Manila Standard - 2025 July 8 - Tuesday

Marcos open to tax e-gaming

As admin intensifies crackdown vs. illegal online gambling sites

By Charles Dantes, Maricel V. Cruz and Ram Superable

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is supportive of proposals to regulate and possibly tax online gaming platforms, provided it is backed by adequate research and serves the public interest, Presidential Communications Office Usec. Claire Castro said.

‘Totoy’ under PNP protective custody; SC sets own probe

By Vince Lopez and Pot Chavez

A SUSPECT-turned-whistleblower in the case of the missing “sabungeros” is now under the protective custody of the Philippine National Police as the government said it has already identified the “ground zero” in Taal Lake where the bodies of the disappeared cockfighting enthusiasts may have been dumped. The Supreme Court has likewise stepped in and has started investigating the alleged involvement of a former judge in the case, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said. This as whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan’s, who previously went by the alias “Totoy,” said a for-

Go, Bato join reso calling for Rody’s return from Hague

SENATOR Robinhood Padilla announced on Monday that Senators Christopher Go and Ronald dela Rosa have signed a resolution calling for the immediate repatriation of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, however, denounced the move of Sen. Go and dela Rosa to press the Marcos administration to bring Duterte home from the Netherlands where he is detained while awaiting trial for the crimes against humanity filed against him before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“They are beating a dead horse. Truth is, they (Duterte camp) were just in denial. After a while, they will accept that the government has no more powers to bring Duterte back” De Lima told Padilla explained that “this is not just a proposal. It is a call for unity, respect for our sovereignty, and justice for a President who served the nation with utmost courage.”

PBBM backs Chiz bid to lift bank secrecy for gov’t officials, employees

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is supportive of the proposed measure to lift bank secrecy protections for government officials and employees, a move aimed at strengthening transpar-

By Rex Espiritu

ency and curbing corruption in public service, Malacañang said on Monday.

the proposal filed by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President backs the principle of accountability in government and has no objections to

“The President agrees that this is necessary and that we must enforce accountability and transparency in government,” Castro said.”We won’t be hearing a negative response from the

President on this matter,” she added. Escudero’s proposal seeks to amend the Bank Secrecy Law to exempt public officials from its protection, a safeguard long criticized for enabling the concealment of ill-gotten wealth and hamper-

By Rex Espiritu

GRASSROOTS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Leyte Rep. Martin G. Romualdez (in black glasses)

Wi-Fi site at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park. During the event, the President conducts

NCAP violators to get email, SMS

By Joel E. Zurbano

TRAFFIC violators caught under the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) will now be notified via email and short messaging system (SMS).

On Monday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officially launched real-time short message service and email notifications for NCAP.

MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the latest enhancement is pursuant to the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who expressed support for the NCAP in promoting road safety and combating corruption, to further improve its implementation.

“A key feature of this initiative is that vehicle owners will receive notification via SMS even without an internet connection, so that immediate action may be taken as soon as they are notified and for their convenience,” said Artes during the launch held at the MMDA Com-

munications and Command Center,

MMDA Head Office in Pasig City.

Other benefit of the NCAP’s new feature, in partnership with a telecommunications company and the Land Transportation Office (LTO), includes a cost-effective and faster way for MMDA to inform vehicle owners regarding traffic violations.

Under the process, as soon as NCAP has verified and validated the traffic violation, motorists will receive real-time notifications via both SMS and email.

For SMS, the sender is “MMDA_ NCAP” and it does not use a cell phone number. For email, the official sender is “no-reply@mmda.gov.ph.” The official MMDA text and email notifications do not include any payment links to prevent

scams. Both the SMS and email notifications are sent from no-reply senders.

Artes advised the public to be cautious of any suspicious messages containing links and check the sender’s information to avoid potential scams.

The vehicle owners’ contact numbers and email addresses come from the records registered under the LTO’s Land Transportation Management System (LTMS).

Artes also urged the vehicle owners to update their records in the LTO LTMS to ensure they receive notifications. Also, vehicle ownership should be up-to-date; transfer of ownership should also be processed immediately.

A result of “No Record Found” status does not necessarily indicate the absence of traffic violations, as the mayhulika.mmda.gov.ph website shows only traffic violations under NCAP.

Meanwhile, 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, who attended the launch, said they had several concerns when the NCAP was reimplemented in

May. The latest development is a testament to the proactive measures the MMDA have undertaken, which they appreciate, he said.

In June, the MMDA launched “May Huli Ka 2.0”, a web-based platform that enables vehicle owners to conveniently check for traffic violations by entering their plate or conduction sticker numbers and their motor vehicle (MV) file numbers.

Personnel from the MMDA Motorcycle Unit previously sent notices to the addresses registered in the vehicle records of residents in Metro Manila, based on information from the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Some notices are also being sent through PhilPost.

NCAP is a policy that uses closedcircuit television cameras, digital cameras, and other technologies to capture videos and images of vehicles violating traffic laws, rules, and regulations. It was created to complement the presence of MMDA Traffic Enforcers.

PCO chief okays request to replace Net25 Palace reporter

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENTIAL Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Jay Ruiz backed the request from the Media Accreditation and Relations Office (MARO) for the replacement of a Malacañang reporter, citing multiple breaches of protocol, including a serious security disruption during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Tarlac on June 25.

In a formal letter addressed to the Malacañang Press Corps, Ruiz said Net25 reporter Eden Santos’ conduct posed a security threat and disrupted the flow of the official event.

“Covering the President of the Republic is not an ordinary beat. It demands discipline, decorum, and adherence to established security protocols, not only out of respect for the Office but for the personal safety of the Chief Executive and everyone on site,” Ruiz wrote.

According to Ruiz, Santos left the designated media area and rushed toward the President without clearance.

mer judge has acted as a fixer for gaming tycoon Atong Ang, whom he accused of masterminding the disappearances along with actress Gretchen Barretto three other individuals.

“The Supreme Court has already launched an investigation,” Remulla said.

PNP chief General Nicolas Torre III said Patidongan is under police protective custody now.

“He’s already applying for the Witness Protection Program and if he qualifies, then we will turn him over to the Department of Justice,” he said.

“Totoy” earlier said the remains of 34 missing “sabungeros” were disposed of in Taal Lake between 2021 and 2022.

Patidongan said the victims were strangled, tied with sandbags, and thrown into the lake’s deeper areas.

National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago, for his part, urged Patidongan to name the NBI personnel allegedly involved in the case.

“He should say who they are—point them out. If he doesn’t know the names, we can even line up our personnel so he can identify those he suspects are from the NBI,” Santiago said.

“But it’s unfair for the name of the Bureau to be dragged into this without any specific individuals being identified. These are very serious accusations,” he added.

Remulla said authorities will start searching Taal Lake this week for the remains of the victims.

“One of the suspects has a fishpond lease. We have already identified it. That is our ground zero,” Remulla added.

Manila earlier requested technical assistance from Tokyo for the search, while the Department of Science and Technology offered to lend its expertise and equipment.

Torre said the PNP has also received reports that some of the remains of the “sabungeros” may have been disposed of in other areas.

“Based on our information, Taal is not the only place of disposal. We are looking into other places as a disposal area of the missing victims,” Torre said.

The PNP chief also confirmed that of the 15 police officers placed under restrictive custody over their alleged involvement in the case, one was an officer with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

“We have partnered with the National Police Commission for the in-depth investigation of this case to ensure transparency and impartiality and to ensure that, really, the ends of justice will be achieved,” he said.

“These incidents are grisly, not acceptable by any standards and that’s why we have firm resolve to solve this,” Torre added.

As this developed, Batangas governor Vilma Santos-Recto appealed to the public not to link Taal Lake to the case of missing “sabungeros.”

“With this news – and we do not know yet if this is confirmed or not –the business of our fishermen is affected. We are not really sure if the bodies are there,” she said during her inaugural address. With Maricel Cruz

Castro said Mr. Marcos is not opposed to the proposal of the Department of Finance to tax online gaming and curb unrestricted access.

“This proposal by the DOF to impose a tax on online gaming is meant to protect Filipino families…The President will not oppose the measure as long as there are sufficient studies supporting the implementation of such a tax,” she said.

Online gambling has been under scrutiny in the country amid concerns over rising addiction, social costs, and proliferation of illegal operators.

“The President listens to the concerns of our people. Whatever bill Congress passes, it will be studied thoroughly to ensure it is beneficial for both the economy and the public,” Castro said.

“We want to limit this type of gambling and reduce the number of those

addicted. Any suggestion or law that helps address this will not be opposed by the President,” she added.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday filed a bill seeking to prohibit all forms of online gambling in the country, including those authorized by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Senate Bill No. 142, also known as the Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, proposes a blanket ban on all digital gambling platforms in response to what Zubiri described as a growing “silent epidemic” affecting the lives of ordinary Filipinos.

The proposed measure also seeks to ban the use of e-wallets and digital payment systems for gambling transactions.

The senator pointed to the case of a 16-year-old in Bukidnon who reportedly lost P100 to online betting and reportedly committed suicide.

Zubiri said the social costs far outweigh the more than P47 billion in revenues generated by online gambling in

assistance to the affected individuals from the three regions.

the first quarter of 2025.

“The lives of our fellow Filipinos are being ruined. Families are being torn apart. Crime rates are rising. Filipino workers are sinking into massive debt, which is severely affecting their mental health,” he said.

At the Lower House, Akbayan lawmakers filed House Bill No. 1351 seeking a ban on the advertisement of online gambling in public places, the imposition of a 10 percent tax, and a prohibition on individuals below 21 years old from engaging in such activities.

The measure, dubbed the “Kontra E-Sugal” bill, pushes to impose a 10 percent tax on online gambling to fund addiction rehabilitation, education, enforcement, and research.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, for his part, expressed strong support for a total ban on online gambling.

“I do believe this has to be banned really. If you want to take down the evil tree, the bad tree, you don’t just trim the branches, you uproot it,” Adiong said.

have been no reports of casualties or missing individuals so far.

A member of the presidential security detail had to intervene quickly, treating the incident as a possible breach.More troubling, Ruiz added, was that other members of the press followed Santos, compounding the disruption and increasing pressure on the security team.

26,711 families.

These numbers were doubled compared to just 3,000 to 12,000 figures on Sunday.

Typhoon Bising, with international name Danas, exited the Philippine area of responsibility yesterday morning, according to the weather bureau.

The agency said Bising was expected to move north-northeast before turning northward over the East China Sea today and making landfall over the Eastern China region.

The government has appropriated

ippine Air Force (PAF).

The F-35s will fly alongside the PAF’s FA-50 light combat aircraft during the training exercises to be conducted in the West Philippine Sea over the next two weeks.

Running from July 7 to 18, 2025, this major bilateral air exercise will be conducted across multiple training locations in Northern Luzon, underscoring the enduring alliance and strong defense cooperation between the Philippines and the United States.

Meanwhile, Benguet farmers were compelled to harvest their crops earlier due to the rains, with market prices down as sellers offer vegetables such as cabbage at giveaway prices instead of merely throwing them away.

Inclement weather also forced fishermen in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte to stay on dry land to avoid getting in harm’s way.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that 38 areas across Luzon experienced flooding caused by heavy rains spawned by Typhoon Bising and the habagat. According to OCD officer-in-charge Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, there

PAF Chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura and the U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) 421st Fighter Squadron chief Lt. Col. Bryan Mussler officially opened the exercise at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

For this iteration, the PAF is deploying 2,301 personnel and a range of air assets, including FA-50PH fighter jets, A-29B Super Tucanos, AW109 helicopters, S76A, and S-70i Black Hawk helicopters. Meanwhile, PACAF has committed 225 personnel and F-35 fighter aircraft, further enhancing the exercise’s scope and interoperability. Participants will also take part in subject matter expert exchanges and field

“No major incident. No major flooding in a way as compared to the previous typhoons, 'KLMNOP,” Alejandro said, referring to the consecutive tropical cyclones that hit the country in 2024—Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nila, Ofel, and Pepito.

The OCD is closely monitoring the situation in Pangasinan as the Agno River poses a risk of overflowing, which could lead to further flooding in surrounding areas.

Alejandro said assistance has been requested for 235 families in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur who were affected by the weather disturbances.

training exercises, which will take place at designated Intensive Military Training Areas throughout Northern Luzon.

“These engagements focus on enhancing operational tactics, interoperability, and joint mission capabilities across multiple domains,” PAF Spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said. Castillo added that the exercise also marks another significant milestone in advancing joint interoperability and mutual defense readiness between the PAF and PACAF, while contributing to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization and capability development efforts to uphold regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

“This chain reaction unnecessarily disrupted the flow of the event and created a bad precedent that, if unaddressed, risks eroding the discipline that has long governed Palace coverage,” he said.Ruiz clarified that Santos’ actions were “unsolicited, unsanctioned, and in violation of MARO-issued guidelines,” which prohibit ambush interviews and unauthorized movements toward the President.Ruiz said Net25 has since issued a letter through News and Information Chief Paul Padua reaffirming its commitment to follow media protocols, especially in light of the presidential coverage in Tacloban, Leyte, earlier.Ruiz also cited a pattern of violations by Santos, including a May 14 incident during a Philippine Information Agency briefing where she allegedly shouted an expletive at a PCO staff member.Additionally, she had reportedly missed media enlistment deadlines for three separate press events and bypassed standard procedures at a prior engagement at the Philippine International Convention Center.”All other MPC members followed the MARO advisory issued in advance,” Ruiz noted, underscoring that the replacement request was not personal or punitive.”This is not about silencing Ms. Santos or sanctioning her network. This is a matter of accountability for a breach of protocol.

ing corruption investigations.When asked whether President Marcos would be open to disclosing his own bank records should the measure become law, Castro affirmed that the President is ready to lead by example.While the Palace did not confirm if the proposal will be discussed in Mr. Marcos’ upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), Castro’s statement signals the administration’s growing emphasis on anti-

corruption initiatives and transparency reforms.The Philippines is one of the few countries in the world where bank secrecy remains broadly enforced, even for government officials, a legal barrier that watchdog groups and advocates have long pushed to remove.A similar bill was filed in the Senate by then Sen. Leila de Lima, whose aim was “to prevent corruption and ensure transparency in public office.”

“By removing the bank confidentiality privilege of those in government, this bill will promote transparency in governance,” De Lima had said in fil-

ing Senate Bill (SB) No. 374, seeking to amend the Bank Secrecy Law by removing all government officials and employees from its coverage. Under the measure, the bank accounts and local and foreign currency deposits of appointed and elective government officials and employees, regardless of rank, do not enjoy the privilege of confidentiality.The bank secrecy law is expected to be taken up during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, as House prosecutors plan to seek a subpoena for her bank records to examine evidence related to her alleged

He added that the resolution remains open to signatures from other senators who wish to express their support, and that he has yet to officially file the resolution.

He added though that he intends to do so during the third round of legislative filings. Go and Dela Rosa are known to be close to the former President and members of his political party. Padilla was president of PDP until he gave way to now Davao City acting mayor Sebastian Duterte. Details of the resolution have not been publicly released. with Maricel Cruz

“unexplained wealth.”Rep. Joel Chua (Manila, 3rd District), one of the 11 prosecutors, has said that the subpoena pertains to Duterte’s statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN). They plan on coordinating with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and Commission on Audit (COA).“Well, we will request it from the impeachment court since they have the authority to subpoena documents. So we will apply to the impeachment court for this [bank records] to be subpoenaed so that our evidence will be stronger,” Chua has said.

PDEA, Customs seize P749m shabu in Manila

By Rio N. Araja

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement

Agency and the Bureau of Customs on Monday seized over 110 kilos of suspected shabu worth P749 million during an interdiction operation at the Manila International Container Port in Tondo.

The PDEA’s Seaport Interdiction Unit led the operation around 11:30 a.m., with support from the agency’s NCR K9 Unit, the Bureau of Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force, and the Philippine Coast Guard.

