongoing investigation into the OWWA’s allegedly anomalous billion-peso land deal, calling it a matter of accountability and public trust.

The following day, Caunan announced that Cacdac’s office is investigating the land purchase deal entered into by the OWWA under

sibility study for the P39.219-billion project has been completed and is now awaiting loan approval. The budget will cover the design and construction of the Ambal-Simuay River and Rio Grande de Mindanao River Flood Control Projects, both scheduled to begin in March 2026 and be completed by February 2030.

“These projects will help mitigate flooding in Cotabato City, and the municipalities of Sultan Kudarat and Sultan Mastura,” the DPWH said. The projects are located within the Mindanao River Basin (MRB), the country’s second-largest river basin, which spans a catchment area of 20,765 square kilometers. The AmbalSimuay River, located in the westernmost part of the MRB, has a total catchment area of 656 square kilometers and includes the municipalities of Sultan Kudarat and Sultan Mastura in Maguindanao del Norte.

Meanwhile, the DPWH's responsibilities include providing inputs for the enhancement of the DIME website, identifying infrastructure projects with substantial accomplishments visible at the project site, and collaborating with DBM on the display of obligation and disbursement rate of projects, among others.

"By working together, we can ensure that the data for infrastructure projects will be consistent, comprehensive, and shared in a way that fosters better public understanding," DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said.

The Rio Grande de Mindanao, also known as the "Mindanao River," flows through Cotabato City and Sultan Kudarat.

The DPWH added that the projects aim not only to prevent flooding but also to curb harmful riverbed degradation, enhance the ecological condition of the MRB, and boost economic activity for the estimated 4 to 9 million people living within the basin’s coverage.

Hontiveros eyes unified opposition in 20th Congress

By Ram Superable

SENATOR Risa Hontiveros said she is in talks with Senators-elect Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan to consolidate an opposition bloc in the 20th Congress, calling it a rare opportunity to rebuild a unified counterforce after their crushing loss in the 2022 elections.

“Aside from Senator Kiko, Senator Bam, and myself, there may be other colleagues who will vie not only for the Senate presidency but also for the minority bloc,” she revealed. “Whatever the final organization of the Senate may be, what’s important to me is that one pole, one post, one center of gravity remains that will continue to provide checks and balances, and continue to fiscalize,” Hontiveros added.

The senator said informal discussions are underway with Aquino and Pangilinan, both former senators and longtime political allies. She noted, however, that all three are still navigating internal decision-making processes within their own parties and support bases.

“For me, in order to stay consistent with the past nine years, and to remain consistent in the years ahead—in 2028, 2034, and 2040— it’s important not to join the majority, especially since I’m not an ally of the administration,” she said.

Asked whether she has made overtures to other potential allies, Hontiveros said she remains open to working with any senator on shared advocacies such as women’s rights, anti-POGO legislation, and equitable access to utilities, but drew a firm line when it comes to the emerging Duterte bloc in the Senate.

MARITIME DRILLS. Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) participate in the 6th Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) on May 20, 2025, in Palawan and Occidental Mindoro.

By Rex Espiritu

TPH, US forces in joint maritime drills

including communication checks, search and rescue, and division tactics.

HE Philippine and US coast guards participated for the first time in joint military drills, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Wednesday, joining broader exercises held by the two allies in the South China Sea.

Beijing claims almost the entire disputed waterway—through which more than 60 percent of global maritime trade passes—despite an international ruling that its assertion has no merit.

The “maritime cooperative activity” was held Tuesday in waters off Palawan and Occidental Mindoro in the western Philippines. The two countries’ coast guards have held joint exercises before, but never as part of combined military drills, which the AFP said reflected a “growing whole-of-nation approach to maritime cooperation.”

“As the Philippines continues to navigate evolving maritime challenges, joint activities like the MCA reaffirm the AFP’s commitment to modernizing its capabilities and strengthening defense partnerships to secure our national and regional maritime interests,” AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.

helicopters, and the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Malapascua.

The United States deployed the US Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL752) and a US Navy P-8A Poseidon to enhance the combined forces’ surveillance and operational coordination capabilities.

The Philippine Coast Guard deployed its 97-meter ship BRP Melchora Aquino and 44-meter ship BRP Malapascua, while the US Coast Guard used the cutter Stratton, the military said. These vessels joined Philippine Navy and Air Force assets and a US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft in a series of exercises

Naval and air units from the AFP and the US Indo-Pacific Command took part in the sixth bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA). Participating Philippine Navy assets included the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905), an AW109 naval helicopter, the Philippine Air Force’s Super Tucano and Sokol

DONATION. Global technology brand HONOR, partners with PHINMA Foundation to donate 25 pieces of tablets to deserving students and teachers from different schools affiliated with the foundation. Norman Cruz

Comelec: 1.3m votes for senators invalid due to overvoting

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported Wednesday that around 1.3 million Filipinos had their votes for senators invalidated in the 2025 midterm elections after selecting more than 12 candidates, which is not allowed. Comelec chair George Garcia said this figure represents about 2% of the 57.3 million voters who participated in the May 12 polls.

“That’s 17 million individual votes rendered invalid, as seen in our consolidation system,” Garcia said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum. “Based on the statistics, 12 senatorial candidates did not benefit from those 17 million votes.”

“Dividing 17 million invalid votes by 12 gives us an estimate of 1.3 million voters who overvoted. That’s a significant number—2% of the total electorate,” he added.

The Comelec officially proclaimed the 12 winning senators on Saturday. Senator-elect Camille Villar and reelectionists Lito Lapid and Imee Marcos secured the last three spots with more than 13 million votes each. Ben Tulfo narrowly missed the cut, finishing 13th with 12 million votes. Bong Revilla, Abby Binay, and Benhur Abalos followed, all earning over 11 million votes.

Transport agencies eye plan for EDSA rehab

KEY transport and traffic agencies are coordinating to develop protocols and a traffic management plan in anticipation of major road works along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), one of Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfares, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Wednesday.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said preparations are underway to minimize public inconvenience once the EDSA rehabilitation begins in mid-June. “I’m sure there will be some inconvenience to some extent, as we will be occupying parts of EDSA while the rehabilitation work is underway,” Bonoan said.

According to Bonoan, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) are working closely to finalize a comprehensive traffic scheme, including alternative routes and lane reassignments during the construction phase. Charles Dantes

Garcia said senatorial candidates who wish to challenge the invalidation of votes due to overvoting may file an election protest before the Senate Electoral Tribunal.

“Overvoting can be used as a reason to examine the ballots. It could be that the mark was smudged, there was an accidental dot or X, or it was improperly shaded,” he explained. “In an election protest, all ballots are manually reviewed, and candidates can argue that those votes should be counted rather than discarded.” Garcia acknowledged that overvoting is a recurring issue in every election.

According to the AFP, this marks the first time Philippine and US Coast Guard vessels have participated together in such an activity. The MCA series began in November 2023.

The sixth MCA featured a range of activities, including a communications check exercise, search and rescue drill, division tactics, officer of the watch maneuver, photo exercise, and a final exercise. With AFP

IN BRIEF

Military vows protection for junior officers in rape case

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has assured two junior officers of full protection after they filed a rape complaint against a senior military official. The AFP said the complainants would be shielded from intimidation or undue influence throughout the investigation.

The AFP emphasized its commitment to due process, transparency, and accountability, vowing to address all forms of misconduct with “utmost seriousness.” The accused officer has been relieved of his post and placed under restrictive custody.

According to the complaint, the alleged assault occurred on January 29 after an event where the two officers—who worked in the official’s office—accompanied him to his residence. A joint criminal complaint was filed following a prior military probe that found prima facie evidence of misconduct.

The case has completed pre-trial investigation and is awaiting referral to a General Court Martial, pending the convening authority’s approval, the AFP said. Rex Espiritu

Marcos highlights PH role in global health at WHA

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored the Philippines’ growing leadership in global health during his speech at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva.

He called the WHA a vital platform for multilateral cooperation and praised the country’s election to the WHA presidency as an honor and a testament to the Filipino commitment to global health solidarity.

Mr. Marcos dedicated the nomination to health workers— especially Filipinos abroad—whom he called the “unsung heroes” of the post-pandemic recovery. He also stressed that the Philippines’ leadership in global health reflects efforts to align national policy with international solutions.

Since 2023, the country has held key positions in several global health bodies, including the Stop TB Partnership Board, Pandemic Fund Governing Board, and UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board. Marcos also cited recent initiatives like the Philippine Pacific Health Initiative and the upcoming ASEAN Health Cluster meetings hosted by the Philippines. Ram Superable

SC: Children remain legitimate despite annulled marriage

THE Supreme Court (SC) ruled that children remain legitimate even if their parents’ marriage is later declared null and void due to psychological incapacity.

In a decision penned by Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez, the Court emphasized that once legitimated under the Family Code, a child’s legal status cannot be reversed. Changing a child’s status to illegitimate after such annulment would violate the law’s intent to protect the best interests of children, the Court said. It clarified that a marriage nullified for psychological incapacity does not retroactively affect the legitimacy of children, regardless of whether they were born before or during the marriage. Pot Chavez

HUNGER STRIKE. It is the first day of Isabelito Progilla’s hunger strike at Boy

Scout Circle in Quezon City. The 38-year-old from Santa Maria, Bulacan, is calling for the return of former president Rodrigo Duterte—currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands—to the country. Edd Castro

STREET FOODS MAKE GOOD BUSINESS.

Street food vendors on Carriedo St. in Quiapo, Manila are enjoying brisk business with customers coming in seemingly endless chains. Richmond Chi

Second San Juanico Bridge eyed

By Vito Barcelo

THE Department of Public Works and Highways

(DPWH) mulls construction of a second San Juanico Bridge in light of total rehabilitation of the existing 52year old iconic span connecting Samar and Leyte islands in the Eastern Visayas region.

Public works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the detailed engineering design of the proposed 2,600 meter long second San Juanico bridge will be com-

Que son submits sworn statement on dad’s murder

By Pot Chavez

ALVIN Que, son of the murdered Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que, submitted on Wednesday his sworn affidavit before the Department of Justice (DOJ) to shed light on his alleged complicity in the case, as well as circumstances surrounding the sensational kidnap-slay.

The younger Que was implicated as one of the suspects in the murder of the steel magnate late last March.

Lawyer Pearlito de Campanilla said the submission of Alvin’s sworn statement was vital to hold those behind the murder accountable.

"It is a narrative that contains what happened from the time of the abduction up to the time of the positive identification of Anson Que. In between is the protracted and tedious, difficult negotiation for the ransom," he said.

He also stressed that their camp would work closely with local authorities in the investigation.

Meanwhile primary suspect Gong Wen Li, also known as Kelly Tan, along with two others were presented for the preliminary investigation.

The remains of Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo were found in Barangay Macabud, Rodriguez, Rizal.

pleted by 2026. Meanwhile, the DPWH said the load capacity of the existing San Juanico Bridge may be raised from three tons to

10 tons by the end of the year in order to avoid interruptions in the transportation of goods and essential supplies between Leyte and Samar.

The DPWH in Eastern Visayas imposed a temporary weight limit on vehicles crossing the bridge starting May 14 in preparation for the projected major repairs.

“If we’re able to increase the load limit, I think we might be able to increase it up to 10 tons actually.

Maybe last quarter (of the year),” Bonoan said.

The planned load limit on vehicles, however, has raised concerns about its possible impact on the prices of goods in the region. Due to significant structural deterioration, the DPWH implemented drastic restrictions allowing only vehicles under three tons to use the bridge, with repairs expected to last at least two years..

“The Philippine Ports Authority is actually trying to make alternative routes from Luzon going already to Leyte without passing San Juanico Bridge,” said Bonoan.

JUSTICE STARTS GRINDING ON ANSON QUE KIDNAPSLAY. Alleged mastermind Gong Wen Li, alias Kelly Tan, and two suspected accomplices are presented at the Department of Justice Prosecutors’ Office for arraignment on the kidnapping for ransom with murder case involving victims FilipinoChinese trader Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo. Norman Cruz

Party-lists word war erupts over proclamation row

By Maricel V. Cruz

KABATAAN party-list Rep. Raoul Ma-

nuel slammed the threats of the Duterte Youth group to reveal alleged corruption in government, claiming it was “selfserving” and the timing suspicious.

IN BRIEF

CEB unveils reduced rates sales promo

CEBU Pacific (CEB) is launching a sales promotion with over 750,000 seats available, featuring some domestic one-way base fares starting at just P88, excluding all fees and surcharges.

