Manila Standard - 2025 May 28 - Wednesday

P20 rice for low-wage earners

DA, DOLE expand cheap rice program thru participating

By Joel E. Zurbano, Maricel Cruz and Ram Superable

DOCTORS on emergency call and marked media vehicles will not be exempt from the odd-even traffic plan that will be implemented on June 16 as the EDSA rebuilding project begins.

MMDA chairman Don Artes said only the following categories of vehicles are exempt from the odd-even scheme which is expected to result in a 40 percent vehicle reduction in EDSA: - Electric Vehicles (EVs), Plug-in Hybrids, and Hybrids recognized by the Department of Energy under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA); - Non-motorized vehicles;

By Othel Campos

THE Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor and Employment have agreed in principle to include minimum wage earners starting next month in the ongoing pilot run of the P20/kilo rice program.

lauds calibrated ASEAN response to US tariffs

By Charles Dantes

Folk rock legend Freddie Aguilar passes away at 72

By Angelica Villanueva and Orlan Mauricio

FREDDIE Aguilar, the Filipino folk singer behind the global hit “Anak” and the protest anthem “Bayan Ko,” died early Tuesday. He was 72. His death was confirmed by George Briones, lawyer of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), in a statement shared with the Manila Standard. It was later confirmed by Aguilar’s former partner, Josephine Quiepo. The two had children together, including Maegan Aguilar, who for a time pursued a music career.

Aguilar died at around 1:30 a.m. at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City. He had been admitted for an angioplasty but suffered multiple organ failure, which led to his death.

Born Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar, he began performing in the early 1970s and became a central figure in Filipino folk Doctors, media not

VICE President Sara Duterte yesterday met with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Qatar, even as she prepared for another trip to the Netherlands to celebrate her 47thbirthday with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“On Tuesday, 27 May 2025, the Vice President will engage with members of the Filipino community in Doha through a series of scheduled activities,” the Office of the Vice President (OVP) said in a statement.

“While in the Netherlands, VP Duterte is set to meet with her father, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in The Hague on 30 May, and again from 02 to 03 June 2025,” it added. The younger Duterte is joined in her travels to Qatar and the Netherlands by her mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman. She was joined by Senator Imee Marcos in meeting with Filipinos employed in the oil-rich state. In a Facebook post, Marcos said she was

By Maricel V. Cruz

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the rice program, dubbed “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na,” will be

in the pilot rollout.

Marcos junks resignation calls

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. yesterday dismissed calls for his resignation, asserting his commitment to facing challenges directly, even as his administration undergoes a major reset in the wake of the midterm elections.

“Why would I do that? It’s not in my nature to run away from problems,” President Marcos told the Philippine media delegation in Kuala Lumpur.

The remark came after critics urged him to step down following his call for all Cabinet secretaries to submit courtesy resignations—a move he described as

BILATERAL TALKS.

following the US government’s announcement of increased tariffs on key imports, including electric vehicles and solar cells from several Asian economies.

The President arrived back to Manila early this morning after the twoday event in Kuala Lumpur, wherein he backed “a coordinated and measured response” to the US tariff hikes even though the Philippines was not directly targeted.

“This measured and unified approach upholds ASEAN’s commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and a rules-based multilateral trading system,” he said.

The President also warned that external shocks and environmental threats could undermine regional progress.

“Unexpected trade barriers, and the unprecedented impact of climate change have the potential to disrupt our communities, supply chains, and remove our hard-earned progress,” he said.

On Tuesday, the Malaysian capital hosted the inaugural summit between ASEAN, China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—a regional bloc made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

During the event, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that the first-ever summit between his country, Southeast Asian leaders and Gulf states was “a response to the call of the times” in a geopolitically uncertain world.

Li told the meeting that “against the backdrop of a volatile international situation,” the summit was “a pioneering work of regional economic cooperation.”

The trade-dependent economies are looking to insulate themselves after Trump blew up global trade norms by announcing a slew of tariffs targeting countries around the world this year.

Though US President Donald Trump subsequently instigated a 90day pause for most, the experience has spurred ASEAN and others to accelerate efforts to diversify their trading networks.

Opening the talks, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was confident the three sides could “shape a future that is more connected, more resilient, and more prosperous for generations to come”—having warned on Monday that “a transition in the geopolitical order is underway.”

With Washington looking unreliable these days, “ASEAN member states are looking to diversify”, he said.

As this developed, Mr. Marcos called for stronger international cooperation on climate change and urged support for a Philippine-led initiative to help vulnerable nations access critical climate finance.

“Climate change remains one of the most defining challenges of our time — if not the most defining,” he said.

“Both our regions are climatevulnerable, and our populations face significant climate-related risks,” the President added.

He appealed for contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund (FRLD), which is hosted by the Philippines and aims to support developing countries in mitigating and adapting to the worsening impacts of climate change.

Meanwhile, the Philippine leader also emphasized the strategic importance of the South China Sea and the Arabian Sea in ensuring global trade and stability. With AFP

necessary to “recalibrate” his administration for the second half of his term.

Following the elections, Mr. Marcos initiated a sweeping Cabinet overhaul, signaling a shift toward a more performance-focused approach to governance.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin described the move as a “bold reset” designed to improve alignment and responsiveness across key departments.

While much of the economic team was retained, including the secretaries of finance, trade, budget, and economic planning, other changes are

already underway. The shake-up is seen as an attempt by Mr. Marcos to reassert control and refocus his administration following a challenging election cycle and amid a shifting political landscape that continues to be influenced by the Duterte family and other opposition figures.

Amid mounting pressure, President Marcos has signaled he has no intention of stepping down, positioning the Cabinet overhaul as a strategic move to deliver better results and reconnect with the public.

- Emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police mobile units;

- Public Utility Vehicles, including city buses, jeepneys, and taxis; - Transport Network Vehicles (TNVs) that operate under accredited ride-hailing platforms; and - Authorized marked government vehicles with official plates used for essential services.

Artes also announced that the dry run of the odd-even scheme, which will replace the regular coding of vehicles, will now be extended to a month. During the period, MMDA enforcers will flag down violators but will not impose penalties yet.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, meet for bilateral talks yesterday on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

Brunei sultan in KL hospital due to fatigue

BRUNEI’S Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah was admitted to the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday due to fatigue, Malaysian government sources confirmed to AFP.

The sultan is in Kuala Lumpur with other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders, who are meeting on Tuesday with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and dignitaries from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

“He was hospitalized in between the

ASEAN-GCC and ASEAN-GCC-China summit,” a source told AFP.

“The National Heart Institute is the designated hospital for VIPs during the course of this ASEAN summit and relevant meetings.”

The hospital said it could not comment, but another Malaysian government source separately confirmed the news to AFP.

AFP has contacted Brunei’s embassy in Malaysia for comment.

Sultan Hassanal, 78, ascended the

throne in 1967.

He is the world’s longest-reigning monarch and one of the richest people on the planet.

He comes from a family that has ruled Brunei, a small Muslim nation perched on the north of the tropical island of Borneo, for more than 600 years.

His decades ruling Brunei have seen the country gain full independence from Britain and living standards soar to among the highest globally.

Under the new coding plan, plate numbers ending in odd numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 will not be allowed to traverse EDSA on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while those ending in even numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, and 0 will not be allowed to pass EDSA on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. All vehicles will be allowed to traverse the national highway on Sundays.

National Press Club president Leonel “Boying” Abasola said they will appeal the MMDA decision not to exempt marked media vehicles.

“The NPC recognizes the MMDA in their efforts in traffic decongestion, but we will ask the good MMDA chairman to reconsider it,” Abasola said.

For his part, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said he sees nothing wrong with the revival of the odd-even scheme and the non-exemption of doctors and media practitioners.

While he acknowledged the “urgency” of the nature of work of doctors and media, Salceda said “priority should be given to public transport and emergency vehicles.”

“I think the EDSA closure will force us to actually think about who deserves road space more. We should share the road in a way that conveys more people to where they need to go, rather than more cars,” the lawmaker said.

“In the United States and other countries where there is an NCAP (No Contact Apprehension Policy) system, doctors and media are not outright exempt but you can get all your tickets waived at the end of the year after justifying each instance. That might be a good alternative,” Salceda added.

“By including them (minimum wage earners) in the program, we hope to improve their purchasing power. We look forward to a successful implementation of this partnership between our two agencies,” Laguesma said yesterday following his meeting with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. at the DA Central Office in Quezon City.

Tiu Laurel said the expansion of the rice program follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to sustain and scale the initiative through 2028.

“This initiative stems from the President’s promise to extend the P20 rice program to those who need it most. For now, participation is limited to workers from companies that have expressed interest in the pilot program,” he said.

To date, the P20/kilo rice is available in 38 Kadiwa ng Pangulo sites in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa, while 16 local government units in Cebu are also rolling out

the said program to the members of the vulnerable sector, including the members of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents.

On Monday, the Agriculture department underscored the need to restore the NFA’s regulatory powers to help enforce the floor price of palay and protect local farmers from unscrupulous traders.

On Monday, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon said the EDSA Busway and other forms of public transport would be prioritized during the EDSA rebuild.

invited to participate in the overseas event.

“I was invited, together with Vice President Inday Sara Duterte here in Qatar for an important interaction with our compatriots. I am also very happy to once again be with Inday’s mother, Madam Elizabeth Zimmerman,” she wrote in Filipino. The OVP said Duterte intends to cele -

The first phase of the program intends to cover areas in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental; Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar; Southern Leyte and Leyte; and Bohol, Antique, Cebu, Iloilo, Capiz Biliran; Guimaras, Siquijor, Aklan and Mindoro.

Phase 2 will be implemented starting in July in Zamboanga del Norte, Basilan, Cotabato City, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao, Davao Oriental, and Sorsogon; while the third and final phase will cover Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Catanduanes, Agusan del Sur, Sarangani and Dinagat Islands.

The program allows the National Food Authority to procure more palay from local farmers at improved rates of P18 to P24 per kilo, helping ensure better farmgate prices and farmer incomes.

brate her birthday in The Hague, where she plans “to participate in a peaceful gathering organized by various Filipino community groups,” in front of the International Criminal Court (ICC). She is expected to return to the Philippines on June 4. While in Doha, the Vice President attended a thanksgiving mass at the Our Lady of Rosary Church before meeting with the OFWs later in the day.

Meanwhile, re-elected Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Polong Duterte

ering official statements, explaining legislative intent, and ensuring that congressional initiatives are accessible to the public.

The floor price, which refers to a state-imposed minimum price for goods or services, must at least cover the production cost of palay farmers, Tiu Laurel said.

“We are studying that in DA and we are looking for legal avenues to implement this) if possible,” he said.

The restoration of NFA powers may also allow them to sell in local markets for market intervention to protect consumers from spiking retail prices, Tiu Laurel said.

To date, NFA’s function is limited to palay procurement to secure the country’s national rice buffer stock for disasters and calamities.

The NFA is only allowed to release its rice stocks under the declaration of food security emergency for rice, during an auction, and for the ongoing P20/ kilo rice program.

asked his family’s supporters to keep praying for his father’s return.

In a video message on Tuesday, Rep. Duterte said, “To my brothers and fellow Filipinos, please keep on praying for our family, for my father so he can finally come home.”

“It is only right that he is returned to his beloved country to enjoy his life as a super senior citizen, and to enjoy the benefits and discounts [of being a senior citizen],” he added. Cherrie Anne

Villahermosa

E.

date to the Filipino people.”

She also stressed that the spokesperson’s role must go beyond press briefings.

Dizon said 100 buses would be added to the EDSA carousel route to encourage commuting.

music. Fondly called “Ka Freddie,” he gained international fame in 1978 with “Anak,” a song about a wayward child’s remorse and reconciliation with parents.

The track, written after Aguilar left home at age 17, sold more than 33 million copies worldwide and was translated into several languages. It later appeared in international films including “Gangnam Blues” and “Fatal Vacation.”

He also popularized “Bayan Ko,” which became an anthem during the 1986 People Power Revolution that ended the Marcos dictatorship. Among his other notable songs were “Magdalena” and “Bulag, Pipi, at Bingi,” which addressed themes of poverty, injustice, and social struggle.

In later years, Aguilar remained active in politics and culture. He was appointed Presidential Adviser on Culture and the Arts under former President Rodrigo Duterte and served as a commissioner at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. He also held the post of executive vice president at the PFP.

envenido Abante—chair of the House Committee on Human Rights and cochair of the influential Quad Committee—brings legal expertise and communications experience to the role.

As spokesperson, she will serve as the primary voice of the House, deliv-

“The House cannot afford to be silent while lies travel faster than truth. We will speak with clarity, with purpose, and without hesitation,” Abante said.

“We will report to the people only the facts. No fake news. Nothing more, nothing less, because this is our man-

“Our job is not just to respond. It is to educate, to clarify, and to be a consistent bridge between governance and the governed,” she said. “In a time when disinformation spreads quickly, our responsibility is to make sure truth travels just as fast—if not faster.”

Abante is a lawyer and former threeterm Manila councilor, most recently serving as the head of the Manila Public Information Office and spokesperson for the city’s mayor. A graduate of AB Journalism and Bachelor of Laws at the University of Santo Tomas, she also served as Commissioner-at-Large of the National Youth Commission. “This is not about defending power. It’s about defending democracy from confusion, distortion, and silence,” she added.

DOJ eyes Roque’s multiple passports

HABALHABAL.

In Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, habalhabal or skylab motorcycles remain the most practical mode of transport for residents, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

IN BRIEF

DILG considering longer term for police chiefs

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is considering a proposal to extend the tenure of future Philippine National Police (PNP) chiefs to ensure continuity in reforms and programs.

DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla said the frequent turnover of leadership hampers the long-term implementation of policies and reforms. “There’s no sustainability when each PNP chief brings in a new set of directives and changes them again once replaced,” he said.

Remulla noted that a one-year term is too short for any PNP chief to make a meaningful impact, especially in instituting organizational reforms within the police force. Vince Lopez

Korean national nabbed for shabu possession

A 63-YEAR-OLD Korean national was arrested Monday at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 for possession of suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia.