Authorities conducted the inspection inside Container Facility Station 3, where four balikbayan boxes arriving from California were flagged for examination.

Investigators discovered 106 vacuum-sealed plastic packs containing suspected shabu concealed in boxes of cereal, snack packs, and instant noodles. The shipments were addressed to recipients in Mandaluyong City and Quezon City.

Officials said the drugs were packed in multiple layers to avoid detection. No suspects have been arrested so far.

Authorities are now working to identify those behind the shipment and trace any local contacts linked to the smuggling attempt.

“This interdiction is the result of constant vigilance and close coordination among our agencies. Every time we stop illegal drugs at our ports, we protect countless families and communities from their harmful effects,” PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez said.

“We are committed to ensuring that all attempts to smuggle contraband— whether through border entry points, cargo shipments, or parcels—are intercepted and prevented,” he added.

Oil firms cut pump prices for second consecutive week

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE country’s oil companies have reduced pump prices by P0.70 per liter for gasoline, P0.10 per liter for diesel, and P0.80 per liter for kerosene, reflecting movements in global oil markets.

Seaoil Philippines, Cleanfuel, PTT Philippines, Jetti Petroleum, and Chevron Philippines issued separate advisories confirming the second week of consecutive rollbacks driven by easing tensions in the Middle East. Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said the rollback was slightly lower than forecast because freight and premium levels have remained elevated.

Department of Energy Oil Industry Management Bureau Director Rino Abad said world oil prices declined last week due to several factors, including the sustained ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which helped stabilize the oil supply from the Persian Gulf.

Abad added that expectations the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries would continue releasing 411,000 barrels of oil per day in July also pressured prices downward. Another factor weighing on the market, he said, is the possible reimposition of global tariffs by the United States by July 10, as the 90-day suspension is set to expire tomorrow.

Government expands national fiber backbone

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has launched Phases 2 and 3 of the National Fiber Backbone project, reinforcing the government’s commitment to digital inclusion and infrastructure development by expanding internet connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

“This is a joyous day because we are connecting the whole Philippines,”

President Marcos said in his keynote speech at the grand launch held in Palo, Leyte.

He described the project as a “bridge of information” that will help Filipinos, regardless of geographic location, access the digital world. The President emphasized that fast and reliable internet is no longer a privilege but a basic need.

Mr. Marcos also acknowledged the

SCAM ALERT. The Bureau of Customs–Ninoy Aquino International Airport issues a warning on Monday about fake social media accounts created using the photo of newly appointed Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno. In its advisory, the Port of NAIA alerts the public to a bogus Facebook page called ‘Bagong Aduana,’ which falsely claims to represent the agency.

persistent digital divide in the country, with many Filipinos, especially those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, still lacking access to stable internet.

“Some parts of the country still do not have signal,” he said. “So here we are now to bring the internet closer to everyone.”

Phases 2 and 3 involve installing nearly 1,800 kilometers of high-speed fiber-optic cable across regions including Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Bicol,

Eastern Visayas, and Central Mindanao. This builds on the over 1,000 kilometers laid in Phase 1 from Ilocos Norte to Quezon City last year.

The expanded network will connect more than 600 government offices and benefit nearly 17 million Filipinos. Marcos said the infrastructure would help reduce operational costs for telecommunications companies, enabling them to provide more affordable internet services.

“More affordable internet means more Filipinos will benefit,” he said.

He described the effort as part of a broader “digital bayanihan,” a shared mission by government, private sector, and citizens to ensure no one is left behind in the digital era.

From disaster alerts to job opportunities and online learning, Mr. Marcos said the fiber backbone will deliver essential services and knowledge to even the most remote barangays.

IN BRIEF

Trafficking route funnels

Filipinos to Pakistan

THE Bureau of Immigration has uncovered a new trafficking route targeting Filipinos lured to work illegally in online gaming hubs in Pakistan.

PNP, NIA to secure irrigation projects

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine National Police and the National Irrigation Administration have formalized a partnership to secure government irrigation projects nationwide.

Officials signed a Memorandum of Undertaking during Monday’s flagraising ceremony at the PNP Grandstand in Camp Crame.

PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III signed on behalf of the police force, alongside Deputy Chief for Administration Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and Chief of the Directorate for Police Community Relations Maj. Gen. Roderick Augustus Alba. Representing the NIA was Administrator Eduardo “Eddie” Guillen, who also served as guest of honor and speaker for the ceremony.

The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in protecting irrigation sites, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas and regions with peace and order concerns. Under the partnership, the PNP will work closely with NIA and local governments to secure project areas, mobilize communities to protect infrastructure, and assist with any issues during construction. The agencies committed to maintaining close coordination with NIA regional offices and other stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of irrigation programs.

PNP officials said the collaboration underscores the police force’s role not only in maintaining peace and order but also in supporting development programs that improve the lives of rural and underserved communities.

The discovery came after four individuals were intercepted by the BI-Protection and Border Enforcement Section at Ninoy Aquino International Airport while attempting to leave for Hong Kong on a Cebu Pacific flight. The victims—one male and three females in their late 30s to early 40s—initially claimed they were going on vacation. A secondary inspection revealed their final destination was Pakistan, where they had been promised jobs as cleaners and a cook. According to the victims, a Chinese national recruited them, promised monthly salaries between P35,000 and P45,000, and instructed them to pose as tourists until further arrangements could be made. Vito Barcelo BI nabs Koreans behind online racket FOUR Korean nationals wanted for illegal online gambling and fraud—allegedly earning over 6 trillion won (more than P248 million)—were arrested in separate operations in Clark, Pampanga, and Metro Manila.

The Bureau of Immigration identified the suspects as Oh Kyoungchul and Yang Koo Youn, who were arrested in Clark Freeport Zone; Jung Hoesung, who was nabbed in Pasay City; and Han Jonghoon, who was caught in San Juan City.

Oh is said to have led a Cebubased gambling video syndicate from 2016 to 2018, distributing content to unlawful gambling websites. He faces an Interpol Red Notice and a warrant from the Seoul Western District Court.

Jung, a temporary visitor who overstayed, is accused of operating 23 illegal gambling platforms that profited ₩4 trillion. Authorities said his group also seized victims’ passports and subjected them to threats and abuse.

Vito Barcelo

Taguig celebrates nutrition month

THE Taguig City government marked National Nutrition Month on Monday with a ceremony highlighting food and nutrition security initiatives.

Led by the City Nutrition Office, the event at the Convention Hall featured the distribution of fresh vegetables and seeds from the city’s Urban Farms to participants.

Key programs showcased included Operation Timbang Plus, which assessed 112,162 children and provided vitamins and deworming services, and the Mobile Kitchen and Storytelling Event, serving nearly 2,000 children with meals and reading materials. The Dietary Supplementation Program supported over 1,300 beneficiaries with nutritious food packs and assisted more than 2,000 pregnant and lactating mothers with vegetables and fortified rice. The Urban Gardening project continues to transform vacant spaces into productive gardens for priority families across Taguig. Joel E. Zurbano

YOUNG GUNS. Tingog Party-list Rep. Andrew Julian Romualdez and Negros Occidental Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez walk side by side at the House of Representatives on Monday. Romualdez and Benitez are among the young lawmakers participating

TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2025 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF

BuCor reveals result of own anti-drug ops

AS a result of an intensified drive to curb illegal drugs in jails, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) under director general Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., confiscated more than 3.6 kilograms of shabu and 60 grams of marijuana from various prisons and penal farms nationwide over the past three years.

Citing Bucor data, Catapang said the confiscated illegal substances covering October 2023 to the present came from five out of the seven prison facilities, namely the New Bilibid Prison, the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Mindoro Occidental, the Leyte Regional Prison, the Davao Prison and Penal Farm, the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City No confiscations were reported from Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City.

“These figures are not just numbers, they represent a concerted effort to curb the flow of illegal drugs into facilities designed for rehabilitation rather than further entrenchment in criminal behavior,” Catapang said.

OPAPRU spearheads talks on BARMM IPs

THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Thursday, July 3, led a highlevel consultation with stakeholders to address violence and rights violations against non-Moro indigenous peoples (NMIPs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. presided over the meeting which gathered together representatives from national agencies, BARMM ministries, cultural minority groups, local governments, non-government organizations, and security forces to craft recommendations for protecting NMIPs through a “whole-of-government, whole-of-society” approach. President Marcos, in a statement, called the IPs “invaluable guardians” of the nation’s heritage, while Galvez underscored their role in shaping Mindanao’s history and identity.

Napolcom presidential awardee gets promoted

NATIONAL Police Commission (Napolcom) vice chairman and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan has promoted to the next higher rank a presidential awardee and member of the agency’s law enforcement evaluation team.

The promotee, Mischelle Ramos-Junio has inspired hope and motivation among employees of the Commission, a Napolcom statement read.

Junio, a Law Enforcement Evaluation Officer II from the Cordillera Administrative Region, received the prestigious Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award in February last from President Marcos, The award recognized outstanding contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with fellow recipients Dr. Donnabel Tubera-Panes, Jefferson Teliao Damoslog (Administrative Assistant III), and police Lt. Col. Maximo Cabfit Sumeg-ang Jr.

Marker unveiled at ex-MILF base in Maguindanao

By Rex Espiritu

THE Bangsamoro government has unveiled a historical marker commemorating the legacy of the late Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Sheikh Salamat Hashim, at his former residence in Camp Abubakar (now Camp Iranun) in Barira, Maguindanao del Norte.

The marker, called “Gate of Transformation” features a mural by local artist Joseph Dacer Isidro showcasing the unity of the government and the Bangsamoro in their efforts to alter what used to be a rebel camp into a peaceful community with a vibrant economy.

It was installed by the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH), highlighting the site’s “significant role in shaping Bangsamoro history.”

BCPCH chairman Dr. Salem Lingasa, in his message, emphasized the importance of launching the Commission’s historical marker program at Hashim’s former residence.

“It is only right that we begin here, at Camp Abubakar, in the heart of a place that has witnessed so much of our history, and in the residence of a leader whose name and life are etched in the consciousness of every Bangsamoro,” he stated.

Salamat Hashim, a revered Moro leader and founder of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), spearheaded the Bangsamoro’s decades-long struggle for self-determination.

PBBM wants faster San Juanico rehab; queuing cut to 4 hrs. max

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Marcos on Monday acknowledged the hardships being experienced by commuters and cargo operators due to ongoing retrofitting works on the San Juanico Bridge, a key infrastructure connecting the islands of Samar and Leyte, but gave assurance that relief is on the way.

“I know that you feel the inconvenience here in Leyte because of the condition of the San Juanico Bridge. The queue is long, the trip is slow, many are inconvenienced,” the President said in his address at the launch of the National Fiber Backbone Phases 2 and 3 in Palo, Leyte.

He noted that some truck drivers were compelled to wait up to four days with no designated facilities for food, shelter, or hygiene.

Marcos cited significant progress that has been made in easing the congestion.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, waiting time for trucks carrying

Three PMA cadets get sanctions over hazing

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Monday reiterated its strict zero-tolerance policy on hazing following allegations of manhandling by four cadets as reported by the Baguio City police.

“Such acts have no place in our institution, and we remain resolute in our commitment to safeguarding the well-being and holistic development of our cadets,” PMA spokesman Lt. Jesse Nestor Saludo told the Manila Standard.

The PMA also confirmed that a thorough investigation has been conducted in full compliance with due process requirements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP).

Following an internal investigation, two firstyear cadets were found guilty of physically harming a classmate. They have been suspended from training for one year in accordance with CCAFP regulations.

A third-year cadet who served as the squad leader was also penalized under the principle of command responsibility for failing to prevent the abuse. He received 60 demerits, 120 touring hours, and 120 days of confinement.

Another upper class cadet implicated in the case, was cleared of any wrongdoing for lack of evidence.

perishable goods has dropped to just one to two hours, while those transporting non-perishable items now had to wait up to four hours, down from the previous day-delays. Essential goods, particularly those prone to spoilage, are being prioritized at checkpoints to ensure faster delivery.

“That’s why we are really reducing it,”

Mr. Marcos said, adding that the bridge closure has affected supply routes as far as Mindanao. He directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to accelerate the retrofitting efforts. The agency targets to restore load capacity to 12 metric tons by the end of 2025, which would allow buses, vans, and other lighter vehicles to cross.

A budget of over P500 million has been allocated to raise the bridge’s load limit to between 12 to 15 metric tons by

December.

However, the long-term goal is to fully restore the San Juanico Bridge’s original capacity of 33 metric tons to accommodate heavy trucks and commercial haulers. President Marcos said he has instructed both the DPWH and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to urgently secure additional funding and resources.

The San Juanico Bridge, which spans over two kilometers, is a critical link in the Eastern Visayas region’s economy and mobility. Its temporary closure for retrofitting has underscored the urgent need for resilient and modernized infrastructure.

“Let’s act and continue to act to make our San Juanico Bridge safe and strong again,” the President said, vowing continued government action until full functionality is restored.

By Vince Lopez

THE Pasay City police arrested a 32-year-old man barely two hours after he shot his own stepfather.

The suspect, identified only as Nicanor, was captured Saturday evening at Barangay Malibay was nabbed by elements of the Pasay City police under director Col.Joselito de Sesto.

The operation was carried out by the Tracker’s Team in close coordination with the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS) and Sub-Station 7.

Nicanor allegedly shot suspect reportedly shot his 46-yearold stepfather inside their home on Ilang-ilang Street, Barangay

184, Maricaban, Pasay City. Southern Police District acting chief Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo, cited the quick arrest and the seamless coordination among responding units.

“To commit violence against one’s own family is deeply troubling. But what the public must know is the wheels of justice turn quickly when the police act with urgency and discipline,” he said

“I commend the Pasay City Police for their fast, focused, and fearless response. This kind of rapid action exemplifies our commitment to immediate response and quality public service in line with the PNP’s core directives,” Arceo added.

CRIME DOES NOT PAY. National Bureau of Investigation director Jaime Santiago and Lawyer Jerome Bomediano chief of the Organized and Transnational Crimes Division, present to the media two suspects who had allegedly extorted a total of P2.6 million since 2018 from a businessman, passing themselves off as members of the communist insurgency armed component New People’s Army. Norman Cruz

CASH

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. senior vice president for security Raul Villanueva (2nd from right) hands

facsimile check to Lt. Col. Erwen Diploma, head of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent deployed toMyanmar early this year. Also in photo are PAGCOR assistant vice president for community relations and services Eric Balcos (far right), Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro

(2nd

Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV (far left).

HONORING SALAMAT HASHIM’S LEGACY. The Bangsamoro government unveils a historical marker honoring the legacy of the late Moro Islamic Liberation Front leader Salamat Hashim, installed in front of his official residence at the former MILF stronghold Camp Abubakar (now Camp Iranun) in Barira, Maguindanao del Norte.

OPINION

Condominium glut

I HAVE often wondered how well known conglomerates can sell all the condominiums they have been advertising in newspapers and social media.

Sure enough, I met a condo owner, a good friend of the family who told me that for the past three years he has been trying to sell his condo which is well located in Makati City, beside a shopping mall and restaurants.

He believes the reason a condominium glut exists is because of too much construction by condominium builders.

Just read the papers everyday or see the social media posts and you will see so many condos for sale all over Metro Manila and even in Visayas and Mindanao, specially Cebu City.

The race for condo building is going on in southern Metro Manila and northern Metro Manila, like in San Fernando, Pampanga. I can believe what my good family friend said that he has been unable to sell his condo for the past three years.

My wife and I sometime ago had a condo in one of the Ayala premiere residences.

While living in a condo is reflective of the economic status of a person, it is not, believe you me, that conducive for a family.

I know how condo living is.

While advertising tells you that living in a condo has all its benefits, being very close to shopping centers and even to hospitals and schools, it is not exactly what every Filipino needs.

My wife and I stayed for 10 years in a condo in central Makati and for all those years I wondered why we did not make good friends with our neighbors.

