Manila Standard - 2025 July 16 - Wednesday

6 bones likely human remains

Remulla: Search for ‘sabungeros’ in Taal Lake could take 6 months

By Vince Lopez and Pot Chavez

OF THE 91 bone samples recovered from search operations in Taal Lake for the missing “sabungeros,” six were most likely human remains based on their shape and structure, the Philippine National Police said.

By Charles Dantes and Darwin Amojelar

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the proposed P6.793 trillion national budget for 2026, the Palace said yesterday, noting that the spending plan

prioritizes both economic growth and improving the quality of life of Filipinos. In a Cabinet meeting held Tuesday morning in Malacañang, President Marcos underscored that the proposed budget is not only designed to drive economic growth, but to uplift the lives of current and future generations of Filipinos. Education remains a top priority in the budget, alongside programs aimed at addressing poverty, enhancing healthcare, and creating sustainable jobs, the Palace said.

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is currently reviewing growing calls to implement a total ban on online gambling in the Philippines, according

“Decisions like this are thoroughly studied to assess their impact on the economy and the public. We cannot rush into it. Sometimes, banning legal and licensed online gaming sites results in a rise in illegal platforms, which could affect the economy even more,”

By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz

MALACANANG on Tuesday welcomed an improvement in President Marcos’ trust rating, crediting his administration’s sustained initiatives to deliver on its mandates despite persistent political attacks. The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey also indicated that public trust in the House of Representatives has climbed to unprecedented levels, marking a strong finish for the legislators under the leadership of reelected Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez as Speaker of the previous 19th Congress.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire

Palace blasts ‘fake news’ linking FL to Tantoco death

By Charles Dantes

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday rejected claims linking First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to the recent death of Paolo Tantoco, denying reports that he was part of her official entourage and denouncing what it called “fake news” being weaponized for political gain.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said allegations tying the First Lady to Tantoco’s cocaine overdose case are politically motivated and rooted in disinformation.

“It’s heartbreaking that private individuals who are grieving are being dragged into politics,” Castro said in a Palace briefing.

“Obstructionists are using this incident to discredit the First

By Rex Espiritu

The Voice US champ to sing anthem at SONA

The human bones recovered from Taal Lake could be from one person, the PNP said.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos

Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro

DOJ appeals De Lima acquittal

By Pot Chavez

APANEL of prosecutors from the Department of Justice

(DOJ) filed a Motion for Reconsideration before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 to declare Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list representative Leila De Lima guilty in a drug case.

In its 13-page Motion dated July 14, 2025, the panel asked for the court’s reconsideration of its acquittal and to declare De Lima and her former aide Ronnie Dayan guilty as charged. “The Prosecution humbly prays that

the Decision dated 27 June 2025 be reconsidered considering that the subsequent recantation of witness Ragos was not sufficient to vitiate his original testimony voluntarily and solemnly given numerous occasions in congress, sen-

ate, media, and the court - under oath, in the presence of a judge, and subjected to extensive cross-examinations, as well as corroborated by several witnesses,” the prosecution’s motion read. They called on the Court “to set aside a testimony which was solemnly taken before a court of justice in an open and free trial and under conditions precisely sought to discourage and forestall falsehood simply because one of the witnesses who had given testimony later on changed his mind would simply make a mockery of our criminal justice system.” It can be recalled that the former justice secretary was acquitted after

former Bureau of Corrections Chief Rafael Ragos retracted testimonies implicating her in illegal drugs.

De Lima was accused of benefiting from or receiving money from inmates of the New Bilibid Prison that was allegedly used for her campaign when she ran for senator in 2016.

The prosecution claims that the recantation was not sufficient to invalidate the previous testimony.

In a 12-page decision dated April 30, the Court of Appeals (CA) said the Muntinlupa court failed to “substantiate the perception of the alleged insufficiency” of evidence to prove De Lima’s guilt.

confirming he had already renounced his Maltese citizenship, which would have otherwise disqualified him from holding a public office.

“Of course, it’s infuriating because, first of all, it wasn’t true. Second, the broadsheet did not even get my side of the story,” Teodoro said, referring to a daily newspaper, which published the material on Monday.

The Defense chief noted that the request for a statement only came after the story had already been printed.

“They already libeled me, should I still help? Had they asked me right away, I could have explained and shown them the proof I have,” Teodoro added.

Mr. Marcos said each sector must contribute toward ensuring that “no Filipino is left behind.”

The proposed 2026 National Expenditure Program is 7.4 percent larger than the current budget of P6.326 trillion and is equivalent to 22 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.

“The President himself sat down with the different agencies to ensure that all our priorities are aligned toward our common goal of achieving our vision of a Bagong Pilipinas,” Pangandaman said.

She said the NEP was anchored on the theme “Agenda for Prosperity: Nurturing Future-Ready Generations to Achieve the Full Potential of the Nation.”

By expenditure class, the largest allocation will go to Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) at P2.639 trillion, followed by Personnel Services (P1.908 trillion), Capital Outlays (P1.296 trillion), and Financial Expenses (P950 billion).

National Government Agencies will receive P4.305 trillion, or 63.4 percent of the total budget. Local government units are set to get P1.350 trillion, while Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations will receive P188.3 billion in subsidies and equity support.

The NEP will be submitted by the President to Congress within 30 days after the opening of the regular session.

for DNA extraction and testing.

“By morphology, they are of human origin,” Dela Torre said.

He described three bones in particular as “significant” – a pelvic bone, a sacroiliac joint, and a lumbar bone.

He said it will take at least a week to generate initial findings from the samples, and another five to seven days to cross-match these with DNA samples submitted by 18 family members of the disappeared “sabungeros.”

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, for his part, said the search in Taal Lake will likely continue for six months given the area that spans 224 square kilometers.

“This will take a while – probably for six months. Many people died here, and what we are doing is no easy task— searching for human remains in a vast lake,” he said in a radio interview.

Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan earlier said the missing “sabungeros” were killed, tied to sandbags, and thrown in Taal Lake.

Patidongan likewise linked former National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Lt. Gen. Jonnel Estomo (retired) and other active police officers to the case.

Estomo on Tuesday denied the allega-

tions made by Patidongan, who accused him of being part of the Alpha group of gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang.

Patidongan earlier tagged Ang and two others as masterminds behind the kidnapping and murder of the “sabungeros.” Ang has denied the allegation and filed a case against Patidongan

“I categorically deny my involvement in any manner and I will present evidence to clear my name, because there is no sufficient evidence to link my name to the case. And while I won’t get ahead of any investigation, I believe that only the truth – and not the words of others – should prevail in the search for justice,” Estomo said in a statement.

“I am ready to answer any allegations at the proper forum to clear my name. I have faith in the impartial justice system and due process of the law,” he added.

Estomo added his lawyers poised to file criminal charges against Patidongan.

“And as for Mr. Patidongan, for his defamation of my character and reputation, my lawyers are preparing the appropriate case for the malicious and baseless accusations against me,” the former NCRPO chief said.

Meanwhile, a lawyer representing the families of the victims of the bloody war against illegal drugs of the previous administration urged the government to pursue the possible connection of the drug war to the case of the missing “sabungeros.”

According to Kristina Conti, Assistant to Counsel at the International Criminal Court, this could bolster the crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“The police have been implicated or, in particular, these death squads have been implicated in also killing of activists and other such targeted killings. It would add to the concept of some policemen being involved in a death squad or alternative criminal syndicate,” Conti said in a television interview.

Remulla on Monday said investigators are eyeing possible links of the individuals allegedly behind the case of the missing “sabungeros” to the extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

“I think that the deaths might intersect…more on the death squads. The people who undertake the contractual killings may intersect somehow with the drug war and with the e-sabong,” he said. “That’s as far as we can trace right now, but we will have to establish clearer links to each other.”

“A lot of individuals have also gone missing in the drug war. In accordance with the testimony of alias Totoy, there are more than 100 victims in e-sabong alone. But it looks like the lake has become a place where bodies are routinely disposed of. That seemed to be what happened,” the Justice secretary said.

season of Tawag ng Tanghalan in 2017, finishing as a finalist.

Born in Misamis Occidental, Vasquez first competed in the second

Vasquez later returned for Tawag ng Tanghalan’s all-star edition in 2019, where he placed third.

He has since performed on both na-

tional and international stages and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most distinguished vocalists. In January, Vasquez sang for the First Couple when he paid a courtesy call in Malacañang.

Teodoro emphasized that he proactively addressed the matter long before returning to politics, initiating the renunciation process early in anticipation of how lengthy it might be. He pointed out that all necessary actions were completed before he filed his certificate of candidacy, and that the Commission on Appointments confirmed his appointment as Defense Secretary with full awareness of his disclosures.

“This is not only fake news, this is a smear campaign,” Teodoro said. He discolsed someone had already warned him that this issue would resurfaced, but he declined to name names.

“It is not my job to assist a journalist,” he said.

Teodoro said he is aware that his detractors, who amplify pro-China sentiments would feast on the report.

The Department of National Defense (DND) earlier clarified that Teodoro relinquished his Maltese passport in 2021 prior to his Senate run and fully disclosed this to the Bureau of Immigration, the Commission on Elections, and later, the Commission on Appointments.

The Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines (ARRAPI) defended Teodoro on Monday, calling the allegations against him “malicious and misleading.”

They questioned the timing of the issue, noting it emerged as Teodoro leads military modernization efforts.

ARRAPI Chair Lt. Col. Michael Romero called it a “desperate attempt” to discredit a patriotic leader and urged the public to focus on national security and verify information through official sources.

Teodoro, meanwhile, explained why he applied for a Maltese passport to begin with. He said he had the same reasons as every other Filipino, who wanted to find work opportunities abroad.

“I was a private citizen back then, you know. So, like other Filipinos at the time, we were searching for opportunities,” he said.

Castro said.

Castro said during a press briefing. Meanwhile, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) Deputy Executive Director Renato Paraiso said the agency has initially flagged the top 20 influencers involved in the promotion of unauthorized gambling sites.

Around 80 percent of them have since voluntarily stopped their activities, he said.

“The CICC has already written to social media platforms regarding influencers who did not heed our warning,” Paraiso said in a radio interview Tuesday, noting that the crackdown will continue beyond the initial group of high-profile personalities. Earlier, the Palace said Mr. Marcos was open to the Department of Finance’s proposal to impose taxes on the online gaming industry.

Senator Raffy Tulfo joined other lawmakers in urging a total ban on online gambling, expressing hope that the President would address the issue in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28.

Meanwhile, top online gambling operators Solaire Resort, Newport World Resorts, and Okada Manila issued a joint statement asserting that their operations are regulated and responsibly managed extensions of their casino businesses.

The companies said they promote responsible gaming by offering tools such as self-exclusion, deposit limits, and account restrictions, as well as support for individuals facing gambling-related concerns.

The three firms also said they comply with regulations set by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), including licensing, antimoney laundering rules, advertising policies, data privacy, and content review.

Lady, the President, and the administration. It is shameful,” she added.

Tantoco’s death, currently under investigation in the United States, was revealed in media reports to involve a cocaine overdose.

A supposed police report has since circulated on social media, implicating individuals in the First Lady’s circle and raising questions from critics, including Sen. Imee Marcos, who called for a full

Palace report to “dispel speculation.”

Castro has since flatly denied the report’s authenticity.

“That so-called police report posted on Facebook is a complete fabrication,” Castro said.

“Even the highlighted section in pink, which mentions the suspected cause of death, was added and is not part of the official document,” she added.

Castro clarified that Tantoco was not part of the First Lady’s entourage during her March 2025 trip to Los Angeles, where she was accompanied by US-provided security and

members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG).

She added that the First Lady stayed in a different hotel and had public engagements on the day in question, including a Filipino community concert attended by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.

The PCO Undersecretary expressed frustration over what she described as a coordinated attempt to undermine the administration.

“People pretending to be journalists, including former spokespersons, are spreading propaganda instead of truth,”

“These are fake stories designed to deceive Filipinos and serve personal interests,” she added.

Regarding Sen. Marcos’ call for a comprehensive report on the matter, Castro said her remarks and public documentation should be sufficient.

“I’ve spoken clearly about the facts. Let’s not indulge in drama and gimmicks,” Castro said.

Asked about the First Lady’s reaction, Castro responded that she “knows the truth and prefers this not to be blown out of proportion.”

increase in popular acceptance reflected growing public recognition of the President’s work and leadership.

“Despite the unrelenting attacks from obstructionists who do nothing but discredit the President and the administration, people are seeing the results,”

Castro told reporters during a press briefing at the Palace.

“The respondents recognize the accomplishments and continued service of the President,” she added.

The Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey result, released Monday night, showed the President’s trust rating jumping up by 10 percentage points, from 38 percent in May to 48 percent in June.

The nationwide poll, conducted from June 25 to 29 among 1,200 respondents, showed that 48 percent expressed “a great deal” of trust in the President, 30 percent had “little trust,” and 21 percent undecided.

This marked the second consecutive month of gains for Marcos who saw his rating going up from a record low of 36 percent in April to 38 percent in May.

Castro emphasized however that the Marcos administration does not rely on public opinion polls as a measure of its success.

“The numbers will never make the President complacent,” she pointed out “Regardless of any survey outcome, the President and this administration will continue to serve and work.”

Asked about Vice President Sara Duterte’s higher trust rating of 61 percent, Castro dismissed any comparison or rivalry, saying the administration’s only focus is public service.

“We are not here to compete,” she stressed.