Authorities from the Avsegroup, PDEA, NAIA Drug Interdiction Task Group, and Office for Transportation Security apprehended the suspect following a manual inspection triggered by an X-ray scan that detected unusual items in his bag.

Recovered items included three lighters, two pieces of aluminum foil, and a plastic sachet containing around five grams of shabu, valued at approximately P34,000, confirmed via a chemical field test using a Rigaku Raman Analyzer. Joel E. Zurbano Iloilo road deaths triple, prompting safety plan

AS ILOILO City observes Road Safety Month this May, authorities are alarmed by a sharp rise in road fatalities—12 recorded deaths as of May 10, tripling last year’s total of four.

“This disturbing trend demands action,” said Darianne Joy G. Papa, City Health Office nurse and injury prevention coordinator. “Road safety isn’t only about traffic laws—it’s about protecting lives, especially our children.”

Most of the fatalities occurred in Jaro District (eight), followed by Arevalo (three), and Mandurriao (one). Officials are urging residents to observe safe driving habits such as wearing helmets and seatbelts, and avoiding distractions behind the wheel.

“Driving safely is a form of care and accountability,” Papa stressed. “This is not just a traffic issue. It’s a public health concern.”

PDEA seizes over P1b shabu in Angeles City

By Rio N. Araja

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has seized more than P1 billion worth of shabu in a major search operation conducted in Angeles City, Pampanga.

At around 4 p.m. on May 26, joint operatives from PDEA, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ CounterIntelligence Group, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and the Philippine National Police executed a search warrant at a house located on Orchid Street, Timog Hills Subdivision, Barangay Pampang.

The operation resulted in the discovery of shabu valued at P1,054,000,000. The illegal drugs were packed in 155 transparent plastic bags, each weighing approximately one kilogram, according to PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez.

“The drugs were found in an abandoned house. Unfortunately, the subject of the search warrant, a Chinese national, was not present during the operation and remains at large,” Nerez said.

He added that the suspect will face charges for violating Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002—a non-bailable offense.

Nerez revealed that this latest raid is connected to an earlier anti-drug operation in Angeles City less than two weeks ago, where authorities confiscated over 35 kilograms of shabu in a buy-bust. That operation led to the arrest of a Chinese national and his Filipina cohort.

“The two drug operations mentioned are linked to each other. What you see

is the outcome of persistent tracking of previous operations targeting individuals connected to syndicated drug trafficking, including their sources,” Nerez explained.

While celebrating the success of high-impact operations targeting major drug syndicates, Nerez emphasized that efforts to combat drug abuse continue at the community level.

“While PDEA prioritizes the conduct of high-impact operations resulting in the arrests of high-value drug personalities and high-volume drug seizures, it is at the grassroots level where most of the drugs are sold and abused,” he said.

He assured the public that PDEA’s campaign against illegal drugs extends even to small-time peddlers, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the government’s anti-drug efforts.

Rep. Go’s proclamation marks continued public service

By Jessica M. Bacud

SAN Mariano, Isabela – Rep. Ed

Christopher S. Go of Isabela’s 2nd Legislative District marked a significant milestone with his proclamation on May 13 securing another term in office.

As he enters his final term, Go reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the challenges and responsibilities that come with public service. Also proclaimed was his brother, Ed Christian S. Go, who was elected unopposed as a board member. Their joint victory highlights the

continuing trust and confidence placed in the Go family by their constituents.

Known for his signature slogan “GO Serbisyo,” Rep. Go has built a reputation as a dedicated public servant, particularly in advancing social services. From healthcare to education, he has consistently championed policies aimed at uplifting the welfare of District 2 residents. His leadership also spans beyond social services. Rep. Go has actively pushed for initiatives promoting economic development, infrastructure improvements, and environmental sustainability. These efforts

By Pot Chavez

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday said the Department of Justice (DOJ) will seek clarification from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on how former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque was allegedly able to obtain three passports, even as efforts are underway to modernize border control systems to prevent wanted individuals from entering the country.

“We will ask the DFA about it because the DFA is doing that, not the DOJ, not the [Bureau of] Immigration,” Remulla told reporters during a border control inspection at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City. Roque is currently facing arrest, along with Cassandra Ong and others, over charges of qualified human trafficking related to the Lucky South99 Scam Hub based in Porac, Pampanga. The warrant was issued earlier this month by the Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 118. Remulla confirmed that the DOJ has already initiated the process of cancelling Roque’s passport before the same court, saying it is a necessary step to hold him accountable and ensure his presence at trial.

“This will limit his options. It’s important that he answers the charges in court and defends himself,” he said. In response, Roque called the cancellation “premature,” pointing out that a motion for reconsideration is still pending before the DOJ.

“In my Motion for Reconsideration, I stated that not a single piece of evidence was presented to prove that I committed the overt act of organizing, providing financial support, or directing others to commit any act of human trafficking,” Roque said in a statement.

PH Navy defends deployment of US missile system

By Rex Espiritu

A PHILIPPINE Navy official clarified Tuesday that the deployment of the United States’ Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) during the Kamandag 2025 joint military exercises is not intended to target any specific country or threat.

“The objective is to enhance our capability to conduct joint or combined operations with other Marine Corps units or allied nations. It is not directed at specific threats or ongoing issues near the area where it will be deployed,” said Navy spokesperson Captain John Percie Alcos during a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

On Monday, the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) officially launched this year’s iteration of Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat (Kamandag) exercises. PMC Commandant Major General Arturo Rojas said the NMESIS is scheduled to be used in live-fire drills in Northern Luzon, depending on favorable weather conditions.

have earned him recognition as a forward-thinking leader with a clear vision for the future of his district. Locals credit his sustained commitment as a key factor in positioning the district for a more prosperous and progressive future.

As he embarks on his final term, Rep. Go continues to focus on programs that bring growth and development to his constituents, ensuring a legacy of meaningful public service.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Francis Faustino Dy and incumbent Governor Rodito Albano III were re-elected without opposition.

Revoli Cortez

PRIDE OF BACOOR. The City Government of Bacoor proudly announces that El Gobernador Band, one of its premier marching bands, will represent Bacoor, Cavite, and the Philippines at the 127th Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City on June 1, 2025.

IN BRIEF

AFP ‘neutralize’ 491 communist insurgents

A TOTAL of 491 communist rebels have been neutralized by the military since January 2025, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Tuesday. According to AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, 407 surrendereD, 41 were apprehended, and 43 were killed in military operations.

Padilla likewise bared that the military seized 332 firearms and overran 68 encampments during the same period. They also observed the surrender of 233 anti-personnel mines.

In military terminology, “neutralize” means rendering the targets incapable of further action, and it may involve surrender, capture, or death during operations. Rex Espiritu

DSWD releases P2.28m to rain victims in South

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has so far provided P2.28 million worth of relief items to families affected by the intense rainfall in Mindanao triggered by an intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ)

“In accordance with the order of our President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we are continuously communicating with the local government units (LGUs) so that we can provide immediate help and comfort to the affected families), DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said.

From May 15 to 18, the effects of ITCZ have impacted families from Regions 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), 10 (Northern Mindanao), 11 (Davao Region), 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Maricel V. Cruz

LTO to launch digital delivery of licenses

THE Land Transportation Office is set to fully implement its digital platform for the delivery of driver’s licenses and license plates nationwide.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said the innovation, called the LTOTracker, has gained positive feedback from users since the start of its live testing on April 26.

“We are also receiving positive feedback from the users. Some of them saying that they are really feeling the changes under Bagong Pilipinas, particularly on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s digitalization of government services,” he stressed.

“The success of the live testing and the positive feedback are indications that the LTOTracker is ready for nationwide deployment,” he added. Rio N. Araja

NAVY’S MOST FORMIDABLE VESSEL.

Comelec: Reforms in party-list system needed for slots equation

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) eyes amendments to Republic Act 7941 or the ‘Party-List System Act’ to provide clearer guidelines on how the available seats allotted for party-list representatives are equitably distributed, ensuring a more transparent and efficient electoral process.

“I hope we can arrive at a point where changes to Republic Act 7941 are implemented. This would mean that the law itself will dictate the distribution process, rather than leaving

it to the Supreme Court to decide the formula,” Comelec spokesman Rex Laudiangco said.

Laudiangco issued the statement as the poll body was set to proclaim 54

party-list groups, but suspended the proclamation of the Duterte Youth and the Bagong Henerasyon partylists, which supposedly won three seats and one seat, respectively, in the House of Representatives.

Under Section 5, Article VI of the Constitution and the Party-List System Act, party-list representatives shall constitute 20 percent of the total members of the House including those under the party-list system, giving them a total of 63 seats.

If party-list groups with two percent and higher votes are not able to fill up all the 63 seats, the next-in-line groups with the closest number of votes to two

Fugitive cop in Korean kidnap-slay still in PH, BI says

CASHIERED police Supt. Rafael Dumlao III, the alleged mastermind behind the abduction and murder of Korean businessman Jee Ick-Joo, is still in the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said.

According to BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval, dismissed police officer Supt. Rafael Dumlao III is still in the country and last travelled back in 2024.

A hold departure order (HDO) and an Immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) have been issued

against Dumlao.

“Although the ILBO does not prohibit an individual from traveling outside the country, the HDO issued by the court can prevent a suspect or individual from leaving the country if he is facing criminal charges,” Sandoval said.

She said that they will immediately notify the pertinent authorities should Dumlao be spotted at any port or harbor monitored by the BI.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin earlier directed the Philippine

National Police to launch a manhunt against Dumlao, the principal suspect in the kidnap-murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo in 2016.

Bersamin issued the directive last May 21 with the view of enabling the PNP to regain public trust and build capacity with international partners relative to the resolution of high-profile cases involving foreign nationals.

Bersamin also said a P1-million reward has been raised for Dum -

lao’s arrest. Last year, the Court of Appeals (CA) reversed the acquittal of Dumlao in the kidnapping and killing of Jee Ick Joo and sentenced him life imprisonment. Jee Ick-Joo was a South Korean businessman allegedly kidnapped by two policemen and later found dead on Oct. 18, 2016 within Camp Crame. A funeral parlor reportedly cremated his remains and flushed his ashes down a toilet. Vito Barcelo

BRP Malvar: Navy’s toughest asset

By Rex Espiritu

THE BRP Miguel Malvar, the Philippine Navy’s (PN) newly commissioned frigate armed with guided missile, is also the command’s warship to have a vertical launch system (VLS) specifically designed to counter aerial threats.

Philippine Navy spokesman Capt. John Percie Alcos made the observation when asked what sets the BRP Miguel Malvar—commissioned on May 20—apart from other vessels in the fleet.

“Number One, it is our first asset (that has a ) VLS on-board. Number Two, why is it special? The warships that we have, that have anti-air warfare capability, you still have to maneuver to be able to fire. With BRP Miguel Malvar, you don’t have to maneuver anymore, it is omni-directional, you can fire in any position you are in,” he

added. The VLS is an advanced missile storage and launch platform installed on naval vessels, designed to enhance their capability to meet aerial threats effectively. According to Alcos, the VLS fitted on the BRP Miguel Malvar consists of 16 launch tubes and is optimized for surface-to-air engagements. This configuration significantly boosts the frigate’s ability to counter air threats, making it a formidable presence in the fleet.

Currently, the BRP Miguel Malvar stands as the most advanced and heavily armed ship in the Philippine Navy’s inventory. The frigate has a displacement of 3,200 gross tons, an overall length of 118.4 meters, and a beam of 14.9 meters. It has an operational range of 4,500 nautical miles, a cruising speed of 15 knots, and can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots.

percent will get to secure one seat each until all party-list seats are filled. Initially, we are focusing on those who secured two percent of the overall party-list votes…not merely the votes cast…Anyone who reached the 2% mark is automatically assured seats…In the first round, we observed that six individuals immediately met the threshold, Laudiangco said. Since the 63 seats remained unoccupied, we applied the “Carpio formula” which is based on the remaining number of seats equating to the total party-list votes. Additionally, a second round of distribution was conducted,” Laudiangco explained.

Housing chief eyes ‘horizontal’ development

By Rio N. Araja

TO ATTRACT more partners and expedite housing production, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) wants to recalibrate the flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program to include horizontal developments.

At the same time, housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling vowed to weed out corruption in the agency, citing his zero tolerance to wrongdoings.

“That is very important to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. When it comes to corruption, you have known when I was an undersecretary for a year. We are zero tolerance,” he said. He cited the need for an improved, expanded housing program. “4PH will now include horizontal developments. We will prioritize the preparation of the 4PH guidelines for horizontal developments. In doing so, we can expect 4PH numbers to improve significantly,” Aliling said.

The original 4PH was focused on vertical housing or multi-story, condominium-type of housing projects.

Horizontal developments include subdivision-type housing projects.

He urged key shelter agencies to ensure convergence of programs.

He also invited stakeholders, particularly private developers, to monthly dialogues to synchronize policies toward streamlined processes and the common goal of providing adequate housing.

FLORES DE MAYO. Mrs. Dani Chua, wife of Cavite City Mayor Denver Chua, plays the Reyna Elena in a Flores de Mayo procession that also celebrates Mother’s Day. Dennis Abrina

OPINION

Reform the sin tax system

IF YOU visit a public market or browse a few online listings, you will find illicit cigarettes and vapes everywhere. These black-market products are reshaping the Philippine tobacco landscape.

The growing underground economy is a direct result of an unbalanced tax structure that is failing on three fronts: it’s costing the government much-needed revenues, it’s encouraging illicit trade, and it isn’t reducing smoking rates.

What started in 2012 as a promising strategy through the Sin Tax Law is now under pressure from market realities and policy missteps.

The rise in illicit trade is also threatening the livelihoods of more than 40,000 tobacco farmers across the country. As smuggled cigarettes continue to flood the market, local growers say they can no longer compete—especially under the weight of steep excise taxes.

“Despite our commitment to producing quality crops and goods, we find ourselves struggling under the burden of escalating taxes imposed by the government,” the Philippine Tobacco Growers Association said.

“These taxes disproportionately affect us because we cannot compete with cheaper illicit products that flood our markets.”