The people who lived next to our units were either always out because they were young or the turnover was so fast because they were renters.

To me there is nothing like having neighbors as friends.

My wife and I are now living with my daughter in a subdivision in Metro Manila.

There is nothing like living in a house where you develop good friendships with your neighbors.

Sometimes condo living gives you some prestige because when people ask where you live, like some condo by Ayala Premiere, Shang Properties etc. gives you a prestigious address.

But this much I can say now, Santa Banana, that this friend of mine who I was talking to expressed his regrets in being unable to sell his condos because of a big glut in condos , even north and south of Metro Manila.

Another glut as a result of overselling is on cars.

Every year, car sales go up!

People often complain about how terrible the traffic has become, much worse now than ever before in Metro Manila.

While living in a condo is reflective of the economic status of a person, it is not...that conducive for a family

All I can say is maybe there are too many buyers of automobiles and cars.

Santa Banana, so long as the people keep on buying cars, traffic in MM will get much worse.

Our roads, highways and avenues will always be jampacked especially during rush hours in Metro Manila.

That is the reason why there is an urgent need for the government to build more roads and highways and possibly subways.

Sad to say we will forever be going through traffic especially during rush hours so long as people buy more and more cars and SUVs and so long as the roads and highways in Metro Manila are what they are today.

There is an overbuilding of condominiums in Metro Manila and too many cars and so long as we have the same number of roads, avenue and highways,we will always be living with horrendous traffic woes and traffic nightmares like what we have now, especially during rush hours.

The trillion-peso hoax: Villar Land’s valuation scam robs a nation

IN THE Philippines, where dynasties thrive on the dreams of the poor, Villar Land’s P1.5 trillion valuation is a grotesque mockery of capitalism.

This isn’t a company—it’s a magic trick, conjuring a paper empire from P38 billion in assets and a cash flow too weak to fund a village kare-kare stand. Yet, it claims to eclipse SM Investments, a titan with P1.7 trillion in assets and enough cash flow to build 65,000 classrooms. The math isn’t just wrong— it’s a slap to every Filipino who believes markets should serve truth.

This is a tale of greed, elite impunity, and a system that lets billionaires like Manny Villar—worth $17 billion—turn rice fields into gold while farmers starve.

It’s a masterclass in how the Philippine elite rig the game with accounting voodoo, political muscle, and regulators who wink at fraud. Unless the Securities and Exchange Commission and Philippine Stock Exchange act, this trillion-peso hoax could crash the market and widen inequality’s chasm.

The great valuation swindle Picture buying farmland at P1,420 per square meter, waving a wand, and declaring it worth P345,000 per square meter. That’s Villar Land’s playbook: scoop up dirt, call it Dubai, and expect applause.

This 24,000 percent markup spins 366 hectares into a P1.33 trillion windfall, despite assets that wouldn’t cover an SM mall.

Its negative P1.5 billion cash flow could barely buy a lechon cart, yet it claims to outshine SM’s P1.1 trillion market cap. Manny Villar’s method?

“Just multiply 3,500 [hectares] times the value.” If only Filipinos could pay rent with such imaginary pesos! Silence screams impunity Where’s the proof for this trillion-peso empire?

Gone.

Villar Land’s last filing, from Sept. 2024, shows a company gasping with negative cash flow, no trace of the P1 trillion profit splashed across headlines. Investigations found nothing—no appraisals, no audited 2024 financials.

This is a tale of greed, elite impunity, and a system that lets billionaires turn rice fields into gold while farmers starve

The PSE suspended trading on May 15, 2025, for non-compliance but hasn’t demanded answers.

The SEC? Mute.

Villar’s “just multiply” quip is a billionaire thumbing his nose at accountability, claiming profits bigger than the top 10 conglomerates combined (P273 billion in 2025) without a balance sheet.

This isn’t oversight—it’s a scam.

Graves to gold: A dynastic hustle

Villar Land’s rise is a corporate con, rebranding cheap land into a trillion-peso mirage. Once Golden Haven, selling cemetery plots, it morphed into Villar Land, the supposed jewel of Villar City.

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format of an online troll that is fat with round glasses that has the Philippine peso sign on the lens. The balding troll, with a combover, has bulbous cheeks and a snout nose, a slight mustache on his upper lip, has tusks from the corners of his lips. He is concentrating as his thick animal hooves hold a smartphone. There is a sick glow from the smartphone reflecting on his face. The troll, facing right, is wearing an ill-fitting checkered polo that has buttons clinging to his shirt, and his belly flesh can be seen. He is wearing a ratty grey hoodie. There are several cartoon balloons from the mobile phone. The balloons contain human skulls. Behind him is the towering lady justice, and she reaches out with her sword. There is a scroll at the bottom of the cartoon that says, ‘What needs to be done for democracy.’

EDITORIAL

Revisiting the Magna Carta

of Filipino Seafarers

CONCERNS have been raised regarding Filipino seafarers on vacation at home but are forced to attend refresher courses faceto-face.

The Philippines, admittedly the country with the most seafarers globally, is a major source of bluejackets, with estimates indicating they supply roughly 25 percent of the world’s total seafarer workforce.

Last year, it was estimated that around 504,057 Filipino seafarers were deployed overseas, according to the Department of Migrant Workers, which figure represents a big chunk of the global seafaring population, with the Philippines being a major supplier of maritime labor.

“Why do they still need to go to the school physically when it could just be done online, since those are only refresher or management courses anyway?” said Senator Erwin Tulfo, whose attention has been sought by maritime officers, including marine engineers and deck officers, during their break from overseas assignments.

The primary law covering Filipino seafarers, both domestically and abroad, is Republic Act 12021, also known as the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers,

The Villars bought 366 hectares for P5.2 billion (P1,420 per square meter), then declared parts worth P345,000 per square meter, with no buyers to prove it.

Mark Villar, Manny’s son and former DPWH secretary, steered public infrastructure projects that inflated Villar City’s value, turning rice fields into “prime real estate.”

This isn’t innovation—it’s wealth engineering, where political clout pads private fortunes.

Regulators cheer the fraud

The SEC and PSE aren’t just failing— they’re enabling this farce.

Villar Land’s trading suspension should have sparked subpoenas, not shrugs.

The lack of audited financials demands scrutiny, yet regulators dawdle. Post-Enron, the US passed Sarbanes-

which provides comprehensive protection and reforms for Filipino seafarers, addressing issues related to their welfare, working conditions, and rights.

—“—

The Magna Carta, signed into law in 2024, was developed to strengthen the protection of Filipino seafarers and address critical issues

The Magna Carta, signed into law in 2024, was developed to strengthen the protection of Filipino seafarers and address the critical issues faced by the seafarers like improved working conditions, right to organize, fair treatment in maritime accidents, and freedom from

Oxley, jailing executives and mandating audits. In the Philippines? No spine.

Villar Land’s 88.62 percent ownership by Villar entities stifles scrutiny, while the PSE’s tepid response greenlights future swindles. This isn’t regulation—it’s a rigged casino.

Farmers pay, Villars profit

In a Cavite rice field, Juanita Santos, 62, earned P500 a day farming land her family worked on for decades.

Villar Land bought her village’s fields for pennies, promising jobs in “Villar City.”

Now, Juanita lives in a shanty, her livelihood gone, while Villar’s paper profits soar by P1 trillion.

Critics call this “BW Resources 2.0,” a nod to a 1999 stock scandal that gutted the PSE. Villar’s $17 billion fortune,

discrimination. Refresher courses for Filipino seafarers are designed to update their knowledge and skills, ensuring they meet the standards set by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, and to revalidate their Certificates of Proficiency. These courses are mandatory for seafarers to maintain the validity of their certifications and ensure they are competent in areas like basic safety, advanced fire fighting, and survival craft operations.

Under existing law, Filipino seafarers are entitled to a minimum of 2.5 days of paid vacation leave for every 30 days (or one month) of service. This entitlement can be higher if stipulated in the employment agreement or Collective Bargaining Agreement But this month, Tulfo raised disquietude over seafarers forced to spend their entire vacation leaves attending face-toface refresher courses instead of spending time with their families.

The issue was brought to his attention by several maritime officers, including marine engineers and deck officers, during their break from overseas assignments.

Tulfo appears to be on track, and we wait how this issue will morph when the Senate sessions go on a roll.

bloated by land grabs, thrives in a nation where 20 percent live in poverty. Filipinos deserve markets that build futures, not dynasties. End the charade

This hoax demands justice.

The SEC must subpoena Villar Land’s records.

Investors should sue for misleading claims.

The Senate—free of Villar theatrics— must probe political ties inflating wealth. Filipinos need a Sarbanes-Oxley: independent audits, strict revaluation rules, and an end to elite impunity. Villar Land’s valuation isn’t just a crime; it’s a theft of trust from a nation yearning for fairness.

If we don’t act, the next mirage will break more than markets—it will break hearts like Juanita’s.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

the preponderance or superior weight of evidence on the issues involved lies, the court may consider all the facts and circumstances of the case, the witnesses’ manner of testifying, their intelligence, their means and opportunity of knowing the facts to which they are testifying, the nature of the facts to which they testify, the probability or improbability of their testimony, their interest or want of interest, and also their personal credibility so far as the same legitimately appear upon the trial. The court may also consider the number of witnesses, though the preponderance is not necessarily with the greater number.

From the foregoing, it can be gleaned that preponderant evidence refers to evidence that is of greater weight, or more convincing, than the evidence offered in opposition to it. It is proof that leads the trier of facts to find that the existence of the contested fact is more probable than its non-existence.

In the case under consideration, the Spouses Balagbis’ obligation was established through the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage. The Spouses Balagbis defaulted on their installment payments beginning July 12, 2021, consequently rendering the acceleration clause of the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage effective. The Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage provides that if any of the installments is not aid when it falls due, the balance of the obligation then remaining unpaid shall forthwith become due and payable at the option of the holder without necessity of demand. The Spouses Balagbis did not voluntarily surrender the subject mortgage vehicle. Hence, the Spouses Balagbis should be made liable to pay for the outstanding obligation.

It must be pointed out that Shaw Automotive Resources, Inc., assigned all its rights and interest over the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage to PSB.

An assignment of credit is an agreement by virtue of which the owner of a credit, known as the assignor, by a legal cause, such as sale, dacion en pago, exchange or donation, and without the consent of the debtor, transfers their credit and accessory rights to another, known as the assignee, who acquires the power to enforce it to the same extent as the assignor

of

IMPORTANT MISSION. A Palestinian boy searches for things to rescue at a garbage waste dump in the Al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip on Monday. Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas towards a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip have started in Qatar while Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has an ‘important mission’ in Washington, ‘advancing a deal to bring all our hostages home,’ said Israeli President Isaac Herzog after meeting him Sunday.Trump is not scheduled to meet the Israeli premier until 6:30 pm (6.30 pm Tuesday Manila time), the White House said, without the usual presence of journalists. AFP

with a copy of the Complaint and its attachments, were unserved upon Spouses Balagbis. Per Sheriff’s Report of even date, the Writ of Replevin dated ,Tune 16, 2022 remained unimplemented.

On March 21, 2023, PSB filed an Ex-parte Motion Serve Summons by Publication which the Court granted per Order dated September 27, 2023.17 Per Publisher’s Affidavit notarized on May 7, 2024,18 the summons directing the Spouses Balagbis to file their Answer within sixty (60) days after publication was

By virtue of the

with

it

in

same extent as Shaw Automotive Resources Inc., could enforce it against the Spouses Balagbis. Consequently, PSB may collect the outstanding obligation, inclusive of interest and penalties amounting to P294,118.64.

Anent the claim for attorney’s fees, Spouses Guinto v. Asset Pool A (SPV-AMC), Inc 27 explained: xxx. The general rule is that attorney’s fees cannot be recovered as part of damages because of the policy that no premium should be placed on the right to litigate. They are not to be awarded every time a party wins a suit. The power of the court to award attorney’s fees under Article 2208 of the Civil Code demands factual, legal, and equitable justification. Even when a claimant is compelled to litigate with third persons or to incur expense to protect their rights, still, attorney’s fee may not be awarded where no sufficient showing of bad faith could be reflected in a party’s persistence in a case other than an erroneous conviction of the righteousness of their cause.

As PSB failed to proffer any factual, legal or equitable justification for the award of attorney’s fees, the Court denies the attorney’s fees prayed for.

WHEREFORE, plaintiff Philippine Savings Bank’s alternative prayer for sum of money is PARTLY GRANTED.

Defendant Spouses Maria Regina P. Balagbis and Edmar J. Balagbis are hereby ORDERED to pay Philippine Savings Bank the amount of P294,118.64, plus legal interest at six percent (6%) per annum reckoned from finality of this decision, until the obligation is fully paid.

The prayer for attorney’s fees is DENIED.

Let this Decision be published in a newspaper of general circulation and a copy of the same be sent to defendant Spouses Maria Regina P. Balagbis and Edmar J. Balagbis at their address on record via registered mail.

SO ORDERED. June 16, 2025, Mandaluyong City.

(Sgd.) KARYN LEE A. TRIBACO Presiding Judge

Copy furnished:

Office of the Court Administrator – Supreme Court, P. Faura St., Ermita, Manila Philippine Savings Bank – 4th Floor PSBank Center, #777 Paseo de Roxas cor. Sedeño St., Makati City and/ or CIFRA Bldg., 641 Boni Ave., Mandaluyong City Chuanico Salgado Cabrera & Associates – 4th Floor PSBank Center, #777 Paseo de Roxas cor. Sedeño St., Makati City (E-mail Address: inhouselitigation@psbank.com.ph and AMEspares@psbank.com.ph)

Office of the Clerk of Court-Regional Trial Court (RTCOCC)-Ground Flr. New Hall of Justice, Maysilo Circle, Brgy. Plainview, Mandaluyong City

Sps. Maria Regina P. Balagbis and Edmar J. Balagbis – Blk 15, 4th St., Legian 2C Subd., Carsadang Bago 1, Imus, Cavite 4, 4103 and/or Beyond Yoga Global Inc., 302 3rd Floor II Terraz No. 305, Tomas Morato, Cor. SCTMA, Quezon City NCR , District 01 1100.

1 Record, pp. 179-182,183•186.

2 Ibid, p. 187, 188.

3 Ibid., pp . 189-192, 193-196

4 The case was filed on April 7, 2022, hence, still governed by the regular Rules of Court.

5 Record, pp. 3-8, 6 Ibid., pp. 13-16.

7 Record., p. 13 8 Ibid., p. 18. Ibid., p. 19.

10 Ibid., pp. 9-12.

11 Ibid., pp. 94-95.

12 Ibid., pp. 99-140.

13 Ibid., pp. 142-143.

14 Ibid., p.144. Ibid. pp. 148, 150.

16 Ibid., pp. 152-155, 156-159.

17 Ibid., p. 160, 161.

18 Ibid., p. 17l.

19 Ibid., p. 172. Ibid, pp.179-182, 183-186.

21 Ibid., p.187-188.

cause of action for the collection of P367,648.30, which includes penalties, interest and attorney’s fees and excludes accruing charges and legal expenses under the Promissory Note and Chattel Mortgage, from due date until fully paid.

Section 1. Rule 133 of the Rules of Court

22 Jorgenetics Swine Improvement Corp. vs. Thick & Thin Agri-Products, Inc. G.R. Nos. 201044 & 222691, (May 5, 2021).

23 Jorgenetics Swine Improvement Corp. vs. Thick & Thin Agri-Products, Inc. G.R. Nos. 201044 & 222691, (May 5, 2021).

24 Heirs of Villanueva v. Heirs of Mendoza, G.R. No. 209132, June 5, 2017.

25. Ibid South City Homes, Inc. v. BA Finance Corp., G.R. No. 135462, December 7, 2001

27 G.R. No. 227601, August 30, 2023. (MStandard - July 8, 2025)

Trump hosts Netanyahu, hopes for deal ‘this week’

WASHINGTON, DC –Israeli Prime Minister

Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Monday US President Donald Trump, who expressed hope for a “deal this week” between Israel and Hamas that sees hostages released from the Gaza Strip.

