Manila Standard - 2025 June 23 - Monday

Lifetime support for kidney transplant patients PhilHealth

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) support for kidney transplant patients applies for a lifetime, the Department of Health (DOH) clarified on Sunday, June 22. “Post-kidney transplant patients will

receive support for life. PhilHealth now offers lifelong support for these patients,” said DOH Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Albert Domingo in an interview with DZMM Teleradyo.

US bombs Iran nuke sites

Trump, Netanyahu celebrate; UN, world leaders alarmed

THE United States has carried out “targeted” airstrikes against Iran, using its $2.1-billion B-2 stealth bombers to drop 30,000-pound bombs on key nuclear facilities, effectively ending speculation over whether President Donald Trump would back ally Israel’s week-old military campaign.

In

site [target].”

“We have completed our very successful attack on the three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan,” the US

IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR.

– US President Donald Trump

Pinoys in Israel, Iran told to stay in safe places

By Ram Superable and Othel Campos

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippine government remains in the dark on whether Filipinos were hurt in the United States’ bombardment of three nuclear facilities in Iran.

In a radio interview yesterday, DFA Assistant Secretary Robert Ferrer said, “We don’t have any information yet on whether there were Filipinos in the facilities that were bombed in Iran, but we have already advised our countrymen to stay away from Iranian facilities.”

He noted that nine out of some 1,200 Filipinos in Iran have so far requested repatriation.

“It’s very hard to move from Tehran to the Turkmenistan border. It’s a 13-hour drive. I think in the next few days, they will be able to do it with God’s help,” Ferrer told Super Radyo dzBB He assured that the Philippine Embassy in Tehran is working on sending

House lauds Ombudsman’s action on VP complaint

MANILA Rep. Joel Chua on Sunday welcomed the “extraordinarily” prompt action of the Office of the Ombudsman to initiate a preliminary investigation into the supposed misuse of public funds by Vice President Sara Duterte and several of her employees. Meanwhile, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro lauded the Ombudsman’s order for the Vice President to respond to the consolidated plun-

SC strikes down 2nd placer rule in poll contests

By Ram Superable

‘‘ They crossed a very big red line by attacking (Iran’s) nuclear facilities.

– Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

AT WAR. US President Donald Trump (at left) addresses the American people from the White House in Washington, DC yesterday following the announcement that the US bombed nuclear sites in Iran using bunker buster weapons (center photo) for the first time in US military history. At right, Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi delivers Iran’s response to the US bombings during a press conference at the Lutfi Kırdar Congress Center in Istanbul. AFP

CHAVIT COLISEUM

OPENS. Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson is joined by guests at the inauguration of a new sports and events arena, the Chavit Coliseum, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The multi-purpose complex boasts a seating capacity of 9,000 to 10,000 and is envisioned as a venue for concerts, sporting events, and various large-scale gatherings. The opening of the coliseum coincided with the former governor’s birthday celebration wherein he blew out candles on more than 50 birthday cakes.

the attacks were “lawless and criminal” behavior.

people of Israel thank you. The forces of civilization thank you,” he said in an English-language statement.

rect threat to international peace and security,” Guterres added.

home the nine who have signified their wish to leave Iran.

For his part, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega said diplomats are considered essential personnel and cannot be pulled out.

All nine Filipino diplomats in Tehran will remain in the country despite escalating hostilities.

De Vega pointed out that the Philippine Embassy is among the few foreign missions still open in the Iranian capital, which was described as a “ghost town.”

Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Israel advised Filipinos to stay indoors and remain alert following Israel’s shift back to “Essential Activity” status on Sunday, after Iran launched missiles into the country. Under the new directive from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Home Front Command, all schools across Israel are suspended, public gatherings are banned, and work is prohibited except for essential services.

leader announced on Sunday.

“I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier,” Trump later said in a live address from the White House.

The president said that after the strikes, Iran “must now agree to end this war,” reiterating his earlier statement that under no circumstances should Iran be allowed to own a nuclear weapon.

However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US attacks as “outrageous” and said his country has the right to defend its sovereignty.

“The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,” he posted on X, adding that

“In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people,” the foreign minister said.

He also said the United States and Israel crossed a major red line in attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities, saying he was heading to Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin.

“They crossed a very big red line by attacking (Iran’s) nuclear facilities,” Araghchi said on the sidelines of a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul.

Iran’s atomic energy organization also called the US attacks “a barbaric act that violates international law.”

Following the US move, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Trump for bringing “peace through strength.”

“President Trump, I thank you. The

ruled he had committed material misrepresentation in his COC.

“First comes strength, then comes peace. And tonight, President Trump and the United States acted with a lot of strength,” the Israeli leader added.

Netanyahu called the US “truly unsurpassed” in its strikes on Iran, adding that Trump’s “leadership today has created a pivot of history that can help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace.”

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, however, described the United States’ bombing of three nuclear sites in Iran as a “dangerous escalation” following eight days of deadly strikes and counterstrikes between Tehran and Tel Aviv.

“I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today,” he wrote on X, while reiterating that “there is no military solution.”

“This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a di-

The US bombardment sent shockwaves as far away as Europe, where leaders called for sobriety amid an already shaky alliance with the incumbent American administration.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Iran to “return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”

“Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat,” Starmer said on X, adding that “stability in the region is a priority.”

The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, called for de-escalation and a return to negotiations.

“I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation,” Kallas wrote on X, adding Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that EU foreign ministers will discuss the situation on Monday. With AFP

Filipinos were also urged to closely follow IDF safety guidelines, embassy advisories, and updates from trusted news sources.

Following America’s involvement in the war, Iran launched two volleys of 27 missiles, targeting Israel’s main Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, research facilities, and command centers, an Iranian state news agency reported.

As this developed, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said an escalation of the Middle East conflict would eventually hurt the world, and consequently the local economy.

“We are closely monitoring developments. The US’ strikes on Iran definitely will have direct and indirect implications on our businesses and the broader economic landscape,” PCCI President Enunina Mangio said yesterday.

office regardless of the proceedings involved,” the decision read.

The ruling was penned by Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan.

The case stemmed from a petition for certiorari filed by Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, who challenged the Comelec’s decision to cancel his certificate of candidacy (COC) in the 2022 gubernatorial race in Sultan Kudarat. Although Mangudadatu won the election, his candidacy was later voided after the poll body

At the time of filing his COC on October 7, 2021, Pax Ali was still serving as mayor of Datu Abdullah Sangki (DAS) in Maguindanao. He claimed to have re-established his residence in Barangay Tamnag, Lutayan, as early as October 2020 and said he resigned as mayor on November 15, 2021.

However, the Comelec found that his residency claim lacked credibility. The Supreme Court agreed, saying: “To the Court’s mind, Pax Ali’s resignation as mayor was a mere afterthought.”

While the case focused on the can-

cellation of his COC, the SC used the opportunity to revisit and reject the second placer doctrine.

The High Court emphasized that as early as 1929, in Nuval vs. Guray, the second placer rule had been dismissed for lacking statutory support and for contradicting public policy.

Still, the rule gained ground in the 2012 case Jalosjos Jr., where the SC ruled that second placer Agapito Cardino should be proclaimed mayor of Dapitan City after first placer Dominador Jalosjos Jr.’s COC was voided. The new ruling reverses that precedent.

“The language of the law is clear, ex-

failed to present her father to a local court before turning him over to the ICC.

plicit, and unequivocal,” the SC said, reaffirming that in cases of disqualification, the LGC provides that the duly elected vice official should succeed.

The SC therefore declared that Raden Sakaluran, who was elected vice governor of Sultan Kudarat in the 2022 elections, “shall serve the remaining duration of the July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025 term.”

The ruling was not unanimous. Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen and Associate Justices Ramon Paul Hernando, Amy Lazaro-Javier, Mario Lopez, Ricardo Rosario, and Jhosep Lopez registered dissenting opinions.

“If oil prices spike further, we could face higher fuel and electricity costs, possible fare hikes for public transport, and increased production costs for goods reliant on oil. We anticipate potential supply chain disruptions and volatility in foreign exchange and capital markets,” she added.

Oil companies warned of possible further increases in pump prices this week after the US initiated air strikes against Iran.

“World oil prices could rise further because of the new development. The potential increase in premium and freight, which are projected to rise because of the expanded scope of hostilities, could be factored in the expected movement on domestic prices next week,” Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said.

Under PhilHealth’s new benefit packages, patients diagnosed with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) who have undergone kidney transplants will receive over ₱100,000 in monthly financial assistance for pediatric patients, and more than ₱50,000 for adult patients.

Living kidney donors are also eligible to receive ₱1,900 worth of laboratory tests and treatments every six months.

The total financial aid for kidney transplant patients has increased significantly, from an original amount of ₱600,000 to more than ₱2 million under the revised packages.

Domingo described the development as a “game changer,” noting that many patients previously declined transplants due to high maintenance costs—often reaching ₱40,000 to ₱50,000 per month.

He added that PhilHealth’s promise to shoulder the cost “even for life” could encourage more patients to consider transplant procedures.

The expanded kidney transplant package was launched on June 19 at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City.

Domingo also assured that PhilHealth can sustain its financial capability to cover these benefits, citing expert projections.

Despite receiving no government subsidy under the 2025 General Appropriations Act due to its ₱600 billion reserve funds, the state-run insurer reportedly has resources totaling nearly ₱755 billion.

In addition to kidney transplant benefits, PhilHealth also expanded its packages to cover cancer treatment, emergency outpatient services, and preventive oral health services.

She urged Filipinos in Melbourne to persuade the Australian government and other foreign leaders to look into the alleged injustices against the former president, who is currently detained in the Netherlands over charges of crimes against humanity before the ICC.

In her nearly two-hour-long speech at the Melbourne rally, the Vice President discussed why the ICC no longer had jurisdiction over her father’s case, and why Philippine authorities supposedly breached legal procedures when they

“You convince the government of Australia — because Australia is a member of the ICC — to look into the case of President Duterte and the injustice that he is receiving, that he has been getting from the ICC,” she said.

“You talk to the government of Australia. Come together, sit down, come up with a position paper,” she added.

Duterte also urged her supporters to bring his father’s case to the local Australian media, to the global community through their social media accounts.

The Vice President Duterte proceeded to lambaste the ICC, saying that there

has been “some sort of discrimination” in the arrests and trials conducted by the Hague-based tribunal.

She claimed that the ICC can only lodge cases against the vulnerable nationalities such as the Afircans, but never against the Westerners.

Duterte also reiterated her allegations that the arrest of her father was politically motivated, saying the police operation to take him to the Netherlands happened just as he was starting to campaign for an opposition senatorial slate for the 2025 midterm elections.

The Vice President also accused the Marcos administration of pre -

senting economic figures that “look good on paper but are meaningless in the real world.”

She cited the national budget as lacking transparency, and that government debt continues to grow without visible results.

“Debt that we don’t see where it’s going, a budget that no one knows how it’s being spent, ending up in politicized aid programs,” she commented.

Duterte lamented the lack of attention given to farmers, and accused the government of neglecting food security, emphasizing that halfway into the administration’s term, no concrete plans have been made or implemented.

Constitution,” Castro explained.

der, technical malversation, bribery and corruption complaint filed by Congress.

Chua viewed the Ombudsman’s move as a “strong affirmation of the weight and integrity” of the findings submitted by the House of Representatives.

“It is both unusual and significant that the Ombudsman proceeded directly to preliminary investigation and issued subpoenas to the respondents — skipping the usual fact-finding phase–all within the same week that we furnished them with a copy of the committee report,” Chua said.

“This kind of swift response sends a clear signal—the Ombudsman has found prima facie evidence to warrant a preliminary investigation on the basis of the committee report,” he added.

“The Ombudsman acted purely on the strength of our committee report. We have not yet even attached or sub -

mitted the supporting evidence for the committee report. That alone speaks volumes,” Chua said.

Chua pointed out that early on, Ombudsman Samuel Martires publicly stated that he saw no grounds to investigate the Vice President.

“That he now believes otherwise shows that the facts uncovered by our committee could no longer be ignored,” Chua stressed.

According to him, since the Ombudsman has effectively treated the House committee report on the issue as the initiating complaint, his team is prepared to fulfil their role as complainant and ensure the process is based on truth, fairness, and accountability.

He confirmed that the committee on good government and public accountability, which he chairs, would formally request for time to file replies to counter-affidavits as may be submitted by the respondents.

“The Ombudsman will need to see the evidence supporting the commit-

tee report. We want to make sure this is not just a speedy process — but a credible one. We will cooperate fully to ensure that all parties are given fair and reasonable opportunity to present their side, as we likewise present the truth uncovered through months of legislative inquiry,” the Manila lawmaker said.

“Ultimately, this is about accountability. We are not rushing to judgment. But we owe the Filipino people a full and impartial investigation — and we are committed to seeing it through,” he added.

For her part, Castro said they welcome the Ombudsman’s move to recognize the graft charges against Duterte.

“It should not be one or the other. Impeachment is removal from office and perpetual disqualification. The criminal case meanwhile is for imprisonment and the mere fact that she is asked to explain means it has sound basis. It can also be done by the Ombudsman motu propio as stated in Republic Act 6770 (the Ombudsman Act of 1989) and the

“We would just like to warn the Ombudsman that being a Duterte appointee, the people are extra vigilant in watching him as they fear that there may be a whitewash of the case against VP Duterte even if the evidence are overwhelming,” she said.