According to PTGA, even the export market—where 80 percent of their sales go—has begun to feel the ripple effects of local smuggling, as legal production slows and investor confidence fades.

What was once a secure livelihood for thousands of rural families is now under severe strain.

Meanwhile, the government is collecting less, not more.

Tobacco excise revenues have declined for three consecutive years—dropping from P176.5 billion in 2021 to just P134.9 billion in 2023. This, despite consistent tax increases. Smoking, too, is on the rise.

According to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, adult smoking rates climbed from 19 percent in 2021 to 24.4 percent in 2023. That’s over 16 million adult smokers today—proof that current policies are failing on both the health and fiscal fronts.

The illusion that higher taxes automatically reduce consumption and increase revenue has been shattered.

We’ve crossed the tipping point where further tax hikes no longer yield better results—in fact, they are actively driving consumers toward untaxed, unregulated alternatives.

This is particularly evident in the vaping sector. Vape users have jumped from 200,000 in 2021 to 1.9 million in 2025, yet tax-paid sales haven’t kept pace.

A major reason: the drastic disparity

between tax rates. Freebase nicotine is taxed at just P6.62 per milliliter, while nicotine salt is taxed at P57.30.

The nearly tenfold difference has opened the door to widespread misdeclaration, with sellers falsely labeling their products to reduce their tax liability.

Illicit trade thrives in this environment. Over P5 billion worth of illicit vapes were seized earlier this year, but this represents only a fraction of the black market, according to authorities.

Legal manufacturers, saddled with taxes and regulations, are being squeezed out by smuggled products that play by no rules.

These black-market products are reshaping the Philippine tobacco landscape

Relief may be on the way with House Bill No. 11360, which proposes a unified excise tax rate of P66.15 per milliliter for all vape liquids—regardless of nicotine type.

Consumer groups welcome the move, but caution against the seemingly excessive and disproportionate burden this proposed rate might have on those who have switched to vaping as a less risky alternative.

Lawmakers must carefully assess what rate is truly appropriate, or risk aggravating the very problem they aimed to solve.

To arrest the further decline in government revenues and allow recovery, House Bill 11360 also recommends adjusting the annual excise tax hikes to 2 percent in even years and 4 percent in odd years, instead of the automatic 5 percent increase.

House Bill 11360 is a step toward closing loopholes and reducing illicit trade, and acts as a lifeline for stakeholders who rely on the tobacco industry.

Taxation is a powerful policy tool, but only when paired with realism. The imbalance in the current excise tax system punishes those who follow the law. It rewards non-compliance, feeds corruption, and erodes trust.

What’s needed is a recalibrated approach: simplify the tax code, align rates with market behavior, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and protect sectors like agriculture that are caught in the crossfire.

The Sin Tax Law should be an instrument for health and development, not a source of unintended harm. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

The tale of two elections

IN JUST one week, two important elections took place—both deeply significant, but in very different ways.

One happened behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel, the other in crowded polling precincts across the Philippines. One was the election of a new pope—Pope Leo XIV. The other was our midterm elections here at home.

At first glance, they couldn’t be more different. But the more I thought about it, the more I felt that maybe, just maybe, God was allowing these two moments to happen so close together to remind us of something important. That we can learn from one, so we can do better in the other. The papal conclave wasn’t just about choosing a new leader of the Catholic Church. It was a process filled with prayer, listening, discernment, and a deep sense of responsibility. And while our elections here were filled with energy, noise, posters, jingles, and promises—we often forget that they, too, are sacred. Because at the heart of both is one thing: choosing a leader who will serve.

First lesson: Listening with an open heart.

Before the cardinals voted, they gathered each day in what’s called the General Congregation. There, they didn’t

argue or attack each other. They simply spoke—and more importantly, listened. Each one shared their thoughts about the challenges and hopes of the Church. They reflected together. They prayed. It wasn’t a popularity contest. It was discernment.

Only when we learn to work together— despite our different views—can we truly build a nation that works for everyone

In contrast, look at our own election season. Weeks filled with noise. Candidates shouting over each other. People throwing insults online. Everyone wanting to speak, but so few really listening.

There’s so much talk—but so little understanding. What if we tried to campaign not just to be heard, but to listen— to truly hear what the people need, and what our country is crying out for?

Strength in numbers

BEFORE fellow Southeast Asian leaders at the ASEAN summit this week, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. renewed the call for the adoption of a legally binding Code of Conduct for the South China Sea.

“This is to safeguard maritime rights, promote stability, and prevent miscalculations at sea,” he said.

During his speech in the summit in Kuala Lumpur, Mr. Marcos said a COC would prevent the escalation of conflict in the hotly contested South China Sea. In recent months, the Philippines saw an escalation in incidents where China has asserted its unfounded claims on our territory, in defiance of international law and a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration saying its so-called nine-dash line had no basis.

In the most recent incident, China used water cannons against a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel in the West Philippine Sea. Other incidents involved the use of militarygrade laser, sideswiping, even flying aircraft perilously close to our own. Our giant neighbor to the West has also used disinformation in asserting its wrongful claims.

Second lesson: Finding common ground.

The cardinals didn’t all come into the conclave with the same vision. They had different experiences, different cultures, different ideas of how the Church should move forward.

But in the end, they knew their mission was the same—to serve the people of God and to continue the mission of Christ. And so, instead of letting their differences divide them, they allowed their shared purpose to unite them.

It wasn’t about one faction winning over another. It was about discerning together.

Here in the Philippines, it often feels like we enjoy the divisions.

We wear them like badges—loyal to our parties, our personalities, our provinces. But politics should be about inclusion, not exclusion.

Our differences should be our strength, not our weakness. Because only when we

To be sure, there is no guarantee that any one country would abide by a code of conduct even if it were passed. China’s actions despite the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas as well as the arbitral award show that anyone bold enough to defy international law could do so.

A COC will serve not only the Philippines but all countries who believe in peace, fairness, and decent conduct.

But there are consequences. Foremost, it would be perceived as a bully, an aberration to the established order forged by nations committed to peace,

learn to work together—despite our different views—can we truly build a nation that works for everyone. Third lesson: Leading with conviction. At the end of the day, each cardinal had to vote based on their conscience. They knew their vote mattered. They didn’t just go with the most popular choice or the safest bet. They went with the one they believed—deep in their heart—was God’s choice. Even if it meant going against the majority. Even if it meant taking a risk.

In our elections, we often forget this. So many of us choose the “winnable” candidate, not the “right” one. So many leaders shape their message to fit what’s trending, rather than stand by what they believe in. And before they know it, they’ve lost themselves. But real leadership begins with being true to who you are—and staying true, even when it’s hard. So what can we take from all this?

fairness, and stability.

A code would signify a universal commitment among signatories to act in a certain manner; those who act on the contrary would be perceived as reneging on its promise to behave respectably.

In response to such incursions, the Philippines has filed diplomatic protests against China. We do not expect big changes, if any, to result from these filings. At best, we are simply registering that we are not taking the provocative acts sitting down, whether or not the other party even acknowledges its excesses and misdeeds.

A code of conduct, on the other hand, sends a stronger signal that it is not only a single country that is enraged by these acts.

We understand that other members of the ASEAN have their own bilateral dealings with China, which may be affected, directly or indirectly, by their participation in such an act. But there is strength in numbers, and it would be a source of confidence and goodwill in the international community if countries band together to reject expansionist acts from any one country. Ultimately, a COC will serve not only the Philippines but all countries who believe in peace, fairness, and decent conduct.

Maybe it’s not just a coincidence that these two elections happened almost at the same time. Maybe God is showing us a better way forward—not just in Church leadership, but in our politics too. A way marked by deep listening, real unity, and genuine conviction. A way that is less about power, and more about purpose. If we want better leaders, we must also become better people—more discerning, more open, more courageous. I hope we don’t waste this moment. I hope we take time to reflect and ask ourselves: what kind of elections do we want in the future? What kind of leaders are we choosing? And what kind of nation are we trying to build? May we learn these lessons well—and may we never forget them. Because if we truly listen, find common ground, and lead with conviction, then maybe, just maybe, we’ll start to see the change we’ve all been praying for.

EDITORIAL

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format with the main focus of this

old, angry fat man with sparse hair. Make him corpulent as he puts his knuckles up as if in a fighting stance. He has bulbous jowls and a huge bulbous nose. He has sullen flabby ruddy cheeks and narrowed eyes in anger. He is wearing a green hoodie sweater. He has a tilted baseball cap with a fistbump as a logo. Under the cap is his hair piece or wig, quivering and about to fall off as he yells at a camera phone attached to a tripod. He is standing on a curvature. At the other end is a Filipino screaming at him, ‘come home and be brave here!’

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025

PM Netanyahu to bring hostages home

IN BRIEF

Opposition’s Lee leading S. Korea presidential race

SEOUL — A Gallup poll released Tuesday indicates South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is the clear frontrunner to become the country’s next president, with less than a week to go until the elections.

South Koreans go to the polls on June 3, capping months of political turmoil triggered by ex-leader Yoon Suk Yeol’s ill-fated effort to suspend civilian rule in December.

Gallup put Democratic Party leader Lee as the clear frontrunner, with 49 percent of the respondents stating they saw him as the best candidate.

Trailing behind is conservative former labour minister Kim Moon-soo of the ruling People Power Party at 35 percent.

In third place is Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party -- running a campaign targeting South Korean youth -- with 11 percent.

The poll, conducted by Gallup Korea over the phone, surveyed 1,004 respondents over the weekend, with a stated margin of error of 3.1 percentage points. AFP

Argentina ratifies its withdrawal from WHO

BUENOS AIRES — Argentina has ratified its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization and reaffirmed its collaboration with Washington, during a visit to Buenos Aires by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.

The decision to pull out of the WHO was initially announced in February by Argentina’s President Javier Milei, following in the footsteps of his US counterpart Donald Trump who had said in January the United States would withdraw. Milei’s government justified its departure from the UN agency in a statement Monday (Tuesday anila time).

“The WHO’s prescriptions do not work because they are not based on science but on political interests and bureaucratic structures that refuse to review their own mistakes,” the statement said. Buenos Aires has previously accused the agency of “disastrous” management during the COVID pandemic with its “caveman quarantine.”

The announcement came as Kennedy and Argentine Health Minister Mario Lugones met to define “a joint work agenda that will strengthen transparency and trust in the health system.” AFP

Japan: China conducted research near Pacific atoll

TOKYO — Japan has accused China of conducting unnotified maritime scientific research within its exclusive economic zone around its southernmost island in the Pacific Ocean, Tokyo said Tuesday.

The alleged activity took place on Monday near the remote atoll of Okinotori in the Philippine Sea roughly halfway between Taiwan and Guam. China has said it does not constitute an island.

Japan’s coastguard on Monday spotted a Chinese maritime survey vessel “extending what appeared to be a wire into the waters in Japan’s exclusive economic zone 270 kilometers east of Okinotori island,” government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters.

“As the maritime scientific research by the vessel has not obtained Japan’s agreement, the coastguard demanded that the activity stops and we lodged a protest with the Chinese side through a diplomatic channel,” Hayashi said. AFP

Bangladesh top court acquits Islamist leader

DHAKA – Bangladesh’s top court on Tuesday overturned a conviction against a key leader of the country’s main Islamist party, who had been on death row since being sentenced under the regime ousted last year.

A.T.M. Azharul Islam, from the Jamaate-Islami party, and who has been in custody since 2012, was acquitted of crimes against humanity by the Supreme Court, which ordered his release.

Islam, who was born in 1952, was among six senior political leaders convicted during the tenure of Sheikh Hasina, whose 15-year-long autocratic rule as prime minister ended in August 2024 when a studentled revolt forced her to flee.

Political parties, including Jamaat-e-

Islami, are readying for hugely anticipated elections which the interim government has vowed will take place by June 2026 at the latest.

Islam’s lawyer Shishir Monir said he was “fortunate” because the five other senior political leaders who had been convicted -- four from Jamaat-e-Islami, and another from the key Bangladesh National Party (BNP) -- had already been hanged.

“He got justice because he is alive”, Monir told reporters. “The appellate division failed to review the evidence in other cases for crimes against humanity”.

Islam had been sentenced to death in 2014 for rape, murder and genocide during Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war from

Pakistan.

Jamaat-e-Islami supported Islamabad during the war, a role that still sparks anger among many Bangladeshis today. They were rivals of Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of the Awami League -- who would become Bangladesh’s founding figure.

Hasina banned Jamaat-e-Islami during her tenure and cracked down on its leaders.

Islam appealed in 2015, but the court upheld the verdict in 2019, and he filed a review petition in 2020.

Hasina, 77, fled to India last year as crowds stormed her palace, and she remains there in self-imposed exile -- with her Awami League party itself now banned. AFP

N. Korea says US missile shield plans risk ‘dangerous nuclear war’ in space

SEOUL – North Korea slammed on Tuesday US President Donald Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile shield plan as a “very dangerous” threat that could spark nuclear war in space, state media said. Trump announced new details and initial funding for the missile shield system last week, calling it “very important for the success and even survival of our country”.

The initiative faces significant technical and political challenges, according to analysts, and could come at a hefty price tag. In a statement shared by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Pyongyang’s foreign ministry slammed the “very dangerous ‘threatening initiative’ aimed at threatening the strategic security of the nuclear weapons states”.

The United States is “hell-bent on the moves to militarize outer space,” the foreign ministry said.

“The US plan for building a new missile defense system is the root cause of sparking off global nuclear and space arms race by stimulating the security concerns of nuclear weapons states and turning... outer space into a potential nuclear war field,” it added.

Washington -- Seoul’s key security ally -- has in recent years ramped up joint military exercises and increased the presence of strategic US assets, such as an aircraft carrier and a nuclear-powered submarine, in the region to deter the North.

Pyongyang has repeatedly declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear weapons state and routinely denounces joint US-South Korea drills as rehearsals for invasion.

Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AFP that Pyongyang saw Trump’s “Golden Dome” as a threat.