This promo runs from Wednesday, May 21, until Sunday (May 25), with travel dates available between June 16 and December 15, 2025.

With CEB’s extensive hub network in Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao, travelers can explore a wide variety of Philippine destinations, ranging from beautiful beaches and vibrant cities to rich cultural and heritage sites, the airline said.

From Clark, travelers in northern and central Luzon can directly reach top beach destinations like El Nido and Siargao, it added. Joel E. Zurbano

‘All 758k poll workers to get paid by Friday’

THE grant of honoraria to the 758,549 teachers and other poll workers who served in the recently concluded national and local elections will be completed this Friday, Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Garcia said. In an interview, Garcia said distribution of the honoraria in seven regions was already 100 percent complete, with 70 percent in the National Capital Region.

The Comelec chief made the assurance after the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT)-NCR Union sought the “immediate release” of the poll service remunerations for the teachers.

“We were given 15 days based on the law to distribute the honoraria… Hopefully it will be completed by Friday,” Garcia said. Vito Barcelo 4Ps education cash grants for release starting June

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) announced on Wednesday the monitoring of education compliance and payment of corresponding cash grants for school year 2025 to 2026 will begin in June.

“This adjustment follows the Department of Education’s (DepEd) revised school calendar for School Year 2025–2026. The move is also in line with the 4Ps Act of 2019, which mandates that education grants shall not exceed 10 months per monitored child in a year,” said director Gemma Gabuya of the 4Ps National Program Management Office.

Gabuya also said the compliance period will cover Pay Period 3, which spans June to July 2025.

To receive the education grants under the 4Ps, beneficiaries are required to ensure children aged three to 18 are enrolled and maintain a class attendance rate of at least 85 percent. Maricel V. Cruz

Manuel’s observation came a day after Duterte Youth party-list chairman Ronald Gian Carlo Cardema issued a stern warning that if Commission on Elections (Comelec) denied them a seat in Congress, he would expose alleged irregularities involving Congress and the Comelec.

“As long as they can hold on to of-

“If they knew something about corruption, why didn’t they come up with it earlier?” Manuel said in a social media post.

NCRPO chief to relieve 9 police officials

By Vince Lopez

NINE police officials are on the verge of losing their posts and 28 others under investigation for neglect of duty, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin disclosed.

In a talk with reporters on Wednesday, Aberin said the infractions included leaving the police assistance desks (PADs) unmanned. The disciplinary actions came on the heels of surprise inspections of police stations in the Metro Manila conducted over the weekend by the Regional Intelligence Division (RID).

“We must step up with our crime prevention and solution efforts. I expect police commanders to be present, aware, and accountable for their men. Dis-

cipline begins at the top,” Aberin said. We have ordered the investigation of 28. The RID held inspections. The police assistance desks were unmanned,” he revealed.

While a significant number of police assistance desks (PADs), outposts, and visibility patrols were found compliant, a pattern of lapses and violations were noted over the two-day operation. The omissions included unmanned PADs and abandoned posts; single postings in violation of deployment protocols, non-significant use of cellular phones while on duty, and absence of police visibility in high-traffic public areas.

“Immediately, when we found out about it, based on the report of the RID, we ordered an investigation,” Aberin pointed out.

fice, they can put aside the corruption that is killing the future of the Filipino youth. They cheat even the Duterte supporters with their fake advocacies,” Cardema added.

“We exposed the scandal on Sara’s (Vice President Sara Duterte) confidential funds, Marcos’ royal investment scam, and other forms of pork, without

asking for anything in return, because our loyalty is to the people, not to any politician. This is true patriotism. This should be the example we show to the youth,” he pointed out.

Cardema on Tuesday filed a petition seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Comelec’s decision to suspend his group’s proclamation.

OPINION

Unsolicited advice

“WHAT we’ve got here is failure to communicate,” Dragline, played by George Kennedy says before he pushes the movie hero Paul Newman into a hole in that movie classic Cool Hand Luke. I listened to PBbM’s Podcast # 1, with Anthony Taberna, shown a week after the May 12 elections where unpredictably, two “pinklawan” senators won, and five of the Alyansa’s prized candidates bit the dust against Inday Sara’s five. Five-five-two, although for some funny reason, the Alyansa deludes itself into saying it is six. Or maybe they think that because of the Villar’s business empire, they will pull senator-elect Camille hither and thither?

The other problem of the Bagong Pilipinas slate is that except for Erwin Tulfo, those who won are “luma,” as in vintage wine, who may not necessarily follow Malacanang if it calls for a “somos o no somos” edict.

“How do you solve a problem like Ping Lacson?” and sing that to the tune of the musical “The Sound of Music”? Maybe Tito Sotto would go “somos” in the hope that he would be once again Senate President, and Lito Lapid who would reprise his role as head of the “Comite de Silencio.” But Pia Cayetano?

No matter how you slice it, Bagong Pilipinas took a hit, just as the poll research firms have egg splattered over their faces.

Which realization is not lost to the palace. After a week of silence broken only by the revelations from campaign manager Toby Tiangco, discounting the useless babble from Claire Castro, the president asks Anthony Taberna to converse with him in a podcast, the first in three years.

Within that time frame, musical chairs played in the office of the press secretary, from Atty. Trixie Angeles to Atty. Cheloy Garafil to Cesar Chavez and now the unseen and unheard Jay Ruiz. Without directly saying “mea culpa, mea maxima culpa,” the president virtually admitted that bad politics trumped governance in his first three years.

It is half-time and playing catch up against the tsunami of public sentiment evidenced by the strong showing of the opponent is not an easy task.

He said they were focused on the big “legacy” projects, forgetting the ordinary man’s plight as he suffers from the daily grind of high prices, heavy traffic and inefficient services.

What big projects, I wondered. That subway project started by Duterte won’t be finished by 2028 as promised, with Vince Dizon realistically saying the best would be past the Marcos administration. What, pray tell are those big legacy projects that this government actually began?

All we see in the landscape are road re-blocking, slope netting, roadside protectors, cat’s eyes and river dredging, all characterized by tons and tons of graft and corruption (Mayor Benjie Magalong, thank you and congratulations! You give us hope against corrupt politics).

Ah, not to forget, 20-peso rice, finally after three years! The president says it is because of higher paddy field production, but hey, the increase is extremely marginal, most of it thanks to the recent weather.

Since everyone now sees that the president and his first lady are most comfortable with Anthony Taberna, why not make him the fifth press secretary?

And huge subsidies that will cost all taxpayers plenty, for an optical illusion too few could experience and foolhardy to sustain.

But the president said, the good things his government has done are not known widely and well, to which Taberna nodded. In fine, what we’ve got here is failure to communicate.

Now if that is the palace mindset, may we humbly give an unsolicited advice:

Since everyone now sees that the president and his first lady are most comfortable with Anthony Taberna, why not make him the fifth press secretary?

Then we will not have to doubt whether Claire Castro’s daily pronouncements are the president’s or hers only, with her opinions distorting proper information dissemination.

Taberna, popularly called Ka Tunying, could also “educate” Malacanang and even the fisheries magnate presiding over agriculture on the true plight of palay farmers, he being from the rice granary of the country, Nueva Ecija.

Taberna could be both press secretary and presidential spokesman, as he has access to and comfy relations with the power centers in the palace, apart from experience in broadcast and even social media that dwarfs those of the present Malacanang communicators.

For the record, I have not spoken to Taberna in ages.

This piece of unsolicited advice is done with constructive purpose, to lift the albatross upon the president’s neck, though even a Taberna could not get Inday Sara to break bread with the man who, wittingly or unwittingly, broke the “uniteam” they bred.

The offer of reconciliation

WITH the midterm election winners proclaimed, the next course of events should be for the victors to buckle down to work.

As we are witnessing, however, this seems highly unlikely. Instead, the political protagonists are now preparing for the next phase of the political fight which is the impeachment trial of the Vice President.

Judging from the recent pronouncements from the Duterte camp, it looks like the Dutertes are itching for a fight. Reason perhaps they view their side as the clear winners in elections and are therefore feeling confident preparing for the trial.

Based on the outcome of the Senate elections, they got more of their candidates in than what was predicted by most surveys. The Senate race ended up with a distribution of 5-5-2.

Five for the administration, five for the Duterte camp and two from the so-called pinks belonging to the Liberal camp led by former Vice President Leni Robredo who is now the newly elected Mayor of Naga City.

The new Senate composition will now be more complicated in the sense that prior predictions and assumptions just before the elections no longer apply.

Poll survey firms need to reestablish their relevance in predicting future elections if they want to continue operating

We cannot simply assume for instance that party affiliation is the determining factor on how the 24 so-called “republics” will be voting in the impeachment trial.

These incoming senators may have behaved like loyal team players when campaigning, but experience has shown that, once elected, they act according to their own interests.

Tainted deal at OWWA

WHAT is the basic mission of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration?

It is to develop and implement welfare programs and services that respond to the needs of its member-OFWs and their families. It is endowed with powers to administer the OWWA trust fund.

The agency’s core values, on the other hand, are (1) professionalism, or maintaining a good public image through the development of its human resources; (2) accountability, or managing its funds transparently and judiciously; (3) managing its fund in a transparent and judicious manner, and properly utilizing its resources; (4) integrity, or upholding good governance; and (5) responsiveness with commitment, by ensuring services oriented towards the total satisfaction of its external and internal clients.

As most analysts are saying, conviction has now become difficult. This will depend on the horse trading now going on.

For one, the pinks that now number three have one common position with the senators of the administration and that is their opposition to the Dutertes.

A lot may also depend on how the new Senate will be constituted.

Will there be a change in leadership?

The next few weeks should tell us that.

Unfortunately, with all these going on, tackling our current national problems will now take a back seat.

Legislations on how to improve the lives of Filipinos and our continuing problem with our giant neighbor, China, with regard to WPS will have to wait.

In an unexpected turn of events, however, PBBM in an interview a few days ago surprisingly offered an olive branch to all political opponents to sit down with him to see if some kind of

These core values appear to have been completely thrown out of the window by certain people in the key agency of the Department of Migrant Workers. Hence, Secretary Hans Leo Cac-

We hope the probers dig deeper as this appears to be nothing less than a clear case of plunder

dac recently dismissed OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio from his post, pointing out that the latter did not resign but was fired “due to

an agreement can be reached for the benefit of the people they serve.

As he said in that interview, the people are tired of politics. All that they want he said is for elected officials to prioritize the people.

But with the Vice President saying she is hoping for a bloodbath during the impeachment hearing, it is doubtful whether the Duterte camp would even care.

They are riding high and smelling blood and cannot seem to wait for 2028.

They sure are in a hurry.

Even the sister of the President who is allied with the Dutertes gave an interview thanking FPRRD and the Vice President for winning a Senate seat which was weird.

It is, therefore, highly unlikely that there would be any kind of modus vivendi between the two sides anytime soon.

Still, PBBM can try to persuade the other minor parties that seem to have unexpectedly performed very well in

loss of trust and confidence.”

At the center of the controversy is a 1.5-hectare property beside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, a location deemed unsuitable for development due to its proximity to the airport’s runway and existing tenants. The whistleblowers claimed records at the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Registry of Deeds were manipulated as a CGT transaction, reducing the tax liability by ₱84 million.

At a recent news forum, new OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan pledged to conduct a full audit, seek legal opinion from the Department of Justice, and coordinate with the Commission on Audit as part of their investigation.

We await the result of this investigation, and hope the probers dig deeper as this appears to be nothing less than a clear case of plunder.

the elections to agree to some kind of an arrangement with the administration.

What seems to be the most likely political scenario that we will be seeing, however, would be a lot of more infighting because this early, preparations for the 2028 national elections has unbelievably already started.

This brings us to the role of polling companies that conduct surveys in future elections.

They are one of the biggest losers in the elections with their credibility badly tarnished and we still have not heard anything from them.

Were they dead wrong in all their predictions or did they think there was some kind of Hocus Pocus that went on?

This is because the results did not even come close to their predictions. They need to reestablish their relevance in predicting future elections if they want to continue operating. It would be nice to hear from them.

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon of an internet troll on a surfboard. The troll looks like a mutant boar with huge snout. It has a giant nose ring labeled ‘troll farms.’ The troll has spindly hair, tusks. It is colored green with hideous pus-ridden scales. It is wearing an ugly pair of green shorts with a symbol of a fist bump at the side. It is on a surfboard labeled ‘fake news.’ It is riding a giant red wave with innards. It is labeled ‘SARA’s BLOODBATH PROMISE.’

