Manila Standard - 2025 July 18 - Friday

Bato taunts admin: Go ahead, arrest me

By Rex Espiritu and Ram Superable

SENATOR Ronald dela Rosa on Thursday taunted the administration to “go ahead” and surrender him to the International Criminal Court in connection with the crimes against humanity case of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

"If they want to commit the same mistake again, then go ahead. They can do that,” Dela Rosa said.

“What they did to President Duterte, that was a big mistake," he added.

Malacañang, however, clarified the government has not received any official communication from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) regarding fresh arrest warrants.

Claire Castro disclosed this yesterday during a press briefing. She said the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles, California verified with American authorities the authenticity of the police report on Rustan's executive Paolo Tantoco's death and found out that it was "altered."

''With reference to Mr. (Rigoberto) Tiglao's post on the screenshot of the purported report surrounding the circumstances of the death of Mr. Paolo

By Rio N. Araja, Rex Espiritu, and Joel E. Zurbano

By Pot Chavez

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday confirmed the discovery of more human remains in Taal Lake during the search and retrieval operations conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). In a press briefing, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced the recovery of 4 bags in the lake, 2 of which contained human remains, while 2 bags contained sand that was said to have been used as a weight to

two other bags to the bottom of the lake.

"Human remains were found in Taal Lake in the area pointed out to us by our sources, which were also identified by Alyas 'Totoy'. We have found human remains again this time in the specific quadrant pointed out to us as a site where people are being disposed of," he said. Remulla underscored that actual human ribs were found in the latest search, confirming that what was recovered were remains of deceased people.

By Vito Barcelo

By Pot Chavez

PBBM appoints new ERC chair, 2 comms

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed lawyer

Francis Saturnino Juan as the new chairperson of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and two new ERC commissioners, Malacañang announced yesterday.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that Juan's appointment will take effect on August 8. The new ERC commissioners, Amante Liberato and Paris Real, will assume office effective immediately, she said.

Bato...

From A1

“As of now, we have not received any communication regarding arrest warrants for the co-perpetrators of former president Duterte,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing yesterday. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Wednesday told Kyodo News an arrest could be made against Duterte’s co-accused if Interpol issues a red notice to effect the ICC warrant.

"If...there is (an Interpol notice),

Not...

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“Chairperson Juan will steer the ERC toward more efficient, transparent, and pro-consumer decision-making,” Castro said.

“We are confident that Chairperson Juan’s deep institutional knowledge and leadership will ensure a smooth transition,” she added.

we proceed. But if the Supreme Court comes out with a ruling that (says) you must afford full due process before you surrender anyone, that's what we are going to do," Bersamin said.

Duterte was arrested at the airport upon returning from Hong Kong on March 11 and was immediately flown to The Hague, Netherlands where he was turned over to the ICC Detention Center.

ICC prosecutors earlier identified nine of Duterte’s co-perpetrators in their arrest warrant application. While the names of the nine were redacted,

would not be good. Why should I go there with a fake smile when I’m upset with them?”

Dela Rosa said.

“For what? I don’t want to pretend in front of lawmakers I'm upset with. Not all of them, but I am upset with some from Congress and Malacañang. Why should I pretend to be okay with them?” he added.

Dela Rosa also said he has no more expectations from the Marcos administration.

“I have no more expectations from this government. I just hope that they will focus on making the life of the Filipinos better. That's my only

’Crising’...

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wind signal no. 1 was hoisted over Batanes, Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino and the northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya; the northern portion of Aurora; Abra; Apayao; Kalinga; Mountain Province; Ifugao; the northern portion of Benguet; Ilocos Norte; Ilocos Sur; the northern portion of La Union; Polillo Islands; Camarines Norte; the northern portion of Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes.

The center of the eye was estimated at 335 kilometers northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, or 545 km east of Baler, Aurora, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

It was moving west-northwestward at 30 kilometers per hour with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 70 km/h.

A landfall scenario over mainland Cagayan tonight is possible, the weather bureau said. “Crising” is forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility tomorrow afternoon.

It is likely to reach the tropical storm category last night or early Friday morning. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) announced on its Facebook page that its alert status has been elevated from “Blue” to “Red” effective noon yesterday.

All detailed duty officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines,

Police...

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Tantoco in Los Angeles, the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles had verified with the Beverly Hills Police Department on the veracity of the alleged report and found the police report posted by Mr. Tiglao was altered,'' she added.

She said the Department of Foreign Affairs, through the Philippine

Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, and other key agencies are now required to render duty at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, it said.

Likewise, the Office of Civil Defense said it is working closely with local government units and partner agencies as “Crising” and the intensified southwest monsoon (habagat) bring heavy rains across many parts of the country.

“Resources are ready, and coordination is ongoing to support affected areas. The public is advised to stay alert, monitor weather updates, and follow local advisories,” the OCD said in a statement.

As this developed, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) placed 44 airports nationwide on heightened alert due to the tropical depression’s movement across the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

CAAP Director General Raul del Rosario has likewise instructed all area and airport managers in potentially affected regions to activate their respective Airport Emergency Plans (AEPs) promptly.

In a statement, he said they are to maintain close coordination with local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils, airline operators, and other airport stakeholders to ensure passenger safety, secure facilities, and uphold continuous operational readiness.

The agency also announced the suspension of the following eight flights of Cebu Pacific (CEB) and its sister airline CebGo, due to unfavorable weather conditions.

Consulate in Los Angeles, coordinated with US police on the matter.

''Some of the terms used in the purported letter were not in line with the BHPD's (Beverly Hills Police Department) standard language and protocol. BHPD would not include terms such as 'expected to be drug overdose,' 'suspected to be cocaine,' and 'summoned to BHPD,''' Castro said.

Asked for comment by GMA News, Tiglao said he had emailed the BHPD to ask if the report was authen-

Juan replaces Monalisa Dimalanta who tendered her irrevocable resignation effective Aug. 8, 2025.

Liberato currently serves as Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration at the Office of the President.

A lawyer and certified public accountant, he previously worked with the Commission on Audit (COA) and held consultancy roles in both legislative and executive agencies.

Real, on the other hand, is a lawyer with over two decades of experience, including more than 10 years of active participation in major ERC regulatory proceedings.

“These appointments reflect the President’s commitment to energiz-

Dela Rosa's name was mentioned in the document.

He was then the chief of police and lead implementer of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

Asked if he would go into hiding to evade arrest, Dela Rosa said he will “cross the bridge when the bridge is constructed.”

“Why do I have to tell you? The preparation is mine alone,” he said.

“If you are facing a government that is not observing, is not trying to preserve its sovereignty, then I don’t have to answer that question,” the senator added.

Taal...

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This followed Wednesday’s exhumation of three unidentified remains in a public cemetery in Laurel, Batangas, which were previously found floating in the lake and later buried after no one came forward to claim them.

While it appears that one of the bodies found may be a woman because of the underwear found, he underscored that they are looking into the possibility that this could be a woman abducted in Lipa City in the past.

The DOJ chief is hopeful to find viable organic samples to proceed with the tracking of the identity of exhumed remains as they begin to prepare the DNA bank that will be helpful in the investigation.

However, Remulla noted that the ongoing search and retrieval operations in the lake may be temporarily suspended following the phreatic eruption of Taal volcano to ensure the safety of the personnel from the PCG.

"If it is not healthy, if it becomes an obstacle to human health, then we will stop. The [Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology] Phivolcs will advise us if it is safe or not," he said.