“We will just keep working. No vacations, no distractions, just relentless work for the people,” she added.

According to the SWS research, trust in the House grew dramatically over the past three months. From 34 percent in April 2025, the House’s “much trust”

rating jumped to 49 percent in May, and reaching 57 percent by June.

These numbers reflected a deepening confidence in the House of Representatives at a time when national issues have tested the strength and independence of the institution.

The Speaker’s own trust rating followed the same upward trajectory, from 23 percent in April to 26 percent in May and 34 percent in June or 8 percent increase in one month period, demonstrating public recognition of his steady leadership during a politically charged final session.

House spokesperson lawyer Princess Abante said these figures validated the gains made by the Romualdez-led House over the past three years.

“Speaker Romualdez has united over 300 lawmakers behind one goal: to help the President fulfill the promise of Bagong Pilipinas. The Filipino people recognize that the 19th Congress got the job done in terms of legislation and oversight functions that truly helped citizens,” Abante said. She pointed out that under Speaker

Romualdez, the House passed 61 of 64 LEDAC-priority measures, including 27 of 28 during the 3rd Regular Session. More than 280 new laws were enacted and over 13,800 measures filed in total, making the 19th Congress one of the most active in recent history. Despite the political heat generated by the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, Abante said the House stayed focused on legislation that mattered most to Filipinos.

Key laws passed during the period include the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, the expanded Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, wage board reforms, the Tatak Pinoy Act and the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act. These measures targeted food security, job generation, and industrial growth. In education and healthcare, Congress responded to urgent demands for reform. Laws were enacted to expand PhilHealth outpatient benefits, build more specialty hospitals, support learning recovery, improve mental health access and modernize classrooms and teacher training.

Farmers, labor groups urge PBBM to oppose US tari s

By Othel V. Campos

Romualdez: ‘Walang Gutom’ is a promise gov’t must keep

By Maricel V. Cruz

LEYTE 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said Congress is fully committed to supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) “Walang Gutom” program, including its proposed funding under the 2026 national budget.

Romualdez, Speaker of the 19th Congress, emphasized that no Filipino should go hungry in a country rich with promise. “His vision of a hungerfree Philippines under the Walang Gutom program is a promise of dignity,

IN BRIEF

Comelec to print BARMM mock ballots

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) will start printing ballots for the mock elections as part of its preparations for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections (BPE) planned for October. Poll chairman George Garcia said about 100,000 mock ballots will be needed for the July 25 mock elections in Tawi-Tawi and Lanao del Sur. He explained that a mock election is held mainly for educational demonstration purposes. Comelec will begin printing the 2.3 million official ballots for the BARMM elections this August. According to Garcia, the printing process will be completed within one week. The poll body has also started the “trusted build” process for the automated election system (AES) to be used in the BPE. Trusted build refers to compiling the entire program using pre-evaluated components. Garcia said the BARMM election will utilize the same automated counting machines used during the May 12, 2025 midterm polls. Vito Barcelo Iloilo citizen groups launch climate hub

ILOILO citizen groups called for broader public participation in climate action as they launched the country’s first “Community Climate Response Hub” (CCRH) and presented a citizen-led urban heat report during a forum on Tuesday. The CCRH was launched by a multisectoral coalition of youth groups, civil society, and people’s organizations to boost community-led climate adaptation and disaster risk response. It aims to become a center for grassroots collaboration on climate resilience efforts.

Founding members include Greenpeace Philippines, Green Forum Panay Guimaras, Homeless People’s Federation Philippines, and other local groups. The hub is intended to support citizen-led initiatives, data collection, and local policy development on climate and disaster issues. The report titled Turning Down the Heat: Citizen Science and the Urgency of Climate Action in the Philippines was also unveiled during the event. It explores urban heat impacts through community narratives and scientific observation.

The research underscores the need for people-centered climate governance and emphasizes public participation as a key pillar in both local and national climate responses.

PH joins Talisman Sabre in Australia

A CONTINGENT from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including 17 personnel from the Philippine Air Force (PAF), has arrived in Australia to participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS25), one of the largest multinational military drills in the Indo-Pacific.

The Philippine troops—composed of both participants and observers—are deployed to Rockhampton, Townsville, Brisbane, and Sydney in preparation for the exercise, which runs until August 4.

Led by Contingent Commander Carlo M. Bermas, the AFP joins TS25 as active participants for the first time, working alongside Australia, the United States, and 15 other countries, including Japan, Germany, and Indonesia.

Now on its 11th round, Talisman Sabre highlights regional cooperation and defense interoperability. The PAF will join in live-fire exercises, space operations, civil-military activities, and information operations.

The deployment marks a milestone in the Philippines’ defense diplomacy. Officials say the exercise reinforces the country’s commitment to a rules-based order and strengthens regional peace and stability. Rex Espiritu

a pledge of compassion, and a commitment to bring real change to every Filipino family struggling to put food on the table,” he said.

The DSWD plans to expand the program from 300,000 to 750,000 foodpoor households by next year. Under the initiative, beneficiaries receive ₱3,000 in monthly food credits through an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card for use at accredited merchants.

Romualdez praised President Marcos for prioritizing hunger eradication and cited the partnership between DSWD and the Department

of Agriculture (DA) in implementing the complementary “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program, which provides ₱20 per kilo rice to beneficiaries through selected Kadiwa stores and partner retailers. He urged lawmakers to support the 2026 General Appropriations Bill to ensure both agencies have the necessary funding. “This is what makes Walang Gutom a game-changer. It merges compassion with innovation, urgency with sustainability, and shortterm aid with long-term empowerment,” he said.

DSWD, DOJ to aid child victims of violence

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has partnered with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a referral system that will help child victims of violent crimes under DSWD care receive monetary compensation.

“Child victims of violent crimes often carry invisible scars that are very difficult to heal,” said DSWD spokesperson Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao. “One of the ways to show support for their recovery is by

providing monetary compensation that can cover their various expenses for treatment, therapy, legal fees, education, and basic needs.”

Under the new agreement, the DSWD will refer child-victims from its Residential Care Facilities (RCFs) to the DOJ’s Victim Compensation Program (VCP), which grants financial assistance to survivors of violent crimes.

The DOJ’s Bureau of Claims will process and evaluate the claims and may refer additional cases to

DSWD for support, particularly those not covered under Republic Act No. 7309, which provides compensation to victims of unjust detention or violent crimes.

The agreement covers child victims of rape, torture, enforced disappearance, trafficking, and online sexual abuse and exploitation, among others. Dumlao said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to help child victims heal and rebuild their lives. Maricel V. Cruz

FRESH AND AFFORDABLE

Agricultural products are sold at the Kadiwa ng Pangulo store inside the Quezon City Hall on Tuesday, providing residents with access to fresh and a ordable produce. Ben Briones

A COALITION of farmers and labor groups has called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take a firm stand against what they describe as the “unfriendly and bullying tactics” of the United States under President Donald Trump.

In a joint statement, the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) and the National Trade Union Center of the Philippines (NTUC PHL) condemned the Trump administration’s unilateral imposition of a 20 percent tariff on Philippine exports, calling it a contradiction to recent assurances by US officials of their alliance with the Philippines.

“Trump’s tariffs will restrict our agricultural and industrial exports, threaten millions of jobs and livelihoods, and weaken our economic base, ultimately undermining national security,” said FFF chairman Leonardo Q. Montemayor and NTUC PHL president Milagros C. Ogalinda.

They noted that while the 20 percent rate is lower than tariffs imposed on other Asian countries, the impact on Philippine exports and US import costs will still be substantial. In 2024, the Philippines exported $12.12 billion worth of goods to the US, including $6.4 billion in electronics.

The new tariff, set to take effect on August 1, 2025, is expected to raise import costs for US buyers and cause job losses in affected sectors such as electronics, agriculture, and manufacturing. “This is a cause for concern, given geopolitical challenges, economic slowdowns, and possible retaliatory measures from other countries,” the groups said.

Hiding one’s homosexuality annulment proof

THE Supreme Court has ruled that concealing one’s homosexuality from a spouse may constitute fraud and is valid grounds for annulling a marriage.

In an eight-page decision made public Tuesday, the SC’s Second Division annulled the marriage of a woman whose husband hid his homosexuality prior to their wedding.

The couple met online while the man was working in Saudi Arabia, and married in 2013 after a yearlong virtual relationship.

The woman noticed the man avoided physical intimacy both before and after the marriage. Just two months after the wedding, he left for Saudi Arabia and ceased communication, only sending a message on their first anniversary. She later found magazines featuring nude male models and confronted him, leading to his admission of homosexuality. She filed for annulment, claiming her consent was obtained through fraud. Lower courts denied her petition due to lack of corroborating evidence, but the SC disagreed. “For a marriage to be valid, both parties must give their consent freely,” the Court ruled, citing Article 45 and Article 46 of the Family Code.

The SC found the husband’s deception and emotional distance were deliberate efforts to hide the truth. It concluded that the woman’s consent was not fully informed and declared the marriage null and void.

GETTING READY FOR SONA. Workers from the Quezon City Parks Development and Administration Department clean and trim trees along IBP Road leading to the House of Representatives, as part of preparations for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28. Manny Palmero

SPECTACLE IN THE SKY. A celestial spectacle delights astrophotographers as planets Venus (left) and Saturn (lower right) appear in the dawn sky around 4:30 a.m. above the Balintang Channel, between Sabtang and the Babuyan Islands. In the foreground is the Sabtang Lighthouse in Barangay Malakdan. Dave Leprozo

IN BRIEF

Cebu gov’t releases P180m for hospitals

CEBU City—Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has approved the release of more than P180.7 million for the maintenance and operations of four provincial and 12 district hospitals across the province for the months of July and August this year. This allocation was meant to address the urgent need for medicines and medical supplies of the hospitals, to ensure accessible, quality, and timely healthcare services to the Cebuanos.

In a statement, the provincial information officer said the move aligns with Baricuatro’s Baricuatro’s commitment to people-centered governance, underscoring her administration’s focus on making quality healthcare accessible and a priority of her administration.

It said the fund’s release also reflected Baricuatro’s commitment to transparent budgeting, responsible spending, and inclusive delivery of services to the grassroot communities. Minerva Newman

Four nabbed for sale of fake license plates

A JOINT operation by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group led to the arrest of four suspects for alleged manufacture and sale of fake license plates in San Ildefonso, Bulacan.

Acting LTO chief Greg Pua said the operation was carried out last Saturday, July 12, in keeping with an instruction of President Marcos to run after scammers and other criminal elements in the transportation sector. Pua said the operation was implemented upon confirmation by the LTO Investigation and Intelligence Division (IID) about the illegal activities of the suspects.

LTO ultimately resolves persistent backlog on license plates, says OIC

By Rio N. Araja

Tby June 2025.

“The President’s instruction was clear: Fast-track the plate production to address the problem and that we should not disappoint the Filipino people,” Mendoza’s previous statement read.

N. Araja

“We immediately coordinated with the CIDG to conduct an operation against these people and this resulted in their arrest and the confiscation of the fake plates,” he said. Rio

Four Chinese arrested for illegal work in PH

FOUR Chinese nationals were arrested by Bureau of Immigration (BI) operatives for allegedly working without the proper government permit in the country.

Taken into custody were Guo Yilan, Chen Ligan, Huang Shuirong and Ke Jianye in line with a government drive against foreigners violating the conditions of their stay in the Philippines.

Kwas found working for a construction firm in Brgy. Sto. Domingo, Minalin, Pampanga, despite holding a working visa petitioned by a separate Manila-based company. The three other Chinese were also found working for a company other than their authorized visa sponsor. Vito Barcelo

Twin arrests at NAIA yield P304-m shabu

By Joel E. Zurbano

A COMPOSITE team of law enforcers

on Monday arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA ) two suspected drug mules who tried to smuggle into the country some P304 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.

First to fall was a 25-year-old man who was caught in possession of shabu worth over P139 million. The suspect checked in at the NAIA Terminal 3 from Toronto, Canada, via a connecting flight from Hong Kong.

Suspicions arose when x-ray screeners at the arrival area detected an unusual image in a blue piece of the passenger’s luggage. A Customs agent did a manual inspection and discovered five transparent plastic bags wrapped in foil and duct tape, containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.

Subsequent tests conducted on the items established that indeed contained shabu, estimated at P139.7 million.

Later in the day, another passenger, a woman also from Canada, was intercepted at NAIA Terminal 3 for alleged possession of 24 kilograms of shabu valued at roughly P164.7 million.

The suspects were promptly remanded to police custody preparatory to the filing of appropriate criminal charges against them.

“These arrests demonstrate the government’s strong commitment to combating illegal drugs. Cooperation among law enforcement agencies at airports is crucial,” said Philippine National PoliceAviation Security Group chief Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy.

HE Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Tuesday said it has finally resolved the backlog on millions of license plate that hounded the government agency for a decade.

“We are elated and excited to announce that your LTO was able to comply with the commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that there will be no backlog for both motorcycle and four-wheel vehicle plates by June 2025,” according to acting LTO chief Greg Pua.

“To borrow a quote from our LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II: ‘Sa Bagong Pilipinas, lahat may

plaka na (In the New Philippines, everyone has a license plate),” he added.

The LTO ramped up license plate production in the past two years. As of June 30, the agency is able to produce a total of 18,578,612 plates that effectively solved the backlog, which piled up since 2014.