She maintained to let the separate proceedings reach their logical conclusion, a conviction. The Ombudsman included Duterte’s chief of staff Zuleika Lopez; special disbursing officer Gina Acosta; former officials at the Department of Education Sunshine Fajarda, Edward Fajarda, Annalyn Sevilla and Nolasco Mempin, and Col. Raymund Lachica, the commander of her security group, as respondents.

Martires directed all the respondents to file their counter-affidavits, as well as affidavits of their witnesses and other supporting documents within 10 days of the receipt of the order. Rio N. Araja

DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)

Secretary Jonvic Remulla proposed a “buy one, give one” scheme to Metro Manila mayors, offering to match every police vehicle they procure with an additional unit from the national government.

“What I am proposing is we go back-to-back. You buy one, we give you one,” Remulla told local chief executives at the regional Peace and Order Council - National Capital Region (NCR) meeting in Taguig.

He said the procurement of additional police vehicles is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen emergency and crisis

DILG offers police car plan to Metro mayors

response mechanisms nationwide.

“There is a clear disparity. Metro Manila, with over 14 million people, has only 635 police vehicles. Cavite, with 4.5 million people, has 801. This has to be corrected,” he said.

He said the DILG also plans to acquire more motorcycles that match the riding competency of police personnel.

“Fifty percent of our police force cannot drive, but 90 percent know how to ride a scooter. That is a gap we must address,” Remulla said. Remulla said the DILG is also set to procure mini fire trucks that

P486-m worth of illegal drugs seized in joint ops

By Rio N. Araja

THE Philippine National Police, Phil-

ippine Coast Guard and regional law enforcement units in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Sunday claimed to have dealt a crippling blow to illegal drug networks across the country in a week-long anti-drug drive.

From June 13 to June 20, authorities conducted 75 high-impact operations, resulting in the seizure of P486.85 million worth of narcotics and the arrest of 82 drug suspects.

According to PDEA, ths seized dangerous drugs involved 69,968.40 grams of powder shabu, 408 ml liquid shabu,17 ml liquefied shabu, 20,120 plants of marijuana, 4,000 seedlings, 2,407.21 grams of dried leaves,

1,087.29 grams of cocaine and 135 tablets of Ecstasy.

PDEA director general Isagani Nerez cited the relentless commitment of PDEA and other law enforcement agencies to wipe out illegal drugs.

“This nationwide crackdown reflects our unwavering resolve to dismantle drug syndicates. We will sustain these efforts also to protect our communities and future generations toward the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a drug-free Bagong Pilipinas,” he said in a statement.

The confiscated drugs for the week have an estimated street value of PhP486.85 million, which is one of the biggest combined hauls in the recent history of anti-drug operations of PDEA and other law enforcement agencies.

can access narrow alleys in densely populated areas to improve fire response operations. He led the recent turnover of 41 electric vehicles procured by the Valenzuela City through the 2024 Local Government Support Fund, promoting greener mobility and more efficient law enforcement operations.

At the 3rd Hotel Sales and Marketing Association Sales and Marketing Summit in Manila on Friday, Remulla outlined the DILG’s priority programs in public safety, including the upcoming launch of the unified emergency 911 system, nationwide

installation of closed-circuit television sets, and procurement of patrol vehicles to improve emergency response capabilities.

Remulla said the whole-of-government approach is in motion to strengthen the tourism sector by ensuring peace, order and responsive governance.

“The President is working very hard to restore the institutions of governance and the rule of law, which are essential in addressing longstanding injustices. And that is the backbone of what we would do for the tourism industry,” Remulla said.

PAGASA warns of flash floods, landslides

THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warned the public of possible flash floods or landslides today due to moderate to at times heavy rains in the western section of Luzon, including Metro Manila.

Cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms will prevail over the National Capital Region, CALABARZON, SOCCSKSARGEN, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro and Palawan due to the southwest monsoon.

The southwest monsoon will trigger partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms in Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, BARMM, and the rest of Central Luzon and MIMAROPA.

Expect possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.

Davao Region and Surigao del Sur will have cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms due to the intertropical convergence zone. Possible flash floods or landslides are likely due to moderate to at times heavy rains in those areas. The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with siolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms,

Possible flash floods or landslides may happen during severe thunderstorms.

BB BAHAGHARI 2025. Winners of the Binibining Bahaghari 2025 pose with Senator-elect Camille Villar and outgoing Senator Cynthia Villar during ceremonies yesterday held by the Villar Foundation. The foundation honors and upholds the dignity of the LGBTQIA+ community by celebrating the diversity of sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions—fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and acceptance. (Left to right) Senator-elect Camille Villar; 2024 BBB Bahaghari Gretess Cunanan;1st Runner-up Seike Mitch Fernando (Brgy.Manuyo 2);Bb. Bahaghari 2025 Zhoey Arana (Brgy.Pulang Lupa 1); 2nd Runner-up Sam Cabasag (Brgy.Talon 5);and Senator Cynthia Villar.

MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2025 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Coast Guard slams China’s ‘attack’

IN BRIEF

Manila honors 382 staff for decades of service

A TOTAL of 382 employees from the Manila city government were recognized for their loyal service during a ceremony led by Mayor Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo.

The event was held as part of the celebration of the city’s 454th founding anniversary on June 24.

The honorees received City Service Loyalty Awards for serving the local government for 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 years. Mayor Lacuna praised the employees for their dedication and integrity throughout the years.

She emphasized that their hard work helped shape the city into what it is today. Vice Mayor Servo and City Personnel Officer Miguelita Alonzo joined the awarding rites.

The ceremony took place at the Metropolitan Theater on June 20, with awardees receiving plaques and cash gifts in recognition of their contribution to the city. Among the top honorees was Antonio Punsalan of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau, who was cited for his 45 years of service to the people of Manila. Itchie G. Cabayan

BI stops 2 Chinese POGO workers at airport

TWO Chinese nationals were intercepted at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for attempting to leave the country using fake exit clearance certificates, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported. Identified as Yu Ziming and Wu Liping, the two were caught at NAIA Terminal 4 while trying to board a Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong. They were flagged by the BI’s Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (I-PROBES).

Exit clearance certificates (ECCs) are required for foreign nationals permanently leaving the country after working in the Philippines.

An investigation found that both had previously worked for offshore gaming companies.

POGOs have been under increased scrutiny following a government crackdown on illegal operations. The BI has transferred the two individuals to its Warden Facility pending deportation.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado warned others not to attempt to circumvent immigration laws, adding that the agency will continue cracking down on fraud and supporting the President’s directive to eliminate illegal POGOs Vito Barcelo

PNP denies authorizing vlogger for weight plan

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) clarified it did not authorize any fitness instructor, including influencer Rendon Labador, to lead a weight loss program for the entire organization.

The clarification came after Labador appeared at a physical fitness activity held at Camp Crame on June 19, leading some to believe he had been officially tapped by PNP leadership for a broader initiative.

In a June 21 memo, PNP Directorate for Police Community Relations head

MGen. Roderick Augustus Alba said the program was initiated solely by the Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG) and was limited to its own members.

PNP spokesperson BGen. Jean Fajardo said there was no directive from PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to assign any individual as the program’s head. She reminded personnel to be cautious in posting unverified information online.

Torre has previously said he would offer a “graceful exit” to officers unable to meet physical fitness standards. Labador, for his part, said he joined the 93-day PCADG program for free, citing his late father’s service as a policeman. Vince Lopez

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) denounced the China Coast Guard (CCG) for using water cannons against two Philippine vessels near Zambales, calling it a violation of international law and a false assertion of Chinese sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea. near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). Two of these vessels — the BRP

Tamblot and BRP Datu Taradapit — were targeted by CCG vessels 4203 and 3105 with water cannons at distances of approximately 15.6 and 18.1 nautical miles from the shoal. “This is outside the territorial sea of Bajo de Masinloc and falls within our exclusive economic zone,” said PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela at a forum in Quezon City. He reiterated that Filipinos have sovereign rights to fully utilize resources within these waters, particularly for fishing.

Tarriela questioned China’s legal ba-

sis for claiming sovereignty in the area, saying the Philippine government’s actions are aligned with domestic and international maritime law — including the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 arbitral ruling favoring the Philippines. The Marcos administration, he added, remains committed to food security and the protection of Filipino fishermen. BFAR operations will continue, with vessels now en route to Sual, Pangasinan and other parts of the West Philippine Sea to support fishing communities.

NHA brings services to 3,000 Negrenses via caravan

By Rio N. Araja

THE National Housing Authority (NHA) recently delivered various government services to around 3,000 beneficiaries in Negros Occidental— including police and military personnel—through its People’s Caravan: Serbisyong Dala ay Pag-asa initiative. Spearheaded by NHA Assistant General Manager Alvin Feliciano under the leadership of General Manager Joeben Tai, the caravan was conducted in partnership with NHA Region 6 officials, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo

Abelardo Benitez, and local government units.

The outreach was held at the Pahanocoy Sites and Services Project in Barangay Pahanocoy, Bacolod City on June 19.

Beneficiaries included residents from eight NHA housing communities, such as the Pahanocoy and Alijis Sites and Services, Yulo’s Park, Malalusan SUP, Mambuloc SUP, Santol SUP, the Bata On-site Housing project, and the Ciudad Felisa AFP/PNP housing project.

The People’s Caravan aims to bring

essential services from public and private agencies directly to NHA resettlement communities.

The event also featured the awarding of three transfer certificates of title for residents of the Pahanocoy project, as well as 40 lot titles for recipients in the AFP/PNP housing program.

Since launching in September 2023, the caravan has completed 29 legs and served thousands of beneficiaries—reinforcing its mission to promote sustainable, empowered communities under the government’s Bagong Pilipinas vision.

Missing La Salle law student found dead in Cavite

By Vince Lopez

AUTHORITIES on Sunday con-

firmed that the remains of a De La Salle University law student who had been missing were discovered in an advanced stage of decomposition in a vacant lot in Barangay Sapa, Naic, Cavite.

The victim, identified as Anthony Granada, was last seen on June 8 leaving his condominium in

Taguig City after reportedly booking a Grab ride. CCTV footage later captured him walking alone on Lopez Jaena Bridge in Manila at around 9:20 p.m. on June 17.

Police in Naic received a report on June 21 about a decomposing body found in a grassy area of Barangay Sapa. During the inspection, investigators recovered a plastic bottle labeled “Drain Clog Free,” a chemical substance known

to dissolve organic material.

Personal belongings, including Granada’s cellphone and backpack contents, were found intact at the scene. His father later positively identified the body based on the clothing and items recovered.

Authorities have not yet released details on possible suspects or causes of death, pending further forensic examination. The investigation remains ongoing.

NCRPO rescues 14-year-old girl from prostitution

By Vince Lopez

A 14-YEAR-OLD girl was rescued and two suspects were arrested after operatives of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) foiled a trafficking attempt inside a hotel in Binondo, Manila on the evening of June 20. The operation followed a report filed earlier by the victim and her mother, detailing a previous incident of sexual exploitation for money. After verifying the account, authorities quickly placed the minor under medical and psychological care with help from local social welfare agencies.

A week after the initial report, the suspects again attempted to exploit the girl, arranging another “booking” via online messages. This prompted a rescue and entrapment operation, which led to their arrest and the recovery of digital evidence.

The suspects will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by RA 10364, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012. The rescued minor remains under protective custody.

NCRPO Regional Director MGen. Anthony Aberin emphasized the PNP’s duty to act swiftly in cases involving minors, in line with the directive of PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III. The public is urged to report all forms of abuse, with the NCRPO reiterating that even small pieces of information can lead to timely intervention.

On Friday, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) deployed four vessels

Zumba and jogging

Morato, led by the

Department (ITDD). Partner telcos also set up discovery booths as part of the ‘Car-free, Carefree Tomas Morato’ initiative.

TOP AWARDEE. Mayor Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo honor Antonio Punsalan of the MTPB, the top awardee for his 45 years of service in the city.

VIBRANT. Students are treated to a vibrant sunset in Barangay Hanib, Mahatao, Batanes. Dave Leprozo

OPINION

Respite

younger daughter could hardly keep pace as we traipsed through Sevilla’s medieval town center.

few of us friends went to bask in the warm Tuscan sun as the Italian spring folded into an early summer to attend the wedding of a dear friend’s son. Our party of six left Manila, transited through the United Arab Emirates and into Milan’s Malpensa airport, from where we were met by Randy, a Filipino from Caloocan now a resident of Italy for the last 23 years, who drove for us into the Borgo San Luis, some 15 minutes away from historic Siena. There we met up with another two friends who came from Rome, and the family and closest friends of the groom and his lovely wife. A welcome dinner at the flower-roofed terazzo awaited, serenaded by an Italian band who switched from O Sole Mio to La Vie en Rose to Bella Ciao and later in the evening, to new European songs with a more bouncy beat. The next day, we drove through narrow winding roads deep into the forested Val d’Elsa and emerged some 30 minutes later into a 14th century castle atop a hill overlooking the beautiful Tuscan countryside. At five in the afternoon, the wedding entourage emerged from the castle and into the tastefully decorated terraced garden where the ceremony was held, marching to the tune of Pachelbel’s Canon in D.

The wedding ceremony over, cocktails over iced Aperol and Limoncello spritzes were served with waiters bringing hors d’oeuvres of sliced prosciuttos to mouthwatering pistachio and ricotta-filled cream puffs as winds cooled the summer heat and the sun began to set. Dinner was held at the back lawn of the castle overlooking expansive cypressdotted gardens. A long, long table for the guests faced the newlyweds while a string quartet of three violins and a cello (my favorite musical instrument) rendered both classics and popular ditties.