The DOJ is the only authorized agency that can provide official information regarding the ongoing search in the lake to promote better coordina-

Supreme...

From A1

In a statement issued on Wednesday, SC spokesperson Camille Ting said security measures were put in place to secure the judges and court personnel.

“The Court is taking this matter seriously and is closely monitoring the situation. An investigation is underway, in coordination with law enforcement authorities. Appropriate security measures have also been put in place to ensure the safety and protection of the judges, court personnel, court users, and the general public,” the statement read.

tic and he said an official, Lt. Chris Coulter, replied to him and said: ''The document you have provided was altered and that information was NOT released by the Beverly Hills Police Department.''

Tiglao said he received a second email from the BHPD, stating that what the real police report did not contain was mainly the sentence “Companions of the victim were summoned to the BHPD for questioning, which were Dinah Arroyo Tan-

ing the ERC with leaders who uphold integrity, transparency, and public service,” Castro said.

Meanwhile, the energy sector strongly welcomed the appointment by Malacanang of three commissioners to the Energy Regulatory Commission led by chairperson Juan and lauded the President for his swift action to avoid further regulatory lags.

In a statement, the Philippine Independent Power Producers Association (PIPPA), the professional organization of independent power producers said:

“We are confident that chair Nino Juan will continue to pave the way for energy modernization, promoting regulation that is best for all sectors to ensure energy se-

In May, human rights lawyer Kristina Conti said Dela Rosa played a key role in the drug war killings in the country.

“I am pretty sure Bato dela Rosa will receive the next summons or warrant of arrest in the Philippine situation. This is because he would appear to be one of the most responsible for the killings in the war on drugs, not only because he was chief of police of Davao and the Philippines, but because he was implementor of the Davao Death Squad,” said Conti, who is also an assistant to counsel at the ICC.

tion with the public. Meanwhile, the local government of Laurel, Batangas, said it was studying whether to declare a state of calamity due to the drop in fish sales amid reports of cadavers being dumped in Taal Lake.

Bienvinido Mayuga, the town’s municipal administrator, said this is the first step to securing the release of calamity funds that will be used to aid affected fisherfolk. He said the municipal government has already distributed relief goods to 500 families affected by the plummeting sales, and more aid is scheduled to be handed out in the coming days.

“We are discussing with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office how to go about providing quick assistance to those affected by the ongoing investigation [in Taal Lake],” he said in Filipino.

As this developed, Malayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima said she was not surprised by Remulla’s statement that some of the remains found in Taal Lake could be drug war victims.

“This is no longer surprising. The modus operandi of the Davao Death Squad (DDS) killers used to include dumping the corpses of their victims in Samal Island waters. Others are buried at Laud Quarry, which still has chinop-chop bodies. Abominable! Monsters,” she said in Filipino. With Maricel V. Cruz

The SC reiterated its commitment to uphold judicial independence, saying “judges will continue to carry out their duties with integrity and calm resolve, guided by fairness and the rule of law.”

The high tribunal also urged the public and all concerned stakeholders to remain vigilant and continue supporting the judicial process with trust and respect.

The alleged threats were received by the Pasig court on Wednesday morning.

Among the popular cases pending before the Pasig RTC are those filed against former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and controversial televangelist Apollo Quiboloy.

toco, Liza Araneta Marcos, and Alexa Miro.”

''I found Coulter’s reply revealing. He didn’t deny that the three were summoned for questioning and didn’t claim it as 'false.' He referred to it as 'that information was not released [sic] or verified by the BHPD,''' Tiglao said.

He also asked for the whereabouts of the First Lady when the party, attended by Tantoco, took place at the Beverly Hills. Ram Superable

curity, reliability, and efficiency… PIPPA looks forward to a dynamic ERC in the coming years of their service."

The Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance, composed of solar industry stakeholders, commended the President for his swift action on the appointment of Juan, former executive director of the ERC.

“This ensures minimum disruption on the critical work pending before the Commission,” PSSEA chair and founder Tetchi Capellan said.

“The industry welcomes Atty Juan and celebrates his return to the Commission. He is a qualified replacement who has broad knowledge and deep understanding of the job,” she said.

Implement emergency outpatient care benefit

By Ram Superable

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation yesterday ordered all accredited hospitals to strictly implement the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB).

"All accredited hospitals are hereby reminded to strictly implement the deduction of OECB Package. Hospitals found to be non-compliant...shall be subject to Health Care Provider Performance Assessment System (HCP PAS) Policy," it warned through an advisory signed by PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado.

Possible sanctions include administrative cases or breaches of performance commitments.

The new benefit, created under PhilHealth Circular No. 2024-0033, aims to bridge financial coverage gaps for patients seeking urgent or emergent care.

The measure aligns with Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act, which requires PhilHealth to establish a comprehensive outpatient benefit system.

Under the policy, emergency cases treated in the emergency departments of accredited Level 1, 2, and 3 hospitals are covered by the Facility-based Emergency Benefit.

PhilHealth clarified in Advisory No. 2025-009 that no additional application is required from hospitals to provide the OECB since eligibility is assumed through their Department of Health license.

The OECB is expected to lessen the financial burden of patients who require immediate outpatient emergency medical attention.

The initiative is part of the government’s push to make healthcare more accessible and affordable, particularly for underserved populations.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Leni cites pragmatism, focus of Kiko, Aquino

FORMER Vice President-now Naga

City Mayor Leni Robredo attributed the victories of senators Paolo Aquino III and Francis Pangilinan in the recent elections to focus on their respective platforms, coupled with a pragmatic and flexible approach.

At the same time, Robredo underscored the importance of giving more room for criticisms and dissention being upheld by the two senators.

According to her, the strategies followed by Aguino and Pangilinan allowed them to garner significant mass support, particularly from local officials.

Although some critics viewed her backing for Aquino and Pangilinan as controversial, Robredo maintained it was crucial to their victories, especially since pre-election surveys indicated they were underdogs in the senatorial derby. Joel E. Zurbano

DSWD ramps up relief operations in Region 6

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 6 has ramped up relief distribution across Western Visayas, delivering more than ₱3.6 million worth of food packs to families affected by heavy rains and flash floods triggered by the southwest monsoon or habagat and tropical depression Crising.

According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center, a total of 15,949 families or 68,103 individuals have been dislocated in various parts of the region, including Iloilo City, the towns of Leganes, Ajuy, and San Dionisio in Iloilo Province, the municipalities of Sibalom, Tobias Fornier, Laua-an, Culasi, and San Jose in Antique, Maayon and Cuartero in Capiz, and the cities of Bacolod, Talisay, Kabankalan, as well as the towns of Hinoba-an and Cauayan in Negros Occidental.

NUJP hits anomalies at Tacloban City Jail

THE National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) on Thursday called for investigation on the alleged irregularities at the Tacloban City Jail for womenj, including delays in providing medical care and violations of lawyer-client confidentiality.

According to NUJP, community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and lay worker Marielle Domequil have reportedly experienced delays and inaction on their request for medical check-ups.

They also charged that jail officers take photos of documents provided by their lawyers, while letters from friends and relatives were screened and withheld from them altogether.