“The North’s strong reaction suggests it views the Golden Dome as capable of significantly weakening the effectiveness of its nuclear arsenal, including its ICBMs,” he said. “If the US completes its new missile defense program, the North will be forced to develop alternative means to counter or penetrate it,” he added.

China has also expressed strong concerns about Washington’s Golden Dome plan, accusing the United States of undermining global stability. AFP

GAZA CITY –Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to bring back all hostages, “living and dead,” as Gaza rescuers said Israeli strikes killed at least 52 people in the war-battered Palestinian enclave.

Netanyahu’s remarks came amid confusion about the fate of a proposed 70day ceasefire that was to see the release of 10 Israeli hostages alongside more Palestinian prisoners.

Israel has in recent weeks expanded its offensive in the Gaza Strip, drawing international condemnation as aid trickles in following a months-long blockade that has caused severe food and medical shortages.

“If we don’t achieve it today, we will achieve it tomorrow, and if not tomorrow, then the day after tomorrow. We are not giving up,” Netanyahu said of freeing the captives.

“We intend to bring them all back, the living and the dead,” he added without mentioning a possible truce.

In related developments, a controversial US-backed aid group for Gaza announced Monday that it had begun distributing food in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory, and decried Hamas “death threats” against organizations supporting its operations.

The Gaza Humanitarian foundation (GHF) said in a statement that it “commenced operations in Gaza today, delivering truckloads of food to its Secure Distribution Sites, where distribution to the Gazan people began.”

“More trucks with aid will be delivered tomorrow, with the flow of aid increasing each day.”

The organization, based in Geneva since February, has promised to distribute some 300 million meals in its first 90 days of operation.

The announcement came as Israel is facing global condemnation over the conditions in Gaza, where it has been at war since Hamas’s unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack. A nearly three-month total blockade

welcome King Charles after Trump annex threats

SPORTS A

‘Everest Man’ from Nepal rips own record with 31st summit

KATHMANDU—A 55-year-old Nepali climber dubbed “Everest Man” reached the peak of the world’s highest mountain for a record 31st time on Tuesday, more than three decades after his first summit.

“Massive congratulations to the legendary Kami Rita Sherpa on his 31st successful ascent of Everest, the highest number of ascents by anyone in history,” expedition organiser Seven Summit Treks said.

“Kami Rita Sherpa needs no introduction. He is not just a national climbing hero, but a global symbol of Everest itself,” it added.

Sherpa first stood on the top of Mount Everest in 1994 when working for a commercial expedition.

He has climbed Everest almost every year since, guiding clients.

Sherpa, speaking a year ago after he had climbed the 8,849-metre (29,032-foot) peak for the 29th and 30th times, said that he was “just

working” and did not plan on setting records.

“I am glad for the record, but records are eventually broken,” he told AFP in May 2024.

“I am more happy that my climbs help Nepal be recognised in the world.”

Seven Summit Treks said he completed the climb on Tuesday as the leader of an Indian army team, adding that he “not only reached the summit himself, but also led and guided the last remaining members of the team to the top”.

‘To the next height’

Another Nepali climber, Tashi Gyalzen Sherpa, 29, returned to the capital Kathmandu on Tuesday after

he made a record-breaking four summits of Everest in just 15 days, completing the last on May 23, according to 8K Expeditions.

“I feel proud, it was a very difficult task but I made it a success,”

Gyalzen Sherpa told AFP after landing in Kathmandu, where his family and mountaineering fans welcomed him.

“Earlier, many pioneers have scaled the Everest many times, but not four times in one season.” The records come as the spring climbing season nears its end.

More than 500 climbers and their guides have already reached the summit of Everest since the route opened, taking advantage of brief spells of good weather, according to Nepal’s tourism department.

The season has so far recorded the fewest number of deaths on Everest in recent years. Two climbers, a Filipino and an Indian, have died on its high camps. Nepal has issued more than 1,100 permits for mountaineers this season, including 458 for Everest, earning more than $5 million in royalties. The country is home to eight of the world’s 10 highest peaks and welcomes hundreds of adventurers each spring, when temperatures are warmer and winds typically calmer. AFP

Twin rivalry takes spotlight as JPGT Caliraya reels off

CAVINTI, Laguna—The stakes rise and rivalries build up as Lisa and Mona Sarines set out for another thrilling faceoff in the girls’ 11-14 division, kicking off the ICTSI Caliraya Junior PGT Championship today (Wednesday, May 28) at the demanding Caliraya Springs Golf and Country Club. With berths to the prestigious Elite Junior Finals on the line, the fourth leg of the Luzon Series is more than just another tournament – it’s a proving ground. The Caliraya layout, known for its unpredicta-

ble winds, rolling fairways and menacing hazards, is set to test every aspect of the young contenders’ game, adding another layer of drama to the season-long chase. The Sarines twins have dominated the Luzon circuit so far, with Lisa capturing the first two legs and Mona denying her a sweep with a gritty one-stroke win at Splendido Taal. Their fourth clash promises fireworks, with Lisa aiming to tighten her grip on the top spot and Mona hungry to even the score. But the title is far from a two-player

Adamson opens SGVIL repeat bid

D3EFENDING champion Adamson University battles Emilio Aguinaldo College to begin its chase for a repeat crown as thrilling action in the 2025 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (SGVIL) Rising Stars Cup erupts Wednesday at the La Salle Green Hills gym. The Lady Baby Falcons and Lady Brigadiers Pool A match in the Division 1 competition will cap off a busy five-game schedule in Court 1 starting at 9 a.m. Five pairings will also be played in Court 2 beginning at 9 a.m.

All eyes will be on Adamson as it tries to set off on a winning note in its bid to become the first-ever back-to-back champion in the country’s biggest grassroots volleyball league backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.

Last edition’s holdovers Abegail Segui and Lhouriz Tuddao and UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year Ellaine Gonzalvo spearhead the Lady Baby Falcons’ charge. Adamson behind last year’s MVP Shaina Nitura completed a flawless six-game tournament sweep without dropping a single set to rule the league backed by Mikasa, Asics, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo and Smart.

EAC will try to turn its fortunes around after an early exit in the previous contest, where it won only one game in four outings in the preliminary round.

Division 2 tussle between Assumption College-San Lorenzo and La Salle Green Hills in Pool E kicks off the games in Court 1, followed by the Pool F collision of Domuschola International School and St. Therese College-QC.

Also in Court 1 are the Division 1 matches between King’s Montessori School and Arellano University High School in Pool C and St. John’s Institute-Bacolod versus University of Santo Tomas in Pool D.

race. Alexie Gabi, Kelsey Bernardino, Annika Abad, Kendra Garingalao and Eliana Dumalaog are all eager to break the Sarines stronghold and move up the leaderboard in the 36-hole event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

A similarly fierce showdown is shaping up in the boys’ 11-14 division, where Vito Sarines and Race Manhit renew their rivalry. Vito, buoyed by his win at Sherwood Hills and a runner-up finish at Splendido Taal, enters as one of the favorites.

Manhit, who placed second at Eagle Ridge, returns to competition after skipping two legs to focus on academics and is determined to make a strong statement and secure his spot in the North vs South Finals.

Vito Sarines and Manhit, however, will be challenged by a deep field that includes Jacob Casuga, Matthias Espina, Inigo Gallardo, Jose Luis Espinosa, and Peyton Coyiuto, all looking to capitalize on Caliraya’s tricky terrain and jostle for the limited Elite Junior Finals berths.

The intense battle for ranking points continues across all divisions. The boys’ and girls’ 7-10 classes, also set over 36 holes, promise spirited action. Meanwhile, the premier 15-18 division kicks off a grueling 54-hole challenge where resilience and course management will be key.

Patrick Tambalque, fresh off a win at Sherwood Hills, is expected to battle it out with Zachary Villaroman, John Paul Agustin, Geoffrey Tan and Enzo Chan, while Kristoffer Nadales, Nathan Belandres and Vincent Ilagan aim to crash the leaderboard.

Camcam, Libonfacil named tennis MVPs

tennis stars Izabelle Camcam and Aizelle Libonfacil shared Most Valuable Player honors in the girls’ division, while Vincent Nadal spearheaded the boys’ charge in the just-concluded Dipolog City National Juniors Tennis Championships in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte last Monday. The Group 2 tournament, part of the Mindanao swing of the PPS-PEPP Junior Tennis Circuit, saw intense competition and emerging talent from various regions, showcasing the depth of young Filipino tennis.

Camcam, representing Muntinlupa, lived up to her top billing in the 16-and-under girls’ division. She displayed dominance from the get-go, conceding only four games en route to the title. Her commanding 6-1, 6-0 win over Gabrielle Bulado in the finals capped her unbeaten run.

AS one of the leading sportswear and athletic brands globally, ANTA’s mission is to elevate the journey of any young aspirant. For many kids, a sport like basketball gives them hope—a guiding light that gives them purpose in their journeys. With this, ANTA Philippines partnered with Make-A-Wish Foundation Philippines for the first of their many basketball clinics for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Make-A-Wish Philippines is the country’s chapter of the international organization, centered on granting wishes to kids with critical illnesses all over the nation. Built on their core values of child focus, integrity, impact, innovation, and community, their mission resonates well with that of ANTA PH—given that the brand organizes events and competitions for young aspirants to showcase their talent in different athletic fields.

ANTA PH, in collaboration with the foundation, set up a one-of-a-kind basketball clinic at the Ronac Art Center in Ortigas, San Juan, for three Make-A-Wish PH kids, namely Zeus, Cody, and JP. The clinic was run by ANTA-signed players and coaches, with the help of ANTA PH Head of

However, her bid for a second title was derailed in the 18-andU finals, where

Marketing Miko Abello. Together, they developed a fun-filled learning program of basketball drills and games for the day.

“What Make-A-Wish is doing is amazing for these kids who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses. We’re very happy to do something with them today,” shared Abello, who was a Make-A-Wish Philippines volunteer in the early 2000s. Before the program, the kids were treated to their own ANTA PH gear, with each of them getting a pair of KAI 1s in different colorways. Internationally-recognized sneaker collector DJ Bigboy Cheng then had the kids brought to his clothing store, Secret Fresh, for a shopping spree.

Professional Filipino basketball standouts Poy Erram, Kib Montalbo, Peter Alfaro, Keith Datu, and Justin Chua then taught the Make-A-Wish kids various drills that included passing, dribbling, shooting, defense, and overall team play. Veteran basketball coaches Yuri Escueta, Jeff Napa, and Sandy Arespacochaga supervised the program, making sure to keep the drills playful and engaging for everyone participating.

Kami Rita Sherpa, the 55-year-old Nepali climber dubbed the ‘Everest Man’, reached the peak of the world’s highest mountain for a record 31st time on May 27, 2025, more than three decades after his first summit. AFP

RISING

Lisa and Mona Sarines

Rising tennis stars Izabelle Camcam (right), Aizelle Libonfacil (center) and Vincent Nadal.

kid participant learns the basketball fundamentals.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

PSC hosts 4-day sports facilities

conference

THROUGH the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the iconic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex will host the International Sports Facilities Management Conference and Tradeshow this May 28 to 31, 2025.

With the theme of “Elevating Sports Excellence through Sustainable and Safe World-Class Facilities”, the national sports agency will be holding the 4-day conference on sports facilities management in line with its progressive take in developing sports in the country.

Headlining the conference is Taras Mukovoz, a venue expert from the International Federation of Association Football, with topics on venue management for large-scale sporting events and the best practices for its management and operations.

Aside from Mukovoz, the commission has also brought in experts from various private entities to share their proficiency in technology, innovation, and sustainability in managing sports facilities.

Backed by the national government, the sports conference will also feature resource speakers from the Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau and the Office of Civil Defense - NDRRMC.

The PSC has ongoing developments in its very own infrastructure projects such as the retrofitting of the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, its recent FIFA Quality Pro certification for the Rizal Memorial Football Field, upgrades in its Sports Museum and dormitories and so much more.

The PSC will also welcome Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go and Senator Pia S. Cayetano and over 300 participating officials from different local government units for the conference.

The event is co-presented by Sports Expo Philippines and 833 Marketing.

PVL celebrates cream of crop in inaugural Awards Night

THE Premier Volleyball League’s cream of the crop will earn the flowers they deserve and more as the Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards Night emanates from Novotel Manila on Wednesday.

A who’s who of PVL players, executives, and teams will be honored in this special night of celebration in Cubao, Quezon City, headlined by two-time reigning All-Filipino MVP Brooke Van Sickle, who earned the validation of her peers and the media, on top of raw statistical excellence for Petro Gazz, to snag the inaugural PVL Season M VP award.

“Tonight, we shine the spotlight on those who stood tallest, leapt highest, and dug deepest – the first-ever awardees of the PVL Awards Night,” said league president Ricky Palou.

“But in truth, each of you, every player, coach, staff member, and team, emerged victorious,” he continued. “You elevated the game. You inspired a nation.”

The PVL Awards Night will be streamed live at 7 p.m., only on the Pilipinas LIVE app Other top awardees include Alas Pilipinas middle blocker Thea Gagate as the PVL PC Rookie of the Year, a distinction built off her undeniable contributions to a ZUS Coffee side fresh off a breakthrough quarterfinals stint.

Meanwhile, the Creamline Cool Smashers, coming off a pioneering grand slam sweep of the 2024 season, will rise as the Team of the Year, as their amiable mentor Sherwin Meneses is set to claim the Coach of the Year honor in the formal awards rites presented by Arena Plus. In relation, Rebisco Vice Chairman and CEO Jonathan Ng will claim his deserved place as the Executive of the Year, thanks to his sharp business acumen to help lift Creamline to become the winningest franchise, highlighted by a historic grand slam last year.

Yaoyao bags MTB silver in Japan

By Randy M. Caluag

CEBUANA mountainbike rider Shagne Yaoyao continues to pile up UCI points after bagging another silver medal at the Yawatahama

International Cross Country – Asia MTB Series Leg 3 held in Ehime City, Japan.

Ranked No. 103 in the world, Yaoyao placed second in the 20-kilometer Women’s Elite race behind Japan’s Kawaguchi Urara. Yaoyao crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 35 minutes, and 10 seconds, edg-

ing out third-placer Ishida Yui by 1 minute and 23 seconds.