With the assurance of support, Mendoza told President Marcos that the license plate backlog would be wiped out

8 Pinoys who survived Houthi attack safe in SA

EIGHT Filipino seafarers who survived last week’s attack by Houthi rebels on their Greek-managed vessel

M/V Eternity C have reached safety at Jizan Port in Saudi Arabia, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Meanwhile, the Philippine government is also conducting communications to determine the situation of 13 missing Filipino crewmen of the MV Eternity C.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac reported to President Marcos that the eight seamen are currently under the care of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in collaboration with the One-Country Team of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The group disembarked at the Port of Jizan and attended a virtual meeting with Cacdac and Labor attaché Fidel Macauyag.

Macauyag said in a video call that the seafarers will be brought to a hospital for medical checkup.

The DMW, in close coordination with the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, is exerting efforts to ensure the immediate repatriation of the sailors and access to critical support services, including medical evaluation, psychosocial counselling, and the issuance of travel documents.

“These brave seafarers have endured a traumatic ordeal at sea. We are working round-the-clock with their manning agency and the shipping company to ensure they receive the care and support they need,” Cacdac said.

The LTO chief is currently on medical leave with Pua filling in for the meantime. Mendoza is expected to be back in office by July 28 after going through a heart bypass medical procedure.

“On the last day of June 2025, we were able to comply with our commitment by producing a total of 8,578,612, including both backlogs and current plate requirements,” Pua said.

The figure covered 11,815,068 motorcycle plates and 6,763,544 motor vehicle plates, equating to 3,381,772 pairs.

“This significant accomplishment,

which surpassed the expectations of everybody, is a team effort, with the dedication and perseverance of our plate-making plant,” Pua said. The license plate shortfall started in 2014, and worsened by a number of factors that resulted in the accumulation of millions of plates requirement for both motorcycles and four-wheel cars. Pua said they are now embarking on full-blown delivery of the license plates to all motorists affected by the problem.

“And with this task finally completed, we assure our millions of clients that we will also fast-track the process of delivery and will continue to find ways to do so,” he added.

To date, over seven million plates were already distributed by the LTO to the rightful vehicle owners.

Teves silent on another murder case; court enters not guilty plea

By Pot Chavez

FORMER Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. on Tuesday refused again to enter a plea, this time for the killing of a former board member in the third district of the province. Teves’ silence during the arraignment prompted anew the Manila Regional Trial Court (MRTC) Branch 15 to enter a “not guilty plea” on his behalf and set the pre-trial on July 29 for the alleged slay of provincial board member Michael Dungog in 2019. Teves arrived at the court wearing a Kevlar helmet and a bulletproof vest. He was transported to Manila City Hall from Annex 2 of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology or BJMP in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City. However, the hearing was held in

the sala of Branch 16 to allow more orderly proceedings since Branch 15 was undergoing renovation at the time.

Teves’ co-respondents in the case included Hannah Mae Sumerano, Richard Cuadra, Jasper Tanasan, Alex Mayagma, and Rolando Pinili. Teves attended yesterday’s arraignment via video teleconferencing on the 2019 murder charge.

“He is still protesting the manner by which he was repatriated by the Philippine government,” said lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, legal counsel of Teves.

Earlier, Teves also refused to not enter a plea for his consolidated case of illegal possession of firearms and illegal possession of explosives, as well as his multiple murder case over the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo in March 2023.

TAGUIG CENTENNARIAN. The Taguig City government has gifted 103-year-

old Anacleta Pabon of Barangay North Signal a birthday cake plus P100,000 bonus. Joel E. Zurbano

NOT GUILTY PLEA. Former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves, wearing a Kevlar helmet and bulletproof vest, is taken to the Manila Regional Trial Court for arraignment on a criminal case arising from the alleged murder of provincial board member Michael Dungog in 2019. Norman Cruz

P130-M DONATION. Navotas City Vice Mayor Tito Sanchez, representing Mayor John Rey Tiangco, and Okada Foundation President James Lorenzana sign a memorandum donating P130 million for the Navotas City Hospital, as Rep. TobyTiangco and Okada executive Mitsukazu Nakata look on. Andrew Rabulan

OPINION

Dark horse

IS A change in the leadership of the House of Representatives possible?

A total 285 lawmakers have signed a manifesto of support for the retention of Martin Romualdez as House Speaker in the 20th Congress that begins later this month.

While the numbers would indicate the outcome of the voting for the top post would be a foregone conclusion, it would appear that Cebu 5th District Rep. Duke Frasco appears unfazed by the formidable odds.

Traditional power blocs and political parties focus on machineries, but the Frasco camp sees him as a potential dark horse: one with the unique combination of executive and legislative experience, regional representation, and professional grounding in finance.

Can Frasco hack it?

He will be on his third and final term in the 20th Congress, having served in both the 18th and 19th Congress, and boasts of over 18 years of public service.

He was Mayor of Liloan for nine years starting in 2007, was elected as Vice Mayor in 2016 and then appointed as Commissioner for the Cebu Port Authority which paved the way for the construction of Liloan Port.

Known for his no-nonsense leadership style, Frasco, his supporters believe, has built a reputation for delivering results, particularly in the education and healthcare sectors.

In Congress, Frasco authored key legislation that expanded access to public higher education, including the establishment of new campuses for Cebu Technological University and Cebu Normal University in underserved areas of his district.

His healthcare initiatives include the construction and funding of the Liloan’s Children’s Hospital, improvement of district hospitals, facilitating improvements in medical assistance programs, and pushing for health infrastructure in geographically isolated communities.

It’s Frasco’s background outside politics that could help him explore other possibilities. Educated and raised in the United States, Frasco earned his degree in Finance and Accounting and went on to work as an internal auditor for a multinational corporation. His private sector experience, particularly in financial controls and accountability, is seen by his supporters as a big plus for him.

Then there’s his strong regional roots: fluent in Bisaya, born and raised in Cebu, and with maternal ties to Misamis Oriental in Mindanao, he is touted as someone who’s in a unique position to bridge regional divides that have long defined Philippine politics.

His ability to connect with both Visayas and Mindanao constituencies may be

crucial in rallying grassroots support for a more inclusive and cooperative Congress.

Despite not hailing from a traditional political family, nor seen as part of the typical power centers in Manila, Frasco’s people-centric approach appears to have earned him the respect of colleagues.

In the halls of the House, where politics often overshadows performance, Frasco apparently wants to demonstrate the kind of principled leadership that can unify a fragmented chamber.

If dissent grows, a leadership challenge could emerge – either formally through a speakership vote or informally via committee reshuffles and budget negotiations

Whether or not Frasco will seek the speakership is still up in the air.

But his name is now in the mix after he criticized Martin Romualdez’s leadership, citing concerns over political disunity and personal interests within the House of Representatives.

He also declined to sign a manifesto supporting Romualdez’s continued speakership for the 20th Congress. That led to his expulsion from the National Unity Party, which had officially backed Romualdez.

NUP President LRay Villafuerte accused Frasco of breaching party unity and pursuing personal interests, suggesting Frasco’s move was a political tactic to retain his post as Deputy Speaker.

At this point, with 285 lawmakers already committing to retain Martin Romualdez as House Speaker, what’s clear is that it’s going to be an uphill climb for Frasco.

While Romualdez enjoys numerical support and therefore likely to remain firmly in the saddle, there seems to be underlying tensions within the institution. If dissent grows, a leadership challenge could emerge – either formally through a speakership vote or informally via committee reshuffles and budget negotiations.

With growing demand for regional equity in policy-making, we can probably expect louder calls for decentralization, resource reallocation, and more representation in key committees in the months ahead. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

The people’s budget

LET’S be honest. For the longest time, most Filipinos have seen the national budget as something technical, boring, and out of reach—something that happens behind closed doors in a room full of suits, far removed from our everyday struggles.

But Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is helping change that perception.

By throwing his full support behind the move to open the bicameral conference committee meetings on the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) to the public, the Speaker is not just backing a reform. He is standing up for transparency, accountability, and for the Filipino people’s right to know how their money is being spent.

And that, in my view, deserves our praise. Because the truth is, the national budget is not just a spreadsheet filled with numbers.

It’s not just a ledger of pesos and centavos. The budget is a policy document. It’s a reflection of our national values, our priorities, and our plans. It shows us what the government truly cares about—what gets funded, and what gets left behind. Every peso in that budget is a state-

ment. Do we invest in quality education for every Filipino child? Do we support our health workers, our farmers, our small businesses? Do we build roads where they are needed, and provide aid where it matters? The answers lie not in the promises of politicians, but in the fine print of the budget.

The budget is a policy document. It’s a reflection of our national values, our priorities, and our plans

That’s why the bicameral conference committee is such a critical part of the process. It’s the last stage of budget negotiations—the point where the House and the Senate reconcile their versions of the GAA and finalize the details.

And sadly, it’s also been one of the most opaque stages of all. But now, with Speaker Romualdez championing the idea of opening these discussions to the public—through livestreams and real-time access—we

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format of a ladder that is being sawn in half. The lower half lies down on the floGenerate a political cartoon in horizontal format of a man, wearing a polo barong and holding a bullhorn, yelling with his face turned upward. He is screaming, ‘Look at how much we spend on UP students!’ He is pointing at a group of Filipino students who look starving, deprived, but are surprised and disgusted. Behind him is a massive, glistening porcine figure, with several flabby folds reminiscent of the golden calf idol, wearing a beauty pageant sash labeled pork barrel. At the foot of the golden porcine figure are portly men and women kneeling as if worshipping, labeled ‘Congress.’

EDITORIAL

Murky waters

AS WE go even deeper into the case of the missing cockfight enthusiasts, who were abducted in 2021 and 2022, the water gets murkier – in the literal and figurative senses.

Search operations for the missing men began last week. This early, authorities confirmed that human remains were found in the sacks recovered from the lake. This alone is a resounding call to keep sweeping the lake. The Secretary of Justice, Jesus Crispin Remulla, said the search could take up to six months.

Meanwhile, the whistleblower in the “sabungeros” case, Julie Patidongan, has filed cases against police officials linked to the case. He had earlier named prominent businessman Charlie Ang, actress Gretchen Barretto, and former Regional Trial Court Judge Felix Reyes, all of whom have denied involvement in the deaths.

The men were supposedly caught cheating in the high-stakes game, and their abduction and deaths served as punishment for their deeds.

Investigators are up against nature. The weather in the past few days has been cooperating, but a ty-

are seeing a strong commitment to reform.

This initiative sends a clear message: budget-making is not the exclusive domain of a few, but a process that must be accountable to all. Public access to bicam deliberations strengthens democracy. It deters hidden insertions, encourages honest deliberation, and builds public trust.

When lawmakers know that citizens are watching—not just journalists or watchdog groups, but ordinary Filipinos—they are more likely to act with integrity and prudence.

Speaker Romualdez’s message is simple but powerful: “This is your money. This is your future. And now, this is your Congress.”

That invitation to “makialam, makinig, manood” is a call to action we cannot ignore. Because we, the people,

phoon, or worse a volcanic eruption, could derail their efforts and the timeline. Poor visibility and a murky lake floor can make the job doubly harder. The challenges specific to working in a lake are formidable,

We should not move on to the next sensational case without seeing a just resolution on this one

The next steps would be to extract DNA samples from the bones and then compare them with the samples from the kin of the missing men. Science takes a central role, and we can only hope that the experts are allowed to do their jobs without hurdles. Noise and indignation notwith-

are not just taxpayers—we are stakeholders. We deserve to know how our hard-earned money is being used. We deserve a government that does not fear scrutiny, but welcomes it.

To be fair, the 19th Congress has already taken key steps toward greater budget transparency.

But the push for #OpenBicam takes it even further. It’s not just a process change—it’s a mindset shift. It recognizes that the budget is not merely a financial document, but a public covenant. A plan of action, grounded on our collective needs and aspirations.

Of course, transparency alone won’t fix every problem. But it is a powerful start. It opens the door for more responsive, more inclusive, and more participatory budgeting.

A budget that reflects not only expert advice and political negotiation, but

standing, the case will fall apart if no forensic ties are established between the discovered bones and the missing. And only through careful handling and processing of the evidence can the link be established.

And while the public’s attention is glued to the developments in the search, the real culprit – the sense of power and impunity that emboldens those behind this mystery, runs strong and deep.

Those people who planned and executed the killings felt they could get away with anything. So-called public servants who served as protectors felt those lives were worth less than what they stood to gain. They need to be outed and punished, of course after scrutiny and adequate evidence. The Filipino people need to know that crimes of this magnitude may have been taking place in the past depending on who is in power, but this will no longer hold.

If authorities bungle this job and if the people move on to the next sensational case without seeing a just resolution on this one, then we may as well prepare ourselves for a different case, a differest set of victims and villains, in different terrain, and a different body of water.

also the voice and welfare of the people. And in these challenging times— when prices are rising, jobs are uncertain, and many families are just trying to make ends meet—we need to be assured that our government is not wasting a single centavo. That is what makes this initiative so important.

So let’s commend Speaker Martin Romualdez for his leadership. For proving that transparency and integrity are not buzzwords, but core principles of responsible governance. For showing that budget reform isn’t just about fixing numbers—it’s about restoring trust. Opening the bicameral conference to public view isn’t just a matter of policy—it’s a reaffirmation of who the budget is really for. Because this is our budget. This is our future. And this is our time to be heard.

