Issuu

manilastandard.net

@ManilaStandardPH

@mnlstandardph

@manilastandard

@ManilaStandardYT

Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net . For advertisement: email: advertise@manilastandard.net • 09173382170 / 85646229

CONTINUE LEGACY OF HEROISM, CIVIC DUTY—PBBM

Story below

VOL. XXXIX • NO. 117 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025 FREEDOM PAROLS. In honor of Independence Day, the Christmas Capital of the Philippines, San Fernando, Pampanga, lit its streets with the usual parols dressed up in the colors of the National Flag. Arturo De Vera Jr.

House asks Senate to clarify remand Defers acceptance of impeach articles

Economic managers oppose any legislated wage increase By Darwin G. Amojelar and Maricel V. Cruz GOVERNMENT economic managers warned that the legislated across-theboard minimum wage hikes, either 100 or P200, could have dangerous repercussions, including higher inflation, unemployment, and slower economic growth. Meanwhile, with the 19 th Congress

HE House prosecution team will defer accepting the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte remanded by the Senate as it will seek clarification first on the order of the Upper Chamber.

A GROUP of lawyers filed a supplemental petition before the Supreme Court seeking to stop the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte. Israelito Torreon, chief legal counsel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ of detained pastor Apollo Quiboloy, was joined by Martin Delgra III, former Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chief; James Reserva; Hillary Olga Reserva; and Jey Rence Quilario, legal counsel of Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. in filing the 45-page supplemental petition Next page

PROTEST AND PRAYER. Militants led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan lead the indignation rally outside the Senate to protest return of the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives. Inset shows members of the House prosecution panel being blessed by a priest during an interfaith Prayer and Reflection Service led by leaders of Christian churches and Muslim imams at the North Wing Lobby of the House of Representatives. Danny Pata, Ver Noveno

Protesters continue to rally against Senate’s delay of VP Sara’s trial DESPITE inclement weather, protesters gathered in front of the Senate building on Wednesday to denounce the chamber’s decision to return the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives, effectively stalling the trial. The demonstration, led by Akbayan Party and Tindig Pilipinas, drew over a

Lawyers ask SC to issue TRO on impeach trial

By Maricel V. Cruz, Charles Dantes, Ram Superable and Joel Zurbano

This as the House has adopted Resolution No. 2346, certifying that the impeachment proceedings initiated on February 5, 2025 against Duterte fully complied with the law, including the one-year bar provided under the Constitution. Prosecutors likewise maintained the impeachment trial could not be stopped despite the remanding of the case. They said they are ready to accept the remand order as long as it is “within the bounds of law,” adding that there is no need to seek guidance from Speaker Martin Romualdez at this point. “No one can stop this anymore because jurisdiction has been acquired already by the impeachment court,” said Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, pointing to the Senate’s issuing of a summons for Duterte late Wednesday night.

adjourning yesterday, the House of Representatives urged the Senate to immediately convene the bicameral conference committee and reconcile the differing versions of the proposed legislated daily wage increase bills. A joint position paper by the economic managers of the Marcos administration, including the Department of

hundred participants to Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City. The protesters initially aimed to pressure the Senate to convene as an impeachment court, but the rally quickly turned into a broader condemnation of the 18 senators who voted to send the impeachment complaint back to the House. “Senate President Chiz [Francis Es-

cudero] and the 18 senators who pushed to return and once again stall the impeachment complaint in the House are causing major delays,” said Akbayan Party president Rafaela David in a chance interview. “It is clear this is a blatant violation of our Constitution. Maybe they need the strength and support of the people to help them find the

ON THE BALL.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. listens as he is briefed on the power shortage in Siquijor island during his inspection of the Siquijor Island Power Corp. (SIPCOR). PCO

courage to stand firm.” Tindig Pilipinas co-convener Kiko Aquino Dee also criticized the senators for what he described as premature defense of the Vice President. “Where have you ever seen a court where the judge defends the defendant even before the defendant can speak for themselves?” Next page

Continue legacy of heroism, civic duty — PBBM By Charles Dantes, Ram Superable, and Rex Espiritu

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured Siquijor residents of swift government action to resolve the island’s worsening power crisis, setting a six-month deadline for both short- and long-term solutions. During an on-site inspection, the President acknowledged the severe impact of extended blackouts

ON INDEPENDENCE Day, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led national officials in calling on Filipinos to uphold the values of patriotism, unity, and national service, as the country marked the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence on Thursday. In his Independence Day message, President Marcos urged Filipinos to reflect on the sacrifices of the nation’s forebears and continue their legacy of heroism and civic duty. “Today, we celebrate one of the proudest milestones in our history—the moment our flag was first unfurled in the sky on that eventful day of 1898 in Kawit, Cavite,” Marcos said. “Because of their heroism,

Marcos vows to end power shortages in Siquijor island By Charles Dantes

NEWS

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

New LPA forms outside PAR T

HE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday afternoon reported that it is monitoring a new low pressure area (LPA) in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

According to the state weather bureau, “LPA 06b” has a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours. It was last estimated based on all available data 600 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora. The LPA would be given the local name

defending the Vice President, the President is busy ensuring basic goods are affordable and that the daily struggles of Filipinos are eased.” “The President is not part of the debate in the Senate…There’s no negative impact on him. The Filipino people will see for themselves who is following due process and who might be trying to manipulate it,” Castro added. The Senate’s vote to remand was as much a matter of “political survival” as anything, former senator and incoming party-list representative Leila de Lima said. “Loyalty, friendship, political survival. Maybe they are thinking the Dutertes are very much around even if the patriarch (ex-president Rodrigo Duterte) is in The Hague,” said De Lima, who has committed to join the panel of prosecutors in the 20th Congress. Senator-elect Panfilo Lacson lamented it was the defense panel that should be the one to move to dismiss the impeachment case against the Vice President and not a senator-judge. “I would like to believe that a motion to dismiss belongs to the defense panel. And where have you seen a judge moving to dismiss a case?” said Lacson, who had served as a senator-judge and may serve in the same capacity once the impeachment case crosses over to the 20th Congress. Lacson said what made it worse was that Senator Ronald dela Rosa made his motion to dismiss the case even before the Senate convened into an impeachment court. “I cannot imagine a judge presiding over a case being the one to move to dismiss it. Isn’t it funny to hear a judge moving to dismiss a case he himself is trying?” With AFP

we now enjoy the rights and privileges reserved for those who have a country they can call their own.” He called on citizens to honor that freedom by becoming stewards of the country’s progress, character, and democratic values. “So, let us continue to bear the vigor of our ancestors as we defend our nation against those who seek to diminish the strength of our people,” the President said, emphasizing that freedoms must be used “solely for the improvement and protection of our citizenry.” Closing his address, Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s goal of achieving “progress, stability, and prosperity” under the Bagong Pilipinas campaign. “Mabuhay ang malayang Pilipino! Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!” he declared. Senate President Francis Escudero

echoed the President’s call, urging Filipinos to embrace unity, compassion, and a renewed pride in the nation’s history. “As we raise our flag and commemorate this important day, we honor their sacrifice and show our continued progress in upholding the freedom they fought for,” Escudero said. This year’s theme, Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan., chosen by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, highlights how the country’s past shapes its present and informs its aspirations for the future. “We must preserve the spirit of democracy, solidarity, and compassion for our Motherland,” Escudero stressed. “Now is the time to rekindle the deep passion for love of country. Let us come together to build a nation that is united, compassionate, and continuously striving toward a New Philippines.” He encouraged simple yet meaningful acts—such as showing respect, creating opportunities, and advocating for national unity—as ways to honor the country’s independence. “Long live the

free Philippines,” he said. Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized that peace and sovereignty must be actively and collectively protected by every Filipino. “Sovereignty and peace are conditions that must be proactively maintained and require collective and sustained efforts,” Teodoro said. He warned of ongoing and future threats to the country’s freedom, noting that no nation—archipelagic or otherwise—is exempt from challenges to its sovereignty. Under the leadership of President Marcos, Teodoro said the government is working to bolster resilience, improve national connectivity, and ensure that all Filipinos benefit from these efforts. “This is a time for genuine unity,” he said. “Filipinos, regardless of personal circumstance, must contribute the unique gifts that God has given each one of us to a concerted effort to uphold our flag within our own country and to remember it wherever we may be.”

on residents and local businesses, especially as the province evolves into a major tourist destination. “People only get electricity for two to five hours a day. This can’t continue,” Marcos noted. “The people of Siquijor are the victims here, and we need to fix this immediately,” he added, To address the crisis in the short term, the Chief Executive said the government has deployed two modular generator sets from Palawan, expected to arrive within 24 hours. These generators are seen as a temporary fix to restore full electricity service while the government works with the Siquijor Island Power Corporation (SIPCOR) on a long-term solution. “This genset solution is only temporary,” Marcos pointed out. “Within six months, we will have a permanent fix in place so that we don’t have to rely on emergency generators again,” he added. The President stressed that SIPCOR must fulfil its obligations, adding that damage to the power system was partly due to operational failures. “The government will do its part. SIPCOR must do theirs,” he said. Marcos also said the government is open to all solutions, including replacing SIPCOR as the power supplier.

ments in productivity, they can exacerbate price pressures, they added. The economists also stressed that managers the “poorest of the poor” are bound to be most vulnerable to inflation. “A wage hike will inevitably result in higher prices in the goods sold by enterprises who will have to accommodate the wage increase. This will result in the poorest of the poor, who are mostly in the informal sector and do not even make minimum wage, bearing the brunt of the impact of the wage increase,” they said. The joint statement also said MSMEs, which constitute over 90 percent of all business enterprises in the country and who considerably rely on minimum wage earners, may struggle or not be able to absorb the mandated wage increase per worker, which translates to P4,000 a month given a 5-day work week or P4,800 a month for a 6-day work week. “To cope, some may increase prices of goods and/or services, reduce their workforce, or worse shut down opera-

tions altogether, affecting both employees and the broader economy,” the statement read. The economic managers also said enterprises may be forced to either stop hiring, lay off or retrench workers, resulting in unemployment. “Employers—whether employing a lot or a few—will have to factor in the additional cost of production due to the wage hike, and may either stop hiring workers; lay off or retrench employees; or at least reduce work days. This will lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, with an increase in the unemployment rate of about 0.2 percentage points for the P100 increase to 0.6 percentage points for the P200 increase, translating to around 105,000 to 300,000 persons potentially losing their jobs,” they said. The economic managers also estimated that the across-the-board wage hike will exert substantial downward pressure on gross domestic products (GDP) by 1.6 ppt for a P200 hike and 0.5 ppt for a hike of P100. Both scenarios are predicted to re-

sult in the economy missing the lower end of the GDP growth target range. “It was therefore recommended to the President that the current system of adjusting wages through the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) be maintained, while strengthening the implementation of the minimum wage law with a focus on having each region more adequately respond to the evolving needs of its workers, and increasing investments that would create more quality jobs,” they said. “Regional minimum wage setting better reflects local economies, avoids purchasing power disparities, and supports fairer wage distribution. It also ensures inclusivity in the decision-making process, with the use of the tripartite wage-setting that takes into consideration the side of the government and employers aside from workers, as endorsed by the International Labor Organization (ILO),” the economic managers said. In a formal letter to Senate Committee on Labor chaired by Senator Joel

Villanueva, House Committee on Labor and Employment chair Rep. Fidel Nograles cited the urgency of passing the measure, warning that failure to act today would leave millions of Filipino workers “with nothing—despite months of effort and public expectation.” “The House of Representatives acted swiftly and decisively,” Nograles wrote. “We passed our version of the bill on third reading, submitted the names of our conferees in advance, and have since stood ready to enter into bicameral discussions with our Senate counterparts.” Nograles pointed out that the Senate only named its conferees last night, limiting the already narrow window for bicameral discussions and ratification. “If we fail to deliver today, there is a very real danger that our workers will be left with nothing,” he said. Nograles emphasized that the House strongly prefers a transparent and deliberative bicameral process, “rather than being bamboozled into accepting the Senate version wholesale, without discussion or compromise.”

House... From A1

Dee said. Despite the setback, he expressed optimism: “It seems that the 18 senators were the ones who won last night, but in the end, throughout Philippine history, it has always been the people who prevail.” Also present at the mobilization were religious organizations, student councils, senior citizens, and Fr. Flavie Villanueva, a Catholic priest known for supporting families affected by the Duterte administration’s drug war. Left-leaning group Karapatan joined the growing calls to hold Vice President Duterte accountable, citing her alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds and alleged involvement in a supposed kill plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other top officials. “With the preponderance of evidence against Duterte already at hand, Karapatan stands with the people in assailing the Senate for shirking its constitutional duty,” said Cristina Palabay, Karapatan’s secretary general. “We join the people in raising their demands for justice and accountability in other arenas of struggle beyond the halls of parliament.” The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), a key voice in the business sector, also expressed “deep concern” over the Senate’s decision. In a strongly worded letter, MAP urged senators to proceed with the impeachment trial in line with their constitutional mandate, warning that failing to do so could erode both investor confidence and institutional credibility. “We believe that the Senate has a constitutional duty to conduct, without any delay or disruption, the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte,” MAP said in a letter signed by MAP President Alfredo S. Panlilio and National Issues Committee Chair Rene D. Almendras. “Abandoning this mandate undermines the integrity of our democratic processes.” “Upholding the rule of law is essential not only to safeguard our institutions but also to ensure a stable, predictable environment for economic growth,” the group added. Lacson also criticized Senator Ronald dela Rosa for calling for dismissal even before the Senate convened as an impeachment court. “The Senate as a legislative body has no right to dismiss an impeachment case,” Lacson emphasized. As the constitutional crisis deepens, mounting pressure from civil society, religious and business sectors, and former lawmakers continues to challenge the Senate’s actions. The impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte, if it proceeds, could be one of the most politically consequential events of the Marcos administration.

“There will be no withdrawal (of the impeachment case) by the House. That is not allowed by the constitution.” The Senate as an impeachment court voted Tuesday evening to remand the complaint to the House amid concerns that it may have violated the one-year ban on impeachment proceedings. The first three complaints were filed in 2024, while the fourth complaint, which was transmitted to the Senate, was filed in February 2025. Luistro said they will be seeking from the Senate impeachment court on three matters -- on the certification that the House complied with the Constitutional provision on the filing of the impeachment complaint, on whether the 20th Congress will pursue the case, and on a letter circulating on social media that the presentation of articles has been rendered moot. Luistro, however said they are “certain and, in the face of the impeachment complaint, that we are fully and strictly compliant with the requirements of the Constitution.” San Juan City Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora added the final impeachment complaint had “consolidated all the articles” of the first three into one. “As soon as we are clarified about the issues surrounding the order of the Senate (Tuesday) night, for as long as they are within the bounds of the law, the prosecution panel will comply,” Luistro said. Lead prosecutor and Minority Floor Leader Marcelino Libanan added: “The Speaker has not made any state-

Trade and Industry and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, stated that a P200increase in wages could trigger inflation rate growth of about two percentage points (ppts), while a P100 hike may result in 0.7 ppts. “The substantial minimum wage increase may lead to higher production costs, which could result in higher prices that may disproportionately affect low-income households,” the paper submitted to Malacañang read. “Thus, while the government has already achieved bringing year-to-date average inflation down to just 1.9 percent, as the country’s headline inflation rate further slowed to 1.3 percent in May 2025, an across-the-board minimum wage hike may reverse this progress and make high inflation rates reappear,” the economist noted. Additionally, when wage adjustments are not commensurate with improve-

for a temporary restraining order or a writ of preliminary injunction to restrain the impeachment trial or both. “Every act taken without resolving constitutional challenges further deepens the threat of irreversible damage not only to the petitioners, the Vice President but also to the public trust in constitutional governance,” the petitioners said. “If this Honorable Supreme Court does not act now, its eventual decision may come too late—not because it lacks authority, but because the damage will have already occurred and cannot be reversed.” Torreon said one of the issues they are raising is whether the impeachment complaint can cross over to the 20th Congress. “We are of the firm belief that the same is not allowed. It is not in accordance with the principle of legislative discontinuity,” he said. “Common sense would tell us – how can you impose your proceedings to the next Congress? Can you impose upon the next Congress your proceedings? Of course not, you give a fresh authority, you give fresh discretion to the new senators,” Torreon added. In February, Duterte herself filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition before the Supreme Court, challenging the validity and constitutionality of the fourth impeachment complaint against her. Duterte’s petition sought “judicial intervention from the High Court to uphold due process and raises serious legal and constitutional concerns” regarding the fourth impeachment complaint, which she said violated the oneyear ban on impeachment proceedings. The first three impeachment complaints against Duterte were all filed in December, while the fourth one that was transmitted to the Senate was filed in February this year.

ment yet. I think there is no need for guidance from the Speaker because we (prosecutors) have been given the mandate by the plenary.” Senate President Francis Escudero, for his part, said the House cannot ignore the order of the Upper Chamber to remand the impeachment complaint. “This is not a bicameral conference where both sides need to agree. This is a court order directed at a party to the case. The House of Representatives will be out of line if they do not comply with the order of the impeachment court,” Escudero said. Escudero said: “Those who do not agree are free to question this before the impeachment court or before the Supreme Court.” “Only history, with the benefit of hindsight, can determine who was right or wrong,” he added. Senator Risa Hontiveros, who voted against the motion to remand the case, warned the development could trigger a constitutional deadlock and undermine public trust. “We’re not the PBA finals. We’re an impeachment court. Instead of moving forward, we went backward,” she said. “There was no need to return it to the House... It’s very easy to do. It’s just a certification,” Hontiveros added. At the Palace, Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is choosing to focus on governance and the needs of the Filipino people rather than engage in the ongoing political developments surrounding the Senate’s move to remand the impeachment case. “The President is focused on working,” Castro said. “While some senators are occupied with procedural issues or

Protesters... From A1

Economic... From A1

“Auring” if it develops into a tropical depression as the country’s first tropical cyclone this year. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm “Wutip” is being monitored outside the PAR. PAGASA has since advised citizens to monitor its updates.

Lawyers... From A1

Continue... From A1

Marcos... From A1

NEWS

A3 THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Lawmakers back tough reforms vs. fake news, trolls

PHOTO 1

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives has adopted Committee Report 1498 from the Tri-Committee (Tri-Comm), calling for new legislation that would penalize the creators, funders, and disseminators of fake news, coordinated disinformation, and troll farm operations that threaten public order, democratic stability, and national sovereignty. “The Tri-Comm was never about silencing dissent. It is about stopping deliberate digital deception—often paid for, often anonymous, and often dangerous,” said Information and Communications Technology Committee Vice Chair Johnny Ty Pimentel during his sponsorship speech. The report proposes a major overhaul of cyber governance policies by amending the Cybercrime Prevention Act and enacting new laws on platform accountability, content moderation, and foreign-funded propaganda. It recommends a legal framework to define and penalize disinformation and malinformation, particularly in cases of electoral manipulation and state-sponsored interference. The proposal includes criminalizing the establishment and financing of troll farms, requiring foreign-based social media platforms to register locally, comply with takedown orders, and maintain data storage for investigative purposes. Platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube were criticized during committee hearings for failing to moderate harmful content and lacking legal presence in the country.

No promotion for overweight cops failing fitness test By Vince Lopez PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has ordered that police officers who fail the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) twice will no longer be eligible for promotion or training. The directive, aimed at ensuring that police officers are genuinely fit for duty, requires all personnel to pass the annual PFT and maintain a normal body mass index (BMI), PNP spokesperson BGen. Jean Fajardo said on Tuesday. Fajardo emphasized that those who fail to meet the required BMI will also be barred from attending schooling, a key requirement for promotion. “That is clear in our circular: if you fail the PFT for two consecutive attempts, you cannot be promoted,” she said during a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City. She added that the policy covers all personnel and is part of efforts to professionalize the organization. “We undergo physical fitness tests annually, but this time, what our PNP chief wants is an honest-to-goodness PFT, not just one passed on paper,” Fajardo said. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. An ideal BMI for adults ranges from 18.5 to 24.9. Those with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight, while a BMI of 30 and above indicates obesity.

‘PAGPUPUGAY.’ Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivers his message honoring the outgoing members of the House of Representatives during the traditional Pagpupugay para sa mga Kinatawan ng Kongreso ceremony on Tuesday. Ver Noveno.

Marcos: Urgent repairs to San Juanico Bridge By Charles Dantes

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the urgent need to repair the San Juanico Bridge following a recent inspection that revealed serious structural damage, prompting the imposition of a strict three-ton vehicle load limit beginning May 15. The restriction, based on the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) assessment, has effectively barred heavy vehicles from crossing the 2.16-kilometer bridge — the only permanent land connection between Samar and Leyte.

As a result, the transport of essential goods such as food, medicine, agricultural produce, and construction materials has been severely disrupted across Eastern Visayas. “There is an urgent need to repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge to ensure the timely delivery of essential goods and services and restore regional mobility,” President Marcos said. The President earlier declared a state of calamity in Region VIII to accelerate the rehabilitation of the vital structure and mitigate the impact on residents and commerce in the region. Proclamation No. 920, issued upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), cites the critical structural condition of the 2.16-kilometer bridge, the only permanent land

link between Samar and Leyte and a key component of the Pan-Philippine Highway. Under the proclamation, the DPWH was ordered to fast-track all necessary repair and rehabilitation measures in coordination with concerned local government units. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) was also directed to identify sufficient funding sources to support the initiative. To maintain safety and order in affected areas, law enforcement agencies, with support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, have been tasked with urgent response operations. All national government agencies, local government units, and the private sector were urged to fully cooperate and mobilize resources to address the situation.

IN BRIEF BI chief blocks bail for Yang over POGO links BUREAU of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado has rejected a recommendation to grant bail to Tony Yang, the brother of former presidential adviser Michael Yang. Tony Yang is linked to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities. Viado said the recommendation for Yang’s release on bail was issued while he was out of the country. Upon his return, he denied the request and ordered that Yang remain in detention. He described the recommendation as a “blatant attempt to push through a resolution” and stressed that he would not tolerate compromises on such serious matters. The recommendation was issued by the BI-Special Inquiry (BSI), which typically handles complex and sensitive cases. However, the final decision on detainees rests with the BI commissioner. Vito Barcelo

DILG earns near-perfect satisfaction score in poll THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) achieved a 99.52% client satisfaction rating in the 2024 Client Satisfaction Measurement Report (CSMR), reflecting strong performance under the Ease of Doing Business Act. DILG offices nationwide scored between 98.9% and 99.9% across service indicators including responsiveness, reliability, communication, and integrity. The report also showed that 98.82% of respondents were aware of the DILG’s Citizen’s Charter, and 96.18% found it helpful in understanding government services. Four central offices were honored for accurate and timely reporting: the Information Systems and Technology Management Service, Planning Service, Internal Audit Service, and National Barangay Operations Office. Vince Lopez

FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY. Performers rehearse with props in preparation for their upcoming presentation celebrating Philippine Independence at Quirino Grandstand in Manila on June 11. The nation will commemorate the 127th anniversary of its independence on June 12, highlighted by an Independence Day parade. Norman Cruz

Amnesty flags continuous red-tagging By Rex Espiritu

NEW DFA CHIEF. The Commission on Appointments confirms Maria Teresa Pareño Lazaro as the new Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs on June 11. Angie de Silva

AMNESTY International Philippines has expressed concern over the country’s worsening human rights situation, pointing to unchecked impunity, a shrinking civic space, and the persistent red-tagging of activists and advocates. Jepie Papa, acting director of Amnesty International Philippines, said red-tagging continues to disproportionately affect journalists, indigenous leaders, and environmental defenders. “Laws like the Anti-Terrorism Act, the practice of surveillance, and the red-tagging of human rights defenders show that mechanisms of repression are deeply embedded in the system,” Papa said. “The international community has already seen this, with human rights defenders, development workers,

and journalists sharing their personal stories. Their voices must be heard, and their safety must be guaranteed.” Red-tagging refers to the act of accusing individuals or groups critical of the government of being subversives, communists, or terrorists, often without evidence and with serious threats to their safety. During the launch of Amnesty’s Report 2024/25: State of the World’s Human Rights, Police Brigadier General Jerry Protacio of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Human Rights Affairs Office denied that the PNP is involved in the practice. “Regarding the issue of repression of dissent, the PNP does not possess any legal mandate to engage in the practice commonly referred to as red-tagging, whether against individuals or groups,” Protacio said.