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025

IN BRIEF

Severe drought strains wildlife in Florida

PEMBROKE PINES – At Everglades

National Park in Florida, severe drought dries up not only the habitat that wildlife depends on, but the tourism industry in the largest wetland in the United States.

Tour operator Marshall Jones, who owns seven airboats in the southern region where his family settled five generations ago, says his operation is quite literally grounded.

One boat now rests in the dry bed of a canal.

“A lot of the species of wildlife rely on water to survive. Right now, there’s very little to no water within the Everglades, except for man-made waterways,” said the 46-year-old owner of Mack’s Fish Camp on the Miami River.

Lack of rainfall in the Everglades has a dramatic impact on the local ecosystem, which is home to more than 2,000 animal and plant species. AFP

G7 talks ‘optimistic’ despite trade turmoil

BANFF, Canada – Canada’s Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne expressed cautious optimism Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time) at the start of a G7 finance leaders’ gathering in his country, even as the advanced economies grapple with fallout from trade turbulence. His comments came as finance ministers and central bank governors of the Group of Seven economies -- the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Canada -- meet for three days in Banff, in western Canada.

As he prepared to welcome his counterparts, Champagne told AFP the world’s economies are at a crucial moment in history, adding that Canada’s priority in its G7 presidency is to “restore stability and growth.”

“The G7 has always been at the heart of major global issues, and it’s up to us to take up this challenge,” he said in an interview.

The unity of the G7 has been shaken since Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January, with the US president unleashing punishing tariffs on allies and adversaries alike. AFP

Australian chopper crash due to ‘pilot disorientation’

SYDNEY – An Australian military helicopter crash that killed all four crew members was caused by the pilots becoming disoriented, a report found Wednesday.

Four military aircrew were on board the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter when it plunged into the sea close to the Whitsunday Islands during a multinational military drill on the night of July 28, 2023. The chopper had been taking part in the Talisman Sabre exercise, which brings together 30,000 military personnel from Australia, the United States and several other nations.

Australia’s Defence Flight Safety Bureau report found the helicopter was waiting to land, flying in a holding pattern with “degraded” viability. During this time, the pilots “almost certainly lost visual sight” of the other aircraft.

The helicopter began an “inadvertent and unrecognized climb” to 110 meters before it crashed into the ocean.

The main reason for the crash was “a loss of spatial orientation”, also known as spatial disorientation, the report found. AFP

Flood victims stranded on roofs overnight

SYDNEY – Fast-moving floodwaters rose Wednesday in eastern Australia, inundating homes and leaving residents stranded on their roofs overnight, as authorities warned more rain was expected in coming days. Storms have already dumped more than four months’ of rain in just two days in parts of New South Wales, engulfing homes, businesses and roads in muddy waters, authorities said.

“We have a situation where the rain has been falling quite heavily and hard and it has not been moving away. Part of that is because the ground is saturated and the rivers are swollen,” the state’s emergency minister Jihad Dib told reporters.

Taree, about 300 kilometers north of Sydney, is a key area of concern for emergency services after 415 millimeters of rain lashed the town since Monday -more than four times the mean monthly rainfall for May. Authorities said that water levels of a river in Taree surged past a previous record in 1929, reaching 6.3 meters on Wednesday. The rising floodwaters left locals stuck on roofs overnight, with rescuers unable to reach them due to the bad weather.

Taree resident Holly Pillotto, who was among those stranded on an upper level of her home, said she was desperate for assistance as floodwaters continued to rise. AFP

Trump unveils plans for ‘Golden Dome’ missile shield setup for US

WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald

Trump has announced new details and initial funding for his “Golden Dome” missile shield system, with geopolitical rival China accusing Washington on Wednesday of undermining global stability.

Trump on Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time) announced $25 billion earmarked for the project, which he said could eventually cost a total of around $175 billion and would be operational in about three years. Beijing hit back Wednesday, denouncing Golden Dome as a threat to international security and accusing the United

States of fueling an arms race.

“In the campaign I promised the American people I would build a cuttingedge missile defense shield,” Trump said at the White House on Tuesday.

“Today I am pleased to announce we have officially selected architecture for this state-of-the-art system.”

“Once fully constructed, the Golden

Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world, and even if they are launched from space,” Trump said.

“This is very important for the success and even survival of our country.”

He said US Space Force General Michael Guetlein will lead the effort, and that Canada has expressed interest in being part of it as “they want to have protection also.”

While Trump put the total price at about $175 billion, the Congressional Budget Office has estimated the cost of space-based interceptors to defeat a limited number of intercontinental ballistic missiles at between $161 billion and $542 billion over 20 years.

Golden Dome has more expansive goals, with Trump saying it “will deploy

Polar bear biopsies to shed light on pollutants in new research

NORWAY – With one foot braced on the helicopter’s landing skid, a veterinarian lifted his air rifle, took aim and fired a tranquilizer dart at a polar bear.

The predator bolted but soon slumped into the snowdrifts, its broad frame motionless beneath the Arctic sky.

The dramatic pursuit formed part of a pioneering research mission in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, where scientists, for the first time, took fat tissue biopsies from polar bears to study the impact of pollutants on their health.

The expedition came at a time when the Arctic region was warming at four times the global average, putting mounting pressure on the iconic predators as their sea-ice habitat shrank.

“The idea is to show as accurately as possible how the bears live in the wild -- but in a lab,” Laura Pirard, a Belgian toxicologist, told AFP.

“To do this, we take their (fatty) tissue, cut it in very thin slices and expose it to

the stresses they face, in other words pollutants and stress hormones,” said Pirard, who developed the method.

Moments after the bear collapsed, the chopper circled back and landed. Researchers spilled out, boots crunching on the snow.

One knelt by the bear’s flank, cutting thin strips of fatty tissue. Another drew blood.

Each sample was sealed and labelled before the bear was fitted with a satellite collar.

Scientists said that while the study monitors all the bears, only females were tracked with GPS collars as their necks are smaller than their heads -- unlike males, who cannot keep a collar on for more than a few minutes.

For the scientists aboard the Norwegian Polar Institute’s research vessel Kronprins Haakon, these fleeting encounters were the culmination of months of planning and decades of Arctic fieldwork. AFP

next-generation technologies across the land, sea and space, including spacebased sensors and interceptors.” Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, speaking alongside Trump, said the system is aimed at protecting “the homeland from cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, drones, whether they’re conventional or nuclear.”

The plan’s Golden Dome name stems from Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system that has intercepted thousands of short-range rockets and other projectiles since it went into operation in 2011.

The United States faces various missile threats from adversaries, but they differ significantly from the short-range weapons that Israel’s Iron Dome is designed to counter. AFP

Afghan capital losing race vs. water lack

KABUL – Every week, Bibi Jan scrapes together some of her husband’s meager daily wage to buy precious water from rickshaw-drawn tankers that supply residents of Afghanistan’s increasingly parched capital. Kabul faces a looming water crisis, driven by unruly and rapid urbanisation, mismanagement over years of conflict, and climate change, meaning people like Bibi Jan are sometimes forced to choose between food and water.

“When my children have only tea for a few days, they say, ‘You bought water and nothing for us’,” the 45-year-old housewife told AFP, describing reusing her supplies for bathing, dishes and laundry.

Experts have long sounded the alarm over Kabul’s water problems, which are worsening even as many international players have backed off big infrastructure projects and slashed funding to Afghanistan since the Taliban government took power in 2021.

“There could be no ground water in Kabul by 2030” without urgent action, the UN children’s agency UNICEF warned last year.

Other experts are more cautious, citing limited consistent and reliable data, but say the situation is clearly deteriorating.

A 2030 cliff is a “worst-case scenario”, said water resources management expert Assem Mayar. But even if slated development projects are completed in a few years, it “doesn’t mean the situation would become better than now”, Mayar said. AFP

Season 88 host UST ready to tackle venue challenges

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines President Atty. Angelo

“Jijil” Jimenez, chairman of UAAP Season 87, has officially turned over the hosting responsibilities for UAAP Season 88 to Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P. and University of Santo Tomas.

The ceremonial turnover took place during the grand closing event of Season 87, which featured the muchanticipated Streetdance Competition, the awarding of the season’s General Champions, and the recognition of the five Athletes of the Year. With the theme “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” Jimenez formally entrusted the next season’s hosting to UST. Fr. Ang, who was installed for a second consecutive term as UST Rector in September 2024, acknowledged the responsibility of hosting the UAAP once again. This marks the university’s return as host since Season 79 in 2016.

With the theme “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” UST hopes to highlight the relentless spirit of student-athletes striving to go beyond their limits, celebrating enduring discipline and the uniting power of sports.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the University of the Philippines, our host for Season 87. Your leadership made this particular season not only well-organized, but also meaningful and anchored on values that shape not just athletes, but the entire UAAP community,” Ang said. “Now, the University of Santo Tomas humbly steps into this role as the host of UAAP Season 88. We accept this chal-

lenge, and with open arms, we invite everyone—students, alumni, families, and sports enthusiasts of all schools— to once again rally behind your colors. Let us fill arenas with chants, uplift athletes with cheers, and bring pride to our schools. Let the spirit of camaraderie and unity continue to move us forward together.”

According to Fr. Rodel Cansancio, UST’s Institute of Physical Education and Athletics Director, Season 88 is tentatively set to open in the third week of September.

The university will hold the Opening Ceremony on its campus, a longstanding tradition whenever UST takes on the hosting mantle.

However, the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship 2025 in September and the Southeast Asian Games from December 9 to 20 in Thailand are expected to pose scheduling challenges to the traditional UAAP calendar.

The worlds will use the Smart Araneta

Jordan Brand, Titan take Pinoy Streetball to greater heights with DAYO23 2025

RIDING on the intense popularity of street basketball during the summer, Jordan Brand and TITAN are bringing back DAYO23.

This two-day invitational streetball tournament aims to bring together a diverse community of hoopers, artists and basketball lovers in a high-energy weekend under one roof. The event will return to its home – the iconic basketball court located under Mabini Bridge in the middle of a bustling neighborhood in Barangay 830 in Manila, on May 24 and 25, 2025. The refurbished court will serve as the battleground for 5-on-5 basketball games played with pure passion as only the game is played in city streets – all-out, raw and full of swag.

The best of the best streetball teams from all over the Philippines will show up for the competition. Teams from Cebu, Biñan, Laguna; Cainta, Rizal; Davao City and two of the most authentic basketball communities in social media will compete in the men’s division. A team headlined by Gilas players and for-

mer UAAP standouts, together with female ballers from Davao and Cebu make up the women’s division. In addition to the 5-on-5 games, there will be a 1-on-1 tournament featuring top Filipino streetballers aged 18 and below, live performances by the biggest names in Filipino hip-hop, appearances by Jordan Brand athletes, music by local DJs and the Baller Room crew, street food and summer drinks. In partnership with Titan, Jordan Brand will also set up a DAYO23 Hoopbus Jeepney, where they will release exclusive Dayo23 tees and give fans the opportunity to trial the Luka .77 in the activation space.

The Jordan Brand continues to live up to its commitment of serving the country’s youth by growing local basketball and providing access to the vibrant and diverse Filipino basketball culture. Register for DAYO23 2025 now to witness all the streetball magic. Click this link to sign up—spots are limited!

Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena as game venues while the Playtime Filoil Centre, Philsports Arena, Rizal Memorial Coliseum, and Ninoy Aquino Stadium are the training venues. That is why UST is looking at holding the first few games of the collegiate basketball tournaments at the Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena and the newly-renovated Blue Eagle Gym.

“Tinitingnan namin ‘yung first week of the season kasi we are planning to hold the opening on a weekday,” said Season 88 president Fr. Cansancio.

“So ‘yung first week of the basketball tournament, since hindi available yung Araneta at MOA, we are looking at either UST (Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena) and Ateneo (Blue Eagle Gym) for the games during that time.”

Still, UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag remains confident in the league’s ability to adapt—much like it did in Season 82 during the country’s hosting of the 30th SEA Games.

Denice Zamboanga wields a double-edged sword

“TO whom much is given, much is required.” As the days go by, Denice Zamboanga is beginning to embrace the full weight of that truth in her role as the fully recognized ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion.

The 28-year-old from Quezon City officially ascended to the throne after Stamp Fairtex vacated the title. Their highly anticipated unification bout, originally sched-

uled for August 1 at Ball Arena in Denver, was called off when the Thai megastar reinjured her surgically repaired knee, leaving Zamboanga as the division’s sole titleholder.