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas began on Sunday evening in Doha, aiming to broker a ceasefire and reach an agreement on the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Trump said Sunday there was a “good chance” of reaching an agreement.

“We’ve gotten a lot of the hostages out, but pertaining to the remaining hostages, quite a few of them will be coming out,” he told journalists.

Hamas’s Oct. 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based

on Israeli official figures. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed at least 57,418 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry. The United Nations considers the figures reliable. Netanyahu, speaking before boarding his flight to Washington on Sunday, said his meeting with Trump could “definitely help advance this” deal.

The US president is pushing for a truce in the Gaza Strip, plunged into a humanitarian crisis after nearly two years of war.

Netanyahu said he dispatched the team to Doha with “clear instructions” to reach an agreement “under the conditions that we have agreed to.”

He previously said Hamas’s response to a draft USbacked ceasefire proposal, conveyed through Qatari and Egyptian mediators, contained “unacceptable” demands. Two Palestinian sources close to the discussions told AFP the proposal included a 60-day truce, during which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and several bodies in exchange for Palestinians detained by Israel.

However, they said, the group was also demanding certain conditions for Israel’s withdrawal, guarantees against a resumption of fighting during negotiations, and the return of the UN-led aid distribution system. AFP

MULTIPLE ERUPTIONS. The 1,584-meter-high Mount Lewotobi

Laki-laki erupts multiple times, as seen from Nangahale village in Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara on Monday, spewing a colossal ash tower 18 kilometers into the sky, authorities said, just weeks after it caused dozens of flight cancellations to and from the popular

Trump slams ex-ally Musk’s political party as ‘ridiculous’

MORRISTOWN, New Jersey – US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Monday, Manila time) slammed former ally Elon Musk’s launching of a new political party as “ridiculous,” deepening the Republican’s feud with the man who was once his biggest backer. Trump also branded the SpaceX and Tesla tycoon a “TRAIN WRECK” who had gone “off the rails” after Musk said he wanted to challenge the current US political system. The world’s richest man was almost inseparable from Trump as he headed the cost-cutting “Department of Government Efficiency,” but they fell out hard over the president’s “big beautiful” tax and spending mega-bill.

IN BRIEF

“It’s always been a two-party system, and I think starting a third party just adds to confusion. Third parties have never worked. So he can have fun with it, but I think it’s ridiculous,” he said.

South African-born Musk announced on Saturday that he would create the so-called “America Party” to challenge what he called the United States’ “one-party system.”

Musk says the president’s massive domestic spending plan would explode the US debt, and has vowed to do everything in his power to defeat lawmakers who voted for it. The former DOGE boss, who led a huge drive to slash federal spending and cut jobs, equated Trump’s

“I think it’s ridiculous to start a third party,” Trump told reporters before he boarded Air Force One on his way back to Washington from his New Jersey golf club.

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz plays a backhand return to Russia’s Andrey Rublev during their men’s singles fourth-round match on the seventh day of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London. AFP

Alcaraz finds magic touch, Sabalenka reaches q’finals

LONDON—Carlos Alcaraz found his best form after a shaky start to beat Andrey Rublev and reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals on Sunday as hot favourite in the women’s draw Aryna Sabalenka also progressed.

The Spaniard, hunting a third straight title at the All England Club, has taken his fans on an emotional rollercoaster but is into the last eight after a 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win. While Alcaraz’s main rivals, seventime winner Novak Djokovic and world number one Jannik Sinner, are in ominous form, the second seed has blown hot and cold so far.

He will next face Cameron Norrie, who is the last British player standing at Wimbledon after beating Chile’s Nicolas Jarry in five gruelling sets. Alcaraz lost three sets across his first three matches and fell behind against Russian 14th seed Rublev under the Centre Court roof.

But he turned the match around in style, producing some of his best tennis in front of his adoring fans.

“I think I played intelligent and smart today against him, tactically,” said the 22-year-old. “A really good match, which I’m really proud about.”

The five-time Grand Slam champion said he always believes in himself, even when facing adversity.

“One point can change the match completely, turn everything around.

“In tennis, you have to stay there all the time. Being strong mentally, to stay there. I knew that I was going to play better.”

- Sabalenka power -

Women’s world number one Sabalenka has yet to drop a set in four rounds

at the All England Club as every other top six seed has fallen, but was given a tough workout by Belgian world number 23 Mertens.

The Belarusian came through 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) against her former doubles partner to set up a clash against Germany’s Laura Siegemund.

The three-time Grand Slam champion is making up for lost time after missing last year’s Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury. She was excluded in 2022 as part of a blanket ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes.

“With your support guys I think everything is possible,” said Sabalenka, who has never been beyond the semifinals. “I don’t know. It’s such a beautiful tournament.

“I always dreamed of winning it. Every time I’m here I’m trying to give my best and really hope for the best.”

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova also progressed at the expense of Britain’s Sonay Kartal, but had to mentally reset after a bizarre electronic line-calling failure.

At 4-4 in the first set, Pavlyuchenkova held game point when a Kartal backhand landed clearly over the baseline but no call came and the umpire ordered the point be replayed. Kartal went on to break for a 5-4 lead.

Pavlyuchenkova angrily made her case to the umpire, saying: “They stole the game from me, they stole it”. But she broke back and won the tie-break, which proved a launchpad for a 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 victory.

The technology glitch in the fourthround match follows concerns raised by other players.

The All England Club released a brief statement on the incident.

“Due to operator error the system was deactivated on the point in question,” said an spokesman. “The chair umpire followed the established process.”

Russia’s Karen Khachanov was the first winner of the day, brushing aside Polish player Kamil Majchrzak 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 on Court Two. AFP

Beyond the finish line: Palawan Pay Marathon’s gift of care to El Nido

THE Palawan Group of Companies (PGC), through its fast-growing e-wallet platform, PalawanPay, recently held the crowd-drawing PalawanPay Marathon in Puerto Princesa City, as part of its 40th anniversary celebration. The event drew more than 2,100 runners – the greatest number of participants since it was established as Palawan Express Marathon in 2015. Fueled by excitement and endurance, participants from all over the Philippines – and even several from overseas such as Australia and the USA – laced up for the marathon.

More than just a race, the PalawanPay Marathon represents the PGC’s strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, as the proceeds from the event was utilized to purchase an ambulance unit for the El Nido Community Hospital. This donation is anticipated to strengthen emergency response to emergency health situations in one of the most visited and beloved municipalities of Palawan.

PGC’s Secret to Success: Staying True to Its Core Values Korina Castro-Fernando, Chief Human Resources Officer, expressed, “The Palawan Group has always been rooted in the core value of malasakit (compassion). Every kilometer con-

Express Marathon in 2015.

quered in the PalawanPay Marathon is a symbol of how far we are willing to go to be of service to Filipinos – to Palawenos. As we celebrate 40 years of service, it is our greatest honor to go back to our roots and give back to the communities that journeyed with us since the beginning.” This sentiment is echoed by PGC Chief Operations Officer and 2025 PalawanPay Marathon overall committee head,

Roberto Ben Castro, who remarked, “this year marks the 40th anniversary of the Palawan Group of Companies. Ang Palawan Group po ay nagsimula dito sa Palawan, at kasama namin kayo sa paglago. Ang tinatamasa nating tagumpay ay dulot ng ating mga Suki. Kaya naman sa ating pagbabalik-tanaw, itong ginawa nating pagtakbo ay hindi lamang para sa ating sariling kalusugan, kung ‘di para rin sa kalusugan ng isang komu-

nidad. Ang PalawanPay Marathon 2025 ay nagbunga ng isang ambulansya na ido-donate natin sa El Nido Community Hospital.” (The Palawan Group of Companies traces its roots here in Palawan, and you, Palawenos, have been with us through the years. We owe you, our Sukis, the success we enjoy today. Now as we look back to our humble beginnings, we hosted this meaningful marathon not just to boost the health of our runners, but also the health of an entire community. The proceeds from PalawanPay Marathon 2025 will be used to purchase an ambulance unit that we will donate to El Nido Community Hospital).

This announcement was met with enthusiastic applause and heartfelt cheers from the crowd. Emotions ran high when Mr. Castro further shared, “minsan, kailangan pa ng pasyente na maghintay ng isang araw para mailipat sa mas malaking ospital dito sa Puerto Princesa. Umaasa tayo na ang ambulansyang ito ay makatutulong para mas maalagaan ang kalusugan ng ating mga kapwa Palaweno sa El Nido.” (There have been cases where patients had to wait an entire day just to be transported to a larger hospital here in Puerto Princesa. We hope this ambulance will ensure better healthcare for our fellow Palawenos in El Nido).

Eyes on Reig, Quiambao in 5150 Bohol tilt

Reig

runner-up in 2022’s inaugural event presented by Sun Life Philippines, and Cebu veteran Jorry Ycong also loom as top contenders. On the women’s side, Calamba’s own Bea Quiambao arrives determined to recapture the title she last won three years ago. A multiple 5150 champion and recipient of the Bagong Bayani award at IRONMAN 70.3 Subic, Quiambao must fend off challengers like Davao’s Jessica Palermo and Rara Torres, Cebu’s Casey Robyn Un, Bukidnon’s Sophia Belican, Ilocos Sur’s Frea Billedo, Las Piñas’ Katrina Bisuña, Parañaque’s Ma. Angela Salazar, Cadiz’s Nonelie Paclibar, and seasoned campaigner Ines Santiago. Like Reig, Quiambao remains cautiously optimistic in her bid for another Bohol crown, aware of the strong, determined field of contenders eyeing the overall individual title and top finishes in their respective age-group divisions of the event organized by Sunrise Events, Inc.

Rockets confirm arrival of Durant in 7-team trade

NEW YORK—Superstar Kevin Durant is headed from the Phoenix Suns to Houston as part of an NBA-record seven-team deal, the Rockets confirmed on Sunday.

The Rockets will also welcome back Clint Capela in a sign-and-trade deal with Atlanta, Houston said in a statement posted on the team website.

Also involved in the blockbuster transfer were the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers. Durant, in a Sunday post on X, sent a farewell message to fans in Phoenix while making it clear he is excited to be heading for Houston, his fifth career NBA club.

IN the unforgiving world of boxing, every fighter eventually arrives at a crossroads — the kind that separates the contenders from the pretenders. For unbeaten Filipino bantamweight Kenneth Llover, that defining moment comes on August 17 at Winford Resort and Casino in Manila, where he shares the ring with none other than former two-division world champion Luis Concepcion of Panama. Llover, who carries an unblemished professional slate of 14 wins with nine knockouts, has built quiet but steady momentum over the past few years. Under the tutelage of Gerry Peñalosa, the 22-year-old from General Trias, Cavite is now knocking on the door of a world title opportunity. He is ranked No. 9 by The Ring Magazine, No. 10 by the IBF, and No. 15 by the WBC — clear indicators that he is on the radar of boxing’s power brokers.

Llover faces his moment of truth on August 17

But if he wants to shed the label of “promising prospect” and emerge as a legitimate title contender, he needs more than just the numbers. He needs a breakthrough win. And that’s exactly what this bout against Concepcion represents. Make no mistake — “El Nica” is no tune-up. With a battle-worn record of 40 wins and 11 losses, including 29 victories by knockout, the Panamanian warrior has fought and beaten some of the best in the lower weight classes. He once held world championships at flyweight and super flyweight, and even though he’s entering the twilight of his career, he remains a live threat with a puncher’s chance and the kind of veteran savvy that only comes from surviving the boxing trenches.

For Llover, this is not just about preserving an undefeated record. This is about proving he belongs. This is about answering the question every rising star must face: Can you handle a former world champion who knows all the tricks and refuses to go quietly?

The good news is, Llover seems to understand the gravity of this challenge. He’s recently enlisted the

help of renowned strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, a figure familiar to those who followed Manny Pacquiao’s legendary run. It’s a sign that Llover is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation — an acknowledgment that talent alone won’t carry him past a pugilist as seasoned and unpredictable as Concepcion. This is a bout where Llover must not only win but impress. He has to control the tempo, impose his will, and perhaps most importantly, adapt when things get rough — because they will. Concepcion may not be as sharp as he once was, but he knows how to make a young fighter uncomfortable. And if Llover can pass this test, it will be a strong message to the rest of the 118-pound weight class. Llover has already turned heads. But a win on August 17 — particularly a dominant one — could turn him into a serious player on the world stage.

(For comments or questions, reach the author at nissi.icasiano@gmail.com or visit his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nissi.icasiano.)

“My time in Phoenix has come to an end,” Durant posted. “All these stops along the journey have really impacted me in a positive way. Remember it’s a world behind the scenes, and those who make things work in that space, work tirelessly to make our lives easier as players.

“I truly believe this nba is a one big community. Much love to Arizona. Houston, Can’t Wait!” Durant, a 15-time NBA All-Star forward, turns 37 in September. The 2014 NBA Most Valuable Player won NBA titles with Golden State in 2017 and 2018.

“Kevin impacts the game on both ends of the court and is one of the most efficient scorers in the history of basketball,” Rockets general manager Rafael Stone said in a statement. “We liked the growth our team showed last season and believe Kevin’s skill set will integrate seamlessly.” Capela, a 31-year-old Swiss center, played his first six NBA seasons in Houston and the past five for the Hawks. He averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.0 blocks a game and joins New Zealand’s Steven Adams as a big-man backup to Turkey’s Alperen Sengun. AFP

From seasoned marathoners to budding health enthusiasts, the 2025 PalawanPay Marathon drew the biggest number of participants since it was first introduced as Palawan

Bea Quiambao

TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Torcaso eyes early training for Filipinas

NOW that they have qualified, Filipinas’ head coach Mark Torcaso seeks to prepare the Philippine national women’s team as early as possible for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. Torcaso said this after the Filipinas beat Hong Kong, 1-0, on Saturday in Group G of the qualifiers in Phnom Penh.

“We’re now looking forward to the ASEAN tournament (in August) with probably a slightly different squad because some players weren’t available for the qualifiers due to club commitments,” said Torcaso.

The Filipinas competed with three key players absent, namely Katrina Guilliou, Reina Bonta and Sarina Bolden, who is undergoing rehabilitation from an injury.

So far, the Filipinas met their objective of winning their three assigned games, and top Group G

“We came with the objective to qualify and not to lose and not to concede, and we did that,” said Torcaso.

In returning to the Women’s Asian Cup, the Filipinas hope to make it to the finals this time around.

The Filipinas achieved a semifinal appearance at the 2022 edition, leading to a historic berth at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.

Next for the Filipinas is their stint in Group B of the ASEAN Women’s MSIG Serenity Cup 2025.

The Filipinas are bunched with Myanmar, Australia and Timor-Leste. Peter Atencio

IT’S a compact Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum that’s in store on Tuesday (July 8) as softball, horse racing, and running are featured in the weekly public sports program at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Defending champion Team Manila-Philippines that is set to compete in the 2025 PONY International Girls Softball World Series in McAllen, Texas set July 17-20, leads the three-part session that starts at 10:30 a.m. Top Manila Councilor Rafael ‘Che’ Borromeo, coach Sheirylou Valenzuela, and team manager Giovanni Mapa will discuss the country’s bid for a third straight championship in the annual meet, where Team Manila under President and Executive VP Engr. Robert Evangelista, has been regularly representing the Philippines.

Philippine Racing Commission

Chairman Reli De Leon and organizers of the inaugural Asics Meta Time Trial at the Vermosa Sports Complex, make up the other part of the Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus. De Leon will be with Metro Manila Turf Club Racing Manager Rondy Prado to promote two coming big stakes races, namely the Kings Cup and Prince Cup, this July and September in Malvar, Batangas.