DSWD stepping up fight against child labor SOCIAL Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian reaffirmed the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) commitment to ending child labor in the Philippines, following President Marcos’ directive for its total eradication. “Child labor robs children of their freedom and rights,” Gatchalian said, as the country marks the World Day Against Child Labor on June 12. He urged a whole-of-society approach to combat the issue. Gatchalian called for stronger legal frameworks, improved welfare services, and better access to decent work for families to prevent child exploitation. The DSWD co-leads the National Council Against Child Labor (NCACL), which adopted the theme “Sa Bagong Pilipinas: Mag-aaral ang Bata, Hindi Manggagawa!” for 2025. Programs like SHIELD provide education, livelihood aid, and crisis support to affected families. Maricel V. Cruz

NEWS

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Army to retain troops in ‘ASG-free Basilan’ THE Philippine Army (PA) will maintain its current troop deployment in Basilan province, even after the area was officially declared clear of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). “It will remain because we still have this role to be able to sustain the peace which is very important, sustaining the peace and making sure development will flow in that area. So confidence-building is now on the works,” Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said during a media briefing at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Currently, around six Army battalions remain stationed in Basilan, Galido disclosed. He added that the ASG’s presence on the island has reduced to a “very minimal” level. Rex Espiritu

CHR-youth group tie-up boosts gender equality THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has partnered with the Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Youth Leaders (PANTAY) in the promotion of gender equality in schools nationwide. CHR chairman Richard Palpal-latoc and PANTAY executive director Rye Manuzon signed a memorandum of agreement to carry out PANTAY’s Project GEIS (Gender Equality Index for Schools) that seeks to promote safe and inclusive learning environment through the Rainbow Report Card and the rainbow school kit programs. The Rainbow Report Card serves as a gender equality assessment tool for schools, helping them evaluate how inclusive and gendersensitive their policies, programs and practices are. “This partnership with PANTAY is aligned with the CHR’s mandate to uphold the rights and dignity of all, especially the youth and members of the LGBTQI community,” Palpal-latoc said. Rio N. Araja

BITTER GOURD PATCH. These vegetable farmers from San Rafael, Bulacan attend to their ampalaya (bitter gourd) plants, the harvest of which commands good prices at the domestic market. Revoli Cortez

Over 213k agrarian beneficiaries freed of P11.63-b debt burden A By Rio N. Araja

TOTAL of 213,285 beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) have been freed of P11.63 billion in unpaid land amortizations on 283,040 hectares of agricultural land nationwide as of April, according to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III said the debt write-off

represented 35 percent of the 610,054 target farmer-beneficiaries.

“We are confident we can emancipate all remaining beneficiaries from agrarian debts by the end of the Marcos administration in 2028,” Estrella said. President Ferdinand signed Republic Act 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act in 2023, allocating P57.6 billion to write off debts, including interests, penalties, and surcharges involving over 1.17 million hectares

Makati gov’t gives out laptops to mentors

Plane passenger nabbed for possession of shabu AIRPORT authorities have arrested a 31-year-old passenger for possession of five grams of suspected shabu at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport—Terminal 3. The passenger was about to board a Cebu Pacific flight to Cebu when he was flagged by an agent of the Office for Transport Security who noticed a suspicious item in his luggage at the Central Security Screening Checkpoint. Members of the Police Aviation Security Group (Avsegroup) immediately conducted a manual inspection, resulting in the discovery of a white crystalline substance, later confirmed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency as methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu. Joel Zurbano

By Joel E. Zurbano

PROUD OWNERS OF BRAND NEW LAPTOPS. Makati Mayor Abigail Binay poses with a group of public school teachers who have just receive new laptops meant to make their mentoring tasks so much easier, courtesy of the city government.

MMDA clears clogged creeks, esteros to ward off floods THE Metro Manila Development Authority continues to undertake preemptive anti-flood measures in the National Capital Region. On Wednesday, the MMDA, in partnership with the Caloocan City government, conducted a clean-up drive at Maligaya Creek adjacent to the La Loma Cemetery Exit and San Pancracio Parish in Barangay 120. MMDA general manager Procopio Lipana said the clean-up drive was part of the agency’s “Bayanihan sa Estero” program, a

of CARP lands. Estrella said the law has significantly eased the burden on farmers and even allowed them to reinvest funds previously allotted for amortization into farm inputs or other livelihood ventures. Moreover, the law has prevented the illegal sale or mortage of CARP lands, a violation of Republic Act 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law.

community-based initiative aimed at clearing accumulated garbage along esteros and canals throughout Metro Manila. “The program dubbed “Estero ay Alagaan, Bayan ay Protektahan” seeks to address major blockages that impede the natural flow of water. Through this initiative, we would be able to remove waste from drainage systems that could worsen flooding during heavy downpours,” said Lipana. Lipana also appealed to the pub-

lic to discard their trash properly to prevent massive flooding during the rainy season. At least 24 dump trucks were loaded with 48 tons of garbage collected from the Maligaya Creek since last weekend, according to the MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office. Among the waste gathered were plastic bottles, food wrappers, and all sorts of garbage thrown indiscriminately into esteros and creeks. There are 273 creeks in the Nation-

al Capital Region, with a total length of 570 kilometers. Meanwhile, all 71 pumping stations managed by the agency are 100-percent operational and working at full capacity. Caloocan City administrator Aurora Ciego, for her part, thanked the MMDA for initiating the clean-up operation. Personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also participated in the clean-up drive. Joel E. Zurbano

Cebu gov-elect told to answer poll protest By Minerva Newman

PREEMPTIVE ANTI-FLOOD DRIVE. With the onset of the rainy season, the Metro Manila Development Authority sets in motion a vigorous creek and estero clean-up drive across the metropolis in a bid to at least minimize flash floods arising from heavy rains.

CEBU City—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has directed governor-elect Pam Baricuatro to answer charges of alleged electoral irregularity lodged by her opponent, outgoing Gov. Gwen Garcia. Baricuatro was given five days starting June 16 to give her side of the story. In a statement, lawyer Edmund Lao, head of Baricuatro’s Transition Team said they are ready to reply to the accusations and seek dismissal of the complaint for lack of merit. “Baricuatro also opted for the

formation of her own legal team which seeks the dismissal of what is clearly an unwarranted and unfounded case so that the Transition team can focus on ensuring that the matters on preparing the incoming administration will not be hampered,” the statement read. Garcia filed on June 3 an electoral protest before the Comelec contesting the results of over 4,000 clustered precincts across the province. Garcia claimed that her camp discovered “technical and software evidence’’ indicating that some of her votes have been mistakenly credited to Baricuatro.

THE Makati City government has started distributing computer laptops for teachers and teaching staff, along with school supplies, emergency kits, and other needs of public school students ahead of the opening of classes starts next week. Mayor Abigail Binay led the ceremonial distribution on Thursday at the Nemesio Yabut Elementary School. A total of 1,410 laptops will be given to teachers and teaching-related personnel across Makati’s public schools. Binay said supporting teachers has been a vital part of Makati’s education strategy under her administration. “Our teachers deserve the tools to help them adapt to modern teaching methods and technology. These laptops will allow them to plan lessons better, access online resources, and manage their workloads more efficiently,” she said. At the same time, the mayor said her administration has upgraded and expanded the benefits given to public school students. The benefits covered elementary, junior high, and senior high school students at the start of every school year to ease the financial burden on parents and ensure that the children are equipped to begin school with confidence. Binay also stressed that there is no reason for students in Makati not to attend classes and ask their parents for allowances because the local government provides free food at schools. “We have Project FEED, and then there’s no more problem with the uniforms. Before, the uniform had to be tailored; now it’s free. They say, “No shoes?” Shoes are also free. So, there is no reason for parents to say that their child dropped out or did not study,” she said.

OPINION

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Far from the madding crowd BY THE time this article sees print, I shall be far away from the motherland, ironically on our National Day. I won’t be able to watch the live telecast of the Senate debate on whether or not to proceed with the impeachment trial and all that hullabaloo. The outcome of this “gripping” issue that has everyone but the “masa” out-opinionating each other, will impact on 2028, or so the ringleaders of both sides believe. Still, all the socalled frontrunners for the presidency three years hence give me little comfort about the future of the benighted land. For now, it makes me thankful that I am miles and miles away. Yesterday, the son of a close friend and compadre got married in an idyllic setting in the Tuscan countryside, far from the madding crowd that is the Philippines. The English author Thomas Hardy contrasted the idyll of rural life against the harsh realities of everyday life in his late 19th century novel titled “Far from the Madding Crowd.” Another Thomas, this time surnamed Gray, wrote in his famous “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” about the “madding crowd’s ignoble strife” where people buried in the churchyard are free from the frenzy of dreadful existence. Ours is a country caught in the frenzy of ignoble strife, on a Senate which is minded to thrash the impeachment complaint sent by the HoR without trying its object, and those who hope to entomb the object’s political future via a prolonged telenovela that would steal the light from whatever legislation the people need to ease the tribulations of daily life. How government will repay the principal and interest on our humongous P16.8 trillion debt is more worrisome for this writer than whether a spare tire named Inday Sara remains a spare or not. For 2025, the debt service program will reach P2.05 trillion consisting of P1.2 trillion in principal and P848 billion in interest. Add to that almost a Ptrillion more in pork barrel entitlements for our greedy legislators, built into the NEP by “prior consultation” with the DBM and more added in congressional insertions plus the notorious bicam, and what little is left, one wonders with rage in the gut. Riding in a van traversing the beautiful Tuscan countryside to our hotel in historic Siena, one of my travelling companions wondered if he should have bought an old house in Italy that was being offered for one euro, spent

fifty thousand more to make it livable, and thereafter enjoyed “la dolce vita,” free from the perpetually maddening existence despite “LOVE the Philippines.” We know someone who made billions in the past, now on the verge of shedding most of it, but has since taken a golden visa via sunny Malta on the shores of the Mediterranean. With a Maltese permanent residence, he can traipse throughout Europe, ski in Chamonix during the winter, even watch the northern lights in Scandinavia or Iceland.

—“—

When will we ever have a fair sun that will slay the darkness that envelops us all? But far from the madding crowd physically does not provide escape from the happenings in the motherland, or worries about the future of the “saling-lahi” in a land long and continually bereft of hope. Charge that to the wonders of the internet, even if sometimes many of us seniors pine for the days when life in the Philippines was much simpler, where one could drive from Makati to Cubao in 15 minutes, dive or snorkel in the small islands off Nasugbu a few hours away, and even affordably board a flight from Manila to Mactan’s then quiet beaches, and though Baguio was six hours away, the smell of pines was scintillating, and Session Road was genteel. So I have decided to spend my 10 days here trying as best as possible to shut off my laptop and free my cellphone from news about the homeland, even as yesterday and tomorrow will be “momentous” in our politics. Part of our schedule is a passthrough of Verona, where Shakespeare wrote about the Montagues and the Capulets, similar to the House of Marcos and the House of Duterte, and unless crowds of tourists dismay us, perhaps pose for a picture in Juliet’s balcony where Romeo poetically asked: “Arise fair sun and kill the envious moon, who is already sick and pale with grief.” When will we ever have a fair sun that will slay the darkness that envelops us all? (Editor’s Note: Lito Banayao is out of the country. He will resume writing his column pieces on June 23, 2025.)

New beginning for the PNP THE general public might not have realized it, but the recent assumption of PNP General Nicholas Torre as the new PNP Chief was not simply the ordinary changeover of Command when someone retires but also historic. This is because General Torre became the first non-Philippine Military Academy graduate to assume the top PNP position since 1986-- a span of 39 years. That changeover ceremony last June 4 was therefore truly a changing of the guards. Henceforth, the PNP will be led by graduates from the Philippine National Police Academy. From what I gathered, there are now only three remaining graduates from the PMA holding key positions in the PNP. By the time they retire in the next 20 months or so, none will be left. Thus, the PNP is again embarking on another chapter of its long history beginning on Aug. 8, 1901 as the Philippine Constabulary led mainly by Americans, then graduates of Constabulary Officers School that eventu-

ally transitioned to being the Philippine Military Academy. Although we can say the PNPA is a clone of the PMA and should therefore not expect too much difference in leadership culture, it will be different in more ways than one.

—“—

General Torre will have his hands full but let’s wish him well General Torre will now have almost two years to show his leadership capability. And judging by the way he is starting his tenure, he seems to have followed the script of many of his predecessors by outlining some of his visions on how he intends to guide the PNP moving forward. One of these was his exhortation to the PNP rank and file for more arrests to get rid of street criminality, focusing on low level illegal drug traffick-

ManilaStandard

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format of a young Filipino woman dressed in the Philippine flag. She is carrying a torch labeled ‘Independence.’ She is walking up a winding staircase that is dark and brick-lined like a Medieval dungeon. The only light is from the torch that casts a chiaroscuro on her body and the surroundings immediately around her. There are chains at her wrists, waist, and ankles. The chains are labeled ‘Poverty,’ ‘Corruption,’ and ‘Impunity.’

EDITORIAL

Safeguarding our independence

27 years ago today, we declared independence from Spain after 377 years of colonial rule.

the press, freedom of speech, freedom to peacefully assemble, among others. The challenge at this point is to strengthen our system of governance anchored on democratic ideals and a system of checks and balances.

But this independence was shortlived, as the country soon found itself a colony again, this time of the United States, through the Treaty of Paris. The American colonial period stretched for more than four decades, broken only by four years of Japanese occupation, before the nation declared itself independent again in 1946. We commemorate our Independence Day today with appropriate ceremonies that rightly extol the sacrifices made by our forebears and re-affirm our commitment to freedom and democracy. Independence has allowed us to build a government structure and political institutions that suit our particular characteristics as a nation and as a people. We also strive to give the widest possible leeway for the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution, such as freedom of

The greater challenge now is to extend this freedom to the economic and social realms

ing but with the assurance that suspects will be taken alive and charged in court. He the PNP leadership will not be oblivious to those personnel aggressively implementing this program. At face value, there is nothing wrong with this focus. But perhaps, any recognition of hard work by way of promotions and commendations did not have to be specifically highlighted because in the uniform service, that is a given. When an individual goes beyond the ordinary call of duty in performing of one’s duties, commendations, medals or promotions are available and there is no need to be dangling them. Besides, there are other important problems that need Torre’s attention. This is the recent growing perception of increased lawlessness. Despite official figures from the

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

While Filipinos are free to choose their leaders from the national level down to the smallest political unit— the barangay in what is supposed to be free and fair elections, the prevalence of political dynasties throughout the country has given rise to massive vote-buying and poll violence. While the country stands proud among the international community, and freely relates with other countries on the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefit and peaceful co-existence, we face grave threats to our national sov-

ereignty and territorial integrity in our western flank. Beyond the enjoyment of political freedoms, the greater challenge now is to extend this freedom to the economic and social realms, so that we can ensure freedom from poverty, hunger, ignorance and disease. We can do this by creating jobs, attaining food security, and improving the welfare and over-all quality of life of our people. The government must pursue more aggressively the war against corruption, and strive to uplift the quality of life of millions of Filipinos still trapped in poverty. And we must pursue our own development based on our own particular needs and our own concrete conditions. We should make globalization serve national development. On this day, we join the rest of the nation in commemorating the 127th year of Philippine independence. We must assert our sovereignty as a nation, but, more important, we must do everything possible to give our people the means to improve their lives so that they can look forward to the future with hope and confidence.

PNP that crime incidence has been going down there is a feeling among the public of lawlessness because of the brazenness of some of the crimes being committed. Perhaps, the figures from Camp Crame are not true, reason why the public does not seem to believe it. Whatever, the PNP has a problem on its hands in seeing that the public has confidence in the PNP’s ability to maintain order. It could also be that this perception is due mainly to a few high profile criminal cases that have impacted this public perception of apparent lawlessness. For instance, the recent kidnapping and brutal murder of Fil-Chinese businessman and steel magnate Anson Que and his driver who, after paying the ransom demanded by the kidnappers. were still mercilessly killed by the perpetrators.

The other was the snatching of a Korean and two Chinese nationals with two Filipinos on their way to Nasugbu, Batangas a few weeks ago. Still another was the broad daylight robbery of two South Koreans at the Bonifacio Global City which prompted the South Korean Embassy to warn its citizens against criminals apparently targeting SK nationals. The PNP cannot at all cost afford this kind of display of criminality in the country. Crime fighting has become not only more complicated but also sophisticated due to modern communications, easy travel and the internet. The PNP can no longer simply rely on the old practices but must train hard and to be always a step ahead considering that many crimes being committed today are transnational. General Torre will have his hands full but let’s wish him well.

—“—

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Joyce Pangco Pañares Virgilio DC Galvez Miguel Gil

Managing Editor News Editor City Editor

Honor Blanco Cabie Aytch dela Cruz Lino M. Santos

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion Editor Online Editor Chief Photographer

WORLD

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Police make ‘mass arrests’ in LA L INCREDIBLY RARE.

Law enforcement officers aim less-lethal munitions at protesters during clashes outside the Federal Building as protests continue in response to federal immigration operations in Los Angeles on June 10, 2025. Hundreds of Marines are due to arrive in Los Angeles on June 10 after US President Donald Trump ordered their deployment in response to protests against immigration arrests and despite objections by state officials. The 700 troops will join National Guard soldiers, amping up the militarization of the tense situation in the sprawling city, which is home to millions of foreign-born and Latino residents. The unrest was sparked by a sudden intensification of Trump’s signature campaign to deport illegal migrants, with raids conducted on workplaces. AFP

IN BRIEF Northern Ireland town hit by second night of unrest Canada likely to face big wildfire season MONTREAL– Two years after a historically devastating summer, Canada is once again facing a massive fire season, with burned areas already exceeding year-todate averages from recent years. More than 220 active fires were burning across the country Tuesday, with half of them considered out of control. More than 3.3 million hectares have been consumed by flames -- an area equivalent to the country of Belgium. Two provinces in central Canada -- Saskatchewan and Manitoba -- were hard-hit with rough starts to fire season, and had to declare a state of emergency at the end of May. Now, more than a dozen new fires are detected daily across Canada -- often started accidentally by humans, but sometimes ignited by lightning strikes. Mega wildfires are now burning in western Alberta and British Columbia, as well as in northern Ontario, the country’s most populous province. AFP

BALLYMENA, United Kingdom – Violence flared for a second night Tuesday in a Northern Irish town after “racially motivated” attacks sparked by the arrest of two teenagers accused of attempting to rape a young girl. Hundreds of protestors, many of them masked, took to the streets of Ballymena, throwing petrol bombs, bottles and masonry as police responded with water cannon, an AFP journalist said. There was a heavy police presence in one area of the town, some 48 kilometers northwest of Belfast, as the protesters set fire to a car and barricades. Police also fired plastic baton rounds to disperse the crowds, an AFP journalist saw.