Competing as the lone representative of the Philippine national team, Yaoyao’s participation was made even more significant by the absence of her

teammates, who were unable to secure their Japan visas in time.

Her second-place finish in this UCI Class 1 event is expected to further boost her world ranking.

This latest result builds on Yaoyao’s momentum from earlier this year.

In January, she captured silver in the Women’s Elite category of the UCI Thailand MTB XCO Cup in Kanchanaburi, a performance that earned her 40 UCI points and propelled her into the prestigious Top 100 global rankings within a single week.

Yaoyao is now the third-highest ranked Asian female MTB rider, trail-

ing only Bella Dewi of Indonesia (449 points) and Alina Karassyova of Kazakhstan (389 points).

In the national level, the Philippines has also improved its standing, currently ranked 29th in the UCI MTB Nation Rankings with 815 points—the second-highest Asian nation, just behind Kazakhstan, which holds 888 points.

The Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (PhilCycling) plans to send Yaoyao and other elite Filipino riders to the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Valais, Switzerland, set to take place from August 30 to September 14.

Solar Strikers score stunning upset over Stallions in PFF tilt

CAPITAL1 gamely said it wanted to shake up the women’s football scene by challenging the heavyweights of the PFF Women’s League.

The Solar Strikers are keeping their word so far.

As the 2025 edition of the tournament enters its homestretch, the league debutantes have muddled the race to the crown, scoring a key victory that could affect the final standings.

Capital1’s 1-0 stunning upset of Stallion Laguna FC at MOA Football Pitch over the weekend showed that the Solar Strikers are slowly coming into their own in the league and, more importantly, shattered the belief that this season was going to end up a two-way race.

“The last time we played against [Stallion], we lost to them and I said that we will get back at them,” said forward Judy Arevalo. “So we showed how well we prepared for them.”

A former member of the Minnesota Aurora FC in USWL and Birkirkara FC in Malta, Arianna del Moral made the penalty shot in the 31st minute after Arevalo was intentionally pulled inside the box by a Stallion defender as she was about to make an attempt.

Using her vast experience playing in top-tier tournaments in the US and Europe, the cool and calculating Del Moral caught the Stallion goalie off-

guard when she nicely put the ball into the net to the cheers of the team.

“We wanted to compete against [Stallion] and do well because they have a lot of national team [players],” Arevalo said. “It felt good to beat them.” That put the league’s rookie team tied with powerhouse Kaya-Iloilo, which has a

in hand, in the standings.

Capital1 and Kaya hace 15 points each.

the Solar Strikers kept Stallion within reach.

still leads the race with 19 points, but the reigning champion has just two games left, including a key

duel against rival Kaya.

Makati FC is at fourth place with 13 points and three matches remaining, with only a mathematical shot at the crown.

Capital1 coach Let Dimzon attributed the team’s amazing run despite being formed just two weeks before the start of the tournament to commitment and discipline.

“We’ve proven that we’re not here just to participate – we’re here to show who we are – both as a team and an individual players,” said the multi-titled Dimzon

For Mandy Romero, who co-owns the team with older sister Milka, the team’s latest success was a franchisedefining moment.

“Beating the Stallions is one for the books, great win for us, great motivation.”

Before bringing down the defending champions, the Solar Strikers started their streak with a 3-1 win over MFC, followed by a 6-0 drubbing of UP and a 3-1 victory over UST.

“We have built team chemistry both on and off the field through consistent dedication to training and games,” added Dimzon. “But beyond that, it’s the passion and hunger to improve that truly set us apart. The players show up every session ready to work, and that commitment is now translating into results.”

Milka Romero: No. 1 pick is hope of a thousand volley dreams

Milka Romero: Ecstatic

THE future just got brighter for Capital1. Moments after defying the odds and winning the No. 1 pick in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft, Capital1 co-owner Milka Romero called the moment a turning point for the young franchise. “This first-round pick is the hope of a thousand dreams—the heart and soul Capital1 has been waiting for,” Romero beamed. “With this franchise player, we’re not just building a team… we’re building a future our fans can believe in.”

The announcement sent waves of excitement through the Romero household, as family patriarch Mikee Romero and her sister Mandy, erupted in celebration while watching the draft lottery unfold from home.

With only a 30-percent chance at landing the top spot, fate smiled

on the Solar Spikers—setting the stage for what could be the franchise’s biggest move yet.

And leading that conversation? None other than National University’s pride, Bella Belen. The three-time UAAP MVP is among the top candidates on Capital1’s shortlist, according to Romero.

While the 21-year-old phenom has entered the draft pool, she has yet to make a final decision about whether she’ll pursue a pro career in the Philippines or explore opportunities overseas.

“I take it day by day. Of course, nasa shortlist siya. That’s what I can say,” Romero admitted. “But what the team needs is more important and what we see in our long-term plan with the management and the coaches… we don’t want to just think of the moment.”

For the young franchise, this is more than a lucky draw—it’s a

symbol of progress.

After selecting standout Leila Cruz with the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft, Capital1 has been steadily building a competitive roster.

They added Roma Mae Doromal at No. 14 and Jenya Torres at No. 20, strengthening a team that had only just been assembled before debuting in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference. What started with an 11th-place finish quickly turned promising, as the Solar Spikers climbed to seventh place in the Reinforced Conference and cracked the playoffs—thanks in large part to their rookie core and powerhouse import Marina Tushova. Even though they slipped back to 11th in the latest All-Filipino Conference, Cruz emerged as a major bright spot, scoring 140 points and finishing tied for 22nd in the league.

Shagne Yaoyao proudly hoists the Philippine ag at the podium. Boying Rodriguez

Arianna Del Moral

Free access to Connector Road eyed during EDSA repair—MPTC

METRO Pacific Tollways Corp.

(MPTC) plans to provide free toll access on its Connector Road once the EDSA rehabilitation project begins in June 2025, its chairman said Tuesday. MPTC chairman Manuel Pangilinan made the remarks after San Miguel Corp. agreed to provide toll-free access on parts of Skyway Stage 3 during the EDSA reconstruction.

“I think we also have a connector. Maybe we should do the same thing,” Pangilinan said.

“I think San Miguel has taken the lead there. It was a good lead that they’ve done. And I think we should follow their example. To help you out in the traffic situation, I guess, for the next two years or so,” he said. The 7.70-kilometer NLEX-SLEX

Connector Road links the end of NLEX Segment 10 at Circumferential Road 3 (C-3) in Caloocan to the end of Manila Skyway Stage 3 in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

The Department of Transportation earlier announced that motorists would be able to enjoy passing through some parts of the Skyway Stage 3 for free, to help decongest EDSA during the rebuild works.

“We understand that this temporary arrangement might result in loss of income to SMC, the operator of Skyway,” the DOTr said.

The DOTr and the Toll Regulator Board said they are exploring options to grant SMC some reprieve, including possible extension of their concession agreement with the government. Darwin G. Amojelar

Gov’t registered P67.3-b budget surplus in April on lower spending

By Darwin G. Amojelar

TTotal

P522.1 billion in

down 2.82 percent year-on-year due to the timing of non-tax collections. The decline was offset by a 7.84-percent growth in tax revenues. The government said it remains on track to meet its collection goals, with four-month revenue performance strong at P1.5 trillion, up 3.35 percent year-on-year, led by an 11.49-percent increase in tax revenues which accounted for 94 percent of total collections. Non-tax revenues made up the remaining 5.97 percent or P90.7 billion.

April expenditures fell 8.03 percent, or P39.7 billion, to P454.8 billion from P494.5 billion a year ago. The BTr said the decline was largely due to lower interest payments and reduced subsidies to government corporations, particularly the National Irrigation Administration.

The timing of the transfer of the capitalization requirement for the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund also weighed on April spending growth, it said. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) saw net collections of P420.5 billion in April, up 11.1 percent year-

DHSUD chief to expedite projects; Herbosa gets support

NEWLY-APPOINTED Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling vowed to recalibrate the flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) program to include horizontal developments.

Aliling, who replaced Jose Rizalino Acuzar in the latest Cabinet revamp under the Marcos Jr. administration, also stressed his “zero tolerance” to corruption. Acuzar, who was named Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Development, expressed

full confidence in the ability of his successor.

Aliling stressed the need for “improved, expanded” housing program. “4PH will now include horizontal developments. We will prioritize the preparation of the 4PH guidelines for horizontal developments. In doing so, we can expect 4PH numbers to improve significantly,” he said.

The original 4PH was focused on vertical housing or multi-story, condominium-type of housing projects. Horizontal developments,

on-year. The Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) collection fell 7.48 percent partly due to fewer working days and lower import volumes amid global trade challenges. Despite this, BOC’s overall collection in the four-month period reached P306.1 billion, exceeding last year’s performance by 2.16 percent. Primary expenditures in April were P408.3 billion, or 4.37 percent (P18.7 billion) lower than the previous year’s P427.0 billion.

meanwhile, include subdivision-type housing projects.

Meanwhile, some insiders from the Department of Health have come to the defense of Dr. Ted Herbosa’s leadership. Supporters of Dr. Herbosa said the allegations threatening his position are both unfounded and unfair.

Senator Joel Villanueva said earlier he supports President Marcos’ call for the courtesy resignation of Cabinet officials, while zeroing in on DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa’s frequent foreign travels.

PH, UAE to sign free trade agreement in June

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines and the United Arab Emirates are set to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by June 2025, Special Envoy to Dubai Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu Pimentel announced at the Doing Business with the Philippines forum Tuesday.

“This will be historic in the sense that it will be our first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern country,” she told business leaders present at the forum. CEPA will complement

and

measures such as

investment incentives to

the Philippines’ appeal to

investors, she said. Once in force, the PH-UAE CEPA will lower barriers on goods and services, unlock greater capital inflows and expand opportunities for Filipino professionals across the Gulf region. It forms a key pillar of the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and the Philippine Export Development Plan 2023–2028 as Manila seeks to diversify its export markets and deepen ties with strategic partners. Meanwhile, Dubai Chambers signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Chamber of

P67.3 billion P522.1 billion P454.8 billion Budget surplus in April 2025 Revenue collection in April Gov’t expenditures in April

THE Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) is exploring deeper collaboration with global logistics giant DP World Ltd. through a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) to improve logistics efficiency and connectivity across the Philippines.

MIC president and CEO Rafael D. Consing Jr. confirmed the development, emphasizing that the agreement is still in its early stages and does not yet involve any investments.

“It’s very preliminary and logistics-focused,” he said on the sidelines of the Doing Business with the Philippines forum organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on Tuesday, with a 17-company delegation from Dubai’s business sector.

DP World currently operates in the country through Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI), and the MOU, signed May 3, 2025, in Dubai, signaled a potential expansion in the Philippines through the MIC.

“We’ll be working with them, with AT. It’s more of a collaborative effort, an opportunity to study how we can work together to make logistics more efficient nationwide,” Consing said. Othel V. Campos

Vista Land ‘s Q1 income up 5% to P3.4b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

VISTA Land & Lifescapes Inc., the property arm of business tycoon Manuel Villar, reported a 5 percent increase in net income for the first quarter of 2025 driven by strong real estate revenues and higher rental income.

Net income amounted to P3.40 billion from P3.23 billion in the same period last year, the

company in a financial report filed with the Philippine Stock Exchange said.

First quarter revenues from real estate sales rose to P5.85 billion, a 5 percent increase from P5.56 billion a year earlier.

The property firm attributed the

growth to a higher completion rate of sold units across its business segments and the recognition of a significant financing component, in line with its use of the percentage of completion method in revenue recognition.

Among its business units, Crown Asia posted the highest growth, with revenue jumping 67 percent to P740 million, fueled by more completed or under-construction homes in Mega Manila’s upper middle-income residential segment.

Vista Residences, the company’s unit focused on vertical projects, recorded a 7 percent increase in revenue to P1.51 billion, while Brittany, targeting the

upscale market, saw revenue grow 20 percent to P573 million. Communities Philippines and Camella also posted modest gains.

Communities Philippines, which caters to affordable housing outside Mega Manila, reported a 4 percent increase in revenue to P2.08 billion while Camella’s revenue inched up to P1.36 billion from P1.35 billion.

Meanwhile, rental income grew by 4 percent to P4.35 billion, mainly due to higher rental rates during the quarter.

Despite a 12 percent increase in the cost of real estate sales to P2.01 billion due to the increase in the num-

ber of sold homes completed or under construction, Vista Land’s overall cost and expenses remained manageable.

Operating expenses dropped 16 percent to P2.38 billion, while total costs and expenses decreased 5 percent to P4.39 billion.

Vista Land’s subsidiary VLL International, Inc. obtained a $150 million syndicated term loan facility at a rate of 6.40509 percent per annum early this month.

The loan agreement was signed with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. Singapore Branch and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.

FDC raising P8b from shares offering to fund expansion

GOTIANUN-LED Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC) is launching an P8 billion preferred share offering to support its strategic expansion and strengthen its financial position.

FDC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission and a listing application with the Philippine Stock Exchange for up to 8 million preferred shares priced at P1,000 each.

The offer includes a base of 6 million shares and an oversubscription option of 2 million shares.

FDC said the proceeds will be used to refinance existing obligations and fund growth initiatives.

These include investments in residential

real estate, consumer banking, hospitality, and power.

“We are positioning Filinvest for the next phase of sustainable growth by strengthening our capital structure and enhancing financial flexibility,” said FDC president and chief executive Rhoda Huang.

The offering is part of the company’s broader strategy to diversify its funding sources and attract more investors.

This is also aligned with FDC’s strategic direction to unlock value in its core businesses while expanding in high-growth sectors such as affordable, middle-income, and high-end residential markets, consumer banking, hospitality, and power generation.

The offer period is scheduled for July 21

to 25, with the listing targeted for Aug. 4, subject to regulatory approvals. Approximately P5 billion to P6.75 billion in net proceeds from the preferred shares offering, including in the event the oversubscription option is exercised will

while financials and industrial went down by 0.48 percent and 0.46 percent respectively. Value turnover remained thin at P4.33 billion, which is below the year-to-date average of P5.52 billion.