Now, the mantle falls squarely on Zamboanga’s shoulders — to represent a division once ruled by beloved predecessors like Stamp and Angela Lee. And so far, “The Menace” is embracing her moment. She’s made public appearances, secured endorsement deals, and carved her name into history as the first Filipina to hold a major world title in mixed martial arts.

But with the spotlight shining brightly outside the cage, the deeper challenge is only beginning to surface: Zamboanga’s reign is not

without its shadows.

There’s no question that she worked tirelessly to earn her spot. Still, whispers linger — that the intricately crafted belt was not won in battle but granted by default. For now, that’s a perception she must confront head-on, especially as she steps into a legacy built by champions known for earning their crowns the hard way. Zamboanga must work twice as hard to silence the doubts. It’s an uphill battle, but not one beyond reach — especially with a compelling list of challengers already forming. No. 2 contender Ayaka Miura looms large, riding a four-fight win streak, three by submission. Strawweight champion Xiong Jing Nan, fresh off a win over ranked contender Meng

PPS juniors’ tennis begins Mindanao leg on Thursday

THE PPS-PEPP National Juniors Tennis Circuit kicks off its Mindanao swing with an exciting Group 2 tournament that begins today (Thursday) at the RGS and Mibang courts in Zamboanga del Norte.

Sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association, the five-day event will showcase the region’s top young talents and promising new faces in the sport. With nearly 150 participants set to compete, the tournament promises a thrilling battle of power, strategy, and endurance as players vie for ranking points and titles across multiple age divisions.

Leading the charge in the girls’ 18-and-under division are standout players Izabelle Camcam and Alanierose Saldia, both considered strong contenders for the title. They will be challenged by top competitors Catherine Cuarto and Princess Lomarda. Camcam, a student at Brent International School Manila, also headlines the 16-and-U category, where she faces tough competition from Gabrielle Bulado, Kyth Solis and Cuarto in the tournament held as part of the ongoing nationwide talent-scouting efforts led by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro.

On the boys’ side, fans can expect fierce action from a power-packed lineup that includes Andrei Esick, Vincent Nadal, John Patrick Rabaya and Gil Niere. Nadal is also a strong presence in the 16-and-U group, where he will be joined by Kennedy Gumera, Nathan Cortes, Prince Centino, Laurence Revil and Gil Niere. In the 14-and-U girls’ division, Farrah Rigodon, Bless Labadisos, Rain Cuarto and Bulado are among the favorites. The Niere brothers, Pete and Gil, will headline the boys’ roster in the same age group, bringing sibling rivalry and teamwork into play in the tournament supported by Universal Tennis and ICON Golf and Sports. The 12-and-U girls’ competition will likely come down to a face-off between Rigodon and Aizelle Libonfacil, while Pete and Enzo Niere are expected to shine in the boys’ draw, alongside Shaun Navidad and Andrei Buhat.

Quezon wins; Pasig, Batangas climb in MPBL

THE Quezon Huskers proved more proficient long-range shooters than the Valenzuela City Magic and prevailed, 75-55, on Tuesday in Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season at the Olivarez College Gym in Paranaque City. Led by Joshua Yerro, who went a perfect 4 of 4 from rainbow territory, and Judel Fuentes, who made 2 of 2, the Huskers drilled in nine of 19 triple tries that swamped the Magic, who could only sink 3 of 19 attempts. Smarting from the 82-88 defeat it suffered against Pampanga on May 10, Quezon Province led throughout and by as far as 75-55 en route to a 9-2 record in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.

Bo, could also be in the mix. And of course, there’s unfinished business with Ham Seo Hee, who owns two victories over Zamboanga. Right now, Zamboanga may be holding the crown with a doubleedged sword in hand. But if she meets the demand, turn skeptics into believers, and conquers the challengers ahead, she won’t just be seen as the woman who inherited the throne. She will be remembered as the woman who earned it — and ruled it with undeniable authority. And when that day comes, there will be no asterisks — only exclamation points. (For comments or questions, reach the author at nissi.icasiano@ gmail.com or visit his Facebook page

Yerro, a 6-foot-1 high-flyer from Adamson, finished with 14 points and two rebounds to clinch best player honors over Judel Fuentes, who posted 13 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, and JP Sarao, who chalked up 10 points and 6 rebounds.

Valenzuela tasted a fifth straight loss and tumbled to 3-9 as only Jan Formento struck back with 19 points and 3 rebounds. The Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters notched a wire-to-wire 7560 victory over the Sarangani Gripper and returned to the upper half of the standings with a 6-5 card.

Powered by Cedrick Ablaza, Levi Hernandez and John Ambulodto, Batangas surged to a 42-24 halftime spread, which Sarangani couldn’t recover. Hernandez posted 20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, Ambulodto 11 points plus 6 rebounds, Jeckster Apinan 9 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and Mark Niel Cruz 9 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

UST officials formally accepts the hosting of the UAAP Season 88.

DAYO23 brings together a diverse community of hoopers, artists and basketball lovers in a high-energy weekend under one roof.

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

MMA on rise again in PH, says Adiwang

THERE’S a renaissance happening in Philippine MMA and Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang is all here for it.

The SOMA Fight Club fighter believes that mixed martial arts in the country is on the rise once more with ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio and ONE Atomweight MMA World Champion Denice Zamboanga leading the way.

“With the way things are going today, we can say that this is really the resurgence of Philippine MMA,” Adiwang said.

“We’ve been building momentum over the past few months, and it’s time to rise once more.”

But it’s not only the champions who are making waves. Adiwang noted the young fighters competing in the ONE Friday Fights circuit, including the two who will compete at ONE Friday Fights 109 this May 23 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Team Lakay’s Jean Saclag faces Turkmenistan’s Shazada Ataev in a flyweight battle while Marwin Quirante meets Russia’s Torepchi Dongak in a three-round strawweight bout.

What makes Adiwang excited is how despite everything that happened over the past few years, things are still looking up for mixed martial arts in the country.

The departures opened doors for fighters like Saclag in Team Lakay to step up, and Adiwang is happy about it.

“After everything that happened, the losses, the drama, the departures and what not, we’re still producing great fighters,” Adiwang said.

In-form Eala braces for Paris Open debut

THE AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Manila, the highly popular global series of running events that combines fitness with entertainment, gets a major upgrade this year as top sports brand ASICS steps in as presenting sponsor, promising to elevate the event from iconic to unforgettable.

“This alliance with ASICS isn’t just a sponsorship – it’s an upgrade,” said Princess Galura, president and general manager of Sunrise Events Inc., the organizing force behind the local leg of this global running phenomenon, now gearing up for its fourth season on Nov. 30. “Together, we’re transforming race day into a festival of movement, music and Manila’s unstoppable spirit.”

The Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series is no ordinary run. Held in cities like Las Vegas, Madrid, and Tokyo, it’s part concert, part race – and all heart. The Manila edition captures the city’s vibrant spirit with live music stages, themed water stations, costumed cheer squads and finish-line medals that double as keepsakes.

Whether you’re sprinting through a 5K, 10K, half-marathon or grinding

Eala, who is making waves with her phenomenal performance this year, improved one spot to No. 69 in the World Tennis Association Singles rankings, and leapfrogged to No. 224 in the doubles. She improved by one spot after spending the previous two weeks ranked 70th in the world.

The Filipina tennis star, who will celebrate her 20th birthday on Friday, improved even after a first-round exit at the Italian Open.

Eala made a giant leap of 232 notches in the doubles to climb to 224th.

Rodriguez vows to defend 2 Palaro titles

By Peter Atencio

JERALYN Rodriguez of the National Capital Region showed how serious she is in defending her crowns in the coming 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.

The 17-year-old Rodriguez got upbeat of her chances after beating national team mainstay Bernalyn Bejoy in the women’s 400-meter run of the recent National Open in Capas, Tarlac.

“It’s very exciting and I felt pressured, because I was competing against a member of the national team,” said Rodriguez, who is seeking to retain her titles in the secondary women’s 400-meter and 800-meter run when she steps on

the oval of the Ferdinand Marcos Stadium next week.

During the National Open, Rodriguez, an 11th grader, finished the 400-meter run in 55.67 seconds, with Bejoy behind at 55.98 seconds.

Her clocking in the national open was below the Palaro mark of 56.28 seconds, which Jessel Lumapas set back in 2018.

Though Rodriguez did not run the finals of the 800 meters, she still remains confident that she she can outrun Bohot standout Emely Balunan, who won the gold in the women’s under-18 event in the open.

Calamba City and Calabarzon bet Lorraine Batalla is her main rival in the 400-meter action of the Palarong Pambansa.

Rock ’n’ Roll Manila sets for a race like no other

Another good podium finish in the Palarong Pambansa will be a good motivation for her to seek a slot in the national team, according to Rodriguez.

The 65th edition of the games, considered as the country’s premier sports event at the elementary and high school level, will begin in Ilocos Norte on May 24 with the theme, “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan” (United Archipelago).

Some 15,000 delegates are coming, including student-athletes, coaches and officials from 20 athletic associations of the county’s 18 regions. Participants include those in the National Academy of Sports, and the Philippine Schools Overseas, who will participate in 34 sports.

through a full marathon, every step is powered by high energy and big smiles.

Participants will receive unique finisher medals designed with the event’s theme and location, adding to the commemorative value of the experience.

Meanwhile, the partnership with ASICS brings together two forces with a shared mission: to inspire people to move, live fully and celebrate community.

ASICS’ “Sound Mind, Sound Body” philosophy is a natural fit for the Rock ’n’ Roll Series’ vision of holistic wellness – where running isn’t just about pace and performance, but also passion, connection and joy.

The upcoming series, bolstering the world-famous run-party with fresh tech, louder beats, and an even bigger celebration of Manila’s running community, is expected to draw thousands of runners and spectators to the streets of the capital for an unforgettable weekend of running, music and entertainment.

For more information and registration details, visit www.runrocknroll. com/manila.

Alex and world no. 2 Coco Gauff, a wild-card pair who teamed up for the first time, reached the quarterfinals of the recent Italian Open, where they lost in a tight three-setter to eventual champions Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani of Italy. Eala was in Mallorca, Spain before departing for Paris for the French Open. The world No. 70 will turn 20 years old on May 23, two days before her debut at the Roland Garros main draw.

She heads into Paris as a rising contender who has had quite a breakout year so far. Just in 2025 alone, she has defeated three Top 10 opponents in the same event, became the first Filipina to reach the semi-finals of a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 1000 event, and catapulted to a career-high women’s singles ranking of World No. 69— making her the highest-ranked Filipina to do so.

By Dennis Abrina

THE defending champion Perpetual

Help Junior Lady Altas shoot for a return trip to the finals in the volleyball tournament of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The Junior Lady Altas, who finished the elims with a 6-0 record, will face no. 4 Lyceum of the Philippine University-GenTri (3-3 win loss) on Thursday at Arellano University Gym in Legarda, Manila. Meanwhile, the 2nd-ranked Arellano University Baby Chiefs and the Emilio Aguinaldo College Lady Brigadiers face off in the other semifinal pairing.

Meanwhile, coach Sandy Rieta’s junior Altas, who finished the elims unscatched at 9-0, will face no. 4 Arellano University (6-3 win-loss slate). No. 2-ranked Letran takes on no. 3 Mapua in the other semis battle.

The Junior Altas and Junior Lady Altas Spikers swept their elims assignments as they both clinched twice-to-beat advantages, needing to win just once in the semis to advance to the Best-of-Three Finals starting on May 29.

The Perpetual Junior Altas crushed the defending champion Mapua Red Robins in the final playdate of the #NCAASeason100 Juniors’ Volleyball Tournament in 2 sets, 25-23, 25-13 in just 45 minutes of play at the Arellano U gym in Pasay City last Monday.

Gabriel Macatuno finished with a game-high 10 points, while Zyro Ornos and Nathan Ciriaco added 9 and 7 (respectively). John Lat and Resty Santos 5 pts apiece. With the win, they completed a 9-0 win loss record, which qualifies them for their first twice-to-beat advantage in the next round.

ILIPINA tennis sensation Alex Eala will be making her debut at the 2025 Roland Garros this Sunday in her best form, at

Lito Adiwang

Jeralyn Rodriguez in action

Kabir Buxani (second from left), director of SONAK Corp., and Princess Galura, president and general manager of Sunrise Events Inc., sign the contract naming ASICS the presenting sponsor of the 2025 AIA Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Manila. With them are Diego Vergel de Dios (left), Brand Communication Executive, ASICS Philippines, and SEI’s Atty. Santi Polido.