Trump gives Russia 50 days to end its war on Ukraine

WASHINGTON, DC—US President Donald Trump told Russia on Monday to end its Ukraine war within 50 days or face massive new economic sanctions, as he laid out plans for new infusions of weaponry for Kyiv via NATO.

Trump said he was “very, very unhappy” with Vladimir Putin, underlining his insistence that his patience had finally snapped with the Russian leader’s refusal to end the deadly conflict.

“We’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days, tariffs at about 100 percent,” Trump said during an Oval Office meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

The Republican added that they would be “secondary tariffs” that target Russia’s remaining trade partners -- seeking to cripple Moscow’s ability to survive already sweeping Western sanctions.

Russia’s top trading partner last year was China, accounting for about 34 percent, followed distantly by India, Turkey and Belarus,

according to the Russian Federal Customs Service.

Trump and Rutte also unveiled a deal under which the NATO military alliance would buy billions of dollars of arms from the United States—including Patriot anti-missile batteries—and then send them to Ukraine.

“This is really big,” said Rutte, as he touted a deal aimed at easing Trump’s long-held complaints that the US is paying more than European and NATO allies to aid Ukraine.

Germany, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Britain were among the buyers helping Ukraine, added the NATO chief.

“If I was Vladimir Putin today and heard you speaking... I would

reconsider that I should take negotiations about Ukraine more seriously,” said Rutte.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he had spoken with Trump and was “grateful” for the arms deal.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin would play a “decisive role” in the new weapons plan.

But EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Trump’s sanctions deadline was too far into the future. “Fifty days is a very long time if we see that they are killing innocent civilians every day,” she said.

Trump attempted a rapprochement with Putin shortly after starting his second term, having campaigned on a pledge to end the Ukraine war within 24 hours.

His pivot towards Putin sparked fears in Kyiv that he was about to sell out Ukraine, especially after Trump and his team berated Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Feb. 28.

But in recent weeks Trump has shown increasing frustration with Putin, as the Russian leader stepped up missile and drone

attacks to record levels instead of halting his invasion.

Washington has also U-turned from an announcement earlier this month that it would pause some arms deliveries to Kyiv. Trump said his wife Melania had helped change his thinking about Putin, a man for whom he formerly expressed admiration.

“I go home, I tell the First Lady, ‘you know, I spoke to Vladimir today, we had a wonderful conversation,’” Trump said. “And she said, ‘Oh really? Another city was just hit.’” He added of Putin: “I don’t want to say he’s an assassin, but he’s a tough guy.”

US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, who are pushing a bipartisan bill on Russia secondary sanctions, praised Trump’s “powerful” move.

“The ultimate hammer to bring about the end of this war will be tariffs against countries, like China, India and Brazil, that prop up Putin’s war machine,” they said in a statement. AFP

Japan: China’s military activities could ‘seriously impact’ its security

TOKYO—Japan said Tuesday China’s intensifying military activities could “seriously impact” its security, citing the first confirmed incursion by a Chinese military aircraft into its airspace in an annual threat assessment.

The defence ministry said in its white paper that China was ramping up its activities in the entire region surrounding Japan.

A Chinese military aircraft entered Japan’s airspace in August last year, it said. Then in September, a Chinese aircraft carrier and two other naval ships sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan.

Beijing’s military “created a situation that could seriously impact Japan’s security,” the paper said, repeating earlier comments that China’s actions

were of “grave concern.”

It repeated its comment from last year’s paper that China’s military ambitions pose “an unprecedented and (the) greatest strategic challenge” to Japan and the world.

Tokyo said last week that Chinese fighter jets flew within 30 meters of a Japanese military patrol aircraft over the East China Sea.

Last year, Chinese vessels sailed near the Japanese-administered Senkaku islands -- known as the Diaoyu in China -- a record 355 times, according to Tokyo.

And last month Japan said that two Chinese aircraft carriers sailed in the Pacific simultaneously for the first time, including in Japan’s economic waters. China called it “routine training”.

Beijing has also conducted joint drills with Russia which are “clearly intended as a demonstration of force against Japan,” the paper said.

It repeated that North Korea’s activities pose a “more grave and imminent threat to Japan’s national security than ever before”.

The white paper was approved by the cabinet of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday morning.

Japan is in a multi-year process of increasing its defense spending to the NATO standard of roughly two percent of gross domestic product.

It is bolstering its military ties with Washington -- and other regional US allies -- to make US and Japanese forces nimbler in response to threats such as a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. AFP

PATIENCE SNAPPED. This handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service on Monday shows Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left) greeting US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg (right) prior to their talks in Kyiv. The meeting coibcided with Trump saying in Washington, DC he was ‘very,

unhappy’ with Vladimir Putin, underlining his insistence his patience had nally snapped with the Russian leader’s refusal to end the deadly Ukaraine con ict. AFP

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Barnes romps to record win; Molde, Saban, Tamayo triumph

DAVAO City—Jamie Barnes proved once again that he’s the undisputed player to beat in his division, shrugging off pressure and early miscues to fire a 70 and capture a fourth straight title in the boys’ 7-10 category of the ICTSI Apo Golf Junior PGT Championship here on Tuesday.

Tied with local ace Lucas Revilleza after 18 holes of the 36-hole tournament, the Cagayan de Oro wunderkind made his move early, birdieing the opening hole of the final round. Though he stumbled with a double bogey on No. 2, Barnes showed composure and maturity beyond his years, steadying himself with clutch recoveries that would rattle most young challengers.

He bogeyed No. 7 but kept his nerves in check, closing the front nine with a 38. As Revilleza faltered with a 41, Barnes pulled ahead, then sealed his commanding lead with a barrage of birdies from Nos. 11 to 13.

For the second straight day, he capped his round with a birdie on the par-5 18th, punctuating a brilliant twounder card that gave him a tournamentbest three-under 141 total.

With a stunning 12-shot margin –the same emphatic gap he posted in previous legs at Del Monte, Pueblo de

Oro and South Pacific – Barnes contin-

ues to raise the bar in the third season of the Junior Philippine Golf Tour. His consistency, resolve, and polish – even at a young age – have made him the gold standard in his class.

“I hit a couple of 9-iron shots that set up birdie chances on Nos. 11 and 12 – and I made them. On the par-5 13th, I drove it down the middle, hit a 5-wood just short, then chipped close for a tap-in birdie,” said Barnes, who turns 10 next month.

He added there’s no real secret behind his four-win streak, but acknowledged he still needs to sharpen his iron play.

With 60 points and a perfect fourfor-four record, Barnes has practically booked his ticket to The Country Club in October for the ICTSI North vs. South Elite Junior Finals, a Ryder Cupstyle showdown featuring the top four players in three age categories from the Luzon and Visayas-Mindanao series.

The Junior PGT series, staged by ICTSI and Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., aims to provide a structured competitive platform for the country’s most promising young talents.

Cebu’s Kvan Alburo came in second with a 76 and a 153, while Revilleza, unable to recover from his frontside collapse, limped home with an 85 after an opening 71 to drop to third at 156,

PSC gets Manila City’s support to upgrade ‘Rizal Memorial’

NEWLY appointed PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio received the backing of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso following a meeting on Thursday.

“We really need to improve the facilities right away,” said Gregorio ahead of his dialogue with Domagoso. Gregorio has been actively seeking support

from both the government and private sector to assist in the PSC’s broader goal of rehabilitating sports facilities under its jurisdiction.

In response, Mayor Domagoso tasked newly appointed Manila Sports Council (MASCO) chief Dale Evangelista to coordinate directly with the PSC. MASCO, under Evangelista’s leadership, is also crafting its own plans to revitalize Manila’s local sports programs.

“You have my support. If you want to improve the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, you may proceed,” Domagoso assured Gregorio during their meeting. The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex continues

to serve as a training hub for Manila-based athletes preparing for national events, including the upcoming Batang Pinoy competition this October in General Santos City.

Over the past week, Gregorio visited several PSC-managed sites and noted areas in urgent need of attention. In Baguio City, he observed rusting equipment in the weightlifting gym and cracks on the surface of the track oval.

He also reported that the offices of national sports associations and the Philippine Olympic Committee at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City require immediate repairs.

Surigao MILO Marathon, PSC promote inclusive sports

DURING the recent National Disability Rights Week MILO and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) turned the Surigao leg of the National MILO® Marathon into more than a race—it’s a powerful movement of inclusivity, proving that the spirit of sports knows no limits.

More than just a marathon, the Surigao race stands out as a clear expression of inclusivity, where Persons with Disabilities and other runners race side by side—not in separate categories, but as equals united by the spirit of sportsmanship.

To bring this to life, MILO and the PSC have designed the event with accessibility in mind, with accessibility woven into every detail—from redesigned wayfinding systems to a sensitivity training booth that helps runners and spectators better understand Persons with Disabilities experience. Building on its long-standing commitment to inclusivity, the National

modation to ensure that every runner, regardless of ability, belongs on the

same starting line.

“Partnering with MILO on this initiative brings our vision of inclusive sports to life in a way that’s both meaningful and visible,” said Commissioner Walter Torres of the Philippine Sports Commission. “Together, we’re creating space for Persons with Disabilities to be seen, supported, and celebrated in the sports community.”

“The National MILO Marathon has always stood for values beyond the finish line,” said Carlo Sampan, Head of MILO Sports. “This Surigao leg is a step forward in ensuring every Filipino can participate in and benefit from the power of sports no matter their ability.” The National MILO Marathon is more than a race—it’s a nationwide movement proving that strength comes in all forms. In Surigao, it becomes a bold stride toward a future where every Filipino, regardless of ability, claims their space in the world of sports.

Olongapo netters dominate Calderon Cup

OLONGAPO City netters delivered a commanding performance in the Mayor Benedict Calderon Cup National Juniors Tennis Championships, with Jan Cadee Dagoon spearheading the squad’s dominance by clinching three titles, including a pair of singles crowns, over the weekend in Roxas, Isabela. Backed by a solid grassroots program, the Olongapo bets showcased their depth and talent, capturing majority of the age-group titles in the Group 2 tournament at the Lado del Rio Resort and Roxas Tennis Club. The event, sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta), was part of the 77th Araw ng Roxas celebrations. Dagoon, the top seed, lived up to expectations as she outlasted Ayl Gonzaga in a tightly contested second set to prevail, 6-2, 7-6(2), in the girls’ 16-and-under finals. She then returned with even greater resolve to dominate Gonzaga anew in the premier 18-and-U division, 6-1, 6-3, becoming the only double gold medalist in singles play of the tournament

sponsored by Mayor Benedict Calderon. Adding to her accolades, Dagoon also teamed up with Isabela’s Shaner Gabaldon to rule the girls’ 18-and-U doubles, capping a triple-title run that underscored her status as one of the country’s rising junior stars in the nationwide circuit under the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) program, led by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. Cosca, for his part, asserted his might in the boys’ 14-and-U division, defeating Balanga’s Cristiano Calingasan, 6-3, 6-2. Though he fell short of a twintitle feat after bowing to Olongapo teammate John David Vytiaco, 6-1, 6-4, in the 16-and-U finals, Cosca emerged as the best performer on the boys’ side, earning co-MVP honors with Dagoon. Overall, Olongapo City players topped six singles divisions, swept two doubles titles, and figured in nearly every final match, affirming the success of the city’s grassroots tennis development, often referred to as the Gateway to Subic Bay’s rising powerhouse.

ONE’S Sityodtong responds to online smear campaign

ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong has broken his silence on what he describes as increasingly sophisticated attacks targeting the global martial arts promotion.

In a Facebook post, Sityodtong revealed that ONE Championship has become the target of coordinated efforts to damage its reputation as the organization has exploded in popularity worldwide.

“Over the last several years, as ONE has grown exponentially in popularity around the world, it has become a target of increasingly sophisticated online and PR attacks by malicious parties,” Sityodtong stated. The full statement can be found here.

The attacks have intensified dramatically in 2025, featuring AI-generated deepfake videos of the CEO, thousands of fake social media accounts spreading disinformation, and articles filled with misleading information. Some false claims even targeted ONE’s Amazon Prime Video partnership, incorrectly stating it ends this year when the deal actually runs through mid-2027. When it comes to ONE’s financial health, Sityodtong explained that building a global sports property takes serious investment, but the numbers tell a good story. Costs have been trending downward since 2019 while revenue keeps climbing year after year.

“Since our peak investment year in 2019, costs have come down steadily. Revenues have grown every year since inception and continue on a good trajectory,” he explained, noting the organization’s strong financial momentum.

MILO Marathon continues this legacy in Surigao, going beyond accom-

Jan Cadee Dagoon (second from right) and Anthony Cosca display their trophies alongside Mayor Benedict Calderon (left) and PPS Region 2 OIC Karla Gomez (right) following their stellar performances that highlighted Olongapo City’s commanding sweep in the Calderon Cup in Roxas, Isabela.

closing the four-leg Mindanao swing. Davao finally broke into the win-

ISKO AND PATO FOR SPORTS. Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio (right) and Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso join hands in improving the facilities inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Brittany Tamayo and her caddie raise their arms in triumph.

MILO and the PSC have designed the event accessible for Persons With Disabilities.

BUSINESS

Garin assures energy stability amid ERC shake-up

By Alena Mae S. Flores

NEWLY installed Energy Secretary Sharon Garin on Tuesday assured the industry there will be no major changes at the Department of Energy (DOE) despite an impending revamp at the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

Garin’s comments came after ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta announced her resignation during a briefing at Malacañang.

“The ERC is not under the DOE; it’s our regulator. It’s under the Office of the President,” Garin said. “There will be complications if she is no longer there; they will be reduced.”