Solaia Toscana, Napa’s Opus One and Masetto red overflowed as we were treated to a fine six-course dinner highlighted by bistecca Fiorentina deep into the night.

Us senior citizens drove back to Borgo San Luigi towards midnight while the young couple and their friends danced into the wee hours inside the castle’s huge courtyard.

The following days were spent by our group lazing in Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra and Firenze, where my fellow seniors marveled at my (thank God!) stamina, walking through steep cobbled paths in 38 to 40 degree temperatures.

In 1978 on my first European trip, I could easily climb the winding staircase of Koln’s Dom and touch the gargoyles in its steeples, and three years back, my much

Praise the good Lord for his continuing care in my super senior years.

Five days later we drove to Milano and lunched over the famous Italian pizza chain called Alice with its crisp dough generously topped by mushrooms, cheese and olives along the way.

It was in Firenze where rice-hungry stomachs groaned for Asian, and we ate at Hoseki, a surprisingly authentic Japanese restaurant manned by friendly Filipino staff and, later in Milano, where our ubiquitous Randy brought us to two Filipino restaurants, holes in the wall which served good bulalo, sinigang, an excellent pinakbet, kare-kare and daing na bangus.

I wrote this travelogue as a piece of good news as we all await with trepidation bad news here and in the rest of the world

I highly recommend Kanin@Eat, a small eatery owned by a Batanguena who took culinary courses which showed not only in the taste but likewise in the nice plating of her Filipino specialties.

Conversation among us always drifted to developments at home, from the day when the impeachment court remanded the articles to the HoR and our various interpretations of the unusual Senate masterstroke, to recalling while in Bellagio astride Lago di Como how the pandemic postponed now DoTr secretary Vince and Essie Dizon’s intimate wedding scheduled in 2020 in the Tuscan countryside, later into their abode in Clark in another beautiful and memorable event.

Later we were at tenterhooks when Israel attacked Iran, wondering whether the war would cause the cancellation of our return flights via the Middle East.

Happily, the airlines re-drew their flight paths, instead passing through Egyptian airspace into the Arabian Sea thence the Indian Ocean and into home, sweet home.

Eleven days later, we were back into the land of senseless political mayhem and worrisome economic developments, with petrol increasing by P5 a liter amid deadly war drums in perennially troubled western Asia.

I wrote this travelogue as a piece of good news as we all await with trepidation bad news here and in the rest of the world.

Breaking the education crisis through public–private partnerships

THE new school year (SY 2025–2026) has begun, with approximately 27 million students enrolled from Kindergarten to Senior High School – this is “a few thousand higher” from last year’s total, according to Education Assistant Secretary for Operations Jocelyn Andaya. For decades and successive administrations, familiar strains confront the public education system: dilapidated buildings, aging textbooks and a severe shortage of teaching spaces that threatens to undermine every student’s right to a proper education. Data from the Department of Education paints a stark picture: the country is short by approximately 165,000 classrooms, a deficit that Secretary Sonny Angara warns would take 55 years to resolve at the current budget and construction pace. With student numbers rising each year, classes exceed recommended sizes, further straining teacher capacity and diluting student attention.

Public schools have to manage these gaps with ad hoc repairs and communitydriven interventions, yet goodwill alone cannot replace sound infrastructure.

An average classroom now costs between ₱2 million and ₱2.5 million, estimates from DepEd officials show, but funding shortfalls and bureaucratic delays leave many projects stalled.

Against this backdrop, private sector stakeholders have stepped forward with targeted interventions: corporations underwriting modular classroom units, foundations installing solar-powered computer labs, NGOs donating digital libraries and

private schools opening their doors to relieve overcrowding. These initiatives demonstrate the private sector’s readiness to invest in education.

To address this gap, last December, the DepEd signed a $1 million Technical Assistance Agreement with the PPP Center, aimed at accelerating the design and construction of 15,000 sustainable, tech-enabled classrooms in the coming year.

With student numbers rising each year, classes exceed recommended sizes, further straining teacher capacity and diluting student attention

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has urged the government to strengthen public-private partnerships and expand the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education voucher programs.

A key development comes from the Private Education Assistance Committee’s proposal to amend Republic Act 8545, extending the Educational Service Contracting scheme to include kindergarten and elementary levels. Under the suggested amendment, De-

A spectacular escalation of risk

UNITED States President Donald Trump gleefully reported to the world that he had bombed three nuclear facilities in Iran, and that it was a “spectacular military success.”

In an address to Americans, Trump said “there will be either peace or there will be tragedy in Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days.”

Earlier, Trump posted on Truth Social that the US had attacked three nuclear sites in Iran, “including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan...a full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow.”

Amid all this, he somehow found a way to boast: “There is not another military in the World that could have done this,” he said, ironically adding, in bold letters, “NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE.”

A subsequent post brought Mr. Trump’s propensity for sweeping, grandiose claims to fore, even as the US is not technically a party to the Israel-Iran conflict.

Quite predictably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanhayu said Trump’s move will change history. He also invoked the phrase “First comes strength,

pEd would subsidize tuition and fees for K–6 learners enrolled in accredited private institutions, tapping into underutilized capacities in private schools to ease the congestion in public elementary classrooms while opening the opportunity for qualified students to benefit from the quality of private school facilities and education standards.

Education advocates stress that this expansion aligns with the Enhanced Basic Education Act and the K–12 curriculum’s goals, bringing support to children at their most formative stages. By broadening ESC, the government will cost effectively leverages private school facilities and expertise while directing public funding toward underserved areas and critical maintenance projects.

Operationalizing the planned one-stop digital portal that simplifies accreditation and application procedures, clear guidelines for co-financing infrastructure projects, and incentive packages—such as tax breaks or matching grants—will attract long-term private commitments.

These steps would foster transparency, reduce red tape and encourage deeper collaboration between DepEd, private entities

then comes peace” in referring to the American president’s move. Netanyahu said Mr. Trump acted with a lot of strength. Did he?

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday said the U.S. strikes on Iran represent a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region, posing a serious threat to global peace and security.

The possibilities are terrifying.

“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” Guterres said in a statement as reported by Reuters.

and local government units. As President Marcos Jr. joins advocates in vowing to reverse the learning crisis within his term, the reality is that government cannot tackle these entrenched challenges alone. The private sector has already demonstrated its significant role in elevating educational standards—whether by funding innovative classroom designs, supplying state-of-the-art learning content, or offering professional development programs for teachers.

Strengthening public-private partnerships is a strategic imperative if we are to deliver quality education that meets the demands of the fast evolving, technology driven, and interconnected global ecosystem. What bridges ambition and achievement is a clear framework for lasting collaboration.

By setting out straightforward co-investment guidelines, building incentive structures, and creating a single digital portal for DepEd, LGUs, and private partners, we can turn isolated efforts into coordinated progress. Schools would gain timely access to

“We strongly condemn the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities, which constitutes a dangerous escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. The aggression seriously violates the UN Charter and international law and plunges humanity into a crisis with irreversible consequences.”

Many other world leaders have expressed similar sentiments.

The rest of the world will only be able to grasp the full extent of the US’ move in the coming days. For us Filipinos, our foremost concern is the safety of our compatriots in that part of the world. But this is not something we could neatly dismiss as something remote. The potential consequences are terrifying -- and dangerously close to home. For a leader – and a human being -such as Trump, an appeal for calm and logic will be too tame. His advisers who truly know the issue, its context and repercussions, now have to frame the issue differently for him. They have to spell it out in terms of what he would gain from not making this about the US, and to warn him about the consequences of escalation on his pursuit of personal glory. Alas, Trump might only listen if his desire for peace is greater than his obsession with acclaim.

infrastructure and expertise, while companies and foundations could see exactly how their contributions translate into better classrooms and stronger learning outcomes.

The private sector isn’t just a stopgap for underfunded schools—it’s a ready partner with the resources and drive to make a real difference. With targeted support and open channels for partnership, businesses and foundations can help build inspiring learning spaces, equip teachers with new tools, and ensure every child has room to grow. We must seize this chance to forge a true public-private alliance, or risk another generation left behind because of promising initiatives that never delivered results.

As the school year unfolds, let us heed the lesson that education reform demands collective resolve. Our children deserve more than temporary fixes; they deserve a robust partnership model—rooted in societal commitment—that turns vision into reality. By strengthening public-private

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format. It is a traditional woodcut texture with watercolor textures. It is a gas station fuel filling station. It is anthropomorphized as a smiling menace looking at the viewer. The side

MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2025

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Israel leading ME to ‘total disaster’

IN BRIEF

Japan spots Chinese ships near disputed isles

TOKYO – Japan spotted Chinese vessels sailing near disputed islets in the East China Sea for a record 216 consecutive days, Tokyo’s coast guard said Sunday. The Tokyo-administered islands, known as the Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan, have long been a sore point between the neighbors.

On Sunday, Japan said it observed four Chinese coast guard vessels sailing in the “contiguous” zone, referring to a 12-nautical-mile band that extends beyond Japan’s territorial waters.

Last year, Chinese vessels sailed near the Tokyo-administered island chain a record 355 times, including for a period of 215 consecutive days, a Japanese coast guard spokesman told AFP. Japanese officials regularly protest the presence of the Chinese coast guard and other vessels in the waters surrounding the remote, disputed islands.

Relations between Japan and China were strained by Tokyo’s decision to “nationalize” some of the islands in 2012. AFP

8 dead in Brazil balloon accident

SAO PAULO, Brazil – At least eight people were killed Saturday (Sunday Manila time) when a hot-air balloon with 21 passengers caught fire in southern Brazil, a state governor said.

It was the second fatal balloon accident in the vast South American country in less than a week.

“Eight fatalities and 13 survivors,” Santa Catarina state governor Jorginho Mello said on X.

Videos taken by bystanders and carried on Brazilian television showed the moment when the balloon erupted in flames above a rural area outside the Atlantic coast town of Praia Grande, a tourist hotspot popular for hot-air ballooning.

The basket carrying the passengers plummeted dozens of meters to the ground in flames. Other images showed some of the passengers jumping.

The 13 survivors were treated at hospitals, firefighters said.

Officials at Our Lady of Fatima hospital said of the five survivors treated there, three were in stable condition with minor injuries and two had already been discharged. AFP

Pro-Palestinian protest

leader defiant

NEWARK, New Jersey – Mahmoud

Khalil, one of the most prominent leaders of US pro-Palestinian campus protests, pledged Saturday (Sunday Manila time) to keep campaigning after he was released from a federal detention center.

“Even if they would kill me, I would still speak for Palestine,” Khalil said as he was greeted by cheering supporters at Newark airport, just outside New York City. Khalil, a legal permanent resident in the United States who is married to a US citizen and has a US-born son, had been in custody since March facing potential deportation. He was freed from a federal immigration detention center in Louisiana on Friday, hours after a judge ordered his release on bail. The Columbia University graduate was a figurehead of student protests against US ally Israel’s war in Gaza, and the Trump administration labeled him a national security threat. AFP

ISTANBUL, Turkey – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has accused Israel of leading the Middle East towards “total disaster” by attacking Iran on June 13.

Iran and Israel have been at war for nine days after Israel, claiming the Islamic republic was on the brink of acquiring a nuclear weapon, launched a massive wave of strikes on its arch-rival, triggering an immediate response from Tehran.

“Israel is now leading the region to the brink of total disaster by attacking Iran, our neighbor,” Fidan told a meeting of top diplomats of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul.

Freed Israeli hostage recounts 484-day nightmare

TEL AVIV, Israel – More than four months since his release from Gaza, former hostage Keith Siegel bears the mental scars of 484 days of captivity in destroyed buildings and tunnels in the hands of Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The 66-year-old Israeli-American and his wife Aviva were among 251 hostages seized from residential communities along the Gaza border, army bases and a music festival on October 7, 2023.

In a recent interview with AFP, Siegel told of physical and sexual abuse that he had experienced and witnessed in captivity, and of the extreme stress of not knowing if he would ever see his family

again. In one incident, he recalled how his captor, out of the blue, pulled out a gun and said: “I’m going to kill you now.”

“Then he said, ‘now you’re dead’ and laughed,” added Siegel, wearing a tshirt with the words “Bring them home now”, a call to free the remaining 52 hostages still in Gaza after more than 20 months.

One of the locations where Siegel was held was so far underground that he was “gasping for breath”, he recalled.

“It was the most horrendous, or one of the most horrendous, situations that I was in.”

He was first held with his wife, then

and reports said. Speaking after Fidan, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Western leaders of providing ‘unconditional support’ to Israel. AFP GAZA SUPPORTERS. Protesters wave Palestinian and Iranian flags and hold placards as they take part in a march towards the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known by the

with other hostages, as well as spending many months alone.

In total, he was moved throughout the Gaza Strip around 33 times, hidden inside tunnels or in bombed-out buildings and private homes.

During the darkest moments, Siegel said he used mindfulness techniques to stay strong, having long, imaginary conversations with family and friends. Throughout his ordeal, Siegel said he had focused on staying alive so he could see his wife, their four children and grandchildren.

“There were peaks of anxiety, fear and just the torture of not knowing, the uncertainty of not knowing,” he said. AFP

US-backed Gaza aid group says people in war-hit city miserably ‘need more aid’

JERUSALEM – A privately run aid organization brought in to distribute food rations in war-hit Gaza last month with US and Israeli backing said during the weekend that people in the Palestinian territory “desperately need more aid,”

The admission by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation that it has been unable to meet demand came after severe criticism from other aid groups and neardaily deadly shootings near distribution points.