BIR simplifies VAT refund claim process

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it streamlined the documentary requirements for value-added tax (VAT) refund claims, in line with the CREATE MORE Act. The CREATE MORE Act, also known as Republic Act (RA) No. 12066, prompted the BIR to issue Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 37-2025 on April 10, 2025. The circular specifically addresses VAT refund claims under Section 112 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, as amended.

“The BIR, together with the government’s legislative and executive branch, is committed to improving and simplifying the necessary documentation and processing requirements for future VAT and other tax refund claims to better serve the taxpaying public,” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said in a statement. A significant change allows the submission of certified copies of invoices or receipts for sales and purchases, replacing the previous requirement for original copies. These certified copies should be verified by an authorized official or employee of the claimant, whether it’s a corporation, partnership or sole proprietorship.

The new guidelines also reduce documentary requirements by three, eliminating the need for proofs of registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission or Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and copies of Import Entry and Internal Revenue Declarations (IEIRD)/Informal Import Declaration and Entry or Single Administrative Document.

Aboitiz Infra gains OPS for Iloilo water supply

By Othel V. Campos

ABOITIZ InfraCapital (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, is moving forward with its plans to secure long-term water sustainability in Iloilo City and the whole province after receiving original proponent status (OPS) for its proposed Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project.

OPS was awarded to AIC in a ceremony

Iloilo City Hall on May 15, 2025, marking a key milestone

public-private

“This is a major step forward in strengthening Iloilo’s water security and infrastructure resilience. We are honored by the city’s trust given to us through the OPS, and we are committed

to working closely with our partners to co-create a future-ready water system for all Ilonggos,” said AIC president and chief executive Cosette Canilao.

OPS is granted to a proponent of an unsolicited proposal following successful negotiations with the implementing agency.

The process now enters the Swiss Challenge stage, where other qualified parties may submit competing proposals, ensuring transparency and competitiveness.

AIC’s proposed project involves diverting water from a raw source through an intake facility, treating it to potable standards and distributing it to city off-takers.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH) said it is investing P1.7 billion to build a new venue for trade and exhibitions at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex in Pasay City.

The project, called SMX Center for International Trade and Exhibitions (SMXCITE), aims to expand the company’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) portfolio.

The project is expected to be com-

pleted by the first quarter of 2027.

SMXCITE will offer more than 18,000 square meters of leasable trade hall space, doubling the current size of SMX Convention Center Manila. The new facility will have two buildings that can each host over 18,000 guests. It is designed for international trade shows, product launches, corporate gatherings and large consumer events. Together with SMX Manila, the expansion project will offer more than 35,000 square meters of total space, enhancing the MOA Complex’s

By Alena Mae S. Flores SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday

called for an inquiry into the competitive landscape of the power industry as part of efforts to ensure a reliable electricity supply and bring down costs.

“Despite the mandate of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 [EPIRA] and the Philippine Competition Act (PCA) to promote competition among industries, the power sector remains essentially controlled by major business groups and the cost of electricity in the country remains high,” Gatchalian said in a statement as he filed Senate Resolution 1353.

5% to 7% $31.6 billion 1.6 million

Call centers eye 7% growth amid AI-led slowdown in hiring activities

THE Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) expects a modest industry growth of 5 percent to 7 percent in 2025, with revenue expected to remain strong even as job growth slows due to the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence.

CCAP president Haidee Enriquez said in a news briefing Wednesday that while the industry remains confident in hitting its targets, the pace of employment growth is tapering as companies shift toward automation and higher-value services.

“The slowdown in headcount growth is due to tech adoption, but our members are moving toward more complex, high-value work,” Enriquez said.

“We are very, very confident of hitting our targets,” she said.

appeal for global exhibitions and business events.

Once finished, SMPH’s convention space will total nearly 60,000 square meters across eight venues in the country. These include SMX Aura in Taguig, SMX Bacolod, SMX Davao, SMX Clark, SMX Olongapo, Sky Hall Seaside Cebu and Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall.

SMXCITE will also include features that save energy such as the use of natural daylight. This follows the sustainability goals set by SMX Manila.

“If only a few control the industry, how can we ensure the cheapest electricity?” he said. The vice chairperson of the Senate Energy Committee said the current market share distribution and crossownership between generation companies, retail electricity suppliers and distribution utilities could undermine consumer welfare as economic concentration is likely to stifle competition or manipulate the disciplines of free markets. He said the Philippines has the second highest residential rate among member economies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

Based on the industry’s 2024 revenue of $31.6 billion, the projected 5 percent to 7 percent increase would translate into an additional $1.58 billion to $2.21 billion this year. Contact centers remain the single largest contributor to the broader IT and business process management (IT-BPM) sector, accounting for 83 percent of total revenues.

Enriquez said that while the ITBPM industry generated $38 billion in revenues in 2024, 1.6 million of the 1.82 million full-time employees (FTEs) were in the contact center segment, “an indication of the sector’s dominance but also a signal that headcount expansion is starting to slow down.”

“Some companies are taking a more cautious approach to AI adoption. There were announcements of potential workforce reductions last year, but those didn’t materialize. What we’re seeing now is slower, more deliberate growth,” Enriquez said. She said revenue continues to climb as companies transition to high-complexity service delivery, particularly in healthcare, global capability centers (GCCs) and digital customer experience. Othel V. Campos

The Iloilo City government awards Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) the original proponent status for the Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Public-Private Partnership (PPP) proposal. Attending the event are (from left) AIC first vice president and head of investments Frocks Roque, AIC vice president and head of water business Eduardo Aboitiz, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, AIC president and chief executive Cosette Canilao and Iloilo City PPP Office head David Abraham Garcia.

LIVELIHOOD BAZAAR. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma (second from right), along with Undersecretaries Felipe Egargo Jr. and Warren Miclat and DOLE Organic Employees Association (OEA) president Maria Teresa Cabance), leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open the two-day DOLE livelihood bazaar along General Luna Street in Intramuros, Manila, on May 15, 2025.

PULILAN HOUSING. The Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC), in partnership with the local government of Pulilan, Bulacan, launches the MOM’s Ville housing project under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program on May 16, 2025 at the Bukid Government Center in Barangay Peñabatan. Led by SHFC president and chief executive Federico Laxa and Pulilan Mayor Maria Rosario Ochoa-Montejo, the event marked the start of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s flagship housing initiative in Pulilan, aimed at providing affordable, inclusive and resilient housing for residents, including low-income households.

The

in a well-managed

partnership (PPP) process.

PH stock market rebounded on bargain hunting

By Jenniffer B. Austria

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rebounded on Wednesday as investors started to look for bargains after five straight trading days of decline.

The PSEi finished at 6,375.35 up 40.02 points or 0.63 percent while the wider all shares index closed at 3,737.94, higher by 17.37 points or 0.47 percent.

“The local market’s sideways movement ended in positive territory on the back of bargain hunting. Appreciation of corporate fundamentals helped in the rise,” Philstocks Financial Inc. said in a report.

Trading activity also picked up as value turnover reached P5.67 billion, which was above the year-to-date average of P5.55 billion.

However, foreign investors continued to exit the market, with net outflows totaling P287.34 million.

Sector performances were mixed. Mining and oil stocks rose by 4.65 percent followed by holding firms which climbed 1.35 percent. On the other hand, the property sector fell the most, declining by 0.60 percent.

Bank of the Philippine Islands emerged as the top index gainer, rising by 4.27 percent to P136.70. On the other hand, China Banking Corp. dropped 6.36 percent to P76.50 apiece.

Meanwhile, crude prices rallied Wednesday following a report that US intelligence suggested Israel was planning a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, which would send geopolitical tensions into overdrive and fuel regional conflict fears.

While safe haven gold pushed almost two percent higher, the news from CNN appeared to be having little detrimental effect on Asian equities, with most extending the previous day’s rally.Still, investors are keeping tabs on China-US relations after Beijing hit out at Washington’s “bullying” over chip export controls, just over a week after the two sides dialed down trade tensions by temporarily slashing eye-watering tit-for-tat tariffs.

Both main crude contracts jumped more than one percent after CNN reported multiple US officials as saying the government had received intelligence indicating Israel was preparing to target Iranian atomic facilities.

There are fears that such a sharp escalation could tip the Middle East into a war, with tensions already high over Israel’s strikes on Gaza.

US President Donald Trump said last week that “I think we’re getting close to maybe doing a deal” on Tehran’s nuclear program and then a day later called on the Islamic republic to “move quickly or something bad is going to happen.” With AFP

The missing rail loop and the unfinished common station

A workable common station to link the two rail systems is taking long to finish.

FORMER President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo way back in 2010 famously asked the question: “Where’s my loop?”

The former chief executive was referring to the loop, or the link connecting LRT-1 line with MRT-3 on EDSA. The loop and the common station would have integrated Metro Manila’s railway network and created seamless travel for thousands of Metro Mania commuters.

Mrs. Arroyo back then was optimistic of the loop. “By making it convenient because it’s O-shaped, you don’t have to go down and take another transport. You can go anywhere and get off anywhere, and you just take the transport for your final destination,” she said.

Over a decade and half later, the rail loop is nowhere to be found and the common station linking LRT-1 and MRT-3 remains a pipe dream.

The loop project and the integrated operations of the two railway systems appear to have encountered a road block. Former officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) cannot make up their minds on how to proceed with the integration.

But a workable common station to link the two rail systems is taking long to finish. Commuters still have to go down from the Fernando Poe Jr. (Roosevelt) station of LRT Line 1 and walk over or take a tricycle or jeepney ride for the one-kilometer distance to the North Avenue station of MRT Line 3.

The then Department of Transportation and Communications (the predecessor of the DOTr) in 2011 attempted to bid out an operations and maintenance contract for the two lines.

More than 24 companies expressed interest to bid, including Ayala Corp., Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) of Indonesia’s Salim Group, Bombardier Transportation, CAF, DMCI Holdings Inc. and Sumitomo Corp. The DOTr halted the auction process and later shelved it.

MPIC revived the proposal to integrate the LRT Line 1 and MRT Line 3 in June 2024. The current DOTr endorsed MPIC’s offer to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center.

The loop is viable only if the common station is available. But the latter is far from finished.

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS MEETING OF ALLIED CARE EXPERTS (ACE) MEDICAL CENTER-BUTUAN INC.

Dear Stockholders:

Some technical issues are also delaying the project implementation. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) offered its help and recommended the interoperability of the two lines. The two trains would start from Monumento before turning back to the mainline of LRT-1 at Pasay Rotonda.

Feasibility tests were conducted with LRT-1 trains visiting the MRT 3 depot facilities and running on the entire line.

The DOTr just last week terminated the contract of BF Corp. and Foresight Development and Surveying Co. (BFC-FDSC), a company founded by late Marikina Mayor Bayani Fernando. Th DOTr rescinded the deal to build the common station, known as the Unified Grand Central Station (Common Station) project, because of excessive construction delays.

Please take notice that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center - Butuan Inc. will be held on June 16,2025, Monday at 8:00 in the morning; the meeting will be conducted via Zoom Webinar. Kindly register thru the following link, on or before June 9, 2025 to enable you to participate in the meeting:

Bit.ly/acebutuan2025

The termination followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to speed up and finally complete the construction of the common station, which had been ongoing since 2009, to ease and reduce travel time for commuters.

The link will take you through the process of registration. You will receive a confirmation email once you have successfully registered in the platform, including the details and procedures in the conduct of the meeting.

The confirmation email will also contain a link and instructions for the online voting which will be conducted via an online platform. The meeting shall be recorded (visual and audio) for future reference.

The Agenda:

I. Call to Order

I. Call to Order II. Invocation III. Determination of Quorum

Invocation

Determination of Quorum

IV. Welcome Message from the Chairman of the Board

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To All Stockholders:

To All Stockholders: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual meeting of the stockholders of ANGELES ELECTRIC CORPORATION will be conducted virtually on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 9:30 am, to discuss the following: AGENDA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual meeting of the stockholders of ANGELES ELECTRIC CORPORATION will be conducted virtually on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 9:30 am, to discuss the following: AGENDA

1. Call to

1. Call to Order

2. Certification of Notice and Quorum

3. Approval of the Minutes of the 2024 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting

4. Chairman’s Message and Annual Report of the President

5. Ratification of the Audited Financial Statements

6. Ratification of the Acts of the Board of Directors and of Management

7. Election of Directors for the Ensuing Year

8. Appointment of External Auditors

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the common station, which also seeks to link LRT-1, MRT-3 and MRT-7 of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., could have already benefited commuters if not for the construction delay.