Later as night fell, crowds began to disperse in Ballymena although smaller groups still milled around the town centre. And local media reported that protestors were also blocking roads in Belfast. The unrest first erupted Monday night after a vigil in a neighborhood where an alleged serious sexual assault happened on Saturday. “This violence was clearly racially motivated and targeted at our minority ethnic community and police,” Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said Tuesday. He told a press conference: “It was racist thuggery, pure and simply, and any attempt to justify it or explain it as some-

thing else is misplaced.” Tensions in the town, which has a large migrant population, remained high throughout the day on Tuesday, as residents described the scenes as “terrifying” and told AFP those involved were targeting “foreigners.” Two teenage boys, charged by police with the attempted rape of a teenage girl, had appeared in court Monday, where they asked for a Romanian interpreter, local media reports said. The trouble began when masked people “broke away from the vigil and began to build barricades, stockpiling missiles and attacking properties”, police said. AFP

Ex-student kills 10 in Austrian shooting GRAZ, Austria – A former student killed 10 people when he opened fire at a high school in southeastern Austria on Tuesday before taking his own life, authorities said, in an unprecedented case of deadly gun violence that stunned the Alpine country. Heavily armed police, a helicopter and paramedics descended on the Dreierschuetzengasse high school in Graz after the 21-year-old lone shooter struck, police said. Nine victims were immediately confirmed but a woman died from her wounds in hospital later, an official said. Seven of the victims were female and three male, authorities said without specifying their ages. A 17-year-old French student was among the victims, his father told AFP. Twelve people suffered severe injuries and police said support was being provided to witnesses and those affected. The suspect acted alone and took his own life in the school toilet, police said. AFP

Looting and vandalism in the secondbiggest US city have marred the largely peaceful protests over ramped-up arrests by immigration authorities. The demonstrations, which began Friday, and isolated acts of violence prompted Trump to take the extraordinary step of sending in troops, over the objection of the state governor. The protests again turned ugly after dark Tuesday, but an hour into the overnight curfew only a handful of protesters were left downtown, with police making several arrests as they warned stragglers to leave. “Multiple groups continue to congregate on 1st St between Spring and Alameda” within the designated downtown curfew area, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) wrote on X late Tuesday. “Those groups are being addressed and mass arrests are being initiated.” Police arrested 25 people on suspicion of violating the curfew as of Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing an LAPD spokesperson. The number of arrests was likely to rise as law enforcement worked to remove the remaining protesters from the area, the newspaper said. Earlier, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said she had issued the curfew “to stop the vandalism, to stop the looting.” One square mile (2.5 square kilometers) of the city’s more-than-500 square mile area will be off-limits from 8:00 pm and 6:00 am (0300 to 1300 GMT) for everyone apart from residents, journalists and emergency services, she added. One protester told AFP the arrest of migrants in a city with large immigrant and Latino populations was the root of the unrest. “I think that obviously they’re doing it for safety,” she said of the curfew. “But I don’t think that part of the problem is the peaceful protests. It’s whatever else is happening on the other side that is inciting violence.” AFP

Combs defense seeks to show ex-girlfriend had control of self

New Iran-US talks planned for Sunday TEHRAN – The sixth round of Iran-US nuclear talks is planned for Sunday, Tehran said as the two sides appear locked in a standoff over uranium enrichment nearly two months into the high-stakes negotiations. It came as European powers and the United States submitted a censure motion to the UN’s nuclear watchdog in an effort to ramp up pressure on Iran, in spite of Tehran’s warnings. Iran has said it will present a counterproposal to the latest draft from Washington, which it had criticized for failing to offer sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear program. “The next round of Iran-US indirect talks is being planned for next Sunday in Muscat,” Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in a statement on Tuesday. There was no immediate comment from mediator Oman, which has hosted some of the previous rounds, while Washington has said the talks could be held as early as Thursday. AFP

OS ANGELES — Los Angeles police began arresting people in the city’s downtown late Tuesday, as groups gathered in violation of an overnight curfew after a fifth day of protests against Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

SCARED AS HELL. A protestor walks past a fire set in the streets during an anti-immigration demonstration in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, on Wednesday. Violence flared for a second night in the Northern Irish town of Ballymena after ‘racially motivated’ attacks sparked by the arrest of two teenagers accused of the attempted rape of a young girl. Hundreds of protestors, many of them masked, took to the streets of Ballymena, throwing petrol bombs and masonry as police responded with water cannon, an AFP journalist said. AFP

NEW YORK – Sean Combs’ defense lawyers on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) began questioning a woman who dated the music mogul up until his arrest, and who has testified in agonizing detail that he pressured her into drug-fueled sex with escorts. In the initial hours of questioning, defense attorney Teny Geragos sought to demonstrate that the woman speaking under the pseudonym Jane had agency throughout her relationship with Combs -an attempt to show that what prosecutors deem to be sex trafficking was in fact consensual. The defense exhibited loving messages and voice notes the pair shared, and also asked Jane about her “jealousy” regarding Combs’ “polyamorous” lifestyle that involved other girlfriends. Geragos elicited testimony from Jane in which she said she gravitated to men who were “successful.” The witness, who told jurors she still loves Combs, also testified that at points she felt “very loved” by him, and that he was her “baby.” Attorney Geragos spent much of the afternoon prompting Jane to read lengthy, lewd texts aloud. During the uncomfortable, painstaking process Jane repeatedly emphasized there was an “undertone” to the messages in which she felt compelled to write what Combs wanted to hear. AFP

7 dead as Colombia rocked by wave of harmonized bombings, gun attacks CALI, Colombia – Colombia was rocked by a string of 24 coordinated bomb and gun attacks that killed at least seven people across the country’s southwest Tuesday, deepening a security crisis roiling the Andean nation. Attackers struck targets in Cali -- the country’s third-largest city -- and several nearby towns, hitting police posts, municipal buildings and civilian targets. National Police chief Carlos Fernando Triana said assailants -- suspected to be a local guerrilla group -- had attacked using car bombs, motorcycle bombs, rifle fire and a suspected drone. “There are two police officers dead, and a number of members of the public are also dead,” he said. Police later put the toll at seven dead and 28 more injured. In Cali and the towns of Villa Rica, Guachinte and Corinto, AFP journalists witnessed the tangled wreckage of vehicle bombs surrounded by scorched debris and damaged buildings. The attacks came days after a brazen attempted assassination of a presiden-

tial candidate in Bogota that has put the country on edge. Many Colombians are now fearful of a return to the violence of the 1980s and 1990s, when cartel attacks, guerrilla violence and political assassinations were commonplace. Interior Minister Armando Benedetti said the government had received unverified “proof” of possible guerrilla involvement in the attack on Senator Miguel Uribe. In the town of Corinto, resident Luz Amparo was at home when the blast gutted her bakery Tuesday. “We thought it was an earthquake,” she told AFP. “My husband said ‘no, they are shooting.’” Her phone began to ring off the hook and she went to check on her store. As she rounded the corner, the neighbors began to look in her direction. “Everything was leveled,” she said. Police and experts blamed the attacks on a dissident faction of the once-powerful FARC guerrilla group. AFP

COORDINATED OFFENSIVE, Colombian soldiers are transported in an armored vehicle after an attack with explosives in Guachinte, Valle del Cauca department, Colombia, on Wednesday as the country, rocked by explosions and gun attacks, left seven people dead in what appeared to be a coordinated attack designed to sow terror. The attacks hit Cali — the country’s third largest city — and several nearby towns, targeting police stations and other municipal buildings. AFP

SPORTS

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025

Scheffler seeks nd 2 straight major at formidable Oakmont Scottie Scheffler is the oddsmakers’ favorite over world number two Rory McIlroy and defending champion Bryson DeChambeau.

AKMONT—Top-ranked Scottie Schefﬂer tries to become the ﬁrst back-to-back major winner in a decade by taking this week’s 125th US Open, which tees off Thursday at intimidating Oakmont.

Not since Jordan Spieth captured the 2015 Masters and US Open has anyone swept consecutive major crowns, but two-time Masters champion Scheffler is on a hot streak. The 28-year-old American has won three of his past four starts, including a third major title at May’s PGA Championship and defending his Memorial title two weeks ago. This week, however, offers a severe test with thick high rough, tricky bunkers and sloped greens known for lightning-fast speed. “This is probably the hardest golf course that we’ll play, maybe ever, and that’s pretty much all it is,” Scheffler said. “It’s just a different type of test.” Scheffler arrives after a rest week as the oddsmakers’ favorite over world number two Rory McIlroy and defending champion Bryson DeChambeau. “I don’t pay attention to the favorite stuff or anything like that,” Scheffler said. “Starting Thursday

morning we’re at even par and it’s up to me to go out there and play against the golf course and see what I can do.” Fourth-ranked Collin Morikawa, a two-time major winner, expects brutal rough off most every missed fairway. “Overall you have to hit the ball really well. You know you’re going to get penalized even on good shots,” Morikawa said. “Step number one is to hit it in the fairways. I don’t think people understand how thick the rough is. It’s not wispy like the club is going to go through. This is just thick. Clubs will turn over. “You’re going to see guys trying to hit pitching wedge out and it’s going to go 45 degrees left because that’s how thick the rough is.” The 7,372-yard, par-70 layout offers a vast array of bunkers and a course where many trees were removed to produce an expansive feel.

“Extreme challenge,” two-time major winner Jon Rahm said. “Even when you just stand on the putting green, seeing the whole property, you know you’re somewhere special. It’s quite iconic.” McIlroy, who won the Masters in April to complete a career Grand Slam, has top-10 US Open finishes each of the past six years. He declared Oakmont “a big brute of a golf course.” “You’re going to have to have your wits about you this week all the way throughout the bag, off the tee, into the greens, around the greens. It’s going to be a great test.” Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, a winner last month at LIV Golf Korea, seeks his third US Open after wins in 2020 and 2024. The 31-year-old American is trying to become only the eighth back-to-back US Open winner, the first since compatriot Brooks Koepka in 2017 and 2018. “Everybody knows this is probably the toughest golf course in the world right now, and you have to hit the fairways, you have to hit greens, and you have to two-putt, worst-case scenario,” DeChambeau said. AFP

Pampanga nips Rizal; Pasay, Bulacan prevail ARCHIE Concepcion bunched seven points in the homestretch to push Pampanga past Rizal, 74-71, on Tuesday and regain traction in Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga. The Rizal Xentromall Golden Coolers were threatening at 65-68, when Concepcion struck, drilling in an alley-oop triple, two free throws and a layup against two charities by Samboy De Leon to pad the Giant Lanterns’ lead to 72-67 with 1 minute and 42 seconds left. De Leon converted two more freebies, but Jeepy Faundo sealed Pampanga’s 11th win against 4 losses in the elimination round of the 30-team tournament with two free throws in the last 3.9 seconds. Concepcion clinched best player honors with 22 points, laced by four triples, and 3 rebounds over Larry Muyang with 10 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks. Raymond Binuya tallied 8 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists, Faundo 6 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks, and Jhaymo Eguilos 6 points plus 7 rebounds for Pampanga, which recovered from a 74-82 beating it suffered against Nueva Ecija at the same venue on June 6. Rizal fell to 9-6 despite De Leon’s 20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals, and Eric Camson’s 18 points plus 8 rebounds. The Pasay Voyagers returned to orbit with an 81-66 thrashing of the Valenzuela City Magic earlier. Ruling the boards, 70-42, the Voyagers surged ahead by 20 points (39-19) and were never headed to recover from a twogame slide and improve to 9-7 in the race for playoff berths. Cyrus Tabi presided over the Voyagers’ assault with 15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals, followed by Felipe Chavez with 12 points, 5 rbeounds and 2 assist, Jopet So-

riano with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists, and Jasper Salenga with 10 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Valenzuela stumbled to 2-11 as only Jan Formento with 26 points, 5 assists and 2 rebounds, and JR Alabanza with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals found their range. The Bulacan Kuyas pounced on the poor-shooting Bacolod Tubo Slashers to prevail, 69-63, in the opener. Drilling in 8 of 17 triple attempts, the Kuyas led the Tubo Slashers, who could only make 4 of 22 attempts, for 33 minutes and 46 seconds and improved to 2-14. John Rey Sumido posted 22 points, spiked by 4 triples, and 5 rebounds, while Joseph Celso notched 20 points, 14 rebounds and 2 blocks for Bulacan, which dropped 13 straight before winning two of its last three. They were supported by Joseph Mark Marquez with 7 points and 4 rebounds, Jebb Bulawan with 6 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks, and Gino Jumao-as with 6 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Bacolod, further hounded by a 9 of 22 performance from the charity line, trailed by as many as 46-59 and dropped to 2-12. The Tubo Slashers, composed mainly of homegrown talents, got 15 points, 3 assists and 2 rebounds from Mark Rey Dubouzet, 14 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals from Chester Saldua, and 10 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals from Jaycee Sam Adjei.

viera Lightning Frisbee Championship. The event marked a major milestone for the local ultimate scene, drawing in top-tier talent and

Winners and participants of the Alviera Lightning Frisbee Championship

ANGELI Quiñones and Fatima Dumlao brace for a fierce showdown as the spotlight shifts to the girls’ division in the Fortheo National Junior Tennis Championships, which get under way at the Jethro Sports Center today (Thursday, June 12) in Valenzuela City. The overwhelming number of entries prompted organizers to split the boys’ and girls’ competitions, with the boys taking center stage last week. Now, it’s the girls’ turn to showcase their talent and skills as top contenders and rising stars begin their title quests across five age categories. Quiñones and Dumlao are pegged as favorites in the 18-and-under division of the tournament powered by Tier One Architects, but their paths to the title won’t be easy. Looking to upset the projected finals clash are Jeanne Rusco, Viktoria Baniaol, Melatiah Pascua, May Bautista, Jana Bermejo and Jade Macayan. The Group 2 event, supported by Casandra Resort, Darlings Fine Jewelry, LF Gadgets and Scrambowl, features 32-player draws across four other age divisions – 16-, 14- and 12-and-under divisions, along with the 10-and-under unisex group – highlighting the strong turnout of young talent from Valenzuela and neighboring towns and cities. The tournament, sanctioned by Philta, is part of the country’s longestrunning grassroots tennis talent search, spearheaded by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro with support from Universal Tennis and ICON Golf & Sports. All eyes will also be on Olongapo’s Ayl Gonzaga, who is aiming for a rare double victory in the 14- and 16-and-U divisions. But she faces stiff competition from a deep field that includes Shaner Gabaldon, Isabel Ataiza, Isabel Calingasan, Carolina Fandino, Natasha Gabriel, Brianna Gestuvo and Amara Paulino in the 14-and-U bracket. Gabaldon, Ataiza and Gabriel are also entered in the 16-and-U division alongside Baniaol, Dumlao, Bermejo and Angelica Villa, ensuring a highly competitive battle for top honors and precious ranking points. The 12-and-U division is also expected to be wide open, with Isabel Calingasan leading the cast that includes Gabrielle Palacio, Elise Co, Celestina Salvador, Francesca Gomez, Zopiya Morales, Ariana Paulino and Julia Bermejo.

IRONKIDS draw 150 participants

Archie Concepcion pushes Pampanga past Rizal.

Binibinis dominate inaugural Alviera Lightning Frisbee Championship FAST-PACED throws, fierce competition, and electric energy lit up the Alviera Open Grounds on June 7 as the region welcomed the first-ever Al-

Fortheo girls’ juniors net tilt unwraps

enthusiastic crowds for a day of high-level play and community spirit. Leading the charge was the U24 Binibinis Ultimate team, which wowed the crowd its their trademark agility, sharp coordination, and fierce competitive spirit. The tournament served not only as a showcase of top-tier talent but also as a fundraising initiative under the Alviera Sports Program, aimed at nurturing grassroots athletics in the region. In partnership with Binibinis Ultimate, the event brought together teams and supporters from across Luzon, building a vibrant community around the growing sport of ultimate frisbee. With the success of its inaugural run, the Alviera Lightning Frisbee Championship sets the stage for even bigger tournaments ahead. As the Alviera Sports Program continues to champion homegrown talent and emerging sports, athletes and fans alike are encouraged to join the movement — support, play, and be part of the next wave of Filipino sporting excellence.

THE next generation of Filipino triathletes is all set to showcase strength, speed and stamina at the RLC Residences IRONKIDS this Saturday (June 14) in Subic Bay, as over 150 youngsters gear up for one of the most anticipated youth endurance events in the country. With fresh faces expected to shine, the boys’ 13-15 division is heating up with contenders like Bren Tongco, Kristoffe Nadonga, Nico Cabrera, Juan Rafael Jimenez, Jairus Mejia, Joash Lee Dait, Ralf Prima and Franklin Billedo all eyeing the top prize. They’ll be joined by strong challengers including Nathaniel Ablin, Eziequel Estedola, Matt Morales, Iñigo Souza, Joaquin Villaflor, Jose Roque Saludes and Robin Ortega – all ready to conquer the 250m swim, 6km bike, and 2km run course. In the girls’ premier category, the competition will be equally intense, led by the likes of Dominique Aragones, Margaret Bobier, Danielle Ramos, Kaia Gica, Alaina Bouffaut, Isabela Reyes and Japanese standout Yuka Nakamura. “IRONKIDS goes beyond competition,” said Princess Galura, president and general manager of organizing body Sunrise Events, Inc. “It’s about giving these kids exposure, building character, and nurturing the future stars of Philippine triathlon.” The event is backed by RLC Residences, the residential division of Robinsons Land Corp. True to its name – RLC, which also stands for Raising Little Champions – the brand is committed to promoting youth development, wellness and family bonding through sports. Hosted by Subic Bay and backed by Amlan, Ion Advanced Electrolyte Drink, Salt+Fin, Santé, Manila Bulletin, Tempo, Krispy Kreme, ONE Sports+, Cignal and Sportograf.com, the IRONKIDS also serves as a prelude to the weekend’s main highlight – the Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay – on Sunday (June 15).

SPORTS

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025

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

Filipina sambo athlete Aislinn Agnes Yap has ascended to the top of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) rankings in the Women’s Combat Sambo 80kg division.

Haliburton dismisses injury fears LOS ANGELES—Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton shrugged off fitness fears on Tuesday as his team prepared to regain momentum against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game three of the NBA Finals. Haliburton was seen walking with a limp following Sunday’s rout by the Thunder in game two following a lackluster performance in which he struggled to trouble the Oklahoma City defense. Haliburton though insisted on Tuesday his fitness was not a concern as Indiana look to regain the lead after Sunday’s loss left the series tied at 1-1. “I’m fine,” Haliburton told reporters. “Really just a lower leg thing. I’ll leave it at that. I don’t think there’s anything more to elaborate. “I feel fine and I’ll be ready to go for Game 3.” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said Haliburton was experiencing “some discomfort” but said that was to be expected as the gruelling eight-month season reached its climax. “At this time of year, I don’t know if anybody’s feeling perfect,” Carlisle said of Haliburton. “He practiced. He went through everything. I know he has some discomfort. He feels it. But each day it’s getting better. I don’t think you’re going to hear him making a big deal out of it.” Carlisle added that while “a couple” of Pacers players were under the weather, nothing would prevent them from lining up for the remainder of the series. “I don’t think anything is going to keep these guys from playing in the game,” Carlisle added. The Pacers coach was more preoccupied with drawing up a gameplan that can deliver a more consistent performance following an uneven start to the finals. The Pacers have trailed for most of the opening two games, winning game one with a lastsecond Haliburton basket before being blown out in game two in what was almost a wire-towire Thunder win. “I think we’ve lost, at least by scoreboard, six out of eight or seven out of eight quarters,” Carlisle said. “We’re playing a great team. So we’ve got to make adjustments. We got to play better. “Everything that’s already happened doesn’t matter, other than the score of the series. We have to move forward. There’s a lot of things we have to do better. We realize that.” Pacers ace Pascal Siakam meanwhile said the key to reigniting the team’s finals challenge would be disrupting Oklahoma City’s offense and winning the battle for rebounds. “We got to get stops. You get stops, you get in transition. That’s the first thing,” Siakam said. “We got to also get rebounds. If you can’t do those two things, I don’t think you can be successful in transition. “We know we can run. That’s what we do. It’s not really possible to run if you’re not getting stops or you’re not getting rebounds.” AFP

Tyrese Haliburton

PH sambo athlete Yap climbs to top spot in world rankings By Randy M. Caluag

WING to her recent victories on the international stage, Filipina sambo athlete Aislinn Agnes Yap has ascended to the top of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) rankings. Yap now leads the Women’s Combat Sambo 80kg division, joining the summit with fellow Filipina standout Sydney Sy Tancontian, who holds the no. 1 spot in the Women’s Sambo +80kg category. Yap earned a total of 1,320 cumulative points, placing her ahead of Russia’s Anzhela Gasparian (FIAS1) with 1,110 points, and Uzbekistan’s Mavluda Abdualleava. Her rise in the rankings is the result of

consistent performances and key victories in international competitions. Most recently, Yap and Tancontian competed in the 2025 World SAMBO Cup held in Yerevan, Armenia, where both athletes brought home bronze medals. Yap’s winning momentum dates back to October 2024, when she clinched the gold in her division at the Korea Open Sambo Championships. With Philippine sambo athletes achieving inter-

national success, Sambo Pilipinas President Paolo Tancontian has announced plans to expand grassroots training programs across the country. The initiative aims to identify and nurture promising athletes at the barangay level, especially in underserved provinces. “Dahan-dahan lang muna tayo. After Davao, tingnan natin kung saan tayo susunod—one step at a time,” Tancontian said in an interview with Mindanao Lens. He emphasized that the expansion will focus on developing local talent and ensuring longterm growth for the sport.Sambo Pilipinas first gained widespread recognition in 2019 after emerging as the overall champion in the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG). Since then, the national sports association has continued to earn medals in global competitions, establishing the Philippines as a rising force in the sambo world.

Eala rallies to whip Fil-Aussie opponent in Ilkley Open TOP seeded Alexandra Eala was done in 106 minutes after she rallied in the first set to bring down qualifier and Fil-Australian foe Lizette Cabrera, 7-6 (4), 6-3, at the grass courts of the Ilkley Open in Great Britain on Tuesday evening. The 20-year-old Eala scored 35 points off 48 first serves in easing out Cabrera in the first round. Eala, ranked no. 77 in the world, is in the round of 16, where she will have Switzerland’s Valentina Ryser, ranked No. 230, as her next opponent. The 5’9” Eala fought back from 1-3 down in the f irst set. Once again playing in faster grass court surfaces, Eala managed to even the count and force two more ties, before prompting a tiebreak in the 13th game. Cabrera fought to a 3-all deadlock, before a double fault at 4-all allowed Eala to take the next three-points and the set, when she slammed a forehand down the line. In the second set, Eala’s powerful groundstrokes led to a 3-2 lead, breaking Cabrera to take a decisive 4-2 edge. Eala’s aggressiveness moved her ahead, 5-2, and into her first grasscourt win of the season. The Filipina tennis star’s participation in the tournament is part of her preparations for Wimbledon. Peter Atencio

Alexandra Eala

New coach Cuadrat likes PH’s effort in 2-all draw with Tajikistan By Peter Atencio NEW coach Carles Cuadrat loved the great effort of the Philippine Men’s National Football Team to pull off a 2-all draw against Tajikistan. “They didn’t allow us to get the three points, but still, we have one and we will try to win the competition and keep going,” said Cuadrat on Tuesday evening at the end of their third qualifying round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup at the New Clark City Stadium in Tarlac. It was Cuadrat’s debut game as Philippine head coach, after taking the spot of resigned mentor Albert Capellas. Bjørn Kristensen led the Philippines with his twogoal performance. “They did their best to get the result. Before the game, we knew that it’s going to be a difficult game.

Bjorn Kristensen celebrates after scoring a goal.

But I think the players put a lot of heart in the game. They did a good effort,” said Cuadrat. Kristensen, who now has eight goals in his 13 caps for the Philippines, knocked in the equalizer in the 79th minute. Playing in front of 10,854 fans, the Filipino-Norwegian forward’s final goal kept the Filipino booters unbeaten in Group A as they now share a 1-1-0 windraw-loss record with the Tajik booters. The Philippines got off to a good start in the 28th minute, as Kristensen headed in Gerrit Holtmann’s free kick, after it bounced off the crossbar. Two minutes later, Mabatshoev Shervoni scored on a volley that slipped past goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza, to equalize at 1-all. Tajikistan then took the lead in the 42nd minute before halftime, off Umarbaev Parvizdzhon’s penalty that was awarded by Iranian referee Hasan Akrami.

Brazil, Ecuador make World Cup; Uruguay on brink SAO PAULO—Brazil booked their place at the 2026 World Cup in North America on Tuesday with a lackluster 1-0 home victory over Paraguay, the first win of Carlo Ancelotti’s reign. The five-time world champions punched their ticket to the finals in Canada, the United States and Mexico thanks to Vinicius Jr. The Real Madrid star poked in from close range in the 44th minute in Sao Paulo after a cross from new Manchester United signing Matheus Cunha. It was the perfect gift for the Italian Ancelotti on his 66th birthday, having seen his new side held 0-0 by Ecuador last week in his first game as coach. Former Real Madrid boss Ancelotti praised his team’s “commitment” and “attitude”. “It was a good match with a very good first half, although obviously we suffered a bit because Paraguay are very solid opponents and we slowed down a bit in the second,” he said. Uruguay’s 2-0 win over Venezuela in Montevideo had raised the prospect of qualification for both Brazil and Paraguay at Corinthians Arena. Paraguay needed only a point to qualify while Brazil knew they could advance with a win. In the event it was Brazil who seized the opportunity presented by Venezuela’s loss with Vinicius scoring the only goal just before half-time. AFP

BUSINESS

WHAT’S INSIDE?

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025

extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

SUSTAINABLE FISHING. Century Pacific Food Inc., one of the leading food companies in the Philippines, reinforces its sustainability agenda with initiative Sustenido Bulan—a holistic program that promotes inclusive growth and sustainable sardine fishing practices among smallholder fisherfolk in Bulan, Sorsogon. At the recently held 2025 Tambuli Awards, the group IS honored for Corporate Purpose-Driven Impact – gold for Inclusive Growth and silver for Care for the Environment. Sustenido Bulan resulted in a 10-percent reduction in fish rejection rates, which effectively minimized food and marine waste while boosting the incomes of over 200 smallholder fisherfolk. The initiative created more than 850 local jobs and enabled the production of over 65 million servings of quality sardine products.

P0.1076 per kWh Global study names PH Metro Pacific scraps June reduction in tollway stake sale power rates B2 5th most attractive for FDIs HE latest edition of the Baseline Profitability Index (BPI), a benchmark developed by Harvard-trained economist Professor Daniel Altman, showed that the Philippines trailed India, Rwanda, Malaysia and Botswana.