SONAK Trading Marketing Manager Ishina Buxani and Faith So, on the other hand, will talk about the Asics Meta Time Trial featuring a 10km run where around 3,500 participants are expected to join. The Forum is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/ PhilippineSportswritersAssociation, aired on a delayed basis over Radyo Pilipinas 2, and shared on its official Facebook page Radyo Pilipinas 2 sports.

historic pole vault event in PH

By Peter Atencio

INVITES have been sent to the world’s top pole vaulters, including no. 1 Armand “Mondo” Duplantis to come to the Philippines and compete in a worldclass event.

Filipino pole vault star Ernest John

“EJ” Obiena said this on Monday in an online press conference, announcing that an international meet known as the “Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge” is set to be held from September 20 to 21 at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati.

Obiena, who is in Italy and will will be seeing action in the Monaco leg of the Diamond League this weekend, said it has been his dream to organize and join an event like this in the Philippines.

“It has been my lifelong dream to mount a world-class sporting event in my homeland to showcase Filipino talent and make the nation proud. Now, it’s finally happening. I call on my kababayans to come together and support this once-in-a-lifetime event,” said the 29-year-old Asian champ.

The country’s top pole vaulter is organizing the meet with his team of

coaches and consultants.

Obiena’s team has gotten the support of Atletang Ayala, the Ayala Group of Companies, the Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association for this undertaking.

“Ayala is proud to partner with EJ for an event that celebrates Filipino excellence and marks the successes of our sporting heroes. Through this pole vault challenge, we hope to bring Filipinos together in encouraging sporting participation, inspiring future athletes and making us proud as a nation,” said Ayala Corporation Executive Director Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala.

Atletang Ayala program head Jasmine Alkhaldi, a former national swimmer, added that their group is all out in their support for the staging for the event.

“Hosting this sporting competi-

By Randy M. Caluag

THE TNT Tropang 5G had a tough time taking on the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. But the Tropang 5G’s experience still prevailed on Sunday night, allowing them to reach the 49th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup championships, when action ended at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Rain or Shine is a tough team. In this series, they got two wins. This team is going to continue developing. Fortunately, our experience held up today,” said Reyes after the TNT turned back Rain or Shine, 97-89, in Game 6 of their semifinals series.

The Tropang 5G banked on Jordan Heading and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser during a decisive 14-2 run, which broke the game’s last deadlock at 80-all with 5:44

tion is an incredible milestone for the Philippines,” said Alkhaldi. The Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge will follow a street vaulting format. It is officially sanctioned by the World Athletics Continental Tour-Bronze category, aligned with rigorous global standards for competition, athlete eligibility, and event organization. It is also supported by global athletics organizations World Athletics and Asian Athletics.

DESPITE being deeply involved in training young athletes in her hometown of Baguio City, Sandi Menchi Abahan never wavered from her personal mission--to continue making the Philippines proud in the international stage.

True to her word, Abahan delivered another remarkable performance, claiming the bronze medal in the women’s Elite Open division of the Morzine Spartan Ultra World Championship held recently in France.

A gold medalist in the 5-kilometer obstacle course race at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Manila, Abahan completed the gruelling 50-kilometer course—featuring 60 punishing obstacles—in 8 hours, 44 minutes, and 22 seconds. She shared the podium with

to go as TNT went on to clinch the first finals’ slot after topping their the best-ofseven duel, 4-2.

The Tropang 5G now wait for the outcome of the Barangay Ginebra-San Miguel Beer Game 7 on Wednesday at the Big Dome, to learn of their opponent in the championship round.

“We came together. That’s what happened. Everyone chipped in, stepped up. Unfortunately, we got all those injuries, but it is what it is. But as you saw today these guys, they don’t know the meaning of quit,” said Reyes. The TNT mentor added that injuries to key players almost hindered them in the quarterfinals and the quarterfinals.

Heading scored 29 points for TNT while Ganuelas-Rosser had 17 for Tropang 5G. Peter

France’s Leslie Lejeune, who secured gold in 8:02:15, and Great Britain’s Andrea Berquez, who clocked 8:19:45 for silver.

Before jetting off to France, Abahan was actively involved in the grassroots development of obstacle course racing (OCR) through the Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF).

She helped spearhead the federation’s youth training program across five cities—including her hometown—especially with OCR now officially part of the Batang Pinoy national youth sports program.

“Thank you to all the parents who worked behind the scenes for the event. My heart is full of gratitude and joy for all your effort. And thank you to all the kuyas and ates who helped build the obstacle course, guided the younger kids, and stayed to help

France

after the event,” Abahan said in her social media post. Just days later, Abahan led by example, conquering one of the sport’s toughest global events and bringing home another international medal for the country. In the men’s Elite division, Filipinos Jobert Carolino and Andrico Mahilum delivered valiant efforts, finishing 24th (9:08:47) and 33rd (10:23:53), respectively.

The men’s podium featured Luca Pescollderugg of Italy (6:25:18) as champion, followed by Ryan Atkins of Canada (6:29:03) and Antoine Freymond of Switzerland (6:35:48). The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) supported the team’s campaign, which included athletes Ailene Sabal, and coaches Thumbie Remigio and Mohammad Sherwin Managil.

Atencio

Also among those invited are world no. 2 Emmanouil Karalis, Sam Kendricks, Kurtis Marschall, Erso Sasma and Menno Vloon. Duplantis recently saw action in the Diamond League meeting in Eugene, Oregon and won the gold at six meters. He is the current world record holder at 6.28 meters and the winner of seven senior global titles. The world no. 4 Obiena will join Duplantis when both of them compete in Monaco this weekend.

Sandi Menchi Abahan

Mark Torcaso

Aerial shot of the Ayala Triangle Gardens

Jordan Heading drives for a basket.

Obiena soars past the bar in one of his past events.

ERC finalizes grid operator’s rate reset, higher charges loom

By Alena Mae S. Flores

57.4%

kilowatt-hour (kWh) in transmission charges to be collected over the next 84 months from the decision’s issuance.

TDigital payments share by volume in 2024

HE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said Monday it issued its final ruling on the Fourth Regulatory Period (RP) rate reset for the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

The ERC said this amount covers a P0.0629 per kWh average increase in the basic transmission charge and an additional P0.0384 per kWh for the under-recovered portion of the increased MAR.

59% 148%

Digital payments share by value in 2024

Growth in QR code payments in 2024

Digital payments overtake cash in PH retail sector

By Darwin G. Amojelar

DIGITAL payments have surpassed cash transactions in Philippine retail, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said, indicating a significant shift in consumer behavior.

The 2024 Report on the Status of Digital Payments in the Philippines showed that the share of digital payments in total monthly retail transactions reached 57.4 percent by volume and 59.0 percent by value. These figures represent an increase from 52.8 percent and 55.3 percent, respectively, in 2023.

The BSP said this steady year-on-year growth reinforces the momentum gained after exceeding the 2023 digitalization target of 50 percent for volume.

“The upward trajectory reflects the long-term impact of market developments, policy initiatives, and the growing trust and familiarity of Filipinos with digital payment options,” the BSP said in a statement.

Merchant payments, person-to-person (P2P) transfers and business-to-business (B2B) supplier payments continue to be the main drivers of this growth.

Merchant payments accounted for 66.4 percent of the monthly digital payment volume, while P2P transfers and B2B supplier payments made up 20.6 percent and 6.2 percent, respectively. Collectively, these three categories represented 93.2 percent of the total digital transaction volume.

“It took some time to write down the decision, the actual final determination, but the majority had already completed. For myself and the dissenting commissioners, we’ve also completed our opinion,” ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said on the sidelines of the Power Supply Procurement Toolkit launch.

The commission, in a majority decision by commissioners Alexis Lumbatan, Floresinda Baldo-Digal and Marko Romeo Fuentes on March 26, 2025, approved a P335.78 billion actual

maximum allowable revenue (MAR) for NGCP’s Fourth RP rate reset period.

The decision used an “as spent” approach and adopted a weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of 11.33 percent. With NGCP’s interim MAR collections at P307 billion, a cost under-recovery of about P28.29 billion will lead to an increase in transmission charges.

The majority of the commissioners further resolved to set a seven-year recovery period, which translates into an average increase of P0.1013 per

“I think the next billing period will already take effect...It cannot be implemented this July 25, so that’s the August billing period,” Dimalanta said.

The commission’s majority, during its 1,125th regular commission meeting (RCM), also resolved to make permanent NGCP’s MAR for 2015 at P43 million.

NGCP’s claim for a net performance incentive scheme (PIS) reward for 2014, amounting to P783.06 million under ERC Case No. 2014-155 RC, was also approved.

THE Financial Stability Coordination Council (FSCC) reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the Philippines’ financial system amidst shifting global and local conditions.

The FSCC, in its latest quarterly meeting, reviewed efforts to strengthen financial resilience through continuous risk monitoring and policy initiatives, including proposed reforms to the deposit insurance system.

It assessed potential vulnerabilities linked to changing global financial conditions, geopolitical tensions and domestic liquidity shifts. These

factors could impact asset valuations, debt servicing, market volatility and trade. Still, the FSCC noted that Philippine banks remain wellcapitalized with sufficient liquidity buffers.

The council said it continues to refine its analytical tools to better oversee channels of systemic risks across sectors and timeframes, stressing the need for timely and adaptive policies in a fast-changing financial landscape.

To strengthen its forward-looking surveillance, the council discussed the survey of salient risks, which aims

Record harvests, structural reforms expected in 2025—DA

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine agriculture sector is set to emerge from a challenging year into a period of recovery and reform, with expectations of a record harvest and structural improvements in 2025, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said on Monday. Tiu Laurel, in his State of Philippine Agriculture Report, described 2024 as a “perfect storm” year, marked by an El Niño-induced drought, typhoons, volcanic activity, the onset of La Niña and renewed outbreaks of

African Swine Fever. “We are no strangers to adversity. What matters is that we have used each challenge as an opportunity to push forward,” he said, noting that despite the setbacks, resilience and reforms are starting to yield tangible results.

A significant achievement highlighted was the progress toward President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s campaign promise of more affordable rice, with the P20- perkilogram rice initiative benefiting millions of Filipinos in select areas through the expansion of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program.

The Rice-for-All initiative and a cap on suggested retail prices have brought commercial rice prices down to P33 to P43 per kg., contributing to a slide in headline inflation to 1.3 percent in May, the lowest in six years.

Support for farmers has also been reinforced with the distribution of inputs and machinery under the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), while increasing the support buying price for palay to P17 to P30 per kg. The amended RTL will triple funding for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund to 30 billion pesos by 2026.

to capture institutional perspectives on key vulnerabilities that may affect the Philippine financial system in the near term.

Risks identified include market volatility, policy uncertainty, geopolitical risks and technological disruptions. The FSCC also reviewed mitigating measures to monitor and address these risks.

“The FSCC remains committed to inter-agency coordination, data-driven risk monitoring, and deploying needed measures to preserve market confi dence and fi nancial system stability,” said

FSCC chair and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr.

The FSCC also welcomed new Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairman Francis E. Lim, who brings expertise in capital markets and regulation.

The FSCC includes the BSP, Department of Finance, Insurance Commission, Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. and SEC. The council coordinates efforts to monitor and manage systemic risks in the Philippine fi nancial system. Darwin G. Amojelar

HOUSING SUBSIDY. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto hold a consultative meeting on Monday on the provision of interest subsidy to quali ed bene ciaries of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agship Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (#4PH) program. The President ordered the DHSUD to recalibrate and expand 4PH to cover wider range of bene ciaries—from the working class down to the poorest of the poor. DOF’s Facebook page

Primelectric, ACWA eye Palawan, Visayas RE sites

PRIMELECTRIC Holdings Inc., led by businessman Enrique Razon Jr., and Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power Company signed a joint study agreement to explore renewable energy and energy storage opportunities in the Visayas and Palawan, the companies announced Monday.

The agreement, signed recently by Primelectric president Roel Castro and ACWA Power chief investment and development officer Thomas Brostrom, aims to assess viable energy generation options for Negros, Panay and Palawan. The primary goal is to optimize power costs and maximize the potential of renewable energy and energy storage technologies in these regions.

“This partnership comes at a critical time as our regions require more resilient, reliable and affordable power sources,” Castro said.

“Through this collaboration, we aim to explore projects that will stabilize power supply and harness

the abundant renewable resources of the Visayas and Palawan,” he said. Under the agreement, Primelectric will provide technical data and insights on potential power generation projects in the identified areas. ACWA Power will lead the development, financing and operation of feasible projects. Once viable projects are identifi ed and agreed upon, both companies plan to proceed to development and investment phases. This could include large-scale renewable energy installations and advanced storage systems in the region’s energy mix.

Primelectric Holdings is the parent company of distribution utilities MORE Power in Iloilo, Negros Power in Central Negros and Bohol Light. The company has been working to modernize and lower power rates in its franchise areas while integrating innovative energy solutions. Alena Mae S. Flores

left)

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor and Financial Stability Coordination Council (FSCC) chairman Eli Remolona Jr. (second from left) with fellow FSCC executive committee members Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. president Roberto Tan (left) and Securities and Exchange Commission chairperson Francis Edralin Lim (right) attend the 41st executive committee meeting at the BSP headquarters in Manila on June 20, 2025.

PH stocks rise on dovish

BSP outlook, peso weaker

PHILIPPINE shares opened the week higher Monday, driven by a dovish monetary outlook from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The peso closed at 56.685 to the U.S. dollar Monday, weaker than its Friday close of 56.4.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index gained 29.67 points, or 0.46 percent, to close at 6,425.24. The broader all-shares index climbed 15.22 points, or 0.40 percent, to 3,779.93.

“The local market closed higher backed by dovish expectations on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ policy outlook following June’s weak inflation print,” said Japhet Tantiangco, research head at Philstocks Financial Inc.Tantiangco added that investors also considered the U.S. decision to move the reciprocal tariff implementation to Aug. 1 for countries that have not yet reached a trade deal. Most sectoral indices closed in positive territory, with the financial sector leading the way, advancing 0.88 percent. Property also rose 0.74 percent. Mining and oil,

however, dropped 2.32 percent.

Value turnover reached P6.93 billion. Foreigners were net buyers, with net inflows at P107.24 million.

Puregold Price Club Inc. was the top index gainer, climbing 3.27 percent to P36.30. Globe Telecom Inc. was at the bottom, declining 3.87 percent to P1,639.00.

Asian equities struggled Monday as countries fought to hammer out trade deals days before Donald Trump’s tariff deadline, with the US president saying he would begin sending letters to some capitals outlining the rates he had decided upon.

While the White House has said several deals were in the pipeline, only two have been finalized ahead of the July 9 cut-off set by Trump.

Governments from major trading partners including Japan, India, the European Union and South Korea have fought for the past three months to get agreements. Jenniffer

B. Austria with AFP

DigiPlus shares jumped after P6b buy back

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SHARES of online gaming firm DigiPlus Interactive Corp. jumped 14.58 percent Monday after the company announced a P6 billion share buyback program.

DigiPlus stock closed at P33.80 per share, up from P29.50 last Friday. The company’s board approved the buyback to boost shareholder value after shares dropped to P29.50 Friday from a 52-week high of P65.30.

“The share repurchase program

Nestlé PH names Alarcón as new chairman, CEO starting July

By Othel V. Campos

NESTLÉ Philippines, Inc. has appointed Mauricio Alarcón as its new chairman and chief executive, effective July 2025, succeeding Kais Marzouki, who has been designated head of Nestlé’s Greater China Region.

Alarcón brings more than 25 years of experience across multiple countries, business units, and leadership roles within the Nestlé Group.

A Mexican national, he holds a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Manchester. Before joining Nestlé Mexico in 1999, he worked in the industrial and banking sectors.

He began his Nestlé career in sales and marketing before moving to Switzerland as marketing advisor for the company’s Strategic Business Unit, and from 2004, held senior roles in the ice cream division with international assignments in Australia and Egypt, covering the North Africa region.