Gaza’s civil defense agency said Saturday that Israeli troops had killed at least 17 people, including eight who were seeking food in the territory which is suffering from famine-like conditions due to Israeli restrictions, according to aid groups.

In a statement on Saturday, GHF interim executive director John Acree said that the organization was “delivering aid at scale, securely and effectively... But we cannot meet the full scale of need while large parts of Gaza remain closed.” He said the GHF was “working with

the government of Israel to honor its commitment and open additional sites in northern Gaza”.

“The people of Gaza desperately need more aid and we are ready to partner with other humanitarian groups to expand our reach to those who need help the most,” Acree said.

GHF’s operations have been slammed as a “failure” by the United Nations, while other aid groups have raised concerns about the group’s opaque structure and neutrality in the conflict that has been raging since Oct. 2023. According to figures issued Saturday by the health ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, at least 450 people have been killed and nearly 3,500

“There is no Palestinian, Lebanese, Syrian, Yemeni or Iranian problem but there is clearly an Israeli problem,” he said.

He called for an end to the “unlimited aggression” against Iran.

“We must prevent the situation from deteriorating into a spiral of violence that would further jeopardize regional and global security,” he added.

Speaking after Fidan, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Western leaders of providing “unconditional support” to Israel.

A trenchant critic of Israel’s actions in both Gaza and Iran, Erdogan called for “high-level peace talks” between Tehran and the United States, according to his office, adding that Turkey was ready to play a “facilitator” role to help bring an end to the war.

Tehran, however, has for the time being refused any return to the negotiating table with the United States on its nuclear programme for as long as Israel maintains its attacks on Iran.

Erdogan, who met Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of Saturday’s meeting, said Turkey would not allow borders in the Middle East to be redrawn “in blood”.

“It is vital for us to show more solidarity to end Israel’s banditry -- not only in Palestine but also in Syria, in Lebanon and in Iran,” he told the OIC’s 57 member countries. AFP

has ravaged Gaza. This Saturday, protesters there carried signs including “Stop arming Israel” and “No war on Iran” as they marched in the sweltering heat.

“It’s important to remember that people are suffering in Gaza. I fear all the focus will be on Iran now,” said 34-year-old Harry Baker.

“I don’t have great love for the Iranian regime, but we are now in a dangerous situation.” This was his third pro-Palestinian protest, he added. AFP SPIRAL OF VIOLENCE.

US,UN DELEGATION VISITS NBP. A fact-

nding delegation from the United States Congress and the United Nations visits the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City to look into the facility’s conditions, including the alleged deaths of some inmates.

DAR asks CA to rethink P28.4–b payment to Hacienda Luisita

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has

filed a motion for reconsideration before the Court of Appeals, challenging the court’s order that DAR and the Land Bank pay the Hacienda Luisita Inc. P28.488 billion in compensation for 4,500 hectares of sugar plantation in Tarlac covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

“While we respect the decision of the Court, we believe there are substantial issues that merit further judicial scrutiny,” DAR plea stated.

‘Sara risks losing right to reply if she ignored court summons’

VICE President Sara Duterte would lose her right to reply if she failed to submit her response to the summons issued by the Senate impeachment court when it convenes on June 10, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said yesterday.

“If she failed to file her reply, she waives her right to submit her answer. It will not stop the proceedings. She can present evidence, but she lost her right to file an answer,” Carpio said in an interview with DZBB radio.

The 10-day period given Duterte by the impeachment court submit her reply expired on Friday, June 21, but since it fell on a Saturday, her camp has until Monday to comply.

Senate impeachment court spokesperson lawyer Regie Tongol earlier said the impeachment proceedings will push through even if the Vice President ignored the summons.

Carpio agreed with the observations, but added it is still up to the Senate of the 20th Congress if they will allow Duterte to present evidence beyond the deadline.

“It’s up to the next Senate whether to allow her to present evidence or not. But that is the consequence if you are in default,” Carpio noted.

However, the former Supreme Court justice remained optimistic Duterte would comply with the summons.

“I think she will file an answer. They will have to file an answer. Otherwise, that would be prejudicial to their client. I don’t see them not filing an answer,” Carpio said.

He also said the Supreme Court can order the Senate of the 20th Congress to proceed with the impeachment court.

“I don’t see any reason why the Senate of the 20th Congress will not comply. They will comply the moment that the Supreme Court will say na tuloy ang trial (the trial will proceed),” Carpio explained.

“I’m sure there will be a trial. The subpoena of the bank records is important. The impeachment court has the power to issue a subpoena,” he added.

The motion, filed by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) stressed the necessity of a careful legal review and reasserted the

government’s commitment to upholding the principles of agrarian reform while also ensuring the proper use of public funds and adherence to legal due process.

In an April 25 decision, promulgated on April 25, 2025, the CA granted the petition for review filed by the Cojuangco family-owned estate against DAR and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).

“Respondents are ordered to pay petitioner the total amount of P28,488,944,278.71 as just compensation as of 30 April 2025, without prejudice to the accrual of interest until fully paid,” the ruling

stated, penned by Associate Justice Raymond Reynold Lauigan.

While DAR said the OSG has its trust and confidence in handling the case, it is still conducting its own careful evaluation through its legal services to share substantial inputs on the matter to protect the government’s interest.

“The case remains a critical matter in the discourse on land reform and just compensation, and the government agencies involved reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that the resolution aligns with law, equity and public interest,” DAR said.

IN BRIEF

Army’s 6th ID renders last salute to fallen hero

THE Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) on Friday paid final tributes to one of its soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during a clash with communist insurgents in Sultan Kudarat.

The slain Army scout, Cpl. JR Baay of the 37th Infantry (Conqueror) Battalion, was killed in skirmishes in Barangay Datu Ito Andong, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat early June 19. The encounter also left three insurgents dead and the confiscation of subversive war materials.

The ceremony, attended fallen trooper’s comrades, commanders, family members and their supporters, was spearheaded by Joint Task Force Central and 6ID chief Maj. Gen. Donald Gumiran who awarded Cpl. Baay the Military Merit Medal and posthumous promotion. Rex Espiritu

TESDA recognizes Army training school

THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has granted accreditation to a service support training school of the Philippine Army, TESDA provincial director Ben Hur Baniqued conferred the recognition on June 20 in a ceremony held at Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac City. This accreditation made the Army’s Service Support Training School the first TESDA-accredited military training institution that offers vocational education to soldiers. The accreditation followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Army and TESDA last February. Rex Espiritu

Aboitiz workers join Davao coastal cleanup

DAVAO City—Subsidiaries of Aboitiz Power Corp. joined hands for massive coastal clean-up organized by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) at Isla Tabuc, Matina Aplaya here in observance of World Environment Day. Around 300 volunteers from Therma South, Inc., Davao Light and Power Co., Inc., and Hedcor immersed in the clean-up drive covering a 150-meter stretch of coastline, collecting approximately 3,030 kilograms of waste—mostly plastic along with old clothes and discarded furniture.

“This area is at the mouth of the Talomo River, a marine litter hotspot and a designated Water Quality Management Area,” said Environmental Managemen Bureau Region XI chief Arnulfo Alvarez.

Therma South employees also maintained regular coastal clean-ups in Binugao, which serves as a nesting ground for olive ridley sea turtles. The team practices strict waste segregation and supports ongoing environmental efforts. Butch Gunio

Team from US Congress, UN looks into NBP inmates’ death

BUREAU of Corrections (BuCor) director general Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. welcomed a delegation of United States congressional staff, along with representatives from the United Nations Foundation (UNF), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) who called on him Tuesday at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.. This visit, Catapang said, highlighted ongoing efforts by the BuCor in col-

PANYEROS. Nueva Vizcaya governor-elect Jose Gambito and congressman-elect Timothy Joseph Cayton shake hands before the provincial seal. Being both lawyers, they vowed to integrate their professional knowledge and wisdom into their respective mandates as local political leaders. Jessica M. Bacud

laboration with international partners to address critical issues within the Philippine corrections system.

He said it also served as an opportunity to explore avenues for future partnerships aimed at improving conditions for persons deprived of liberty.

The BuCor, according to Catapang is open to foreign delegates who wish to visit the agency’s facilities, saying such engagements open the doors for shared knowledge, resources, and best practices that can significantly impact

prison reform initiatives.

“Strengthened international partnerships will be vital as the Philippines and global stakeholders continue to work toward addressing complex issues within the justice sector”, Catapang said.

One of the pressing issues tackled during the discussions was custodial deaths.

The UNODC has been actively working with BuCor to address the issue by creating a technical working

group geared at creating a holistic approach among various agencies managing detention facilities.

The initiatives include mandating autopsies and developing an interagency health policy to extend health insurance coverage to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). A memorandum of agreement was signed in July 2024 to establish a forensic flow system for investigating custodial deaths—a significant step forward in accountability.

Dev’t seen under NV’s new leaders

By Jessica M. Bacud

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya —The tandem of governor-elect Jose Gambito and congressman-elect Timothy Joseph Cayton is anticipated to bring significant development and progress to the province.

As lawyers, the duo shares a common vision for Nueva Vizcaya’s future, built on unity and innovation.

Gambito’s visions encompasses various programs aimed at supporting the welfare of Novo Vizcayanos, including electricity and internet access, addressing the needs of remote and upland areas, road development, enhancing infrastructure for economic growth, financial assistance, providing support to vulnerable sectors, healthcare, livelihood support, and accessible government services, among other things. These programs are seen to demonstrate

Gov. Gambito’s commitment to improving the lives of Novo Vizcayanos through comprehensive development, prioritizing the needs of the province and its constituents, and ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future. On the other hand, Cayton, known for his “Bayan ng Ayuda” projects as Dupax del Norte mayor and president of the Mayors League, has a track record of implementing programs that benefit various sectors of the community, focusing on agriculture (supporting local farmers and agricultural development), education (enhancing educational services and opportunities), peace and order (promoting stability and security), and environmental protection (preserving Nueva Vizcaya’s natural resources).

“I envision a unified Nueva Vizcaya;” Cayton said, adding that he aims to replicate the progress he achieved in Dupax del Norte across the entire province.

SALUTE TO A FALLEN HERO. Army soldiers execute the nal salute to their fallen comrade, Cpl. JR Baay who died during a clash with communist rebels in Sultan Kudarat. Army photo

MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Shootout looms at JPGT golf

THE race for top honors in the girls’ 15-18 division is expected to go down to the wire as the ICTSI Del Monte Junior PGT Championship unfolds on Wednesday (June 25) at the Del Monte Golf Club in Bukidnon.

Zero Plete and Crista Miñoza, both homegrown talents, brace for a fierce duel with Davao’s Precious Zaragosa in what promises to be a thrilling three-way showdown among some of the country’s most promising junior golfers.

While Plete and Miñoza are expected to capitalize on their local knowledge of the tight, mountain-top course, Zaragosa is looking to counter with grit, experience and hunger, having just moved up to the premier division after dominating in a younger age group last year.

Adding more depth to the title race are Cagayan de Oro’s Kenley Yu and Venice Guillermo, as well as Davao’s Santinna Patosa, all eager to make their mark in the 54-hole event kicking off the four-leg Mindanao swing of the ICTSI Junior PGT Visayas-Mindanao Series, promising fierce competition across all age groups in the next four weeks.

In the boys’ 15-18 bracket, Mactan leg winner Alexis Nailga of Bukidnon seeks to ride the momentum of his Visayas triumph in Mactan, but he faces stiff opposition from a talent-stacked field, led by Bacolod’s Santi Asuncion, Cebuanos Nyito and Roman Tiongko, and Davao’s Vince Naranjo, and Zamboanga’s Mhark Fernando III. CDO’s Armand Copok, Santino Lim, Seth Santos, Cliff Nuñeza, and last year’s match play winner Clement Ordeneza of Bukidnon are also expected to contend.

The boys’ 11-14 division is wide open with the absence of last year’s champion and Mactan leg winner Ralph Batican. Still, a slew of contenders is in the mix, including South Cotabato’s Jared and Laurence Saban, Davao’s Nicolas Bernardo, and CDO’s Ken Guillermo, Franco Lim and Kian Umpar. They will challenge home bets Mikhail Namocatcat, James Langamin and Miko Woo for the 36-hole crown. Rounding out the field are David Yap and Rio Sia of CDO, Cebu’s Eric Jeon, Koronadal’s Benjamin Garcia, and Valencia’s Marcus Duenas and Guio Pasquil, all geared up for a breakthrough performance in the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

SEA Men’s V. League set in Candon City

ALAS Pilipinas gets to put on a show for the home crowd anew this time with world ranking points and cash prizes in the Southeast Asian Men’s V.League in Candon City in Ilocos Sur from July 9 to 13.

A month after delivering sterling performances in the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals to the delight of the fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the men’s national volleyball team looks to answer the roar of the Northern crowd at the Candon City Arena.

Alas Pilipinas, twice bronze medalist in the 2024 SEA V.League, eyes a big share of the $55,000 (P3.15 million) prize pool as it seeks a higher spot on the podium this time against a bigger field. Cambodia has joined two-leg champion Thailand, runners-up Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam in the region’s top flight.

The Cambodians earned promotion by topping the 2024 SEA V. League Challenge featuring the Malaysia, Laos and Singapore national teams, according to Ramon “Tats” Suzara, president of the organizing Philippine National Volleyball Federation and Asian Volleyball Confederation.

Alas Pilipinas will be coming off a stint in the 11-nation Asian Volleyball Confederation Men’s Nations Cup in Bahrain eager to gain ranking points and some boost in morale as they continue the buildup for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship the country is hosting from September 12 to 28.