SEC issues rules on crypto-asset trading

B3 Tourism seen contributing P5.9t to GDP

The index, originally launched in 2013, uniquely factors in both growth potential and the preservation and repatriation of returns. It ranks markets for foreign investment based on asset growth, value preservation, and ease of capital repatriation. “As the United States continues to experience slowed growth and unsteady markets—and as tariffs force multinationals to reorient supply chains—more investors are looking abroad for new locations to invest their capital,” the report said. The BPI serves as a practical

benchmark for foreign direct investment by accounting for the share of proceeds that can actually be returned to the investor’s country of origin. It considers a five-year time horizon for roughly 100 countries. The Philippines received a BPI score of 1.20, placing it fifth. It outranked Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Georgia and Uganda, which occupied the sixth to tenth places. The BPI highlights two main groups of economies with the potential to offer attractive repatriation of proceeds to foreign direct investors. One group

TIME CAPSULE.

Officials of Laguna province, Department of Public Works and Highways and Ecotoll Road Development Corp. (ERDC) break ground for the Calamba-Bay Bypass Road Project in Barangay Tagumpay, Bay, Laguna. Attending the lowering of the symbolic time capsule on June 11, 2025 are Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez, 2nd District Rep. Ruth Hernandez, ERDC president Victor Sangco, DPWH assistant secretary Nerie Bueno, Vice Gov. Karen Agapay and ERDC chairman Dr. Reghis Romero II. Roy Tomandao

By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the latest report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which shows that the Philippine tourism sector would contribute a record-breaking P5.9 trillion to the economy in 2025. DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the findings dovetail with the government’s tourism strategy on strong public-private collaboration, innovation and the hard work of millions in the sector nationwide. “We are grateful that the strategic shift to elevate the status of Philippine tourism by leveraging our culture, diversifying our tourism products, introducing innovations, and focusing on quality and sustainability is bearing fruit, with tourism spending and employment now at record highs,” Frasco said. According to the WTTC’s 2025 Economic Impact Research (EIR), the projected P5.9 trillion contribution is about 13.5 percent increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019 and is expected to account for over onefifth, or 21 percent, of the national gross domestic product (GDP). The WTTC projects that by 2035, the country’s travel and tourism sector could inject as much as P9.2 trillion into the economy and generate around 2.5 million new jobs. In 2025 alone, the industry is expected to support 11.7 million jobs, or nearly a quarter at 23.8 percent of all national employment.

offers high growth rates and potential for real exchange rate appreciation— an increase in the value of its goods and services relative to those of other countries. “Among the leaders of this group are India, Rwanda, the Philippines and Vietnam,” the report said. The other group provides a secure investment environment where returns can be preserved and easily repatriated. This group is led by Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Czechia, and Poland. A few highly ranked countries, like Malaysia and Botswana, fall between these two groups. “The newest edition of the Baseline Profitability Index shows once again that the economies making headlines for fast growth – like Ethiopia and Bangladesh – aren’t always the ones that will deliver the highest returns,” Altman said.

Prime Infra gets 2 GW under Green Energy Auction 3 BUSINESSMAN Enrique Razon Jr.’s Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. secured about a third of the capacities awarded under the Green Energy Auction Program 3 (GEA 3), totaling 2,000 megawatts (MW). The GEA 3 generated 6,680.887 MW of new generation capacity until 2035. Prime Infra’s 600-MW Wawa and 1,400-MW Pakil pumped storage projects were announced as potential winning bidders in GEA-3, a key government program aimed at attracting more renewable investments to

accelerate the country’s transition to cleaner energy. Olympia Violago Water and Power Inc. is developing the Wawa Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power (PSH) project, while Ahunan Power Inc. is constructing the Pakil PSH. Both projects are targeted for completion by 2030. “The DOE should be commended for what is an ambitious and critical program to enable the transition to green energy, maximizing indigenous energy, bringing the country a step closer to decarbonizing the grid,

and to some extent, and more importantly, enabling energy security and stabilizing the cost of generation,” said Prime Infra president and chief executive Guillaume Lucci. The Wawa Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Project in Rizal will provide an energy storage capacity of 6,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) per day to the grid, and flexible charging and discharging capacity of 600 MW through its state-of-the-art variable speed reversible pump turbines and motor-generators. Alena Mae S. Flores

PH to grow above 5% amid trade tensions—WB

FOOD SECURITY. Department of Economy, Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan (right) meets with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) country representative Lionel Dabbadie on June 11, 2025 at the DEPDev Central Office in Mandaluyong City to discuss enhancing food security and nutrition in the Philippines while also strengthening the resilience of the local agriculture and fisheries sector against climate change and disaster risks. Source: DEPDev’s Facebook page

THE World Bank expects the Philippines’ economy to grow more than 5 percent until 2027 despite the heightened trade tensions and policy uncertainty in the global economy. It expects the Philippines to expand 5.3 percent in 2025, 5.4 percent in 2026 and 5.5 percent in 2027. Growth in East Asia and the Pacific (EAP) is projected to decelerate to 4.5 percent this year from an estimated 5 percent in 2024, as the effects of higher trade barriers, policy uncertainty, a weaker global growth outlook and softer confidence weigh on investment, exports and consumption in the region, according to the World Bank’s

latest Global Economic Prospects report. China’s growth is projected to slow to 4.5 percent, and in EAP excluding China, growth is expected to slow to 4.2 percent in 2025. Compared with January projections, growth in EAP is expected to be 0.1 percentage point lower in 2025, with the impact of trade tensions partly offset by policy support measures, notably in China. In 2026 and 2027, growth in EAP is projected to remain subdued at 4 percent, slightly below previous projections and potential growth estimates, the bank said.

P12.1552 per kWh

Average rate in June

P12.2628 per kWh Average rate in May

June power rates declined P0.11 per kWh, says Meralco By Alena Mae S. Flores MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) announced Wednesday a reduction in power rates by P0.1076 per kilowatt-hour in June, bringing down the overall rate for a typical household to P12.1552 per kWh from P12.2628 per kWh in May. Meralco, the country’s biggest power retailer, said the lower generation charge drove the overall rate reduction this month due to the lower costs from its supplier. “Our customers will continue to benefit from lower power rates this month mainly due to lower generation charge. A typical household consuming 200 kWh will see a decrease of around P22 in their total electricity bill for June,” Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said. Meralo said driving this month’s overall rate reduction is the lower generation charge, which went down by P0.1099 per kWh to P7.3552 per kWh, primarily due to lower charges from power supply agreements (PSAs), independent power producers (IPPs) and the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM). Charges from PSAs and IPPs decreased by P0.3699 and P0.1034 per kWh respectively, due to lower fuel costs and higher average dispatch. Meanwhile, the transmission wheeling rates, or the fees collected by National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) for delivering electricity, went down by 0.27 percent in the May 2025 billing period. NGCP said in a statement the transmission wheeling rates dropped to P0.4593/kWh, or a decrease of P0.0012/kWh from P0.4605 per kWh in April. Ancillary services rates, on the other hand, went up by 9.29 percent or P0.0480 per kWh to P0.5655 per kWh from PhP0.5175 per kWh in April. “As a pass-through cost, AS rates are only collected by NGCP and remitted directly to generation companies,” NGCP said.

BUSINESS

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025

extrastory2000@gmail.com

MPIC scraps toll road stake sale, eyes options

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK CYAN

Manila Manila Manila

Standard Standard TODAY TODAY TODAY

By Darwin G. Amojelar

M debt.

ETRO Pacific Investments Corp. has abandoned plans to sell its 20 percent stake in its toll road unit, opting instead for other options to reduce

“Maybe not anymore,” MPIC chairman Manuel Pangilinan told reporters Wednesday when asked for an update on the planned sale of its stake in Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. Pangilinan had said in March that the company was in talks with an unnamed investor for a potential private placement. Pangilinan said MPTC is now looking to raise between P20 billion to P40 billion to reduce its debt. “We’re trying to raise money for tollways to reduce our debts before any discussion [with San Miguel],” he said, adding that the company is “talking to several investors at this stage.” Pangilinan said the company is considering issuing perpetual preferred shares or convertible preferred stock to raise capital. Perpetual preferred stock does not have a fixed maturity date, while convertible preferred stock is a hybrid security with features of both debt and equity. “For me NOTICE personally, NOTICE IS HEREBY the perpetual GIVEN THAT THE preferred ESTATES OF THE LATE MANUEL T. might be a RIVERA AND FLORA Z. RIVERA WERE good route E X T R A J U D I C I A L LY for them,” SETTLED BY THEIR HEIRS AS PER DOC. Pangilinan NO. 452; PAGE 92; said. BOOK NO. I; SERIES OF 2024 BEFORE Pangilinan NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. MARK ELLISON also expects S. ALARILLA OF to complete MAKATI CITY. (MS-JUNE (MS-JUNE5/12/19, 5/12/19,2025) 2025) (MS-JUNE 5/12/19, 2025)

Republic of the Philippines Republicof ofthe thePhilippines Philippines Republic National Capital Judicial Region NationalCapital CapitalJudicial JudicialRegion Region National Family Court, Branch 13 FamilyCourt, Court,Branch Branch13 13 Family Quezon City, Metro Manila QuezonCity, City,Metro MetroManila Manila Quezon fc1qzn0013@judiciary.gov.ph /(02) 8355-1189 fc1qzn0013@judiciary.gov.ph/(02) /(02)8355-1189 8355-1189 fc1qzn0013@judiciary.gov.ph IN RE: PETITION TO ESTABLISH FILIATION INRE: RE:PETITION PETITIONTO TOESTABLISH ESTABLISHFILIATION FILIATION IN BETWEEN LUCAS SEVA AMOR AND HIS BETWEENLUCAS LUCASSEVA SEVAAMOR AMORAND ANDHIS HIS BETWEEN BIOLOGICAL FATHER, LORD JASON MABITAD BIOLOGICALFATHER, FATHER,LORD LORDJASON JASONMABITAD MABITAD BIOLOGICAL BRAZAL, BRAZAL, BRAZAL,

COMMITMENT WALL. Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) chairman and chief executive Alejandro Tengco signs the wall of commitment to affirm PAGCOR’s full support for the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc.’s (PMAAAI) programs and initiative.

MPIC chairman Manuel Pangilinan

merger talks with San Miguel Corp. within the year. He had said in March that MPTC had paused those talks due to its efforts to secure funds for debt repayment. MPTC and San Miguel signed a P72-billion deal in August 2024 to jointly construct, operate and maintain the 87.96-kilometer CaviteBatangas Expressway and NasugbuBauan Expressway south of Metro Manila. The MPTC Group has 240.6 kilometers of existing expressways and 43.1 kilometers under construction, representing a total investment of $3.06 billion. It operates the 105-kilometer North Luzon Expressway, the 94-kilometer Subic Clark-Tarlac Expressway, the 14-kilometer Manila-Cavite Expressway and the 8.5-kilometer Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway in Cebu. San Miguel’s expressways include the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), the Skyway System and the NAIA Expressway (NAIAX).

“LUCAS SEVA AMOR” represented herein by “LUCASSEVA SEVAAMOR” AMOR”represented representedherein hereinby by “LUCAS his mother and guardian, NAGILA GOLDAMYRRH hismother motherand andguardian, guardian,NAGILA NAGILAGOLDAMYRRH GOLDAMYRRH his PADILLA SEVA, PADILLASEVA, SEVA, PADILLA Petitioner, Petitioner, Manila Petitioner, Manila Manila -versusSP Case No. R-QZN-24-09763-CV -versusSP Case No. R-QZN-24-09763-CV -versusSP Case No. R-QZN-24-09763-CV

Standard Standard TODAY TODAY TODAY

LORD JASON MABLTAD BRAZAL, LORDJASON JASONMABLTAD MABLTADBRAZAL, BRAZAL, LORD and DARRYL A. AMOR, andDARRYL DARRYLA. A.AMOR, AMOR, and Respondents. Respondents. Respondents. x--------------------------------------------------------------x x--------------------------------------------------------------x x--------------------------------------------------------------x

AMENDED AMENDED AMENDED ORDER OF HEARING ORDEROF OFHEARING HEARING ORDER

Raffled totothis this Court isisa aaverified verified petition totoestablish establish filiation Raffledto thisCourt Courtis verifiedpetition petitionto establishfiliation filiation Raffled filed by petitioner Nagila Goldamyrrh Padilla Seva (“petitioner filed by by petitioner petitioner Nagila Nagila Goldamyrrh Goldamyrrh Padilla Padilla Seva Seva (“petitioner (“petitioner filed Nagila”) inin behalf behalf ofof the the minor subject ofof the the instant petition, Nagila”) in behalf of the minor minor subject subject of the instant instant petition, petition, Nagila”) Lucas Seva Amor (“minor Lucas”), which prays that after due LucasSeva SevaAmor Amor(“minor (“minorLucas”), Lucas”),which whichprays praysthat thatafter afterdue due Lucas notice and hearing, judgment be rendered declaring the minor notice and hearing, judgment be rendered declaring the minor notice and hearing, judgment be rendered declaring the minor as the biological and legitimate son of respondent Lord Jason as the biological and legitimate son of respondent Lord Jason as the biological and legitimate son of respondent Lord Jason Mabitad Brazal (“respondent Lord Jason”). MabitadBrazal Brazal(“respondent (“respondentLord LordJason”). Jason”). Mabitad Petitioner Nagila isisthe the biological mother ofofthe the minor subject PetitionerNagila Nagilais thebiological biologicalmother motherof theminor minorsubject subject Petitioner ofof the the instant petition. Petitioner Nagila alleged that although the instant instant petition. petition. Petitioner Petitioner Nagila Nagila alleged alleged that that although although of the minor’s certificate of live birth indicated respondent Darryl the minor’s certificate of live birth indicated respondent Darryl the minor’s certificate of live birth indicated respondent Darryl A. Amor (“respondent Darryl”) as the minor’s father, the real A.Amor Amor (“respondent (“respondent Darryl”) Darryl”) as as the the minor’s minor’s father, father, the the real real A. biological father ofofminor minor Lucas isisrespondent respondent Lord Jason. biologicalfather fatherof minorLucas Lucasis respondentLord LordJason. Jason. biological WHEREFORE, finding the petition toto be be sufficient inin form form WHEREFORE, finding finding the the petition petition to be sufficient sufficient in form WHEREFORE, and substance, the same isis given given due course. Let the initial and substance, substance, the the same same is given due due course. course. Let Let the the initial initial and hearing ofofthis this case be set on June 30, 2025 at 08:30 o’clock hearingof thiscase casebe beset seton onJune June30, 30,2025 2025at at08:30 08:30o’clock o’clock hearing in the morning at Room 209 2nd Floor Hall of Justice Annex inthe themorning morningat atRoom Room209 2092nd 2ndFloor FloorHall Hallof ofJustice JusticeAnnex Annex in Building, Quezon City Hall Compound, Diliman, Quezon Building, Quezon Quezon City City Hall Hall Compound, Compound, Diliman, Diliman, Quezon Quezon Building, City, on which date and time any interested person may appear City, on which date and time any interested person may appear City, on which date and time any interested person may appear and show cause, any, why the petition should not be granted. andshow showcause, cause,ifififany, any,why whythe thepetition petitionshould shouldnot notbe begranted. granted. and Let this Amended Order ofof Hearing Hearing be published inin a aa Let this this Amended Amended Order Order of Hearing be be published published in Let newspaper ofof general general circulation, once aa week week for three (3) newspaper of general circulation, circulation, once once a week for for three three (3) (3) newspaper successive weeks, at the expense of the petitioner. Following successive weeks, at the expense of the petitioner. Following successive weeks, at the expense of the petitioner. Following Office ofofthe the Executive Judge-RegionaI Trial Court ofofQuezon Quezon Officeof theExecutive ExecutiveJudge-RegionaI Judge-RegionaITrial TrialCourt Courtof Quezon Office City Memorandum Order No. 23-2024, the petitioner and her City Memorandum Memorandum Order Order No. No. 23-2024, 23-2024, the the petitioner petitioner and and her her City counsel isisdirected directed totosubmit submit the newspaper ofofgeneral general circulation counselis directedto submitthe thenewspaper newspaperof generalcirculation circulation counsel which will undertake the publication ofofthis this Order together with whichwill willundertake undertakethe thepublication publicationof thisOrder Ordertogether togetherwith with which aa duly duly notarized certification indicating the extent/coverage duly notarized notarized certification certification indicating indicating the the extent/coverage extent/coverage a (whether daily, weekly,etc.) and frequency of publication, and (whether daily, weekly,etc.) and frequency of publication, and (whether daily, weekly,etc.) and frequency of publication, and the supporting documents, any, which will assist the Court thesupporting supportingdocuments, documents,ifififany, any, which whichwill willassist assistthe theCourt Court the inin determining determining whether the selected newspaper’s indeed aa determining whether whether the the selected selected newspaper’s newspaper’s indeed indeed a in newspaper with national circulation. newspaperwith withnational nationalcirculation. circulation. newspaper Let copies ofofthe the Petition and Order ofofHearing Hearing be furnished Letcopies copiesof thePetition Petitionand andOrder Orderof Hearingbe befurnished furnished Let the respondents, the Office ofofthe the Solicitor General, the Office therespondents, respondents,the theOffice Officeof theSolicitor SolicitorGeneral, General,the theOffice Office the ofofthe the City Prosecutor, the local civil registrar where the birth theCity CityProsecutor, Prosecutor,the thelocal localcivil civilregistrar registrarwhere wherethe thebirth birth of certificate ofofthe the minor subject ofofthe the petition was recorded, and certificateof theminor minorsubject subjectof thepetition petitionwas wasrecorded, recorded,and and certificate the Civil Registrar General, Philippine Statistics Authority, for the Civil Registrar General, Philippine Statistics Authority, for the Civil Registrar General, Philippine Statistics Authority, for their information and guidance, at the expense of the petitioner. their information and guidance, at the expense of the petitioner. their information and guidance, at the expense of the petitioner. The petitioner and her counsel are directed totosubmit submit proof ofof Thepetitioner petitionerand andher hercounsel counselare aredirected directedto submitproof proofof The compliance totothis this Order ofofHearing Hearing within fifteen (15) days from complianceto thisOrder Orderof Hearingwithin withinfifteen fifteen(15) (15)days daysfrom from compliance receipt hereof. receipthereof. hereof. receipt SO ORDERED. SOORDERED. ORDERED. SO Amended ininQuezon Quezon City, Metro Manila, April 21, 2025. Amendedin QuezonCity, City,Metro MetroManila, Manila,April April21, 21,2025. 2025. Amended (Sgd.) LILY ANN MARCOS PADAEN (Sgd.)LILY LILYANN ANNMARCOS MARCOSPADAEN PADAEN (Sgd.) Presiding Judge PresidingJudge Judge Presiding Copy furnished: Copyfurnished: furnished: Copy Lord Jason Mabitad Brazal LordJason JasonMabitad MabitadBrazal Brazal R. &&Associates R.& Associates Lord R. Associates Respondent Respondent c/o Atty. Queenie Anne F.F.Rojano c/oAtty. Atty.Queenie QueenieAnne AnneF. Rojano Respondent c/o Rojano 39 K-6th Brgy. West Kamias, 39K-6th K-6thBrgy. Brgy.West WestKamias, Kamias, Atty. Ma. Karina A. Bassig Atty.Ma. Ma.Karina KarinaA. A.Bassig Bassig 39 Atty. Quezon City QuezonCity City Counsel for the Petitioner Counselfor forthe thePetitioner Petitioner Quezon Counsel 1108 Primeland Building. Market Street 1108Primeland PrimelandBuilding. Building.Market MarketStreet Street 1108 Darryl A. Amor Darryl A. Amor Madrigal Business Park IIII, ,Ayala-Alabang Madrigal Business Park Ayala-Alabang A. Amor Madrigal Business Park II , Ayala-Alabang Darryl Respondent Respondent 1780 Muntinlupa City 1780Muntinlupa MuntinlupaCity City Respondent 1780 Block I IBBLot I .Joel Street Block Lot .JoelStreet Street Block I B Lot I I.Joel Cielito Homes. Caloocan City CielitoHomes. Homes.Caloocan CaloocanCity City Minor Lucas Seva Amor MinorLucas LucasSeva SevaAmor Amor Cielito Minor Represented by His mother Nagila Cristina Represented by His mother Nagila Cristina Represented by His mother Nagila Cristina Goldamyrrh Padilla Seva GoldamyrrhPadilla PadillaSeva Seva Goldamyrrh Petitioner Petitioner Petitioner 39 K-6th Brgy. West Kamias, Quezon City 39K-6th K-6thBrgy. Brgy.West WestKamias, Kamias,Quezon QuezonCity City 39 (MStandard June 5,5,12 &&19, 2025) (MStandard-- -June June5, 12& 19,2025) 2025) (MStandard 12 19,

DENR approves Semirara’s coal mine expansion project By Jenniffer B. Austria SEMIRARA Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC), the coal and power generation arm of the Consunji group, has secured approval from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to expand its coal mining operations on Semirara Island in Antique province. SMPC announced in a stock exchange disclosure Wednesday that it received an amended Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the DENR. The amendment increases the project area from 4,369.25 hectares to 5,221.75 hectares under Coal Operating Contract (COC) No. 5, which the Department of Energy (DOE) awarded to SMPC. The total contract area spans 13,000 hectares. With the revised ECC, SMPC is authorized to include the Acacia mine in its operations alongside the currently active Narra mine. The amendment also raises the annual coal production limit from 16 million metric tons (MMT) to 20 MMT using the open-pit mining method, effective from 2025 to 2027. The company stated the amendment supports its ongoing operations and aligns with the mine plan ap-

proved by the DOE. In October, SMPC disclosed plans to invest P291 billion for its coal mine expansion project on Semirara Island. The expansion is based on the discovery of an additional 90 MMT of coal resources and 72 MMT of reserves from the Acacia pit. SMPC aims to begin coal mining operations for the Acacia prospect as early as the third quarter of 2026, which the company expects will sustain its operations in the medium term. The company also anticipates an increase in power demand for its mining operations. It plans to install a 16-megawatt wind power plant and/ or a 10-MW solar plant to bridge the gap between its current 30-MW power capacity and its project power requirements. In the first quarter of 2025, SMPC reported a net income of P4.4 billion, a 33 percent decline from P6.5 billion a year ago. This was attributed to the continued normalization of coal selling prices, partially offset by improved operating performance in the power segment. Revenues contracted by 10 percent to P16.51 billion from P18.43 billion, primarily due to lower coal selling prices and shipments.

