THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said it is “gravely concerned over heightened tensions in the Middle East” after Israel launched airstrikes against Iran targeting its nuclear facilities.
In a statement, the DFA said its embassies in the region stand ready to assist Filipinos in their jurisdictions. No Filipino has been reported hurt, injured or affected yet as a result of the ongoing operations.
“With the welfare of the people of the Middle East and the Filipinos there in mind, the Philippines urges concerned countries to deescalate and follow the path of peace,” the DFA said.
Some sea-based Filipino workers currently navigating Middle Eastern territories confirmed their agencies had already issued instructions to return home amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Friday responded to Ombudsman Samuel Martires declaring her guilty of indirect contempt and imposing a fine of P30,000 against her for defying the six-month preventive suspension order issued on April 23.
'50-50..
From A1 crimes against humanity in the court’s 23-year history.
It has, however, granted interim release on two occasions for cases involving offenses against the administration of justice under Article 70 of the Rome Statute that covers perjury or false testimony, obstruction of court activities and solicitation of bribes. The defense team made the following submissions: Duterte will not abscond; he will not imperil proceedings
shoulder the lease, not the parents or children," he said.
According to him, the PPP approach is already being used in other sectors and offers a “faster, scalable, and more flexible solution compared to traditional procurement systems.”
The Department of Education is currently in talks with the De-
PBBM...
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“Our thoughts are with every family, across India and beyond, grieving this profound loss. We stand in full solidarity with the people of India in this moment of sorrow,” the President continued.
“May the victims be remembered with dignity, and may the ongoing efforts to understand this tragedy bring comfort and clarity to those left behind,” he added.
Air India said there were 169 Indian passengers, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and a Canadian on board the flight bound for London's Gatwick airport, as well as 12 crew members.
The death toll currently stands at 265, police said.
The lone survivor said Friday how even he was struggling to explain how he miraculously walked out alive from the fireball explosion.
"Everything happened in front of me, and even I couldn't believe how I managed to come out alive from that," British citizen Vishwash Kumar Ramesh said from his hospital bed on Friday, speaking in Hindi to national broadcaster DD News.
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plane, which was full of fuel as it took off for a long-haul flight to London, exploded into a burst of orange flame on Thursday afternoon just after taking off.
Ramesh—who was in seat 11A according to media reports—was the only one aboard the plane not to be killed, with at least 24 others killed on the ground.
His brother was also on the same flight, his family in Britain told reporters.
"Within a minute after takeoff, sud-
In an official statement from the Cebu Provincial Capitol Public Information Office (PIO), Garcia said that the Court of Appeals (CA) issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the six-month preventive suspension order from the Office of the Ombudsman.
"By citing me for indirect contempt, is Ombudsman Martires now
if released; he will not continue to commit crimes; and humanitarian factors militate in favor of interim release.
“If there is a receiving state that is near The Hague, and if they can ensure that Duterte will be able to attend all hearings, that might work in his favor. Ensuring the requirements are meant is half the job,” Conti said in a radio interview.
“We are 50-50 on that note,” she added when asked about the possibility that Duterte’s request could be approved.
The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) strongly urged the
partment of Finance, the Department of Budget and Management, and the PPP Center to fine tune the structure and pilot implementation of the plan.
Once approved, it may open the door for more modern, disasterresilient classrooms built in bulk.
The department aims to prioritize areas most affected by disasters and overcrowding, particularly in relocation sites and fast-growing communities.
Angara said with the partner-
denly... it felt like something got stuck... I realized something had happened, and then suddenly the plane's green and white lights turned on," Ramesh said.
"After that, the plane seemed to speed up, heading straight towards what turned out to be a hospital hostel. Everything was visible in front of my eyes when the crash happened."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to Ramesh on Friday at the hospital where he is being treated for burns and other injuries, footage on his YouTube channel showed.
'About to die'
Ramesh, aged 40, is from the British city of Leicester, according to Britain's Press Association news agency, which spoke with his family at home.
The plane smashed into the buildings just outside the perimeter of the airport.
"Initially, I too thought that I was about to die, but then I opened my eyes and realized that I was still alive," he said.
"I saw the air hostess and aunties and uncles all in front of me," he said, his voice trailing off in emotion, using a term of respect used in India for older people.
"I unfastened my seatbelt and tried to escape, and I did," he said.
"I think the side I was on was not facing the hostel," he added. "Where I landed was closer to the ground and there was space too—and when my door broke—I saw that there was space, and I thought I could try to slip out."
Videos shared on social media showed Ramesh soon after, dressed in a bloodied t-shirt and limping, but walking towards an ambulance.
"My left hand got slightly burnt due to the fire, but an ambulance brought me to the hospital," he said. "The people here are taking good care of me." With AFP
Factors that pushed up oil prices includes the positive US - China trade signals, the stalled US - Iran nuclear negotiations and the expected growth in oil demand until the next 2 1/2 decades based on the statement of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ Secretary General. Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said oil prices have remained elevated this week on optimism around the US-China trade deal, which could support the global economic out-
insisting that he does not respect the temporary restraining order issued by the Court of Appeals?" Garcia asked.
On April 29, the governor received a copy of the Order of the Ombudsman dated April 23 preventively suspending her from office for the duration of the administrative adjudication of the OMB Case-C-A-APR-25-0074, but not to exceed six months.
ICC to reject the interim release application.
“A man once referred to as the most powerful official in the Philippines does not suddenly become powerless,” the NUPL said.
While age and health are relevant, the NUPL said these cannot outweigh the victims’ rights, noting that the ICC’s facilities are “vastly superior” to guarantee his humane treatment.
Family members of Duterte’s drug war victims likewise expressed anger over the interim release request.
In a statement, the Rise Up for Life and for Rights group said Duterte’s
ship, "we might be able to build 10,000 classrooms in just one year—not just ten or twenty."
He acknowledged that while classroom construction is not as headline-grabbing as free tuition or gadgets, it’s one of the most critical investments in basic education.
"It’s not exciting, but if you don’t have a classroom, the child really can’t learn," Angara added.
The classroom shortage remains one of the key bottlenecks
Death...
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Escudero said the House did not act on the measure until the final hours of the last session day on June 11, leaving no time for bicameral deliberations.
Likewise, Sen. Joel Villanueva, chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development, said efforts were made to negotiate with House members to adopt the Senate bill.
"We passed this measure more than a year ago. We were able to get the official third reading copy of the House of Representatives 48 hours before we would adjourn. Yesterday (June 10), we talked to [House] members. They said they were amenable to adopting the Senate version," Villanueva said during the last session day on Wednesday.
The Senate’s version, Senate Bill 2534, called for a P100 daily minimum wage hike for private sector workers nationwide, while the House version proposed a P200 increase, a figure that senators said lacked supporting data on economic impact and business viability.
Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri voiced concern that insisting on a P200 wage hike could prompt a presidential veto and ultimately derail the measure.
“The Senate did its best to fight for the rights and fiscal incentives of having another 100 pesos a day increase. I am disheartened that they don’t want to negotiate with us," he said.
For his part, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada also took aim at House spokesperson, lawyer
look and boost energy demand in the world’s two biggest economies.
“The demand optimism has outweighed worries about increased supply as OPEC+ further unwind its production cuts, with higher oil demand seen within OPEC+ economies over the coming months could offset the additional supply from the group and support oil prices,” he said.
Bellas said pessimism over US-Iran nuclear talks also provided support.
“The geopolitical risks in the Mid-
Meanwhile, the transition team of Cebu governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro released a statement reaffirming respect for due process and the remedies afforded under the law in light of the Ombudsman's ruling.
In a statement from lawyer Edmund Lao, head of Baricuatro’s Transition Committee, the team emphasized that while they acknowledge the
request made the victims' kin worry and feel unsafe.
“There is a big possibility he could use this to speak in public to evade accountability,” the group said. “The families of the drug war victims hope the interim release application will be rejected.”
Former Bayan Muna representative Neri Colmenares, a human rights lawyer, added: “The victims and their legal representatives may still assert their right to submit their opposition to Duterte’s application.”
“If the claim of the defense that the prosecution has agreed to the release on the condition that Duterte will
in the country’s recovery from the pandemic-era learning crisis. Many schools continue to implement double or triple shifts, while others hold classes in makeshift or open-air areas.
Angara said DepEd is taking a multi-pronged approach: addressing teacher shortages, revising the curriculum, and fixing the physical foundations of learning.
"If we want quality education, we also need quality facilities," he stressed.
Princess Abante, for accusing the Senate of blocking the wage hike.
He called Abante’s remarks baseless and said the Senate acted on the measure as early as last year.
Estrada urged Abante to "think before speaking" and maintained that the Senate should not be blamed for the bill’s failure to pass.
On Thursday, Abante said the Upper Chamber refused to convene a bicameral conference committee on the proposed minimum wage hike bills because Senators preferred that their version be adopted.
She accused the Senate of killing the wage hike proposals, even as congressmen were trying to find a compromise between the two wage proposals.
As this developed, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) assured workers that the regional wage boards would continue to fulfill their duties in reviewing petitions for wage increases filed by labor organizations, despite Congress's failure to approve a legislated wage increase.
Labor Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez said that the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) will not waver in their responsibilities, ensuring that the voices of workers are heard and considered in the wage determination process.
"In fact, for the National Capital Region, the process is already underway and we hope that there will be another assessment of whether there is a need to increase and how much the minimum wage rate will increase," he said.
He pointed out that, in the past, bills that fail to pass are often reintroduced in the following Congress, adding that the DOLE would offer technical input.
dle East have pushed prices higher as the escalating US-Iran tension raised fears of supply disruption. Falling US crude inventories has also buoyed prices, and Asian gasoline and diesel price benchmarks remained supported amid the summer demand season as outflows from China have remained contracted due to the ongoing refinery turnarounds,” he said. Bellas cited increased concerns of escalating tensions in the Middle East that could disrupt oil supply.
Ombudsman’s findings, they trust the legal system to ensure justice through proper channels. Despite the controversy, Baricuatro remains fully focused on her preparations for the official turnover on June 30. She continues to meet with sectoral leaders and governance experts to ensure that Cebu’s services are uninterrupted, stable, and people-centered.
abide by his obligations under Annex A is true, there is still an issue because (Nicholas) Kaufman has countered this by submitting another set of obligations that he termed as Annex B. This means there will still be a debate between the prosecutor and the defense as to which set of obligations must be followed before the PTC will decide,” he added.
“We strongly urge the ICC not to grant Duterte’s petition. The threats experienced by victims and their lawyers will surely escalate if Duterte is released. The safety of those seeking justice must be prioritized over the convenience of the accused.”
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She also denied the President had any involvement in the Vice President's recent claims that he was responsible for sending the former President to The Hague.
During a meeting with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Kuala Lumpur, Duterte made pointed remarks while accompanied by Senator Imee Marcos.
"I am not the one who will bring former President Duterte back to the Philippines because your brother, (referring to President Marcos), sent him to The Hague,” she said, addressing Senator Marcos.
"You are the one who should bring him back," she added.
Castro emphasized that President Marcos had no involvement in the vice president's statements nor in any private agreements between her and the presidential sister.
"The President has nothing to do with the contract they entered into, one person who is an abuser and another person who is willing to be abused," she added.
Castro downplayed the remarks as part of a personal understanding between the vice president and Senator Marcos, stressing that the President remains focused on governance.
On Thursday, PHILCONSA chairman, retired Chief Justice Renato Puno, argued that the Senate’s action poses "grave constitutional questions" and undermines the integrity of the impeachment process.
On the constitutional experts' dire views about how Senators are handling the impeachment process, Castro said, "The President respects every opinion of a person or group. As the President said yesterday, the real enemy of freedom is apathy."
However, doubts on Senators’ ability to conduct an impartial impeachment trial is also shared by a member of the House prosecution panel.
Manila Rep. Joel Chua pointed out that at least two senators have openly expressed continued alliance with the Vice President even after taking the oath as judges in her impeachment trial.
In particular, he was referring to Senators Robinhood Padilla and Imee Marcos, who joined Duterte in her trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this week to meet with the Filipino community there.
Chua leads the House committee on good government and public accountability, which investigated Duterte on allegations of corruption linked to her unexplained use of confidential funds, among other issues.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) has called on both chambers of Congress to expedite the settlement of constitutional issues that have led to delays in Duterte’s impeachment trial, so that investors will not perceive the Philippines as politically unstable.
NEWS IN BRIEF
3 OFW trafficking victims repatriated
THREE overseas Filipino workers who were victims of human trafficking were repatriated from Cambodia after being forced to work in scam hubs abroad, according to the Bureau of Immigration.
The victims – two men and a woman – whose names are withheld in compliance with anti-trafficking laws, arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 via a Philippine Airlines flight from Phnom Penh on June 6.
The victims told the BI that they departed the Philippines posing as tourists but were in fact recruited for illegal employment overseas.
The job offer promised them a monthly salary of US$1,000 (more than P55,000), free lodging, and four days off per month.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that upon arrival in Cambodia, the victims received no proper facilitation or support, exposing them to immediate risk. Vito Barcelo
Over 3k Filipinos hired on Independence Day
OVER 3,000 job seekers were hired on the spot during the nationwide job fairs conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment in celebration of the 127th proclamation of Philippine independence on June 12.
The Labor department said a total of 25,876 job seekers participated in the job fairs across 50 sites nationwide, with 3,364 applicants hired on the spot.
Filled positions primarily include cashiers, service crew, production operators, ESL teachers, baggers, sales associates, clerks, production crew, loan officers, and store clerks.