The champion gets $13,000 (around P743,000) and the runner-up $12,000 (P686,000) in the SEA V.League Candon City is hosting through Mayor Eric Singson and backed by mWell, Cignal, PLDT, Rebisco, Akari, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Mikasa and Asics.

PH team still competitive sans Bolden, 2 others, says Torcaso SPORTS

By Peter Atencio

DESPITE the absence of three key players, coach Mark Torcaso is upbeat about the Philippine women’s national football team’s chances in the coming Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 Qualifiers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Core players, including Sarina Bolden, Katrina Guillou, and Reina Bonta, won’t be around due to injury or unavailability.

But the squad, affectionately known as the Filipinas, is still a very competitive group.

“We are confident in every player in our pool and we are excited by the 26 that will battle it out for us to get to the Asian Cup,” said Torcaso after

the Philippine Football Federation officially announced the 26-player roster.

The Filipinas will be a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, with skipper Hali Long, fresh off her 90th international appearance, a friendly with Chinese Taipei, spearheading the team.

Among the key figures back are Sara Egges-

vik, Jaclyn Sawicki, Olivia, McDaniel, Angela Beard, Jessika Cowart, Chandler McDaniel, Malea Cesar, Isabella Pasion, Janae Defazio, and Kaya Hawkinson. Also returning after a brief absence are Quinley Quezada, Sofia Wunsch, Meryll Serrano, and Carleigh Frilles. There will be youth standouts, like Nina Mathelus, Gabrielle Baker, Alexa Pino, Ava Villapando, and Chayse Ying.

Completing the squad are Nina Meollo, Rhea Arcenal Chan, Katana Norman, along with experienced locally-based players Inna Palacios, Dionesa Tolentin, and Charisa Lemoran

“I believe it’s well-balanced team and provides quality in every area of the pitch. It’s also great to see some of our strong, young players that have progressed and developed over the years join some of our World Cup superstars,” added Torcaso.

Kaya-Iloilo edges Makati, keeps Women’s League title

KAYA FC-Iloilo grabbed its second straight PFF Women’s League crown on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Football Pitch.

Lyka Cuenco struck in the second minute of added time to lift Kaya to a 2-1 triumph over Makati FC on a rainy weekend encounter, allowing the Ilonggas to regain the crown they won last year.

“I’m proud of the girls. In the last three games, we had our goals in the last minute. This is all about character for the team. They wanted to get the title, they wanted to play in the Champions League,” said assistant coach David Basa on behalf of Yu Hoshide, who is getting a license to coach the squad in international competitions.

Kaya FC finished with the same 7-2-1 windraw loss record, with Stallion Laguna FC. But they had a better tiebreak record.

Not only did they win the crown, Kaya FC will once again represent the Philippines in the qualification phase of the Asian Football Confederation Champions League.

Shelah Mae Cadag scored first for Kaya in the sixth minute, before Makati FC’s Rhiauna de la Calzada volleyed a goal outside of the penalty

LOS ANGELES—The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers are poised for an epic championship showdown on Sunday, the Thunder seeking to crown an historic season with a victory over a tenacious Pacers team that has stunningly forced a rare NBA Finals game seven.

“We’ve got one game,” Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton said. “One game. Nothing that has happened before matters and nothing that’s going to happen after matters. It’s all about that one game.”

The Thunder certainly know it too.

“One game for everything you ever dreamed of,” Oklahoma City’s newly minted NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said after the Thunder slumped to a blowout loss in game six.

“If you win it, you get everything. If you lose it, you get nothing.”

The Thunder remain heavy favorites. A victory on their home floor on Sunday would crown a dazzling

campaign in which they led the league with 68 regular-season wins and set a league record for average scoring margin.

Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in scoring with 32.7 points per game and could become the first player since Golden State’s Stephen Curry in 2015 to win the MVP award and the title in the same season.

In addition, home teams are 15-4 in Finals game sevens.

But the last time the championship series went the distance, in 2016, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers completed a stunning triumph over the Golden State Warriors in Oakland. And the Pacers have proven repeatedly this season, and in this series, that they can’t be counted out.

The Pacers opened their season with four straight defeats and at 1015 were languishing in 10th place in the East with almost a third of the campaign gone.

But with a raft of injuries behind them, the Pacers had the best record in the East from New Year’s Day to the end of the regular season.

Coach Mark Torcaso gives instructions to the Philippine national women’s football team.

AFP

box in the 81st minute to tie the game. Cuenco, a former student athlete at Far Eastern University, got an opportunity to score after flicking in a deflection from goalkeeper Ayishatu Simpson.

Julissa Cisneros was given the Golden Boot award for scoring 13 goals for Kaya this season, while Filipinas’ defender Hali Long was feted as the Most Valuable Player. Peter Atencio

Members of Kaya FC-Iloilo celebrate their title conquest.

Zero Plete

PH resilient to ME risks, says BPI unit

By Jenniffer B. Austria

BPI Securities Corp., the stock brokerage arm of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), said the Philippine economy remains strong despite rising tensions in the Middle East.

end target of over 7,000, underpinned by projected core earnings growth of 8 percent,” he said.

Despite net foreign selling reaching P35 billion to P36 billion year-todate, Race remains optimistic as the Philippine economy is largely driven by domestic consumption.

“Foreign holdings in Philippine stocks have declined in recent years, which has actually helped reduce the scale of sell-offs during periods of volatility,” he said.

POWER PROFILE

By Jimmy L. Montejo

FINTECH News has described Orlando Vea as “one of the country’s most successful digital entrepreneurs.”

He co-founded Smart Communications with Dave Fernando in 1991 and served as its president and chief executive until 2000.

Smart was eventually acquired by First Pacific, but Vea stayed with the company until it became a dominant leader in the mobile communications sector.

Vea later moved on and established various companies, including Cignal, which is also a force in the home digital cable industry.

Subsequently, Vea joined the Manuel Pangilinan-led Philippine Long Distance Telephone Group’s media and content business as president and chief executive of MediaQuest Holdings Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund.

Vea’s “outfit” was “responsible for the group’s thrust into mobile TV, direct to home TV and its initiatives toward other major mass media and new media platforms.” However, he decided to return to Smart as chief wireless adviser in 2008.

Orlando Vea: Smart man of PH telecom

“Orlando Vea is an accomplished Filipino entrepreneur who has made a significant contribution to the digital financial services industry in the Philippines. His commitment to financial inclusion and his vision for accessible and convenient financial services have made him a role model for young entrepreneurs in the country,” the critic said.

Another review of Vea said he “demonstrates a high level of resourcefulness by using his wit and problem-solving skills to overcome various challenges. His ability to think on his feet and use available resources effectively is a key trait that helps him navigate the difficulties he encounters.”

The brokerage said the steady inflation and better supply conditions are helping investor sentiment, mitigating risks from the Middle East.

“Tensions between Israel and Iran undoubtedly pose risks to the global economy,” said Mark Race, president and chief executive of BPI Securities.

“As a major oil importer, the Philippines is exposed to price shocks. However, we take a measured view—year-to-date, the key inflation drivers for the early second quarter reflect moderation, particularly in food and utility costs, and easing transport prices,” said Race.

Race said the improved rice supply is helping control food inflation.

“Year-on-year rice prices are down by more than 11 percent, and that has a meaningful impact on overall inflation expectations for the rest of the year,” he said.

BPI Securities also said the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) remains technically supported despite external pressure.

Vea’s knack as a corporate creator once more served him well. In 2013, he led a group that organized Voyager Innovations, which specialized in the digital aspects of Smart and PLDT, along with a number of subsidiaries such as FINTQuologies, Takaack Technologies and PayMaya Philippines.

A look back at Vea’s career path would show that he was a director at Smart Communications Inc. from 2011 to 2012. At present, he holds numerous corporate positions. He is the president and chief executive of Satventures Inc. and Voyager Innovations Inc.; chairman and president of T-ONE Vision Inc.; chairman of Fortag Realty Inc.; chairman of Peakview Properties Inc.; director of Meridian Telekoms Inc., Connectivity Unlimited Resource Enterprise Inc. and Kalayaan College. He is also the president and director of Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc.; director of netGames Inc., Digital Paradise Inc. I-Contacts Corp., Smart Hub Inc., Smart Money Inc., Wolfpac Mobile Inc., Mobile Payment Solutions Pte Ltd., Morphlabs Inc. (Philippines) and IdeaSpace Foundation Inc. (Venture Capital).

Vea was born and raised in the Philippines and graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Electrical Engineering. A Manilabased broadsheet reported, however, that he graduated cum laude in economics.

Vea said that, “aside from choosing the right people, technology and strategy, technopreneurship also involves getting the right partners.”

Without a doubt, PayMaya has made its mark in the financial services industry. By 2022, it was already deemed “one of the top digital banks in the country.”

“Maya’s success is a testament to Vea’s commitment to financial inclusion, making financial services accessible to those who have limited access to traditional banking services. Under his leadership, Maya has expanded its services to include online shopping, gaming and other financial services, making it a one-stop shop for all financial needs,” an industry critic wrote.

DA expects stronger second-quarter growth on higher rice, corn harvests

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) expects stronger performance in the second quarter, led by improved rice and corn harvests.

“Given the latest production forecasts from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), we’re hopeful this quarter will build on the momentum we saw at the start of the year. But we must not let our guard down. We are doubling down on efforts to increase food production while boosting farmer incomes,” said Agriculture

Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. After slowing to just 0.5-percent growth in the first quarter of 2024 due to El Niño, the agriculture sector bounced back with a 2.2-percent expansion in in the first quarter of 2025. Based on the latest field reports, the PSA expects palay output at 4.36 million metric tons (MT), up 13 percent from the same period last year and slightly above the April forecast of 4.34 million MT. The increase was attributed to a 9.2-percent expansion in harvest area to 972,730 hectares and improved yields

projected at 4.48 MT per hectare compared to 4.32 MT last year.

Tiu Laurel said rice production rose due to favorable weather and enhanced government support through the National Rice Program, RCEF and stronger palay procurement by the NFA, which buys at P18 to P24 per kilogram.

The PSA expects second-quarter corn production to grow by 27 percent to 1.48 million MT, driven by a 16-percent increase in harvest area to 402,690 hectares.

Tiu Laurel also underscored the impact of contract farming initiatives and irrigation support from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), which are helping farmers make better planting decisions and expand their production.

“These numbers are encouraging, but this is just the beginning. With sustained funding support for rice programs, we remain fully committed to achieving food security by end-2028, in line with the President’s vision,” he said. Rice and corn are the top contributors to crop production, which accounts for roughly 57 percent of total agricultural output.

“We continue to trade above the 6,300 level, with 6,500 acting as immediate resistance. Over the next two weeks, we expect the PSEi to remain within this band,” Race said.

“However, our longer-term outlook is constructive—we maintain our year-

75 bps 5.25% $71 a barrel Expected interest cuts until 2026 Overnight borrowing rate

BSP’s oil price assumption

SMUGGLED ONIONS. Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. says the agency is ramping up its anti-smuggling campaign—particularly targeting onions—with the support of the Philippine National Police (PNP), following a string of smuggling cases in Cagayan de Oro, Subic and Manila. Tiu Laurel says the DA did not provide any permits since early this year, which means all imported onions in the market were smuggled.

WELLNESS DAY.

Eighty economic and business journalists, along with their loved ones, gather on Saturday for the EJAP-Unilab Health and Wellness Day, marking the organization’s first wellness event since 2021. Held at the Bayanihan Center in Mandaluyong, the activity was organized by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP), the country’s premiere organization of business and economic journalists, in partnership with Unilab, the country’s leading pharmaceutical company. This is also the first time Unilab hosted EJAP for a medicalfocused event, a meaningful follow-up to its hosting of the EJAP Sportsfest in 2012.

Waste to energy project to create 1,000 NCR jobs

By Othel V. Campos

A$560 million waste-to-energy (WtE) project expected to create 1,000 jobs for Filipinos is set to rise in Metro Manila.

This follows high-level talks between Presidential Adviser on Investment and Economic Affairs

Frederick Go, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, and Japanese investors from Kanadevia Corporation and Phil Ecology Systems Corporation (PHILECO).

The project will be built at the former Smokey Mountain landfill. It is designed to thermally treat up to 3,000 metric tons of non-recyclable municipal and industrial waste daily, converting it into as much as 100 megawatts of clean energy.

This initiative is expected to reduce landfill dependence by 90 percent and significantly contribute to flood mitigation efforts in the capital.

“We see this project as a strategic convergence of foreign investment, environmental innovation, and inclusive development,” Roque said.

“It is a testament to the Marcos administration’s whole-of-government approach in delivering transformative solutions that benefit both our

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Regional Trial Court NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 93, QUEZON CITY (02) 8567-5367/rtc1qzn093@judiciary.gov.ph

Defendants. x----------------------------------------x

economy and our people.”

Roque added that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is committed to evaluating Kanadevia’s eligibility for fiscal and non-fiscal incentives under the CREATE More Law, along with other government investment promotion programs that align with the administration’s Bagong Pilipinas sustainability goals.

Kanadevia, in partnership with Toyo Construction and IHI Construction Service, is also leading the ongoing rehabilitation of the Pasig-Marikina River, a major infrastructure initiative scheduled for completion by January 2030.

With a track record of 1,575 WtE plants worldwide, Kanadevia’s entry into the Philippine market is seen as a major step toward the country’s solid waste modernization goals.

The project is expected to deliver long-term socioeconomic benefits through job creation and green technology transfer.