She said the five-member commission would be left with only

two commissioners, as two others have already retired.

“They won’t have a quorum. “I think the OP will act swiftly to address that. We will continue with the policies that made us successful in attracting all the investors. We will continue with the policies that are effective,” said Garin.

“We will do away with policies that are not helpful to the country.

As far as the DOE is concerned, we want to maintain continuity, and we want to assure our stakeholders and possible investors that there will be no major changes in the DOE,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dimalanta clarified that ERC commissioners, whose terms are fixed under the Electric Power

Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), are not subject to courtesy resignations.

“For months, we stood firm on this position, and, contrary to some reports, I did not require the other members of the Commission to file a courtesy resignation with me,” Dimalanta said.

“So, what I filed instead was an irrevocable resignation, recognizing the reality of the situation. Legally, there is a difference because an irrevocable resignation does not put the appointing authority in a possibly legally tenuous position, and, at the same time, we protect the agency by not setting any precedent on courtesy resignations or Cabinet reshuffling affecting an independent institution like the ERC,” she said.

the market and jeopardizes public health and food security.

World Bank sees PH as a middle-class society by 2040

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE World Bank expects the Philippines to transform into a middle-class society by 2040 on the back of rapid economic growth that has doubled its gross domestic product and created over 11 million jobs in the past 14 years.

The Bank said in its Country Growth and Jobs Report the Philippines generated 11.7 million jobs since 2010 which led to a record low 3.8 percent unemployment rate in 2024.

“Job creation has been at the center of Philippines’ impressive growth story over the past 15 years,” World Bank director for the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei, East Asia and the Pacific Zafer Mustafaoglu during the report’s public launch at Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

“The country is on the verge of becoming an upper-middle-income country, a testament to the resilience and dynamism of its people. It is vital that the benefits of growth are inclusive and reach all segments of society, particularly the poor and most vulnerable. Jobs are central to this conversation,” he said.

“Since 2010, the Philippines has forged ahead, achieving record low unemployment and doubling its GDP. Rapid growth put the country in the top quartile of fastest growing middleincome countries [MICs], while the 11.7 million jobs created led to a record low 3.8 percent unemployment rate in 2024,” the World Bank said in its Growth and Jobs report.

Data showed that employment grew 0.4 percentage points annually faster than the working-age population, with a shift towards wage-earning jobs in more productive sectors. Economic growth was propelled by a “spatial catch-up,” leading to relatively rapid income growth for the poor.

“At the historical growth rate from 1990 to 2010, the economy would have taken 19 years to double. Instead, GDP growth since 2010 has been consistent with the economy doubling every 13.5 years,” the report noted.

“Faster GDP growth came with employment outpacing working-age population [WAP] growth by 0.4 percentage points per year,” it said.

The report also said that the newly created jobs were of higher quality, with an increase in waged positions rather than self-employment, and a move towards more produc-

tive sectors. Growth was fueled by pro-investment reforms, macroeconomic stability, and a surge in public and private investment.

Foundational infrastructure spending, structural reforms, and private capital mobilization were key drivers.

Capital accumulation accounted for over 90 percent of growth, reflecting high investment returns. Lagging regions contributed significantly, with most new jobs in nontradable sectors, though IT and IT-enabled services also boomed.

Post-pandemic, economic growth has been among the highest in Asia and globally among emerging economies.

Poverty incidence declined to 15.5 percent in 2023 from 18.1 percent in 2021 and below the prepandemic level of 16.7 percent in 2018.

The labor market also improved, with the unemployment rate falling to 4.3 percent in 2024, surpassing the government’s target of 4.4 percent to 4.7 percent.

“Nevertheless, significant structural challenges persist,” the report cautioned. “Capital deepening and labor force expansion have primarily driven economic growth, while gains in total factor productivity remain limited.”

Regions outside the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced faster labor productivity growth

CASH remittances to the Philippines continued to grow in May 2025, with funds from sea-based overseas Filipinos (OFs) increasing at a faster pace than those from land-based OFs.

Filipinos abroad sent $2.66 billion in cash remittances through banks in May, up 2.9 percent from the $2.58 billion recorded in May 2024.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said land-based OFs accounted for the larger share of $2.12 billion, up 2.8 percent year-on-year, while sea-based

OFs accounted for $536 million, a rise of 3.1 percent. Cumulative cash remittances rose 3.0 percent in the first five months of 2025 to $13.77 billion from $13.37 billion in the same period last year.

The United States remained the top source of remittances to the Philippines during January-May 2025, followed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

Cash remittances in May 2025

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) noted some limitations on remittance data by source, as many remittance centers abroad course funds through correspondent banks, most of which are located in the U.S . Remittances coursed through money couriers cannot be disaggregated by actual country source and are lodged under the country where the main offices are located, which, in many cases, is also in the U.S.

Cash remittances in April 2025

$2.66 billion $2.66 billion $2.58 billion

Cash remittances in May 2024

“Therefore, the U.S. would appear to be the main source of OF remittances because banks attribute the origin of funds to the most immediate source,” the BSP said. The increase in cash remittances drove a rise in personal remittances as well. Personal remittances include cash sent through banks and informal channels, as well as remittances in kind.

Personal remittances reached $2.97 billion in May 2025, up 3.0 percent from $2.88 billion in May 2024.

SECURITY THREAT. As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. views the recent surge in agricultural product smuggling as a national security threat, law enforcement and intelligence agencies assist the Department of Agriculture (DA) in resolving the illicit trade, which undermines the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk, disrupts

World Bank officials discuss the newly-launched Growth and Jobs Report, which cites the Philippines was for its rapid economic growth that created over 11 million jobs over the past 14 years. Thony Rose Lesaca

Share prices, peso plunge on global trade war concerns

SHARE prices closed lower Tuesday as investors turned cautious due to renewed concerns about global trade wars. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index plunged 65.57 points, or 1 percent, to finish at 6,459.47, while the broader all-shares index declined 25.09 points, or 0.65 percent, to 3,807.27.

“The market pulled back as investors took profits amid lack of fresh leads,” said Japhet Tantiangco, research head at Philstocks Financial Inc. “With no new positive catalysts, global trade concerns amid the U.S.’ planned tariff got the best of market sentiment.” Tantiangco added that the weakening of the peso against the dollar also negatively affected the market. The peso plunged to 56.73 to the U.S. dollar on Wednesday from 56.63 on Tuesday. All sectors ended in negative territory, with holding firms declining the most, down 1.88 percent. Property also dropped 1.71 percent, and mining and oil fell 0.97 percent . Trading was lackluster, with value turnover reaching P5.2 billion, below the year-to-date average of P5.8 billion. Foreign investors were net sellers, with outflows totaling P332.26 million.

Century Pacific Food Inc. was the top index performer, climbing 3 percent to P37.95. SM Prime Holdings Inc. was the main laggard, declining 3.37 percent to P24.20.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Institutional investor plans to sell SMIC, SMPH shares

By Jenniffer B. Austria

AN INSTITUTIONAL investor is planning to sell shares in SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) and SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH).

Bloomberg reported an undisclosed institutional investor in SMIC plans to sell 9.6 million shares in the company at P830 to P840 per share.

The offer price represents a discount of about 3.9 percent to 5 percent based on SMIC’s closing

AWARDS. Semirara Mining and Power Corp. receives five awards for excellence in investor relations, corporate social responsibility and corporate governance at the 15th Institutional Investor Corporate Awards 2025, presented by regional investment publication Alpha Southeast Asia. Attending the awarding are (from left) Alpha Southeast Asia publisher and CEO Siddiq Mazarwala, SMPC president, COO and CSO Maria Cristina Gotianun, SMPC VP and CFO Carla Cristina TolentinoLevina, and DMCI Holdings AVP and investor relations head Hannah Cecille Chan.

PSE approves P8-b preferred shares offering of Filinvest

THE Philippine Stock Exchange has approved the P8-billion preferred shares offering of Gotianun-led conglomerate Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC). Based on terms approved by the local bourse, FDC will sell 6 million Series A and Series B preferred shares with an oversubscription of up 2 million shares.

The preferred shares, which are perpetual, cumulative, non-voting, nonparticipating, non-convertible, redeemable and re-issuable, will be priced at P1,000 apiece

Offer period will run from July 21 to 31, 2025

The preferred shares will be listed on the main board of the PSE of Aug. 8, 2025.

Proceeds from this fund raising activity will be used for refinancing, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes.

FDC engaged BPI Capital Corp., BDO Capital & Investment Corp., China Bank Capital Corp., Land Bank of the Philippines and Security Bank Capital Investment Corp. as joint lead underwriters and joint book runners for the offer. BPI Capital Corp. will act as the sole issue manager.

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

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

FDC earmarked P24 billion for 2025 capital expenditures, up 20 percent from P20 billion it spent in 2024. Bulk of this year’s spending was earmarked for real estate, hotel, renewables and power businesses.

FDC reported a net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company of P3.6 billion in the first three months of 2025, representing a 25 percent increase from the net income generated in the same period last year of ₱2.9 billion. Jenniffer B. Austria

price of P874 on Tuesday. The transaction could raise P8.06 billion.

In a separate deal, Bloomberg also reported an undisclosed institutional investor in SMPH is looking to sell 189.2 million shares at P23.18 to P23.42 apiece via a special block sale.

The offer price reflects a discount of 4 percent to 5 percent to SMPH’s closing price of P24.40 on Tuesday. The deal could generate up to P4.4 billion in proceeds.

UBS is the sole book runner for both transactions.

Block trades are typically used by large shareholders to offload sizable positions quickly, often at a discount to the market price to attract investors.

As of press time, neither SMIC nor SMPH had issued a statement when sought for comment.

Cebu Pacific carried 13.9m passengers in first half, 20.8% higher year-on-year

CEBU Pacific on Tuesday said it carried 13.9 million passengers in the first half of 2025, up 20.8 percent compared to the same period last year.

The airline said that domestic passengers grew 20.4 percent to 10.4 million, while international passengers grew 22.3 percent to 3.5 million.

Seat load factor (SLF) averaged 85.4 percent, while overall capacity in seats grew 20.6 percent to 16.3 million.

For June alone, Cebu Pacific carried 2.2 million passengers, a 7.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

The airline’s SLF decreased to 87.5 percent in June from 88.3 percent last year while seat capacity grew by 8.8 percent.

Domestic passengers grew 7.3

percent versus June 2024 on 6.8 percent higher seats, with a SLF of 92.1 percent.

International passenger traffic, meanwhile, grew 9.7 percent year over year on 14.2 percent higher seats, which resulted in a 3.1 percentage point decrease in SLF to 76.1 percent.

“Despite the earlier onset of the academic calendar - moving the start of classes from late July last year to mid-June this year - passenger traffic and seat load factors remained resilient. Domestic demand remained strong shown by its 92 percent load factor while international traffic grew by over 9 percent as we invested in connecting cities outside Manila to more international ports,” said Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer. Darwin G. Amojelar

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CII Bridges and Roads Investments

Joint Stock Co. (CII B&R), an affiliate of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) in Vietnam, expects to break ground by September on the $1.53 billion expansion of the Ho Chi Minh City – Trung Luong – My Thuan Expressway.

“Although these types of projects are typically subject to competitive bidding, the government has chosen to accelerate progress and appoints CII directly as the investor,” Le Trung Hieu, director of capital management at CII, said during a recent roundtable interview.

The expansion will cover approximately 96 kilometers (about 60 miles) of expressway, linking Ho Chi Minh City to My Thuan via Trung Luong. It will also include additional work on the segment north of the My Thuan 2 Bridge in Tien Giang Province.

CII said the majority of the project’s capital expenditure will be disbursed from 2026 to 2028, with this year’s allocation primarily funding site preparation and initial work.

“We don’t need a lot of capex this year — just enough to kickstart the project,” Hieu said.

The project has faced delays due to right-of-way challenges and coordination difficulties between district governments.

However, progress has picked up following Vietnam’s administrative reform, which merged several provinces to streamline governance.

Ho Chi Minh City, for example, will merge with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau to form a larger administrative unit, potentially easing interjurisdictional coordination.

BDO shortens offer period for ASEAN sustainability bonds

BDO Unibank Inc. has shortened the offer period for its fourth pesodenominated ASEAN Sustainability Bonds on strong demand from both retail and institutional investors.

The offering, which originally scheduled to run from July 9 to 22, 2025, closed early on July 14, 2025, the bank said Tuesday in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

The bank plans to raise at least P5 billion from this bond offering.

The bonds have a 1.5-year tenor and carry a coupon rate of 5.875 percent per annum. The issue, settlement, and listing date is set for July 29, 2025.

The bonds will be listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp.

The net proceeds will be used to finance or refinance eligible assets under BDO’s Sustainable Finance Framework, support lending activities, and diversify funding sources.

BDO’s previously issued peso-denominated sustainability bond, which enabled it to raise P55.7-billion issue in July 2024, P63.3 billion in January 2024 and P52.7 billion in January 2022. ING Bank N.V., Manila Branch served as the

tainability

the financial advisor. Meanwhile, BDO also reported that it has extended financing to Mactan Rock Industries Inc. (MRII), a Cebubased water solutions provider, to fund the company’s expansion and investment in modern water treatment technologies. MRII’s services include custom-

BUSINESS

CA orders ERC to prepare P34b as payment to SMC subsidiaries

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Special Former Thirteenth Division of the Court of Appeals has directed the Energy Regulatory Commission to immediately implement the court’s decision and allow the P34 billion worth of total payments to San Miguel Corp.’s power units.