“As if being held for more than five years on trumped-up charges is not enough.” The NUJP lamented. Rex Espiritu

MALACANANG has announced the approval of a revised schedule for former combatants of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to apply for membership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) According to the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPLAPRU), the Intergovern-

ON VIOLATING MEDICAL ETHICS. Lawyer and human rights advocate Lorenzo Tañada III shows a copy of his complaint lodged at the Professional Regulation Commission seeking the revocation of the licenses of doctors of medicine implicated in an alleged multilevel marketing scheme of a foreign-based pharmaceutical company to the detriment of indigent patients. Lino Santos

AFP: We do what’s right on WPS

By Rex Espiritu

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has taken exceptions to snide remarks by a retired Philippine Air Force general on military efforts to assert and protect the country’s sovereign rights over contested territories in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Speaking at a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday, AFP spokesperson for WPS affairs Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad dismissed the comments of retired Maj. Gen. Romeo Poquiz as “defeatist, misleading, and alarmist.” Poquiz warned earlier that the Philip -

pines risks becoming a staging ground for foreign powers and could end up like “another Ukraine.”

Trinidad maintained that all current defense actions by the AFP were “firmly rooted in upholding Philippine sovereignty.”

“It has come to the attention of the leadership of the Armed Forces that some retired members of the AFP have been posting online some comments that we deem we have to address,” Trinidad said.

“First and foremost, those attributed to retired senior officers, that we are a pawn in a power play between the United States and China,” he added.

In his social media posts, Poquiz expressed concern over what he called the Philippines’ growing dependence on the United States, noting that increased military cooperation could drag the Philippines into a geopolitical conflict akin to Russia’s war with Ukraine.

Revised schedule out for ex-Muslim rebels to apply with PNP

mental Relations Body (IGRB) of the national government and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has put its stamp of approval on the new schedule. Under the latest resolution of the National Police Commission (Napolcom), the application period is extended until June 8, 2027, subject to existing applicable rules and regulations, with no further extension.

“The Bangsamoro Government maintains that the five-year period should be reckoned not from the ratification of the BOL (Bangsamoro Organic Law), but from a reasonable point of implementation, considering that the administrative and regulatory framework necessary for the application of MILF and MNLF members was only put in place in 2022.” the Napolcom resolution read.

IGRB co-chairpersons Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and Minister Mohagher Iqbal emphasized the importance of inclusive integration and the achievements of the IGRB, including partnerships between national and regional agencies, the transfer of government functions to the Bangsamoro government, and continued preparations for the upcoming Bangsamoro parliamentary elections. Rex Espiritu

“What we need is wisdom, not war cries. We need leaders who think longterm, who can defend sovereignty without turning Filipinos into cannon fodder. Let’s not be another Ukraine. History already taught us what naïveté, arrogance, or incompetence can cost,” Poquiz said, warning of the risks that the Philippines could become “an unsinkable aircraft carrier in the Indo-Pacific.”

In response, Trinidad emphasized that such views misrepresented both the intent and posture of the Philippine military.

“Let this be very clear, first and foremost. We are a sovereign state. We have our national interest,” he stressed.

Teodoro cites need to acquire a submarine

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. maintained that acquiring a submarine is a must in defending national sovereignty and security. For the time being however, Teodoro said substitute capabilities can suffice in securing the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Teodoro emphasized that the Armed Forces of the Philippines will ultimately require a submarine as the country looks to broaden its operational reach in the future.

“Naturally, with submarines, I believe that there will come a time, perhaps we will be needing them when we have to secure our supply chains and the Philippine Navy evolves into an expeditionary securing force for Philippine vessels,” Teodoro said in a Tuesday interview in the podcast with maritime expert Ray Powell.

“At the present time, I believe, in the area of operations that we have in our EEZ, perhaps alternate or substitute capabilities will do,” the defense chief said. Teodoro also underscored the need for “hybrid capabilities like drones and other unmanned weapon systems,” including unmanned surface vessels (USVs).

‘Young victims of violence need help’

By Maricel V. Cruz

LEYTE 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Thursday expressed full support for the government’s initiative to provide financial compensation to young victims of violent crimes, underscoring the crucial role of the state in helping them recover and rebuild their lives. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier announced an agreement establishing a referral system enabling child victims to access financial assistance for their basic needs and other recovery-related expenses.

“Our young ones deserve to be cared for, nurtured, and protected. When they become victims of cruel, violent crimes, it becomes the government’s duty to ensure that they are properly supported on the way to healing and recovery,” Romualdez said.

“By making it easier for them to access financial compensation that can cover expenses for treatment, therapy, legal support, and education, we give young survivors a real chance at a fresh start — with the government standing firmly by their side,” he added.

Romualdez vowed to champion in the House of Representatives initiatives to institutionalize the program and ensure allocation of adequate funding for the referral mechanism.

SO CALM, SO PEACEFUL. Serenity, peace, and quiet reign supreme as night falls over the backwater of the Manila Bay inhabited by the Manila Yacht Club. Edd Castro

DRUG HAUL.

The Bureau of Customs, led by Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, inspects the consolidated shipment found to contain illegal drugs worth at least P749.63 million at the Manila International Container (MICP) in Manila on Thursday, July 17, 2025. Danny Pata

Solons hit Imee’s ‘Duterte bill’

By Maricel V. Cruz

APARTY-LIST lawmaker on Thursday denounced Senator Imee Marcos’ seeking to prohibit arrests or detention of individuals in the Philippines for transfer to any international court, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), without a warrant issued by a local court.

The measure, dubbed the “President Rodrigo Roa Duterte Bill,” was a regressive and dangerous attempt to shield perpetrators of mass atrocities from international accountability, Akbayan party-list

Rep. Perci Cendaña said.

“Senator Imee is wrong on both law and principle,” said Cendaña. “The ICC has jurisdiction over former President Duterte because the alleged crimes oc-

IN BRIEF

MTRCB okays discounted rates for restored local films

THE Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has approved discounted review rates for restored local films to help preserve and promote the country’s cinematic legacy.

“Through this resolution, we aim to strengthen our support for film restoration and preservation efforts, making it more accessible for producers and advocates to reintroduce culturally significant works to today’s audiences,” MTRCB chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio said.

A special rate of P3,500, down from the previous P8,862.75, will be applied to review restored films.

“Trailers and related publicity materials shall be assessed at the prevailing rate during the time of review,” the MTRCB said.

MIAA forms special team to probe airport theft case

THE Manila International Airport Authority has formed a special team to investigate some airport personnel and airline staff regarding an alleged theft incident that recently occurred at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The investigation focuses on a case involving jewelry valued at half a million pesos that went missing from NAIA Terminal 3.

Passenger Kimberly Nakamura shared on social media that her jewelry box, containing wedding rings, a diamond necklace, and earrings, went missing after her flight from Manila to Singapore late last month.

Upon her return to Manila, Nakamura viewed CCTV footage showing her lost items. She said at least one staff member even tried on the wedding ring, and despite the box being at the podium for several days, no airline staff turned it over to airport authorities. Joel E. Zurbano

Alsons Power marks 33 years with community initiatives

IN CELEBRATION of its 33rd year in the power industry, Alsons Power Group, the power generation arm of the Mindanao-based Alcantara Group, launched its first-ever “We Power with Care Day” on July 11, marked by simultaneous environmental and community development activities across the country.

The We Power with Care Day mobilized more than 600 individuals, including Alsons Power employees, community members, and local government partners across key sites in Bohol, Iligan, Makati, Negros Occidental, Sarangani, and Zamboanga.

The participants took part in tree planting, river and coastal cleanups, and school support programs, bringing to life Group’s brand promise, “We Power with Care.”