ME tensions to fuel volatile week for PH stock market

By Jenniffer B. Austria

VOLATILE trading is expected continue this week amid escalating tension in the Middle East, as investors are expected to remain on the sidelines due to lingering concerns.

Philstocks Financial Inc. said bearish sentiment will likely continue over the near term period even as market is currently undervalued.

“Fundamentals-wise, the local market is still deemed undervalued, closing the week with a PE (priceto-earnings) ratio of 11.4x. This is below its 5-year historical average of 17.3x and the regional average of 16.1x,” Philstocks research head Japhet Tantiangco said.

“Sentiment next week could remain bearish however due to the ongoing Israel - Iran conflict. If the said conflict continues to push oil prices higher and cause the Peso to depreciate further, then these may pull the local market lower. A further escalation of the said conflict is also expected to be a significant headwind for the local bourse,” he said.

Investors are concerned about the continued rise in oil prices which could push inflation rate higher.

Last week, the bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index fell 0.87 percent to close at 6,339.77 while the broader all shares index dropped 0.65 percent to 3,760.56. Average value turnover reached P7.86 billion. Foreign investors were net sellers for the week with outflows reaching P3.49 billion.

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION TO: HILDA BESING 501 5th Avenue, LNB2 Compound, Ilaya Alabang, Muntinlupa City GREETINGS: You are hereby required; within ninety (90) days after service of this Summons upon you, to file with this Court and serve on the petitioners your Answer to the Complaint, copy of which is attached together with the Annexes. You are reminded that under the Interim Rules of Procedure Governing Intra-Corporate Controversies, a Motion to Dismiss is a prohibited pleading.

and serve on the petitioners your Answer to the Complaint, copy of which is attached together with the Annexes. You are reminded that under Interim Rules of Procedure Governing Intra-Corporate Controversies, a Motion to Dismiss is a prohibited pleading. If you fail to answer within the

PLDT investing more to bridge PH connectivity gap

By Darwin G. Amojelar

The PLDT Group is increasing its investments to help the government achieve its goal of closing the Philippines’ connectivity gap by 2028.

“We share the government’s aspiration to provide inclusive, resilient, and accessible connectivity for every Filipino. PLDT and Smart remain committed to working hand-in-hand with the government and stakeholders to deliver world-class, future-ready infrastructure that empowers communities, industries, and the nation,” said Eric Santiago, first vice president and head of network strategy and engineering at PLDT and Smart.

Santiago, responding to Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda’s call to close the country’s connectivity gaps by 2028, outlined three key imperatives for PLDT and Smart: Access, Accountability, and Aspiration. Under Access, Santiago noted that PLDT has deployed more than 1.2 million cable kilometers of fiber, now passing about 19 million homes nationwide. This extensive fiber backbone is complemented by Smart’s mobile network, which enables 4G/LTE and 5G coverage of 97 percent of the population across both urban and rural areas. This coverage is achieved through various technologies, including microwave and signal

repeaters, to connect even geographically challenging locations.

“We also have ongoing tests with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technologies, including providers like AST SpaceMobile, to provide mobile connectivity in underserved areas,” Santiago said.

Santiago also emphasized the importance of reliability and redundancy, highlighting PLDT’s investments in international subsea cables, which enhance the resiliency of PLDT’s domestic fiber network. He also cited the VITRO Sta. Rosa data center, the Philippines’ largest and first AI-ready hyperscale facility, which supports next-generation digital services, edge computing, and hyperscaler projects.

“To truly be accountable, we are modernizing our entire network: from the radio access, to the core and transport layers. This allows us to adopt technologies like AI and large language models (LLM) to proactively detect faults and resolve issues quickly,” he said, Further boosting the government’s vision to narrow the digital divide, PLDT is rolling out more fiber-to-the-home ports and 5G sites this year to expand coverage and improve customer experience.

“We will continue to work closely with government and industry stakeholders to deliver cost-effective, innovative solutions that ensure no Filipino is left offline,” he said.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

Photo by Unilab

PHILCONSTRUCT VISAYAS.

edition

PHILCONSTRUCT Visayas

opens at

Waterfront Cebu

Casino,

PrimeWater, SJDM vow to boost water supply

PRIMEWATER San Jose del Monte, in partnership with the San Jose del Monte Water District, is undertaking major infrastructure upgrades to improve water supply and availability in the city.

PrimeWater announced over the weekend that the Transmission Line Extension Project, Segment 1, from Tungkong Mangga to Gaya-Gaya, is underway and expected to be finished

by the end of June.

This project aims to reach higher elevation zones that currently have difficulty receiving water supply.

“We are upgrading both our storage and transmission systems to ensure that we will be able to supply our concessionaires sufficiently,” PrimeWater management said in a statement.

ter supply service once the project is finished.

Manila Standard

“The project is in near completion, and we are optimistic that once it’s completed, the significant impact will be felt by our subscribers.”

The areas are expected to receive 16 to 24 hours of wa-

District expects completion

the

Segment 1, from Tungkong Mangga to Gaya-Gaya, by the end of June. The parties are undertaking major infrastructure upgrades to improve water supply and availability in the city.

Accountancy at the nexus of sustainability, Gen AI and ethics

GREEN LIGHT Arnel Onesimo O. Uy

IN THE annual Future of Jobs reports released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), accountants and auditors are one of the jobs tagged as declining or with decreasing demand globally in the past years. This is further compounded by an Accounting Today report on May 22, 2023, that in an experiment, ChatGPT 4.0 comfortably passes the practice CPA exam after failing the first time six months before using ChatGPT 3.5. Is this the start of the end for accountants? Will Gen AI finally take over accountants’ and auditors’ jobs?

On the other hand, accountants contribute actively to the sustainability agenda of companies, partly spurred by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). In response to this, various international accounting organizations have taken steps to incorporate the accountant’s role in sustainability. IFRS Foundation formed the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) in November 2021 and issued the first two sustainability reporting standards June 26, 2023. International Audit and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) issued the General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements or ISSA 5000 in November 2024. And just last March 13, 2025, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) revised the International Accounting Education Standards (IES) embedding sustainability as part of the initial professional development competency of professional accountants.

In my talk during the 12th KRA International Conference in Accounting held in Surabaya last June 3 to 4, 2025, I echoed the call of Prof. Garry Carnegie that it is time for us to redefine accounting for the 21st century and reflect these multi-faceted dimensions of accounting as a technical, social and moral practice. This requires a paradigm shift, not only for accountants but also for business and society to reconsider and accept.

As a technical practice, accounting needs to accept that technology and Gen AI are tools that will enable accountants to address “big questions” and even attempt to solve “wicked problems”. Big data and the use of non-financial ESG data are now part of the vocabulary that accountants need to articulate. In an interview, Charlie Munger, an American investor, lawyer and philanthropist and the former Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway once said,”…Accounting is the language of practical business life. It was a very useful thing to deliver to civilization…” His statement reinforces the notion that accounting plays a key role in business. Interestingly, this is where accounting as a social practice comes in. The use of ESG reporting standards and the conduct of ESG assurance are platforms that accountants can use to evolve the language of business from conventional financial reporting towards its contributions to universal sustainability goals. It is a path towards expanding the accounting “lexicon” beyond traditional financial numbers to include non-financial information (e.g. ESG, human capital) and how digital

—“—

As a technical practice, accounting needs to accept that technology and Gen AI are tools that will enable accountants to address ‘big questions’ and even attempt to solve ‘wicked problems’.

technologies (e.g. Gen AI, blockchain) are fundamentally transforming business language structure and report delivery which affects both data integrity and user comprehension. Accountants need to identify and develop new “linguistic competencies” (e.g. data analytics communication of complex information). This provides an opportunity for accounting to enhance financial and sustainability literacy and inclusion, for a broader audience and remain relevant as a profession.

As a moral practice, accounting is inherently value-laded, with every decision carrying ethical implications that influence behavior and shape the moral order of organization and society. This moral practice shifts the focus from merely “how to do accounting” to “what should accounting do?” Thus, accounting should promote sustainable use of resources and foster accountability to a broader range of stakeholders not just shareholders or investors to ensure their flourishing. This includes people, society and even nature. Accountants are called to envision and develop not only technical but moral solutions to complex problems.

At the end, this nexus is not just an intersection of these three distinct concepts - sustainability, Gen AI and ethics – but it is where these three converge and offer a path towards retaining relevance to society. At this crossroad, accountants are called upon to ponder what it takes to redefine accounting as both a language of business and as a “technical, social and moral practice concerned with the sustainable utilization of resources and proper accountability to stakeholders to enable the flourishing of organizations, people and nature” according to Carnegie, Parker and Tsahuridu. This goes beyond financial record keeping, “debits and credits”, worksheets, and reports. It requires interdisciplinary perspectives and multidisciplinary approaches and impacts the accounting practice, research and teaching. Accountants are given the chance to reflect on what these all mean, find their core, and articulate how they can best serve the “public interest” and shape a better world.

Arnel Onesimo O. Uy is a Full Professor at the Department of Accountancy of the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business of De La Salle University (DLSU). He is also the holder of the William and Dolores Bowler Chair in Accounting. He can be reached at arnel.uy@delasalle.ph.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

In addition to improving water distribution for about 18,000 existing concessionaires, it can also support an estimated 4,000 new service connec-

tions, which is crucial for San Jose del Monte’s rapid residential expansion. Since the joint venture, the partnership has increased water supply service from 85.223 million liters per day (MLD) to 122.356 MLD.

TODAY

PrimeWater San Jose del Monte, in partnership with

San Jose del Monte Water

of the Transmission Line Extension Project,

Citi expects BSP to sustain monetary easing until 2026

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CITI is maintaining its forecast that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will cut policy rates by 75 basis points through the first quarter of 2026, following last week’s 25 basis-point reduction to 5.25 percent.

The global bank said it expects additional 25 bps rate reductions in August, October and early 2026, as part of a shift to a more accommodative monetary stance.

Citi, however, noted several risk scenarios that could change this pro-

Acciona set to invest $1b in renewable projects in PH

By Alena Ma S. Flores

ACCIONA Energia is looking at a portfolio of up to 1 gigawatt of renewable energy projects in the Philippines in the next five to six years with an estimated capital expenditure budget of $1 billion.

Acciona Energia managing director of Southeast Asia Ignacio Domecq said at the sidelines of the Philippine Construction and Infrastructure Club luncheon that a number of RE projects in the Philippines are in the pipeline.

“If we would be able to deliver or to build all this pipeline, that would be ideal. I don’t think that’s possible in our industry building on the pipeline never happens. But I would say that we would be really successful if we managed to build in the next five to six years. Let’s say a number between 700 megawatts and 1 gigawatt. That would be something to consider successful by our company,” he said. He said among the company’s most advanced project is the 100-MW Kalayaan 2 wind project in Laguna province.

“Yes, the Kalayaan project is in construction. We’re envisaging to connect the project to the grid in December 2026 between June and December 2026,” he said.

The company is also constructing the Daantabayan solar plant in Cebu with a capacity of 176 MW.

“And then we have a big solar family in the world which is in construction already and should be connected also by the same time frame, by the end of 2026,” he said.

jection. It said the timing or depth of the final two projected cuts could change depending on incoming economic data, geopolitical developments and global oil prices, all of which could affect inflation and foreign exchange.

Citi’s base case assumes a continued decline in inflation and slower economic activity.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas earlier slashed its inflation forecast for 2025 to 1.6 percent for this year from 2.4 percent on weaker food inflation and signs of softening global growth.

It noted that the BSP’s inflation outlook already factors in the recent spike in crude oil prices. The central bank uses a $71-per-barrel assumption, slightly above the year-to-date average of $70 but well below 2023’s average of $80.

“Given the flare-up of geopolitical tensions, and should oil prices stay

higher than BSP’s expectations, we see some risks of diverging trajectories between core and headline inflation, with slowing growth anchoring core, but higher oil prices pushing up headline CPI,” Citi said.

Citi noted that once oil prices rise to $85 per barrel or higher by end-2025, the BSP’s inflation forecast could be revised by around 30 basis points. While this may not prevent an August cut, it would increase the likelihood that the October and first quarter of 2026 reduction would not happen.

A weaker peso or a shift in US Federal Reserve expectations could also reduce the BSP’s room to ease further, it said.

Clark

Yap-Taruc and assistant vice president for business development Thelma Ocampo.

IN BRIEF

ERC approves transmission lines for 5 RE projects, battery energy system

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said over the weekend it approved point-to-point transmission projects for five renewable energy projects, with a combined capacity of 569.384 megawatts (MW) and 60 MW of battery energy storage systems (BESS).

The ERC said in a notice of commission action it authorized Sapang Balen Solar Second Energy Corp. to develop and own dedicated transmission facilities.

These facilities will connect its

463.995-MW Sapang Balen 2 solar power plant to the grid via the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ (NGCP) Mexico-Concepcion 230 kV Line (interim) and NGCP’s Magalang 230 kV Substation (final).

The ERC approved the connection point after deliberation and subject to presented conditions and commission instructions.

It also authorized Megasol Energy 1 Inc. to develop point-to-point transmission facilities for its 41.244 MW Gamu solar plant, connecting to the

BatStateU unveils Ventures Hub to boost startups

BATANGAS State University (BatStateU), the Philippines’ National Engineering University, inaugurated its Knowledge, Innovation and Science Technology (KIST) Park’s Ventures Hub on June 19, 2025.