SMC subsidiary San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. disclosed to the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. that it received on July 11, 2025, from the counsels of South Premiere Power Corp. (SPPC) and San Miguel Energy Corp. (now

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has constructed three major revetment projects to serve as flood defense of seaside and riverside areas in Camarines Sur, Sorsogon and Masbate Provinces.

named Sual Power Inc.), a copy of the CA ruling dated June 27, which partially granted the motions of SPPC and SMEC.

“The Energy Regulatory Commission is directed to immediately implement our decision dated June 27,

2023 and without further delay, act on the motions and make the necessary computation and breakdown of the appropriate amount for payments to petitioners South Premiere Power Corporation and San Miguel Energy Corporation, pursuant to their joint motions for price adjustments with Manila Electric Company,” the CA decision said.

The case stemmed from the ERC’s decision to deny SMC and Manila Electric Co’s plea for a rate hike, citing a lack of legal and factual basis.

SMC appealed the decision to the Court of Appeals, which overturned the ERC’s ruling. The ERC then

brought the matter to the Supreme Court, which issued a favorable ruling to SMC.

The high court’s decision affirms a CA ruling that upheld SMC’s right to invoke a “change in circumstance” clause in SMC’s power supply agreements (PSAs) with Meralco. SMGP said the recent CA resolution stated that it partially granted SPPC and SPC’s motion to direct the court of origin to issue a writ execution.

The CA also directed the ERC to submit proof of its compliance with the resolution within 30 days from the issuance of the notice.

SBCorp launches new mobile app to digitalize loan access

By Othel V. Campos

THE Small Business Corporation (SBCorp) has officially launched its new mobile application, SBCorp Money, during the MSME Bayanihan Caravan 2025, supporting government efforts in digitalizing loan access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.

Replacing the corporation’s previous web-based system, SBCorp Money offers a more secure and seamless platform for loan application and

evaluation.

An important feature of the app is its PhilSys-enabled electronic KnowYour-Customer (e-KYC) process, made possible through SBCorp’s partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

“This shift to PhilSys-enabled e-KYC simplifies client onboarding and enhances security by verifying identities through national ID data. It reflects our

WORKERS PROTECTION. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Workers’ Welfare and Protection Cluster, led by Undersecretary Benjo Santos Benavidez (front row, eighth from right) and assistant secretary Amuerfina Reyes (ninth from right), conducts its mid-year performance assessment and re-planning exercise on July 3 to 4, 2025, in Laurel, Batangas. Highlights of the meeting included progress updates on the development of the Workers’ Rehabilitation Center Complex (WRCC), as well as action plans aimed at sustaining and enhancing the reach and impact of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), both implemented under the Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP).

PH to host first Asian EITI global conference in 2026

THE Department of Finance (DOF) said the Philippines will host the 2026 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Global Conference in Manila, marking the first time the event will be held in Asia.

The move underscores the country’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance in its extractive sector. “We are the first ever country to host this Global Conference in the region. And that alone sends a strong message that the Philippines is leading by example—not only in upholding EITI’s principles, but in embedding good governance and sustainable resource management at the heart of our extractive industries,” Finance Secretary and PH-EITI chair Ralph Recto said. The EITI is a global standard promoting open and accountable management of oil, gas and mineral resources, with member countries committing to full transparency across the extractive value chain. The Philippines joined the initiative in 2013 and is part of a coalition of over 50 implementing countries. Scheduled for June 2026, the conference is expected to draw thousands of stakeholders from governments, industry, civil society and academia to discuss the future of natural resource governance. Key topics will include anti-corruption efforts, domestic resource mobilization, and responsible resource governance policies. The event will also explore innovations in data use and transparency, as well as emerging issues and challenges facing the extractives sector.

commitment to making financing more accessible, efficient, and secure for MSMEs across the country,” said SB Corp. president Robert Bastillo.

SBCorp Money mobile app offers several key benefits such as simplified registration through a fast and secure e-KYC process using PhilSys credentials and faster loan processing.

The app also provides greater convenience, allowing MSMEs to apply for loans, track their applications, and receive updates directly through their smartphones.

Security is enhanced through national ID integration, which strengthens data protection and reduces the risk of identity fraud.

SBCorp noted that the app supports the Philippine Development Plan’s goals of expanding digital financial inclusion and accelerating MSME recovery and growth.

SBCorp Money, now available on Google Play Store and Huawei AppGallery, is expected to benefit MSMEs seeking affordable and timely financing.

JACKSTONES, INC.

593 Antonio Drive, Bagumbayan, Taguig City 1630 NOTICE OF 2025 ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

To the Stockholders:

Please be advised that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of JACKSTONES, INC. (“Corporation”) will be held on 04 August 2025 at 9:00 A.M. in 593 Antonio Drive, Bagumbayan, Taguig City, Philippines to discuss the following agenda:

1. Call to Order; 2. Determination of Existence of Quorum; 3. Approval of Minutes of the 10 June 2024 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting; 4. Report of the President; 5. Approval of Audited Financial Statements for Calendar Year (“CY”) 2024;

6. Ratification of All Acts and Resolutions of the Board of Directors and Management Adopted from 10 June 2024 to 04 August 2025;

7. Election of Directors (including the Independent Directors); 8. Appointment of External Auditor; 9. Reaffirmation of the validity of the Stockholders’ Resolution ratifying the Amendment of the Corporation’s By-Laws; 10. Consideration of Such Other Business as May Properly Come Before the Meeting; and 11. Adjournment

A brief explanation of each agenda item, the detailed Definitive Information Statement for CY2024, the procedures for the registration for the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting and the voting in absentia, and the procedure for attendance by proxy can be accessed in Jackstones, Inc.’s website at http:// jackstonesinc.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/JackstonesInc.-2025_Definitive-Information-Statement-with-Annexes_11July-2025.pdf, or in the Philippine Stock Exchange Electronic Disclosure Generation Technology at https://edge.pse.com.ph/ openDiscViewer.do?edge_no=1279de5afd61db6cec6e1601cce e8f59

The Organizational Meeting of the Board of Directors will follow soon after the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting. By order of the Board of

SBMA remits P1.47b worth of dividends to the Treasury

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has remitted P1.47 billion in dividends to the national government, the Department of Finance (DOF) said.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto lauded the remittance as “shared success,” saying it helps fund public programs without increasing taxes.

“Dividends help us raise funds for government programs without raising taxes on our people,” Recto said during the ceremonial turnover on July 14, 2025. “They represent not sacrifice, but shared success. For we are earning this money by demanding more from ourselves—more efficiency, more integrity, more excellence in public service.”

The remittance aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for fiscal discipline among government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), aiming to maximize non-tax revenues for priority programs, the DOF said.

Under Republic Act No. 7656, or the Dividend Law, GOCCs should remit at least 50 percent of their preceding year’s net earnings as dividends.

The DOF has encouraged GOCCs to increase this share to 75 percent to boost non-tax revenue.

The SBMA is tasked with developing and managing the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) as a selfsustaining industrial, commercial, financial, and investment hub, attracting investments and generating employment. Recto commended the SBMA’s “excellent service” and urged them to elevate Subic into a global player.

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. chief executive and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy says the company’s rebranding is not just a cosmetic change in its look, but signals a wider, broader and subtler shift in the company’s focus and direction.

Converge unveils refreshed brand in line with ‘techco’ shift

CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc., a leading Philippine broadband and technology provider, on Tuesday unveiled a refreshed corporate identity, marking a shift from a traditional telecommunications provider to a forward-looking technology company.

The new logo was introduced during the company’s Mid-Year Townhall, where Converge leadership also shared performance highlights for the first half of 2025 and outlined future growth plans.

“This new corporate identity was created with the future in mind,” Converge president and co-founder Maria Grace Uy said.

“We’re at an inflection point in our journey — from simply connecting people through fiber broadband to delivering digital-first, value-added solutions. Our transformation into a full-fledged techco is well underway, and this refreshed identity captures that momentum. It represents our charge to go from fiber to the future, a future where technology and humanity converge,” she said. The redesigned logo features an icon made of three bold, upwardflowing swoosh strands that form a letter “C,” symbolizing the company’s transformation and forward trajectory. Each strand represents a key pillar for Converge: connectivity, intelligence, and experience.

11-year motorcycle plate backlog cleared

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE government has eliminated an 11-year backlog in motorcycle plate production, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Tuesday, fulfilling a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expedite the process.

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said 5.4 million motorcycle plates were produced this year, effectively clearing the backlog that had accumulated since 2014. These plates are now being distributed to Land Transportation Office

Unpaid WESM fees not passed on to consumers

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Independent Electricity Market

Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) assured the public that any unpaid fees at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) are not passed on to consumers.

IEMOP, which operates the WESM, the country’s electricity trading floor, stated these unpaid fees remain as receivables from power generators.

The operator’s statement came in response to a call from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) for firm action on payment defaults by WESM members.

“It is important to clarify however, that any amount unpaid by defaulting WESM customers are not passed on to consumers nor delinquencies subsidized by consumers. These remain as receivables of the generation companies and other sellers in the WESM,” IEMOP said in a statement.

IEMOP lauded the PCCI’s support for a well-functioning and accountable electricity market and echoed the view that all WESM participants must satisfy their financial obligations on time.

The agency said it has “religiously enforced” WESM rules, including the timely issuance of default and suspension notices and the imposition of financial penalties.

“These actions are guided by the WESM Rules and relevant Market Manuals, which empower IEMOP to impose appropriate sanctions, including suspension and deregistration, as warranted,” it said.

(LTO) district offices nationwide.

“Finally, under the administration of President Bongbong Marcos and after 11 years, we have wiped out the backlog in motorcycle plates,” Dizon said. “This year, we have now pro-

duced 5.4 million motorcycle plates, which effectively eliminates the backlog.”

The LTO has launched ltotracker. com, a website where motorists can monitor the status of their plates for delivery or pick-up at LTO district offices. The platform is also accessible via the eGovPH app.

Dizon also issued a warning against the production and sale of fake license plates, following the arrest of four individuals in San Ildefonso, Bulacan on Saturday. The arrests were made by the Philippine National PoliceCriminal Investigation and Detection

GOTYME Bank, a Philippine digital bank, said it has acquired over 6.5 million users in less than three years and now holds more than P30 billion in customer deposits.

The bank said in its second-quarter update it sustained a rapid growth in usage, reach and financial trust, making it the fastest-growing digital bank in the Philippines.

“In just the last three months, Go-

Tyme users spent over P10.5 billion using our card, which has now been used in more than 100 countries,”

GoTyme Bank chief executive Nate Clarke said.

“It shows that our customers are not only banking with us, they’re tak-

ing us around the world,” said Clark.

The bank now ranks among the top four in monthly active app users and top five in InstaPay transactions, placing it alongside the country’s largest traditional financial institutions.

Clarke said the P30 billion in deposits reflects rising consumer confidence, prompting the bank to strengthen its digital security with biometric verification for device relinking and upgraded fraud detection to guard against phishing and other threats.

He said that by the third quarter of 2025, the bank would have kiosks in every SM Store nationwide, where

Group (PNP-CIDG) and the LTO. Authorities confiscated plate printing machines from the suspects, who were allegedly selling fake plates for P1,200 on social media.

“For those who are doing this nonsense, stop it because we will not stop you,” Dizon said, adding that more arrests are expected. He emphasized that genuine LTO-issued license plates include security features like QR code verification.

Dizon also extended his gratitude to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and PNP Chief Nicolas Torre for their assistance in apprehending the suspects. DOTr Secretary

Filipino MSMEs seek financial

freedom,

face funding hurdles

By Othel V. Campos

MOST Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are driven by a desire for financial independence, with 64 percent of business owners starting their ventures for this reason, according to the 2025 “Heart of Hustle” report. The report, unveiled on Tuesday by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), highlights the deep aspirations of these businesses despite persistent challenges.

The “Heart of Hustle” report, further discussed on Wednesday at the opening of the two-day MSME Bayanihan Caravan 2025, revealed that small business owners maintain ambitious goals even when confronted with barriers like limited access to financing, rising operational costs, and market constraints.

The study, which surveyed 3,098 MSMEs nationwide, found that 60 percent aim to increase revenue this year, 53 percent seek to expand their customer base, and 48 percent intend to improve product quality. Despite these aspirations, 55 percent of respondents have never applied for a business loan, primarily due to a fear of debt and the perception of high interest rates. Ironically, 59 percent of approved loans carried modest annual rates between 1 percent and 5 percent, indicating a disconnect between perception and reality. Many MSMEs still rely on personal savings (44 percent) or government programs (34 percent) to fund their operations.

in less than 3 years

customers can open an account in minutes and receive a free Visa debit card on the spot.

“We are putting the power of banking directly where people live, shop, and thrive,” said GoTyme co-chief executive Albert Tinio.

“This is more than convenience. This is a revolution in access and empowerment,” said Tinio.

GoTyme is also extending up to P3 million in credit to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)

through collaborations with PayMongo and foodpanda, aiming to drive local economic growth. The bank continues to roll out accessible and inclusive financial tools, including “Buy Now, Pay Later” fourinstallment plans with low, transparent fees; stock investing, which will be launched in the third quarter; curated cryptocurrency trading; self-service cash deposit/withdrawal machines; and a new Go Rewards system.