Additionally, 4,676 job seekers were classified as near-hires, pending final evaluations or document submission, while 21,419 were deemed fully qualified for the available positions. Vito Barcelo
LTFRB summons bus firm over PWD assault
THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has summoned a bus firm over supposed abuse of a person with disability inside an EDSA Carousel bus.
The agency said it would issue a show-cause order to Precious Grace Transport after a video went viral showing a PWD being assaulted by a bus conductor and certain passengers aboard one of the company’s units operating along the EDSA Busway.
Based on initial findings by the Department of Transportation’s Surveillance and Action Information Coordinating Team, the unit involved belonged to Precious Grace Transport (NDQ 2615).
The bus driver was identified as Mark Ivan Ramos, while the conductor was Francis Sauro. Rio N. Araja
RICE FOR MINIMUM WAGE WORKERS. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and officials from the Department of Labor and Employment launch the ‘Benteng Bigas Meron Na’ project at the Manila Harbor Center in Tondo, Manila on Friday, June 13, 2025. Norman Cruz
Expanded 20/k rice program starts
By Othel V. Campos
THE Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor and Employment on Friday launched the nationwide rollout of the P20/kilo rice for minimum wage earners.
Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative was not just about rice as a commodity.
“It’s about dignity. It’s about proving that the government can deliver to the Filipinos who need it most. We are fulfilling President Marcos’ promise of affordable food, subsidized for now, but ideally self-
REWARD FOR TIPSTERS. Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III leads the ceremonial awarding of a total of P2,295,000 in monetary rewards to individuals whose crucial tips led to the successful arrest of wanted persons involved in serious crimes.
sustaining in the future through agricultural modernization,” he said.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the program’s expansion to include minimum wage earners was a significant step in supporting the nation’s most at-risk sectors.
“That’s what President Bongbong
Marcos Jr. wants, for everyone to benefit. It would mean a lot for a minimum wage earner to buy rice at P20 per kilo. If they’re allowed 10 kilos, they could save P100 or P200, which they could use on other essentials. It would greatly help their purchasing power,” he said.
According to DOLE, around 120,000 minimum wage earners from more than 500 establishments nationwide will initially benefit from the DA-DOLE partnership, and the number is expected to grow as more employers join the program.
Dubbed “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na,” the initiative was first launched in
Gatchalian urges DOH action on disease spread in PAOCC detention
SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday called on the Department of Health to swiftly contain the reported spread of contagious diseases among Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) workers held in a government detention facility.
“The spread of contagious diseases among POGO workers in Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission
BRIDGE PROGRESS. Construction continues on the 1.34-km. Bucana Bridge in Davao City as seen on Friday, June 13, 2025. The infrastructure project is expected to be completed before the end of the year.
Robinson Niñal Jr.
(PAOCC) custody demands urgent action from the DOH, including immediate containment, quarantine protocols, and the provision of proper healthcare to prevent further transmission,”
Gatchalian said in a statement.
“Alternative facilities must be identified to ensure humane detention and effective disease control,” he added. Authorities recently reported a
surge of infections inside a holding facility managed by PAOCC, where hundreds of foreign nationals allegedly involved in illegal POGO operations are being detained.
Gatchalian said the government must treat the outbreak seriously but warned against using it as a reason to delay law enforcement efforts.
“This health issue, however, must not
be used as an excuse to suspend antiPOGO operations. Once cleared by the DOH, these POGO workers must be immediately deported,” he said.
Gatchalian underscored the urgency of sustaining the crackdown against illegal POGOs, many of which have been linked to crimes such as human trafficking, cyber fraud, and illegal detention.
Cebu on May 1, Labor Day. The rice is sourced from the National Food Authority’s (NFA) reserves which are purchased from local farmers. Now on its pilot phase, the program will run through December, targeting up to 14 million Filipinos, including solo parents, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and indigent individuals. President Marcos has directed the DA to sustain and expand the program through the end of his term in 2028, while lawmakers have also expressed support, with projections that up to 60 million Filipinos could benefit.
PH to beef up laundering, terror finance efforts—DOJ
By Pot Chavez
THE Department of Justice vowed Friday to continue its relentless implementation of policies and measures to advance economic integrity by combating money laundering and terrorism financing activities.
The DOJ made this remark following the country’s removal from the European Commission (EC) list of “high-risk jurisdictions.”
“This accomplishment is an affirmation of our government’s unyielding stand against money laundering and terrorism financing. It will also serve as a catalyst for the DOJ to further strengthen the rule of law not just within the Philippines but even at a global stage,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
The Philippines is among the countries that have effectively addressed their technical deficiencies on antimoney laundering/counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT), according to the EC, which is the European Union’s politically independent executive arm.
Torre: Streamline gun permit renewals
By Vince Lopez
an interview on
Nicolas Torre III said
to fully computerize the process of renewing the license to own and possess firearms and firearm registration for gun owners.
To date, applicants still have to personally go to Camp Crame to avail of this service.
“I will be talking to the CSG (Civil Security Group) to make the renewal and even the procurement, then the permit to carry
firearms outside of residence for our kababayans to be more accessible because while it is not explicitly stated that it is a right to own firearms, it is certainly a privilege,” Torre said.
“Those interested to own and possess firearms and even carry them outside of their residence, once they pass the stringent requirements of the law, well, I see no reason for them to be denied that privilege,” he added.
The CSG is the PNP office in charge of administrative and operational control in regulating firearms, explosives, and private security industries.
Gensets to end Siquijor power woes
AONE-MEGAWATT generator set has arrived on Siquijor to shore up the island province’s power supply upon orders of President Marcos who recently visited the place.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) confirmed that a trailer truck carrying the genset from Sta. Rosa, Laguna reached the island early. Thursday morning aboard MV Martin 7 of the Maayo Shipping Lines. The equipment, bearing plate number
IN BRIEF
NHE 6226, was delivered to the Siquijor Island Power Corp. plant in Barangay Tignao, Lazi. It has a rated capacity of one megawatt (MW) and a dependable capacity of 0.85 MW.
The machine is expected to raise the island’s available electricity supply to 7.75 MW, significantly narrowing the
FILIPINIANA
GOES TO BEIJING.
gap between current supply and peak demand, which stands at 9 MW.
As of 11 a.m. Thursday, total power output on the island was 6.9 MW, barely enough to cover off-peak consumption. With the new genset in place, the shortfall during peak hours would be reduced to just 1.25 MW.
The President flew to Siquijor on Wednesday to see for himself the power crisis plaguing the island province, impacting on households and businesses, notably the developing tourism industry.
Authorities said power interruptions will likely be avoided during
off-peak hours, while limited rotational brownouts lasting one to two hours may still occur at night until full capacity is restored.
Another genset with a two-MW capacity was also en route to Siquijor from Palawan, scheduled to arrive Friday evening with full installation and commissioning expected within 48 hours.
Local, officials said the island could have enough capacity to meet peak electricity demand by June 15, potentially ending the debilitating rotational brownouts.
Tie-up bolsters OFWs’ human rights protection
By Rio N. Araja
THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) have partnered to enhance human rights protection of over 10 million overseas Filipino workers and their families at the home front.
In a recent celebration of the 30th Migrant Workers’ Day, CHR chairman Richard Palpal-latoc and DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac inked a memorandum of agreement to strengthen human rights protection through increased awareness efforts, provision of free legal and psychosocial services via legal clinic caravans, and delivery of timely assistance against abuse, exploitation, and trafficking cases.
The tie-up also covers mechanisms for joint quick response operations in the event of human rights violations, collaborative research and policy development to inform on new programs, and inclusive consultations to ensure that the Filipino migrant workers’ voices are meaningfully represented in policy-making.
“Allow me to reaffirm that the Commission on Human Rights is steadfast in its commitment to ensure that Filipino migrant workers are not forgotten and left behind but recognized, celebrated, and protected. Their rights are not mere declarations and principles on paper. Instead, these are acknowledged, exercised and upheld at all times,” Palpal-latoc said.
Cacdac, for his part, cited the importance of a rights-based approach to ensure the welfare of the so-called modern-day heroes.
Malolos launches new multipurpose complex
MALOLOS City, Bulacan—Mayor Christian Natividad inaugurated on Thursday a milestone sports and recreation complex, marking a transformative era in Malolos City’s urban and youth development.
Strategically located in the sprawling 10-hectare government center at the heart of the Bulacan capital, this project was designed as a tribute to the dynamic spirit and potential of freedom-loving Filipino youth.
The multi-purpose facility is a first-of-its-kind in the province. It offers a comprehensive line-up of sports gear that cater to all age groups and interests. But the arena goes beyond just sports. At its core, is a cultural and community hub.
An open-air amphitheater within the grounds will serve as a stage for artistic expression, hosting concerts, theatrical performances, cultural shows, and community gatherings. It’s a space designed to nurture the talents and aspirations of Bulakenyos while promoting unity, heritage, and identity. Orlan Mauricio
Navy delivers food packs to Balut Island
THE Philippine Navy’s BRP Tagbanua has delivered 2,000 family food packs to Balut Island in Sarangani, Davao Occidental from June 9 to June 11, 2025.
The initiative was spearheaded by Joint Task Force (JTF) Sinaya, under the operational control of Task Force Seahawk.
The food packs, courtesy of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 11, were transported from Davao City to Barangay Mabila.
According to Navy, these provisions were crucial for replenishing the municipality’s dwindling supplies and supporting ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) efforts. Rex Espiritu
MMDA preps Mabuhay Lanes for EDSA rehab
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) resumed its road-clearing drive Friday by going after illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions along Mabuhay Lanes which are eyed as alternative routes during the massive rehabilitation of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA).
The EDSA Rebuild project, set to begin on June 13, was ordered postponed by President Marcos, citing the need for comprehensive rerouting plans and readiness of local government units to handle traffic disruptions.
The latest operation conducted by the MMDA Special Operations Group-Strike Force resulted in the removal of illegally parked motorcycles and vehicles and other types of road and sidewalk obstructions in Anda Circle, Mel Lopez Boulevard, and Moriones Street, all in Manila.
At least 30 drivers were issued citation tickets, while 14 vehicles were towed to the MMDA impounding site in Tumana, Marikina City. Owners of illegally parked cars were slapped with a P1,000 fine, while unattended parked vehicles will be fined P2,000. Joel E. Zurbano
To celebrate the 127 th year of Philippine independence, the Philippine Embassy in Baijing, China under Ambassador Jaime Florcruz in Beijing plays host to the minority Filipino community with a gala presentation of time-honored Filipino culture, traditional songs and dances, as well as timeless dishes which have captured the imagination of foreigners.
PH embassy in Beijing plays host to Pinoys
BEIJING, China—The Philippine embassy here treated the minority Filipino community in China to an evening of music, food, and nostalgia to celebrate the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence.
With the theme “Kalayaan 2025: Diwa sa Pagkakaisa at Paghilom ng Bayan,” the Philippine embassy offered its guests a vintage-themed evening reception not only to remember the past, but also to inspire the Filipino community from the lessons from the nation’s heroes.
“I, along with the entire staff of the embassy, am glad to have you join us in celebrating the 127 th year of Phlippine Independence,” Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz said in Filipino.
“It has been over a century since we gained our independence from more than 300 years of colonial rule under Spain. Our forebears fought hard for our freedom, gave up their lives in the name of nationhood and sovereignty,” he said.
By Vince Lopez
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III gave assurance that there will be no discrimination of generals in the service who graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), citing his preference on merit over the educational institution where they came from.
PMA graduates usually held key ranks and posts in the PNP even if they are outnumbered by the PNPA, which occasionally drove a wedge between the alumni from the two academies.
“I don’t think it’s a good practice to favor somebody because of the source of commission rather than the merits of track records that they did when they were in the service,” Torre said.
He said he has no problem whatsoever working with anyone even if he is a fellow “Lakan or a Cavalier.”
Lakan is the term for PNPA graduates, while, Cavalier and PMAer referred to graduates of the elite military academy in Baguio City.
Torre cited Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., PNP deputy chief for administration, as an example.
Nartatez was a member of the Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992, as well as PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Robert Rodriguez who belonged to the PMA Sambisig Class of 1991.
“The key directorial staffs are manned by PMAers,” Torre noted.
OPINION
Why bother trying?
By Rolando Ng III
THIS impeachment trial has been a waste.
When Senate President Chiz Escudero deferred the date of convening the chamber as an impeachment court to June 11, many who longed to see Sara in the hands of an impartial trial were furious. Their rage has been directed towards the delay, given that the House has transmitted the verified complaint in February. Escudero blamed the House for the long and wide timeframe. I surmised he saw Congress’ lengthy period of inaction to the other three complaints. But, no, he accused it of being ‘subservient’ to House Speaker Romualdez -- the last to sign the fourth impeachment complaint.
I thought the people made it clear at the onset, before the elections and even until today -- Sara Duterte has to be tried in the Senate.
Monday came. That morning’s skin-wrenching weather did not stop impeachment complainants from holding their protest across the Senate building in Pasay City. The groups present, including Mamamayang Liberal and Akbayan, occupied the MoAbound lane of the Diokno Boulevard in reminding the Senate of its Constitutional duty. It did not take long for them to be noticed by Escudero, who dismissed their cries for a trial.
The Duterte camp was still anxious about the probability of having her seated in the Senate trial. Robin “Mr. Wonderful” Padilla was in his zesty energy to say he planned to file a resolution which would dismiss the impeachment trial. After all, he was taking advantage of the poor’s cluelessness in his defense, support, and appraisal of his savior, the old man in The Hague.