“This isn’t just an anniversary event. It is a reflection of who we are and what we stand for. It’s our way of giving back to the communities we serve and bringing to life our brand promise, We Power with Care,” said Antonio Miguel Alcantara, CEO of Alsons Power.

curred during the period when the Philippines was a full member of the ICC, from 2011 to 2019.”

He also emphasized the importance of the ICC trying Duterte’s case.

“Digong’s case at the ICC is that of a crime against humanity. You don’t need to be an expert on international law to know that he has to be held accountable,” the lawmaker said.

Fellow Akbayan Party-list Rep. Jose Manuel Diokno said the proposed measure undermines the Philippines’ continuing obligations under the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC, particular-

ly in relation to crimes committed while the country was still a member.

“We have a duty to respect and to follow the procedures of the ICC. Any law that we will pass or that will be in violation of the Rome Statute, for me, would not be consistent with our obligations in the ICC,” he added.

The Philippines formally withdrew from the ICC in 2019, but the court maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a state party, including the period covering Duterte’s term from 2016 to 2022.

Customs busts P750-m shabu inside shipment

By Vito Barcelo and Joel E. Zurbano

THE Bureau of Customs seized on Thursday nearly P750-million worth of shabu shipment hidden in balikbayan boxes at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the shipment declared as personal belongings was found to contain illegal drugs.

The 110.24 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride—otherwise known as “shabu”—were concealed in four boxes.

The seized contraband will be turned over to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for further investigation.

Authorities will file appropriate charges against persons linked to the illegal importation of the shipment.

Nepomuceno said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has consistently underscored the importance of strengthening border protection measures to prevent the entry of illicit drugs into the country.

MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose Torralba said the success of the operation reflects the effectiveness of the Customs’ strengthened profiling measures and interagency coordination.

“We will not allow criminal elements to exploit balikbayan privileges and tarnish the trust of our overseas Filipinos. This seizure underscores our commitment to protecting the country and its people,” Torralba said.

8 Pinoy crew of ill-fated MV Eternity C back in Manila

EIGHT Filipino crew members of the ill-fated MV Eternity C attacked by Houthi rebels off the coast of Yemen are now home with their families, as the government continues to hope for the still missing 13 others.

The Department of Migrant Workers on Wednesday evening welcomed the group upon their arrival at the NAIA Terminal 1 via Saudi Airlines flight SV870 at past 9 p.m.

“Due to the severity of the incident, only eight people have been able to return home. But we hope that we have some hope for the others who were left behind. But for now, thanks to the rescue that brought home eight crew members of the Eternity C,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a press briefing shortly after the arrival of the seafarers. The group was part of the crew of the Greek-

flagged MV Eternity C, which was struck by missiles in two separate attacks by Houthi rebels on July 7 and 8 while navigating the Red Sea. The vessel later sank.

A total of 22 crew members of the MV Eternity C were on board, 21 of whom are Filipinos. Cacdac said the government is not losing hope that the 13 who remain unaccounted for would soon be located.

RESEARCH firm Capstone-Intel Corporation lauded the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) for its decisive and forward-looking policy regulating gambling advertisements in the country— marking a critical step in promoting responsible gaming and protecting vulnerable sectors, particularly minors and families.

PAGCOR chairman Alejandro Tengco earlier ordered the removal of all out-of-home (OOH) gambling ads—including billboards, vehicle wraps, transit ads, and other public placements—on or before August 15, 2025. His directive also prohibits gambling advertisements from airing during primetime television hours between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Capstone-Intel said the measures were “clear and necessary assertion of state oversight amid an evolving entertainment landscape.”

OPINION

When it rains, it pours

GILBERTO “Gibo” Teodoro has achieved so much and gone so far as a public official over the years.

At age 16, he became the president of the Kabataaang Barangay in Tarlac province.

Later, he was elected as a member of the Tarlac provincial board. From 1998 to 2007, he represented the First District of Tarlac in Congress.

In 2007, at age 43, Teodoro was appointed Secretary of National Defense under the Arroyo administration.

He even made an unsuccessful bid for president in 2010 under the banner of the Lakas-Kampi party. In 2023, he again assumed the position of Defense Secretary under the Marcos Jr. presidency.

Teodoro’s meteoric rise in Philippine politics has no doubt been shaped by his education in the best schools in the country.

He obtained his Law degree from the University of the Philippines and topped the 1989 Philippine Bar Examinations with an 86.18 percent rating.

In 1997, he obtained his Master of Laws degree from Harvard University and later passed the State Bar of New York.

But Teodoro’s reputation has been tarnished of late by controversy over his Maltese citizenship, revealed only recently through investigative reports.

According to official records, he was issued Maltese Passport 1259234 in Dec. 2016, valid until Dec. 2026.

Despite this, he is reported to have sworn under oath in his Personal Data Sheet that he had never acquired the status of an immigrant or permanent resident of another country.

He also allegedly failed to disclose his dual citizenship, a clear violation of rules requiring full disclosure of foreign nationalities. This omission alone may constitute perjury under Philippine law.

Records of the Bureau of Immigration show that from 2017 to 2021, Teodoro went on at least 34 foreign trips using a Philippine passport, even though he had not yet legally reacquired his Filipino citizenship under Republic Act 9225, the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act. Philippine law—specifically RA 8239, the Philippine Passport Act—explicitly states that only Filipino citizens may hold and use a Philippine passport.

Thus, the use of a Philippine passport during this time, without proper citizenship status, may constitute a criminal offense.

To further complicate matters, it was only in Aug. 2021, or a full four and a half years after he started traveling on a Philippine passport, that Teodoro formally applied to reacquire his Philippine citizenship. And while he submitted an Affidavit of Renunciation of Allegiance to Malta dated 30 Sept. 2021 as part of his senatorial bid,

there is no record that this renunciation was ever filed or acknowledged by the Community Malta Agency, as required by the Maltese Citizenship Act.

In short, by the time Teodoro filed his certificate of candidacy for senator in Oct. 2021, he may still have been a foreign national, a status that could invalidate his candidacy under Philippine election laws and disqualify him from holding public office.

The Defense Secretary should address the issue (of dual citizenship) directly and clear the air once and for all

Despite not being a Filipino citizen during the years 2019–2021, Teodoro is alleged to have continued to affirm Filipino citizenship status in his tax filings.

He presented himself as a Filipino public servant, while legally still a Maltese citizen, an act that could constitute fraud and misrepresentation.

In multiple official documents, he is alleged to have made statements that may be construed as deliberate attempts to mislead his true citizenship status.

Teodoro is also alleged to have violated at least three major Philippine laws—RA 9225, RA 8239, and the Omnibus Election Code—not to mention the Constitutional prohibition against dual allegiance.

These actions may not only expose him to administrative, civil, and criminal liabilities, they may also undermine the credibility of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Department of National Defense, and the Marcos Jr. administration, which has promised transparency and good governance time and again.

To be fair, the Department of National Defense has clarified that Secretary Teodoro renounced and gave up his Maltese passport in 2021, before he filed his certificate of candidacy to run for senator.

It said Teodoro had also informed the Bureau of Immigration and the Commission on Elections about his renounced Maltese passport, as well as the Commission on Appointments, before his confirmation as defense chief.

The Defense Secretary should address the issue directly and clear the air once and for all, as he holds a leadership position that requires him to consistently defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity without having to deal with questions about his citizenship status. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Manufactured controversy on Teodoro

ONCE again, Defense Secretary Gilbert

“Gibo” Teodoro Jr. finds himself dragged into a controversy that should have died years ago. The issue? A Maltese passport he legally acquired in 2016 under Malta’s now-defunct investment citizenship program.