Othel V. Campos

BEAUTY TRAINING. L’Oréal and SPARK! Philippines boost their commitment to social inclusion and empowerment through beauty and digital training, through a partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to expand the Beauty for a Better Life E-Beauty Advisor Program nationwide. Signing the agreement are (from left) DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, L’Oréal Philippines managing director Yassine Bakkari and SPARK! Philippines executive director Maica Teves.

CITI’S AWARDS. Citi Philippines receives three awards from the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham Philippines) inaugural Corporate Social Impact (CSI) Awards. Philippines Citi country officer and banking head Paul Favila (center) receives

Vince Dizon

By Sasha Uy

NEARLY 300 exhibitors from across the country will gather at the SM Megamall Megatrade Halls for the 2025 edition of the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced.

Scheduled to run from July 23 to 27, the annual trade event will showcase a diverse range of homegrown products— including fashion accessories, wellness essentials, upcycled décor, natural home furnishings, and eco-friendly innovations.

The DTI said each exhibitor was carefully selected for their product quality, design, and alignment with sustainability goals.

“This year’s National Trade Fair is not just a marketplace—it’s a platform to advance Filipino innovation and excellence,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista. “It highlights how our MSMEs can thrive through green technologies and responsible production.”

The event supports the government’s Tatak Pinoy strategy, which aims to boost the competitiveness of Philippine-made products and promote local entrepreneurship. Unlike its food-focused counterpart, the National Food Fair, the trade fair puts a spotlight on creative sectors and technological solutions developed by Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Scientists warn of tropical cyclones’ impact during monsoon season DTI to feature Filipino innovation at National Trade Fair on July 23

Tropical cyclones hundreds of kilometers away from the Philippines are often more responsible for heavy rainfall than those that hit the country directly during the annual “Habagat” or southwest monsoon season from July to September, according to new research.

Dark skies over the Ateneo de Manila University campus in Quezon City, Philippines, forebode possible rain. During the “Habagat” or southwest monsoon season from July to September, rains over the western Philippines can be exacerbated by tropical cyclones far to the east of the country that don’t even make landfall.

(PHOTO: Aaron R Vicencio / ADMU)

The findings undermine the widelyheld public misconception that only tropical cyclones that directly hit the country pose serious flood risks: while the “direct” effect of tropical cyclones accounts

for an average of 15.4 percent of rainfall during the Habagat season, its “indirect” effect contributes more than twice that amount. The remaining 51.5 percent comes from the monsoon itself, without tropical cyclone influence.

Torrential rain pulled in by distant tropical cyclones

An average of 33.1 percent of the rainfall during the southwest monsoon season is caused by tropical cyclones that do not make landfall but enhance the Habagat, pulling in large amounts of moisture from the surrounding seas and

Gov. Guico’s 2nd term: Rooted in progress, growing with

By Isabelle Fernando

turning otherwise moderate monsoon rains into torrential downpours, according to the study.

The location where a tropical cyclone forms, called its “genesis point”, also impacts the amount of rainfall. It was found that tropical cyclones that form farther away from the Philippines tend to move northeast of Luzon and are thereby more likely to enhance the monsoon. In contrast, those that form closer to the country often take shorter, westward tracks and thus have a weaker effect on the southwest monsoon.

A striking example of this phenomenon occurred in July 2024, when Typhoon Gaemi (known locally as Super Typhoon Carina) stayed well away from the Philippine landmass but enhanced the southwest monsoon so much that Quezon City recorded nearly a full month’s worth of rain in just 24 hours. The resulting floods across Luzon killed 48 people and caused over 8 billion pesos in damage, despite the typhoon not making landfall.

IN Pangasinan, progress is no longer just a vision. It is taking shape in farms, schools, fisheries, and health centers across the province.

Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III began his second term with a renewed commitment to grassroots development, highlighting progress in agriculture, enterprise, education, and healthcare during his inauguration at the Sison Auditorium.

Under Guico’s leadership, the province was named Regional Outstanding Kadiwa ng Pangulo (LGU Implementer) by the Department of Agriculture, recognizing efforts to connect producers directly to consumers. Since 2022, over 2,500 MSMEs from Pangasinan have joined national trade fairs, generating over ₱21 million in sales.

The Corporate Farming Program has expanded, providing more barangays with free seeds, fertilizers, and equipment. Four warehouses with drying pavements now operate in Sta. Barbara, Bugallon, and San Quintin. Meanwhile, the upcoming ₱239-million Pangasinan Bangus Breeding and Hatchery in Bolinao aims to strengthen the province’s aquaculture industry.

Hotel DreamWorld North EDSA: Filipino elegance meets affordable Luxury

HOTEL DreamWorld North EDSA’s doors are open to welcome new guests after a major renovation, offering a refreshed boutique experience at the heart of Metro Manila.

Known for its family-friendly hospitality and affordability, the newly upgraded property sets a higher standard for the DreamWorld hotel chain, which includes branches in Cubao, Las Piñas, Araneta, and East Ortigas. With modern interiors and warm, cozy design, the hotel aims to provide comfort for every kind of traveler—from business guests to families and couples. Manager Christian Em-

manuel Bona describes it as “a haven where guests can genuinely relax,” away from the demands of everyday life. New features include a well-maintained swimming pool, a sleek mini bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, LED TVs, and room service options. Guests can also enjoy a breakfast buffet of local and international dishes, as well as work-friendly amenities. The hotel offers 24/7 concierge support and secure

Over half a century of research data

The researchers from the Ateneo de Manila University; the Manila Observatory; the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA); and Japanese partner institutions analyzed 62 years of weather data from 1961 to 2022 and focused on rainfall patterns along the western coast of the Philippines during the peak southwest monsoon season from July to September. In the four rainiest years on record—1962, 1972, 2012, and 2018— rainfall totals soared above 2,000 millimeters during the monsoon season. On average, the largest share of rainfall came from the indirect effects of tropical cyclones, with up to 41.5 percent of the total rainfall attributed to their monsoon-enhancing effects. These tropical cyclones never made landfall, yet ended up saturating Luzon and parts of Visayas with flood-inducing rains.

Among the new additions this year is the Philippine Sustainability Pavilion, a dedicated space for products made from indigenous and natural materials such as abaca, bamboo, and native grasses. According to organizers, the exhibit aims to demonstrate how heritage and innovation can intersect through environmentally responsible design.

The fair will also offer free seminars and workshops, including live demonstrations and themed exhibits. These sessions aim to help MSMEs expand market access, build capacity, and scale up their operations.

In 2024, the National Trade Fair drew more than 27,000 visitors and generated ₱73.2 million in total sales, the DTI reported. Of this, ₱62.1 million came from cash and booked orders.

Admission to the five-day event is free and open to the public. Organizers said they expect increased turnout this year as interest grows in sustainable and locally produced goods.

Dark skies over the Ateneo de Manila University campus in Quezon City, Philippines, forebode possible rain. During the ‘Habagat’ or southwest monsoon season from July to September, rains over the western Philippines can be exacerbated by tropical cyclones far to the east of the country that don’t even make landfall. Aaron R Vicencio/ADMU

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ANGELICA Writer Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

SHOWBIZ

By Nickie Wang

ACTOR Richard Gutierrez has long wanted to play a soldier. In Incognito, which ends its run on July 18, he takes on the role of Jose

“JB” Bonifacio, a former Navy SEAL who forms a private military team to carry out missions beyond the reach of official forces.

The action-drama premiered on Netflix on Jan. 17 and has remained one of the platform’s most-watched shows in the Philippines since its debut. It later began airing on the Kapamilya Channel.

Produced by Star Creatives and Studio Three Sixty, the series was developed with input from Gutierrez, who pitched the concept with director Lester Pimentel Ong after being drawn to real-life stories about private military contractors.

“This was a dream role for me,”

Gutierrez told Manila Standard

Entertainment in an email interview.

“I’ve always wanted to portray a soldier in a story that feels authentic and professionally done.”

With training in karate, jiu-jitsu, and muay thai, Gutierrez performed most of his own stunts and said he was ready for the physical demands of the role, despite sustaining minor injuries during filming.

Scenes were shot in Japan, Italy, Palawan, Marawi, Tacloban, Baguio, and Benguet. The 41-yearold actor said working in extreme weather was challenging, but collaboration among the team kept

When Netf lix nights turn into core memories

the production on track.

“A mission is impossible if you do it alone,” he said.

Over 100 episodes, the cast built a strong bond. Gutierrez said the group had become a “real family” by the time they filmed the show’s final scenes in Marawi.

Incognito was praised for its action sequences and polished production. While some critics noted predictable fight scenes and

IT IS one thing to stay up late watching your favorite K-drama. It is another to wake up in Seoul and walk straight into the world of Squid Game.

That’s exactly what happened to five PLDT Home subscribers with their companions who were part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Along with their companions and K-Life content creators Happee Sy, Kring Kim, and Kristel Fulgar, they flew to Korea for a special tour featuring Squid Game: The Experience, a real-life attraction inspired by the hit Netflix series.

PLDT Home, in partnership with Netflix, launched the first-ever Squid Game experiential trip consumer promo. In anticipation of the show’s new season, winners enjoyed three days in Korea, visiting iconic spots and stepping into scenes from the series they had previously only seen on screen. Among them were Kevin and Kristia , a couple with two kids who spend most of their nights enjoying movies and series on Netflix. Kevin works as a technical writer, while Kristia is a reports analyst. Like many working parents, their time to unwind is often spent in front of the TV.

“We usually just stay at home.

Very Wang

Watching Netflix is already something we look forward to,” Kevin said.

When they got the call saying they had won a trip to Korea, they thought it was too good to be true.

Kevin received the message on his birthday. Kristia applied for the PLDT Home Fiber Netflix plan to save on streaming costs and was surprised that it also opened the door to something bigger.

It turned out to be their first trip abroad as a family. Their son Keon, a fan of Squid Game, was thrilled to join the immersive experience.

“The part I liked most was Red Light, Green Light,” Keon shared, smiling after being asked about his favorite moment.

The entire experience felt like stepping into the series. Kevin admitted feeling nervous during the games, even if it was all for fun. For Kristia, seeing the places they had watched in dramas made the trip even more meaningful.

“You remember the scenes. It hits you when you’re actually standing there,” she said.

PLDT Home arranged everything, from the airport to the hotel to the attractions. The couple said they felt taken care of from start to finish.

Special arrangements were made so they could travel with their kids, and they never felt

afterthought.

“It was all handled with care,” Kristia said. “We are very grateful, especially since we rarely win anything like this. It still feels unreal.”

For a family that once found comfort in watching dramas together, this trip gave them something new to hold on to. A real experience in a city they had only seen on screen. A memory that now belongs to them.

stylized dialogue, the series gave Gutierrez the chance to explore a role he had long been waiting for.

Now that the series is wrapping up, Gutierrez is preparing for a new project, which details are still under wraps.

“I’m excited to be back on the big screen,” he said.

He will also travel to London on Aug. 2 for a Filipino event, which he said will be a mix of work and rest.

Though action has dominated his recent projects, Gutierrez said he hopes to return to lighter material.

“I actually miss doing romantic comedies,” he said. “Hopefully, I can work on one again soon.”

He’s also interested in a period film set in the 1970s. When asked about his early influences, Gutierrez named Bruce Lee, Sylvester Stallone, and the James Bond series.

As part of his creative growth, the actor also said he’s open to working behind the scenes.

“Producing is part of my longterm plan,” he shared. “It’s a way to support the industry and help develop new stories.”

APPLE TV+ series Severance is expected to lead the charge when nominations for the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards are announced Tuesday morning, potentially joining the ranks of recent Emmy powerhouses like Succession and Shogun

The dystopian workplace drama has drawn widespread acclaim and audience support for its second season, positioning it as a likely frontrunner across major categories. Lead actors Adam Scott and Britt Lower are expected to earn nominations for their dual-role performances, while Tramell Tillman and director Ben Stiller are also likely contenders. The show received 14 nominations in 2023, winning two.

Its path may be eased by the absence of FX’s Shogun , which led all nominees last year with 25 and is not eligible this cycle due to production delays.

Other top contenders include HBO’s The White Lotus , which continues to dominate supporting acting categories with its ensemble cast. The resort-set drama’s third season, filmed in Thailand, featured performances by Walton Goggins, Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, and Sam Rockwell

HBO Max’s The Pitt , a new medical drama starring ER alum Noah Wyle , is also expected to be a strong contender. Wyle, a five-time Emmy nominee for ER , could face off with Scott in the lead actor category.

Apple TV+ is also eyeing comedy nods for The Studio , a Hollywood satire co-created by and starring Seth Rogen . The show could challenge previous winners like Hacks and The Bear Rogen is seen as a potential triple nominee for acting, writing and directing. Guest stars Zoë Kravitz, Martin Scorsese, and Ron Howard may also draw attention.

Hacks , with Jean Smart aiming for a fourth consecutive win in the lead comedy actress category, and The Bear , which earned a record 23 comedy nominations last year, remain strong contenders despite a mixed reception to the latter’s third season.

In the limited series category, Netflix’s British crime drama Adolescence is widely expected to perform strongly. Fifteenyear-old Owen Cooper , who stars as a teen accused of murder, is among the favorites for an acting nomination.

Despite declining viewership across the awards landscape, some titles still reach wide audiences. Warner Bros. Discovery says The Pitt averaged 10 million viewers per episode—a notable figure in the fragmented streaming era, though still far from the 30 million who tuned in for ER during its peak on NBC.