The P2.8-billion station features a 13,700-square meter concourse area, which will seamlessly interconnect the rail lines of LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7 and the much-awaited Metro Manila Subway.

The Common Station project has been stalled since 2009 but former Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade settled the dispute on the location leading to its groundbreaking in September 2017. Another terminal

9. Approval of the Amendment of Article VI of the Amended Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of the directors from nine (9) to eleven (11)

10. Other Matters

to eleven (11)

10. Other Matters 11. Adjournment

Adjournment

11. Adjournment

NOTICE OF DEED

V. Reading and Approval of the Minutes of the Y2024 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting

VI. Presentation and Approval/Ratification of the Y2024 Annual Financial Statements

VII. President’s Report

V. Reading and Approval of the Minutes of the Y2024 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting VI. Presentation and Approval/Ratification of the Y2024 Annual Financial Statements VII. President’s Report

VII. President’s Report

VIII. Ratification of the Acts and Proceedings of the Board of Directors, Officers, and Management of the Corporation

IX. Election of the Board of Directors for Y2025-2026

X. Appointment of External Auditor for Y2025

XI. Adjournment

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on May 27, 2025 (Record Date) shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. If you cannot personally attend the meeting, you may opt to send your proxy to attend on your behalf. Kindly submit your duly executed proxy form with the undersigned via email at acebutuanasm2023@gmail.com not later than May 26, 2025, but preferably on or before June 1, 2024, to enable your proxy to register in the Zoom Webinar. The sample proxy form is available at the Corporation’s website, for your reference. [NOTE: Management is not soliciting proxies]

The Information Statement with the Management Report and SEC Form 17 -A are posted at the Corporation’s website at www. acebutuan.com.ph.

You may contact the undersigned via email atacebutuanasm2023@ gmail.com. or through telephone/mobile numbers: 0985 535 7801 if you have inquiries or concerns regarding the meeting.

MARIE ANTOINETTE DELLOSA

MARIE

(MS-MAY 21 & 22, 2025)

Please refer to Annex A of the Notice as posted in the company website http:// www.angeleselectric.com.ph/ for a brief discussion of, and rationale for, the above agenda items. For the purpose of this meeting, stockholders as of April 30, 2025 are entitled to notice and to vote in the said meeting. Since the meeting will be held in a fully virtual format, stockholders may only attend the meeting by remote communication, and may only vote in absentia or by appointing other individuals of the meeting as their proxy.

Please refer to Annex A of the Notice as posted in the company website http:// www.angeleselectric.com.ph/ for a brief discussion of, and rationale for, the above agenda items.

For the purpose of this meeting, stockholders as of April 30, 2025 are entitled to notice and to vote in the said meeting. Since the meeting will be held in a fully virtual format, stockholders may only attend the meeting by remote communication, and may only vote in absentia or by appointing other individuals of the meeting as

Stockholders

Stockholders intending to attend the meeting by remote communication should notify the Company not later than June 9, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. The procedures and details for participation and attendance in the

Stockholders of record as of April 30, 2025 owning at least 5% of the total outstanding capital stock of the Company should submit proposals on items for inclusion in the agenda on or before May 19, 2025.

Should you wish to ask any question or give any comments on the items in the agenda, you may send them by email to aec_asm@angeleselectric.com.ph on or before June 9, 2025 and this will be read and addressed by the Board of Directors during the meeting within the time allowed. Questions that could not be accommodated during the meeting will be responded to by email. The Information Statement and its attachments, minutes of the previous meeting of the stockholders, and other documents related to the meeting can be accessed through the company website http://www.angeleselectric.com.ph/. The meeting proceedings will be recorded in audio and video format, and the recorded copy shall be kept by the Company in accordance with the Revised Corporation Code and related regulations. Pasig

The Information Statement and its attachments, minutes of the previous meeting of the stockholders, and other documents related to the meeting can be accessed through the company website http://www.angeleselectric.com.ph/. The meeting proceedings will be recorded in audio and video format, and the recorded copy shall be kept by the Company in accordance with the Revised Corporation Code and related regulations. Pasig City, May 13, 2025.

BENEDICT R. TUGONON Corporate Secretary

M. Standard – May 21 & 22, 2025

BENEDICT R. TUGONON Corporate Secretary (Signed) BEATRIZ RAINE L. BAYUDAN Assistant Corporate Secretary

The DOTr, perhaps, should also revisit an alternative central station for bus and other public vehicles in the northern part of Metro Manila to improve the commuting experience of Filipinos. The project, dubbed the North Integrated Transport System, or North ITS Project, is supposed to remove the provincial bus terminals that have been choking traffic in major thoroughfares, including EDSA. But it is gathering dust. Secretary Dizon should prioritize the project and speed up its construction. The North ITS Project is a promising solution to Metro Manila’s traffic congestion.

(Signed) BEATRIZ RAINE L. BAYUDAN Assistant Corporate Secretary

rayenano@yahoo.com

SILAKBO RUNNERS. Monde Nissin runners cross the finish line at the 17th annual SILAKBO fun run, directly supporting S3R2 Foundation’s ongoing initiatives for watershed protection, water quality monitoring, and tree planting activities in the Silang-Santa Rosa region.

BUSINESS

THE Andresons Group Inc., an affiliate of Emperador Inc., has acquired 50 million common shares of the liquor company over the past two days, valued at P666 million.

Emperador said in a disclosure to the stock exchange that The Andresons Group bought 25 million shares each on May 19 and May 20, 2025, at P13.32 per share.

The purchases represent a combined 0.32 percent stake in Emperador Inc. Both The Andresons Group and Emperador are controlled by business tycoon Andrew Tan.

Both The Andersons Group and Emperador are controlled by business tycoon Andrew Tan.

Analysts said the move will strengthening Andrew Tan’s position in Emperador as the company ramps up its global expansion.

“This signifies Andrew Tan’s strong conviction in the business prospects of Emperador and perhaps a view that there is potentially significant upside from his acquisition price” China Bank Capital managing director Juan Paolo Colet said.

The firm earlier said it will further ramp up its global expansion, growing its vineyard portfolio in Spain with an additional 470 hectares of farmland while also expanding its presence in Mexico and doubling its distillery footprint in Scotland.

The share price of Emperador has significantly dropped since the start of the year as the company is expected to be affected by US trade policy under the Trump administration.

From 52-week high of P19.04, shares price Emperador dropped to a 52-week low of P11.26 apiece in March.

But while acquisition of The Andersons Group could help boost Emperador’s share price, this could bring down its public float to below 20 percent.

At present, Emperador’s public float is at 20.10 percent.

The liquor firm saw its net income increase by 6.5 percent in the first quarter of the year to P1.85 billion from P1.73 billion recorded in the same period last year.

Revenues inched up by 1 percent to P13.2 billion despite persisting soft demand in the global beverage alcohol industry and shifting spending habits and consumption patterns of consumers.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

Gotianun-led Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC) plans to raise up to P8 billion ($136 million) through the issuance of preferred shares.

FDC said Wednesday in a disclosure to the stock exchange that its board approved the offer of up to 6 million Series A and Series B preferred shares, valued at P6 billion. The company also has an oversubscription option of up to 2 million additional preferred shares, worth another P2 billion. The preferred shares will be offered at P1,000 apiece.

AirAsia flies 3m local, international passengers to date

By Darwin G. Amojelar

AIRASIA Philippines on Wednesday said it carried nearly three million passengers to date this year across its domestic and international network. The airline also registered a strong load factor performance at 85 percent, with Puerto Princesa emerging as the top domestic destination, and Taipei as the leading international choice.

“We’re proud to have started the year strong with an 85 percent load factor, 80 percent of which comprises domestic travelers. This strong performance signals positive growth for local tourism,” AirAsia Philippines communications and corporate affairs head First Officer Steve Dailisan said.

“We remain focused on supporting this through initiatives like the AirAsia Fiesta Series and and promotional campaigns tied to local festivals, encouraging Filipinos to explore and take part in the cultural festivities across the country, alongside our usual double-digit and P1SO sales”,” he said.

To sustain the strong momentum in international travel, AirAsia has increased flight frequencies on several key routes.

Flights to Kota Kinabalu have been upgraded from three times weekly to a daily service (7x weekly). Beginning July 1, flights to Taipei will also increase from 14 to 17 times weekly.

These adjustments are designed to enhance connectivity and offer greater flexibility for both leisure and business travelers.

With Joel E. Zurbano

The offer period is scheduled from July 21 to July 25, 2025, pending regulatory approvals. The shares are expected to be listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange on Aug. 4, 2025.

FDC said it will use proceeds from this fundraising activity to refinance existing debt, fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes. Series A shares will be non-redeemable for two years, while Series B shares will be non-redeemable for five years. Both Series A and B shares will be non-voting, nonconvertible and redeemable. Dividends will be fixed, based on reference rates plus a set spread.

BPI Capital is the sole issue manager. It will also serve as a joint lead underwriter alongside BDO Capital, Chinabank Capital, Land Bank of the Philippines and Security Bank Capital.

The offer is open to Philippine residents, both individuals and institutions, with a minimum purchase of 50 shares or P50,000. Additional investments must be in multiples of 10 shares.

FDC’s first-quarter 2024 attributable net income increased by 36 percent yearon-year to P2.9 billion, driven by strong performances in its banking, power and property sectors. Total revenues and other income rose by 28 percent to P26.4 billion, while costs and expenses grew 25 percent.

The banking and financial services segment contributed 36 percent to the bottom line, while the power and property sectors accounted for 29 percent and 21 percent, respectively.

FDC has earmarked P24 billion in capital expenditures for 2025 to fund the expansion plans of its core businesses.

“The group remained resilient with its diversified product portfolio, which covers numerous price points, its wide distribution reach in over 100 global markets, and deep range of aging liquid stockholdings,” said Emperador.

that the annual meeting of stockholders of Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (the “Company”) will be conducted virtually through https://bit.ly/pcppiasm2025 on 27 June 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

The agenda of the meeting shall be as follows:

1. Call to Order

2. Certification of Notice and of Quorum

3. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on 28 June 2024

4. Report of the President and Chief Executive Officer

5. Presentation of the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

6. Ratification of Acts of the Board of Directors and Management for 2024

7. Election of Directors for 2025 to 2026

8. Appointment of External Auditor for 2025

9. Other Matters

10. Adjournment

Only stockholders of record as of 06 June 2025 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, this annual meeting.

Stockholders may (a) attend, participate, and vote via remote communications (on his or her own or through a proxy other than the Chairman); (b) vote in absentia (without attendance and participation); or (c) vote (without attendance and participation) by appointing the Chairman of the meeting as their proxy. Stockholders intending to attend, participate, and vote by remote communication, or to vote in absentia, should notify the Company by email to corporatesecretary@pcppi.com.ph from 06 June 2025, 9:00 a.m., to 20 June 2025, 5:00 p.m. Duly accomplished proxies shall be submitted on or before 20 June 2025, 5:00 p.m. to the Corporate Secretary c/o Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc., at 26 Floor, Filinvest Axis Tower Two Building, Northgate Cyberzone, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, or by email to corporatesecretary@pcppi.com.ph. Validation of proxies is set on 20 June 2025, 5:00 p.m. The detailed procedures for attending, participating, and voting in the meeting are set forth in the Information Statement, which will be posted on the website of the Company at https://www.pepsiphilippines.com/investor-relations-disclosures.

Shareholders may nominate individuals for election to the Board of Directors by emailing the Corporate Secretary at corporatesecretary@pcppi.com.ph with the name and profile of the individual no later than 29 May 2025, 5:00 p.m.

Duly registered stockholders may likewise access the annual meeting by scanning the QR Code below.

Jenniffer

B. Austria

BTO VISIT. The Bangsamoro Treasury Office (BTO) visits Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary and Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) co-chairperson Amenah Pangandaman (3rd from left) on May 16, 2025, at the DBM Central Office. The BTO and DBM discussed the annual block grant provided to the Bangsamoro Government, as well as the Special Development Fund to be used for the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of conflict-affected areas under their jurisdiction

Source: DBM’s Facebook page

New law to help Filipino children reach full potential

MANY Filipino children are failing to reach their full potential due to inadequate early childhood care and development services, falling short of the goal of universal access, according to research published by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

Only 20 percent of children aged 3 to 4 were enrolled in pre-kindergarten in 2022, with just 23 percent benefiting from feeding programs. The country also faces a shortfall of around 33,000 daycare centers, far below the estimated 96,000 needed, and a severe shortage of child development workers. These significant gaps have spurred

Motorcycle taxi alliance appeals MOVE IT ruling

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Motorcycle Taxi Community Alliance of the Philippines asked the Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working Group to reverse its recent decision that could stop MOVE IT’s operations in Metro Manila, Cebu City and Cagayan de Oro City.