But a brave step was made later in the day: the Senate minority plotted to immediately convene the Senate as an impeachment court to allow the Vice President’s House case to be heard finally. Pimentel detailed seven motions, equal in anxiety, that would do such an act to the Senate floor. Risa Hontiveros seconded the motion. Of course, there is no more appropriate time to have this conducted, not even when the 20th Congress finally starts convening. Suddenly, Digong’s luminaries be-
gan to stand up and made various attempts to kill the impeachment trial on the floor. Dela Rosa, in particular, made impassioned speeches using his perceived legal bases to persuade the complaint is “Constitutionally flawed.” He had to do so with all his might to convince the public that Sara, for all her grave faults and sins, remains innocent. They didn’t want to lose the Duterte influence, which she largely holds.
The Senate has to finish the impeachment trial
And while they may have convened themselves as an impeachment court, it did not stop the Senate from asking the Lower House to review the details of the complaint. They wanted them to prove the fourth complaint has not been met with a one-year ban. The lengthy debates and compromises by Senator Alan Cayetano, which would interestingly allow the trial to proceed, gave the Duterte camp the benefit.
The trial has been long overdue. It has been far too long for that process to be conducted and heard; the Duterte camp – Bato dela Rosa, Imee Marcos, “Mr. Wonderful” -- only worsened that great delay. Will this long saga be extended until Sara Duterte be deemed innocent via technicality?
The House has to be blamed, yes. For not acting on the first three complaints. Chiz Escudero has to be blamed for sure, he was procrastinating on them while he had the time and power to do so. But the Senate majority has to be rebuked greatly for not hearing the demand of accountability from Sara Duterte’s cases.
These being said, the Senate has to finish the impeachment trial. Otherwise, Sara Duterte will turn herself in with unrepentant shame as the first vice president to be barred from public office. And that is what the DDS prays to avoid — justice over Sara’s corruption.
(The author tries to cure his haywire from his personal grind as he writes essays away from the news. For comments, you may reach him at ngrolando2003@yahoo.com.)
By attacking Iran, Israel brazenly defies ‘man of peace’ Trump
WASHINGTON, DC – US President
Donald Trump on Thursday implored Israel not to attack Iran and declared once again his goal was to be a peacemaker.
Hours later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, one of Trump’s closest international allies, brazenly defied his advice by unleashing a major military campaign described as a “preemptive” strike against Iran’s nuclear program.
The attack marks only the latest setback for Trump’s lofty goal set out at the start of his second term of being a “man of peace.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom Trump has also boasted a warm relationship, has rebuffed his overtures on a ceasefire with Ukraine.
And Israel resumed another massive offensive in Gaza after talks bogged down on extending a ceasefire with Hamas reached with Trump’s support at the end of his predecessor Joe Biden’s term.
Trump’s friend and roving envoy Steve Witkoff -- who has negotiated in all three crises -- had been set to meet Iranian officials again Sunday in Oman.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement made clear the United States was not involved in attacking Iran and
warned Tehran not to retaliate against US troops in the region. Rubio said that Israel advised that it attacked out of “self-defense,” but conspicuously did not say if the United States agreed. Trump, hours before the strikes, doubled down with a social media post saying he remained “committed to a diplomatic resolution” on Iran.
Trump’s Democratic rivals, who mostly backed his diplomacy on Iran, were aghast at Israel’s action on the eve of new US-Iran talks
Netanyahu has described Iran’s cleric-run government, which backs Hamas, as an existential threat and already last year ordered strikes that knocked out its air defenses.
“We’ve clearly seen a fork in the road in the American and Israeli approaches to this problem set,” said Dana Stroul, a former senior Pentagon official who is a senior fellow at the
the Philippine peso sign, leaving behind a cloud of dust. In the dust is Juan dela Cruz, choked by the smoke, wearing a native hat called salakot.
Focus on rising sea level
THE five-day Ocean Summit in Nice, France ended Friday, with participants going away with echoes of their discussions and proposals on how to address rising sea level and the need for global action.
The Third UN Ocean Conference in the second-largest French city on the Mediterranean coast, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, had ripples again on the rising sea levels in the Pacific islands which include the Philippines, an archipelagic nation of 7,641 islands, which has disconcerting coastal vulnerability.
This boundless coastline length of 36,289 kilometers, due to the country’s archipelagic nature, is the fifthlongest in the world, with about 60 percent of the Philippine population residing along the coast, where most of the larger cities and population centers are.
Results from the global leaders’ discussions in Nice may not be immediately translucent in the next couple of years, but at least they have focused on accelerating action and mobilizing actions to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, which covers about 71 percent of the Earth’s surface.
This area includes the vast majority
Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
“These strikes are going to disrupt and delay and degrade Iran’s nuclear program. The question, I think, is whether or not the United States and Israel in the future are going to work together on what to do to maximize the time that’s put back on the clock,” she said.
Stroul noted that rifts had been building between Israel and Trump, who last month agreed to remove sanctions on Syria after former Islamist guerrilla Ahmed al-Sharaa swept into power.
Trump embraced the new Syrian leader after appeals on a tour of Gulf Arab monarchies -- which have also backed diplomacy on Iran.
In Qatar last month, Trump said after meeting the emir that he believed
of the Earth’s water, with about 96.5 percent of all water contained within the oceans, according to NASA Earth Observatory.
We know world leaders are determined to address the rising sea level and other issues affecting the ocean
We are particularly interested in the issue of rising sea level in the Philippines, which is wrestling with the impact of rolling up sea levels, with recent studies showing some coastal areas have experienced sea level rise rates faster than the global average. The Quezon City-based Climate Tracker Asia has said jumping
a deal was in sight with Iran and that there would be no “nuclear dust” over the region. Despite growing disagreements, Israel enjoys robust support in Trump’s right-wing base.
The Trump administration in recent days has again taken lonely positions to back Israel, with the United States casting one of the only votes at the UN General Assembly against a Gaza ceasefire resolution and criticizing top allies, including Britain, for imposing sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers.
Justin Logan, director of defense and foreign policy at the libertarian Cato Institute, said the Israeli attack will “destroy US diplomatic efforts” on Iran and called for Trump to reject any US military role in protecting Israel from retaliation.
levels in the Philippines has been increasing 5-7 mm per year, outpacing the global average rate from 3.6 mm per year in the 2006-2015 period to 4.5 mm per year in 2023. Coastal areas in the east of Samar and Leyte, southwestern Central and Western Visayas, eastern Mindanao, and southern Zamboanga have experienced sea level rise at a rate of 4.5 to 5 mm per year.
Natural ocean patterns, like El Niño Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation, as well as human activities have contributed to the significant increase in sea level.
A study in 2016 found that sea levels in Metro Manila, with about 14 million inhabitants or 12 percent of the country’s population of 117 million, have risen rapidly, but noted this could be influenced by land subsidence, or when the ground sinks over time, due to excessive groundwater extraction. The increase has also been attributed to a combination of natural ocean patterns and human-induced climate change as the seas encroach on the shores and coastal areas, jabbed by increasing threats of flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion.
We rest our case in the determined efforts of world leaders to address the rising sea level and other issues affecting the ocean.
“Israel has the right to choose its own foreign policy. At the same time, it has the responsibility to bear the costs of that policy,” he said.
But lawmakers in Trump’s Republican Party quickly rallied behind Israel. Senator Tom Cotton said that the United States should “back Israel to the hilt, all the way,” and topple Iran’s Islamic Republic if it targets US troops.
Trump’s Democratic rivals, who mostly backed his diplomacy on Iran, were aghast at Israel’s action on the eve of new US-Iran talks.
“Israel’s alarming decision to launch airstrikes on Iran is a reckless escalation that risks igniting regional violence,” said Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Forces Committee. AFP
up sea
This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format of a reptilian figure, green
with
Israel hits Iran nuclear sites
TEHRAN – Israel unleashed a wave of strikes on Iran Friday, hitting about 100 targets including nuclear facilities and military command centers, and killing senior figures, among them the armed forces chief and top nuclear scientists.
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Israel it faced a “bitter and painful” fate over the attacks, while the Iranian military said there were “no limits” to its response.
The Israeli military said later Iran launched around 100 drones in retaliation, with air defenses intercepting them outside Israeli territory.
Neighboring Jordan said it intercepted drones and missiles that violated its airspace, as air raid sirens sounded in Am-
man. US President Donald Trump told Fox News he had prior knowledge of the Israeli strikes, which Israel said involved 200 fighter jets. Trump also stressed that Tehran “cannot have a nuclear bomb”.
The United States underlined that it was not involved in the Israeli action and warned Iran not to attack its personnel or interests.
But Tehran said Washington would be “responsible for consequences” as Isra-
el’s operation “cannot have been carried out without the coordination and permission of the United States”.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel struck at the “heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program,” taking aim at the atomic facility in Natanz and nuclear scientists.
Netanyahu has vowed less restraint since the unprecedented Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Tehran-backed Hamas, which triggered the massive Israeli offensive in Gaza.
Since the Hamas attack, Iran and Israel have traded direct attacks for the first time.
Aside from Hamas, Israel is also battling Iranian proxies Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Huthis in Yemen.
The strikes would “continue as many
days as it takes”, the Israeli leader said, while the military said intelligence showed Iran was approaching the “point of no return” on its nuclear programme.
The strikes killed Iran’s highest-ranking military officer, armed forces chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri, and the head of the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami, Iranian media reported.
“The precise targeting of senior commanders of the Revolutionary Guards, the Iranian military, and nuclear scientists -— all of whom were involved in advancing the plan to destroy Israel -— sends a strong and clear message: those who work toward Israel’s destruction will be eliminated,” Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said. AFP
Manhandling of US senator ups tensions
LOS ANGELES – California’s stand-off with President Donald Trump’s administration ratcheted up Thursday, after a sitting US senator was handcuffed and forcibly removed from a press conference on immigration raids that have spurred days of protests.
The shocking incident, which came after the Republican president sent troops into Los Angeles over the objections of local and state officials, was swiftly slammed by furious Democrats who said it “reeks of totalitarianism.”
Video footage shows Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat, being pushed from the room at a federal building in Los Angeles as he tried to ask Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about the raids.
“I’m Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary,” he said as two men grappled with him in front of journalists, including from AFP.
Footage filmed by Padilla’s staff outside the room shows the senator being pushed to the ground and handcuffed.
Democratic-led California is currently embroiled in battles with the White House on several fronts, with Governor Gavin Newsom branding Trump “dictatorial” as his lawyers prepared to face off with the administration over the deployment of 4,700 troops to the city.
“If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question... you can only imagine what they’re doing to farm workers, to cooks, to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community,” Padilla told reporters later at a press conference. AFP
‘Avoid escalation’: World reacts to Israel strike on Iran
Here
are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see.” Fox News also reported that “Trump noted the US is ready to defend itself and Israel if Iran retaliates.”
UN chief Antonio Guterres asked “both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford,” according to a spokesperson.
WITHIN REACH.
A man marches with a flag with an anti-Israel slogan during a protest against Israel’s wave of strikes on Iran in central Tehran on Friday. Israel hit about 100 targets in Iran 13, including nuclear facilities and military command centers and killing senior figures including the armed forces chief and top nuclear scientists. AFP
22 police hurt in latest anti-immigrant clashes
LONDON – A fourth night of anti-immigrant unrest in Northern Ireland left another 22 officers injured, police said Friday, as violent protests spread to a second town.
Firing plastic bullets, police sought to drive back several hundred people who had gathered in the town of Portadown -- some 80 kilometers southeast of Ballymena, where an alleged sexual assault that sparked the violence took place, according to an AFP correspondent on the scene.
“Last night in Portadown police came
under sustained attack from rioters throwing masonry and other missiles,” said Ryan Henderson, Assistant Chief Constable with the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
“Twenty-two officers were injured and I am so grateful to them for their bravery and selfless dedication in protecting the community of Portadown from this criminality,” he added.
Three nights of unrest had already hit Ballymena, some 48 kilometers northwest of Belfast, leaving a trail of damage, with 63 police officers now injured and
15 people arrested. Two more people, a woman in her 50s and a man in his 30s, were arrested on suspicion of riotous behavior and other offenses in connection with Thursday’s disorder.
The clashes first erupted on Monday night after two teenagers were arrested for the alleged attempted rape of a young girl at the weekend.
Police have not confirmed the ethnicity of the teenagers, who remain in custody and had asked for a Romanian interpreter in court. AFP
DEVASTATING TOLL. Women mourn their relatives killed the previous day after Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area, while waiting outside hospital mortuary in Ahmedabad on Friday. Rescue teams with sniffer dogs combed the crash site the ill-fated Londonbound passenger jet which ploughed into a residential area of India’s Ahmedabad city, killing 265 people on board and on the ground. AFP
Thousands evacuated as typhoon nears south China – state media
Guterres was “particularly concerned” by Israel’s strikes on nuclear installations amid the ongoing US-Iran negotiations.
“The Chinese side... is deeply worried about the severe consequences that such actions might bring,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, calling “on relevant parties to take actions that promote regional peace and stability and to avoid further escalation of tensions”. Czech Republic Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said Iran “is supporting so many players, including the Hezbollah and Hamas movements, with the intention to destroy the state of Israel, and also seeking a nuclear bomb”, that “I see that this was a reasonable reaction from the state of Israel towards a possible threat of a nuclear bomb”.