The new innovation space, located within BatStateU’s KIST Park in Batangas City, aims to transform the local startup ecosystem by fostering collaboration and converting ideas into successful ventures.

grid through NGCP’s 69 kV GamuRoxas Transmission Line.

The ERC also resolved to issue a letter to NGCP, directing it to submit its protocol on generation curtailment.

The ERC said it approved the pointto-point facility of Cornerstone Energy Development Corp. to connect its 58.5-MW Camarines Sur wind power project to the grid via a tap connection to NGCP’s Naga–Libmanan 69 kV transmission line.

SMGP Power BESS Inc. was also authorized to construct a dedicated

transmission facility to connect its 60 MW Lumban BESS to the Luzon Grid via a direct connection to NGCP’s 69 kV Lumban Substation. Energy Development Corp. was cleared to develop dedicated point-topoint limited transmission facilities to connect its 5.645-MW Bago Binary geothermal power plant to the grid via NGCP’s 138 kV Bacolod substation.

The ERC authorized chairperson and chief executive Monalisa Dimalanta to sign the decisions. Alena Mae S. Flores

“Through initiatives like the Ventures Hub, we are ensuring that our students, researchers, and entrepreneurs have the tools, resources, and expertise to bring their ideas to life, creating solutions that resonate on a global scale,” said Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, president and chief operating officer of BatStateU KIST Park.

He cited the KIST Park’s evolution from a 2016 vision to its declaration as a PEZA-registered special economic zone in 2020, and now to its current operational status.

The Ventures Hub provides modular spaces for startups to grow and scale, enabling industry partners to collaborate with BatStateU. It will focus on high-impact sectors, including semiconductors, electronics, artificial intelligence, agritech and health tech, aligning with the university’s commitment to developing solutions for real-world problems.

NEW NU CAMPUS.

Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita Jr., President of National University (NU) Philippines, together with Las Piñas City Mayor-Elect April Aguilar, Las Piñas City Rep.-elect Mark Anthony Santos, SM Southmall assistant vice president for operations Stephanie Co and SM Supermalls executive vice president for marketing Joaquin San Agustin, leads the opening of the NU Las Piñas Campus. The 14th campus of NU Philippines offers nine college courses to students of southern part of Metro Manila, including senior high school education, starting School Year 2025-2026. Norman Cruz

A key feature of BatStateU KIST Park is its access to the university’s talent pool, offering startups worldclass expertise and research programs. The partnership aims to facilitate the transition of ventures from research and development to marketready solutions, enhancing their global competitiveness. Startups and industry locators at the Ventures Hub value the collaborative environment, where they can co-create with researchers, students and other innovators. This ecosystem provides the necessary structure and support to accelerate development and focus on essential builds.

EXHIBIT. Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy

together with Bureau of Corrections director general

from

the ceremonial

and

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is helping draft a bill to restore the key functions of the National Food Authority (NFA) to help stabilize rice supply and prices nationwide.

“This is one of several measures House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez asked the DA to craft to help the government advance its food security agenda, particularly the program of President Marcos to sustain P20-per-kilo rice for vulnerable sectors through 2028,” DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

The measure seeks to amend key provisions of the Rice Tariffication Law, restoring to the NFA select regulatory powers to effectively manage buffer stocks, regulate rice distribution and marketing, set a floor price for palay, and support farmers’ cooperatives and recipients of rice processing systems funded under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). It also aims to strengthen DA-led rice importation protocols, allowing faster responses to supply gaps and abrupt price surges. The bill grants the NFA greater flexibility in maintaining buffer stock levels and ensuring optimal grain quality to meet the P20rice goal and stabilize prices while protecting both farmers and consumers.

CDC MEETING.

Development Corp. (CDC) president and chief executie Agnes Devanadera (fifth from right), CDC chairman Edgardo Pamintuan and members of the board of directors take a glimpse of MV Masagana of 2GO Group during CDC’s 6th special board meeting on June 18, 2025, at Pier 4, North Harbor, Tondo, Manila. With them are (from left) director Sharon Faye Malapitan-Bautista, vice president for administration and finance Jose Miguel de la Rosa, director Ana Liza Peralta, director Pablo de Borja, communications manager Astrud Aguinaldo, director Maricris Ang-Carlos, assistant vice president for business enhancement Rodem Perez, director Bryan Matthew Nepomuceno, director Jose Philip Panlilio, vice president for security services group Lina Sarmiento, vice president for legal affairs Gloria Victoria

ART

Lazaro-Javier (center),

Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. (second

right), cuts

ribbon at the opening of artworks exhibit spearheaded by the Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA) on June 20, 2025 at the Manila Clock Tower Museum. With them are Associate Justice Marian Ivy ReyesFajardo (left) of the Court of Tax Appeals; Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, founder of Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA); and Susana Guadalupe Marcaida, executive director of the Office of Peace

Sustainability of Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU). Joseph Muego

RLC Residences to ease home buying worries

RLC Residences, the residential arm of Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), is making it easier and less stressful for Filipinos to buy their dream home amid uncertainty in the real estate market.

RLC Residences recently concluded a three-day expo at Park Avenue, Bridgetowne, Pasig City that directly responds to common buyer concerns, such as trust in developers, complex requirements, and payment worries, by offering a guided, stepby-step experience.

Guided buying experience

“RLC Residences Expo 2025 is more than a showcase of our developments—it’s a celebration of our commitment to helping people

find a home they can truly grow with and come home to forever,”

said John Richard Sotelo, chief marketing officer of RLC and senior vice president, business unit general manager of RLC Residences.

“Through this event, we aim to make the journey to homeownership more exciting, accessible, and deeply meaningful for every Filipino and global investor.”

Visitors start at the Hello Zone, where RLC’s 45-year legacy is

introduced to build confidence in the brand. Then, they move to the Home Zone to explore available properties, and finally, the Forever Zone, where sellers, banks, and lifestyle partners help buyers move forward with their decision—all in one place.

“At the expo, they actually find something—and we try to make it as painless and as worry-free as possible,” Sotelo explained. “One of the questions we always get is, ‘Is the developer trustworthy?’ So we start by showing them who we are and what we’ve done. From there, they can explore properties and ask questions until they feel confident in making a decision.”

Promos and perks

To reduce the financial stress that often comes with buying a home, RLC Residences is offering exclusive promotions during the expo. Among them is the pre-selling 120 promo, which lets buyers pay

Greenfield’s ZADIA breaks ground on new tower in Laguna

GREENFIELD Development Corp. (GDC), through its subsidiary EQUUS Property Venture Inc., has officially started the construction of Tower 4 at ZADIA, a mid-rise residential community in Greenfield City.

ZADIA is a five-tower condominium development that promotes green living through natureinspired designs and wide open spaces. Its fourth tower was launched with a groundbreaking ceremony held in the heart of Greenfield City, an eco-friendly township in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

“Living in ZADIA offers a unique experience, where the beauty of nature surrounds you every day, without compromising the comforts of modern life,” said lawyer Duane A.X. Santos. “We’re excited to welcome future residents to a home that nurtures their active, modern lifestyles, all within the peaceful abode of a city surrounded by nature.” Towers 1 and 2 are already fully launched, while Tower 3 is nearing completion. Tower 4 is the latest step in the development’s master-planned growth and comes in response to rising demand for residential options in Southern Luzon.

Once completed, ZADIA will have 15 residential floors, 480 units, and 107 parking spaces. It is designed with sustainability and green spaces in mind. Tree-lined roads, open parks, and playgrounds offer residents a chance to enjoy nature while staying active.

The development is based on the “Greenspiration” concept, reflecting Greenfield City’s vision of a modern yet eco-conscious lifestyle. Residents will have access to a centralized clubhouse, gazebos, a pool, multipurpose courts, and 24/7 security.

ZADIA’s location also adds to its appeal. It is just minutes away from Paseo Outlets, schools, hospitals, malls, and key establishments. The area’s accessibility and lower living costs compared to Metro Manila have drawn many families and young professionals seeking better quality of life.

the discounted price over 120 months with manageable terms. Other offers include a free SMEG oven toaster for the first 100 booked units, monthly rebates for up to 45 months via GoTyme, and an extra 10 percent discount for the first 45 sales.

One of the most popular options, according to Sotelo, is the LeaseTo-Own 120 program for ready-foroccupancy units.

“Let’s say it’s a ₱1 million unit. We just divide that by 120 months, no interest, and that’s it. A lot of people don’t want the extra hassle of working with a bank, so they go for that,” he said.

For those who prefer traditional financing, partner banks are on standby to assist with attractive offers.

These initiatives were created with the buyer’s peace of mind in mind.

“We hope that as they go through this, we get to make them feel a little less worried and a little bit more

confident as we help them buy their first home. That’s really the intent of it,” he said.

The expo also highlights the full RLC experience beyond just the property. Through myRLC Home, buyers can manage everything from the time they purchase to turnover and even leasing.

“When you buy a condo in RLC Residences or a house and lot, it’s not just the unit. It’s the entire experience—there’s digital, there’s retail, there’s property management,” Sotelo added.

Despite a challenging market environment, with more discerning buyers and competition across developers, Sotelo said now remains a good time to buy. “Regardless of where you buy, now is the time to buy. Developers are offering fantastic discounts and payment terms. It’s really a buyer’s market,” he noted.

Jenniffer B. Austria

GDC said the strong interest in previous towers shows a growing demand for homes with open space and natural surroundings.

Pueblo de Oro wins top honors at Real Estate Asia Awards 2025

utilities. These upgrades support

Converge, NextASIA team up to power homes with fiber

CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc. and property developer NEXTASIA Land Inc. have signed a major partnership to deliver high-speed fiber internet to more than 5,000 homes across Southern Luzon.

The agreement, signed at The Westin Manila in Ortigas, will bring Converge’s fiber infrastructure to all existing and future NEXTASIA residential projects in Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas.

“This partnership is more than just a utility—it’s a strategic enabler of digital-first living,” said Jesus C. Romero, chief operating officer of CONVERGE. “By embedding our fiber network directly into NEXTASIA’s master-planned communities, we’re equipping thousands of Filipino families with the tools they need to thrive in the modern economy—from work-from-home setups to online learning and digital entrepreneurship.”

The move supports NEXTASIA’s

goal of building smart, connected communities for modern Filipino families.

“In today’s market, digital infrastructure is not a luxury—it’s a key differentiator and a long-term value multiplier,” said Cris Y. Carreon, founder and chief executive officer of NEXTASIA. “Partnering with CONVERGE allows us to deliver homes that are ready for the future on Day One. This is how we attract informed buyers and drive sustainable growth for our communities and investors.” NEXTASIA expects to roll out over 10,000 homes in the coming years. The partnership ensures these homes will be fiber-ready from the start, helping bridge the digital divide and support digitally connected lifestyles in fast-growing provinces. Both companies emphasized that the collaboration highlights a growing trend in real estate: homes today are not just about location and design, but also about reliable connectivity and digital access.

- Philippines for its Batangas project, Pueblo de Oro Courtyards Lipa, a master-planned community known for its innovative design and focus on sustainability and lifestyle.

According to Real Estate Asia, “Pueblo de Oro Courtyards Lipa stands out for its innovative approach to community living, with each neighborhood cluster centered around a lush, inviting shaded garden. This tranquil space serves as the heart of the community, offering residents a serene environment to relax, socialize, and unwind.” The awards also cited the project’s use of energy-efficient materials, natural ventilation systems, and ecofriendly technologies. Its amenities include a clubhouse, swimming pool, jogging paths, open-air pavilions, and nature parks, all designed to support an active,

the project’s growth and

of the surrounding community. Located in Lipa City, Pueblo

Courtyards Lipa offers a balance of urban convenience and rural

with close access to schools,

hospitals, and major transportation links. “As Lipa City thrives as a dynamic economic center in Batangas, Pueblo de Oro Courtyards Lipa stands as a pioneer in suburban living,” said Prim Nolido, President and chief operating officer of PDO. “Its strategic location, innovative design, and sustainability commitment create a distinctive community that meets contemporary needs.”

Architect’s renderings of Pueblo de Oro Courtyards Lipa Pueblo de Oro Courtyards Lipa model units.

Present at the signing ceremony held at the Westin Manila (from left) Converge senior vice president and head of national sales JP Aguilar; vice president and regional general manager (Southern Luzon) Redentor Alterado; and head of Partner Acquisition & Relations Manny Erlano joined Next Asia Land chief operation officer Dustin Y. Carreon; deputy to the COO Tristan Y. Carreon; project management head Ruffy Senosa, and project architect team Lead Renzo Gruezo.

From left: Dan Carlo Torres, marketing director and head of brand management and operations, RLC Residences; Ma.

Czarina Theresa Lugue, assistant vice president and head of business development; John Richard Sotelo, chief marketing officer of Robinsons Land and senior vice president, general nanager of RLC Residences; Stephanie Anne Go, vice president and head of business development and design; Carissa Denise Lao, vice president and overall head of sales; Karen Cesario, senior director, marketing head, and chief integration officer and engineer Emmanuel Arce, vice president for project management

MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2025

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

GSHOWBIZ

Jak Roberto, Kylie Padilla reunite with deeper chemistry

‘My Father’s Wife’

MA Network’s Afternoon Prime is set to deliver another emotionally charged series with My Father’s Wife, premiering today, June 23. The show reunites Jak Roberto and Kylie Padilla in what promises to be their most complex on-screen pairing yet.

Jak, returning to television after a year-long break, plays Gerald, a man torn between love and loyalty.

“He’s the type who would do anything for the person he loves,” Jak told the Manila Standard Entertainment . “What drew me to this role was how human he is. He is flawed, emotional, and forced to make difficult choic es.”