In 2014, Alarcón became managing director of Nestlé Côte d’Ivoire. He later assumed responsibility for operations in Sénégal, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Mauritania, and Cape Verde.

From 2016 to 2020, he served as managing director and chief executive of Nestlé Nigeria.

Prior to his Philippine post, he led Nestlé’s Central and West Africa Region as chief executive, overseeing operations in 25 countries.

Nestlé Philippines ranks among the top 10 corporations in the country and is one of the 10 largest Nestlé markets worldwide.

It is also one of the country’s leading corporate taxpayers, contributing nearly one percent of the national gross domestic product.

demonstrates our firm confidence in DigiPlus’ long-term growth and solid fundamentals,” chairman Eusebio Tanco said. “By strategically deploying our capital through this buyback, we are sending a clear signal that DigiPlus is committed to delivering sustainable returns for

shareholders while remaining wellpositioned to pursue expansion and innovation.”

The buyback program will run for 12 months and can be renewed with further board approval. It will be funded entirely from DigiPlus’ internal cash flow. The company said it “remains well-capitalized, balancing disciplined capital management with its investments in growth, technology and new markets.”

Jeri Alfonso, a gaming sector analyst at Unicapital Inc., said the buyback will give investors a muchneeded confidence boost.

Multilateralism

“I believe the timing couldn’t be better, especially now that the stock is in the oversold territory and looking for a technical bounce,” Alfonso said.Other potential near-term catalysts for DigiPlus, according to Alfonso, include the non-passage of proposed legislation and strong secondquarter results, which would reinforce the company’s growth story.

The company previously attributed the sharp decline in its share price to market speculation following the June 30, 2025, filing of two proposed bills: the Online Gambling Regula-

tory Bill and the Online Gambling Prohibition Bill, introduced in both the Senate and House of Representatives. DigiPlus noted the proposed bills are “still in the early stages of the legislative process and have not been enacted into law.”

Last week, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) also announced it would release a new circular designed to protect users of digital platforms from risks associated with online gambling.

DigiPlus operates online gaming platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and PeryaGame.

Petron raises P32b from bond sale amid strong investor confidence

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PETRON Corp., the Philippines’ largest oil company, announced Monday it raised P32 billion from the issuance of fixed-rate bonds listed on the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corporation (PDEx) earlier in the day.

The oil company said in a statement the issuance marked the final tranche of its P50-billion shelf registration approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.”

The strong response underscores not only the success of another fundraising initiative but also the confidence investors have in our long-term vision,” said Petron president and chief executive Ramon Ang.

The amount raised represents nearly a 1.3-times oversubscription of the P25-billion base offer, resulting in an oversubscription of P7 billion, Petron said. The 5-year bonds maturing in 2030 yield 6.5945 percent per annum, the 7-year bonds maturing in 2032 carry an interest rate of 6.9761 percent per annum, and the 10-year bonds maturing in 2035 yield 7.3896 percent per annum. Petron operates the country’s only remaining refinery in Limay, Bataan, with a capacity of 180,000 barrels per day. The bonds were offered to the public from June 24 to 30, 2025. Petron said the proceeds would be used to redeem the company’s Series D and E bonds and fund general corporate purposes.

will prevail; bilateralism is a passing distraction

MOST economic historians agreed that the two world wars of the twentieth century and the major one of the nineteenth century were to a large extent caused by the trade-related disputes between the world’s great powers.

Sensing impending conflict, the U.S. and the major Western European countries sought to restrain the build-up of the armed forces of Germany and Japan by prohibiting or restricting the flow of natural resources to those countries.

Similarly, most economic historians agreed that the remarkably long period of world peace that has lasted since the end of World War II is in large part attributable to the environment of economic multilateralism that was created, and has been promoted by, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) of the themnewly-founded United Nations.

In a multilateralist environment, countries organize themselves into groups – called economic communities or customs unions or free trade areas – whose rules require members to extend tariff-free treatment and full economic support to their fellow-members.

The beneficial effect of granting preferential tariff and customs treatment on a reciprocal basis was recognized in the nineteenth century by the numerous German principalities and dukedoms, who got together and formed the Zollverein, a customs union that proved to be instrumental in the creation of the state of Germany. The Zollverein became the model for similar movements in other European countries.

Not very many people know that the foremost exemplar of multilateralism – the powerful European Union (EU) –had modest beginning. In 1952, barely seven years after the end of World War II, the French statesman. Jean Monnet thought that the time had come for the

Multilateralism has long been the wave of the future. It still is the wave of the future.

European combatants to leave the devastations and enmities behind them and move toward economic integration. Looking around the European economic landscape, Monnet decided that Europe’s coal and steel industries were the best candidates for integration. Accordingly, he got six countries – France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Italy and West Germany – to agree to form the European Cool and Steel Community (ECSC).

The accession of the United Kingdom and a number of other countries caused ECSC to metamorphose into the European Economic Community (EEC). EEC became an official reality with the Treaty of Rome’s coming into force in 1970. In recognition of its growing political concerns EEC, was in due course renamed EU.

Since the founding of ECSC many countries have formed trade groups in order to gain the enormous benefits offered by multilateralism.

In the 1950s, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia formed Maphilindo, which was later renamed the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA). ASA became the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) when Thailand, Singapore and Brunei expressed a desire to join the three ASA countries in a single Southeast Asian trade group. ASEAN will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2027.

With the encouragement and support of the international financial institutions, the countries of South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Afghanistan) likewise formed a preferential-trade group.

The wave of multilateralism washed over the shores of Africa. The countries of East Africa and

West Africa likewise organized preferential-trade groups among themselves.

Multilateralism has likewise been the trend in the Western Hemisphere. After years of arduous negotiations the three North American countries – the U.S., Canada and Mexico – agreed to form arguably the most important free-trade area in the world, viz., the North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA).

During his first presidency, Donald Trump demanded certain changes in NAFTA’s terms. With the changes approved and incorporated, NAFTA – now renamed the Mexico-Canada-U.S. Trade Association (MCUTA) resumed its operations.

Two giant free-trade areas were organized south of the southern Mexican border one was the Latin American Free Trade Area (LAFTA). A number of countries opted not to join LAFTA and formed their own preferential-trade group, Mercosur. Not to be left out, the countries of Central America got together and formed a common market. During the twenty-first century, the concept of multilateralism has shifted from being limited to a number of regional countries to having memberships spanning entire continents.

A case in point is the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) whose membership consisted of Australasian, North American and Latin American countries. TPP became inoperative when Trump disapproved the participation of the U.S., which has the world’s largest economy.

Into the breach stepped the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which has more or less the same membership structure as TPP. The Senate has ratified this country’s membership in RCEP. With his reciprocal-tariffs program, in which all countries are required to separately negotiate tariff rates with the U.S., Donald Trump has been seeking to replace economic multilateralism with economic bilateralism. That won’t work. Multilateralism has long been the wave of the future. It still is the wave of the future. Trump’s bilateralism is a passing distraction that will end when he is gone. (llagasjessa@yahoo.com)

ECONOMIC BRIEFING. Department of Budget and Management secretary Amenah Pangandaman (fifth from left) joins the 2025 mid-year economic briefing of the Jollibee Group at the Jollibee Plaza headquarters in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. With Pangandaman are (from left) Jollibee Group Philippines’ chief human resources officer and head of human resources for Jollibee Brand International Ruth Angeles, Jollibee Group Global chief human resources officer Arsenio Sabado, DBM Undersecretary Willford Will Wong, Jollibee Group Global president and chief executive Ernesto Tanmantiong, DBM Undersecretary Margaux Salcedo, Jollibee Group Philippines chief executive and Jollibee Global head Joseph Tanbuntiong, and Jollibee Group Global chief legal, ethics and compliance officer Valerie Amante.

BUSINESS

EEI wins deal to build largest convention site in Manila Bay

By Jenni er B. Austria

ENGINEERING and construction

fi rm EEI Corp. has secured a P15.7 billion contract to build phase 1 of the Philippine International Exhibition Center (PIEC) in Pasay Harbor City, the newly reclaimed island in Manila Bay.

The project, covering 269,000 square meters, is set to become the largest exhibition and convention center in Southeast Asia.EEI disclosed to the stock exchange Monday that it was awarded the design-and-build contract for PIEC Phase 1 by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The project is a major initiative aimed at boosting the country’s presence in the global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry.

“The Philippine International Exhibition Center is a massive project that is poised to make a meaningful contribution to the economy. It marks a pivotal milestone for all of us in EEI, and we are honored and excited to support the government in bringing this vision to life,” said EEI president and chief executive Henry Antonio.

“This project reinforces the path our company is taking — one driven by expansive opportunities, greater impact, and a future shaped by shared ambition and bold progress.”

The project is also expected to boost trade promotion, tourism, foreign investment and economic development.

Aboitiz unit signs 3-year contract with Republic Cement

By Othel V. Campos

ABOITIZ Construction has signed a three-year contract with Republic Cement and Building Materials Inc. (RCBM) to provide site-specific support across three of RCBM’s key facilities.

The partnership covers industrial site services at RCBM’s Norzagaray plant in Bulacan, Teresa plant in Rizal and Danao

City plant in Cebu.

“This partnership is a testament to the value we bring as a trusted construction and maintenance service provider,” said Anton Perdices, Aboitiz Construction president and chairman. “We are proud to support RCBM’s operations by delivering highquality services while also helping uplift local communities through job creation.”

Under the agreement, Aboitiz

Construction will provide industrial housekeeping and general upkeep in Teresa, industrial housekeeping in Bulacan, and technical manpower support for maintenance in Danao. In line with Aboitiz Construction’s commitment to driving local economic growth, about 80 percent of the required manpower will be sourced from surrounding communities.

Manila Standard TODAY

“We are indeed excited that such an important building project of the President, his excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has been awarded to EEI Corporation,” Antonio said. “This will be an opportunity for us to showcase Filipino creativity and overall strength of the construction industry in the Philippines, although recognizing some materials that we will inevitably have to import, we are conscious to maximize Filipino content in the building of this iconic landmark. Truly, this will showcase Filipino talent.”

NOTICE Notice is hereby given of the Extrajudicial Settlement of the Estates of Joel Bargo Botin and Isabel Celeridad Botin notarized by Atty. Charley Marie De Lara-San Juan of Binangonan, Rizal recorded as Doc. No. 184, Page No. 38, Book No. II, Series of 2025 (MS-JULY 8/15/22, 2025)

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

Please be informed that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of HARBOR STAR SHIPPING SERVICES, INC. (“HSSSI”) will be held and conducted virtually1 via the Zoom online meeting platform on Wednesday, 30 July 2025, at 3 p.m. for the following purposes:

1. Call to Order 2. Certification of Notice and Quorum

3. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on 17 July 2024

4. Management Report

5. Approval of Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of HSSSI and its subsidiaries as of 31 December 2024

6. Ratification of all acts, resolutions and proceedings of the Board of Directors and of Management, done in ordinary course of business since the 17 July 2024 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting up to 30 July 2025

7. Election of Directors

8. Appointment of External Auditor

9. Other Matters

10. Adjournment

The Board of Directors has fixed 30 June 2025 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to be notified, participate, and vote at the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (“Stockholders of Record”).

Stockholders of Record may only attend/participate via proxy, remote communication or vote in absentia, subject to validation procedures.2 Only validated stockholders will be provided access to the Zoom meeting platform and can cast their votes in absentia on or before 23 July 2025 via the Corporation’s secure online voting facility.

Stockholders who wish to participate in the meeting via the Zoom online meeting platform and to vote in absentia should notify the Office of the Corporate Secretary through a Letter of Intent to be sent via e-mail to asm-2025@harborstar.com.ph or fill up the registration form at www.harborstar.com.ph/asm2025registrationform on or before 15 July 2025.

HSSSI is not soliciting proxies. Stockholders who are unable to join the meeting but wish to vote on items in the agenda by proxy must submit their duly accomplished proxy forms via email to asm-2025@ harborstar.com.ph on or before 23 July 2025.

Stockholders may send their queries and comments to the Management Report and other items in the Agenda to asm-2025@ harborstar.com.ph on or before 24 July 2025. The Definitive Information Statement containing the attendance, voting, and election procedures, along with the Notice, Agenda, Proxy, Management Report, SEC Form 17-A, SEC Form 17-Q and other information related to the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting can be accessed at http://www.harborstar.com.ph/investors/pse_disclosures.

Very truly yours, (SGD) CHARLENE O. ANG Corporate Secretary

During the meeting, the presiding officer will be at HSSSI’s principal office located at 2224 A.

GCash, Huawei roll out wearable payment service

By Darwin G. Amojelar

MOBILE wallet GCash said Monday it teamed up with Huawei to launch Watch Pay, a wearable payment service, in the Philippines.

The new service allows users to make secure, hands-free payments directly from their wrist, GCash said.

“As digital payment solutions become increasingly essential, GCash Watch Pay eliminates the need to pull out a phone or wallet during purchases,” said Ren-Ren

DITO named fastest mobile network in PH

DITO Telecommunity was recognized as the fastest mobile network in the Philippines, solidifying its position as the country’s fastest-growing telecommunications provider, according to Opensignal, an independent global authority on analyzing consumer mobile experience.

DITO, in Opensignal’s April 2025 Mobile Network Experience Report, was recognized as the fastest mobile network in the country, winning an outstanding 14 out of 16 awards, including wins across the 5G Experience section of the report.

“The recognition reflects DITO’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class mobile experiences to Filipinos,” said DITO Telecommunity president and chief executive Eric Alberto. DITO’s performance underscores its strategic investments in all-IPnetwork and 5G Standalone (SA) infrastructure.

By leveraging dynamic spectrum sharing, a high-capacity backbone and intelligent core technologies, DITO is able to provide compelling value offers and consistently superior customer experiences tailored to the evolving needs of its Telecommunity.

“Speed alone doesn’t tell the full story. It’s about how we built a digital-first, future-ready network that can scale, selfoptimize, and deliver performance at par with global standards,” Alberto said.

In 5G performance, DITO leads the industry with the fastest 5G download speed at 280.8 Mbps, more than double the score of the nearest competitor. It also holds the top spot in 5G upload speed at 16.1 Mbps, and has emerged as the Wi-Fi overall winner in both download and upload speed experience. Darwin G. Amojelar

Reyes, president and CEO of GCash mobile wallet operator G-Xchange Inc., in a statement.

Users can link their GCash account to a compatible Huawei smartwatch and generate a QR code directly from the device. Merchants can then scan the QR code using their point-of-sale system to complete transactions.

GCash said the feature is designed for people who are always on the move, offering a convenient payment option during workouts, commutes or errands when ac-

cessing a phone or wallet might be difficult. The partnership underscores GCash’s commitment to enhancing digital payment convenience, focusing on compatibility and security.

Dani Gil Librojo, GCash payment innovations head, recently attended the Huawei Developer Conference in Dongguan, China, where the companies highlighted their collaboration.

QR payments are now available for 7 million Huawei smartwatch users in the Philippines.

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark, a new digital badge aimed at promoting safer and more reliable online transactions.

It said in a statement the initiative, accessible through a dedicated online portal, seeks to help consumers identify legitimate online sellers and assure them that certifi ed merchants comply with fair, transparent and secure business practices

“Trust is essential in the digital marketplace,” said DTI Secretary Cristina Roque.

“Through the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark, we are empowering consumers to shop with greater confi dence while encouraging businesses to uphold responsible online practices,” said Roque.

She said the initiative would also offer participating businesses a competitive edge in the increasingly reputation-driven digital marketplace.

The trustmark will be awarded to e-commerce busi-

LIFETIME DISTINCTION.

Metrobank Foundation (MBFI) president Aniceto Sobrepeña receives the Magis of Rotary Lifetime Distinction Award, the highest honor conferred by the Rotary Club of New Manila East (RCNME) in a ceremony held on June 10, 2025 at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City. MBFI executive vice president Philip Francisco Dy was also recognized with the Presidential Award for Vocational Excellence, while MBFI was awarded the Magis of Rotary: Award for Exemplary Partnership. The award honors individuals whose life’s work re ects the true spirit of Magis, or the pursuit of greater excellence in service, anchored by principled leadership and an enduring commitment to uplift others for the greater good.