“We call on all sides to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could undermine regional stability,” France’s foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on X. AFP
P. Penh tells troops to stay on ‘alert’
PHNOM PENH – Cambodia ordered its troops to stay on “full alert” Friday in its ongoing border spat with Thailand, as it ordered television stations and cinemas to stop showing Thai dramas. On the eve of a meeting between the two sides aimed at defusing tensions following deadly clashes last month, Cambodia shut off internet connections routed through Thailand, leaving some users complaining of slow speeds.
Violence flared on May 28 in an area known as the Emerald Triangle, where the borders of Cambodia, Thailand and Laos meet, with one Cambodian soldier killed. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a Facebook post on Thursday night that Cambodia was disconnecting all internet bandwidth from Thailand.
The ministries of information and cultures also ordered television stations and cinemas to stop airing Thai TV series. AFP
North Korea launches repaired destroyer
SEOUL – A North Korean naval destroyer damaged in a botched launch last month was successfully set afloat on a second attempt, with leader Kim Jong Un presiding, state media said Friday.
A ceremony for the ship baptized the Kang Kon — after a top North Korean general killed in the 1950-53 war — was held on Thursday at the Rajin shipyard, up the coast from where the botched attempt occurred, according to Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency.
“Just over two weeks since the accident, the ship was safely raised and floated, and today, as planned, complete restoration has been finished,” Kim said, according to KCNA.
Kim has also approved a plan to build two more destroyer-class vessels next year, the agency added. The decision “heralds a significant and dramatic change in the status and defence activities of (our) Navy,” Kim said, according to KCNA. AFP
China blaming Japan ‘unacceptable’ — Tokyo
TOKYO – Tokyo’s defense minister said Friday it was “unacceptable” for China to blame Japan for close encounters between their military planes over the Pacific high seas last weekend.
Japan says recent Chinese military activities in the Pacific — where Beijing’s two operating aircraft carriers were sighted simultaneously for the first time — reveal its intent to improve operational capacity in remote areas.
Chinese officials have hit back, calling the carrier outings routine training. Japanese forces must “through warning and surveillance show Japan’s will and capability to deter any attempt of changing the status quo by force unilaterally”, the defense minister Gen Nakatani told reporters on Friday. Japan says Chinese fighter jets from the Shandong aircraft carrier flew “unusually close” — within 45 meters — to a Japanese military patrol plane on Saturday and Sunday. AFP
Spaun seizes US Open lead
as
OScheffler, McIlroy struggle
AKMONT—J.J. Spaun matched the best fi rst round in a US Open at Oakmont to grab a one-stroke lead after 18 holes while Scottie Scheffl er and Rory McIlroy were among many stars who struggled.
Spaun defied Oakmont’s fearsome reputation by conjuring a bogey-free, four-under par 66 -- his lowest round in nine major championship starts.
The 34-year-old American equaled the lowest first round of any US Open at Oakmont, a 66 by American Andrew Landry in 2016, producing only the eighth bogey-free US Open round at the Pennsylvania club hosting for a record 10th time.
“I’m just overly pleased with how I started,” Spaun said. “I hit a lot of good shots and tried to capitalize on any birdie opportunities, which aren’t very many out here.
“But I scrambled really well, too, which is a huge component to playing well at a US Open, let alone shoot a bogey-free round.”
Spaun started on the back nine, birdied four of his first eight holes, then parred his way to the clubhouse, his first-nine 31 a best for an Oakmont US Open.
“This is probably one of my better putting rounds all season,” Spaun said.
He salvaged pars after finding the Church Pew bunker at the fourth hole and a bunker at the sixth.
“Those are huge, especially at a US Open, to keep your round going and not go the other way,” Spaun said.
South African Thriston Lawrence was second on 67 with South Koreans Kim Si-woo and Im Sung-jae on 68 with five-time major winner Brooks Kopeka.
“I definitely think it was gettable,” Koepka said of the course.
American Koepka sank a 42-foot eagle putt at the fourth, made bogeys at the 10th and 14th holes then closed with back-to-back birdies from five feet at 17 and 16 feet at 18.
“I played pretty consistent, drove it really well,” Koepka said. “Iron play was pretty good. When I did miss it, I felt like I missed it in the correct spots.”
World number one Scheffler, trying to win back-toback majors after taking the PGA Championship in May, endured a roller-coaster round of 73 with three
birdies and six bogeys -- his worst opening major round to par.
“I made some silly mistakes out there,” Scheffler said. “But at the same time, I made some key putts and some good momentum saves -- overall just need to be a little sharper.”
Scheffler, whose nine wins last year included Paris
Olympic gold, has won three of his past four starts.
Second-ranked McIlroy, who completed a career Grand Slam by winning the Masters, shot 74. The back-nine starter birdied 11 and 12 but made four bogeys and a double bogey on his second nine.
Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau shot 73 with five bogeys and two birdies.
“Pretty disappointed with how I played,” DeChambeau said.
Six-time US Open runner-up Phil Mickelson, who
turns 55 on Monday, opened with a 74 in his bid to complete a career Grand Slam.
Im briefly had the solo lead at five-under but three bogeys in his last seven holes derailed him.
“I played five-under but ended up at two-under,” Im said. “I planned to shoot under par, so I made the goal.”
Two-time major winner Jon Rahm was in a pack on 69.
“I’m extremely happy,” the Spaniard said. “I played some incredible golf to shoot one-under.” Reed makes an albatross American Patrick Reed made the fourth albatross in US Open history with a three-wood from the fairway from 286 yards on the fourth hole -- the first at any major since Nick Watney in the 2012 US Open at Olympic Club.
“Just happened to be a perfect spot, perfect club,” Reed said. “For it to go obviously is a bonus.” AFP
Modified bike, run courses to test bets in IRONMAN 70.3
WITH a new race course designed to stir up the chase for top honors, the Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay in Olongapo this Sunday (June 15) promises a fast, furious and thrilling battle of physical stamina and mental fortitude.
Race director Julian Valencia confirmed the changes, saying: “We have slightly modified the bike course and introduced a new run route to keep things fresh and exciting.”
The revamped course still features the signature 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21km run, but now with new twists and challenges to test even the most seasoned triathletes.
Subic Bay, long revered as an ideal venue for triathlon events, offers wideopen roads, scenic views and enthusiastic crowd support. But the modifications are set to raise the bar even higher.
The new bike route introduces a more technical layout, with sharper turns, rolling elevations, and extended flat stretches that will demand both tactical precision and sustained power output. Meanwhile, the updated run course winds through more exposed and potentially windswept paths, increasing the mental and physical strain in the final leg of the race.
The organizing Sunrise Events, Inc. has ensured a seamless and safe race experience, marshalling all necessary resources to support athletes throughout. Enhanced safety protocols include additional medical personnel, improved course signage, hydration stations and continuous on-course monitoring.
“The team has worked tirelessly to make this event both memorable and safe. We’ve implemented enhanced safety protocols, including increased medical support, clearer course markings, and continuous monitoring throughout the race to ensure the wellbeing of all participants,” said Valencia.
The IRONMAN 70.3 will also feature heated contests across age-group categories from 18-24 all the way to 75-and-above, with the fight for overall titles expected to go down to the wire. The updated course could serve as a game-changer, favoring strategic racers who can pace themselves well over the new terrain.
Australian Olympic equestrian suspended over horse-whipping video
SYDNEY—Olympian Heath Ryan has been suspended by an “extremely alarmed” Equestrian Australia after a video showed him whipping a horse more than 40 times.
SUBIC—The stage is set for the country’s most exciting youth endurance race as over 150 promising young triathletes head to Subic Bay here today (Saturday, June 14) for the RLC Residences IRONKIDS – a thrilling showcase of strength, stamina and sportsmanship.
This year’s edition continues to build on the momentum of earlier legs, with a highly competitive lineup featuring Filipino athletes and from abroad. From first-timers to rising stars, participants are eager to take on the challenge and make their mark across age-group divisions tailored to their level of development and endurance.
Tensions build in the boys’ and’ girls’ 13-15 age group as a strong lineup of young triathletes gears up to battle it out over the 250m swim, 6km bike, and 2km run starting at 5:45 a.m. at the Subic Bay Boardwalk. Reflecting the event’s growing international appeal, young athletes from France, the United Kingdom, India, Japan, Ireland and South Africa are also in the mix, bringing cultural diversity and international flavor to the race. Participants will compete in other categories, including 11–12 years (200m swim, 4km bike, 1.5km run); 9–10 years (150m swim, 4km bike, 1.5km run); and 6–8 years (100m swim, 2km bike, 1km run).
In addition, relay events for mixed teams in the 6–10 and 11–15 brackets, as well as run-only races, offer more inclusive opportunities for young participants to join the action and experience the thrill of triathlon racing. The IRONKIDS serves as a prelude to the centerpiece Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay, which unfolds tomorrow (Sunday). For many participants, the event marks a first step toward a lifelong journey in endurance sports. RLC
The 66-year-old, who represented Australia in dressage at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, said in a statement he had been acting in the animal’s “best interests”.
The video, originally shared to US-based Facebook account Dressage Hub, showed him striking the stallion repeatedly with a narrator saying the horse was “traumatized in every state”.
Equestrian Australia said it was “extremely alarmed and concerned”.
“Equestrian Australia has imposed a provisional suspension of this person’s membership of Equestrian Australia and their rights, privileges and benefits associated with their membership,” it added.
The ban will remain in place pending an investigation by its integrity unit.
Ryan, a former three-time Australian three-day event champion, defended his actions, saying it had been a “life or death moment” for the horse, named Nico.
He said the six-year-old had always been a “problem child” and was destined for the knackery after an incident with a family friend that left her in intensive care.
“I felt obliged to the horse to just have a look and see if it was possibly salvageable,” he said.
“That video was a life or death moment for Nico and I genuinely had to try my very hardest to see if Nico would consider other options.
“All of this transpired sincerely with the horse’s best interests the sole consideration. Unbelievably, it was so successful for everyone except me with the release of this video.”
He claimed the video was two years old and posted by a disgruntled ex-employee, with Nico now thriving in a new home.
Three-time Olympic dressage gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin missed the Paris Games last year following a different horse-whipping controversy.
The British rider was banned just days before the start of the Olympics after a video emerged showing her repeatedly striking a horse on its legs. AFP
Nishiki talks about crafting dark-themed game soundtrack for first time
SINGAPORE—Yasunori Nishiki, the sound designer behind the official soundtrack of the Gothic Vampire Aesthetic Role-Playing Game (RPG) Silver and Blood, reveals in an interview his experience working on a dark-themed soundtrack for the first time.
Watch his revelations through the interview: https://youtu. be/4L4rEaX8Odo
Yasunori is known for his work on “Octopath Traveler,” “Yu-Gi-Oh!
Master Duel,” and “Monster Retsuden Oreca Battle,” among others, which typically feature upbeat rhythms and lively melodies. On the other hand, Silver and Blood has an overall melancholic theme that evokes darkness, mystery, and otherworldliness.
“I’ve composed music for many RPGs before, but this is my first time working on a title with such a dark overall tone, which made this project a completely new challenge for me. I hope to bring out the best of my abilities and create music that would live up to the game’s artistic vision,” Yasunori shared. MOONTON Games collaborated
with the renowned composer to create an original gothic music soundtrack for Silver and Blood to immerse the players in the dark gothic world of “Children of the Moon,” as they embark on a challenging journey to return to their homeland—the moon.
“When I first saw the Silver and Blood project proposal, I was immediately drawn to its stunning art style, rich worldbuilding, and deep narratives. It’s a work with remarkable depth and content.” He added.
The interview also discussed how Yasunori brought his own musical identity to the project, enhancing the narratives through scene-driven melodies. “In the story segments, the focus is on delivering the narrative to the player. Here, music takes on
a more supportive role, subtly enhancing the mood from the background to help players fully immerse themselves in the story.”
As of writing, Silver and Blood has now surpassed 6 million preregistrations globally! The game is currently in its global pre-registration phase, where fans can unlock milestone rewards by reaching pre-registration targets. The top rewards include 1,000 Moon Tears, 10 Soothing Embrace, and the exclusive Super Special Rare (SSR) Vassal Hati. MOONTON Games also officially announces that the open beta testing for Silver and Blood will be launched on 26 June 2025 to allow fans to explore the breathtaking fantasy world shrouded in darkness. What’s more, players can hear popular Japanese singer Milet sing Silver and Blood’s official theme song, “Broken,” on 13 June! The singersongwriter is known for her hit song “Inside You,” which achieved a Gold status from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). Broken’s official music video will come out soon! Stay tuned for more.
J.J. Spaun of the United States plays a shot from
Heath Ryan
Yasunori Nishiki
SGA says fatigue can’t be a factor in NBA Finals
LOS ANGELES—Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said Thursday there’s no room for fatigue with the Thunder down 2-1 to the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals.
“You got to suck it up,” the NBA Most Valuable Player said, a day after the Pacers rallied in the fourth quarter to seize the lead in the bestof-seven series with a game three victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
“There’s a maximum four games left in the season. It’s what you worked the whole season for. It’s what you worked all summer for.
“To me, the way I see it, you got to suck it up, get it done and try to get a win.”
Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t actually acknowledge that fatigue was a factor as his production faded in the fourth quarter of game three.
The regular-season scoring leader, Gilgeous-Alexander had combined for 72 points in games one and two, including 34 in Oklahoma City’s game-two win.
But he finished Wednesday with 24 points -- just three in the fourth quarter -- and committed six turnovers, his most ever in a playoff game.
“I think we’re trying to make it tough on him,” said Indiana’s Andrew Nembhard, who has been effective defending Gilgeous-Alexander. “The biggest thing is just you’re persistent, trying to make it tough on him. It’s a team job. We all have to be locked in and tied together on that end of the floor to get it done.”