NOTICE OF DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL NOTICEOF OFDEED DEEDOF OFEXTRAJUDICIAL EXTRAJUDICIAL NOTICE SETTLEMENT OF THE INTESTATE ESTATE SETTLEMENTOF OFTHE THEINTESTATE INTESTATEESTATE ESTATE SETTLEMENT OF MARIA ROSARIO J. EUFEMIO OF MARIA MARIAROSARIO ROSARIOJ. J.EUFEMIO EUFEMIO OF Notice isis hereby hereby given to the public that the Deed Notice is hereby given given to to the the public public that that the the Deed Deed Notice of Extrajudicial Settlement of the Intestate Estate of of Extrajudicial Extrajudicial Settlement Settlement of of the the Intestate Intestate Estate Estate of of of MARIA ROSARIO J. EUFEMIO has been executed MARIA ROSARIO J. EUFEMIO has been executed MARIA ROSARIO J. EUFEMIO has been executed by and among her heirs, namely Albert C. Eufemio, by and among her heirs, namely Albert C. Eufemio, by and among her heirs, namely Albert C. Eufemio, Jessica Carla J.J.Eufemio Eufemio and Jose Carlo J.J.Eufemio. Eufemio. JessicaCarla CarlaJ. Eufemioand andJose JoseCarlo CarloJ. Eufemio. Jessica Acknowledged last 12 November 2024 as per Doc. Acknowledged last last 12 12 November November 2024 2024 as as per per Doc. Doc. Acknowledged No. 254; Page No. 52; Book No. 16; Series of 2024 of No.254; 254;Page PageNo. No.52; 52;Book BookNo. No.16; 16;Series Seriesof of2024 2024of of No. the Notarial Register/Book of Atty. Joel Ferrer Flores, theNotarial NotarialRegister/Book Register/Bookof ofAtty. Atty.Joel JoelFerrer FerrerFlores, Flores, the Notary Public for and ininthe the City of Makati. NotaryPublic Publicfor forand andin theCity Cityof ofMakati. Makati. Notary

(MS-JUNE (MS-JUNE12/19/26, 12/19/26,2025) 2025) (MS-JUNE 12/19/26, 2025)

NOTICE Notice isishereby hereby given that MONTANA GOLDEN REAL Noticeis herebygiven giventhat thatMONTANA MONTANAGOLDEN GOLDENREAL REAL Notice ESTATE DEVELOPER COMPANY, INCORPORATED ESTATEDEVELOPER DEVELOPERCOMPANY, COMPANY,INCORPORATED INCORPORATED ESTATE with office address at No. 6 Pittsburgh Street, with office address at No. 6 Pittsburgh Street, with office address at No. 6 Pittsburgh Street, Brgy. Silangan, Cubao, Quezon City, isis applying applying Brgy. Silangan, Silangan, Cubao, Cubao, Quezon Quezon City, City, is applying Brgy. for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) for registration registration with with the the Board Board of of Investments Investments (BOI) (BOI) for as aa New New Developer of Economic Housing Project as a New Developer Developer of of Economic Economic Housing Housing Project Project as (MONTANA MISORA HOMES) with a capacity of 403 (MONTANA MISORA HOMES) with a capacity of 403 (MONTANA MISORA HOMES) with a capacity of 403 house and lot units, under Tier (Preferred Activities house and and lot lot units, units, under under Tier Tier II I (Preferred (Preferred Activities Activities house -Mass Housing) of the 2022 Strategic Investment -Mass Housing) Housing) of of the the 2022 2022 Strategic Strategic Investment Investment -Mass Priority Plan (SIPP) of R.A. 11534 (CREATE Act), as Priority Plan Plan (SIPP) (SIPP) of of R.A. R.A. 11534 11534 (CREATE (CREATEAct), Act), as as Priority amended by RA No. 12066, with project site from Brgy. amended by RA No. 12066, with project site fromBrgy. Brgy. amended by RA No. 12066, with project site from Maddarulug Norte, Enrile, Cagayan. Maddarulug Norte, Enrile, Cagayan. Maddarulug Norte, Enrile, Cagayan. Any person with valid objections on the aboveAny person person with with valid valid objections objections on on the the aboveaboveAny mentioned project may file his/her objection ininwriting, writing, mentionedproject projectmay mayfile filehis/her his/herobjection objectionin writing, mentioned under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication dateof ofthis thispublication publication.. . date

(SGD.) MARY ANN E. RAGANIT (SGD.)MARY MARYANN ANNE. E.RAGANIT RAGANIT (SGD.) Director Director Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service Infrastructure and Services Industries Service Infrastructure and Services Industries Service

Notice Of Withdrawal Of License Notice Of Of Withdrawal Withdrawal Of Of License License Notice Notice isis hereby hereby given that Pitkin Petroleum Notice is hereby given given that that Pitkin Pitkin Petroleum Petroleum Notice (Philippines) Plc aacorporation corporation duly organized (Philippines)Plc Plca corporationduly dulyorganized organized (Philippines) and existing under the laws of United and existing existing under under the the laws laws of of United United and Kingdom of Great Britain &&Northern Northern Ireland, Kingdomof ofGreat GreatBritain Britain& NorthernIreland, Ireland, Kingdom and duly licensed to transact business ininthe the andduly dulylicensed licensedto totransact transactbusiness businessin the and Philippines as aa branch branch office under SEC Philippines as as a branch office office under under SEC SEC Philippines License No. FS200804279, issued on March LicenseNo. No.FS200804279, FS200804279,issued issuedon onMarch March License 19, 2008, isisvoluntarily voluntarily withdrawing its license 19,2008, 2008,is voluntarilywithdrawing withdrawingits itslicense license 19, to do business ininthe the Philippines. todo dobusiness businessin thePhilippines. Philippines. to The branch office isisin ininthe the process of ceasing Thebranch branchoffice officeis theprocess processof ofceasing ceasing The operations and winding up its affairs inin the the operations and and winding winding up up its its affairs affairs in the operations Philippines. All persons or entities with claims Philippines.All Allpersons personsor orentities entitieswith withclaims claims Philippines. against the branch are hereby requested to against the the branch branch are are hereby hereby requested requested to to against present their claims ininwriting writing within thirty (30) presenttheir theirclaims claimsin writingwithin withinthirty thirty(30) (30) present days from the date of the last publication of days from from the the date date of of the the last last publication publication of of days this notice, to the following address: thisnotice, notice,to tothe thefollowing followingaddress: address: this Pitkin Petroleum (Philippines) Plc PitkinPetroleum Petroleum(Philippines) (Philippines)Plc Plc Pitkin 2F Launchpad Reliance Cor. Sheridan Sts., 2FLaunchpad LaunchpadReliance RelianceCor. Cor.Sheridan SheridanSts., Sts., 2F Mandaluyong City, Philippines, 1550 MandaluyongCity, City,Philippines, Philippines,1550 1550 Mandaluyong Contact Number: +632 8631 -1381 ContactNumber: Number:+632 +632---8631 8631-1381 -1381 Contact (MS-JUNE (MS-JUNE12/19/26, 12/19/26,2025) 2025) (MS-JUNE 12/19/26, 2025)

PIPE REPLACEMENT. West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) replaces over 3,293 kilometers of old and aging pipelines across its concession area since 2006, as part of its long-term NonRevenue Water (NRW) management program. This is pipe length roughly equivalent to the distance between Manila and Tokyo—highlighting the scale of Maynilad’s pipe replacement efforts.

PH stocks up on US-China trade talks

LOCAL shares rose Wednesday as investors welcomed positive developments in ongoing trade talks between the United States and China. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index gained 33.65 points, or 0.53 percent, to close at 6,381.32. The broader all shares index rose 17.69 points, or 0.47 percent, to 3,776.19. U.S. and Asian stocks also edged higher as investors reacted positively to a “framework” agreement between China and the U.S. that could ease trade tensions. “Philippine shares rebounded due to optimism over U.S.-China trade talks which continued for a second day in London,” said Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp. “Investors are watching for a deal that avoids steep tariffs, following last month’s temporary duty cuts.” All indices finished higher, led by holding firms, which climbed 0.75 percent. Property advanced 0.68 percent, and services rose 0.63 percent. Value turnover reached P5.95 billion. Foreign investors remained net sellers, with net outflows totaling P30.21 million.CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOW JG Summit CYAN Holdings Inc. was the day’s top index gainer, rising 4.27 percent to P19.04 per share. Universal Robina Corp. was at the bottom, falling 3.31 percent to P83.15. Asian stocks rose Wednesday as investors welcomed a China-US agreement to lower trade tensions that stoked hopes the economic superpowers will eventually reach a broader tariff deal. After two days of high-profile, closely watched talks in London, the two sides said they had set up a framework to move towards a pact, following negotiations in Geneva last month that saw them slash tit-for-tat levies. The news provided some muchneeded relief to markets after US President Donald Trump accused Beijing of violating that deal. The latest round of talks followed a phone call between Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Thursday. Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

Megaworld spending P2.5b to redevelop Eastwood City PROPERTY developer Megaworld has earmarked P2.5 billion to redevelop Eastwood City, its 18.5-hectare mixed-use estate in Quezon City. “Eastwood City holds a special place in our history as Megaworld’s very first township, and this redevelopment reflects our commitment to keeping it vibrant, relevant, and future-ready,” said Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, president of Megaworld. “We are not only preserving its legacy but also reinventing it into a township of the future — setting an even higher standard for integrated urban living.” Launched 28 years ago, Eastwood City’s redevelopment focuses on upgrading key areas that have been in place for years. Ongoing improvements include the Eastwood Citywalk, Eastwood Mall, and the Eastwood Mall Open Park. The Eastwood Richmonde Hotel is also being enhanced, while office towers are being refurbished in phases, starting with IBM Plaza. Megaworld said upgrades will soon be rolled out for other office and residential towers, including

improvements to lobbies, facilities and amenities. Eastwood Mall, the township’s premier lifestyle mall, has already seen major changes. The mall now features refreshed interiors, upgraded cinemas and a new tenant mix. It also houses the country’s first SuperPark Philippines, an indoor activity park from Finland. Renovation work has also been completed at Eastwood Citywalk. The area’s old cinema has been converted into the REP Eastwood Theater, home to Repertory Philippines. The fourth floor has been transformed into a modern Food Park with new dining options and updated interiors. Meanwhile, Eastwood’s public spaces are also being improved. The Eastwood Mall Open Park will soon feature new lifestyle and dining brands. Eastwood City, launched in 1997, is the country’s first IT cyberpark. To date, the township is home to 23 residential towers, 11 office buildings and three lifestyle malls, along with about 500 restaurants and shops. Jenniffer B. Austria

BUSINESS

B3 THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025

extrastory2000@gmail.com

BSP releases guidelines to boost defenses against financial scams By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Wednesday it released the implementing rules of Republic Act No. 12010 or the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) to fortify defenses against financial scams and enhance consumer protection. Signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in July 2024, the law takes effect with the release of the implementing rules. The BSP led the drafting in coordination with relevant stakeholders. “The issuance of AFASA’s implementing rules marks a milestone in our fight against cybercrime. Beyond serving as a powerful tool against evolving financial scams, these rules also enhance consumer protection and boost confidence in the domestic financial system,” BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said. The BSP released three key circulars to put the AFASA into effect. These measures are designed to combat finan-

cial fraud and protect consumers. First, the Information Technology (IT) Risk Management Regulations reinforce the responsibility of BSPsupervised institutions (BSIs) to beef up their fraud prevention and detection systems. This means BSIs should enhance security features, transaction verifications, and consumer protection tools, among other things, to prevent unauthorized transactions. Second, the Rules on Financial Account Inquiry and Information Sharing outline the BSP’s authority to investigate financial accounts connected to scams. Such inquiries require a wellfounded belief that an AFASA violation has occurred, striking a balance between bank secrecy, data privacy, and the needs of law enforcement. The BSP can share financial data obtained during an inquiry with other competent authorities under formal agreements.

NEXT GENERATION. EastWest Priority gathers select clients from its priority, retail and corporate segments

for a focused discussion on succession and long-term planning in family-led businesses. The event was designed for companies and legacy groups actively navigating generational transitions and seeking ways to lead with structure and continuity. Held as part of EastWest’s 30th anniversary and the Filinvest Group’s 70th year, the session offered a space to explore what it takes to sustain a business across generations, especially as leadership transitions and market conditions grow more complex.

PNIA welcomes removal of raw ore export ban from bill By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) welcomed the bicameral committee’s decision to remove a raw ore export ban provision from the final version of the mining fiscal regime bill. The group said the measure is a prudent and forward-looking step that would protect jobs, uphold investor confidence and reflect a more realistic understanding of the challenges surrounding domestic mineral processing. “We recognize that a calibrated increase in mining taxation is necessary to ensure fair government revenue and public benefit,” the PNIA said in a statement. “In this regard, we reiterate our support for a margins- and windfallprofits-based tax structure, which better reflects actual business

performance and aligns with international best practices,” it said. PNIA said fiscal predictability and economic rationality were essential to attract long-term investments and enable the growth of a competitive, responsible mining industry. It also shared the national aspiration

to build a robust value-added processing sector in the Philippines. However, the path to achieving this required more than regulatory mandates. The group demanded the resolution of persistent structural issues such as high energy costs, weak infrastructure, policy uncertainty and permitting delays, which continued to deter large-scale investments in mineral processing. “We thank our policymakers for considering the concerns raised by various stakeholders and for choosing a path that safeguards economic stability while keeping the door open for long-term industrial development,” PNIA said, adding it remained committed to working with the government and partners to translate policy into progress and ensure the mining sector contributes meaningfully to inclusive, sustainable growth.

DSWD-GCASH TIEUP. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) signs two new agreements with mobile wallet GCash to strengthen the digitalization of its services, enabling faster transactions for social protection and public welfare. Attending the signing ceremony are (from left) GCash public sector head Cleo Celeste Santos, business head Edgardo Layug Jr., DSWD partnerships building and resource mobilization assistant secretary Marie Rafael and GCash manager for public sectornational accounts Alda Lou Cabrera.

SEC issues rules on trading of cryptocurrencies By Jenniffer B. Austria and Darwin G. Amojelar

HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued the rules to regulate the marketing, issuance and trading of crypto-assets in the Philippines.

It issued Memorandum Circular Nos. 4 and 5, Series of 2025. known as the SEC Rules on Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASP Rules) and the SEC Guidelines on the Operations of Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASP Guidelines). The SEC said the new rules aim to promote innovation while protecting investors and maintaining market integrity. Meanwhile, think tank Infrawatch said the SEC’s StratBox, a new regulatory sandbox for licensed crypto firms, marks a step forward in cryptocurrency regulation. Infrawatch, however, warned that this progress should be matched with stronger efforts to close enforcement gaps that enable unregistered platforms to facilitate fraud and abuse. Terry Ridon, Infrawatch convenor, said the StratBox, which allows licensed Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs) to test new products and services under regulatory supervision, is a timely move to promote innovation in the country’s digital asset ecosystem. “The sandbox model supports innovation but only for regulated and

licensed entities. The use of crypto for illicit activities remains rampant particularly on unregulated and unlicensed firms, and the government should crackdown on firms operating in the Philippine market,” he said. Under the new CASP Rules, a crypto-asset is defined as “a cryptographically secured digital representation of value or of a right that relies on a cryptographically secured distributed ledger or a similar technology to validate and secure transactions that can be transferred, stored, or traded electronically.” The rules cover all entities involved in crypto services, including platforms that trade or market cryptoassets. These entities must register with the SEC and get proper licenses before operating. Under the rules, crypto-assets and crypto-asset securities should not be sold or offered for sale or distribution in the country without a disclosure document or registration statement approved by the SEC. Anyone promoting or selling crypto-assets without registration and proper licensing will be penalized, the SEC said.

The plastics menace is real and PH should do something about it THE plastic pollution crisis took center stage on June 5, or the 52nd annual World Environment Day, and the Philippines is certainly among those in the limelight. Little by far is being done by major Philippine company plastic polluters—Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. of the Aboitiz Group, Nestlé Philippines Inc. and Universal Robina Corp. of the Gokongwei Group—to stem the tide of pollution. The four local companies are joined by top global plastic polluters in 2023, identified as The Coca-Cola Co., Nestlé, Unilever, PepsiCo, Mondelēz International, Mars Inc., Procter & Gamble, Danone, Altria and British American Tobacco. Every year, according to the United Nations, 400 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide. Half of this plastic is designed to be used only once, and only 10 percent is recycled. Between 19 million and 23 million tons of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems annually, and without urgent action, this figure is expected to rise by 50 percent by 2040, the UN warns. Plastic pollution, says the UN, is contaminating every corner of the planet, threatening ecosystems, wildlife and human health. Microplastics are found in food, water and air, with the average person estimated to ingest over 50,000 plastic particles each year, and far more when inhalation is included.

The UN study is, indeed, alarming. If the climate crisis goes unaddressed, with plastic pollution as a major driver, the UN says air pollution levels exceeding safe thresholds could rise by 50 percent within a decade. Meanwhile, plastic pollution in marine and freshwater environments may triple by 2040. Studies have shown that the food and beverage sector accounts for 31.1 percent of plastic pollution in the world, with bottle and container caps contributing 15.5 percent. Plastic bags account for 11.2 percent while beverage bottles and containers share 7.3 percent. A global treaty seems to be the fitting solution to end plastic pollution. Countries are currently negotiating an international, legally binding agreement with the next round of talks scheduled for August. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an “ambitious, credible and just agreement” that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics, reflects community needs, aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and is implemented quickly and fully. UNDP Philippines, the local chapter of the United Nations Development Program, last year year painted a grim picture of the pollution crisis. Millions of Filipinos are heavily dependent on coastal and marine resources that are now threatened by marine plastics. “Its emerging economy contributes to the increase in plastic generation. This is alongside

—“—

The Philippines is far from solving the plastic waste leak. the permeation of the ‘sachet economy’ that most Filipinos are used to, partly driven by the small purchasing capacity of most of the population,” says Dr. Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Philippines resident representative. The penchant for buying products in plastic sachets—from candies and shampoos to coffee mixes and soft drinks—has made the Philippines one of the main contributors to marine plastic pollution. The country generates about 2.7 million tons of plastic waste, with over 500,000 tons ending up in the seas and oceans every year. The UNDP has estimated that more than 400 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide every year, with one third used only once. “If that is not concerning enough, the equivalent of over 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic is dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes every single day. This is primarily why our seas and oceans are choking with mismanaged plastic wastes, which end up infiltrating even the food that we eat,” Ramachandran notes. The UNDP official offered circular economy as a solution in breaking the cycle of plastic pollution.

Baby steps A few local companies, meanwhile, have taken the initiative, or baby steps, to correct nature’s impurity, Prime Integrated Waste Solutions (PWS), a subsidiary of Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc., has launched a resource recovery initiative focused on collecting and diverting post-consumer plastic bottles. PWS’s materials recovery facility (MRF) in Cebu recently delivered 6.2 metric tons of baled PET bottles to PETValue Philippines Corp., the country’s largest bottle-to-bottle recycling facility. PETValue, a joint initiative by major plastic polluter Coca-Cola and Indorama Ventures, uses advanced technologies for recycling PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles. “Whether through diverting plastic bottles from the waste stream or enabling plastic credit offsets, our focus remains the same: maximizing the value of recovered materials and helping our partners meet their sustainability goals,” says Cara Peralta, market sector lead for waste at Prime Infra. The Philippines is far from solving the plastic waste leak. Authorities, thus, must be up to the challenge before the damage to the environment becomes irreversible. E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

Manila

Standard

TODAY

DENR Administrative Order 22 No. 2025 -________

SUBJECT: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (SFLMA) Pursuant to Article XII, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution, Section 19 of Presidential Decree No. 705, as amended, otherwise known as the "Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines", Executive Order (EO) No. 192 (Providing for the Reorganization of the Department of Environment, Energy and Natural Resources, Renaming it as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources), EO No. 263 (Adopting Community-Based Forest Management as the National Strategy to Ensure the Sustainable Development of the Country’s Forestland Resources and Providing Mechanism for its Implementation), EO No. 318 (Promoting Sustainable Forest Management in the Philippines) and EO No. 278, series of 1987, prescribing the interim procedures in the processing and approval of applications for the development or utilization of forestlands and/or forest resources, the following rules and regulations governing the issuance of Sustainable Forest Land Management Agreement (SFLMA) are hereby promulgated. SECTION 1. Basic Policy. It is the policy of the State to a) protect and advance the rights of Filipino people to a balanced and healthful environment; b) promote economic development and creation of employment opportunities based on sound resource development that make full and efficient use of human and natural resources; c) improve the socio-economic conditions of local and cultural communities through the promotion of social justice, equitable access to and sustainable development of forest land resources; d) protect the population from the effects of natural hazards such as floods, landslides, and threats to environmental degradation (e.g. biodiversity loss, air pollution and drought), and ensure food, energy and water security; and e) promote climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration and adaptation by maintaining and enhancing forest ecosystems. SECTION 2. Objective. This Order aims to harmonize various guidelines and requirements to streamline procedures in the issuance of forest tenure instruments, as well as to encourage investments that diversify sustainable forest use, increase forest productivity, enhance biodiversity, promote climate and disaster resilience, and provide incentives for maintaining forest cover and ecosystem services, broaden stakeholders to receive benefits and ensure continuous production of goods and services through multiple use strategy. SECTION 3. Scope and Coverage. This Order shall govern forest lands outside of Protected Areas that are found suitable and available for management, development, conservation, protection and utilization. It may also cover areas with existing Forest

DAO RE: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

Ecotourism Destination, Hotel Site (inclusive of related resort facilities) and Other Tourism Purposes 4.16 Forest Plantation - any tract of land planted mainly to timber producing tree species, including rubber, and/or non-timber species such as rattan and bamboo, primarily to supply the raw material requirements of forest-based industries, among others.

Processing Site, Lumberyard, Log Pond or Log Depot, Communication Station Site, Energy-related facilities and infrastructure, Transmission Line Right-ofWay, Water Reservoir/ Water Impounding Dam, Sawmills and ancillary facilities, Port, and Government facilities/ infrastructure such as schools, health center, offices, road right-of-way, and penal site, pending issuance of corresponding Presidential Proclamation and/or such projects that were not covered with Presidential Proclamation after the non-extendible 5-year GSUP duration.

4.17 Forest Tenure Instrument - a management arrangement for the guaranteed peaceful possession and use of specific forest land area and the resources found therein, which cannot be altered or abrogated without due process.

4.45 Tenurial Right - refers to the legal rights that individuals or groups have over the use, control, and ownership of a particular parcel of public forestland (the tenured area) as provided by a legally binding agreement.

4.18 Good Standing - refers to the status of a person, organization, or entity that has fulfilled all legal, financial, and regulatory obligations required by relevant authorities and is not subject to any penalties, suspensions, or delinquencies for any prior or continuing projects it may have with the Government.

4.46 Tree Farm Lease Agreement (TFLA) - refers to an agreement entered into by and between a natural or juridical person and the DENR wherein the latter grants to the former the right to develop, utilize and manage forest land.

4.19 Gratuitous Special Use Permit (GSUP) - a permit authorizing a head of a government agency and/or local chief executive to use certain portions of forest lands free of charge for the development of government-managed projects of national interest and infrastructures for public service and use, and noncommercial projects of Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC). 4.20 Grazing and Grazing lands - a method of feeding whereby domestic livestock and other ruminants feed on grass and other forage to produce meat, milk, wool and other products. Grazing lands are forest land which have been set aside, in view of its topography and vegetation for the raising of livestock. 4.21 Proposed Development and Management Plan (PDMP) - plan prepared and submitted by the SFLMA applicant to DENR, indicating among others, the general development of the area envisioned by the applicant, which shall at least include the first five years of sequential or simultaneous undertakings and their schedules in developing and managing the SFLMA area. Such plan must be detailed enough for evaluation purposes including actual on-ground surveys.