Foreign investors were net sellers for the day with outflows reaching P55.76 million. Bloomberry Resorts Corp., emerged as the top index gainer, rising by 13.86 percent to P4.60 apiece Shares of Puregold Price Club Inc., on the other hand, dropped 3.38 percent to P30.05 each. Equities in Asia and Europe

Tuesday as investors awaited the latest developments in Donald Trump’s trade war.

With Wall Street closed for a holiday, there were few major catalysts to drive business, though investors remain on their toes after the US president’s threat of 50 percent tariffs on European Union goods and subsequent delay reviving volatility.

But analysts said the uncertainty caused by Trump’s capricious policy announcements, along with his plans to extend tax cuts, was hurting confidence in the US economy and pushing Treasury yields higher.

“Markets are once again dancing on hot coals, front-running White House mood swings while dodging macro landmines,” said Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management. Jenniffer B. Austria

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BUSINESS

BCDA renews lease of AyalaLand for TechnoHub at Camp John Hay

By Othel V. Campos

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has signed a 25-year lease agreement with property giant Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) for the continued operation and development of the John Hay Technohub located in Camp John Hay, Baguio City.

The long-term partnership is expected to generate P600 million in revenue for the government while sustaining and creating thousands of jobs for the local community.“This partnership ensures that business

continues to thrive smoothly while we build a stronger, brighter future for all. It reflects the deep trust and confidence that respected companies like Ayala place in the government. At BCDA, we are living up to our prom-

ise to keep Camp John Hay a place where great things happen,” said BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang.

The agreement, signed on May 16, 2025, allowed the Technohub to continue supporting BPO operations and commercial activity within the area.

The site, developed by ALI, features modern office spaces and retail clusters that have helped shape Camp John Hay into a key business hub in Northern Luzon.

The project is a driver of local employment, currently supporting over 3,000 jobs.

The continued operation of the Technohub under ALI is expected to enhance job stability and expand livelihood opportunities in the area. Ayala Land’s track record also contributes to strong land value capture, averaging 14 percent growth across its developments, aligning with BCDA’s mission of leveraging government assets for long-term economic returns.

Since recovering the Camp John Hay property in January, the BCDA has secured more than P1.4 billion in investments through new commercial and residential lease agreements.

Lumagui leads negotiating panel for double taxation agreement with HK

BUREAU of Internal Revenue (BIR)

Commissioner Romeo Lumagui, Jr.

led the Philippine Negotiating Panel in the initial round of talks for the Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China.

The negotiations were held from May 21 to 23, 2025, at the Inland Revenue Centre in Kowloon, Hong Kong.

The three-day discussions reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening international tax cooperation, fostering economic partnerships, and ensuring fair and equitable taxation on cross-border income. The Hong Kong SAR delegation was headed by Commissioner Benjamin Chan Sze-wai of the Inland Revenue Department.

“We recognize the importance of the DTA in fostering economic growth, promoting investment, and providing clarity for businesses and individuals operating in both jurisdictions. The BIR is open to all international discussions that aims to promote the economic situation of all parties. We are here to find a win-win solution for all our international partners,” said Lumagui.

The inaugural round of negotiations saw both sides engage in constructive discussions and exchange views on key provisions of the proposed treaty. These included mechanisms to prevent double taxation, tax relief measures, and frameworks for mutual cooperation between the two tax authorities.

DOE moves to ensure oil products delivery to Samar

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) on Tuesday moved to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), to Samar with the weight limit restrictions imposed on the San Juanico bridge.

“The DOE remains committed to safeguarding the energy security of Samar and its people. By working hand-in-hand with government agencies and oil industry partners, we are confident in our shared ability to rise above these challenges with unity, urgency, and purpose,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said in a statement.

In light of the recently imposed 3-metric ton weight limit on vehicles crossing the San Juanico bridge, the DOE promptly coordinated with both government and industry stakeholders to implement alternative solutions that address logistical challenges in fuel deliveries to the Island.

The DOE said that as all petroleum deliveries to Samar have traditionally relied on land transport, the new weight restriction effectively bars standard fuel tankers, which typically weigh between 19 to 20 metric tons for a 10,000-liter load, from crossing the bridge.

It said this development highlighted the urgent need for decisive and innovative logistical measures and welcomed National Disaster Risk reduction and Management Council’s (NDRMMC) recent approval to prioritize oil tankers in the rollon/roll-off (RORO) vessel loading queues. Current estimates show that most gasoline stations in Samar maintain a maximum storage capacity of up to two weeks, necessitating regular replenishment every 7 to 14 days.

DOE to bid out 167 unserved, underserved off-grid areas for electrification

THE Department of Energy (DOE) has started preparations for the conduct of the 3rd Round of the competitive selection process (CSP) for the selection of microgrid system providers (MGSPs) for the initially identified 71 lots covering 167 unserved and underserved areas.

The DOE said in a statement Tuesday it planned to announced the schedule of the 3rd MGSP CSP by the end of the month.

“This 3rd Round of MGSP-CSP marks a pivotal step in our push for total electrification,” said Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara.

“By streamlining regulatory procedures, introducing policy innovations, and strengthening coordination across government and the

private sector, we are sending a clear signal: the Philippines is ready and open for sustainable microgrid investments. Through these efforts, we aim to empower our most remote communities with clean, reliable, and affordable energy, because energy access is not just a policy objective—it is a fundamental right,” she said.

It said that building on the lessons from the two previous MGSP-CSP, policy and regulatory aspects governing microgrid service operations were enhanced to create a more transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly environment for interested private investors.

In particular, the DOE has promulgated Department Circular No.

GREEN logistics frontrunner Mober has expanded its operations to Thailand, pushing its regional growth strategy to promote sustainable delivery solutions across Southeast Asia.

The company has launched its electric vehicle (EV) logistics operations in Bangkok’s Bang Na district with an initial fleet of 21 electric trucks, primarily supporting IKEA Thailand’s last-mile delivery needs. To power the fleet, Mober has built a 1,600-squaremeter charging hub equipped with four 22-kW chargers and two 60-kW fast chargers.

facility is designed to support 150 to 200 deliveries per day.

from the Philippines, we at Mober are

proud to bring our proven green logistics solutions to Thailand, a market with strong potential for EV adoption. As we officially launch our operations, we are confident that we’ll not only help make deliveries in Thailand greener but also support a more sustainable urban environment,” said Mober co-founder and head of new business Jade Hugo.

The expansion adds to Mober’s string of 2025 milestones, when in February, the company rolled out the Philippines’ first fully electric tractor head truck for large-scale logistics. In March, it opened the country’s largest commercial EV charging hub, a

DC2025-04-0007or the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11646 or the Microgrid Systems Act.

This revised IRR, which took effect on May 13, 2025, streamlined the CSP procedures, clarified the provisions of the microgrid service contract and the corresponding responsibilities of stakeholders and enhanced incentives for the provision of microgrid service.

Under the revised IRR, the award of a microgrid service area to a provider will automatically qualify the project as an Energy Project of National Significance (EPNS), enabling concerned entities to fast-track the issuance of necessary permits and licenses.

The notice of award will also include a renewable energy service contract (RESC) for the renewable energy components of the microgrid system, subject to the completion of remaining requirements, particularly the submission of proof of possessory rights over the service area.

The DOE is also closely coordinating with distribution utilities (DUs) and relevant government agencies, such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Tourism (DOT), and local government units (LGUs), to gather data on the areas to be offered under this CSP, particularly in terms of energy demand and potential. Alena Mae S. Flores

Bureau

Commissioner Romeo Lumagui, Jr. (3rd from left) leads the Philippine Negotiating Panel

double taxation agreement with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Ayala, Makati to expand EV charging network to 100 points

By Jenniffer B. Austria

The stations are located in popular areas such as One Ayala, Greenbelt, Glorietta, and Tower One. They are also available in major parking areas like Valero, Dela Rosa and Corinthian.

The expansion aims to support the growing number of EVs in the country and promote clean energy use. It is also part of a broader push to reduce emissions and modernize urban infrastructure.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) in January 2025 provided financing package of up to $100 million to support Ayala Corp.’s development of an electric mobility ecosystem in the Philippines.

seeks action on unlicensed crypto

By Darwin G. Amojelar

FILIPINO regulators should crack down on unlicensed cryptocurrency platforms that are acting as a financial lifeline for organized crime, an official of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) said Tuesday.

These unregulated platforms are fueling a “digital crime epidemic” in the Philippines, enabling kidnappings, human trafficking, large-scale scams, drug operations and illegal gambling, according to Dr. Reyner M. Villaseñor, co-chair

Cyber threats rise, become more serious

By Othel V. Campos

CYBER threats across the Philippines

are growing not only in volume but also in sophistication, driven by the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by malicious actors.

This is according to a new survey by IDC commissioned by Fortinet, a global cybersecurity leader, which found that Philippine organizations are increasingly exposed to stealthier, more coordinated cyberattacks.

The survey revealed that 78 percent of organizations in the country encountered AI-powered threats over the past year, with 64 percent reporting a twofold increase in incidents and 28 percent seeing a threefold spike.

The AI-enabled threats include deepfake impersonations in business email compromise (BEC), AIenhanced social engineering, adversarial AI and data poisoning, automated reconnaissance and polymorphic malware.

“Complexity is now the new battleground in cybersecurity, and AI is both the challenge and the frontline defense,” said Fortinet Philippines country head Bambi Escalante.

Despite the growing threat landscape, only 9 percent of local organizations say they are very confident in their ability to counter AI-enabled attacks.

Twenty-seven percent admitted that these threats are already outpacing their detection capabilities, while 19 percent reported having no ability to monitor AI threats at all—exposing a significant preparedness gap.

of the ECCP ICT Committee.

“Criminal syndicates are exploiting regulatory gaps to carry out diverse illegal activities, using unlicensed and unregulated cryptocurrency platforms as their tools,” Villaseñor said. These shadow platforms, he said,

are enabling criminals to move millions in illicit funds with little to no trace—and the consequences are now surfacing in deeply alarming ways.

Citing data from the Global AntiScam Alliance, Villaseñor said Filipinos lost an estimated P460 billion to online crime in 2024— equivalent to 1.9 percent of the gross domestic product. This figure, however, represents only a portion of a much broader ecosystem of digitally enabled crimes that extend beyond purely online activity, he said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas recorded P5.82 billion in losses

FASTER REMITTANCE. Asia United Bank (AUB) teams up with global remittance platform Taptap Send to enable overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to send money to their loved ones in the Philippines in a faster, easier and more affordable way via its e-wallet HelloMoney. Under the partnership, OFWs across more than 15 countries—including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and those in Europe—can use the Taptap Send app to send money directly to HelloMoney e-wallets. OFWs’ family members in the Philippines can instantly receive funds and conveniently use them for bills payment, online shopping, QR Ph payments and fund transfers.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said it is awaiting a certificate of conformity (CoC) from the Department of Energy (DOE) to begin a competitive selection process (CSP) for 600 megawatts (MW) of baseload capacity this year.

The CoC will ensure the CSP aligns with Meralco’s DOE-approved Power Supply Procurement Plan (PSPP), Meralco head of utility economics Lawrence Fernandez said on the sidelines of the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting.

“In accordance with the DOE’s CSP policy, a certificate of conformity should be issued by the DOE before a

in cybercrime incidents among supervised financial institutions, marking a staggering 212-percent increase year-on-year.

“These numbers paint a grim picture: the Philippines is now in the midst of a digitally enabled crime epidemic - one that calls for immediate public vigilance, private sector safeguards, and proactive regulatory intervention and law enforcement action,” Villaseñor said. Without properly audited KYC and AML controls—standards mandated on licensed platforms—these rogue exchanges offer near-total anonymity, he said.

Gov’t

Criminals exploit these blind spots to launder ransom payments, conceal profits from human trafficking and move massive sums without triggering regulatory red flags, said Villaseñor. He cited for instance the case of businessman Anson Que, whose P200-million ransom was converted to cryptocurrency to make tracing efforts difficult. Some platforms even provide advanced obfuscation tools such as coin mixers and privacy-centric tokens, deliberately designed to erase digital trails and evade detection, he said.

to assist delivery riders with fuel, health benefits, loans

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announced reforms Tuesday for delivery services, aiming to better support and protect riders.

DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda said these changes in the Private Express and/or Messengerial Delivery Service (PEMEDES) sector, would include a one-time fuel subsidy for riders. The DICT will also help riders get PhilHealth benefits and access Pag-IBIG loans. Aguda said these benefits would only be accessible to operators and drivers officially registered with the DICT.

“When the delivery provider registers, we can track their performance. The beauty of that is, we

Meralco has yet to receive CoCs for two proposed CSPs: 200-MW renewable energy (RE) baseload, for supply starting Jan. 26, 2026 and 600-MW baseload, for supply starting Feb. 26, 2028.

—Meralco head of utility economics Lawrence Fernandez

CSP can commence,” Fernandez said.

“Meralco has yet to receive CoCs for two proposed CSPs: 200-MW renewable energy (RE) baseload, for supply starting Jan. 26, 2026 and 600MW baseload, for supply starting Feb. 26, 2028,” he said.

Once the certificate is issued,

Privacy watchdog, Straits sign MOU

Meralco plans to hold the CSP for 200 MW of renewable baseload, covering Jan. 26, 2026, to Jan. 25, 2030 and the 600 MW baseload capacity for Feb. 26, 2028, to Feb. 25, 2043.

“To enable DUs [distribution utilities] like Meralco to comply with their mandate to supply their

can ensure that their service is good. As for their riders, we can provide them with benefits like fuel subsidy, we can help them with PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG,” Aguda said.

The DICT will launch a new, automated PEMEDES website next month in conjunction with National ICT Month, anticipating an influx of registrants.

The new website will measure and track the performance of all delivery service providers. Delivery time, loss rate and other service metrics will also be made public to guide consumers in choosing a reliable company.

The PEMEDES reforms also aim to address frequent public complaints regarding poor package delivery. Darwin G. Amojelar

respective markets in the least cost manner, the DOE requires that DUs obtain power supply agreements through a competitive selection process,” Fernandez said.