But Gilgeous-Alexander said he was “not too sure” fatigue played a role when Indiana out-scored OKC 32-18 in the fourth quarter.
“I don’t think so,” he said. “It’s a physical game. We’ve had plenty of physical games. We’ve had games like that where I’ve been great late, games where I’ve stunk late.” All he can do, he added, was stick to his own game. AFP
Obiena bombs out of Oslo tilt, eyes redemption in Stockholm
SSC beats ‘well-funded’ school for promising guard Esperanza
PROMISING guard Mark Esperanza has committed to bring his act to Recto-based San Sebastian College-Recoletos Staglets for the coming NCAA season. Getting the 5’11” crafty playmaker from Adamson was not a small victory for the SSC-R management.
It was a huge one since the 18-year-old Esperanza was a former Finals MVP in the UAAP Juniors and one of the prolific scorers of the Gilas Boys.
“He’s a big addition for the Staglets, and hopefully for the Stags,” said team patron Jackson Chua on Thursday at the family’s Red Dynasty restaurant in Manila, “We’re very happy he considered SSC as his second home.” Not only that. SSC also beat out wellfunded schools from the UAAP for the opportunity to have a smart and creative guard in their roster.
“Gusto lang naman ng bata na maglaro at makamtan ang pangarap niya sa buhay, so we will give all the opportunities for him to attain his goal,” added Chua, who is being helped out by former PBL team manager Bernard Yang in his effort to rebuild both the Stags and Staglets.
Esperanza, who once suited up for UP Integrated School and Arellano High School before transferring to the San Marcelino-based school, normed 16.64 points, 5.79 assists, 4.93 rebounds, and 1.57 steals in Season 87, numbers that helped the Baby Falcons reach the semis once again.
With Esperanza’s arrival, Chua and Yang are confidence the Staglets can improve on their 3-6 win-loss record in Season 100.
Esperanza is being groomed to be a key part of the Stags in Season 102.
By Peter Atencio
WORLD no. 4 Ernest John “EJ” Obiena came up emptyhanded at the Oslo Bislett Games in Norway early Friday morning (Manila time).
The 29-year-old Obiena missed out on all his three attempts at the opening height of his choice at 5.62 meters in the Norwegian leg of the Wanda Diamond League tournament. This put him out of contention early, with his result declared a no-mark for failing to get a valid jump.
Obiena’s failed bid comes days after a fifthplace finish at the FBK Games in Hengelo, Netherlands.
The 6’2” Obiena will now try to redeem himself as he prepares for his next event, the Bauhaus-Galan in Stockholm, Sweden, which is set
this Sunday, June 15. World No. 1 and reigning Olympic champion Armand Duplantis of Sweden claimed the gold medal, his seventh this year. Duplantis jumped to a new meet record of 6.15 meters, four months after setting a world record at 6.27 meters.
Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis, now ranked world no. 2, took the silver with a 5.82-meter clearance. Australia’s Kurtis Marschall, currently at no. 6 in the world, settled for the bronze with 5.72 meters.
Short turnaround for Alas Pilipinas after impressive sweep of Invitationals
AMID the celebrations of the Philippine sweep of the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals, head coach Angiolino Frigoni reiterated the need to temper expectations with much tougher events lined up and only three months left before the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025.
“I don’t know if we have enough time,” the 71-year-old Italian coach said when asked about the Philippine team’s preparations for the worlds the country is hosting from September 12 to 28. “We will do our best to be good there.” Frigoni praised the team for a splendid performance in the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals with the Marck Espejo-led squad closing the event with a victory— a fiveset thriller against the Thailand na-
tional team on Independence Day at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“The three matches [Invitationals], we had bad moments,” he said. “But we didn’t give up. We stay there and we play. And that is what I like.”
Owa Retamar was steady as usual, Steven Rotter was consistent throughout, Louie Ramirez proved to be an impact player, while Peng Taguibolos and Kim Malabunga provided a steady net defense and great support on offense as Alas Pilipinas scored four-set wins over South Korean club Hyundai Capital Skywalkers and Indonesian pro league champion Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi.
Frigoni said he is pleased Alas Pilipinas, ranked No. 59 in the world, is closing the gap on its regional rivals but noted it’s much different on the
world stage as the hosts play No. 16 Iran, 22nd-ranked Egypt and No. 39 Tunisia in pool play of the world championship.
“You know which ranking you are in the world, right?” Frigoni stressed. “We are going to compete against Iran in the world championship. Against Egypt that I know very well because I was coaching there a long time ago.
“And again Tunisia. So they are in another level of ranking and in another level of volleyball,” he said.
“But I think that we can be close to them because also last year we were far from Thailand. And now we are more close,” he said. “I mean, today we win, tomorrow we can lose, but we are close to them. You know, and that for me is very important.”
Esperanza poses with (from left) team patron Jackson Chua, Stags coach Rob Labagala and Bernard Yang.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ball against Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter in Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. AFP
Ernest John Obiena
Coach Angiolino Frigoni
PUBLIC SERVICES.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) participates in the two-day Pampamahalaang Programa at Serbisyo on June 11 to 12, 2025 at the Rizal Park in Manila, as part of the 127th Philippine Independence Day celebration. The DOT joined over 50 national government agencies and offices, with nearly 150 booths collectively showcasing a wide range of public services and government programs aimed at bringing essential services closer to the people.
$18.67 billion
$84.33 billion
BDO heads bank syndicate for P150-b MTerra Solar loan
By Jenniffer B. Austria
BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) is spearheading the financing for the P150 billion project loan facility for MTerra Solar, a large integrated solar and battery energy storage project under development in Luzon.
$27.53 billion
BDO is the largest lender in a sixbank syndicate financing the project.
Other lenders include Security Bank Corp., China Banking Corp., Philippine National Bank, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. and Bank of the Philippine Islands.
The renewable energy initiative, a project of Terra Solar Philippines Inc. (TSPI), aims to supply clean power to an estimated 2.4 million Filipino households. Located across Nueva
ESTATE TAX. Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. checks on the operations of Revenue District Office No. 39 on June 11, 2025, as part of the agency’s extended efforts to assist taxpayers availing of the estate tax amnesty. The BIR has extended the working hours of all district offices until 12 midnight to accommodate lastminute filers, assuring the public that all who arrive on or before 5 p.m. would be assisted.
Ecija and Bulacan, the project will span over 3,500 hectares and include a 500-kV transmission line to connect to the national grid.
TSPI is a subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen Corp., the power generation arm of Manila Electric Co.
“Supporting transformative projects like MTerra Solar underscores BDO’s commitment to financing initiatives that drive long-term economic and environmental progress,” said
BDO executive vice president and head of institutional banking group Charles Rodriguez.
“We take pride in empowering businesses that champion innovation and sustainability, ensuring that renewable energy benefits various industries and millions of Filipino households,” said Rodriguez.
The project will be developed in two phases under a power supply agreement with Meralco. Phase 1 will deliver 600 MWac by the first quarter of 2026, followed by Phase 2 with 250 MWac of mid-merit renewable energy.
As of June 2025, the project was 35-percent complete, with site development underway, substation construction progressing, and assembly of solar panel structures starting.
2025, were used for the calculations.
Following SM Investments, BDO Unibank was ranked 846 globally, with $6.31 billion in revenue and $1.43 billion in profit.
Top Frontier Investment Holdings Inc., the main shareholder in San Miguel Corp., was at No. 1,116 with $27.53 billion in revenue.
Other Philippine companies on the list include Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) at No. 1,317, with $3.61 billion in revenue and $840.2 million in profit; Manila Electric Company (Meralco) at No. 1,530, with $8.21 billion in revenue and $800.5 million in profit; Ayala Corp. at No. 1,644, with $5.69 billion in revenue and $733.4 million in profit; and International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) at No. 1,702 with $2.91 billion in revenue and $830 million in profit.
The 2,000 companies on the 2025 list collectively generated $52.9 trillion in annual revenue, $4.9 trillion in profit, $242.2 trillion in assets, and $91.3 trillion in market capitalization, Forbes said. JPMorgan held the top spot for the third consecutive year, leading 612 U.S.-based companies on the list. It was followed by Berkshire Hathaway. Amazon and Microsoft, along with international giants Saudi Aramco and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, remained in the top 10. Nvidia continued its rapid ascent, reaching 47th place this year.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE government will suspend the implementation of a 4-percent biodiesel blend in all fuel sold nationwide which is supposed to start Oct. 1, 2025, due to the high cost of coconut oil, Department of Energy (DOE) officials said Friday.
The National Biofuels Board (NBB) passed a resolution to suspend the B4 mandate (diesel mixed with 4-percent coco-methyl ester blend) in October 2025, as well as the planned implementation of the B5 (5-percent coco-methyl ester blend) in October 2026, said DOE Undersecretary Alessandro Sales.
“This was decided because of the
FINANCE Secretary Ralph Recto ordered the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to accelerate the implementation of value-added tax (VAT) exemption on an expanded list of critical medicines.
The exemption covers drugs for cancer, diabetes, dialysis, hypertension, high cholesterol and mental illnesses to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for Filipinos. The directive aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal of advancing universal healthcare. Recto, a long-time health advocate, championed landmark laws during his time in the Senate that laid the foundation for VAT-free medicines.
prevailing high cost of coconut oil which is the principal feedstock for our coco methyl ester, the biodiesel component in the diesel being sold in the Philippines,” Sales told a briefing.
He said the DOE would conduct “a periodic review” and that “the intent to increase the blend is still there.”
Dean Lao Jr., president of Chemrez Technologies Inc., one of the country’s largest biodiesel producers, said coconut feedstock for biodiesel was affected by the El Niño weather phenomenon in 2024, impacting supplies in 2025.
“The NBB and PCA [Philippine Coconut Authority] has evaluated the supply situation and has given a
He authored the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (Republic Act 10963) and co-authored the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (RA 11534), both of which expanded the VAT-free list and significantly reduced out-ofpocket costs for Filipino patients.
“This is a great relief for Filipinos, especially those who are unfortunate enough to be unable to afford expensive medicines,” Recto said.
“We are not only helping to ease the cost—we are also giving them hope to recover and complete their treatment. We will ensure that health is affordable for every Filipino,” he said. Darwin G. Amojelar
sensible recommendation to postpone B4,” Lao said.
“The industry awaits a more definite date for the resumption of the B4 mandate from the NBB. It needs at least 5 months in advance to prepare for implementation. The progression towards B5 remains a sound and sustainable solution for the Philippines to attain its economic, environmental and health goals,” he said.
The Biofuels Act of 2006 (Republic Act No. 9367) mandates blending biofuels such as coco-methyl ester for diesel and ethanol for gasoline into petroleum products.
Sales noted that the price of coconut oil in the international market was around $1,100 per metric ton at the
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Department of Finance (DOF) on Friday welcomed the ratification by the bicameral conference committee of the rationalization of the mining fiscal regime to create a fair and equitable mining environment for all stakeholders.
The bicameral committee report on the disagreeing provisions of Senate Bill No. 2826 and House Bill No. 8937, also known as the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Mining Act, was signed on June 11, 2025. The measure is one of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council’s (LEDAC) priority initiatives for the 19th Congress and has the support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“I thank the Congress for its swift ratification of this long-overdue reform,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said.
“With this proposal, we are providing a straightforward and streamlined fiscal policy to encourage more investments in our mining sector. This bill will help fully unlock the Philippines’ rich mineral potential and position us as a major player in mineral production,” he said.
P20 RICE IN MINDORO. The Department of Agriculture rolls out the ‘Benteng Bigas Meron Na’ (BBM) in the town of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on June 10, 2021 following the announcement made by Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. Source: DA-Mimaropa
PH stocks sustain climb on expectations of BSP rate cut
PHILIPPINE stocks sustained their upward momentum Friday as investors continued to monitor macroeconomic developments.
The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index gained 14.27 points, or 0.22 percent, to close at 6,395.59. The broader all shares index added 9.12 points, or 0.24 percent, reaching 3,785.31.
Analysts said the market continues to establish a solid base before making any significant movements.
Philstocks Financial Inc. research
head Japhet Tantiangco attributed the local market’s slight gain to expectations that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will cut interest rates during its policy meeting next week.
However, gains were tempered by rising tensions in the Middle East following an Israeli attack on Iran. Among the sectors, the mining and oil index was the top performer, rising 4.32 percent as gold prices continued their upward trend. Holdings firms, however, ended lower by 0.48 percent.
Value turnover was strong at P9.25 billion, with foreign investors as net buyers, showing inflows of P648.8 million.
Shares of Bloomberry Resorts Corp. continued to climb, increasing by 7.48 percent to P6.18 apiece. Conversely, Jollibee Foods Corp.’s stock price fell 3.25 percent to P226.20 each.
Oil prices soared and stocks sank Friday after Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites and warned of more to come, stoking fears of a full-blown war.
Investors ran for the hills on news of the attacks and a warning from Tehran that its regional foe faced a “bitter and painful” fate, while US President Donald Trump has said a “massive conflict” in the region was possible.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement: “This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.
“We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program. We targeted Iran’s main enrichment facility at Natanz. We also struck at the heart of Iran’s ballistic missile program,” he added.
Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP
SEC approves AboitizPower’s
P100-b debt securities offering
By Jenniffer B. Austria
THE Securities and Exchange Commission has approved Aboitiz Power Corp.’s (AboitizPower) P100 billion debt securities program.
The SEC also approved AboitizPower’s initial bond offering of up to P20 billion in fixed-rate bonds, with an oversubscription option of up to P10 billion.