4.47 JVA/ MOA under the Upland Agroforestry Development Program (UADP) private-public partnerships and other similar arrangements subject to joint ventures agreement with POs or villages to develop large-scale plantations (minimum 50 ha). 4.48 User’s Fee - a certain amount to be paid by the SFLMA holders as their share to the government for the use of the forest land. 4.49 Vertical Integration - a strategy in improving the production efficiency of forestbased industries and/or enterprises by controlling two or more processes in the supply chain such as but not limited to a) tree growing, b) harvesting, c) wood processing, d) value adding, and e) distribution/marketing. All other terms not included in this section shall be used in their ordinary meaning. SECTION 5. Management Strategies eligible for Sustainable Forest Land Management Agreement. The Sustainable Forest Land Management Agreement (SFLMA) may be entered for a single purpose or a combination of the following purposes in accordance with the approved SFLMP.

4.22 Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) - a production-sharing contract entered into by and between the DENR and a qualified applicant wherein the DENR grants to the latter the exclusive right to develop, manage, protect and utilize a specified area of forestland and forest resource therein for a period of 25 years and may be renewed for another 25-year period, consistent with the principle of sustainable development and in accordance with an approved CDMP, and under which both parties share in its produce.

5.1 Agroforestry Development - Establishment of agroforestry systems and technologies, which may include establishment of fruit-bearing trees and processing plants to encourage vertical integration. Provided that pure agricultural crops shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total SFLMA area and should have mandatory soil and water conservation measures in place.

4.23 Multiple Use - the numerous beneficial uses of the forest lands such as timber and non-timber production, grazing, recreation and other special land uses which will produce the optimum benefits with least damage to forest resources.

5.2 Forest Plantation Development - Establishment of forest stands planted primarily with timber producing tree species, and/or non-timber species which may include establishment of processing plants to encourage vertical integration. Such development should have mandatory soil and water conservation measures in place.

4.24 Multiple Use Strategy - harmonized utilization of the land, soil, water, wildlife, recreation value, grass and timber of forest lands.

DAO RE: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

5.3 Pasture Development - Utilization of grazing land for raising livestock, which may include the establishment of meat and dairy processing plants.

DAO RE: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

Tenure Instruments prior to the effectivity of this Administrative Order subject to existing guidelines. SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. For the purpose of this Order, the following terms are to be understood and interpreted as follows: 4.1 Annual Accomplishment Report (AAR) - a report prepared and submitted by the SFLMA holder on a yearly basis, indicating among others, the different activities, development, and improvements undertaken in the SFLM area in relation to its approved Development and Management Plan (IDMP) or Sustainable Forest Land Management Plan (SFLMP). 4.2 Abandonment - physical absence of the SFLMA Holder and/or failure to accomplish improvement/development in the area for at least one (1) year in accordance with the approved Development and Management Plan or Sustainable Forest Land Management Plan, except for situations of force majeure or fortuitous events. 4.3 Agricultural Crop - refers to cultivated plants that are grown and harvested extensively which are classified as annual, biennial and perennial as follows: annual crops are those crops that complete its life cycle within one year, such as but not limited to vegetables, grains and root crops; biennial crops are crops that require two years or at least part of two seasons to complete its life cycle, such as but not limited to pineapple, banana, abaca; and perennial crops are crops that grow for several years, such as but not limited to fruit trees (e.g. mango, durian, citrus), high value crops (e.g. coffee and cacao), and palms (e.g. coconut and oil palm). 4.4 Agroforestry - land-use systems and technologies such as silvipasture, agrosilvipasture, among others, in which forestry species, agricultural crops and animals are used deliberately on the same parcel of land in some spatial and temporal arrangement. 4.5 Assignment or Transfer – An act of assignment/transfer of the right granted under the SFLMA to any person or entity to develop and manage the tenured area with the prior expressed and written approval of the DENR Secretary upon showing that the transferee has not violated any forestry law, rule or regulation; has all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications to hold the agreement; there is no evidence that such assignment or transfer is made for purposes of speculation; and the transferee shall assume all obligations of the transferor. 4.6 CENRO - refers to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office/Officer of the DENR. 4.7 Certificate of Non-Overlap (CNO) - a Certificate issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) attesting to the fact that the area where the plan, program, project, or activity to be done does not overlap with, or affect, any ancestral domain.

4.25 Natural Forest - forest composed of naturally grown timber and non-timber forest species. 4.26 Other Lawful Purposes Lease Agreement (OLPLA) - is a privilege granted by the State to a person to occupy, possess and manage in consideration of specified return, any public forest lands for other lawful purposes for a period of 25 years. 4.27 PENRO - refers to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office/Officer of the DENR. 4.28 People’s Organization - a group of people, which may be an association, cooperative, federation, or other legal entity, established by the community to undertake collective action to address community concerns and needs, and mutually share the benefits of the endeavor. 4.29 Performance Evaluation - process of determining compliance by the Holder with the terms and conditions of the approved SFLMA, Sustainable Forest Land Management Plan (SFLMP), ECC and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations, to be undertaken every five (5) years (regular Performance Evaluation). In case of application for renewal, a performance evaluation shall be conducted at least one (1) year prior to the expiration of the agreement, while upon submission of complete documentary requirements per Sec. 13.2 hereof for conversion to SFLMA. 4.30 Port - a place where ships may anchor or tie up for the purpose of shelter, repair, loading or discharge of cargo, or for other such activities connected with waterborne commerce, and including all the land and water areas and the structures, equipment and facilities related to these functions. 4.31 Potential Investment Areas (PIAs) for Forestry - PIAs are forestlands duly validated by the DENR that are available for development as forestry investments and are open to SFLMA application. 4.32 Production Forest - forest lands designated as such for the sustainable production of timber and non-timber forest products, agroforestry, grazing, and other special uses. 4.33 Protected Area - refers to identified portions of land and water set aside by reason of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation. 4.34 Protection Forest - areas wholly or partially covered with woody or non-woody vegetation managed primarily for the beneficial effects on water, climate, soil, aesthetic value and preservation of diversity which may include among others the following: National Parks/Protected Areas covered by NIPAS law; proclaimed Watershed Reservations; Old Growth Forests; Mossy Forests; areas with slope of 50 percent and above; areas with mean elevation of more than 1,000 meters

5.4 Ecotourism Development - Management and development of Natural Landscape for protection, conservation and management of natural resources, whereby, recreation, environmental education, as well as socio-economic benefits derived from these activities are fostered and pursued. 5.5 Protection Forest Development - Conservation, establishment, development, and management of forest lands for forest protection purposes which may include forest carbon projects, adaptation and disaster risk reduction and environment, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. Forest carbon projects must follow the Department’s approved and/or recognized carbon standards, and ESG initiatives should include baseline biodiversity assessments and annual reports. 5.6 Special Uses of Forest Lands - Other beneficial purposes of forest land which should not substantially impair existing forest resources and ecosystem health and services therein, limited to the following: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. l. m.

Dry Dock Site Shipyard and related facilities Landing Site (Airstrip) Lumberyard Log Pond or Log Depot Communication Station Site and related facilities Transmission Line Right-of-Way Power Station Site/Energy-related facilities and infrastructure Water Reservoir/ Water Impounding Dam and related facilities Wood Processing Plants, Sawmills and ancillary facilities Road right of way Port for sea transportation Tourism-related infrastructure

5.7 Should there be an existing natural forest cover within each SFLMA parcel being applied for, it shall be delineated and managed for protection/conservation purposes. The proponent shall be responsible for protecting/conserving the existing natural forest stand. 5.8 For SFLMA areas that have less than 50% covered by natural forest, the proponent shall be responsible for reforestation to have at least half of the area covered with protection forest. Exempted from this are developments that require open areas such as grazing, timber production, renewable energy, etc. 5.9 Appropriate staff housing, dwellings and allied infrastructure shall be subject to the evaluation of the SFLMP. SECTION 6. Areas Available for SFLMA. SFLMAs may cover all forest lands of the public domain, prioritizing degraded forest lands suitable for restoration or areas identified as critical for biodiversity conservation excluding areas under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), as follows:

DAO RE: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT DAO RE: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

4.8 Certification Precondition (CP) - a Certificate issued by the NCIP, signed by the Chairperson or authorized representative, attesting to the grant of Free, and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) by the concerned Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).

above sea level; and twenty-meter strips of land along the edge of the normal high waterline of rivers and streams with channels of at least five (5) meters wide.

DAO RE: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

6.1 For New Applications - Forest lands which are not covered by any tenure or management arrangement enumerated in Section 6.2. The processing of applications within potential investment areas shall be prioritized.

4.35 RED - refers to the Regional Executive Director of the DENR.

4.9 Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) - an agreement entered into by and between the government and the local community, represented by the People's Organization, as forest managers, which has a term of twenty-five (25) years and renewable for another twenty-five (25) years. 4.10 Development Contract - contract entered into by and between the project proponent (e.g. People’s Organization, private corporations, etc.) and government agencies for the development of portions of SFLMA areas into plantations such as timber, latex, fruits and other forest products, agroforestry and cattle and livestock production as contained in the approved Sustainable Forest Land Management Plan. 4.11 Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) - a document issued by the DENR/ EMB after positive review of an ECC application, certifying that based on the representations of the proponent, the proposed project or undertaking will not cause significant negative environmental impact. The ECC also certifies that the proponent has complied with all the requirements of the Environment Impact Statement (EIS) System and has committed to implement its approved environmental management plan. An Environment Impact Statement (EIS) is a document, prepared and submitted by the project proponent and/or EIA Consultant that serves as an application for an ECC. It is a comprehensive study of the significant impacts of a project on the environment. It includes an Environmental Management Plan/Program that the proponent will fund and implement to protect the environment. 4.12 Forest Land - land of the public domain comprising the public forest, the permanent forest or forest reserves, and forest reservations. 4.13 Forest Land Grazing Management Agreement (FLGMA) - a production sharing agreement between a qualified person, association and/or corporation and the government to develop, manage and utilize grazing lands. 4.14 Forest Land Use Agreement (FLAg) - is a contract between the government as first party represented by the Secretary or his duly representative, and a second party or a person authorizing the latter to temporarily occupy, manage and develop in consideration of a user’s fee, any forest land of the public domain for specific use defined in Section 3 hereof, to undertake any authorized activity therein. 4.15 Forest Land use Agreement for Tourism Purposes (FLAgT) - is a contract between the DENR and a natural or juridical person, authorizing the latter to occupy, manage and develop, subject to user’s fee, any forestland of the public domain for tourism purposes and to undertake any authorized activity therein. It shall include special forest land uses such as Bathing Establishment, Camp Site,

4.36 Satellite Land Monitoring System - a system that utilizes the latest available technology on Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing (GIS-RS). It generates data on land use and land use change, specifically the country’s forest cover and forest cover change. 4.37 Socialized Industrial Forest Management Agreement (SIFMA) - refers to an agreement entered into by and between a natural or juridical person and the DENR wherein the latter grants to the former the right to develop, utilize and manage a small tract of forest land, consistent with the principle of Sustainable Development. 4.38 Special Land Use Lease Agreement (SpLULA) - SpLULA is a privilege granted by the State to a person to occupy, possess and manage in consideration of specified return, any public forest lands for a specific use or purpose for a period of 25 years. 4.39 Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) - is a non-extendable privilege granted by the State to a person to occupy, possess and manage in consideration of specified return, any public forest lands for specific use or purpose on allowable areas to be covered by SLUP. 4.40 Subleasing - the act of leasing or renting out the whole or portion of the SFLMA area to another person or entity. 4.41 Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) - the process of managing the forest to achieve one or more clearly specified objectives of management with regard to production of a continuous flow of desired forest products, goods and services without undue reduction of its inherent values and future productivity, and without undesirable effects on the physical and social environment.

6.2 For Conversion – Existing tenure holders may opt to convert to SFLMA. Those with pending applications received before the effectivity of this Order of the following forest tenure and other management arrangements may be converted (same size of the existing tenurial instrument) subject to the conduct of performance evaluation to determine compliance with the terms and conditions of the agreement and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations, and its capacity to manage the area: a. Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) b. Forest Land Grazing Management Agreement (FLGMA) c. Tree Farm Lease Agreement (TFLA) d. Socialized Industrial Forest Management Agreement (SIFMA) e. Forest Land Use Agreement (FLAg) f. Forest Land Use Agreement for Tourism (FLAgT) g. Special Land Use Lease Agreement (SpLULA) h. Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) i. Other Lawful Purposes Lease Agreement (OLPLA) j. Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) k. Joint Venture/MOA under the Upland Agroforestry Development Program (UADP) l. All other valid agreements granting tenurial rights over forestlands of the public domain (e.g. co-managed agreements) except those covered by their own specific laws (e.g. foreshore) Upon the issuance of this Order, aside from those pending applications for renewal, only SFLMAs will be issued for all types of forest land use covered under this Order. SECTION 7. Size of the SFLMA. The area that may be covered by an SFLMA will be based on the technical and financial capability of the applicant subject to the following thresholds:

4.42 Sustainable Forest Land Management Agreement (SFLMA) - refers to a production sharing agreement between the DENR and a qualified applicant over a parcel of forest land to undertake Sustainable Forest Management for a period of 25 years, renewable for another 25 years, subject to the result of the performance evaluation.

7.1 Individuals – not more than fifty (50) hectares

4.43 Sustainable Forest Land Management Plan (SFLMP) - a 25-year development and management plan prepared and submitted by the SFLMA holder for the approval by the DENR, which indicates the detailed activities in the development, management, and protection of the SFLMA area. Such plan is based on the submitted/approved IDMP.

7.3 People’s Organizations - not more than 1,000 hectares

4.44 Special Uses - include the following lawful and compatible utilization of forest lands other than the production of timber and non-timber resources limited to Dry Dock Site, Shipyard and related facilities, Landing Site (Airstrip), Industrial

SECTION 8. Duration of the SFLMA. In accordance with Section 2, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution, the Sustainable Forest Land Management Agreement (SFLMA) shall have a duration of twenty-five (25) years, renewable for another twenty-five (25)

7.2 For government agencies, government-registered corporations, associations, cooperatives, private organizations, corporations or partnerships - up to 40,000 hectares.

7.4 For applications exceeding the abovementioned limits, an evaluation of the application shall be undertaken by the Review and Deliberations Committee (RDC) established by the DENR.

Manila

DAO RE: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

years upon approval by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), subject to the following conditions: 8.1 Retention of Original Validity – Existing forest tenure and other management arrangements converted to SFLMA shall maintain their original issuance and expiration dates. 8.2 Inclusion of Previous Tenure Periods – For Special Land Use Permits (SLUPs) converted to SFLMA, their initial validity periods—three (3) years for SLUPs or the duration of actual land occupation, shall be counted as part of the first 25year term of the agreement. 8.3 Renewal and Continuity – When converting an existing forest tenure instrument into an SFLMA through renewal, the expiration date of the original tenure shall mark the beginning of the second 25-year term.

SECTION 9. Qualified Applicants. The following may apply for SFLMA subject to compliance and submission of requirements. 9.1. Any Filipino citizen of legal age with legal capacity to enter into contracts; 9.2. Filipino corporations, associations, cooperatives and partnerships in good standing and duly registered under Philippine Laws, subject to restrictions on foreign ownership; 9.3. Registered People’s Organizations (POs) and Non-government Organizations (NGOs) in good standing and whose members are Filipino Citizens; and 9.4. Local Government Units, National Government Agencies and GovernmentOwned or Controlled Corporations SECTION 10. Disqualified Applicants. Any natural and juridical persons that is described below: 10.1 Foreign individuals and corporations 10.2 Natural and juridical persons found guilty of administrative and/or criminal offenses for violations of environmental and penal laws or against whom a Writ of Kalikasan, Temporary Environmental Protection Order, Environmental Protection Order or a Continuing Mandamus has been issued. 10.3 Those with arrears and pending cases from previous engagements with the DENR. SECTION 11. Documentary Requirements for SFLMA Application. The following are the requirements for SFLMA application: 11.1 Letter of Intent with the duly accomplished Application form (see Annex A and 1-A). DAO RE: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

11.2 Proof of payment of Application Fee. For private sector and individuals, the application fee amounts to Php10,000 and Php100/hectare exceeding 100 hectares. For Government Agencies, LGUs, registered People’s Organizations and registered cooperatives, the application fee shall be Php10,000 regardless of the size of the SFLMA. The application fee shall be subject to existing rules and regulations of oversight agencies. 11.3 GIS-generated map of the area applied using the standard mapping format of DENR, based on the Registry of Investment Areas pursuant to existing guidelines. Assistance from the DENR-Geospatial Database Office may be sought for this requirement.

DAO RE: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

12.1. For New Applications a. All applications for SFLMA shall be filed at the Regional Office which has jurisdiction over the area applied for; b. The Regional Office shall review and evaluate the submitted application requirements based on the following parameters:

15.1 The amount of UF shall be computed based on the following:

3.Completeness of the PDMP c. Upon instructions of the DENR Regional Office, the appropriate CENRO/Implementing PENRO shall conduct site assessment/ground truthing and survey in coordination with the applicant which shall be the basis of the preparation of the GIS-generated map following the prescribed mapping procedures and subsequently endorse the same to the DENR Regional Office. In case the application is found to be meritorious and will be subject for endorsement, the period of the persons or entities’ occupation shall be deducted from the term of the SFLMA to be issued in their favor;

11.9 Clearance from the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) if the area is located in Palawan. 11.10 Certification from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples [e.g. Certificate of Non-Overlap (CNO)/Certification Precondition (CP)] if applicable. 11.11 For individual applicants: Certified true copy of birth certificate or if applicant is a naturalized Filipino citizen, Certificate of naturalization 11.12 For Corporations, Cooperatives, and Associations: a) Certificate of Registration from a registering agency; b) Articles of Incorporation and By Laws specifying in the purpose and objectives to include among others, the development of forestlands or relevant activities; c) Board Resolution authorizing any of the Officers to file and transact for the application of SFLMA; d) affidavit issued by the Corporate Secretary or other authorized Officer

DAO RE: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

certifying the absence of an intra-corporate dispute; and, e) Certificate of good standing from the SEC or CDA, and f) Certificate of Registration from the BIR. 11.13 For LGUs, National Government Agencies, Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations, and its Instrumentalities: a) Resolution issued by the LGU/Agency designating their authorized representative to apply or sign documents related to the application; and b) Certification or Resolution of favorable endorsement from the Agency Head for NGA/GOCC and LGU, respectively. 11.14 For People’s Organizations: a) Certificate of Registration from a registering agency (e.g. SEC/CDA); b) PO Resolution authorizing any of the Officers to file and transact for the application of SFLMA, and c) Sworn Statement/Affidavit by its President/Chairperson stating that the members are actually cultivating portions of the area applied and traditionally utilizing the resource for all or a substantial portion of their livelihood. People’s Organizations that will develop the area under a development contract shall only be required to submit proof of technical and financial capabilities from the contracting party. 11.15 Other applicable requirements: a. For water-production/related Certification/Permit from NWRB;

development

projects,

Clearance/

b. For energy related projects, Energy Service Contract/Certification of Energy Project of National Significance from the Energy Investment Coordinating Council; c. Clearance from Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) for communication station sites, transmission lines, and other related facilities which may require appropriate clearance from CAAP; d. Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) or Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) following the existing guidelines and procedures prescribed under the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System within one (1) year from the award of the SFLMA, as applicable; and e. All other appropriate government permits and certifications specific to the proposed activities. Tenure instruments for conversion to SFLMA without any changes in management strategy shall be processed for conversion, while tenure instruments with additional management strategy shall follow the process of new applications. Section 12. Procedures for processing and approval of SFLMA Application. The following procedures shall be followed in the processing and approval of SFLMA applications.

Grazing

e. In cases where areas applied for have already been surveyed and mapped (i.e. PIAs), the pre-prepared maps will be used in the submission. Should the area covered by the SFLMA application be previously unmapped, the Surveys and Mapping Division shall prepare and transmit the map to the Licenses Patents and Deeds Division (LPDD). The draft SFLMA and the corresponding map shall be prepared by the LPDD of the Regional Office following the prescribed templates of the Agreement.

Special land uses for energy purposes

f. If all the documentary requirements are complete, and upon endorsement of the application to the NCIP, the RED shall transmit the SFLMA application and supporting documents with their categorical recommendation to the Forest Management Bureau (FMB); g. Upon review and evaluation, the FMB shall endorse the application, corresponding map and its shapefiles, and scanned copy of Completed Staff Work (CSW) report, among others to the Office of the Undersecretary for Field Operations (OUFO). h. The OUFO shall endorse the SFLMA application with the corresponding map of the area, its shapefiles, and scanned copy of Completed Staff Work (CSW) report to the DENR Secretary or his/her duly designated representative for approval/disapproval. The SFLMA template is attached as Annex C.

DAO RE: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

12.2. For Conversion of Existing Forest Tenure/SLUP/GSUP a. All forest tenure instruments that have been existent for five (5) years and below from the date of the approval of this Order shall be required to convert to SFLMA. b. Holders of forest tenure instruments that have existed for more than six (6) years may opt to convert to SFLMA. The period already utilized under the existing tenurial instrument shall be deducted from the SFLMA’s initial 25-year term. The SFLMA may be renewed for another 25-year period. The terms of the original tenure shall be considered under the SFLMA tenure.

1. Letter of Intent;

11.8 Certification from CENRO/Implementing PENRO as to the land classification status of the area being applied for unless included in the list of DENRreleased potential investment areas for forestry.

User’s Fee (UF)

Forest plantation and agroforestry

d. When applicable, the RED shall endorse the application to the concerned Regional Director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) for the issuance of appropriate Certificate (CP/CNO);

c. All applications for conversion to SFLMA shall be filed at the Regional Office, which has jurisdiction over the area applied for, together with the following requirements:

11.7 Proof of submission of the PDMP to the concerned LGU.

Management strategy

Special land uses including ecotourism development and other special purposes

11.5 Proof of Financial Capability (Annex D) to undertake the SFLM operations as may be shown in a bank certificate of cash deposit, credit lines from any financing institution, or other generally accepted proof of financial capability in an amount equivalent to the capital expenditure and operational cost for the first five years of the Proposed Development and Management Plan (PDMP).

b. If applicable, good past performance or track record in forest development and management.

SECTION 15. User’s Fee (UF). The user’s fee for the use of the forest land shall be subject to the following considerations:

2.Completeness of the requirements; and

b. Holders of SLUP whose projects entail long term use of the forest land shall apply for the conversion of their SLUP into SFLMA one (1) year before the expiration of the permit.

a. List of hired competent technical staff or commitment to hire or to engage the services of a technical staff; and

Secretary or his/her duly authorized representative to provide the applicant with ample time to conduct feasibility study in the area being applied for. The duration of the Permit shall be excluded from the twenty-five (25) year period of the SFLMA. The Permit shall automatically be terminated upon the issuance of SFLMA. Please see Annex D for the template of the Permit

1.Qualification of applicant;

11.4 Proposed Development and Management Plan (PDMP) (see Annex B).

11.6 Proof of Technical Capability to undertake activities indicated in the management plan in the area applied for, as follows:

Standard

DAO RE: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT TODAY

For SFLMA with two or more management strategies Protection Forest Development

3% of the total gross revenue earned from management strategies in the tenured area based on Annual Audited Financial Statement or Income Tax Return, submitted and duly stamped received by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) or P85,000 per hectare/fraction thereof per year whichever is higher P7,200 per hectare per year and a fraction thereof and to be increased cumulatively by 10% annually. The user’s fee shall be the sum of the computed amount based on the combination of the various strategies No user’s fee shall be collected for CSR initiatives and the mandated reforestation program of SFLMA holders. The collection of government share under forest for carbon projects shall follow laws, rules and regulations to be developed.