“Even after the conduct of a CSP, the resulting PSAs [power supply agreements] will still need to be submitted to the ERC [Energy Regulatory Commission] for public hearings and regulatory evaluation,” he said.

The DOE approved in April 2025 Meralco’s PSPP, which totals nearly 3,000 MW of generation capacity for delivery from 2026 to 2032. The CSPs will cover RE baseload, baseload, mid-merit and RE midmerit supply.

PGEA CONFERENCE. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) president and general manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso and Philippine Government Employees Association (PGEA) president Esperanza Ocampo meet to listen, collaborate and bring benefits closer to every government worker during the 2025 Annual Members’ Conference on May 22, 2025 at the GSIS head office. The conference opened the floor for government employees to raise concerns and share suggestions to help shape GSIS programs and services to better meet their needs.

COMMUNITY

SPOTLIGHT

A home in the highlands:

Experiencing Baguio’s comforts at Azalea

By Isabelle Fernando

AZALEA Hotels & Residences Baguio continues to be a top choice for travelers looking to blend comfort with convenience. Located just minutes from the city’s most popular attractions, Azalea elevates the Baguio experience with its 4-star quality serviced apartments—ideal for family vacations, couple getaways, barkada bonding, or even solo retreats in the City of Pines.

Each unit, from studio to three-bedroom options, is thoughtfully designed with spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens, dining spaces, and cozy bedrooms. Guests enjoy the comforts of home with the benefits of hotel amenities like daily housekeeping, warm service, and 24/7 assistance.

Dining is also made easy with Kuya J’s restaurant conveniently located at the ho-

tel lobby. Guests can start the day with a hearty Filipino buffet breakfast and enjoy familiar comfort dishes throughout their stay. Kuya J’s also handles banquets and group meals hosted in Azalea’s multipurpose event tent. Umay Ta Itogon!

A key feature of the Azalea experience is its ability to arrange curated tours. Our

Pangasinan showcases 11 local products at IFEX 2025

By Erika Sinaking

ELEVEN products from the province of Pangasinan were featured at the International Food Expo (IFEX) 2025 held at the World Trade Center from May 22 to 24.

The province’s delegation included both established and first-time exhibitors showcasing agricultural products and processed food items. Among the participants were Hou Yang Food Corp. (bangus and chicken karaage), Elisha Bay Dagupan Bangus and Seafoods (processed bangus), Mama Cili Enterprises (bottled processed bangus), Dimalupig and Gabriele Food Products Trading (sugarcane vinegar), Bernal Bagoong (fermented fish paste), Abundance Agri Tourism and Training Center Inc. (organic products), Bantog Samahang Nayon MPC (dairy), and Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corp. (ready-to-eat fortified food).

First-time exhibitors included Rotico Food Products (Romana peanut brittle), Eldica Seafood Processing (processed bangus), and Anjo Farms Inc. (processed bangus).

Governor Ramon V. Guico III, now on his second term, expressed pride in the diversity and quality of Pangasinan’s MSME products.

“Congratulations to them. We still have many other products that we can try, taste, and improve,” he said in an interview at the expo.

Guico emphasized that while some MSMEs are already succeeding in international markets, others still face challenges in meeting compliance requirements. “We encourage our MSMEs to cooperate with the province and DTI para sa mga needed requirements at compliance so they could join next year’s exhibit,” he said. Beyond the trade fair, Guico explained the province’s vision to raise product quality to global standards. “Hindi na pwede yung ‘pwede na yan.’ We must meet global

NAC trains employees as workplace mental health responders

LISTED natural resource development company, Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC), rolled out free mental health training to volunteer employees to foster

a more open, safe, and supportive work environment. Aligned with the company’s newly released mental health policy, volunteer

standards if we want to compete internationally,” he said, citing Pangasinan’s MSMEs that have already achieved international certifications after years of work.

He also revealed plans for infrastructure improvements in Manawag, including a trade hub and road developments behind the Manawag Central School to address traffic and allow the establishment of new businesses catering to tourists and local producers alike.

“We want to establish a place where our

employees known as NAC Mental Health

Responders are required to undergo continuous training, beginning with an 8.5hour session covering non-clinical interventions such as psychological first aid and basic mental health awareness. Upon completion, all volunteers receive certification from Mental Health First Response (MHFR), a registered training and consultancy provider specializing in mental health education for workplaces, schools, and communities.

“The goal is to turn up the conversation, stamp out the stigma, and promote self-seeking behavior, a healthy working atmosphere we aspire for at NAC”, says Dr. Bimbo Almonte, NAC Assistant Vice President for Occupational Health.

This year, a total of 92 employees signed up as mental health responders, including 67 from NAC’s operating companies across the Philippines. These responders made themselves available to listen to colleagues experiencing stress or emotional concerns. The program did not require clinical experience, allowing employees from various departments to participate and offer peer support.

weekend itinerary was organized in partnership with a local agency, with options to tailor the tour to our group’s interests.

Our group departed Friday evening from Welcome Rotonda, Quezon City, with Azalea’s private transport service. We arrived early Saturday and were welcomed with hot chocolate while waiting for check-in. After breakfast at Kuya J’s, our journey began. We visited Mt. Camisong, popular for its glass walkway and sustainability practices—cafés here discourage single-use plastics and offer refill stations. Next was Ambuklao Dam, offering panoramic views perfect for sightseeing and photos. Lunch was at Via Von Joy, where we enjoyed local specialties like pinikpikan, kare-kare, and halo-halo. We also stopped by Cafe Stella to snap photos at the “Umay Ka Itogon” sign, which means “Come to Itogon” in Ilocano. Some group members explored the Baguio Public Market for pasalubong while others returned to rest. In the evening, we had dinner at the Taylor Swift-themed Cornelia Street Café. Azalea GM Elisa Escobar joined us and shared insights on the hotel’s focus on family-style accommodations and cost-saving features, like the option to cook meals

the cool breeze, the warm hospitality, and the comfort of a place that quickly felt like home.

UP scientists develop model to detect early breast cancer spread

By Harvey Sapigao

IN THE Philippines, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women, with over 33,000 new cases reported in 2022. That year, it claimed more than 11,000 lives, making it the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the country, following lung cancer.

Aggressive breast cancers can spread to other organs, a process called metastasis. Before it does, however, the cancer cells must first invade the lymphatic and blood vessels, which enables them to travel to different parts of the body. This condition, known as lymphovascular invasion (LVI), serves as an early indicator of metastasis for doctors. Currently, LVI can only be detected by examining tissue surrounding the tumor that has been surgically removed.

Now, biologists from the University of the Philippines (UP) have developed a mathematical model that can detect LVI in breast cancer patients even before surgical treatment. Their study also revealed links between LVI and drug resistance, helping explain why breast cancer patients with LVI respond poorly to anticancer drugs.

“If we can detect LVI earlier, doctors could personalize patient treatment and improve their outcomes. This could help avoid

2, Cauayan City, ISU open iSCENE 2025 ineffective treatments and focus on strategies that work better for aggressive breast cancer,” said corresponding author Dr. Michael Velarde of the UP Diliman College of Science Institute of Biology (UPD-CS IB). Along with Dr. Velarde, the study’s authors are Allen Joy Corachea, Regina Joyce Ferrer, Lance Patrick Ty, and Madeleine Morta of UPD-CS IB, and researchers from the Philippine Genome Center and UP Manila.

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Isabela State University (ISU), and the City Government of Cauayan officially launched the 3rd International Smart City Exposition and Networking Engagement (iSCENE 2025) today, May 22, at the Isabela Convention Center (ICON), Cauayan City, Isabela setting in motion a dynamic three-day convergence of leaders, thinkers, and innovators dedicated to reshaping local governance through science and technology.

Anchored on the theme, “Innovation in Action: Empowering Smart and Sustainable Communities Through Government-Academe-Industry Collaboration”, iSCENE 2025 has grown into one of the country’s most significant platforms for showcasing transformative digital solutions tailored to Philippine communities.

The event opened by welcoming remarks from Mayor Caesar S. Dy Jr., who reaffirmed Cauayan City’s role as a model for people-first smart governance. DOST Undersecretary Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang emphasized the importance of

localizing science, technology, and innovation. “This is what iSCENE is all about: a space for dialogue, learning, and action, where we forge solutions that are not only innovative but practical, tangible, and impactful,” he stated.

Delivering the keynote address through a video message, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. highlighted the strategic role of iSCENE in nation-building and resilience: “We are no longer just preparing for disasters—we are building systems that adapt, learn, and evolve. That’s the essence of iSCENE: a space where communities co-design their futures through data, collaboration, and science-based innovation.” A ceremonial MOA signing was also conducted that marked strengthened commitments among DOST R02, ISU, CHED R02, PCCI North Luzon, and LGUs—including a notable partnership with LGU Narra, Palawan

L-R: Nickel Asia Corp. mental health responders Ramil Garcia, Genevieve Sta. Juana, Beatrice Banaag, Melanie Rose Tan, Mel Spencer Sucgang, Zarah Gesologon, Rachel Tuvillo, Mica Gonzales, Mhica Marcial, Lilet Agdamag, Joanne Salva

Province of Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, (fifth from left); DTI-Ilocos

Region Assistant Director Natalia Dalaten (fifth from right) join Pangasinan MSME exhibitors at their booth during the IFEX 2025 at the World Trade Center in Pasay on Thursday, May 22.

UPD-CS Biologist Regina Joyce Ferrer analyzing breast cancer organoids.

(Photo credit: Dr. Michael Velarde)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

SHOWBIZ

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Back to ‘Choosing’

SOME plays ask to be watched. Choosing asks to be felt.

The stage play, written by Liza Diño-Seguerra and costarring her real-life partner Ice Seguerra, returns for a limited run from June 6 to 15 at the Doreen Black Box Theater in Areté, Ateneo de Manila University.

The rerun follows the play’s successful 2024 debut and coincides with Pride Month, a fitting backdrop for its timely exploration of love, identity, and the personal cost of self-discovery.

Presented by the couple’s production outfit Fire and Ice Live!!, Choosing offers a powerful and intimate look at the relationship between Stella, a cisgender woman, and Mitch, a transgender man. Through a series of emotionally charged monologues and conversations, the play dives deep into their experiences—from childhood awakenings and coming out, to confronting sexual trauma, consent, and healing.

The central message is clear: we are the choices we make.

Very Wang Nickie Wang

our experiences — our own journey as a couple — but also to give voice to others who may be going through the same thing,” Diño-Seguerra said during a recent exclusive press preview.

The play blurs the lines between fact and fiction, with the couple delivering performances that critics have described as “bravura,” while theatergoers called the production a “raw and intimate confessional” that fosters reflection and empathy.

Directed by internationally renowned theater artist Dr. Anton Juan , with an evocative musical score by Vincent A. De Jesus, Choosing retains the sharp yet emotional storytelling that marked its first staging. The intimate black box setting draws audiences closer to the characters’ inner world, making the experience both personal and immersive.

“This rerun is our way of responding to the overwhelming support for Choosing ,” said Seguerra, who also serves as coproducer and contributed additional

ROMANTIC comedy Everything About My Wife , produced by GMA Pictures, CreaZion Studios, and Glimmer Studio Philippines, is set to make its global debut on Netflix tomorrow, May 29

monologues for this run.

“The conversations that started after our first staging continued long after the final curtain call. We knew we had to bring it back—for those who missed it and for those who want to experience it again with fresh eyes.”

“Some of the most moving messages we received came from straight couples,” the OPM icon said. “They saw themselves in the story. Because the truth is, we all go through these struggles, whatever our orientation. Everyone has had to choose.”

Diño-Seguerra emphasized the universality of the play’s themes:

“It’s about all relationships. It’s about how we survive each other and how we choose to stay connected even as we change.”

Fire and Ice Live! aims to showcase world-class Filipino productions and contribute to the vitality of the local performing arts scene.

“This play embodies our vision of making Filipino creativity a global experience, telling a story that is both deeply personal and universally resonant,” Diño-Seguerra stated. Tickets for Choosing are available through Ticket2Me. For inquiries, contact 0917-700-3262 or tickets@ fireandice.ph.

‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’ tops Philippine TV, online viewership in May

ABS-CBN’s action-drama FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, starring Coco Martin remains the most-watched television series in the Philippines, posting a 24.78 percent average national fused TV rating from May 1 to 20, according to Kantar Media.

The show leads primetime programming, with nearly double the 12.64 percent rating of its closest competitor. Since its launch in 2023, the series has consistently led national TV ratings across the Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5.

In addition to strong TV performance, Batang Quiapo has also drawn significant digital viewership. From May 1 to 18, the series earned over 100 million combined views on YouTube for full episodes and highlights, compared with 4 million views for its main competitor during the same period.

The series follows the story of Tanggol (Martin), a street-smart character navigating his reluctant ties to the influential Montenegro family. The mix of action, drama, and socially relevant themes has contributed to its widespread popularity and frequent trending status online.

The cast and creators have credited the show’s success to ongoing support from viewers in the Philippines and overseas.

Directed by Real S. Florido, the movie also features performances by Carmi Martin, Nova Villa, Isay Alvarez, Polo Laurel, Alex Agustin, Joyang, and Karlo Aranza

Everything About My Wife will stream on Netflix in the Philippines and most territories worldwide starting May 29. Viewers in the United States, Guam, Saipan, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Cambodia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Finland, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East can watch the film beginning July 28.

The film stars Jennylyn Mercado, Dennis Trillo, and Sam Milby The rom-com follows Dom (Trillo), a man unhappily married to his wife Imo (Mercado). Desperate to end the marriage, Dom enlists Miguel (Milby), a known womanizer, to seduce Imo. The plan works initially as Miguel and Imo grow closer, but complications arise when Miguel unexpectedly falls in love with her. As Dom realizes the consequences of his actions, Imo discovers the scheme and decides to grant him the separation he desires. The film explores whether reconciliation is still possible after betrayal.

PUSH , a 2009 sci-fi thriller starring Chris Evans and Dakota Fanning , is drawing renewed attention as

begins streaming on Lionsgate Play starting May 23 through PLDT Home and Smart.