Critics claim this makes him Constitutionally unfit to serve as the country’s top defense official. But the facts, repeatedly clarified by Teodoro and supported by official records, expose this for what it is: a contrived smear timed to weaken him at a crucial moment.

Let’s be clear about the law.

The Philippine Constitution bars dual citizens from holding sensitive posts for obvious reasons of allegiance.

But Teodoro renounced his Maltese citizenship in 2021, well before filing his candidacy for the 2022 elections. He did so openly, disclosing this to the Commission on Elections, Bureau of Immigration, and Commission on Appointments.

All these agencies, tasked with vetting candidates for constitutional compliance, found no legal obstacle to his run or his subsequent appointment.

So why are we pretending this is new?

Because the controversy is useful—now more than ever. Teodoro has become one of the administration’s strongest, clearest voices against China’s brazen aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

He is pushing to modernize the Armed Forces, tighten our defenses, and rally the military to defend Philippine sovereignty.

Naturally, this earns him enemies—foreign and domestic—who would love nothing more than to see him sidelined or discredited.

The question writes itself: Why revive this now? Who gains if the country’s defense chief is painted as disloyal?

The answer is simple: those who want to fracture our defense leadership, muddy the waters in the West Philippine Sea, and sow doubt among Filipinos at a time when unity is vital.

Teodoro has become one of the administration’s strongest, clearest voices against China’s brazen aggression in the West Philippine Sea

There are also ambitious figures within the administration eyeing his post. And let’s not kid ourselves—Duterte’s allies see an opportunity to score cheap political points by fanning baseless fears.

If there’s anyone who has earned the benefit of the doubt, it’s Gibo Teodoro.

His record is clean. He served as defense secretary during the Arroyo administration with distinction.

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format in a traditional pen and ink, depicting a fighting rooster for cock fights looking menacing. At its leg is a gaff shaped like the one curved like a sickle. But this time, make it more prominent and large like a scythe. The rooster’s leg with the gaff is connected to a wooden staff held by a grinning grim reaper.

EDITORIAL

Paltry wage increase

NOT unexpectedly, the recent ₱50 daily minimum wage increase in Metro Manila has sparked mixed reactions among Filipino workers and labor groups.

Many labor organizations called the increase insufficient, labeling it a “drop in the bucket” compared to the rising cost of living.

The Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa described it as “damage control,” criticizing it as a weak attempt to pacify workers after the failure to pass a national wage hike law.

For its part, the Partido Manggagawa argued the hike does not address the “skyrocketing cost of living” and vowed to push for a ₱200 legislated increase in the 20th Congress.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers called the increase “an insult,” saying it does little to ease the burden on educators and other workers.

But Malacañang welcomed the increase, calling it a step toward easing workers’ hardship. President Marcos Jr. expressed caution about broader legislated wage hikes, citing concerns about potential job losses if small businesses cannot absorb the additional costs.

The Department of Labor and Employment said the ₱50 hike was the highest ever approved by the regional

He returned to the same role at a time when the region faces rising threats. His integrity has never been seriously questioned—until now, when it conveniently suits the agenda of those who fear his resolve and competence.

Full disclosure: Gibo and I were classmates in the great UP Law Class of 1989.

We prepared for the Bar together, which he topped. This I know: he is one of the most brilliant Filipino lawyers of our generation and will not make a mistake on his qualifications as a public official.

We have not always agreed on policy, but I have never doubted his integrity or his unwavering love for country.

General Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, put it bluntly: “There is absolutely no doubt about his loyalty. He has always stood for country above all. His record, service, and unwavering

wage board and would benefit around 1.2 million workers. Economists and employers offered divergent views—some saw it as a fair compromise, while others worried about its impact on micro industries.

The workers’ groups and labor unions here are well within their right to demand a higher minimum wage that would allow them to meet basic living costs, especially in urban centers

So while the increase is historic in size, many workers feel it’s not enough to meet their daily needs. How does the recent P50 increase in the minimum wage stack up against

commitment speak for themselves.”

The military’s top brass trust him—because they know whose side he’s on. That should matter far more than an old passport long given up. We should also hold the media to account.

A responsible outlet would have checked the facts with Teodoro himself. This one did not. Instead, it peddled an incomplete, misleading story designed to inflame and confuse. Worse, it dropped the story just as Teodoro’s stance on national defense has put him on a collision course with powerful interests at home and abroad.

This was not journalism—it was sabotage dressed up as investigative reporting. In the end, this controversy says more about those spreading it than about Teodoro. It reveals a willingness to twist facts and

wage hikes in other Southeast Asian countries?

Our ₱50 minimum wage increase brought Metro Manila’s daily wage to ₱685, still lower than Thailand’s and Malaysia’s monthly equivalents. Vietnam and Indonesia implemented a 6 percent increase, reflecting inflation and cost-of-living pressures. Malaysia opted for wage growth through skills, not across-the-board hikes. Singapore remains an outlier with no national minimum wage, relying on sectoral guidelines.

How would the recent wage increase compare with living costs or average salaries in some ASEAN member-countries?

Singapore has the highest salaries and living costs by far. Rent alone can exceed $2,000/month. Vietnam and Indonesia offer the lowest living costs, but also have lower average wages. Malaysia strikes a balance with moderate wages and cost of living.

The Philippines has one of the lowest minimum wages, and while Manila’s salaries are higher than Vietnam’s, the cost of living is rising. Thailand offers decent wages relative to its cost of living, especially in cities like Bangkok.

The workers’ groups and labor unions here are well within their right to demand a higher minimum wage that would allow them to meet basic living costs, especially in urban centers.

weaponize half-truths to weaken a public servant whose only crime is putting country before self-interest. Filipinos should see through this cheap distraction. At a time when we should stand behind a defense chief with the courage to confront our most pressing security threats, some would rather tear him down with stale accusations and insinuations. Teodoro did what the law requires. He renounced his foreign citizenship. He disclosed it to all the proper agencies. He has stayed focused on the job—modernizing our military and standing firm against foreign encroachment. Now it’s our turn to do our part: reject this manufactured controversy and back him in the work that matters—defending our nation’s sovereignty in an increasingly dangerous neighborhood. Facebook, X, and Bluesky: tonylavs | Website: tonylavina.com

FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2025

Taipei holds drill for Chinese attack

IN BRIEF

Myanmar junta claims recapture of town

YANGON – Myanmar’s junta claimed on Thursday to have ousted armed rebels who captured a town near the military’s main officer training academy after a year-long battle.

A 2021 coup sparked a civil war in Myanmar, pitching the military against a myriad of pro-democracy guerrillas and ethnic armed groups which have long held sway in the nation’s fringes.

The northeastern town of Nawnghkio was seized by opposition fighters last summer, after some of the disparate groups organised a combined offensive which secured a string of victories against the military.

Nawnghkio is only about 40 kilometers -- roughly an hour drive -- from Pyin Oo Lwin, the town that hosts the country’s main military officer school. Its capture was a major victory for ethnic fighters from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the prodemocracy People’s Defence Forces. But the junta said in state media The Global New Light of Myanmar it had retaken the town after “566 armed engagements within 11 operational months”. AFP

Yemen’s Huthi rebels assert missile attack

SANAA, Yemen – Yemen’s Huthi rebels claimed a missile launched at Israel’s main civilian airport, after the Israeli military said it intercepted a missile fired from the Arabian Peninsula country.