Lazada PH employs AI to boost seller performance

LAZADA Philippines said it is strengthening its commitment to innovation by integrating artifi cial intelligence (AI) into key aspects of the seller journey, from sales forecasting and inventory management to content generation and customer engagement.

“Our investments in AI are designed to empower all sellers, whether they come from established brands or are fi rst-time entrepreneurs,” said Lazada Philippines user product operations head Pauline Castro.

PH joins international campaign to improve health financing in Asia

THE Philippines is advancing its Universal Health Care (UHC) initiative by participating in an international effort to enhance health financing capabilities across Asia. Representatives from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies’ Health Economics and Finance Program (PIDSHEFP) and PhilHealth recently joined counterparts from other Asian nations at a World Bank-led regional workshop focusing on Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs) and healthcare provider payment reforms. DRGs are a patient classification method that groups patients with similar clinical conditions and treatment needs into categories with predetermined payment rates. This new compensation framework for providers offers a more predictable, transparent and potentially more efficient

system for financing inpatient care.

Countries that have implemented DRGs have consistently seen measurable benefits, particularly a significant reduction in the average length of hospital stays. DRGs have also been shown to improve hospital accommodation and overall efficiency.

Mongolia, for example, established its Health Insurance General Agency as the main purchaser, with DRG payments making up 70 percent of its Health Insurance Fund. Its provider income doubled between 2020 and 2024, accompanied by increased utilization, improved service quality and enhanced financial protection. For Filipino patients and providers, DRGs are among several reforms designed to make health services more predictable, equi-

AI adoption is streamlining what were once labor-intensive tasks. Features such as automated product descriptions and and image enhancements enable even small-scale sellers to elevate their online presence and compete effectively.

Joson of Cloud Logic, a LazMall seller, said merchants on the platform are using AI to predict sales by analyzing the past five years of data.

“It helps us align our manual forecasts and prepare more accurately. That kind of insight is incredibly

valuable as the platform grows more competitive,” Joson said.

Lazada is complementing its AI offerings with learning resources and programs to help sellers build digital capabilities, contributing to a more inclusive and future-ready e-commerce ecosystem.

“Integrating AI into core parts of the platform helps them make informed decisions and boost efficiency, ultimately enriching experiences for both sellers and customers,” Castro said. Othel V. Campos

nesses that meet the standards outlined in Republic Act No. 11967, also known as the Internet Transactions Act of 2023. These standards include adherence to consumer protection laws and ethical online conduct. Once certifi ed, businesses should prominently display the trustmark on their websites, seller profi les or product pages. Brick-and-mortar stores are also permitted to showcase the trustmark at their registered business locations.

The DTI asked interested businesses to apply via trustmark.dti.gov.ph by completing an online form and submitting required documents, such as DTI, SEC, or CDA registration certificates, and a valid BIR certificate of registration.

IN BRIEF

SAVINGS.

Faith De Guia of the Presidential Communications

participate in the

cial launch of

Have the Power’ at SM City Sucat in Parañaque City on July 7, 2025. Organized by the Department of Energy (DOE) in collaboration with

Cares, the campaign aims to encourage Filipino households and communities to adopt energy-saving practices and make

energy decisions. It emphasizes that every individual has the ability to

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

PH protected areas facing several threats

MANY protected areas (PAs) in the Philippines are facing challenges that could derail the country’s sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Research by the Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesBiodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) has shown that PAs are facing significant issues, including threats from inappropriate development, land encroachment, agricultural expansion, unregulated tourism and invasive species.

The Philippines, renowned as one of the world’s 18 megadiverse nations, harbors an astounding variety of ecosystems that are vital to its unique and threatened species.

Home to five percent of the world’s plant species and a rich variety of endemic plants and terrestrial wildlife, the nation has established legal protection for these invaluable resources through the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, which was further strengthened in 2018 by the Expanded NIPAS Act covering 248 protected areas.

To provide insights into the challenges faced by PAs, the DENRBMB and Senator Loren Legarda produced the documentary series “Our

Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines,” which underscores the critical need for collaborative efforts in protection.

“This documentary series aims to put forward the stories of the protected areas as we continue to realize our commitments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,” Mariglo

Rosaida I. Laririt, Assistant Director of the DENR-BMB said.

“We hope that through these PA documentaries, we can educate more

people about our PAs and inspire them to produce contents that promote PA protection and conservation,” she said. The first three seasons of the documentary series have featured 38 PAs and five conservation areas. Season 4, which is launching this month, will feature eight more Philippine protected areas in newly produced episodes: Mts. Iglit-Baco Natural Park in MIMAROPA, Siargao Island Protected Landscape in Caraga Region, Northern Negros Natural Park in Western Visayas, Palaui Island

Nature-based solutions mitigate climate change

By Perla Lena

ILOILO CITY—Participants in a dialog here recommended naturebased solutions (NbS) that can be adopted by local government units and national government agencies in responding to the threats of climate change.

Among the proposed interventions were tree and mangrove planting along rivers and coastal areas, and the installation of waste traps to prevent solid waste from clogging waterways and drainage systems.

Neil Ravena, chief of the General Services Office of the city government here, said Project TRANSFORM (Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilience and Sustainability through Multi-stakeholder Engagement) is a project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) being implemented here.

Cordillera hopeful on forest protection

BANGUED, Abra—The Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) expressed confidence that Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) will be able to obtain the help of the other regions in preserving and protecting the environment.

“We in the regional development council have been asking the Department of Energy to increase our share from the hydropower plants so that we have more to use for environment and forest protection effort,” Jose Dado, officer-in-charge of DEPDev-CAR, said in a press conference at the launch of the Cordillera Month celebration last week. Dado said such request needs a congressional action and conferment as the nation’s wealth tax allocation is provided for by a law that needs to be revisited or amended.

Earlier, several sectors in the region supported clamors for other regions near Cordillera to contribute in financing more forest protection initiatives, like hiring of additional forest rangers and forest guards and the implementation of more tree planting and caring initiatives. Irrigation water from the lowland regions and provinces are also sourced from the forests of the Cordillera.

“We continue to advocate watershed protection so that many, not just the region, will enjoy the water,” Dado said. Liza Agoot, PNA

Participants in the dialog that ended last week included members of the academe, environmentalists, civil society organizations, people’s organizations, private sector and vulnerable sectors.

Flooding was identified as the top hazard. There others are drought, water scarcity and fire.

“We will combine green, gray and blue projects for the identified problems,” Ravena said in an interview.

“Mainly, this is to address the climate change threat, so we need to collaborate with them and identify all the risks and hazards brought about by climate change.”

Outgoing Mayor Jerry Treñas, in his message during the opening of the activity, said the city government is fully supportive of Project TRANSFORM and will continue to look for ways to make Iloilo greener.

The DENR is finalizing a framework that incorporates sustainable solutions in state policies to fight climate change, protect the environment and preserve natural resources. With PNA

MWSS, DENR eyeing 15m new trees by 2030

ENCOURAGED by the successful planting of some 9 million trees the past eight years in critical watershed areas in various parts of the country, including Metro Manila, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Million Trees Foundation Inc. (MTFI) and other private partners are targeting to plant 15 million trees more by 2030.

Melandrew Velasco, MTFI president, told the Philippine News Agency that private institutional partners, notably San Miguel Corp., Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc., were honored during a Recognition and Awarding Ceremonies at the Celebrity Club in Quezon City on July 2.

The occasion coincides with the 2025 A Million Trees Challenge (AMTC) pledging session.

Invited as keynote speaker was Acting Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael Lotilla. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is also expected to promote the local government’s One Million Trees Project by 2028

Launched in 2017, AMTC has been consistent in meeting its target of one million trees planted yearly. Watersheds that benefit from the project are Angat, Ipo, La Mesa, Upper Marikina, Wawa, Kaliwa and Laguna Lake. In last year’s pledging session, 31 partners of MTFI committed to plant more than two million trees nationwide. PNA

Protected Landscape and Seascape in Cagayan Valley Region, Mt. Pulag Protected Landscape in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Buhi Wildlife Sanctuary in the Bicol Region, NagaKabasalan Protected Landscape in Zamboanga Peninsula and the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Central Visayas.

“Over the years, we have shone a spotlight on the wonders, beauty, and challenges of our protected areas. While I have my personal favorites, this season of Fragile Earth feels even more special: to witness the

breathtaking sunrise atop Mt. Pulag in the Cordilleras; to follow the remarkable migratory journey of waterbirds at Olango Island; and to explore the ancient caves and rock formations of Naga-Kabasalan,” said Legarda. These majestic landscapes and their extraordinary creatures remind us how fortunate we are to call this country our home,” she added. The series will air on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), July 5, 12, and 19, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., with replays following the next day.

How Canada’s biggest city built an urban forest

First of 3 parts

WITH a population of about 3 million people, Toronto is not only the biggest city in Canada, but also the fastestgrowing urban center in North America.

Its downtown core is a hub of activity but venture just a couple of kilometers northeast and you’ll find yourself in the Don Valley Brick Works, a former quarry that over the course of three decades has been transformed into a wetland. Fringed by houses and high rises, the marshlands and the valley that surrounds them are home to ducks, foxes, beavers and even the occasional deer.

The urban oasis is one of several spread across Toronto, which was recently recognized by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) as a model for other cities aiming to restore their natural spaces.

“As in many other places, resource extraction initially prevailed,” says Mirey Atallah, Chief of the Adaptation and Resilience Branch in UNEP’s Climate Change Division. “With the restoration of this site, and by weaving nature into its urban fabric, Toronto is creating what more and more city dwellers are wishing for—sustainable, livable cities with nature at their core.”

In many parts of the world, large and expanding urban populations have led to breakneck development that destroys ecosystems and turns cities into sterile environments. With more than half of Earth’s population already living in cities and that percentage rising fast, experts say reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ending biodiversity loss in urban areas is critical.

Greening cities can have huge benefits for their residents: naturebased solutions such as urban forests and wetlands moderate temperatures, purify air and protect against flooding. They also provide opportunities for recreation and spiritual well-being. That’s why UNEP is implementing a project to help cities around the world value, restore and protect ecosystems, including by integrating them into their planning and development processes.

Funded by the Government of Germany, the Generation Restoration Cities project is part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a global initiative that aims to support countries deliver on their commitments to restore some 1 billion hectares of land. (To be continued) UNEP News

Tide of change in Sasmuan as women revive watersheds and livelihoods

By Orange Omengan and Andrea Egan

First of Two Parts

IN THE coastal town of Sasmuan, Pampanga province, life flows with the river’s tide. At dawn, slender boats glide through calm waters as fishing nets are cast beneath the warming sky. Onshore, women in this tropical zone gather to mend torn nets, sort the day’s catch, and prepare their harvests for the market.

Among them is Christina Guevarra, who gently frees a blue swimming crab from her net.

“From February to May, we are grateful,” she told the UN ahead of the International Day of the Tropics marked annually on June 29. “But after these

months, especially when the rainy season begins, we have to find other ways to earn.”

Simple but hard life

Christina’s family, like many others in Sasmuan, relies on the river’s bounty, a livelihood increasingly threatened by dwindling fish populations and environmental degradation.

“It’s difficult in coastal communities like ours because we are so dependent on the river’s harvests,” she explained. “Life for us fishers is simple, but it’s also hard.”

For generations, the local people have depended on the Sasmuan Pampanga coastal wetlands, part of a watershed that drains into Manila Bay.

But pollution, poor waste management, and unsustainable practices now imperil its biodiversity and the local economy.

“The wastes we see in the river also come from upstream communities,” said Irene Villar, Assistant Head of Pampanga’s Environment and Natural Resources Office. “Even with proper waste disposal and policies in place, enforcement remains a challenge.”

To address these issues, the Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) Project which is financed by the Global Environment Facility, implemented by the UN Development Program (UNDP) has partnered with the provincial government of Pampanga and local groups to promote sustainable practices including not only on conserving waterways but also on uplifting vulnerable communities—especially women. (To be continued) UN News

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau and the office of Senator Loren Legarda present Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines Season 4. Explore eight protected areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao every Saturday until July 19, 2025, 4:30 pm on the ABS-CBN News Channel. Streamed simultaneously on the ANC Youtube channel. (Photo courtesy of Loren Legarda Facebook page)

Over the course of 30 years, Toronto turned an abandoned quarry into an urban wetland home to a variety of animal and plant life. Photo by City of Toronto Archive/Matt Forsythe

The Project TRANSFORM of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is central to the campaign of the Philippines towards climate resilience. DENR photo

Christina Guevarra (left) removes crabs from fishing nets. The blue swimming crab (inset) is abundant in the Sasmuan Pampanga coastal wetland.©PEMSEA/Orange Omengan

TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Shticks

Joseph Peter Gonzales Beauty Gonzalez takes a breather after yearlong shoot

BEAUTY Gonzalez is taking time off after wrapping up the hit afternoon drama Prinsesa ng City Jail, which she revealed ran for an entire year without the cast realizing how long they had been working together.

“That’s true!” Gonzalez said. “Funny, we didn’t notice it. It was so light on the set. All of us became friends in that period. We complemented one another’s attitude. I hope to see them again.”

The actress said she currently has no follow-up project but is looking forward to resting and spending more time with her family.

“Maybe the word ‘burnout’ is true in my case. I felt it. I’m happy with my career, but I need to pause for a while. My work for the past years had been consecutive,” she said. “But of course, if a good and challenging project crops up, I will not say no.” Gonzalez, who has been working nonstop since her daughter Olivia was just seven months old, said she wants to make up for lost time now that Olivia is entering her teenage years.

She also expressed her gratitude to GMA Network for the steady stream of work. “Yes, I want to thank GMA Network for believing in me, for always entrusting me with nice projects.”

Asked who among her fellow Kapuso stars she’d like to work with, Gonzalez mentioned Dingdong Dantes, Alden Richards, Dennis Trillo, Ruru Madrid, and Gabby Concepcion. She also hopes to reunite with Kelvin Miranda, her former leading man.

On her young co-stars in Prinsesa ng City Jail, Gonzalez said she grew particularly close to Lauren King and Sofia

SHOWBIZ

By Nickie Wang

hat happens when the lines between pleasure, power, and pain begin to blur? That’s the question VMX throws at viewers with two provocative new titles, Sex on Phone and Obsesyon , both now streaming.

‘Obsesyon,’

Sex, secrets, and obsession: VMX presents cautionary tales wrapped in adult drama

Pablo. She praised King’s dedication, sharing how the young actress regularly traveled from Clark, Pampanga, to the taping location. She said GMA eventually arranged a shuttle service to ease King’s commute.

“As for Sofia, I also take my hat off to her industry. She was able to juggle her career and studies. She just graduated with honors! It’s so admirable,” she said.

***

AGA Muhlach took to social media to share a heartfelt message for his daughter Atasha, who is making her acting debut in Viva One’s upcoming series Bad Genius, an adaptation of the hit Thai film of the same name.

In his post, Muhlach expressed his pride over Atasha’s growing career, recalling her early days as a performer on Eat Bulaga! and acknowledging the dedication she has shown since then.

“I know all the hard work you have poured in from the day you started in Eat Bulaga! with all your dance prods and doing a daily show, it ain’t no joke. But you did it. And that’s because you wanted to,” he wrote. “Take a bow.”

Muhlach thanked the Dabarkads for supporting Atasha and reminded his daughter to keep doing her best, no matter the outcome. “Just keep giving your all in every project you do. Whether you’re good or bad, or whether they’ll like it or not, it’s just okay as long as you know in your heart you gave it your all.”

He also encouraged both Atasha and her twin brother, Andres, who is also starting in showbiz, to remain grounded and resilient. “You and Andres have a long way to go, but what’s important is you’re both in and working already. Proud of you both.”