Directed by Paul McGuigan ( Wicker Park , Lucky Number

Slevin ), the film follows a group of individuals with psychic abilities who are pursued

Real-life couple Liza Diño-Seguerra (left) and Ice Seguerra return to the stage for the intimate and timely rerun of their play ‘Choosing’

(left) and Dakota Fanning star

From left: Coco Martin, Andrea Brillantes, and Jake Cuenca of ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’

From left: Jennylyn Mercado, Dennis Trillo, and Sam Milby lead the love-triangle comedy

About My Wife’

By Jasper Valdez

VISITORS to Estancia Mall in Pasig City are getting a rare glimpse into Tokyo’s transformation across decades, thanks to Tokyo Before/ After, a traveling photography exhibition organized by The Japan Foundation, Manila.

Launched on May 16, the exhibit presents more than 80 photographs that showcase the stark contrast between Tokyo in the 1930s–1940s and the metropolis as it evolved after 2010.

The visual narrative captures the pulse of

A city in flux

‘Tokyo Before/After’ captures Japan’s changing capital

a city shaped by history, resilience, and rapid reinvention.

The opening night was attended by the Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, Endo Kazuya, and Madame Endo Akiko

In his remarks, Ambassador Kazuya described the exhibition as a bridge between eras.

“From the cultural to the historical, we follow these artists’ works as they take us to a place where both past and present can converge, inspire, and delight,” he said. Through black-and-white stills of prewar neighborhoods to color-saturated images of neon-lit streets, the exhibit highlights Tokyo’s shifts in architecture, identity, and atmosphere.

IN THE recent Met Gala, the theme was Black dandyism. Dandyism is not just dressing up and being seen, but it is also a means of transgression.

In British history, the dandy emerged as the effete gentleman known for fashion, wit, and taste. In American history, particularly Black history, dandyism is a means of asserting one’s taste and being visible at the same time.

The most salient historical visibility of Black dandies happened in the early 20th century when Black men dressed up in finery, not to copy the “decent” and fashionable white folks, but to exaggerate and accentuate through colors, patterns, and silhouettes.

Fashion is seen as a means of defiance for these Black men because they choose and insist on striking a distance from the grubby clothes of slaves of the Antebellum South. These are not figures of subservience but those of confident young men who dare to strut in front of a society and culture that demeans and belittles them.

Furthermore, Black people have been addressed as “boy” or “girl” by white supremacist society to mark them as children, ergo needing guidance. They are considered near base animality as they have not matured into adults. The Black folks dress up to prove

Primer

Sunshine Place to hold children’s story-writing workshop in June

But beyond the aesthetic, the photographs invite viewers to reflect on the enduring human spirit behind these changes.

Ambassador Kazuya also drew a parallel between the Japanese capital and cities in the Philippines.

“Much like a Philippine city, Tokyo is a city that’s as alive and changing as the people that inhabit its charming confines,” he said, noting the value of cultural exchange in deepening appreciation for both shared and unique experiences of urban life.

The exhibit is part of The Japan Foundation’s ongoing effort to promote cultural dialogue between Japan and the Philippines.

Past iterations of Tokyo Before/After have toured various cities in Asia, but this is the first time it is being staged in a public mall space in Metro Manila.

Located on the 3rd Floor of Estancia Mall, the exhibit runs until July 31 and is open to the public free of charge.

For casual mallgoers and photography enthusiasts alike, Tokyo Before/After offers more than just snapshots of a city—it presents a living archive of Tokyo’s past, its future, and everything in between.

Chong Ardivilla

they are grown-ups and can display exquisite taste.

Filipinos are very much part of the Black dandyism in the United States. From 1920 to the early 1930s, young Filipino men went to Hawai’i, California, Alaska, and even as far as New Mexico to work in agriculture for Americans as cheap laborers. Though they are paid dastardly, many of these young men saved up for them to have bespoke Macintosh suits that go well with their relatively more diminutive stature.

Many Filipinos went to studios to have their photos taken, all dressed up, to be mailed back home to prove they are living the American dream. Dressed to the nines, many of these young Filipinos strut their stuff at dance clubs where they purchase a ticket for 10 cents. Each ticket allows them to dance with a white American or Mexican “dance instructor.”

Many Filipinos danced magnificently, and with their culturally ingrained cariñoso and

sweet talk, have made the white hearts of white women aflutter.

This was in the late 1920s and early 1930s when the Great Depression started. Many white American men were angered that the Filipinos are not just stealing their jobs, they are stealing their women, and that Filipinos are making their American culture filthy (sounds familiar, MAGA?).

There were several racial attacks, but the most reported one was the Watsonville Riot in January 1930. A group of young white men descended and attacked businesses that were friendly to Filipinos. They attacked Filipinos, some of whom went to the police for cover.

The mob shot up the Filipino barracks, and they shot one Fermin Tobera to death.

The Watsonville attack angered the Filipinos back home, and massive protests erupted. A few years after this death, the Tydings-McDuffie Act was passed, thus giving the Philippines 10 years to achieve independence. Arguably, it was a group of Filipino men in suits who enabled the emergence of the modern Republic of the Philippines.

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

A grandmother reads to two young children, illustrating the power of storytelling across generations

Antonio, who holds a Ph.D. in Creative Writing from the University of the Philippines Diliman and is an eight-time Palanca award winner, will lead the sessions using a step-by-step approach that combines lectures and writing exercises. Topics will include identifying target audiences in children’s literature, story design principles, and the use of age-appropriate language. A certificate of completion will be provided to participants at the end of the course. Antonio also teaches in the MA Humanities Program at the University of Asia and the Pacific. For more information, interested participants may contact (0917) 5155656 or email hello@sunshineplaceph. com.

A portrait of Fermin Tobera, whose death in 1930 during the Watsonville riots sparked outrage in the Philippines

One of the featured installations captures the visual dynamism of Tokyo’s modern-day aesthetic

Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Endo Kazuya describes the exhibit as a bridge connecting past and present eras of Tokyo

Visitors explore the ‘Tokyo Before/After’ exhibition at Estancia Mall, showcasing the city’s transformation through decades of photography

Attendees leave handwritten notes on the wall after experiencing the exhibit

Ambassador Endo Kazuya (second from the right) with officials from the Department of Tourism and The Japan Foundation at the launch of ‘Tokyo Before/After’

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

The plight of the swans

IT TOOK time for Ballet Manila to bring back to the stage—a ballet production that demands a significantly larger ensemble of dancers.

The pandemic dealt a heavy blow to the performing arts industry, forcing performances to be suspended and leading to the departure of many artists. Ballet Manila lost its core ensemble and faced the daunting task of rebuilding its ranks from the ground up postpandemic.

“The last time we performed Swan Lake was before the pandemic, in 2018. It’s been a while. Swan Lake is not a ballet you can perform straight off the pandemic. The pandemic made us lose a whole generation of potential professional classical ballet dancers. It took a while to gather the people you need for a full-length Swan Lake. You need at least more than 20 strong women who can dance in the corps, and good ones to essay the different soloist roles,” shared Ballet Manila artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde

San Francisco Ballet soloist Katherine Barkman (right) and principal dancer Esteban Hernandez will star in Ballet Manila’s latest ‘Swan Lake’ production

technical precision, emotional depth, and artistic maturity take time and experience. And this year, Ballet Manila is more than ready to present the demanding ballet, with its iconic dual roles, sweeping corps de ballet scenes, and exacting choreography, to a new generation of audiences.

Rather than rushing into grand productions, the company made the deliberate choice to focus on training a new generation of dancers and restoring its artistic discipline centered on the Vaganova dance method.

unwavering commitment to excellence, even in the face of adversity.

Macuja-Elizalde, who had performed the role of Odette and Odile during her prima ballerina days, gives her full awareness of how intricate it is to mount a full-length Swan Lake

“It’s a very Russian ballet, so the dancing must be technically strong and artistically sound. Our

Everest heroines chronicle historic climb

TWO Filipina mountaineers who made the first and only documented allfemale traverse of Mount Everest have reunited with other members of the Philippine Mount Everest Expedition team and their supporters during the launch of the book reliving their 2007 conquest of the world’s highest peak.

Carina Dayondon and Noelle Wenceslao-Penetrante recalled their triumphant Mount Everest journey at the launch of the book, Live the Dream 2, authored by Art Valdez, the

head of the Philippine Mount Everest Expedition team.

The book launch took place May 17 at the Rockwell Center in Makati — the same venue where, 21 years ago, the First Philippine Mount Everest Expedition was announced. The gathering at the Rockwell Center, thus, marked a cherished return to the place where the dream of a Filipino conquest of Mount Everest all began.

In May 2007, Dayondon, WenceslaoPenetrante, and Janet Belarmino,

Vaganova training builds the dancers’ strength, helping them hold poses, jump high, and turn fast—allowing the swan corps to move as one onstage,” the prima ballerina said.

On Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year, MacujaElizalde made sure to pull all the stops to cast two pairs of powerful main leads.

Katherine Barkman, San Francisco Ballet’s first soloist, and Esteban Hernandez, principal dancer of San Francisco Ballet, return to the Philippine stage for Ballet Manila’s Swan Lake Returning to the stage where her professional journey began, Barkman takes on the challenging dual role of Odette (White Swan) and Odile (Black Swan) in Swan Lake.For Barkman, this return is deeply personal. Once a principal dancer of Ballet Manila, she trained under MacujaElizalde for over three years before joining The Washington Ballet and later the San Francisco Ballet.Now back to where her professional ballet career began, Barkman reflects on her growth as she embodies the titular role, “My approach to the characters has changed—I’m more fearless now. I take risks and focus on making my dancing exciting rather than perfect or predictable.” Hernandez, who performed with the ballet company in Don Quixote in 2023, will be taking the role of Prince Siegfried. A trailblazer from Guadalajara, Mexico, Esteban trained at The Royal Ballet School and rose to global acclaim for his technical brilliance and expressive storytelling.

As a principal dancer of the San Francisco

another Filipina explorer, ascended the 8,849-meter Mount Everest summit from Tibet and descended into Nepal to complete a full traverse of the world’s highest peak. The feat remains to date the only documented female traverse of Mount Everest.

“It’s been 17 years, but every time I think back to that moment on the summit, I’m reminded that our story is every Filipina’s story,” Dayondon, now a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commander, said during the book launch. “It’s about rising above doubt, and pushing past limits you didn’t know you could break.”

Wenceslao-Penetrante, a PCG petty officer, for her

part, emphasized the enduring power of representation. “We didn’t climb Everest to be remembered; we climbed because we believed we could. And now, we hope other women will see that they can take on their own Everest, whatever it may be,” she said. The all-Filipina expedition came on the heels of the May 2006 milestone 2 generation to the stage; it is a declaration of Ballet Manila’s resilience, artistic rebirth, and renewed strength. It stands as a testament to the company’s hold powerful on the joining Barkman focus is more than a return

Glazing Life

Glaiza Lee

Ballet, he has captivated audiences worldwide.

“Esteban’s experience, technique, and artistry suit him well as Prince Siegfried. He and Katherine have danced Swan Lake together before, so they’ll be effective as a principal pair,” said Macuja-Elizalde.

Aside from Barkman and Hernandez pairing, audiences will see another take on the main characters with Ballet Manila’s own principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro portraying Odette and Odile and San Francisco Ballet’s company artist Nathaniel Remez playing Prince Siegfried.

“I am also excited about Nathaniel’s impending partnership with Abi. She will learn and grow so much in her interpretation of Swan Lake when she explores the choreography with a new partner like Nathaniel who, height-wise, is perfect for her,” said Macuja-Elizalde.

Catch all performances from Barkman and Hernandez on May 30 (8:00 p.m.), May 31 (5:00 p.m.), and June 1 (5:00 p.m.), with matinee performances of Abigail Oliveiro and Nathaniel Remez on May 31 and June 1 (1:00 p.m.).

All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City.

climbs of Leo Oracion, Pastor Emata, and Romi Garduce, who first planted the Philippine flag at the summit.

Conglomerate First Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPH), then chaired by Oscar M. Lopez supported both expeditions upon learning of the project. Lopez, or OML as he was endearingly called, was himself an avid outdoorsman and climber. Before he died in 2023, he scaled some of the Philippines’ highest mountains. OML, together with some members of the same Philippine Everest team, also climbed Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia in 2011 to become, at age 81 at that time, one of the oldest persons to scale Southeast Asia’s highest peak. In his book Live the Dream , Valdez recounts the untold stories behind the all-Filipina conquest of Mount Everest.

“Mount Everest was never just about the summit. It was about belief, courage, and the unshakable will to rise to the top. May this serve not only as a tribute to our three Pinays’ triumph but also as a reminder to every Filipino that dreams—no matter how high—are within reach,” Valdez said at the book launch.

Hardbound copies of Valdez’s book, which FPH also helped to produce and print, are now available at P2,000 per copy. Interested readers may send a message to the Facebook account of Balangay Voyage.

The cover of ‘Live the Dream 2’ highlights the historic all-Filipina traverse of Mt. Everest in 2007, the first and only documented feat of its kind

Mountaineers Carina Dayondon (leftmost) and Noelle Wenceslao-Penetrante (rightmost) join author Art Valdez (second from left) at the launch of ‘Live the Dream 2,’ which recounts their 2007 all-Filipina traverse of Mount Everest. Also in the photo are Mercedes Lopez-Vargas and siblings Angela and Benjamin Lopez, children of expedition supporter Oscar Lopez

Front row (from left): Ballet Manila company soloist Noah Esplana, principal dancers Jessica Pearl Dames, Mark Sumaylo, and Abigail Lynn Oliveiro, CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, principal dancers Shaira May Comeros and Joshua Enciso, and soloist John Ralph Balagot. Back row (on screen, L-R via Zoom): San Francisco Ballet company artist Nathaniel Remez, first soloist Katherine Barkman, and principal dancer Esteban Hernandez

Esteban Hernandez (right) and Katherine Barkman perform the roles of Prince Siegfried and Odette in a scene from Swan Lake