The Iran-backed rebels targeted Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv with a “Zulfiqar ballistic missile” and drone, military spokesman Yehya Saree said late Wednesday. In the video statement, he also announced drone attacks on military targets and the southern Israeli port of Eilat.

The Huthis have launched repeated missile and drone attacks against Israel since the Gaza war began in October 2023, sparked by Hamas’s attack on Israel, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. In response, Israel has carried out several air strikes on Yemen, including on the port city of Hodeida earlier this month.

The Israeli military had said that “following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, one missile that was launched from Yemen was intercepted”. AFP

Trump cancels funds for high-speed rail

LOS ANGELES – US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday (Thursday Manila time) that his administration was cutting billions in federal funding for the construction of a high-speed rail line in California, a project beset by delays.

The Republican had previously signaled his opposition to the project, launched 15 years ago to build a high-speed train connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco.

“Not a SINGLE penny in Federal Dollars will go towards this Newscum SCAM ever again,” he posted on social media, using a pejorative name for California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and bitter political rival of the US president.

“This was an ill-conceived and unnecessary project, and a total waste of Taxpayer money,” said Trump.

Launched in 2008, the project to connect the two main cities of the country’s most populous state has seen numerous delays and overshot budgets. AFP

MODERN WARFARE. A CM-32 Clouded Leopard vehicle, officially Taiwan Infantry Fighting Vehicle, is deployed near the Port of Taipei as part of the annual Han Kuang military exercises in New Taipei the other day. Rather than only repelling a Chinese attack on its shores, Taiwanese troops this year have also practiced fighting invading forces in city streets. Hightech mobile missile launchers from the United States also have been positioned around the capital and elsewhere, in full view of the public. AFP

Iraq shopping mall fire kills 55, some missing

KUT, Iraq – A fire tore through a shopping mall in the eastern Iraqi city of Kut overnight, killing more than 50 people, medical sources told AFP Thursday.

“We have more than 50 martyrs, and many unidentified bodies,” a medical source said. An official in the health department of Wasit province put the toll at 55 dead, adding that rescuers are still looking for missing victims. In Sept. 2023, a fire killed at least 100 people when it ripped through a crowded Iraqi wedding hall, sparking a panicked stampede for the exits.

In July 2021, a fire in the COVID unit of a hospital in southern Iraq killed more than 60 people.

Wasit province governor Mohammed al-Miyahi had earlier told the official INA news agency that “the number of victims has reached 50 people, martyrs and injured, in the tragic fire at a major shopping center.”

The blaze broke out late Wednesday, reportedly starting on the first floor before rapidly engulfing the Hyper Mall.

The cause was not immediately known, but one survivor told AFP an air conditioner had exploded.

Ambulances were still ferrying casualties to hospitals as late as 4:00 am, filling the wards of a hospital in Kut, about 160 kilometers southeast of Baghdad.

An AFP correspondent said the mall

had only opened five days earlier and reported seeing charred bodies at the hospital. The fire has since been contained, but firefighters were continuing to search for missing victims. Videos shared on social media showed distraught relatives waiting at the hospital for news, with some collapsing in grief. One man was seen sitting on the ground, pounding his chest and crying out, “Oh my father, oh my heart”.

Dozens of people gathered in front of the hospital checking ambulances as they arrived, and some of them collapsing on the floor in agony. AFP

HEAVIEST RAINFALL. This handout photo

on Wednesday and released Thursday by

Fire Services shows rescue members searching for missing people after a 10-meter-high

from an overpass collapsed onto the road during a heavy rain in Osan. Parts of South Korea were battered by torrential rains, with one region pummelled by the most rainfall per hour since full records began in 1904, the country’s weather agency said. AFP

US

senators approve $9

billion of Musk’s federal spending cuts

WAHINGTON, DC – The US Senate approved early Thursday a package of spending cuts proposed by President Donald Trump that would cancel more than $9 billion in funding for foreign aid programs and public broadcasting.

The upper chamber of Congress green-lit the measure in what was seen as the first test of how easily lawmakers could usher into law savings sought by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) -- in the aftermath of the tech mogul’s acrimonious exit from the government. Despite the cutbacks’ unpopularity in some sections of both parties, the Republican-led Senate passed the measure with 51 votes for and 48 against in a session that went more than two hours past midnight.

The version of the text passed in June by the House of Representatives sought to eliminate $400 million in funding allocated to health programs, including the PEPFAR global AIDS relief fund created by then-president George W. Bush.

But defunding PEPFAR -- which has saved an estimated 26 million lives -was seen as a nonstarter among a handful of moderate Republican senators, and the proposal was dropped.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham told AFP the bill was consistent with Trump’s promises to cut spending.

“I’ve been a big fan of the foreign aid accounts... I’m a big hawkish guy, but you need foreign aid. You need soft power,” he said.

“But when you start spending money on a bunch of junk, and liberal programs disconnected from the purpose of the aid package, it makes it difficult on a guy like me.”

The bill now goes back to the House for final approval, with lawmakers up against the clock. Congress, which

TAIPEI – Taipei came to a brief standstill on Thursday when air raid sirens forced thousands of people off the streets and into underground shelters and shops in a rehearsal for a Chinese attack.

The annual civilian drill is being held in cities across Taiwan this week, alongside military training, to prepare the selfgoverned island for a potential Chinese invasion.

While Communist China has never ruled Taiwan, Beijing insists the island is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring it under its control. At 1:30 pm (0530 GMT) sirens sounded across Taipei, bringing the capital city of 2.5 million people to a halt for half an hour.

Motorbikes, cars and public buses stopped on the street and people were directed into shelters, including underground car parks and subway stations. Some people retreated into office buildings or convenience stores for the duration of the exercise.

The drills also involve simulating wartime aid distribution and a mass-casualty event.

Since taking office last year, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has sought to raise public awareness of the threat posed by China.

Of the drills, 25-year-old Oscar Wang said: “I think this is necessary because tensions across the strait are so high right now.”

“So it’s important to let us ordinary people become more familiar with evacuation routes,” he told AFP. Taiwan is also keen to show the world, especially its key security backer Washington, that it is serious about boosting its defence capability.

Taiwanese regular troops were joined by the largest-ever mobilisation of reservists for the 10-day “Han Kuang” military drills, which end Friday.

Rather than only repelling a Chinese attack on its shores, Taiwanese troops this year have also practiced fighting invading forces in city streets. AFP

flowing in along the edge of the North Pacific High, triggering strong atmospheric instability”, the official added.

South Korean broadcasters ran videos of severe flooding in Seosan, with water swamping markets and apartment complexes, as well as submerging parked cars. Residents in Hongseong county, also in South Chungcheong province, were ordered to “evacuate immediately to a

Several

One driver was killed in Osan, a city about

south of the capital Seoul, after a 10-meter-high retaining wall from an overpass collapsed onto the road, crushing his car. AFP

taken

Gyeonggi-do

retaining wall

Rory stars at British Open, but no. 1 Schef er favored

PORTHRUSH,

United Kingdom — Rory McIlroy will be roared on in his homeland as the 153rd British Open gets underway at Royal Portrush on Thursday as world no. 1 Scottie Scheffler seeks his first Claret Jug.

McIlroy returns to Northern Ireland as the Masters champion but determined to make amends for his disastrous start at Portrush six years ago when a quadruple bogey at the opening hole on his way to a firstround 79 saw him miss the cut.

The world no. 2 is the star attraction for the close to 280,000 spectators set to attend the four days of play at the final major of the year.