Proceeds from the offering will go toward refinancing and early redemp-
tion of the company’s existing debt. The offer is set to run from June 23 to 27, 2025 with the bonds expected to be listed on the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. on July 7, according to the latest timeline provided by
the company.
AboitizPower has enlisted eight banks as joint issue managers and joint lead underwriters for the offer: BDO Capital & Investment Corp., First Metro Investment Corp., Union Bank of the Philippines, China Bank Capital Corp., Land Bank of the Philippines, PNB Capital and Investment Corp., and Security Bank Capital Investment Corp. The company plans to list the first tranche bonds with the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. The company, along with its part-
ners, has set its capital expenditure budget at P78.1 billion for 2025.
“The biggest portion is still allocated for our renewable energy pipeline,” said Danel Aboitiz, AboitizPower president and chief executive.
“The remainder will fund the maintenance of our baseload plants and further investments in land, new substations, and metering for our distribution business. Despite the elevated capex budget in 2025, AboitizPower remains committed to our dividend policy of paying out half of our previous year’s net income.”
SM Center Angono commemorates the 127th Philippine Independence Day with captivating performances by the Bukluran Dance Troupe. The celebration included a meaningful flag raising ceremony, and brought together local officials, including Angono Vice Mayor and Mayor-elect Gerardo Calderon and Councilor Ivan Ang, and singer Gina Asis. SM mall administration personnel, frontliners, and tenants also joined in honoring the nation’s
Cebu Pacific’s passengers increased 21.7% to 2.4m in May
By Darwin G. Amojelar
CEBU Pacific carried 2.4 million passengers in May, a 21.7 percent increase from the same period last year, the airline announced Friday.
The airline’s seat load factor (SLF) improved to 86.4 percent, up from 86.2 percent last year, even as seat capacity expanded by 21.3 percent.
Domestic passenger traffic grew 19.9 percent in May on 19.7 percent
higher seats, with an SLF of 91 percent.
Meanwhile, international passenger traffic increased 27.5 percent year over year on 25.7 percent higher seats, which allowed a 1 percentage point increase in SLF to 75 percent.
For year-to-date 2025, Cebu Pacific’s passenger count reached 11.7 million, marking a 23.7 percent increase from 9.4 million in 2024.
Domestic passengers grew 23.2
STORYTELLING SESSION. Aboitiz Future Leaders scholars bond with students of Tandang Sora Elementary School through a storytelling session, fostering an eagerness to learn ahead of the coming school year. Aboitiz Foundation—the corporate social responsibility arm of the Aboitiz Group, the Philippines’ first techglomerate—mobilized volunteers and scholars for Brigada Eskwela to prepare a public school in Quezon City for the school year 2025-2026.
percent to 8.7 million, while international passengers rose 24.9 percent to 3 million.
SLF averaged 85 percent, while overall capacity in seats grew 23.1 percent to 13.7 million.
“Passenger traffic continued to see high year-on-year growth through the first five months of 2025,” said Mike Szucs, Cebu Pacific’s chief executive.
“Seat load factor is tracking ahead
By Alena Mae S. Flores
PETROSOLAR Corp. (PSC), a subsidiary of Yuchengco-led PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC), and Shell Energy Philippines, Inc. (SEPH) signed a strategic power supply agreement Thursday, a significant step in their renewable energy collaboration.
The agreement covers the full output of PSC’s 20-megawatt-peak Tarlac-2 Solar Power Plant, ensuring clean energy delivery to SEPH’s customers.
“We are proud to sign this agreement with SEPH, a dynamic and fast-growing player in the retail electricity market,” said Francisco Delfin Jr., PGEC president and chief executive. “By securing the supply of clean power from our 20MWp Tarlac-2 solar unit, we support SEPH’s mission to deliver sustainable power to its customers. This
of last year, reflecting robust air travel as additional capacity continues to be absorbed by demand.”
“We remain focused on aligning capacity to meet the demand while continuing to manage the engine and supply chain challenges affecting the industry,” Szucs said.
Cebu Pacific operates flights to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
PetroSolar, Shell Energy sign RE power supply agreement Prime Infra unit pushes public-private collaboration for waste industry
Day 2025, organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Makati City.
This year’s theme centered on Ending Global Plastic Pollution.
right private sector participation, and working together with the different agencies and LGUs, we can make waste management a real industrial business,” said Cara Peralta, Prime Infra market sector lead for waste. Peralta was a panelist at the Environment and Natural Resources
“What we really want to do is to introduce a new age in waste management in the country,” she said. During the panel, Peralta expressed recognition and gratitude to DENR Secretary Ma. Toni YuloLoyzaga’s leadership and guidance for “giving us the appetite to invest in this industry no matter how risky and challenging it is.”
Among the strategic opportunities outlined by Peralta are business-to-
business (B2B) partnerships to enable off-take agreements for the upcycled and recycled waste processed by PWS, as well as strengthened implementation of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, given the limited resources of local government units. In her speech, Loyzaga underscored the Philippines’ plastic pollution problem, noting that out of the 61,000 metric tons of solid waste the country generates daily, 24 percent is plastic waste, and 33 percent of that waste ends up in landfills and dumpsites.
partnership also ensures a stable and competitive rate for PSC, especially valuable in the market where solar offtake prices are under increasing pressure.”
Bernd Krukenberg, SEPH president, said the partnership with PSC represents a shared commitment to advancing the energy transition in the Philippines.
SEPH, a retail electricity supplier under the Shell companies in the Philippines, offers competitive and environmentally friendly energy solutions to industrial and commercial customers.
“By securing clean and reliable solar energy from the Tarlac-2 Solar Power Plant, we are not only delivering on our promise to provide sustainable energy solutions to our customers but also contributing to the country’s renewable energy goals,” Krukenberg said.
“We are one of the world’s reported highest contributors to plastic waste, but we know that there are solutions available. We need more infrastructure for segregation, recovery and recycling. We need more support, public funds and private sector’s resources and technical capacity to cover whole waste management services at the local government (LGU) level,” she said. Loyzaga also acknowledged Prime Infra and other private partners present at the event and called for their “swift, bold, and impactful action” in combating the drivers of plastic pollution.
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
BUSINESS
DOE lauds ratification of nuclear energy bill
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Department of Energy (DOE) on Friday lauded the ratification of a bill establishing a national nuclear energy safety authority, a critical step towards developing nuclear power in the country.
It commended the Senate and the House of
Representatives for ratifying the Bicameral Conference Committee Report on Senate Bill No. 2899 and House Bill No. 9293, or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act. The proposed bill aims to establish the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM).
“After two decades of advocacy and deliberation, the passage of the PhilATOM bill marks a historic turning point for the Philippines,” DOE
Undersecretary Sharon Garin said in a statement. “We will now have the necessary legal and institutional foundations to guide the development of nuclear energy infrastructure with oversight for the highest standards of safety and security,” said Garin. Garin, who oversees the Nuclear Energy Program—Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), noted that PhilATOM’s creation is essential for regulating all aspects of nuclear energy infra-
structure, including siting, construction, licensing, safety, and eventual operation.
Garin cautioned that the establishment of PhilATOM does not signal the immediate construction of a nuclear power plant. She said that any country pursuing nuclear energy should undergo a rigorous, step-by-step process and comply fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) stringent requirements for nuclear infrastructure development.
JUNE 14, 2025
extrastory2000@gmail.com
RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor
ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
PPA earmarks P400m for Samar ports expansion
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is spending P400 million to expand and modernize key ports in Samar, which will serve as alternate transport routes between the provinces of Leyte and Samar.
Less than a month after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) implemented a three-ton weight limit on the San Juanico Bridge, the PPA inspected and identified the municipal fishing port of Amandayehan in Basey, Samar, as a strategic alternative route due to its location and proximity to Tacloban Port.
“These initiatives, with a total value of P410 million from the PPA’s Corporate Operating Budget, underscore our commitment to strengthening interisland connectivity and supporting the economic growth of the Province of Leyte and the broader Eastern Visayas region,” PPA general manager Jay Santiago said.
To support maritime safety and navigational reliability of Amandayehan Port, the PPA will install 14 navigation buoys worth P100 million. These aids will ensure safer vessel passage, especially at night or during inclement weather, and will be part of the agency’s broader maritime infrastructure improvements in Eastern Visayas.
The agency also allocated P100 million for dredging works and P200 million for the port’s physical expansion, enabling it to handle more vessels and cargo volume.
7 online lenders lose licenses over violations
By Othel V. Campos
THE Credit Information Corp. (CIC) said it supports the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) recent revocation of licenses and registrations of several online lending platform (OLP) operators found in violation of applicable laws and regulations.
Following the SEC’s action, the CIC suspended the affected companies’ access to the Credit Information System (CIS), citing their loss of authority to operate as lending entities.
“The CIC stands with the SEC in protecting the rights and interests of Filipino consumers. These revocations send a strong message that regu-
BCDA, AMA Land eye affordable housing projects in New Clark City
STATE-RUN Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) teamed up with real estate developer AMA Land Inc. to explore new opportunities for inclusive communities in New Clark City.
BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang and AMA Land chairman emeritus Amable Aguiluz V signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Friday to jointly study the feasibility of an affordable housing project in the city.
The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations to develop sustainable, inclusive communities, aligning with their shared commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term economic growth.
“Together, we will explore how to design homes that are not just affordable, but well-connected, climate-resilient, and empowering; homes that
allow working families to live near jobs, education, and opportunity,” Bingcang said.
Under the MOU, AMA Land will provide its technical expertise, leading assessments, feasibility studies, and business case development. The company will also offer recommendations focused on sustainability, accessibility, and inclusivity to ensure the project supports a diverse range of housing options for various income levels and family sizes.
“The collaboration between BCDA and AMALI is aimed at tackling the pressing issues of housing shortage and climate change. Our goal is to design and develop affordable housing projects and sustainable communities within New Clark City,” said Aguiluz, who also serves as the Special Envoy to Japan for Trade and Investments.
Othel V. Campos
lators will not tolerate noncompliance and abusive lending practices,” CIC president and chief executive Ben Joshua Baltazar said.
Seven of the 62 companies that lost their SEC registration were specifical
ly penalized for violating memorandum circular No. 03, series of 2022, which imposes limits on interest rates
IN BRIEF
and other fees charged by lending and financing firms and their OLPs.
These include Lucky Shell Fintech Lending Inc., QCash Finance Corp., Whale Tail Lending Services Inc., Air Fish Lending Corporation, Cash Mart Asia Lending Inc., Cashbee Lending Services Inc. and Kayamo Atlas Lending Corp. Cash Mart Asia Lending Inc., Digido Finance Corp. (operator of UnaCash and UnaPay), Hi-Fin Lending Inc. (operator of Peso Wallet and Credit Cash), and Hupan Lending Technology (operator of Magic Peso, Cashme, Sukiloan, Pesopoly, and Loan Tayo) were among the companies whose CIS access has been suspended.
LEARN2EMPLOY PROGRAM. About 31 out-of-school youth complete the Learn2Employ program by Foundever at Dolphy Theater on May
marketing and talent acquisition; Joy Dela Cruz, director for recruitment sourcing and marketing; Jephte Moneda, director for recruitment sourcing and marketing; and Eliane Therese Lansigan, recruitment manager for university and community partnership.
Agriculture firm Superseed to open food manufacturing plant in Laguna
AGRI-INDUSTRIAL firm Superseed Agriculture Corp. (SAC) has signed a registration agreement with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to operate a food manufacturing facility. The facility will be located at the Greenfield Automotive Park-Special Economic Zone (GAP-SEZ) in Santa Rosa, Laguna, PEZA said in a statement.
broader push to diversify export markets and tap into strategically located, fast-growing economies like those in North Africa.
“They already granted us access for durian. We are hopeful they will do the same for our mangoes and bananas,” Tiu Laurel said. In return, the Philippines is finalizing a Pest Risk Assessment (PRA) and food safety analysis for Egyptian grapes and ware potatoes. There are also plans to explore imports of Egyptian garlic and onions, and technical cooperation on these commodities. Both sides acknowledged strong potential for mutually beneficial growth in agri-food trade, aligned with consumer demand and seasonal supply cycles. Othel V. Campos
“This project aligns with PEZA’s strategy of ecozoning the country to foster inclusive and sustainable development. We look forward to seeing our local producers become exporters, and we fully support efforts that empower our local farmers,” PEZA director-general Tereso Panga said in a statement.
The agreement, signed on June 3, 2025, at the PEZA head office in Pasay City, formalizes SAC’s registration as a PEZA ecozone domestic market enterprise. It will process high-demand nuts, seeds, and related agricultural products.
SAC, a wholly Filipino-owned enterprise, is set to begin commercial operations within the year. The company has made initial investments of over P6 million in processing equipment and projects revenues of P72 million in its first year.
“We always choose to buy from our local farmers first before importing. If we can source locally, we can cut down wait times, reduce costs, and most importantly, uplift the livelihoods of our farmers,” the statement
quoted an unnamed SAC official as saying.
All nuts and seeds processed by SAC will undergo value-adding stages such as cleaning, sorting, and packaging before being distributed to domestic markets.
SAC’s entry into the ecozone supports PEZA’s push for agro-industrial transformation and highlights the growing commitment to placing farmers at the core of national development. Othel V. Campos
UP team taps AI to detect antibiotic resistance RESEARCHERS from the University of the Philippines have developed artificial intelligence (AI) models that can predict antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli (E. coli), a common bacterium often used to detect fecal contamination. The findings could lead to faster and more efficient methods for monitoring antibiotic resistance, particularly in agricultural settings where manure and wastewater are used. E. coli frequently develops resistance to antibiotics, making it an ideal organism for studying antimicrobial resistance. Traditional laboratory methods for this analysis are often time-consuming and labor-intensive, making them impractical for large-scale monitoring. This has led researchers to explore faster approaches using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and predictive modeling.