15.2 The user’s fee shall be paid to DENR Regional Office on or before May 31 of the succeeding year with attached authenticated copy of Annual Audited Financial Statement or Income Tax Return, duly stamped received by the BIR. Failure to pay the user’s fee on time shall mean a surcharge of 3% per month; and failure to pay after three (3) consecutive demand notices shall be grounds for the cancellation of the SFLMA. Payment shall be subject to all relevant accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

DAO RE: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

15.3 DENR shall review and adjust the rate of UF every five (5) years, or as it may deem necessary, based on science-based methods of updating fees and charges and existing laws, rules and regulations. 15.4 The UF shall commence upon the execution of the SFLMA, unless a different UF period in the SFLMA contract is agreed upon. Any SFLMA that deviates from the prescribed UF shall be evaluated by the DENR RDC. SECTION 16. Incentives. The SFLMA Holder shall be entitled to the following incentives: 16.1 All plantation products derived from the SFLMA areas introduced by the holder, shall belong to the SFLMA holder, who shall have the right to harvest, sell and utilize such trees and crops in whatever marketable form and in whatever legal manner are exempted from payment of forest charges subject to existing laws, rules and regulations; 16.2 All processed timber and non-timber forest products from SFLMA areas shall be exported without restrictions in volume, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations;

2. Original/Authenticated copy of the previous management Agreement; 3. Latest Accomplishment Report; and 4. Approved Management Plan such as CDMP/FLGMP/CRMF/IDP or IMP, and/or revised management plan indicating other management strategies, as the case may be. d. Upon receipt of the application with complete requirements, a Performance Evaluation shall be conducted by a Composite Team composed of representatives from the CENRO, PENRO and Regional Office to determine compliance of the tenure holder/permittee with the approved plan/s, and terms and conditions of the Agreement/Permit. e. If the holder’s evaluation is found to be satisfactory, the proposed SFLMA and corresponding map of the area shall be prepared by the LPDD. Then, the RED shall endorse for approval/disapproval of the application to the DENR Secretary or his/her duly designated representative, copy furnished the FMB and the Undersecretary for Field Operations with the draft copy of the agreement, corresponding map of the area and its shapefiles, and approved SFLMP, as the case may be, including a scanned copy of the Completed Staff Work (CSW) report, among others. 12.3. For Renewal of SFLMA An application for the renewal of SFLMA with complete requirements as prescribed under Section 11 shall be filed at the Regional Office at least one (1) year before its expiration date to give ample time for the processing thereof, subject to the 50-year limitation on the exploration, development and utilization

16.3 An SFLMA holder in good standing shall be given preferential right to apply for another SFLMA over the area that falls within the adjoining forest land currently covered with the holder’s SFLMA, provided that the total area shall not exceed the maximum limit of the area consistent with this Order; 16.4 SFLMA Holders are given preferential right for the issuance of insurance coverage of trees and crops in SFLMA areas from private or government insurance agencies and development loans from public financial institutions for the SFLMA holder; 16.6 The FMB shall provide access to available credit assistance from governmentowned, controlled, and or/or supported financial institutions; 16.7 All established tree plantations shall be exempted from logging bans that may be imposed by the DENR for the duration of the SFLMA; and, 16.9 The application fee and user’s fee for renewal of the SFLMA shall be waived in favor of the SFLMA Holder, subject to the results of the performance evaluation. SECTION 17. Grounds for the Suspension and Cancellation of SFLMA. The SFLMA may be suspended or cancelled by the DENR Secretary or his/her designated representative for violations of the Agreement. 17.1 Grounds for Suspension. The following are considered grounds for Suspension: a. Failure to pay the UF after two (2) notices.

DAO RE: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

of natural resources as provided under Article 12, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution. The approval of all renewal applications shall be based on the results of the performance evaluation which shall be conducted at least one (1) year prior to the expiration of the previous Agreement.

b. Failure to submit an SFLMP within one (1) year from the date the SFLMA is approved;

Failure to file the application within the prescribed period shall result in the opening for disposition of the area to other qualified applicants upon expiration of the SFLMA. 12.4 The DENR Secretary may disapprove an application if the Department deems it unsatisfactory or disadvantageous to national interest. The concerned DENR Regional Office shall inform the applicant of DENR’s decision. SECTION 13. Submission, Review and Approval of Sustainable Forest Land Management Plan (SFLMP). All activities to be conducted by the SFLMA holder shall be in accordance with the approved SFLMP. The following shall be observed in the review and approval of the SFLMP. 13.1. The SFLMA holder shall submit to the Forest Management Bureau within one (1) year upon approval of the SFLMA a detailed 25-year SFLMP, which shall be consistent with the submitted Proposed Development and Management Plan (PDMP). 13.2. Within one (1) month upon receipt thereof, the SFLMP shall be reviewed and deliberated by the Review and Deliberations Committee (RDC) which shall be created by the Office of the Secretary. Resource Person/s from relevant government agencies and subject matter experts may be invited as needed. 13.3. If found in order, and upon the recommendation of the RDC, the SFLMP shall be approved by the Secretary or his/her designated representative. Should the same be found unsatisfactory, the Secretary may disapprove or return it to the RDC to cause the appropriate revisions by the applicant within two (2) calendar months from receipt of notice. The non-compliance of the SFLMA holder with the DENR’s comments, suggestions and recommendations regarding the concerns observed during the review of the SFLMP shall result in the automatic cancellation of the SFLMA. 13.4.The FMB shall inform the SFLMA Holder on the final decision of the DENR Secretary on the approval/disapproval of the SFLMP. 13.5 The FMB shall return the original copy of the SFLMP to the SFLMA Holder. The SFLMA Holder shall prevent any act of tampering with the content of the approved SFLMP, hence, each page of the same shall be stamped with the phrase “certified true copy” of the original and, among others, shall bear the name of the DENR office, the name and signature of the certifier, date certified. The FMB shall also provide a scanned copy of the approved SFLMP to the concerned DENR Regional Office, for record and monitoring purposes SECTION 14. Provisionary Permit. For energy projects, a one-time issuance of Provisionary Permit with a validity of two (2) years shall be issued by the DENR

c. Failure to fully develop the area in accordance with the approved SFLMP/ PDMP; d. Failure to implement the approved SFLMP as per its workplan; e. Failure to protect the SFLMA area, except as a result of force majeure or fortuitous events, where the SFLMA Holder has no control over; and, f. Violation of any of the Terms and Conditions of the Agreement or any relevant laws, rules, and regulations; g. Conduct of activities within the SFLMA area that are against laws, public policies, public order and good morals; and, h. Inaccuracy and false reporting of accomplishments relative to SFLMA. In the event of violations committed by the SFLMA Holder, the RED concerned shall initiate an investigation on the matter and may issue either a Notice of Violation and/or Notice of Preventive Suspension of Operations. The notice of violation or suspension shall indicate the actions/activities that shall be done by the SFLMA Holder in order to lift the suspension including the admonition that non-compliance thereto shall result in the cancellation of the SFLMA. The SFLMA Holder shall comply with the notice of violation and/or suspension or file an answer within ten (10) calendar days from receipt of such notice, which shall be acted upon by the RED or his/her duly designated representative concerned within 30 calendar days upon receipt of the answer. If found meritorious, the suspension will be lifted, otherwise, a Cancellation Order shall be issued by the DENR Secretary or his/her duly authorized representative. 17.2. Grounds for Cancellation. At any time within the duration of the Agreement, the DENR Secretary or his/her duly designated representative may issue a Cancellation Order for the following grounds: a. Failure to comply with the notice of violation and/or suspension that shall be undertaken by the SFLMA Holder; b. Misrepresentation of the SFLMA Holder’s disclosures in its application and reports including its financial reporting; c. The SFLMA Holder has transferred, directly or indirectly, the rights over the area to another person without the concurrence of the DENR; d. Conversion of the area or any part thereof to any land use other than what is allowed under the approved SFLMP;

Manila

DAO RE: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND Standard MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

TODAY

e. The SFLMA was obtained through fraud or misrepresentation by false or misleading statements; f. Subleasing of the area or any portion thereof to any person or entity without the written consent of the DENR; g. Failure to implement any of the conditions in its ECC or other government permits; i. Abandonment of the SFLMA area; j. Conduct of activities within the SFLMA area that are against laws, public policies, public order and good morals; and, k. Violation of any of the Terms and Conditions of the Agreement or any relevant laws, rules, and regulations; The order of cancellation by the DENR Secretary shall be immediately executory. In case of disputes involving the interpretation of ambiguous provisions in the SFLMA, the DENR and the SFLMA Holder shall adopt the alternative dispute resolution principles for resolving environment and natural resources conflicts, consistent with existing laws, rules, and regulations. SECTION 18. Monitoring, Assessment and Reporting. All SFLMAs shall undergo periodic assessments, including a comprehensive evaluation at the halfway point of the 25-year agreement. These evaluations shall measure compliance with the approved Sustainable Forest Land Management Plan (SFLMP). To provide effective monitoring, assessment and reporting, the following shall be conducted: 18.1 Annual reports from SFLMA holders must be submitted within thirty (30) days after each fiscal year, outlining compliance with the SFLMP and covering environmental, economic, and social impacts. Non-compliance with monitoring and reporting requirements will incur penalties, including but not limited to suspension/cancellation of the SFLMA; 18.2 The DENR Field Office shall conduct an annual compliance monitoring and assessment of SFLMA areas based on the terms and conditions of the SFLMA, approved SFLMP and ECC, among others, using the prescribed compliance monitoring and assessment tool by the DENR; 18.3 The CENRO/Implementing PENRO, through channels, shall submit to the DENR Regional Office an annual status report on the compliance of the SFLMA Holder based on the submitted Annual Accomplishment Report (AAR) within his/her jurisdiction, copy furnished the FMB and the Undersecretary for Field Operations. Whenever necessary, the RED concerned shall create a composite team to conduct validation of the submitted AARs;

DAO RE: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

18.4 The RED concerned shall be directly responsible for the implementation of this Order. The Regional Office shall maintain information of all SFLMAs under its jurisdiction which shall be submitted quarterly; and, 18.5 The FMB, the DENR Knowledge and Information Systems Service (KISS) and the DENR Geospatial Database Office (GDO) shall develop a database of all SFLMA areas for monitoring and management purposes. It shall include a public-facing site. 18.6 The GDO shall monitor all SFLMA development using satellite imagery through a satellite land monitoring system and furnish these to the Regional Office; 18.7 The monitoring and assessment of SFLMA areas shall form part of the Office Performance and Commitment Review (OPCR) of the implementing unit/office and the regular reporting activities of the Regional and Field Offices. 18.8 Any change in the beneficial owners of an SFLMA holder shall be reported to the DENR to ensure compliance with the capital requirement under Section 2, Article XII, of the 1987 Constitution. In case of violation thereto, the SFLMA shall be canceled in accordance with Section 16.2 hereof. SECTION 19. Allocation of Funds. The Department shall allocate funds for the implementation of this Order. SECTION 20. Transitory Provision 20.1. Upon approval of this Order, all pending applications for tenure instruments, whether new or renewal with complete documentary requirements and have already undergone the required process shall be returned to the concerned Regional Office for further review, and processing, and for eventual consideration of the DENR Secretary, in consonance with the provisions hereof. 20.2 Within one (1) year from the issuance of this Order, the DENR Field Offices shall conduct a performance evaluation of all tenure instruments as basis for the continuation, renewal, cancellation, or termination of the tenure, pursuant to existing laws, rules and regulations. 20.3. All expiring tenure instruments within five (5) years upon issuance of this Order shall continue to exist until its expiration date unless terminated earlier for cause. Upon the renewal of the agreement, the holder shall apply for SFLMA. SECTION 21. Periodic Policy Review. The DENR shall conduct periodic review of this Order. SECTION 22. Repealing Clause. This Order repeals the following Administrative Orders, Memoranda, Circulars, and other issuances which are inconsistent herewith: 22.1. Forestry Administrative Order (FAO) 8 – 3 Series of 1941 or the Revised Regulations Governing the Special Uses of Forest Lands; 22.2. FAO 11 Series of 1970 or the Revised Forestry License Regulations;

DAO RE: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUSTAINABLE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

22.3. DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 1999 – 36, as amended by DAO 2004 -35 or the Regulations Governing the Administration, Management, Development and Disposition of Forest Lands Used for Grazing Purposes; 22.4. DAO 1999 – 53, as amended DAO 2003 – 21 and DAO 2020-04, or the Regulations Governing the Integrated Forest Management Program; 22.5. DAO 2004 – 28, as amended by DAO 2009 – 16, or the Rules and Regulations Governing the Use of Forestlands for Tourism Purposes; 22.6. DAO 2004 – 29 or the Revised Regulations for the Implementation of Executive Order 263 Otherwise Known as the Community Based Forest Management Strategy; 22.7. DAO 2004 – 30 or the Revised Rules and Regulations Governing the Socialized Industrial Forest Management Program; 22.8. DAO 2004 – 59 or the Rules and Regulations Governing the Special Uses of Forestlands; 22.9. DAO 2009-16 - Amending Certain Provisions of DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-28 Re: Rules and Regulations Governing the Use of Forestlands for Tourism Purposes (FLAgT); 22.10.DENR Memorandum Order (DMO) 2011 – 02 or the Requiring Submission of Tourism Development Plan (TDP) Duly Approved by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Comprehensive Development Management Plan for FLAgT Applicants; and 22.11.DAO 2005 – 25 or the Guidelines in the Implementation of Upland Agroforestry Program. SECTION 23. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Order shall be held invalid or unconstitutional, the other portions or provisions hereof which are not affected shall continue in full force and effect. SECTION 24. Effectivity. This Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and upon filing of three (3) certified copies hereof with the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR) and the UP Law Center.

Manila

Standard

TODAY

BINONDO

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Jones Bridge shines for 50 years of friendship PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the lighting ceremony of Jones Bridge on June 7, 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China. The event, sponsored by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), also signaled efforts to revive Binondo, known as the world’s oldest Chinatown. President Marcos described the occasion as a symbol of the “long historic friendship” between Manila and Beijing. “Half a century of friendship and shared history, all reflected here in the world’s oldest Chinatown,” he said. He also recalled personal memories of Binondo and praised its cultural significance and traditional cuisine. Marcos also highlighted the bridge’s enduring role in daily life for generations-from workers commuting to Escolta and students hurrying home, to taho vendors, jeepney drivers, and even lovers meeting there. The Jones Bridge lighting is a key component of the larger Chinatown Revitalization Project, an initiative aimed at restoring and enhancing Binondo’s historical, cultural, and economic significance in the nation’s capital. Malacañang Palace also released a statement, pointing out that the Jones Bridge lighting ceremony highlighted people-to-people exchanges. “It witnessed the cultural heritage and deeprooted connections shared by Filipino and Chinese communities.” it said. Marcos urged Filipinos, especially younger generations, to explore Binondo again and support its revival plan, aiming to make Binondo a sightseeing place that people will keep visiting. “If you don’t experience it personally, how can you really know your own history and culture?” he said. Michael Wong Ho

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) and the Federation of FilipinoChinese Associations of the Philippines cohost a grand evening gala themed ‘Fifty Years of Diplomatic Relations, Everlasting Friendship’ at the SMX Convention Center on June 8, 2025

Business groups host gala for 50 years of PH-China ties By Michael Wong Ho

HE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) and the Federation of Filipino- Chinese Associations of the Philippines co-hosted a grand evening gala themed “Fifty Years of Diplomatic Relations, Everlasting Friendship” at the SMX Convention Center on June 8, 2025.

More than 1,500 representatives from the Filipino Chinese community participated in the event. Among the distinguished guests were Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, Senate President Francis Escudero, FFCCCII president Victor Lim and Federation of FilipinoChinese Associations of the Philippines chairman Zhao Qiping. Ambassador Huang emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between the Philippines and China, noting that the two countries are separated only by a narrow body of water and share longstanding familial and cultural connections. He highlighted the contributions of the FilipinoChinese community, who, for centuries, crossed seas and mountains to settle in the Philippines.

Those individuals became deeply rooted in the country, playing a vital role in its struggle for independence and actively contributing to national development through their hard work, wisdom, and dedication, which made them an essential part of the Philippines’ diverse society. He also reflected on the historic decision made fifty years ago by the leaders of both nations to establish formal diplomatic relations. Despite facing challenges over the decades, the bilateral relationship has continued to progress. Ambassador Huang attributed the enduring friendship to the strong foundation built on people-to-people connections and shared values, which provide confidence in the continued growth of cooperation between the two nations. In his speech, Lim reflected on the deep

FFCCCII supports swift passage of Right of Way Bill By Julie Ann Lope

FFCCCII president Victor Lim

THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) is supporting the swift approval of a strengthened Right of Way (ROW) bill. The group believes the bill is crucial to solving the country’s infrastructure problems which are hurting economic growth and making the Philippines less competitive compared to its neighbors. In a statement, FFCCCII President Victor Lim pointed out that infrastructure delays, often caused by ROW issues, are costing the

country billions in lost productivity and investment. “The country’s systemic failures in infrastructure development are not mere bureaucratic inefficiencies— they represent nothing less than a national crisis of competitiveness, one that undermines economic growth, erodes our regional standing, and deprives millions of Filipinos of the modern connectivity they deserve.” he said. “While our Asian and ASEAN neighbors surge ahead with worldclass infrastructure, the Philippines remains shackled by self-imposed paralysis.” he added. The group cited the Metro Manila Subway, which has been delayed by four years due to ROW disputes, as a prime example. It also mentioned the North-South Commuter Railway and LRT-1 Cavite Extension facing similar holdups.

historical connections between the Philippines and China, tracing their ties back more than 600 years. He cited the visit of the Sulu king to China as an early symbol of goodwill between the two nations—a story that remains well known to this day. Over the centuries, many people from the coastal regions of southeastern China settled in the Philippines and lived in harmony with the local population, contributing to the country’s cultural and social fabric. Lim highlighted several prominent historical figures who embodied the shared heritage of the two nations. Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal had ancestral roots in Jinjiang, Fujian province. General Ye Fei, a prominent figure in modern Chinese history, was born in Quezon Province. Likewise, General Jose Ignacio Paua, a key leader in the Philippine struggle against Spanish colonial rule, hailed from Nan’an City, also in Fujian. He said the 50th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations presents a valuable opportunity for both countries to strengthen their friendship, deepen cooperation, and work together to build a more prosperous future.

Made It In China highlights Filipino success stories AS 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China, the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, in cooperation with the Philippine Consulates General in Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai and Xiamen, has curated a special publication, Made It In China, to commemorate the milestone.

PH Hardware Foundation vows stronger industry collaboration THE Philippine Hardware Foundation Inc. celebrated its 105th founding anniversary and conducted the induction ceremony for its 2nd board of trustees and 83rd batch of officers on May 31, 2026 at Century Seafood Restaurant in Manila. Honorary president Gerald Chan thanked the board and officers for their cooperation and called on the association to continue recruiting new members, enhancing collaboration with the government and industry, and strengthening the hardware sector. He expressed confidence in the leadership of incoming president Reynold Siy. Honorary chairman Uy Khiek Peng encouraged the new leadership to continue building on the association’s accomplishments and contribute to industry development. The induction of the new board was led by Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Victor Lim. Lim recognized the Philippine Hardware Foundation as one of the four founding organizations of FFCCCII and commended its nationwide presence and contributions to national development. New board chairman William Gosiaco administered the oath of office to the newly elected officers. He reviewed the foundation’s history since its establishment

in 1920 and acknowledged the work of its past leaders. He pledged continued cooperation with various sectors in the Filipino-Chinese community and FFCCCII, with the goal of contributing to economic revitalization and stronger Philippines-China relations. Incoming president Reynold Siy thanked the past leadership for their contributions and vowed to lead the organization in promoting unity, strengthening services, and enhancing integration with the local community. He called on all officers to work together to further develop the association’s initiatives. Julie Ann Lope

The Philippine Hardware Foundation Inc. celebrates its 105th founding anniversary at Century Seafood Restaurant in Manila.

The embassy announced that it would officially launch on June 11 a book compiling its online series called the #MadeItInChina. It features inspiring stories of Filipinos who have built successful lives and careers in China, across diverse fields such as medicine, education, arts, service industries and entertainment. According to Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz, the series is part of the activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.

Flor Cruz said that since the 1990s, many Filipino professionals in China have helped train hotel staff and other workers. A Filipino couple even started the first international school in Xiamen. These people have been part of the strong exchanges between the people of Manila and Beijing for many years. He said these individuals are living proof that China can be a land of opportunity for Filipinos. “They show that China is a place where Filipinos can find their chosen careers, thrive, and succeed. As they succeed, they also contribute to their respective fields and communities. And, while doing so, they build connections of friendship and mutual understanding between our two peoples,” he said. Included in the series are the inspiring journeys of artist Jensen Moreno, preschool teacher Elivira Maglalang, businesswoman Marilou Mandigma Yang, marine biologist Dr. Karen Tagulao, artist Jose Noel Antivola, musician Moises Sumile Jr., news anchor Melissa Gecolea, educator Arnel Genzola, hotel executive Rodrigo Camposagrado, pediatrician Dr. Lorela Cortez-Dy, scientist Kahlil Fredrick Ermac Cui, nurse Leizyl Alves, engineering director Neil Jayno, school founders Roman and Mildred Go, radio-TV anchor Mia Villanueva, economist Kevin Chua, technology educator John Dominic Dalida, family doctor Dr. Christopher Hemady and Oishi chairman Carlos Chan. Their stories serve as enduring testaments to the strength of the Filipino spirit and the continuing friendship between the Philippines and China. Julie Ann Lope

THURSDAY, JUNE 12 2025 advertise@manilastandard.net

Honoring a legacy of freedom and culture By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

NDEPENDENCE is a historical date for any nation that testifies to its people’s struggles, sacrifices, and unwavering spirit to achieve freedom and identity.

In the Philippines, independence, celebrated every June 12th, is a powerful reminder of a nation’s relentless pursuit of liberty, which shaped our past, continues to define our present, and will undoubtedly guide our future. It is a day to reflect on the country’s journey from a colonized archipelago to a vibrant, self-governing republic and to recognize the profound significance of this hard-won freedom in the lives of every Filipino, both at home and across the globe. Philippine independence began on June 12, 1898, when General Emilio Aguinaldo publicly proclaimed the Act of the Proclamation of Independence of the Filipino People in Kawit, Cavite. The momentous declaration, made from Aguinaldo’s ancestral home, marked a pivotal turning point, signifying the end of over three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. It was a bold declaration by a revolutionary government, demonstrating the Filipino people’s unyielding desire for self-governance in the face of formidable foreign powers.