Scheffler, though, is the favourite despite having never won the British Open before, while defending champion Xander Schauffele is aming to put a frustrating year behind him.

McIlroy, who tees off at 15.10 local time (1410 GMT) alongside Ryder Cup team-mate Tommy Fleetwood and American rival Justin Thomas, may have to battle the worst of blustery weather for the opening round with thunderstorms forecast early evening.

But the man who announced himself as a star of the future by breaking the course record at Portrush with a 61 as a 16-year-old 20 years ago, is confident after ending his 11-year major drought at the Masters in April.

“When I was looking at the calendar for 2025, this was the tournament that was probably circled even more so than the Masters for different reasons,” said McIlroy, who finished second at the Scottish Open last week.

“It’s lovely to be coming in here already with a major and everything else that’s happened this year. I’m excited with where my game is.”

Scheffler unfulfilled

Scheffler’s eighth-place finish at the Scottish Open stretched his streak of top-10 finishes to his last 10 tournaments, a run which includes three victories. The American has also added to his major haul this year by winning his third at the PGA Championship. Yet, Scheffler’s comments on the

eve of the tournament that his is “not a fulfilling life” caught the eye.

“There’s a lot of people that make it to what they thought was going to fulfil them in life, and you get there, you get to number one in the world, and they’re like, ‘What’s the point?’”

Scheffler said.

“It feels like you work your whole life to celebrate winning a tournament for like a few minutes. It only lasts a few minutes, that kind of euphoric feeling.”

Schauffele is craving that winning

Zamboanga, Pasay, GenSan gain traction in MPBL

ZAMBOANGA SiKat flaunted its strength in a wireto-wire 128-74 demolition of Paranaque on Wednesday and shared fifth spot in Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

With five players, led by Abdul Sawat, scoring in twin digits, Zamboanga stormed ahead 123-64 before cruising to its 15th win against 5 losses and catching up with reigning back-to-back titlist Pampanga in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament. Nueva Ecija and Abra are tied at the top with 18-1 slates, followed by San Juan (17-1) and Quezon Province (15-3).

The 6-foot-4 Sawat posted 18 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds to clinch best player honors over James Sena with 15 points and 7 rebounds and Carl Bryan Cruz with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

Other major contributors for Zamboanga were Alvin Capobres with 13 points and 2 rebounds, John Arthur Calisay with 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists, and Ichie Altamirano with 8 points, 10 assists and 5 rebounds.

Exploiting their height advantage, the Zamboanguenos poured 70 points in the paint against 24 for the alsoran Patriots, who tumbled to 1-17.

Paranaque drew 19 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists from Kris Torrado, 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists from Wilson Baltazar, and 17 points from homegrown Paolo Castro.

Pasay gained ground with a 91-83 victory over Pasig in the nightcap of another triple-bill.

The Voyagers, who climbed to 13-8, were powered by Christian Fajarito’s 19 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals, Jasper Salenga’s 18 points and 3 rebounds, and Marc Daniel Sangco’s 8 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds.

Pasig skidded to 7-12 despite Warlo James Batac’s 28 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds, Jacob Galicia’s 13 points and 6 rebounds, Chito Jaime’s 10 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals, and Jess Quilatan’s 10 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds.

The GenSan Warriors battered the Marikina Shoemasters, 101-72, in the opener.

With Kyle Tolentino at the helm, Gensan pulled away at 96-67 en route to a 13-7 slate.

The 6-foot-3 Tolentino, a former Letran Knight, posted 30 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals to earn best player honors over Marwin Dionisio with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists, and Mark Cruz with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

Marikina, which led at 18-15, dropped to 4-16 as only Deo Timajo struck back with 19 points, highlighted by 14 points in the fourth quarter, and 5 rebounds.

The MPBL visits the FilOil Flying V Centre on Thursday with games pitting Quezon against Bacolod at 4 p.m., Ilagan Isabela against Cebu at 6 p.m., and host San Juan against Manila at 8 p.m.

feeling after failing to hit the heights of his two major wins in 2024. The world number three has not won a tournament since lifting the Claret Jug a year ago and has not even managed a top-five finish in 12 tournaments this year.

Shane Lowry is another former winner hoping to recreate his career high when he stormed to victory amidst a sea of Irish flags at Portrush back in 2019 -- the first hosting of the event on the island of Ireland for 68 years. AFP

Beal agrees to Suns contract buyout, joins Clippers next

LOS ANGELES—Three-time NBA All-Star guard Bradley Beal has agreed to a contract buyout by the Phoenix Suns that opens the door to joining the Los Angeles Clippers, according to multiple reports on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old American was the third overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft by Washington and traded to Phoenix in 2023 but struggled in two seasons with the Suns, setting the stage for his departure.

After clearing waivers, Beal plans to sign a two-year deal worth $11 million with the Clippers, his agent told ESPN and the Arizona Republic, with a player option for the 2026-27 campaign that could make him a top free agent next year. The Suns had the NBA’s most expensive roster last season but finished 36-46 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Beal’s buyout marks the latest move to

World no.1 Sabalenka pulls out of Montreal tilt

MONTREAL—World number one

Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from the WTA Canadian Open tournament in Montreal due to fatigue, Tennis Canada announced on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old from Belarus, runner-up at the Australian and French Opens, comes off semi-final runs at Wimbledon and Berlin and titles at Madrid and Miami.

“I’m looking forward to kicking off the North American hard-court swing, but to give myself the best chance for success this season, I’ve decided it’s in my best interest to skip Montreal,” Sabalenka said.

Missing the July 27-August 7 event leaves the reigning US Open champion only one major tuneup, at Cincinnati in August, before she tries to defend her crown on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts.

“I’ll miss my amazing Canadian fans, but I’m already looking forward to seeing you all next year,” Sabalenka said. “Thanks for your understanding and support -- it means the world to me.” Sabalenka was upset in the Wimbledon semi-finals by American Amanda Anisimova.

“We’re obviously disappointed that Aryna won’t be with us this year,” tournament director Valerie Tetreault said. World number 10 Paula Badosa of Spain withdrew from the event due to injury. The two departures opened spots in the main draw for American Caty McNally and Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima.

Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard announced on Wednesday that she will retire from professional tennis after the WTA event in Montreal, her hometown.

Bouchard, 31, rose as high as fifth in the world rankings and enjoyed her best career season in 2014 when she reached her only Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon.

She also made semi-final runs that year at the Australian and French Opens and reached the fourth round at the US Open, her best career showings in each of the Grand Slam tournaments.

World Pool Championship to air live on Cignal TV

revamp the roster. Phoenix fired Mike Budenholzer as coach in April, replacing him last month with Cleveland assistant coach Jordan Ott. The Suns also traded star forward Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets as part of a seven-team deal earlier this month.

Beal battled injuries in his two seasons with the Suns, playing 53 games in each. Last season, Beal averaged 17.0 points, 3.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals a game. It was his lowest point-per-game production since the 201415 campaign.

Beal would join a Clippers lineup that includes guard James Harden, forward Kawhi Leonard and center Brook Lopez. A handful of NBA rivals reportedly made pitches for Beal, whose new club has enough money below the league salary cap to compete in the free agent market for the next two years. AFP

crowns after winning the World Pool Championship in the same grounds last year. But hot on his heels are Joshua Filler of Germany, Francisco Sanchez Ruiz of Spain, Jayson Shaw of Great Britain, Aloysius Yapp of Singapore, brothers Ko Pin Yi and Ko Ping Chung of Chinese Taipei, and the legend Shane Van Boening of the USA.