Marco Christopher Lopez and Dr.
FDC Renewables Corp. said new employment opportunities will open in Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya through its upcoming 33.4-megawatt Pampang hydropower project, the company announced.
FDC Renewables disclosed its plans to hire local workers for the construction phase during a courtesy call to Nueva Vizcaya Governor Jose Gambito, aiming to stimulate local economic activity. Accompanied by officials from the Board of Investments (BOI) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2, the company noted its commitment to local employment and rural development.
“We aim to create a sustainable energy source while fostering economic growth through local employment, infrastructure development, and stakeholder partnerships,” FDC Renewables vice president Roderick Fernandez said. The company also plans to build an access road to the weir site, which will support project logistics and improve connectivity for nearby farming communities. Once completed, the road is expected to ease access to markets, transportation, and public services, boosting local productivity.
Gambito welcomed the initiative, citing its potential to boost local development. However, he emphasized the importance of environmental safeguards and requested a full assessment of the project. He added that any formal endorsement from the Provincial Government would be subject to consultation with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Othel V. Campos
Asuncion, provincial cooperative and enterprise development officer in Nueva Vizcaya; Michelle Ramos, BOI Office of the Board of Governors; Michael Paggabao, acting assistant regional director, DTI Region 2; Marjorie Ramos-Samaniego, BOI governor; Nueva Vizcaya Governor Jose Gambito; Lubin De Vera Jr., chief investment specialist, BOI-OSACSI; Theresse Mae Sancho, investment specialist, BOI-OSACSI; and Ernesto Delos Reyes Jr., director, BOI-OSACSI.
PNP ready for fully integrated emergency response network
BAccording to the former Deputy Commander of the PNP Area Police Command in Southern Luzon, the PNP and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will work with a system provider to build a cutting-edge, fully integrated emergency communications network that will let the PNP provide timely and effective public safety services to the public nationwide.
“Public safety and quick response rank No. 1 in importance to the PNP, particularly for the CES. It is fundamental to our mandate, which is to maintain peace and order, protect life and property, and enforce the law,” General Segun said. He pointed out key points that will revitalize the way the PNP responds to emergency calls using next-gen, state of
the art technology. According to BGen. Segun, next-gen technology will let the PNP integrate its communication
systems with the national 911 platform that is equipped with an Emergency Location System (ELS) and has caller
foodpanda helps you say LOVEYOUPA with heartfelt meals, wallet-friendly deals
ASKING a dad what they want for Father’s Day will often result in the same reply: “Kahit ano,” or “Ikaw na bahala.” Despite rarely asking for anything, foodpanda knows that every father figure deserves the same care and attention they give to their families.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, whether it’s cooking their favorite dish at home with groceries from pandamart or sending over a surprise meal from a restaurant they love, foodpanda helps turn “kahit ano” into something truly meaningful. Because beyond convenience, foodpanda strives to be part of the moments that matter most.
Meals made easy—whether home-cooked or delivered
In a country where 90% of Filipinos say food is how they express love, foodpanda helps you show appreciation in whatever way you choose. Whether families decide to cook with groceries from pandamart and partner stores like Watsons and Ever Supermarket, or order meals from their favorite res-
RIG. General William O. Segun, newly installed head of the Communications and Electronic Services (CES) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), is set to implement key improvements that will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the PNP’s Emergency 911 response system during his term. Globe redefines work experience thru AI: Elevate, not just automate
AI isn’t just changing how people work, it’s changing what people need to thrive at work.
According to the 2024 Work Trend Index, 75% of knowledge workers around the world are already using AI on the job. More and more leaders are also looking for talent with AI skills. But here’s the catch: only 39% of those using AI at work have actually received formal training from their companies. That gap is telling, especially when 76% of people believe that knowing how to use AI is key to staying competitive in today’s job market. At Globe, that shift is already happening. AI is reshaping how teams hire, plan, solve problems, and connect. It’s helping the company move faster, make better decisions, and still stay deeply human on how it relates to employees and customers.
“Today we’re using AI to speed up automation,” said Carl Cruz, Globe President and CEO. “We’re also using it to elevate and improve the quality of decisions, and make our operations more responsive. Innovation only matters if it creates real impact.”
The most measurable gains are coming from various areas in the organization. One of them is the Hu-
taurants, foodpanda offers convenient, one-stop access to over 6,500 shops— plus discounts of up to 15% and delivery in just minutes. With foodpanda’s Father’s Day pro-
mos, families can also easily get dad his favorites without stretching their budget. For dads who enjoy a good tagay, alcohol deals of up to 25% off will be available from June 11 to 15, just
location mapping and data integration.
The PNP, the DILG E911 Commission, the DICT, NTC, TELCO providers,
in time for a chill inuman session or a small celebratory toast. Love, Delivered—No matter the distance
If you’re sending your love from miles away, foodpanda’s scheduled and surprise delivery features have got you covered. From bundle meals at Angel’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell to sweet treats like cakes from Dairy Queen, there’s something to delight every kind of dad. Plus, users can enjoy up to 20% off at your favorite restaurants from June 1 to 30.
To make the celebration even more rewarding, families can use the code LOVEYOUPA to get P555 cashback on food delivery orders from June 13 to 15. Meanwhile, LANDBANK users can enjoy P200 off with a minimum spend of P500 using the code LBPPAPA, valid from June 5 to 22 for both food delivery and groceries.
More than just a delivery app, foodpanda helps families celebrate every kind of dad, whether together or miles apart. With food delivery, pick-up, groceries, and exclusive pandapro deals, showing appreciation is easy. While the occasion may come and go, the love, gratitude, and shared meals don’t stop there.
To know more about foodpanda’s discounts and promos this June, you may visit: https://www.foodpanda.ph/ contents/deals.
Google Asia and the service provider can all share data to ensure seamless collaboration for faster response times. Emergency call takers and responders will have comprehensive training in emergency call handling, crisis intervention techniques, telephone etiquette and first aid. Field officers will use real-time mobile communication tools, including body cameras, audio recording devices and messaging apps to more efficiently communicate.
Segun shared that the incident monitoring system of the national police will be vastly improved by systems development that will add data fields for monitoring performance and challenges. The system will be able to generate and print pre-formatted reports for improved analysis and response strategy development. Prank calls will be filtered and routed to another channel because prank callers can now be easily identified by the system and penalized according to law.
The CES chief said a comprehensive public awareness campaign will also be launched to educate the public on the proper use of 911 services.
“The PNP CES must transform into a tech-savvy, data-driven, and highly connected force that embraces digital innovation. We are looking at Al-powered dispatch systems for optimized resource allocation, predictive policing tools to anticipate and prevent crime hotspots, and advanced data analytics to identify trends and improve response strategies. We will prioritize rapid and coordinated response, through improved inter-agency communication and real-time data sharing, and maintain strong public engagement through proactive community outreach programs. These are crucial to address the complex safety challenges of today and the future,” General Segun asserted.
Socmed fuels ‘devastating’ kids’
mental health crisis
AMSTERDAM—The “unchecked expansion” of social media platforms is driving an unprecedented global mental health crisis in kids and teens, a children’s NGO said Wednesday, calling for urgent coordinated action worldwide.
The KidsRights report said one in seven children and adolescents aged between 10 and 19 suffered mental health issues, with the global suicide rate at six per 100,000 for those aged 15-19.
Even these high rates represent “the tip of the iceberg” as suicide is widely under-reported due to stigma, according to the Amsterdambased group.
“This year’s report is a wakeup call that we cannot ignore any longer” said Marc Dullaert, KidsRights chairman.
man Resources group, which has fully integrated AI into its recruitment process through the use of HireVue, an AI-powered platform that combines video interviews with skills assessments to help evaluate candidates more objectively and effectively.
Globe piloted its AI-powered video and coding assessments for digital, IT, and tech-focused groups at the start of the year. The successful pilot led to a full-scale rollout across all groups, including its portfolio companies.
The shift replaced manual prescreening and cut the overall hiring cycle from weeks to just a few days.
Processing qualitative data alone, which previously took three to five days, was cut down in half, enabling faster candidate turnaround and more confident decision-making from hiring teams.
Beyond efficiencies, Globe’s approach to AI-powered hiring has also gained international recognition. This April, Globe was honored with the Impact Star Award at the 2025 HireVue Customer Excellence Awards. The award celebrates organizations that have made a meaningful impact and driven innovation through skills-based, tech-enabled recruitment. Globe was also previously named a Rising Star at
the 2024 awards, highlighting its continued commitment to modernizing hiring for both speed and quality.
AI has also played a pivotal role in strengthening Globe’s Risk Management processes. By automating data capture, transcription, and insight generation, AI significantly reduced data processing time—delivering results within days instead of weeks. Real-time dashboards allowed teams to visualize and compare risks at both group and company levels, making data more digestible and actionable for leadership.
This automation also helped in mitigating human bias in data interpretation, and enabled more accurate linkages between identified risks and
corporate strategy. Moving forward, Globe is exploring AI-powered tools for proactive risk scanning and identifying emerging threats before they escalate.
Meanwhile, Globe’s Network Group is leveraging AI in streamlining internal processes to enhance service quality. Teams now use AI from coding and data forecasting to anomaly detection and repair diagnostics.
The company has also implemented AI-assisted power-saving solutions through the EdgeWise platform, optimizing energy consumption by temporarily shutting down low-traffic transceivers in its Radio Access Network—an initiative that supports both cost control and Globe’s broader sustainability goals.
“The mental health... crisis among our children has reached a tipping point, exacerbated by the unchecked expansion of social media platforms that prioritise engagement over child safety,” he added.
The report said what it termed “problematic” social media use was on the rise, with a direct link between heavy internet use and suicide attempts.
However, blanket bans are not the answer, the group warned.
Australia passed a law to ban social media use for under-16s.
“Such blanket bans may infringe on children’s civil and political rights,” including access to information, said the report.
The group urged “comprehensive child rights impact assessments” at a global level for social media platforms, better education for kids, and improved training for mental health professionals.
The report seized on the popularity of Netflix sensation “Adolescence”, which highlighted some of the toxic content kids view online.
The mini-series “demonstrated global awareness of these issues, but awareness alone is insufficient,” said Dullaert.
“We need concrete action to ensure that the digital revolution serves to enhance, not endanger, the wellbeing of the world’s 2.2 billion children,” he said. “The time for halfmeasures is over.”
PNP Communications and Electronics Services (PNP CES) director PBGen. William Segun at the PNP E911 Command Center
Globe is applying AI to scale in order to serve its customers better and faster.
Building
ADVANCING digital transformation in residential communities, Converge ICT Solutions Inc., the nation’s premier fiber internet and digital solutions provider, has forged a strategic partnership with Next Asialand Inc., an emerging force in affordable housing development, to deliver fiber connectivity to over 5,000 homes across Southern Luzon This transformative collaboration, sealed during a contract signing ceremony at the Westin Manila in Ortigas, represents a significant milestone in the Philippines’ digital evolution - establishing connected, technology-enabled communities in the region’s vital economic corridor. The partnership integrates CONVERGE’s sophisticated fiber infrastructure into NEXASIA’s existing and planned developments throughout Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas. Promising residents enhanced digital experiences, smart living solutions, and increased property values, positioning these communities at the forefront of technological advancement.
“Beyond providing an essential utility, this partnership is a vehicle of digital transformation,” said Jesus C. Romero, SEVP & COO of CONVERGE.
“By embedding our fiber infrastructure within NEXASIA’s planned communities, we are providing thousands of Filipino residents with the tools to thrive in a digitally connected world. From education and remote work to home automation, the possibilities are endless when smart home technology is built on a strong digital backbone.”
For Next Asialand Inc., this collaboration is a natural extension of its commitment to creating sustainable and digitally enabled communities for the next generation of Filipino homeowners.
“Digital connectivity defines modern living quality and enhances value,” explained Cris Y. Carreon, Founder and CEO of NEXTASIA. “By incorporating Converge’s cutting-edge fiber infrastructure into our developments, we’re creating future-ready, move-in-ready homes. This adds substantial value to buyers while fostering sustainable growth for our communities and investors.”
With a strategic pipeline of 10,000 residential units planned across Southern Luzon, the agreement paves the way for an even border fiber deployment in the years to come. Going beyond infrastructure, this alliance embodies a forward-looking vision where digital innovation transforms everyday experiences, enabling residents to thrive in a connected world. Reinforcing both companies’ unified mission is to revolutionize Filipino connectivity, lifestyle, and productivity.
4
IBM claims ‘real world’ edge in quantum computing race
Sproblems before the end of this decade.
Current quantum computers are still experimental and face significant challenges, including high error rates. Companies like IBM, Google, and others are working to build more stable and scalable quantum systems.
Real-world innovations that quantum computing has the potential to tackle include developing better fuels, materials, pharmaceuticals, or even new elements. However, delivering on that promise has always seemed some way off. IBM insists that it is now closer than ever and can
map out the path toward having a quantum system that can fulfill actual use cases.
This breakthrough comes thanks to a system being built in a data center in Poughkeepsie, New York, which IBM billed as a pioneering move toward making quantum an everyday work tool.
The company’s “Starling” quantum computer, targeted for completion in four years, will serve as the foundation for a next-generation machine ready by 2033 that will be dramatically more powerful in terms of the complexity of the problems it can tackle.