Network TV’s Emmy presence continues to dwindle, but ABC’s Abbott Elementary remains a strong player in comedy categories. CBS could also return to the spotlight with Matlock as Kathy Bates is a frontrunner in the lead comedy actress race. A win would mark the first for a network performer in that category since 2015.

Emmy nominations will be livestreamed at 11:30 a.m. Eastern on Emmys.com/nominations. Earlier announcements for reality and talk categories will air on “CBS Mornings ” around 7:45 a.m. Eastern. The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards will be held Sept. 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Comedian Nate Bargatze will host. AFP

Richard Gutierrez takes aim as ex-Navy SEAL Jose ‘JB’ Bonifacio in an action scene from ‘Incognito’

From left: Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, John Turturro,

from ‘Severance’ Kevin and his family join fellow winners at Squid Game: The Experience to take on games inspired by the hit series

Kevin and Kristia’s family experience Korean culture by donning traditional hanbok during their trip

like an

Kevin and his son competes in one of the challenges at Squid Game: The Experience

Nickie Wang

Couple Kristia and Kevin and their two kids enjoy their first family trip abroad in Seoul

By Jasper Valdez

IArt and music come together to support children in care

N A rooftop gathering that mixed soulful choral music with stirring works of art, the Little Ark Foundation raised funds in support of children undergoing treatment at the National Children’s Hospital.

The June 29 fundraiser, held at the VCP Building along Kalayaan Avenue, brought together donors, artists, and advocates for an afternoon of compassion. With a limited raffle featuring original and limited-edition works by celebrated Filipino artists and a performance by award-winning choir Novo Concertante Manila, the event spotlighted the healing power of art and music.

At the center of it all was Little Ark Foundation founder Butch Bustamante, whose personal experience inspired the organization.

“Years ago, my own son went through this journey,” he said. “I know what it feels like to rely on the kindness of others just to get through each day.”

That journey led to the creation of Little Ark, which supports families of pediatric patients, many of whom travel from the provinces for treatment and have no place to stay. The

ACROSS Metro Manila, stages are stirring with new energy. From bold reinterpretations of classic works to original plays that speak to today’s audience, this week’s performing arts scene offers a glimpse into a world shaped by movement, voice, and vision. For those seeking something beyond the screen, this is your invitation to enter the artistic space and let the stories unfold. Here is a curated look at the performances shaping the cultural landscape this week.

Ang balyena

A stage play confronting toxic Filipino masculinity and the trauma faced by male sexual assault survivors will run at the De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde Design + Arts Theater starting Saturday, July 19.

Produced by Aninag Theatre, a student-led theater company from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Arts, Culture, and Performance (SACP), the two-hour production centers on Jonah, a man at the height of his career who is forced to confront his past and bury long-suppressed truths during a quiet gathering with loved ones.

by Palanca awardee

‘Untitled (Construction)’ piece is raffled off to raise funds for children undergoing treatment at the National Children’s Hospital foundation provides non-medical, holistic support services to help children with blood diseases and cancer complete their treatment plans.

“One of the highlights of the day is our art raffle,” Bustamante said, acknowledging the artists and donors who contributed works by Joven Alcala, Benjie Cabangis, Pete Jimenez, Juvenal Sansó, Toym Imao, and Rodel Tapaya, among others. The initiative helps raise awareness and sustain support for children undergoing intensive care.

All proceeds from the raffle went toward the foundation’s programs, including a halfway house currently under renovation near the hospital.

Among the major winners were Christine Valencia-Batara, who took home Blue Bloom by Joven Alcala; Mico Manalo, who won Pete Jimenez’s steel piece Kurot sa Puso; and Joe Tsui, who claimed Mangrove Series #9 by Benjie Cabangis. Artist Pete Jimenez also won a piece himself, Summer Rain #1 by Cabangis, while Emma Dizon received Rodel Tapaya’s Daydreaming Also raffled off were works by Juvenal Sansó, including A Universe of Things won by Luisa Schwartz, and Of Impalpable Beauty claimed by Manny Chan. Notably, Ricky Francisco won Adam and Eve by Anton del Castillo, and Jimenez also took home Jose Santos III’s untitled construction piece.

Hema-Onco division chief Dr. Ana Marie Espaldon of the National Children’s Hospital described how the halfway house will meet a vital need.

“Before, we saw families

Bold plays and fresh perspectives light up Manila stages

Glazing Life

Glaiza Lee

sleeping in hospital corridors, waiting for the next round of treatment,” she said. “This house is not just a building. It’s a bridge between healing and hardship.”

Quezon City administrator Michael Victor Alimurung, who attended the event, praised the foundation’s work.

“Government can only do so much,” he said. “That’s why we’re grateful for groups like the Little Ark Foundation who go beyond and really work to help others.”

As the event wrapped up, Bustamante reminded the crowd of the cause at the heart of it all.

“A warm meal, a safe place to sleep, a ride to the hospital—these small things become everything,” he said. “You don’t need to have all the answers. Just show up.”

Meanwhile, the 8th Entertainment Editors’ Choice (The Eddys) has named the Little Ark Foundation as its official beneficiary.

Organized by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), The Eddys honors achievements in Philippine cinema. Part of the event’s proceeds will go to the foundation’s programs.

“This year, The EDDYS goes beyond recognizing cinematic excellence by standing with children who are bravely fighting for their lives,” said SPEEd president Salve Asis The awards night is set for July 20 at the Marriott Ballroom in Newport World Resorts, Pasay City. It will air via delayed telecast on the Kapamilya Channel and Jeepney TV and stream on iWantTFC on July 27.

‘Hinog’ stages a thought-provoking scene during Virgin Labfest XX: Extended at the Cultural Center of the Philippines

of-the-Box Series. It opens the Intramuros Evenings on July 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Centro de Turismo, Intramuros, Manila.

Written by Jose Victor Torres and directed by CCP artistic director Dennis Marasigan, the piece draws from the works of National Artists Alejandro Roces (We the Filipinos Are Mild Drinkers), F. Sionil Jose (Po-on), and Eddie Romero (Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?). Featuring the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company, the story follows Kulas, an aging farmer detained in the 1950s on suspicion of leading the Huk, as he navigates questions of memory and identity.

The production marks the 46th anniversary of the Intramuros Administration and continues its partnership with CCP in promoting Philippine arts and culture.

“This is an appropriate opening for the revival of Intramuros Evenings,” said Marasigan. “It looks back at history to provide insight into our past.”

Cultural Center of the Philippines stages ‘Ganito na Kami Noon, Paano na Ngayon?’ as part of the Intramuros Evenings series

Jay Crisostomo VI, the production reflects current Filipino society. The lack of coverage and support for Filipino male sexual assault survivors prompted the students to address silence and stigma, while confronting issues of censorship within the play itself. Ang balyena premieres Saturday, July 19, at 1:00 p.m. and runs from July 21 to 25 at 6:00 p.m. All shows will be staged at the 5/F Theater of the Benilde Design + Arts Campus, 950 Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila. Tickets are P400, with discounts for Benildeans, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens. The gala is set for July 26 at 1:00 p.m., with tickets at P500, inclusive of Aninag Theater merchandise. Registration: tinyurl.com/AngBalyena. Intramuros evenings: CCP’s Ganito na kami noon, paano na ngayon? The Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Intramuros Administration bring history and heritage to life with Ganito na kami noon, paano na ngayon?, a devised theater piece from the CCP Out-

Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis. VLF XX: Extended

The Virgin Labfest returns for a one-night-only extension on July 24 at 8:00 p.m. at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater). VLF XX: Extended features three plays from the festival’s 20th edition: Minating ni Mariah ang manto ng Mommy ni Mama Mary by Eljay Castro Deldoc, Presidential Suite #2 by Siege Malvar, and Don’t meow for me, Catriona by Ryan Machado Deldoc’s play follows former con artist Mariah, who joins a Lenten exhibit to repent but is accused of stealing the antique veil of St. Mary Magdalene. Malvar’s debut is a dark comedy about Senator Zaragoza, who falls into a coma amid a money laundering scandal. Her children scramble to protect the family’s public image. Machado’s work features a daughter waiting for a bus with her mother as she reflects on

Directed by Joy Delos Santos and written

‘Ang Balyena’ examines trauma and toxic masculinity in a student-led theater production at Benilde Design + Arts Theater

The

(regular)

P1,000 (premium), available via

The Novo Concertante Manila choir performs moving choral pieces during the fundraiser

Guests view Pete Jimenez’s steel piece Kurot sa Puso, one of the artworks raffled during the Little Ark Foundation’s fundraising event

Anton del Castillo’s Adam and Eve becomes one of the featured raffle prizes supporting pediatric patients through the Little Ark Foundation

Jose Santos III’s

Little Ark Foundation founder Butch Bustamante shares his personal journey of supporting children battling cancer

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

By Angelica Villanueva

TELLING stories through scent, sound, and craft, Spatio returns to Opus Mall as a retail destination and a living space that celebrates Filipino creativity in all its forms.

With its refreshed interiors and renewed vision, the 7,800-square-meter concept store now offers more than just curated goods. It invites guests to experience Filipino identity through handmade products, sensory design, and immersive storytelling rooted in culture and community.

“Our goal was to create an experience that isn’t just about shopping. It’s about connection. Each product, each sound, each scent here tells a story that’s deeply rooted in who we are as Filipinos,” said filmmaker and artist Connie Macatuno, who spearheaded the store’s new creative campaign titled #KwentoNatinGalingPilipino

Scented celebration of Filipino creativity

HOW fitting that designer Basil Malicsi’s theme for his collection is called Alapaap. This was showcased at the prestigious Asia (Thailand) Fashion Show, held from July 10 to 12 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Filipino word for “sky,” alapaap exudes lofty ideals and the lengths one must go through to reach such heights. His participation was made possible through the Philippine Fashion Coalition and Fashion Philippines, further underscoring the nation’s growing influence in the ASEAN fashion scene.

womenswear pieces. Inspired by the ethereal beauty of clouds and open skies, Alapaap combined traditional tailoring with contemporary design sensibilities, offering a dreamy yet grounded interpretation of tropical wear. The collection was praised for its fluid cuts, thoughtful textures, possible Philippines, nation’s Alapaap, a and a color

Malicsi unveiled ready-to-wear Spring/Summer 2025 collection that included both menswear and

His collection includes contemporary bags that highlight indigenous materials from the Philippines

and

The campaign marks Spatio’s first collaboration with the Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines (FAMph), an organization that supports the use of indigenous materials and promotes local craftsmanship.

The store features over 100 Filipino makers and brands, including Abel PH, Lokal, Agsam Fashion Fern, Leather Studio Manila, Lakat, and Mara Piñon, with each one weaving tradition into contemporary design.

Through Macatuno’s lens, Spatio transforms into a living archive of Filipino creativity. From tactile displays of woven and handcrafted goods to curated merchandise that bridges the past and present, every detail is meant to evoke emotion and meaning.

Visitors were also greeted by the nostalgic aroma of ube, specially developed to enhance the feeling of home. The experience is heightened by Sa Habi ng Alaala: A Tapestry of Filipino Sound , a three-hour mix curated by Jorge Juan B. Wieneke V that weaves together kundiman , folk, funk, and ancestral sounds.

More than just fashion and design, Spatio brings its story to life through food and drink.

The store houses Bar Shu and We The People Coffee & Tea Co., both offering Filipino-inspired menus. Drinks like Wild Halo-Halo, Ube Colada, Kape Latik, and desserts such as Bibingka Cheesecake carry the same intention as the rest of the space—to reintroduce Filipino culture in ways that are familiar, yet fresh.

The space is not just for showcasing products— it’s for storytelling, community-building, and cultural pride. It’s a celebration of what Filipino design is and what it can be.

Spatio blends lifestyle, heritage, and innovation under one roof. Every handcrafted bag, scent, and song becomes a chapter in a collective narrative—one that’s proudly Filipino.

Philippine tradition meets global contemporary in Thailand

the Philippines, rendered in very contemporary forms. The Filipino identity is paramount in Malicsi’s work without pandering to the old and kitsch. His creations are firmly rooted in the present and possess global allure while remaining tethered to Philippine cultures. Blending local textile techniques with avant-garde silhouettes, Malicsi captivated both regional buyers and fashion critics. His signature attention to detail and commitment to sustainability shone through each piece, leaving a lasting impression and opening doors for future collaborations across Asia. This milestone reaffirms the Philippines’ place in the broader Asian fashion narrative, contributing to dialogues around

identity, and innovation. As regional platforms continue to spotlight diverse voices, the presence of designers like Malicsi at international showcases highlights the depth, creativity, and potential of the country’s

at kartunistatonto@gmail.com or chonggo.bsky.social

Designer Basil Malicsi showcases his collection ‘Alapaap’ at the prestigious ‘Asia (Thailand) Fashion Show’ in Bangkok

From left: Actresses Bela Padilla and Ryza Cenon, and photographer Shaira Luna grace the event

From left: Connie Macatuno, True Value and Pet Lovers Centre general manager Pearly Lorenzo Templado, Atty. Pia Receno, Robinsons Land Corporation AVP and head of corporate digital marketing Patricia Madison Mendoza, and Mara Quintal

The fashion show spotlights proudly local designers, bringing Spatio’s celebration of Filipino creativity to life on the runway

Connie Macatuno (left) and Spatio deputy general manager Martin de Leon

Filmmaker

screenwriter Connie Macatuno

Primer Chong Ardivilla