Recognizing the profound historical weight and contemporary relevance of this milestone, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has embarked on an ambitious multi-year celebration, which began in 2023 for the 125th Independence Day and will extend until 2026. This extended commemoration is not merely about looking back but about fostering a deeper understanding of what independence truly means for Filipinos today and in the generations to come. The NCCA has anchored this significant period on a powerful and resonant theme: “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan.” This tripartite theme serves as a guiding principle,

designed to encourage introspection, generate discourse, and inspire action among Filipinos from all walks of life. It’s an invitation to engage with our past, assess our present, and collectively chart a course for a more independent and prosperous future. The multi-year approach allows for a more comprehensive and sustained exploration of our independence, going beyond a single day of celebration to embed its principles deeply within the national consciousness. It enables a wider range of activities, discussions, and educational initiatives that can truly impact a broader audience and foster a more profound sense of national identity and purpose.

“Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan” is a profound articulation of the interconnected elements that define and sustain our national independence. Each word within carries immense weight and purpose, as it honors the freedom we achieved through the bravery and honor of our forefathers, who envisioned a future where their descendants wouldn’t have to face the same struggles they did. At its core, “Kalayaan” speaks to the very essence of what we celebrate – the freedom from foreign domination and the right to self-determination. However, this word transcends its historical definition. It challenges us to ponder how free we truly are as

individuals and as a society, whether from poverty, ignorance, or any form of oppression. This aspect of the theme encourages critical reflection on the ongoing struggle for various forms of freedom that extend beyond the initial act of declaring independence. It reminds us that gaining freedom is only the first step; maintaining and expanding it requires continuous effort and commitment to upholding human rights, promoting equitable opportunities, and fostering a just society where all citizens can thrive without fear or prejudice. It’s about empowering every Filipino to realize their full potential, free from constraints that hinder their growth and well-being. Looking ahead, “Kinabukasan” emphasizes the forward-looking aspect of independence. Our past struggles for freedom were ultimately aimed at securing a better future for generations to come. This part of the theme compels us to envision the kind of Philippines we want to build. What challenges must we overcome to ensure a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for all Filipinos? It encourages innovation, progressive thinking, and a commitment to nation-building. “Kinabukasan” calls upon us, especially the youth, to be active participants in shaping our destiny, to embrace new technologies, to foster critical thinking, and to contribute to solutions for the pressing issues of our time, from climate change to social inequality. It’s about investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and nurturing a culture of innovation and resilience.

SHOWBIZ

C2 THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

‘Lolong: Pangil ng Maynila’ cast members (from left) Martin Del Rosario, Ruru Madrid, and Shaira Diaz gear up for action-packed grand finale this Friday

‘Lolong: Pangil ng Maynila’ set for high-stakes finale GMA Public Affairs’ hit action-adventure series Lolong: Pangil ng Maynila is set to deliver an adrenaline-fueled conclusion as it airs its grand finale on June 13, capping off a successful run filled with intense drama and high-octane sequences. In the final episodes, protagonist Lolong (Ruru Madrid) risks everything to protect his loved ones, while Elsie (Shaira Diaz) faces renewed danger as she falls back into the clutches of the menacing Ivan (Martin del Rosario). Adding to the suspense, Dakila, Lolong’s formidable crocodile ally, makes a crucial return, shifting the tide in the climactic battle between good and evil. In an interview, Ruru teased nostalgic

callbacks to the show’s first season, promising never-before-seen sequences. “There’s a particular scene that feels very reminiscent of Season 1, but with a fresh twist—something I’ve never witnessed before in my life,” he said. Ruru also shared how the role transformed him, both as an artist and as an individual. “Lolong changed my life—not just my craft, but my character. Despite injuries, the pandemic, and other setbacks, this role gave me the strength to keep pushing forward.” The ensemble cast includes veteran actors Jean Garcia, Tessie Tomas, Rowell Santiago, and rising stars Shaira Diaz, Martin del Rosario, Rabiya Mateo, and Sienna Stevens, among others.

Kitchie Nadal

returns to Manila with ‘New Ground’

By Angelica Villanueva

The work of world-class fashion designer Alexis Monsanto (center) served as a centerpiece to the fund-raising opening gala for “World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries’

Alexis Monsanto Qin court collection raises $1.5m at Bowers Museum gala By Yugel Losorata Photos by Joe Garcia CALIFORNIA, USA – Top Filipinoborn couturier and Hollywood fashion star Alexis Monsanto shines anew in his latest showcase, where some of his sparkling, culture-conscious designs highlighted the Bowers Museum’s fundraising gala for an exhibition on Asian archaeology, history, and style. A who’s who of the high-end fashion scene marveled at the Qin Dynasty-inspired collection from the Los Angeles-based master during the May 22 event, held at the world-class art museum located in Santa Ana, Orange County, California. The presentation of Monsanto’s Qin Court Collection ushered in the opening of the exhibit, World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century, now open to the public until Oct. 19. “What a memorable and fun evening!” exclaimed the pride of the Filipino-American community, honored by the lofty status accorded to him by the mainstream fashion world. The star-studded gala combined fashion, culture, and philanthropy, raising $1.5 million for the Bowers Museum. Guests paid at least $2,500 per plate, with tables reaching up to $100,000, to support the museum’s exhibit featuring recent archaeological finds from China’s Shaanxi province. Dinner by Patina Restaurant Group chefs ended with a Terracotta Warriorshaped cake. Alexis Monsanto teamed up with global artisans and luxury brands like Delvaux and Van Cleef & Arpels. A standout ball gown—paired with a clutch, pearls, and a first-class ticket—fetched $50,000. Monsanto expressed, “As an artist, I dreamt of my works being displayed in a museum. Thank you to the angels

who supported me and helped me mount the Qin Court Collection. The gala was magical and on another level.” Heritage and haute couture The discovery of the Terracotta Army in the 1970s revealed the legacy of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The exhibit’s opening night also coincided with Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, adding cultural weight to the event. Tiffany Chang, Miss Asia-USA 2024, described it as “a show where history meets haute couture.” Featuring over 100 newly uncovered artifacts, The World of the Terracotta Warriors marks its North American debut. Fashion designer Alexis Monsanto, who grew up in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental in the Philippines, found deep inspiration in the exhibit. His Los Angeles-based atelier on Olympic Boulevard is a far stretch from his early days, where a 1979 Manila fashion show sparked his passion. Migrating to California in 1993, Monsanto studied at Otis College of Art and Design and built a career dressing stars like Kate Beckinsale, Simone Biles, and Karol G. He also earned a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and teamed up with Michael Cinco for high-profile fashion events. Monsanto credits his mother’s resilience for his drive. Orphaned at 21, she raised her siblings while earning a degree and becoming an election registrar. Her story shaped his own, marked by perseverance and self-reliance. Now a mentor and lecturer, Monsanto encourages future talents while serving on the advisory board of Fullerton College’s fashion program. “It’s free to dream big,” he said. “Fashion is passion. I came to L.A. with hope, courage, strong will—and a suitcase full of big dreams.”

WO decades after leaving her mark on OPM with signature karaoke anthems, pop-rock singer Kitchie Nadal is returning to the Philippine stage with New Ground Manila. Ahead of her show, the singersongwriter behind early 2000s OPM staples like “Same Ground,” “Bulong,” and “Huwag Na Huwag Mong Sasabihin” shared that her latest project is both a reunion with fans and a collaboration with a new generation of Filipino musicians. “They let me choose the artists I wanted to collaborate with. These were my personal picks. I’m thankful they all said yes right away,” Kitchie said. Among those joining her are pop girl group KAIA, singer Zild, and hip-hop star Skusta Clee.

Kitchie added that the concert’s title is a follow-up to last year’s Same Ground, her 20th anniversary show. “This time, we decided to call it New Ground because we wanted something different. We’re exploring new territory, through our audience, through music,” she noted. The new direction includes not just guest performances but also reimagined versions of her earlier songs and a brand-new original single titled “Landas,” which will debut during the concert and drop on digital platforms.

Kitchie Nadal is known for hit tracks ‘Huwag Na Huwag Mong Sasabihin’ and ‘Same Ground’

Alexis Monsanto (right) collaborates with renowned global artisans and luxury brands, including Delvaux and Van Cleef & Arpels

Now based in Spain and raising a family, Kitchie said she was surprised to learn how much her early 2000s hits continue to resonate. “The energy here is just different. I was surprised so many people still know the songs, even the younger generation. A lot of Gen Z fans go to gigs and bars and sing along. My band and I weren’t expecting that our songs would end up in their playlists, alongside today’s new artists,” Kitchie continued. That enduring connection inspired her to push for collaborations with newer voices. She said she was particularly drawn to Skusta Clee’s evolution as an artist. “We were watching one of his music videos—it was rock. I told myself, ‘I can do this.’ It felt like he was crossing from hip-hop to rock, which is something I’ve always wanted to explore. Before I got into the rock scene, I was actually into trip-hop,” she shared. Though she’s been living abroad, Kitchie continues to write and record remotely and performs for smaller Filipino communities overseas. “It gave new meaning to my career. Once you bring music into these spaces, you help breathe life into Filipino communities like restaurants, businesses, salons, everything. That’s what I feel my purpose has become while living in Spain,” added Kitchie. The concert, she added, is a way to challenge herself and evolve. “As an artist, it is necessary to grow. Anything that doesn’t grow is dead,” she said. Kitchie’s New Ground Manila concert is happening on June 21 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The star-studded gala raised $1.5 million for the Bowers Museum, supporting an exhibit on archaeological finds from China’s Shaanxi province.

LIFE

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025

Setting a design trail from

La.Mariposa mimics a butterfly’s form, enabling artists to paint natureinspired patterns

London to Manila A STOOL or chair is more than just a place to sit. Across different societies, it carries cultural, aesthetic, and symbolic meaning. It can symbolize power or status. It reflects values and traditions. On a personal note, it carries memories and emotional significance. It holds pieces of our lives.

I remember my grandmother sitting on an old wooden rocking chair in our sala. The creaking sound it made, the soft cushion faded with time, and the way it fit perfectly into a quiet corner in our living room—it forms a vivid memory tied to warmth and familiar love. There was once a wooden stool I bought in Banaue. I would usually put it in our doorway and sit there as I watched people pass by or listened to the rain outside. There was also a stool we usually used for laundry. Over time, these stools take on a life of their own, becoming silent witnesses to our everyday moments and major milestones. Even if it’s worn or no longer in use, it’s hard to let go because it holds history, and they tell stories. This is something Diwa.Dezeñyo founders F. Marco Sebastian Padayao and Luigi Bauzon believe in when creating designs. “We believe meaningful creations must resonate with people. Storytelling and emotional design are central to how we build culturally significant, personal

Diwa.Dezeñyo founders believe in the sentimental value of stools, which become silent witnesses to everyday moments and milestones

Primer

Chong Ardivilla

Diwa.Dezeñyo offers industrial design, furniture packaging, graphic branding, and UX/UI services

Glazing Life Glaiza Lee

experiences,” said with its founders’ heritage. Padayao. Diwa.Dezeñyo, Stools designed from a collective of London to Manila designers, offers For their Manila debut, services in industrial Diwa.Dezeñyo introduced design, furniture three stool designs—Diwa.Casa, packaging, graphic La Mariposa, and Hugis ng Diwa— branding, and UX/UI. each with its own story. “Luigi and I worked Diwa.Casa takes inspiration from together during our Gaudí’s Casa Batlló, showcasing senior year at Coventry fluid, organic curves. University. Our shared La.Mariposa echoes the vision led to successful butterfly’s form, allowing artists to projects and inspired paint patterns that celebrate nature. us to build something Hugis ng Diwa offers a bold, bigger,” he added. minimalist take on the traditional Now based in stool. London, the team “We want to highlight unique plans to open a space craftsmanship and create pieces in Metro Manila and that honor our heritage,” said eventually set up a Padayao. manufacturing facility Diwa.Dezeñyo teamed up with using local materials 15 Filipino artists to craft one-ofDiwa.Casa draws inspiration from Gaudí’s and skilled artisans. a-kind stool designs, each infused Casa Batlló, featuring fluid, organic curves “We aim to with the creator’s signature be known as a aesthetic. The project brought multidisciplinary together Sigwada Knicolai’s pop-surrealist visions, Joshua agency offering bespoke solutions and Barrera’s intricate ink meaningful products,” said Padayao. techniques merging multiple Diwa.Dezeñyo stands out through artistic traditions, and Summer its transparent and relatable creative process, helping de Guia’s studies of humanclients understand the like qualities in objects. inspiration behind The roster also featured each design. Gemart Ortega’s pop culture motifs, Jesse Camacho’s At 23, Padayao emphasizes fantasy-inspired narratives, and Valerie Teng’s Feng Shuiuser-centric inspired creations. design—funcThe collaboration expanded tional, into include Andre Baldovino’s tuitive, and abstract explorations, Carla meaningful. Gamalinda’s relational identity This philosoconcepts, and Demetrio Dela phy drives Cruz’s multimedia approach. Diwa.Dezeñyo to craft innova Other participating artists were innovative, deeply per Humbly with his whimsical toy personal designs that characters, Remster’s spiritual reflect users’ unique inquiries, Joly Beart’s emotional stories. bone-head figures, Pat “Rabby” Rooted in Aguas’s illustrated personas, Julia vernacular and and Jheane Borja’s painterly emotional humanexperiments, and mimaaaaaaaaw’s centered design, boundary-pushing murals. the studio blends The stools are on display at global perspectives Space Encounters in Ortigas City, Philippines.

Philippine Ballet Theatre to stage new ‘Maria Makiling’ ballet in July THE Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) will premiere Maria Makiling, an original fullMakiling length ballet inspired by Filipino folklore, on July 5 and 6 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre in Makati. Choreographed by artistic director Ronilo Jaynario with music by composer Paulo Zarate, the ballet tells the story of a mountain goddess whose choice of a suitor triggers a conspiracy that forces her to retreat from the human world. This marks the third collaboration between Jaynario and Zarate, following Ibalon (2023) and Sarimanok (2024). The score blends Filipino and Spanish influences, including kundiman and flamenco. The production consulted with local cultural historians in Laguna, including University of the Philippines Los Baños vice chancellor Roberto Cereno, to ensure authenticity. Gabby Jaynario and Jessa Tangalin will alternate in the lead role, with Matthew Davo and Justine Orande playing Maria’s love interest. Tickets are available via Ticketworld and the PBT Secretariat.

‘Maria Makiling’ is a full-length ballet inspired by Filipino folklore, which tells the story of a mountain goddess

Baybayin and identity: A cultural awakening

THE resurgence of interest in Baybayin, an indigenous Filipino syllabary, is more than a nostalgic dive into the past—it is a resistance against centuries of erasure and a reassertion of cultural identity. Once suppressed by colonial forces such as the Spanish conquistadors in the late 1500s, Baybayin is experiencing a revival driven by educational initiatives and its integration into modern spaces, including signage and design. But this movement is not merely about aesthetics—it is a deeper, more deliberate act of cultural preservation and awakening. Baybayin is neither a language nor a relic of the past. It is a living syllabary that was once used to write early forms of Tagalog and still reflects cultural vestiges in various Philippine languages. Its recent visual reintroduction in public spaces has drawn criticism from those who view it as impractical or distracting. This utilitarian mindset—that education must always serve economic productivity—reveals a troubling trend that prioritizes global competitiveness over cultural selfrespect. The argument that “Baybayin is not useful” misses the point. Culture is not just about utility or market value. It is about sustained interaction, heritage, and identity. Viewing cultural revival efforts as “useless” because they do not translate directly into profit is a continuation of colonial thinking, where our traditions are dismissed as inadequate unless validated by

The resurgence of Baybayin, an indigenous Filipino syllabary, is a cultural preservation effort against colonial erasure (AI-generated image)

Western or global standards. The concern isn’t just whether students can read or write in Baybayin. It’s about whether they are given the chance to engage meaningfully with their heritage. In doing so, they are encouraged to think critically about identity, history, and the complexity of being Filipino. Projects like these might inspire students to pursue deeper functional literacy, not just in reading and writing, but in how they perceive their world and their role in shaping it. Education should not be reduced to mere job preparation. Filipino culture reflects this broader, more integrated view. We don’t even have a native word for “work”—trabaho is borrowed from Spanish. Instead, we say hanapbuhay, meaning “searching for life.” It implies a holistic engagement with living, echoing the Cebuano term nanginabuhi, which speaks to a connected, purposeful existence. Giving up on cultural elements like Baybayin is surrendering to a colonized mindset that deems our native ways obsolete. But reclaiming them allows us to resist that narrative. It’s not about clinging to the past but about grounding ourselves in it to better understand our present and future. We must not be too quick to dismiss what we do not yet understand, especially when it comes from within our heritage. Ultimately, the Baybayin movement is not about letters on a billboard. It is a challenge to rediscover and redefine what it means to be Filipino in a world that constantly asks us to be anything but. You may reach Chong Ardivilla at kartunistatonto@gmail.com or chonggo.bsky.social

LIFE

C4 THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

term,” he explained. And if a patient’s vision changes within a year and needs a touch-up, FUMC won’t charge again. “We’re not after charging patients again and again. If it’s safe to enhance, we’ll do it without extra cost,” Santos said. FUMC is also using some of the latest tools in eye care, such as a machine called the HD Analyzer that detects small vision issues and a laser-assisted method for safer and more accurate cataract surgery. “With FLACS, the femtosecond laser creates incisions and fragments the lens with micrometer accuracy. We’re seeing better outcomes, especially in patients who opt for

ZEISS SMILE is a bladeless vision correction procedure for nearsightedness and astigmatism

Revolutionary breakthrough in

By Angelica Villanueva

eye care

ATIMA University Medical Center (FUMC) has made history by becoming the first hospital in Southeast Asia certified to train doctors in SMILE eye surgery—a new type of laser procedure that helps people see clearly without using blades or creating flaps in the eye. “We were the first to install the Zeiss Visumax 800 platform in the Philippines, and now we’re the first to be certified to train doctors in SMILE,” said Dr. Vicente Paolo Santos Jr., FUMC’s medical director. SMILE stands for “Small Incision Lenticule Extraction,” a bladeless and less

invasive way to correct vision problems like nearsightedness and astigmatism. It uses a laser to create a tiny cut, which helps lower the risk of complications. FUMC is now hosting surgeons from countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia who want to learn the procedure. “We’re able to train foreign surgeons while maintaining strict oversight. The patients benefit by getting two sets of eyes on

the procedure—the trainee and myself supervising,” he continued. One major difference at FUMC is the cost. While ZEISS SMILE surgery in other countries can be very expensive, the procedure at FUMC costs P99,000, a price that “includes everything.” “Our pricing is around 60 percent lower than other institutions in Southeast Asia. It’s part of our mission to provide world-class care to Filipinos without sending them into debt,” Santos added. To make the results last longer, FUMC often combines SMILE with an extra step called corneal cross-linking. “It adds around 10 minutes to the surgery, but it makes the results more stable long-

Fatima University Medical Center medical director Dr. Vicente Paulo Santos Jr.

multifocal or toric intraocular lenses,” he stated. Santos also shared that the hospital is currently expanding. Its new building will include advanced training areas for doctors and nurses, including simulation mannequins that can mimic real-life emergencies.

By Glaiza Lee

Support your smoke-free journey with a healthy diet and Growrich VCO

No butts about its: Health advocates rally for smoke-free future AS THE Philippines observes National No Smoking Month this June, health advocates are urging smokers to take actionable steps toward quitting, underscoring the long-term benefits of a smoke-free life. Health experts maintain that while quitting demands commitment, the rewards include better health and enhanced quality of life. National No Smoking Month stands as an important opportunity for Filipinos to embrace healthier habits. Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. While quitting can be challenging, experts suggest that a structured approach— combining mental preparation, social support, physical activity, and proper nutrition—can significantly improve success rates. Health professionals explain that quitting smoking begins with setting a clear intention, as a strong personal commitment is crucial for success. Visualizing a healthier future can help reinforce motivation and sustain long-term efforts.

Seeking support is another vital step— whether through cessation programs, therapy, or medical consultations for nicotine replacement options, external guidance can significantly ease withdrawal symptoms. Staying active also plays a key role; engaging in physical activities like walking, running, or hobbies helps distract from cravings and reduces stress. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins supports the body’s recovery from smokingrelated damage, further enhancing overall well-being during the quitting process. Some studies suggest virgin coconut oil (VCO) may support overall health for those quitting smoking. For those averse to liquid VCO, alternatives like Growrich Virgin Coconut Oil Capsules—the first FDA-approved VCO in hard gel form in the Philippines—offer a convenient option. Approved since 2005, Growrich’s capsules are derived from fresh coconut meat through a chemical-free extraction process, ensuring pharmaceuticalgrade quality.

STEPPING into one of Makati Medical Center’s (MakatiMed) state-of-the-art operating suites feels like entering the future of surgery. The hospital has introduced the Da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System, a fourth-generation robotic platform that merges cutting-edge technology with surgical precision, setting a new standard in Philippine healthcare. Named after Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance polymath renowned for his anatomical mastery, the Da Vinci Xi mirrors the harmony between human skill and robotic innovation. With four Allan Cabayan, RN, a product specialist for Da Vinci Xi briefly demonstrates what the articulated arms and high-definition 3D robot’s four arms can do and how this technology reduces trauma on the body of the vision, the system enhances a surgeon’s patient capabilities, enabling minimally invasive procedures with unparalleled accuracy. “This is a transformative chapter for Philippine healthcare,” said Dr. Saturnino P. Javier, CEO and Medical Director of MakatiMed. Since its chopsticks,” while acquisition in May 2024, the robotic surgery “feels robot has been deployed across like your hands are specialties, including urology, inside the patient.” gynecology, hepatobiliary This precision is surgery, colorectal procedures, crucial in rectal cancer and ENT (ear, nose, and operations, where throat) surgeries. maneuverability is key. Doctors at MakatiMed ENT specialist Dr. describe the Da Vinci Xi as a Arsenio Cabungcal “gentle giant”—its size belies highlighted how its ability to operate with transoral robotic surgery minimal tissue disruption. eliminates the need for In prostate surgery, where invasive neck incisions. millimeter-level precision “We can now remove is critical, the robot helps The tour also covers how the different components of the da Vinci Xi throat tumors through preserve nerves essential for work and where the surgeon positions himself during the procedure natural openings, bladder control and sexual reducing pain and function. Dr. Jaime SD stages all gain from this technology,” speeding up recovery,” Songco, a urologic oncologist, noted, she said. he explained. “With robotics, what was once the In liver surgery, robotic assistance Despite its advanced capabilities, size of a ‘castañas’ becomes as clear has slashed hospital stays. Dr. MakatiMed’s doctors stress that the as a ‘chico.’ Patients experience less Catherine Teh, a hepatobiliary robot is a tool—not a replacement— blood loss, faster recovery, and better surgeon, shared, “A laparoscopic liver for skilled surgeons. outcomes.” resection may require three to seven “You must be an excellent open For gynecological procedures, such days of recovery; with robotics, it’s surgeon before becoming a proficient as hysterectomies and endometriosis just one to five.” robotic surgeon,” said Dr. Songco. resection, Dr. Jennifer Marie M. For complex cases, the Da Vinci Xi Dr. Javier added that while robotic Jose, an international proctor for excels where traditional methods fall surgery may involve higher upfront the Da Vinci system, emphasized its short. costs, the long-term benefits—quicker benefits across all age groups. Colorectal surgeon Dr. Mark recovery, fewer complications, and “Women in reproductive, Augustine S. Onglao compared faster return to daily life—make it a perimenopausal, and postmenopausal laparoscopy to “operating with worthwhile investment.

A new era in surgery: Going where the scalpel could not