“We respectfully request a review of the said order, which will cause loss of livelihood for approximately 14,000 riders nationwide,” Romeo Malungsod, chairman of Motorcycle Taxi Alliance, said in a letter to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Teofilo Guadiz.

“Many of our members rely on motorcycle taxis as their main source of income to meet the daily needs of their families,” he said.

The LTFRB 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 press statement in 2020.

Malungsod said the decision had caused great fear and hardship, not only to the riders, but also to the thousands of passengers who rely on MOVE IT’s service every day.

“We believe that the order was issued without sufficient consultation with the rider community. We sincerely appeal to hear our side, especially since the purpose of the pilot program is to promote the legalization and support of motorcycle taxis,” he said.

a landmark law overhauling early childhood care and education, driven by research from the PIDS.

Signed into law on May 8, 2025, the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act, or Republic Act No. 12199, aims to close long-standing gaps in care, nutrition, and education for children from birth to age five.

“This legislation marks a crucial step in ensuring that every Filipino child has the support and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Dr. Valerie Gilbert Ulep, PIDS senior research fellow and co-author of the study “Behind the Slow Start: An Assessment of Early Childhood Care

and Development in the Philippines.”

The study, produced in partnership with the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), highlighted how governance, funding, and other supply-side challenges have long stalled progress. National support for early childhood services has been largely reactive and often lacks incentives for local government units (LGUs) to invest in long-term solutions.

To address these issues, the ECCD System Act mandates the creation of dedicated ECCD offices in every province, city, and municipality, empowering LGUs as frontline implementers.

PDIC expands coverage to Islamic banks

STATE-RUN Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) said Wednesday that Islamic banks (IBs) and Islamic banking units (IBUs) are now covered by the country’s deposit insurance system.

No. 3591, also known as the PDIC Charter. Under the new framework, deposits in IBs and IBUs are insured in the same way as conventional deposits, up to a maximum

coverage (MDIC) of P1

The new MDIC

IN BRIEF

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is teaming up with the International Finance Corp.–World Bank (IFC-WB) to launch the Eco-Industrial Park (EIP) initiative aimed at greening the country’s 427 economic zones and freeports.

IFC-WB will provide free technical assistance to help PEZA produce a diagnostic report mapping EIP opportunities nationwide.

“By drawing on IFC-WB’s expertise, we aim to develop a voluntary, transparent certification system that aligns our ecozones with global sustainability standards,” said PEZA director-general Tereso Panga.

SM champions inclusive, quality education to enable future workforce

The SM Group said 97.28 percent of Asia Pacific College (APC) graduates as of 2024 secured employment after graduation, highlighting the institution’s focus on career readiness. APC is a member of the SM Group. It reiterated its commitment to inclusive, quality education and workforce development through its educational institutions, which include APC, National University (NU) and the scholarship programs of SM Foundation Inc. These initiatives aim to equip students with the skills and confidence needed for a competitive global workforce.

“At APC, our mission is to shape potential into progress as we prepare our students for the global arena,” said Dr. Ma. Teresita ‘Tata’ Medado,

president of APC.

“Graduation is not a conclusion—it marks the beginning of a meaningful journey toward leadership and impact. We inspire our students to embrace lifelong learning and to live with purpose and passion,” said Medado.

APC’s strong emphasis on employability earned it a 5-star rating in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Stars system, specifically in the employability category. This is further supported by APC’s graduate tracer program, launched in 2022 by students, which tracks alumni career outcomes dating back to 2003.

Among APC’s successful alumni is Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Andrew Charles Nakpil, a 2016 Electronics and Communications Engineering

The report will benchmark global frameworks, review enabling policies, assess environmental and socioeconomic impacts and lay out an implementation roadmap.

The certification will enable zone operators to benchmark performance and attract sustainability-focused investors.

Five zones were selected for the initial rollout, including the Lima Technology Center, First Philippine Industrial Park, Laguna Technopark, Light Industry and Science Park and Carmelray Industrial Park.

The said zones will serve as models for industrial symbiosis, where companies share resources such as

water, energy and materials to boost efficiency and inclusive growth.

The EIP initiative complements PEZA’s broader sustainability agenda on Sustainability Reporting Guide for Exporters (SuRGE), launched with the Global Reporting Initiative and Swiss Embassy, and a partnership with Japan’s Zeroboard Inc. to help PEZA firms track and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

“These voluntary programs, for EIP certification, sustainability reporting, and decarbonization, demonstrate our commitment to ESG principles and the Sustainable Development Goals. They also position the Philippines as a hub for clean, green investment,” Panga said.

FFCCCII promotes stronger China trade

By Michael Wong Ho

FEDERATION of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president

Victor Lim expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the orderly conduct of the May 12 midterm elections.

Lim, speaking during the Pandesal Forum at Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City on May 16, 2025,

TikTok contest to mark 50 years of PH-China ties

By Julie Ann Lope

IN CELEBRATION of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) launched a TikTok Video Competition to provide a platform for young Filipinos to express their creativity and celebrate the historic milestone.

The competition is open to Filipinos aged 18 to 35, who are invited to submit 1 to 2-minute TikTok videos featuring any of the following themes: milestones in Philippines-China relations, stories of friendship and collaboration, artistic interpretations of shared culture and history, or visions for a stronger future partnership.

The first prize winner will receive P100,000, the second prize P50,000 and the third prize P30,000.

In addition, there will be 10 consolation prizes of P10,000 each and three special citations worth P20,000 each.

The deadline for submission is May 27, and the winners will be announced on June 8, a day before the official anniversary.

Organized by the Youth and Integration Committee in partnership with the Media and Public Information Committee, the initiative aims to highlight the milestones, shared history and evolving partnership between the two nations through creative digital storytelling.

FFCCCII president Victor Lim encouraged the youth to take part in the unique opportunity.

“Together, let’s honor our shared past, celebrate our present, and build a brighter future—through the talent and unity of our youth.” he said.

THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) joined a series of events to celebrate the 2025 Buddha’s Birthday and Mother’s Day, which highlighted values of compassion, peace and filial piety.

On May 3, FFCCCII vice president William Cosiaco, along with federation staff, joined the opening ceremony of the “2025 Bathing the

extended the federation’s appreciation to public school teachers, government personnel and volunteers, noting that their dedication

reflects the enduring strength of Philippine democracy.

Lim said elections provide a crucial opportunity to reinforce political stability and pursue key economic reforms that can benefit all Filipinos.

“In these challenging times of global economic shifts, we urge our leaders to prioritize measures that will enhance our competitiveness: creating jobs, stabilizing prices, attracting investments, boosting exports, and

modernizing agriculture,” Lim said.

“At FFCCCII, through our business and civic initiatives, we champion not just economic growth, but sustainable and inclusive development for our nation,” he said.

Lim also noted that although formal diplomatic ties between the Philippines and China were only established on June 9, 1975, the connection between the two nations is rooted in over a thou-

sand years of shared history, trade, and cultural exchange.

He said that as close neighbors, the Philippines and China have long been partners in development.

“To remain competitive in ASEAN, the Philippines must strengthen trade, investments, infrastructure, tourism and technology cooperation with China—areas where we currently lag behind our regional neighbors,” he said.

Song contest in Manila fosters Chinese culture

THE 2025 Cultures of China Water Cube Cup Chinese Songs Contest was held at the 7th Floor Conference Hall of the Federation Center Building in Manila on May 11, 2025.

The event, aimed at promoting Chinese culture through music, was sponsored by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc.

(FFCCCII), with co-sponsorship from various Filipino-Chinese cultural organizations.

About 20 contestants aged 18 to 45 from the youth category competed in the final round, showcasing their vocal prowess and passion for Chinese music.

FFCCCII president Victor Lim said the organization fully supports the promotion of Chinese culture.

He said the contest is a great way to encourage the younger generation of Filipino-Chinese to learn the Chinese language, sing Chinese songs and study traditional Chinese culture.

Now in its 14th year since its inception in 2011, the Water Cube Cup has grown into a major international event, attracting over 45,000 participants from more than 60 global regions.

It has evolved into a grand musical celebration that unites Chinese communities around the world through the power of song. The contest showed the energy and passion of Filipino-Chinese youth, as they came together to celebrate and keep Chinese traditions alive through singing, proving that music can connect different cultures and generations.Michael Wong Ho

Friendship association pushes stronger Manila-Guangzhou ties

Mayor

and

THE Manila-Guangzhou Friendship Association, led by its chairman Daniel Nobleza, extended its warm congratulations to the newly elected Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.

In his statement, Nobleza praised the overwhelming mandate received by the returning mayor, describing it as a strong endorsement of the reforms implemented during Moreno’s last term.

“The results reflect the people’s recognition of his accomplishments. Under his leadership, Manila experienced record-high business growth, driven by strategic tax reforms and technological investments,” said Nobleza.

He said Moreno embodies qualities admired by many Filipinos—charismatic appeal, a humble ragsto-riches background, and a strong connection with ordinary citizens.

Nobleza expressed confidence that Moreno would continue his reforms over the next three years and strengthen economic and cultural exchanges between the sister cities, Manila and Guangzhou.

He also underscored the importance of strengthening economic and cultural ties between Manila and its sister city Guangzhou.

Nobleza recalled his recent visit to Guangzhou, where he met with Philippine Consul General Iric Arribas and officials from Guangzhou’s Foreign Affairs Office.

He said the Chinese officials conveyed a strong desire to deepen cooperation with Manila in areas such as trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange.

“With continued leadership and international collaboration, Manila is well-positioned to thrive in the coming years,” he said. Julie Ann Lope

Buddha bathing ceremony brings peace, purity

Buddha Blessing Ritual” at Lucky Chinatown Mall.

Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple Abbot Miao Jing led the public in chanting and prayer for world peace and prosperity.

Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto and former Senator Nikki Coseteng were also present during the ceremony. In another event on May 10,

FFCCCII president Victor Lim led the federation’s delegation during the 2025 Buddha’s Birthday and Mother’s Day Opening Ceremony at Ayala Malls Cloverleaf in Quezon City. The event marked the 4th Bathing the Buddha activity organized by the temple and its partners.

Lim noted the significance of Buddha’s Birthday, also known as

Lim also said that Mother’s Day is an important time to show gratitude to mothers and repay the love and care of parents.

Lim said that in these difficult times, both locally and globally, the Buddha Bathing and Blessing Ritual helps find peace, clear minds and bring hope and healing to the community. Michael Wong Ho

the Bathing the Buddha Festival. During the ceremony, people pour clean water over the golden statue of the young prince, before he became Sakyamuni Buddha. The act symbolizes cleansing the dirt, worries and troubles from hearts, purifying both body and spirit. It is also a way to learn from Buddha’s compassion, wisdom and tolerance and pray that his blessings bring peace and kindness to society.

Officials of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) join the Pandesal Forum at Kamuning Bakery Café in Quezon City on May 16, 2025.

Winners of the 2025 Cultures of China Water Cube Cup Chinese Songs Contest receive their trophies on May 11, 2025.

Newly-elected

Isko Moreno

ManilaGuangzhou Friendship Association chairman Daniel Nobleza

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Very Wang Nickie Wang

The upcoming series is a hit Wattpad story about Drake Palma, an intelligent and aloof heartthrob from a wealthy family, who is later pursued by a determined and witty girl named Alys

‘Mutya’ breakout Rabin Angeles fronts new Wattpad series

VIVA’S rising star Rabin Angeles admits there’s pressure in headlining a new series where he plays the lead. But it’s the kind of pressure he’s ready to take on.

After a breakout role as the red-haired Yuri Hanamichi in Ang Mutya ng Section E, the young actor now stars in Viva One’s upcoming adaptation of Mission Impossible: Seducing Drake Palma

“This is a huge project,” Rabin tells Manila Standard Entertainment. “After Mutya, the pressure is there, but I’m all for it. I’m just thankful I was given the opportunity to work with a new team and a different cast.”

In the series, Rabin plays Drake Palma, an intelligent and aloof heartthrob from a wealthy family. He’s effortlessly smart—one of those who can sleep through class and still ace exams. Girls chase him, but he doesn’t bother to take them seriously. The story shifts when Alys, a determined and witty girl, makes Drake her personal mission.