Kylie, who portrays Gina, discussed what attracted her to the role: “The story and the characters are complicated, and that’s what I like. I enjoy playing complex characters because they’re not black-andwhite. You get to explore and add your own flavor to the role. That’s what makes acting fun and fulfilling for me.”

The actors, who previously worked together in (2022), revealed how their past collaboration helped their current project.

“It feels so good to be back on TV after more than a year,” Jak said. “Our first time working together Bolera in 2022, which ran for five months. Back then, we needed to collaborate and make certain adjustments. But that’s how it is - when you work together again, you’re already familiar with each other’s process.”

“We already had a strong foundation from Bolera so this time, the chemistry is even better, both on and off camera,” Kylie added. “I even told the team that if they’re bringing Jak in for this project, then they won’t have any problems. We already know each other’s work style, and I think that shows on screen. Chemistry is very important in this series, and I’m glad we already have that.”

Director Aya Topacio guided the actors to focus on authenticity. As Kylie explained: “Our director told us to play the role truthfully, not just for TV. What does that mean? Stay true to your character and to the story, and the audience will follow.”

Jak shared his appreciation for his character’s depth: “He’s a lover, he’ll do anything for the person he loves. He’s very human, and a lot of people will be able to relate to his emotions and the choices he makes in life.”

SB19 trends in Taiwan after performing at Hito Music Awards 2025

By Jasper Valdez

P-POP group SB19 delivered a showstopping performance at the 2025 Hito Music Awards held on June 21 at Taipei Arena in Taiwan. The five-member band, often dubbed “the Kings of P-pop,” took the stage to perform a medley of their hits, including “DAM,” “DUNGKA!” and “GENTO.” The quintet was joined by Taiwanese boy group Ozone during their set, where they performed the track “World Top.” Their appearance marked the first time a Filipino act had performed at the Taipei Arena for this prestigious Mandopop awards show.

The P-pop group thanked the awards ceremony’s organizers for the opportunity to perform.

“We finally hit the stage at HIT FM! Thank you for making the stage burn even hotter and brighter for us,” the group said in a social media post.

The Hito Music Awards, hosted by Taiwan’s Hit FM, is known for its fan-voted format and celebration of Asian music talent.

SB19’s participation aligns with their ongoing Simula at Wakas world tour, which began on May 31 in the Philippines and includes stops across North America, Taiwan, Singapore, and other locations.

“All These Ladies” follows the group’s self-titled EP released in March, which featured the hit “Divine.” BGYO, recently awarded Group Performer of the Year at the 6th VP Choice Awards and named among Billboard Philippines’ Rising Class of 2025, continues to expand its global reach.

The group is set to perform at BOSSCKM’s “Dream Warrior” concert in Bangkok on July 5, headline MYX’s “TFW” event in Chicago on Aug. 16, and take the stage at Summer Sonic Bangkok 2025 (Aug. 23) and ASAP England (Aug. 30).

P-POP sensation BGYO is back with a flirtatious new single, “All These Ladies,” a dance-pop anthem “dedicated to hopeless romantics everywhere.” The track, released under ABSCBN Music International, was recorded during the group’s time in Los Angeles in August 2024. It marks a fresh collaboration between members Mikki and Nate alongside producers Ron Robinson Jr., Ebonie Smith, Greg Shilling, and Stephen Santa Teresa, with Brian Kierulf coproducing. The accompanying music video, now streaming on BGYO’s official YouTube channel, showcases the five-member group (Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate) in suave, charismatic performances.

My Father’s Wife is also headlined by Gabby Concepcion as Robert and Kazel Kinouchi as Betsy. Completing the cast are Maureen Larrazabal, Sue Prado, Arlene Muhlach, Andre Paras, and Snooky Serna in a special participation.

SB19 members (from left) Pablo, Josh, Ken, Justin, and Stell

Very Wang Nickie Wang

The cast and directors of upcoming series ‘My Father’s Wife’

BGYO dedicates new track ‘All These Ladies’ to all hopeless romantics

Kylie Padilla (left) plays the role of Gina and Jak Roberto as Gerald

Gabby Concepcion (left) as Robert and Kazel Kinouchi as Betsy

Filipino tourists find new reasons to return to Hong Kong

By Nickie Wang

HONG KONG is making a concerted effort to attract Filipino travelers this season through its Hong Kong Summer Viva campaign, combining blockbuster theme park events with lesser-known natural attractions and strategic visitor incentives. This multi-pronged approach showcases the city’s versatility as it works to regain momentum in Asia’s competitive tourism market.

The campaign’s centerpiece features major theme park offerings. Hong Kong Disneyland launches its 20th anniversary celebration on June 28 with a year-long program that includes a new castle stage show, expanded parade, and enhanced nighttime spectaculars.

The resort’s merchandise promotion, offering complimentary anniversary postcards with purchases over HK$100, creates organic marketing opportunities through visitor sharing.

Meanwhile, Ocean Park’s Summer Splash 2025 from July 5 to Aug. 24 celebrates panda cubs Jia Jia and De De’s first birthday while introducing new character installations, with value-added twin park tickets combining access to both Ocean Park and Water World.

While Hong Kong is known for its urban attractions, the campaign also highlights the city’s natural beauty through two unique experiences. Travelers can discover the UNESCO-listed Sai Kung volcanic rock region on a two-hour boat tour, available every Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday from June to August, priced at HK$380 per person.

A visitor captures the magic of Hong Kong Disneyland ahead of its 20th anniversary celebration starting June 28

Alternatively, the WWF’s Coral Exploration Programme offers a chance to explore marine life via glass-bottom boat tours of Hoi Ha Wan’s coral communities from June to September for HK$360, including transportation from Sai Kung. The tourism board is supporting these attractions with financial incentives running from today, June 23, including more than 100 dining and retail promotions. Visitors will find buy-one-get-one-free offers on local food and drinks, discounted hotel dining packages, combined Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 tickets, and budget-friendly HK$100 Victoria Harbour water taxi tours. For more details, visit www.discoverhongkong. com

Cebu Pacific marks 20 years in Hong Kong with tribute to OFWs

THE Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific, celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Hong Kong office by paying tribute to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), recognizing their invaluable contributions to the airline’s growth and the nation’s progress.

As part of the celebration, CEB presented its Values Awards to five exceptional OFWs who embody the airline’s values of integrity, service, trust, courage, and the best of the Filipino spirit. It was the first time the award, traditionally given to CEB employees, was extended to the public.

“OFWs have been with us from the very beginning. They’re not only our most loyal customers but also a part of the Cebu Pacific family,” said Candice Iyog, CEB chief marketing and customer experience officer. “This tribute is our way of thanking them for the big roles they play in our journey and our nation’s progress.”

The awards were presented during Gawad Parangal Para sa Bagong Bayani, hosted by Philippine Alliance—the largest Filipino community in Hong Kong. Held on June 15, the event served as a fitting culmination of this year’s

Network’s latest two-part series, BeCool The Express Adventure , showcases the must-see destinations of Albay. The show, created for the Tourism Promotions Board, highlights the province’s beauty, culture, and attractions, with Sparkle artist and Bey

, actor-host Richard Juan, and content creator Sassa Gurl as guides.

The first episode, which premiered on June 21, offers a mix of sightseeing, exciting water activities, jamming, and mouth-watering food trips! Watch the hosts display their bargaining skills in a ‘palengke challenge’ in Bacacay Public

Casa Simeon. Jisoo and Richard then cook a special dish for the squad, which only becomes even more special when shared in the beautiful ancestral home.

Bacacay is perfect for slow and quiet days, where travelers can bike around to explore the town. While for those who want an adrenaline rush, Misibis Bay is surely a perfect place. Tune in as the hosts try jet skiing, wakeboarding, snorkeling, and a sunset cruise. To end the day of their trip, the gang savors Albay after dark with a bonfire and some music.

In episode 2, the four did not miss Mayon’s lava trail via a thrilling ATV ride. Prepare to be even more amazed by the outstanding view of Quitinday Hills and Nature Park. The squad goes for a new set of water activities once more! This time, they bring out their thrill-seeker selves at Burad Beach. But just like any other trip, one must come to an end. After a refreshing journey in Albay, the four reflect on their new experiences and the friendship they have built in such a wonderful place.

Be-Cool The Express Adventure ’s second part on June 28 at 10:15 a.m. on

Migrant Workers’ Day celebration. Each awardee received a plaque of recognition and a complimentary CEB international roundtrip ticket.

“Being recognized for our efforts gives us a deep sense of pride,” said Dante Berido, Philippine Alliance chairman. “It means a lot to be seen, valued, and celebrated—not just as workers, but as people who make a difference.”

As part of its long-term commitment to OFWs, CEB continues to invest in dedicated initiatives such as the upcoming OFW Processing Center at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), as well as ongoing collaborations with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and partner non-government organizations (NGOs).

The airline also recently launched Juan Flight Closer to Home, a campaign offering aviation engineering roles and full relocation support for OFWs looking to return and rebuild their careers in the Philippines.

With a network spanning 37 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, CEB continues to connect Filipinos to home and opportunities around the world.

GMA

Pascua

South Korean actor Kim Ji Soo , singer

Cebu Pacific celebrates its 20th year in Hong Kong by honoring

Korean actor Kim Ji Soo explores Mayon’s trail on an ATV ride in Albay

From left: Kim Ji Soo, Bey Pascua, Sassa Gurl, and Richard Juan enjoy beachside fun in Albay

The cast of ‘Be-Cool The Express Adventure’ visits Sumlang Lake for a scenic view of the iconic Mayon Volcano

SHROUDED in mystery and magic, the Himalayan Kingdom has always been attractive to me, but I could never include it as a side trip in any of my previous global forays, as I feel that a special, exclusive visit to the destination is required if I am to truly enjoy it. In the meantime, I have been trying to gather more information about it to see what’s in store for me.

The Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan lies along the ridges of the Himalayas, bordered by Tibet in the northwest and India in the southeast. It is known for its beautiful monasteries and fortresses.

The Himalayan mountain range has isolated the country from the rest of the world for decades, and the Bhutanese people have enjoyed preserving their rich culture and fascinating history, choosing to remain shrouded in deeply guarded isolation. Being shielded from the problems and atrocities affecting other countries, Bhutan, for the longest time, earned the honor of being “The Happiest Country in the World.”

The country has a population of only a little more than 700,000, 85 percent of whom still live in small villages sparsely scattered over rugged mountain land. The remaining 15 percent live in the capital city of Thimphu. Bhutan is perched atop the Himalayas and is approximately 23,000 feet above sea level, which is why the country is also referred to as “the rooftop of the world.”

Last year, the country earned recognition as “The Most Peaceful Country in South Asia” and, at the same time, ranked first in “Economic Freedom, Ease of Doing Business, and Lack of Corruption,” while ranking third in the “Human Development Index,” after Sri Lanka and the Maldives, in that order. Although the snow-capped Himalayas give the country one of the largest water reserves in the world, the melting glaciers caused by climate change also pose a problem.

Philippine airports

Paro Taktsang, Bhutan’s most iconic monastery, clings to a cliff 1,700 feet high and is reached by a steep 2 to 3-hour trek

What is there to see in Bhutan?

The most popular attraction is the Paro Taktsang, a sacred Buddhist monastery located on the cliffside of the upper Paro Valley. It is one of the thirteen Tiger’s Nest caves in adjoining Tibet. The building consists of four main temples and residential shelters ideally designed to adapt to the granite ledges, caves, and rocky terrain of the mountainside.

How does one get there? Bhutan’s

Trekking the rooftop of the world

Rising Bob Zozobrado

international airport is located in the Paro Valley, and there are many flights going there from Delhi, Calcutta, Kathmandu, Bangkok, and Dhaka. From the airport, one can take a taxi to Paro town, then hike for 2 to 3 hours from the base of the mountain up to the monastery, an elevation of 1,700 feet. The last part of the trek involves climbing 700 stairs.

I can now see that this “adventure” will not be for the faint-hearted— literally—because trekking upward for 2 to 3 hours, then climbing 700 steps, would be something for the supremely fit. But then again, it would be a good way to test one’s physical condition. Anyway, there is a rest stop midway where one can use the toilet facilities, relax, and enjoy the amazing view.

There are many other interesting attractions the country offers. For one, the Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel is set in a massive garden of flowers and trees in the Paro Valley, positioning itself as a tranquil sanctuary and peaceful retreat amidst nature. The building showcases the country’s rich architectural traditions, from its intricately carved woodwork and traditional stonework to hand-painted murals and Bhutanese motifs.

YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE

What’s the difference between a hippo and a Zippo. One is really heavy while the other one is a little lighter.

The very colorful Tshechu Festival is a must when visiting Bhutan. Usually held in the spring or fall, this culturally significant national festival commemorates the birth and teachings of important historical figures and features masked dances, religious ceremonies, and colorful performances that embody the fascinating core of Bhutanese values.

I’m sure there are many more attractions in this country “high up in the sky,” and I’d like to know more about its people, since they have lived in the “happiest country in the world” for so many decades. Does that mean a longer lifespan for them compared to ours? Well, let’s find out. See you soon, Bhutan!

Young monks in Bhutan reflect the country’s deep Buddhist roots and centuries-old traditions

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com

Mercury

Inbound tourists enjoy seamless connectivity and travel perks with Globe’s new Traveler eSIM now available at

The Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel in Paro Valley preserves Bhutanese culture through traditional architecture

Paro Valley unfolds a panoramic view of Bhutan’s peaceful villages nestled below the Himalayas