“You’ve probably heard people talk about all these things, but we actually have plans for how to build it,” IBM fellow and director of quantum systems Jerry Chow told AFP.
The performance leap by Starling from today’s systems will be on par with the jump from flip phones to smartphones, according to the company.
Chow credited an innovative way to correct errors and ramp up fault tolerance with clearing the way for Starling.
“People talk about error correction from the point of view of it being the Holy Grail,” Chow said. “That really is the thing that is necessary to drive solutions at scale.”
While hailing IBM’s “significant advancement,” Gartner analyst Mark Horvath noted that challenges remain despite the milestone and said real-world applications for quantum systems remain “somewhat theoretical.” Quantum AI?
After several dashed predictions, quantum computing is accelerating rapidly.
US tech giants, startups, banks, and pharmaceutical companies are pouring investments into this revolutionary technology.
IBM announced plans in April to invest $150 billion in the United States over five years, including $30 billion earmarked for research and development to bolster manufacturing of mainframe and quantum computers.
IBM has also outlined a “quantum-centric supercomputing” vision that involves using the new technology to augment traditional computer resources, letting each play to its strengths.
If all goes to plan, quantum computing could start hitting its stride as generative artificial intelligence (AI) improves at breakneck speed, giving it incredible processing power.
“The potential is tremendous,” Chow said. Ever More Powerful Quantum computers already operate today.
IBM claims its quantum services have generated sales of $1 billion, though current applications remain limited mainly to research.
While classical computing relies on bits -- the smallest, most basic unit of digital information -- with just two states (0 or 1), quantum computing harnesses socalled qubits with infinite possible states.
The “Bluejay” system, slated for completion four years after the “Starling” in 2033, will operate with 2,000 logical qubits and a billion “quantum gates” -- a technical reference to operations or parts of a problem it can handle, according to IBM. AFP
Tala PH empowers families to achieve Filipino dream of education
IF there’s one thing that Filipinos value the most, it’s education. Perceived as life’s greatest equalizer, families strive to ensure their children finish school and set them up for success, but this does not come without challenges. Oftentimes, financial strains result in students having to take a gap year or even stop attending school altogether.
In realizing the dream of a better life through education, one can find a reliable partner in Tala Philippines. The world’s first fintech company for the global majority, Tala provides convenient and flexible online credit that can help parents overcome financial hurdles they may face while sending their children to school.
“Tala levels the playing field by increasing customers’ access to financial services and promoting financial literacy, giving families the opportunity to support their children’s schooling and achieve their goals in life,” said Charisse Alavarez, President and Head of Finance of Tala Philippines. “May it be for longterm solutions or urgent needs, Tala is
with you in your journey to success.” Ailyn, a stay-at-home mom from Cagayan De Oro City, initially applied for a loan from Tala to start a small business as a way to support daily expenses
important financial lessons we learned from our fathers
DADS serve as every family’s protectors and providers – often responsible for building a stable environment for their families. And while they’re known to leave budgeting and household management to our mothers, many of them have influenced our money habits. Today, their practical wisdom continues to resonate with their children’s financial journey.
This Father’s Day, we gathered some important money lessons from young professionals that their dads have taught them. Read and learn how it can also help improve your money habits. The Power of Consistent Saving No matter the amount, as long as you set aside money consistently, it will definitely go a long way for your savings. This is the behavior that Justin, a mid 30s marketing executive, learned from his dad, and continues to apply until today. He now saves a portion of his salary monthly, always prioritizing his savings before allocating funds for expenses. In doing this, Justin chose Metrobank to be his trusted partner in his savings journey, primarily because his father trusted the bank with their family savings decades ago. And as he saw how stable and reliable the bank is in safekeeping his parents’ family savings, it also became his secure place to grow his hard-earned money.
Looking to find the right partner for your savings journey, like Justin?
and is now capable of planning for a brighter future for her family. “Even if I’m a housewife taking care of my children, I still want to have my own income. Now, I’m focused on saving for my children’s education,” she said. Tala users like Ailyn have started businesses with capital as low as Php 1,500, and with resiliency and hard work, they are able to pave the road to success . The Tala app allows customers to apply for a loan of up to Php 25,000 and the flexibility to choose their repayment dates. Just like Ailyn, a lot of parents strive and work hard to build an education fund for their children. Since it’s not something that can be achieved overnight, it’s always best to start as soon as possible. First, identify your desired school and check the tuition fee. Factoring in possible increases over time due to inflation as well as additional expenses like school supplies, uniforms, transportation and other miscellaneous fees, set a realistic target amount for your fund.
AN FRANCISCO—Technology veteran IBM on Tuesday laid out a plan to have a “practical” quantum computer tackling big
Ailyn, a stay-at-home mom from Cagayan De Oro City
SHOWBIZ
Binibining Pilipinas Parade of
Beauties holds up traffic and the rain
By Eton Concepcion
IT DID not rain when the much-anticipated annual Binibining Pilipinas Parade of Beauties passed by around Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City, on Sunday afternoon, watched by a huge, enthusiastic crowd.
Bb. Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra joined the 36 would-be successors to her crown as they paraded riding on convertible,
topless vintage cars, radiant in identical orange swimsuits and sarongs. The parade is a prelude to the grand coronation night, which will take place tomorrow, June 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Esguerra was joined by Bb. Pilipinas-Globe 2024 and Miss Globe 2024 2nd runner-up Jasmin Bungay, Bb. Pilipinas 2024 1st runnerup Christal Dela Cruz, and Bb. Pilipinas 2024 Trisha Martinez
By Nickie Wang
GMA Network’s The Clash has always been a battleground for talented singers, but its 2025 season just upped the ante in the best way possible.
The show’s explosive premiere on June 8 introduced the Clashbackers—a powerhouse lineup of twelve returning contenders from past seasons, each hungry for redemption and ready to reclaim their shot at glory.
This season’s Clashbackers include Vilmark, Renz Robosa, Jennifer Maravilla, Arabelle Dela Cruz, Nef Medina, Lyra, Bea, Liana Castillo, Zyrene Ciervo, Allain Maristela Gatdula, Tombi Romulo, and Jong Madaliday
This twist is a game-changer according to Clash Masters Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz
“This is the biggest Clashback that will happen in all seasons of The Clash . This is going to happen for the first time for us to have this kind of showdown,” Julie told Manila Standard Entertainment Co-host Rayver echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the heightened stakes: “The competition is more intense because we have the more experienced Clashers, but we also have our new blood, the new Clashers that might pull big surprises.”
They clarified that this second chance is no easy win. The mix of raw new talent and battle-tested veterans creates a “perfect storm.” The newcomers must bring their A-game
Esguerra
“My
VILLANUEVA,
presence. Take a deep breath and organize your thoughts before you answer during the final interview,” said the reigning Bb. Pilipinas International.
Three Binibini top contenders—Binibini 1 Jeanette Reyes of Batangas City, Binibini 25 Katrina Anne Johnson of Davao Province, and Binibini 7 Annabelle Mae Tate McDonnell of Iligan City—who were listening intently, nodded in agreement to the queen’s valuable advice, which stemmed from her experience, wisdom, and expertise.
and also very important is stage
‘Clashbackers’ shake up competition in new season of ‘The Clash’
Clash’ features a lineup of twelve returning contenders, known as the Clashbackers, who are eager to reclaim their chance at victory to stand out, while The Clashbackers have to prove they’ve evolved enough to dominate.
With judges Christian Bautista, AiAi delas Alas, and Lani Misalucha setting a higher bar than ever, mere vocal prowess won’t be enough. As Julie noted, “The Clashers need to convince the audience and the judges... that they’re deserving of that spot in the finals, especially because our judges are much stricter this season.”
Rayver added that creativity is key: “You need to show the panel that you’re different from the other contestants. In a competition where every note counts, the ability to reinvent while staying vocally flawless will separate the frontrunners from the pack.” The Clash 2025 airs every Sunday at 7:15 p.m. on GMA Network.
DISNEY Cruise Line and Marvel Comics have teamed up to release a special edition of Amazing Adventures #1 , a 32page collector’s comic featuring Spider-Man, the Avengers, and other Marvel characters set to appear onboard the upcoming Disney Adventure ship. The limited-edition comic will be distributed exclusively to guests in their staterooms during select sailings of the Disney Adventure, which begins its inaugural season in December. The issue is led by writer Alyssa Wong , known for
Francis Yu , who co-created Wave, the first Filipino Marvel Super Hero. Disney and Marvel also revealed the comic’s cover art, showcasing characters including Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man and Thor—icons guests can expect to encounter during their cruise experience.
Wars: Doctor Aphra and the 2022 Deadpool series. Cover art is by Filipino artist Leinil
2nd runner-up
Bb. Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra joins the 36 contestants in the ‘Parade of Beauties’
Binibini 25 Katrina Anne Johnson of Davao Province
Binibini 7 Annabelle Mae Tate McDonnell of Iligan City
Binibini 1 Jeanette Reyes of Batangas City
‘The Clash’ hosts (from left) Rayver Cruz and Julie Anne San Jose together with judges Lani Misalucha and Christian Baustista
SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
C4 LIFE
South Luzon draws more Filipinos seeking permanent homes
By Jasper Valdez
HAT used to be a weekend destination is quickly becoming the place more Filipinos now call home.
Driven by improved infrastructure, rising land values, and the growing appeal of nature-integrated living, South Luzon is seeing a steady migration of homeowners choosing to plant roots outside Metro Manila.
Property developer Avida Land is responding to the shift with a wave of new developments in Nuvali and Tagaytay, offering house-and-lot and mid-rise condo options aimed at practical but forwardthinking buyers.
“We’re really setting up roots here,” she said. “This is no longer just your weekend goal—it’s your next chapter.”
Avida Land’s footprint in the region includes more than 28 developments across Cavite, Batangas, and Laguna.
The company is also introducing Serin Terraces in Tagaytay, its first townhouse project in the city, offering smarthome features, pocket parks, and what executives call a “vacation lifestyle made livable.”
Raizel Matibag, Avida Land’s project development division head for South Luzon, pointed to broader trends fueling the interest.
“For many, this isn’t just a second home anymore,” said Abby Mercado, Avida Land’s manager for Nuvali house-and-lot projects. “We’re seeing end-users who want to settle here, young families looking for their first home, and even those who want to retire or raise their children away from the congestion.”
According to Mercado, Avida’s newest community, Crescela Nuvali, was designed to support that shift.
Located in the southern part of Nuvali and just minutes from the CALAX interchange, the 13-hectare development is intentionally scaled down to 401 units to promote exclusivity and long-term community building.
“Urban fatigue is real,” she said. “People are moving beyond the metro, but they still want access to essentials like good schools, hospitals, and supermarkets. All of that is already here in the South.”
Aside from lifestyle appeal, affordability remains a key factor. For many buyers, the cost of a condo unit in Metro Manila equals the price of a full house and lot in Laguna or Cavite.
“Families are thinking long-term,” said Mercado. “They’re investing not just in property, but in a life they can grow into.”
THE Body Shop has launched a curated grooming gift set in the Philippines ahead of Father’s Day, offering a trio of self-care products aimed at honoring fathers and father figures.
The gift set includes Peppermint Shower Gel, designed to deliver an energizing, cooling cleanse; Tea Tree Purifying & Balancing Shampoo, made with Community Fair Trade tea tree oil to refresh the scalp; and Blue Musk Fragrance Mist, a cruelty-free musk scent described by the company as warm and confident. Marketed as suitable for dads, grandfathers, partners, or other father figures, the set highlights ethically sourced ingredients and sustainable packaging. The company said the gift is meant to promote a daily ritual for relaxation and self-care.
The gift set is now available in The Body Shop stores nationwide.
Founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick in Littlehampton, England, The Body Shop is known for its activism and ethical business practices. Its core values include opposing animal testing, supporting community fair trade, activating self-esteem, defending human rights, and protecting the planet.
EUROPEAN home appliance brand Beko has released a lineup of gift suggestions for Father’s Day, offering household tools designed to boost convenience and comfort for dads at home.
Among the highlights is the Beko CaffeExperto Espresso Machine, which features over 10 drink options, including latte, espresso, and cappuccino. Select models come with steam wands or automatic jugs to help customize the brew, while a touchscreen panel and compact design aim to simplify operation and maintenance.
For cleaning support, the company offers vacuum options such as the Beko Robot Vacuum with multiple cleaning modes and Gyro Sensor Technology for navigating hard floors and carpets. Upright models like the VRT94929VI and VRT50225VB cater to various cleaning needs, while the VCO32818WR provides a larger dust bin and higher suction power for broader home coverage.
The Beko window-type air conditioner series is also positioned as a cooling gift option, featuring
Blue Musk Fragrance
The company is introducing Serin Terraces in Tagaytay, its first townhouse project in the city
Nuvali and Tagaytay, offering house-and-lot and mid-rise condo options
From left: Abby Mercado, Avida Land manager for Nuvali House and Lot projects; Riza Bangalando, Avida Land area head for Laguna and Cavite; Raizel Matibag, Avida Land project development division head for South Luzon and Vismin; Anne Baylon-Jara, Avida Land brand and project marketing head; and Tess Tatco, Avida Land head of corporate marketing; and Jeannie Dela Vega, Avida Land corporate marketing division manager
Avida’s Crescela Nuvali, a 13-hectare development in southern Nuvali, features 401 units to promote exclusivity and community building
The inside layout of a Serin unit
Solara Park
Storeys Nuvali is a mid-rise condo in Laguna with 6700 square meters of centralized amenity area