It’s a role that Rabin says is far from who he is in real life. “Drake and I are polar opposites,” he says. “I’m playful, talkative. Drake is stoic and distant. So, it’s a challenge to portray someone who’s so different from me.”

“You will see a different Rabin here,” Rabin adds. “I am used to having many lines to memorize, but here, there’s not much. But the scenes are all loaded with emotion, it’s only your eyes that should be speaking.”

Though he hasn’t shot any scenes yet, he’s already working

Filipino mothers’ acts of love shown in new Mother’s Day video

MILK brand NIDO 3+ released a new video for Mother’s Day featuring longtime ambassadors Marian RiveraDantes Iya Villania-Arellano , and Saab Magalona-Bacarro , focusing on how Filipino mothers show love through everyday actions.

Titled Your Act of Love , the video incorporates results from a 2025 study by NIDO and research firm Kantar involving 600 Filipino mothers. Findings show that 32 percent express love through shared experiences, 23 percent through service, 21 percent through teaching, 14 percent through bonding, and 10 percent through giving treats.

The three personalities reflect on the different ways they care for their families, tying these efforts to the support they receive from NIDO. Despite varying approaches to parenting, the campaign emphasizes the shared commitment Filipino mothers have to protect and nurture their children.

NIDO 3+ offers products aimed at supporting children’s development. Its latest formulation for kids aged 3 and up includes one billion probiotics for respiratory health and nutrients such as DHA, ALA, iron, iodine, and vitamins A and B12 to aid brain development. For older children, NIDO 5+ contains 30 percent more DHA than the previous version and provides additional brain-support nutrients. NIDO NutriSnax, a ready-todrink milk made with real milk, fruits, and vegetables, also includes vitamins A, C, D, and zinc to support immunity.

The campaign encourages mothers to recognize their own ways of expressing love, supported by NIDO’s “Acts of Love Profiler,” an online tool designed to identify personal caregiving styles. NIDO products are available through online platforms, including Shopee.

TV host Iya VillaniaArellano (right) bonds with her daughter Alana

with his co-star (who will play Alys Perez, his love interest in the story) in acting workshops under Feleo

“We’re doing a workshop with Ms. Ana now, and I think we’re getting along,” Rabin says. “The chemistry is something we’re still working on, but it’s off to a good start.”

The adaptation is directed by Crisanto Aquino earned multiple awards, including Best Director at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival and the 2020 Osaka Film Festival ABC Award.

For fans of the Wattpad hit, the pairing of Rabin’s rising profile and Aquino’s steady hand signals a serious attempt to bring the source material to life.

The series is based on a popular Wattpad novel by Ariesa Jane Domingo, known online as book has racked up more than 79 million reads on the platform, with Domingo’s brand of romance fiction already familiar to fans through titles like Alys Perez and Good Girl Gone Bad. Domingo has 17 years of writing experience, and her online following helps explain the anticipation surrounding this new project.

“When I wrote Seducing Drake Palma Wattpad in 2012-2013, I pictured Drake as a K-pop idol and Korean. Just seeing the photos Viva sent of Rabin, I thought, ‘That’s it.’ When I visited the set, I was even more convinced we made the right choice casting him as Drake Palma,” the author says enthusiastically.

Ana and , who has

Filipino mothers share their diverse parenting approaches, highlighting their shared commitment to protecting and nurturing their children

The campaign encourages mothers to recognize their unique ways of expressing love, supported by NIDO’s ‘Acts of Love Profiler’

Saab Magalona-Bacarro (center) is now a mom of three

Actress Marian RiveraDantes (right) with son, Sixto

Breakout star Rabin Angeles is set to star in the series adaptation of the Wattpad hit ‘Seducing Drake Palma’

By Jasper Valdez

ACTRESS Iza Calzado opened up about her late entry into motherhood at the Watsons Mom & Baby Wonderland held May 8 at the SM Mall of Asia, sharing how giving birth at 40 changed the way she sees life and love.

discusses her late entry into motherhood at 40 and how it changes her perspective on life and love

Speaking candidly before fellow moms and families at the event, Calzado reflected on the emotional shift that happened when she held her son for the first time.

“When I held him, I said, I understood everything—what I’m looking for in my life,” she said.

“Everything made so much sense.”

The 42-year-old actress, known for her openness about personal struggles, admitted that her path to motherhood came after a long journey—and that the timing, though different from many others, gave her a deeper appreciation of what it means to love.

“Maybe because I was already 40 when he came into my life, and I went through a lot,” she said. “It has made me more loving towards other people as well.”

Calzado also made a point to recognize that not all moms feel that

SAN Miguel Foods Inc. said malnutrition among children has declined under its expanded First 1,000 Days program, which now covers more than 1,000 motherand-child pairs across 24 barangays nationwide.

The company said 89 percent of children enrolled have achieved normal height and weight, while underweight cases dropped to 2 percent. Only 9 percent remain classified as malnourished.

Launched in 2022 with 254 beneficiaries across nine barangays, the program — branded “Happy si Mommy, Malusog si Baby” — now includes over 400 families in Luzon, 300 in the Visayas, and 250 in Mindanao. It supports mothers and children from pregnancy to age two, a critical period for development and long-term health.

The initiative is led by San Miguel Foods and San Miguel Foundation in coordination with local governments and private partners. It provides prenatal checkups, ultrasounds, health education, and fortified meals. The food supplements, known as Mingo Meals, are developed by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute and produced by the Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation. San Miguel Corporation chairman

same connection right away.

“I also acknowledge that not all moms feel that way,” she said.

“Don’t feel pressured if you don’t have that immediate and simultaneous connection with your child.”

The actress’s remarks stood out during the program for their honesty and personal reflection, offering a perspective on motherhood that isn’t always openly discussed.

Rather than focusing on ideals or expectations, Calzado emphasized the importance of allowing different experiences to unfold naturally.

For her, becoming a mother later in life brought a broader emotional awareness that continues to shape how she connects with others.

Watsons’ Mom & Baby Wonderland campaign featured booths, activities, and panel talks geared toward helping parents make informed choices about baby care.

How becoming a mom at 40 shaped Iza Calzado

support,”

SANTÉ Beauty has launched a new skincare line under the campaign #BeBeautifulBeyondSkin, as more consumers seek products that support both appearance and overall wellbeing.

Developed by organic health company Santé International, the brand offers a range of skincare products made with natural ingredients such as organic barley grass and collagen. The line is designed to promote skin health and hydration and is free from synthetic fragrances and parabens, making it

The product lineup includes a facial foam wash, exfoliating toner, moisturizing sunscreen, and night serum. According to Santé International, the products aim to support a healthy lifestyle by encouraging consistent skincare routines that go beyond surface-level results.

Santé International said the new line aligns with growing interest in skin-first approaches, where users prioritize healthy-looking skin over cosmetic coverage. parabens, suitable for sensitive skin.

Watson’s Mom & Baby Wonderland campaign offers booths, activities, and panel talks to help parents make informed choices about baby care

Iza

Versatile actress Iza Calzado (right) is now a mom to Deia Amihan

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

By Nickie Wang

OThe annual Angels Walk for Autism, led by the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) in partnership with SM Cares, drew its largest crowd in its 22year history. For those unfamiliar, this gathering has become a symbolic walk that demands action, echoing across all SM Supermalls nationwide, from Butuan to Baguio. From its inception in 2000 with just 200 walkers, ASP’s event has grown alongside

A march that takes a step closer to real autism inclusion

N MAY 18, more than 40,000 people filled the SM Mall of Asia Arena and surrounding areas in Pasay City, walking together for a shared purpose — a society that understands, accepts, and supports individuals with autism.

its advocacy. Founded in 1989 by 11 mothers seeking answers in a country with little to offer, the organization now has 106 chapters and over 16,000 members.

It’s an expansion that shows more people in the Philippines are becoming aware of what it means to live with autism and the support that is still missing.

Public figures such as Miss Universe

Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, who has long advocated for her siblings and others on the spectrum, brought visibility to the event.

“It’s not about winning titles,” she said. “It’s about making sure my siblings and others like them are included, respected, and empowered.” That message resonated not because it came from a celebrity, but because it came from someone who understands that real change begins at home.

SM Prime Holdings chairman Hans T. Sy and the Sy family showed up in support, as they have for years, and it’s worth noting: corporate partnerships like these can make inclusion scalable.

SM’s involvement — hosting versions of the walk in 10 provincial malls and supporting art and livelihood initiatives for those on the

spectrum — is a model worth studying. Yet these efforts should not be mistaken for solutions on their own. Sensitivity training, policy change, and inclusive education remain urgent. Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP’s national spokesperson, said it best: this year’s walk needed to move past the fanfare and bring the community’s stories to the center. That it did. Artists on the spectrum found a stage. Families found solidarity. Self-advocates found their voices amplified. It’s easy to applaud the turnout. But what matters now is what happens after the crowd disperses.

It’s true that a march, no matter how large, cannot change the country on its own. But it can remind us that change is possible — if we keep walking.

Proactive health campaign boosts nationwide services and health fest

By Angelica Villanueva

WITH healthcare costs rising and hospitalizations becoming increasingly burdensome for many Filipinos, leading health, beauty, and wellness retailer Watsons is doubling down on its advocacy for proactive wellness by empowering its customers to take charge of their health before illness strikes.

“We want to equip Filipinos to make smarter health choices. It’s all about accessibility, affordability, and convenience, so when they need us, we’re there,” said Sharon Decapia, senior AVP for Marketing, PR & Sustainability at Watsons Philippines.

That message was front and center at the second annual “Watsons HealthFest,” which kicked off this week at the SM Mall of Asia. The event features over 40 health brands, offers up to 80 percent discounts on select products, and includes health talks and free wellness consultations, bringing the brand’s “beyond the shelf” commitment to life. The roadshow is scheduled to travel to Fairview, Pampanga, and Cebu, with the finale slated for late June.

Watsons’ drive toward becoming the “authority in health” is more than a marketing line. The company is expanding its pharmaceutical services, offering free in-store consultations and even everyday vaccination programs—now available in over 200 branches nationwide, making health more accessible for all.

The retailer is also piloting 24/7 branches, currently concentrated in Metro Manila, with stores in Guadalupe, Buendia, and Bonifacio Global City.

“We’re already assessing sites in Visayas

be there when our customers need us, whether it’s 3 p.m. or 3 a.m.,” said Joweeh Liao, Health Business Unit, Finance, Property and Store Development director. Expanded prescription fulfillment is another top priority for Watsons as it has aggressively grown its SKU count to ensure customers can get complete prescriptions in one trip.

“We benchmark constantly. If our competitors have it, we need to have it too—or better,” Liao added.

Watsons is also balancing its international muscle with hyperlocal insight.

“All of our management team here is Filipino. We understand what Filipino families need, and we adapt quickly,” Decapia stated. This duality allows Watsons to offer competitive pricing through economies of scale, while maintaining international standards in quality and service.

Products under its Watsons Generics brand undergo a 60-step regional quality check, offering customers reliable alternatives that are easier on the wallet.

“Filipinos often deprioritize healthcare. We want to shift that mindset. Health should never be the last priority,” she continued.

To address those financial constraints, Watsons pharmacists are trained to work with customers based on budget limitations, recommending generic alternatives or partial purchases when needed.

What sets Watsons apart, executives say, is a focus on preventive wellness over reactive treatment.

“Being healthy means being empowered. When you’re well, you can support your family, pursue your dreams, and contribute to your community. When you’re sick, it can be a heavy burden,” added Decapia.

The company’s increasing sales in vitamins and supplements reflect this shift in consumer behavior.

Watsons also serves as a key launchpad for emerging wellness brands, reinforcing its role in driving the country’s health-conscious movement.

“Building healthy communities uplifts the nation. That’s the bigger picture,” Liao said.

From left: Watsons senior AVP for Marketing, PR & Sustainability Sharon Decapia; Health Business Unit, Finance, Property and Store Development director Joweeh Liao, and Group Senior Category manager Darcy Co

The annual walk demands for action, echoing across SM Supermalls nationwide

Michelle Dee (second from left) with SM Prime Holdings executives led by Hans T. Sy (rightmost)

ASP’s large number of attendees highlights the increasing awareness of autism and the ongoing need for support in the Philippines

Candy Pangilinan (right) with son Quentin on stage

Senator Risa Hontiveros (left) and Michelle Dee at ASP’s Angels Walk 2025 program at SM MOA Arena

Miss Universe 2023 Michelle Dee performs her new single, ‘Reyna’

Ria (left) and Arjo Atayde come to support the annual event