“Good luck, and just hold on. It can get rough. But God’s got your back,” he added. “Have fun! Congratulations! Your proud dad here.”

Bad Genius, The Series marks Atasha Muhlach’s first major acting project under Viva.

Set in 1997, Sex on Phone is a sexy thriller from director Bobby Bonifacio Jr., starring Angela Morena as Amanda, a housewife forced to take an unlikely job at a phone sex call center after her husband, Pablo, loses his job. What begins as a desperate move to keep her family afloat turns into a descent into secrecy and danger. Amanda becomes one of the top performers and is later assigned to train Wendy (Zsara Laxamana), a rising talent in the same field.

But Amanda’s biggest complication arrives in the form of Alfred, a mysterious caller who becomes increasingly persistent in wanting to meet her in person. As curiosity and loneliness chip away at Amanda’s resistance, what she eventually discovers is far from titillating—and far more threatening. Also in the cast are Matt Francisco, Sheina Yu, and Kurt Kendrick

Sex on Phone is a slow burn that explores what happens when seduction turns sinister and fantasy becomes a threat. Then there’s Obsesyon, a sexy drama helmed by Jeffrey Hidalgo, who also stars in the film.

The story centers on Bea (Christy Imperial), a university guidance counselor whose marriage to businessman Jave (Hidalgo) is childless and growing cold. The only link to family is Erin (Angelica Cervantes), Jave’s estranged daughter, who studies at the same school where Bea works. Erin wants to get closer to her father, but he keeps her at arm’s length. She also doesn’t warm up to Bea, keeping her even more isolated.

Feeling trapped and emotionally disconnected, Bea looks elsewhere for comfort through one-night stands. But things take a darker turn when Erin brings home Vincent (Itan Rosales ), a classmate who also happens to be one of Bea’s counselees. As Vincent starts visiting more often, Bea crosses the line. What starts as mild

flirtation spirals into full-blown obsession.

Bea begins fantasizing about Vincent, imagining herself in Erin’s place. The dynamic warps further as she struggles to suppress her desires, unable to resist the fantasy even as reality starts to close in. The cast also includes Yda Manzano, Chloe Jenna, and Armani Hector

Both Sex on Phone and Obsesyon tap into familiar longings like escape, connection, and validation, only they are layered with secrecy, loneliness, and power play. Sex on Phone and Obsesyon are now streaming on VMX.

FILIPINO theater actors will take center stage in the upcoming Philippine adaptation of Shrek the Musical which opens on Oct. 31 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Based on the DreamWorks Animation film and the book by William Steig, the Broadway hit will feature Jamie Wilson as Shrek, Krystal Kane as Princess Fiona, Topper Fabregas as Donkey, and Alfredo Reyes as Lord Farquaad.

Wilson, who is celebrating 45 years in theater, brings his experience from productions such as Matilda the Musical Ang Huling El Bimbo, and Into the Woods. Kane, who began acting at age nine, returns to the stage following a four-year break. She has appeared in Spring Awakening, Tabing Ilog: The Musical, and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change Fabregas, a founding member of Red Turnip Theater, has starred in Come From Away, Angels in America, and The Last Five Years. His performance in Sila-Sila earned him Best Supporting Actor at the Cinema One Originals Awards. Reyes, a graduate of the Atlantic Acting School in New York, has performed in In the Heights Waitress The Band’s Visit and Saturday Night Fever The musical features book and lyrics by David LindsayAbaire and music by Jeanine Tesori. It is presented in the Philippines by Newport World Resorts in partnership with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Tickets are available via TicketWorld, Newport World

In

Christy Imperial (left), Yda Manzano, and Itan Rosales (center) portray tangled desires and forbidden obsession in a provocative campus drama

From left: ‘’Sex on Phone’ stars Sheina Yu, Angela Morena, and Zsara Laxamana as women navigating seduction and danger in a 1997 phone sex call center

Actress Beauty Gonzalez embraces a well-earned break following her nonstop work on ‘Prinsesa ng City Jail’

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ devours competition at box office

JURASSIC World: Rebirth, the latest installment in the blockbuster dinosaur saga, stomped the July 4th weekend competition at the North American box office, raking in a whopping $91.5 million in its debut, industry estimates showed Sunday.

The Universal film, starring Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali, takes viewers to an abandoned island research facility for the original Jurassic Park theme park, where secrets—and genetically mutated dinosaurs—are lurking.

F1: The Movie , the Apple and Warner Bros. flick starring Brad Pitt as a washed-up Formula One driver who gets one last shot at redemption, slipped to second place at $26.1 million, Exhibitor Relations said.

How to Train Your Dragon , Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s live-action reboot of the popular 2010 film, held in third place

By Angelica Villanueva

IKEA Philippines has unveiled its Stockholm 2025 Collection, featuring 93 new pieces that combine Scandinavian craftsmanship, timeless design, and modern comfort, offering Filipino homeowners a chance to bring warmth and simplicity into their most lived-in spaces.

The launch was led by IKEA Philippines sales leader Madel Mercado, who welcomed guests and guided them through a quick tour of the brand’s most premium line to date.

From curated displays to interactive product previews, the event showcased IKEA’s commitment to what it calls “democratic design”—balancing form, function, quality, sustainability, and affordability.

“This is an invitation to reflect on what truly matters in our homes and how thoughtful design can enhance the way we live every day,” Mercado said.

“The Stockholm Collection represents the very best of IKEA, combining function and emotional resonance,” she added.

Now on its eighth and most expansive iteration, the Stockholm Collection celebrates its 40th anniversary with a focus on natural materials, handcrafted details, and long-lasting functionality. From modular sofas and rattan armchairs to handwoven wool rugs and mouth-blown glassware, the collection reimagines Swedish tradition for today’s homes.

Designed to be experienced, IKEA’s

at $11 million. The family-friendly film tells the story of a Viking named Hiccup (Mason Thames) who strikes up a friendship with Toothless the dragon. In fourth place was Disney/Pixar Animation’s latest original film, Elio, at $5.7 million in the United States and Canada. Elio tells the story of a young boy who is mistaken by aliens as an intergalactic ambassador for Earth. The voice cast includes Oscar winner Zoe Saldana. In fifth place was Columbia Pictures’ zombie sequel 28 Years Later, which took in $4.6 million. The Danny Boyle-directed threequel picks up, as the

Premium craftsmanship for every Filipino home

IKEA describes the collection as “a celebration of the great indoors,” spaces that not only house our routines but also hold our most personal moments. Some pieces don’t just fill a space; they tell a story. They echo

morning rituals, Sunday gatherings, reunions with friends, and quiet nights with the family. Taking center stage during the tour was the Stockholm three-seater sofa, designed by Nike Karlsson and made with a pinewood frame, pocket springs, and a fabric blend of cotton and linen. Mercado emphasized its durability and practicality: “It’s washable, removable, and comes with a 25-year limited warranty.”

Other highlights included a flat-woven wool rug by textile designer Pauline Machado, inspired by Sweden’s cityscapes and natural surroundings. Her reversible rugs and merino wool throws reflect seasonal colors and forest imagery.

“Nature is the best designer. Every color matches beautifully in the natural world, and you can see how we’ve tried to capture that,” said Machado.

Also on display were bentwood dining chairs crafted through traditional steaming and bending techniques, rattan-framed lounge seating, and a sleek modular sofa by Ola Wihlborg, developed after more than 30 prototypes to perfect both comfort and shape. Wihlborg’s version addresses the common frustration of cushions that lose form.

During the event, guests were encouraged to touch and try every product, from castor-mounted side tables to hand-assembled chandeliers that come with white gloves. Mercado noted how each piece was “made to be experienced, not just admired.”

The use of natural and tactile materials—like rattan, pine, wool, and glass—runs throughout the collection, chosen specifically for how they age, interact, and complement each other over

Resorts World Sentosa invites Filipino travelers to

RESORTS World Sentosa will open the Singapore Oceanarium to the public on July 24, with ticket sales now available and a lineup of research-focused exhibits and conservation programs aimed at promoting ocean literacy.

Located within Resorts World Sentosa, the oceanarium marks a new phase in marine storytelling and engagement in Southeast Asia. Ahead of its public launch, a closed-door ceremony will take place on July 23. To mark the opening, a series of programs and installations will be held throughout July. These include Research & Learning Week from July 25 to 27, which features talks, workshops, and exhibitions led by in-house specialists and institutional partners. The event will be held at the facility’s Research

and Learning Centre.

time. Each piece is crafted to feel both timeless and contemporary, allowing customers to mix and match within their existing spaces.

For IKEA, the Stockholm Collection is more than just design, but a living embodiment of its Democratic Design Principle, the foundation of every IKEA product. As explained during the event, this design philosophy integrates five essential elements: beautiful form, everyday function, long-lasting quality, environmental and social sustainability, and low price.

“The purpose of the Stockholm collection has always been to prove that high quality doesn’t need to come at an intimidating cost.

Craftsmanship is at the heart of this project,” said Karin Gustavsson, creative leader for Stockholm.

On the other hand, IKEA Philippines’ country retail manager Ricardo Pinheiro added that the collection was designed with real homes in mind.

“This is why it feels both global and deeply personal—warm, welcoming, and made to last— perfect for Filipino spaces, whether it’s a condo or a spacious family home,” said Pinheiro.

The Stockholm 2025 Collection is now available at IKEA Philippines in Mall of Asia and online. For shoppers looking to bring home thoughtful, storyfilled design, the collection offers pieces that are both beautiful and built for life.

Among the highlights is Living Oceans, an exhibition developed in collaboration with the National University of Singapore and Sentosa Development Corporation. It showcases specimens from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and research materials from the RWSNUS Living Laboratory. The facility also features Ties That Bind, a photo gallery by Singaporean photographers Toh Xing Jie and Michael Aw. The exhibit, located in the Spirit of Exploration zone, explores themes of interdependence and resilience in marine ecosystems.

A dedicated section highlights marine species native to Singapore’s waters. Singapore Oceanarium also launched a number of signature programs. These include Insider Experience, a behindthe-scenes tour of the oceanarium’s operations; Fossilist Workshop, a hands-on session on fossil formation and excavation; and Animal Spotlight tours that explore sea jelly husbandry, coral propagation, and deep-sea animal care. A mobile app will be launched on July 23 to enhance visitor experience with augmented reality features and ticketing functions. Guests who download the app will receive free access to Pier Adventure, an aerial web structure offering views of the Jewel of Muscat and its surroundings. The offer is valid through Aug. 31. In a statement, Lee Shi Ruh, CEO of Resorts World Sentosa, said the oceanarium is the result of years of research and planning. “As we open our doors, we invite guests into a transformative space where science meets wonder,” she said. Lam Xue Ying, vice president of Singapore Oceanarium, said the facility is focused on providing access to marine science beyond traditional viewing. “From walking alongside our aquarists to engaging in workshops with scientists, every experience offers deeper understanding,” she said. Tickets to the Singapore Oceanarium are available at www. singaporeoceanarium.com.

Scarlett Johansson (right) and Jonathan Bailey explore an abandoned island where genetically altered dinosaurs await in ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’

The Singapore Oceanarium

IKEA’s Stockholm pieces tell everyday stories through carefully chosen natural textures and warm, handcrafted details

IKEA Philippines showcases the Stockholm 2025 collection, blending timeless design with tactile materials like wool, rattan, and pine

TUESDAY, JULY 8,

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG,

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA,

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

The South’s newest sanctuary for health and community

By Jasper Valdez

ITH tree-lined roads, flower tunnels, and forested trails spread across gently sloping terrain, Megaworld’s Arden Botanical Village is shaping up to be an upscale development, a residential concept built around the idea of wellness and longevity.”

Nestled in the 251-hectare Arden Botanical Estate in the towns of Tanza and Trece Martires, the project has been dubbed a “blue zone” by its developers—a place where the natural landscape and mindful planning encourage longer, healthier lives.

The term, popularized by global longevity studies, refers to environments that support active lifestyles, healthy diets, and strong social connections.

“This is a township surrounded by nature, not concrete,” said Harold Geronimo, head of public relations for Megaworld.

“breathing chapel” made from living plants— details that reflect a lifestyle centered on wellness and restfulness.

While some trees had to be removed during construction, developers say they follow a “1:10” rule: for every tree cut down, ten are planted in its place.

“The goal is to make the environment better than how we found it,” said Eugene Lozano head of sales and marketing at Megaworld Cavite. “We’ve seen how fast the trees here grow—it’s probably because we preserved most of the original forest cover.”

By Nickie Wang

FORMER Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson launched his much-anticipated book, Chavit: Legend of the Philippines, at a gala dinner held at The Peninsula Manila, with plans to translate the biography into 15 languages and promote it in 20 countries.

The book offers a glimpse into Singson’s life and lessons spanning more than seven decades.

Written by Polish author Maciej Mikurda, the project captures Singson’s role in reshaping

Philippine political history. Mikurda shared that one of the biggest challenges was compressing such a rich and colorful life into a single volume.

Publisher Riza Hansen opened the evening with a speech highlighting Singson’s influence and revealed that an Arabic edition is already underway, aiming to make the book accessible to more than five billion people worldwide. The global rollout will include launches in 20 world capitals across six continents.

The event gathered over 150 distinguished guests from around the world, including nearly

“When we first took over the property, it was filled with century-old trees and paperbark paths. We decided to build around the natural terrain instead of replacing it.”

At the heart of Arden Botanical Village is Centrera Park, a walkable amenity core with tree-shaded paths, a man-made stream, and communal spaces designed to get people moving and mingling.

According to Geronimo, these elements are intentional. The park was developed as a space where residents could “step out, meet their neighbors, and form real communities,” a factor he says is essential for mental health and overall well-being.

The development also includes landscaped areas for yoga and Tai Chi, natural swimming pools, meditation grounds, and even a

With elevations that mimic the climate of nearby Tagaytay and future access to CALAX and CTBEX, Arden Botanical Estate is positioned as both a weekend escape and a long-term residence.

The estate’s two residential villages—Centrera for retirees and West Park for younger, more active homeowners—share facilities, allowing intergenerational communities to thrive.

As of June 2025, the Centrera side is already 90 percent sold, with several homes under construction and more in the design approval stage.

Megaworld expects its first wave of residents to move in by early next year.

“This is our idea of a long-term home,” said Lozano. “It’s not just about building houses. It’s about building a healthier, happier lifestyle.”

20 ambassadors from countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Qatar, South Korea, Brazil, Greece, Pakistan, Malaysia, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic. Philippine officials—cabinet secretaries, governors, and the mayor of Manila—were also present, along with business leaders, celebrities, family members, and close friends.

Chemist and philanthropist Pinky Tobiano, a long-time friend of Singson, introduced him during the program, while Representative Richelle Singson of party list Ako Ilokano, also his daughter, led a celebratory toast to the crowd. In his speech, Singson emphasized values such as generosity, mutual respect, and compassion. He said that life experience remains the greatest teacher and shared his hope that the book would pass on wisdom to the younger generation, particularly lessons from his years in Philippine politics.

The evening concluded with Singson personally signing copies of the book and warmly engaging with guests for over two hours.

Chemist and philanthropist Pinky Tobiano (left), a long-time friend of Chavit, introduces him during the program

OPM icon Pops Fernandez (right) asks Chavit Singson to sign her copy of his book

Chavit’s daughter and Ako Ilocano party-list

Representative Richelle Singson leads a celebratory toast to the crowd

Singer-actress Vina Morales (right) poses for a photo with Chavit Singson

Centrera Park, the heart of Arden Botanical Village, features treeshaded paths, a man-made stream, and communal spaces

The development includes wellness features like yoga areas, natural swimming pools, meditation grounds, and a ‘breathing chapel’

West Park is tailored for younger, more active homeowners

Called the ‘blue zone’ project, Arden Botanical Estate promotes longer, healthier lives through natural landscapes and mindful planning