“Today, billiards and snooker are rising alongside other sports that are experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The empowerment of the Saudi Federation and the support of the Ministry of Sport are a true testament to the capabilities and readiness of Saudi talents to host world-class championships—not only in billiards and snooker, but across all fields. The long-term impact of these events will be significant for future generations. What we are witnessing today is a remarkable harmony and a unique model in the region,” said Naif Al-jawini, President of the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, left, shakes hands with Scottie Sche er of the United States on the 18th hole green after nishing the second round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club. AFP

Abdul Sawat delivers for Zamboanga SiKat.

Bradley Beal AFP

FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

SMB shoots for Game 3 win vs. TNT

SAN Miguel Beer will try to use the momentum of a bounce-back Game

2 win in the 49th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals to grab a second straight victory against the TNT Tropang 5G and the upperhand in the series.

The Beermen and the Tropang 5G will be back on the floor in Game 3 on Friday at 7:30 p.m., also at the Big Dome on Friday.

Beermen coach Leo Austria said this after SMB tied the best-of-seven series with a 98-92 victory on Wednesday.

“We needed to bounce back. Now we have reduced the series to a bestof-five, the next game will be very important to us,” said Austria. For Game 3, Austria said he will dig deep into his roster and find out if there are others who can step up, just like what Don Trollano did in Game 2. Trollano provided relief and fresh legs to the Beermen’s tired and weary starters when he hit 12 of his gamehigh 22 points in the last period. Because of this, the Beermen were able to capitalize on five big turnovers that TNT committed to shatter a 77-all deadlock in the opening minutes of the fourth.

“This is pivotal (Game 3). This is like a chess match. It will be more of a game of adjustments,” added Austria. Peter Atencio

Yamal: The new Messi?

BARCELONA—Three days after turning 18, Lamine Yamal received the most special gift of all -- Barcelona’s iconic number 10 shirt.

Although the gifted teenage winger has eschewed comparisons to all-time Barca great Lionel Messi, he has followed in the Argentine’s footsteps by taking the number 10, also worn by Diego Maradona and Ronaldinho among other historic Barca stars.

“I will try to continue this legacy,” said Yamal on Wednesday, undaunted by the shirt’s history.

Despite his age, Yamal has made over 100 appearances for the club, scoring 25 goals, and winning two La Liga titles since his debut at 15 in 2023.

The Spain international, who won Euro 2024 with his country the day after his 17th birthday, is both the sport’s most exciting prospect and an already devastating threat on Barca’s right wing.

Yamal is among the contenders for the Ballon d’Or after helping the Catalan giants win a domestic treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.

Despite two sensational displays against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final, Yamal and his club fell just short, leaving a clear target ahead for the new season.

“We won’t stop until we leave this club where it deserves, at the highest rung,” pledged Yamal in the aftermath of Barca’s elimination.

After emerging from Barca’s feted La Masia academy like Messi, Yamal smashed a series of records, including becoming the youngest La Liga goalscorer and the youngest Champions League starter.

Yamal is also the youngest scorer in a Clasico and the youngest to win a major international trophy among many other feats.

Immensely skilful, a superb dribbler, quick and creative, Yamal is one of the most exciting players to watch in world football.

The winger has worked on his finishing and with six goals in his last nine games for club and country, is starting to become more consistent in front of goal. AFP

Eala’s earnings breach $1m

By Peter Atencio

After reaching the first round of the Wimbledon Open recently, the world no. 56-ranked Eala placed no. 53 in women’s pro players in terms of earnings in the Women’s Tennis Association since the beginning of the year.

This was after Eala collected around $591,592 (around P33.824 million), from her participation in top level competitions since January 2025.

Eala, who is now back in the country to rest and prepare for her next campaigns abroad, picked up a purse worth 66,000 British pounds, which is around $88.468,88 or P5.096 million, to go with 10 WTA points in the

recent Wimbledon Open.

Her Wimbledon prize money allowed her to breach the $1-million mark.

In Wimbledon, defending champion Barbora Krecjikova bounced back in the last two sets and put away Eala, 3-6, 6-2, 6-1, in the first round.

When Eala lost to Maya Joint, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (10), at the Eastbourne Open women’s singles finals in Great Britain, she raked in $30,380 (around P1.719 million) for her effort, plus 163 points.

For 2025, Eala is now ranked no. 53 in the list of WTA prize money leaders, after bringing in $549,717 in her singles’ cam-

ICTSI Intercollegiate Golf swings into action at Northwoods

LA SALLE and Ateneo bring their iconic rivalry beyond the confines of the hardcourt and onto the fairways as they headline the kickoff of the inaugural ICTSI Intercollegiate Golf Tour today (Friday, July 18) at the Royal Northwoods Golf and Country Club in San Rafael, Bulacan.

Ateneo, which skipped the event’s soft-launch last month, is now fully committed, fielding a deep and talented roster to challenge La Salle in a fresh arena of school pride, strategy and sportsmanship.

The IIT, developed by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and the Philippine Golf Foundation, aims to reshape collegiate golf by offering a competitive yet development-focused platform for student-athletes transitioning from junior play.

Though absent the roar of pep squads, the Tour retains the intensity of school rivalries, where each swing carries not just personal ambition but also the collective pride of one’s alma mater.

Beyond competition, the tournament is rooted in identity, culture and the drive to represent and win for one’s school, emphasizing team spirit as much as individual excellence.

The IIT serves as a bridge between the junior golf circuit and elite amateur and professional ranks, offering a national stage for rising talents and opening a much-needed grassroots-to-pro

pipeline in Philippine golf.

Open to both school teams and individual entries, the Tour encourages wide participation from various regions and collegiate leagues, creating a unified platform for golf development.

The event uses a four-round stroke play format, with the three-to-play, two-to-count team scoring system that highlights depth and consistency, where every shot can sway the team standings.

Ranking points are awarded to the Top 8 teams and individual players in each division: 15, 12, and 10 points for the top three, followed by 8, 6, 4, 2, and 1 for 4th to 8th placers.

Team and individual competition scores are based on the best two rounds out of four, with the top three teams and top three individuals (including independent entries) advancing to the grand finals.

The Tour unfolds across several premier courses in Luzon. Round 2 takes place on July 27 at Splen-

By Riera U. Mallari

DUISBURG, Germany—The Mapúa University Cardinals make their highly anticipated debut on Friday as action in the 2025 FISU World University Games in RhineRuhr, Germany went full blast. Fresh off their historic NCAA Season 100 championship, the Cardinals are ready to test their mettle against some of the best collegiate basketball programs worldwide, beginning with a formidable challenge against Brazil at the WalterSchädlich-Halle in Duisburg. The reigning NCAA champions secured their berth in the Universiade after winning the Asian University Basketball Championships -- organized by the Federation of School

dido Taal (men), Round 3 on Aug. 9 at Caliraya Springs (women), and Round 3 continues at Pradera Verde on Aug. 11 (men and women).

The men’s Round 4 will be held on Aug. 17 at Beverly Hills Golf Club in Pampanga, while the women’s final round is on Aug. 24 at Eastridge Golf Club in Rizal. The grand finals are set for Sept. 23-25 at Splendido Taal.

A total of 108 players are vying for individual and team honors.

La Salle leads the field with three men’s and three women’s teams, bannered by Zachary Castro, Jose Lorenzo Flores, Miguel Fusilero, Julia Lua, Michelle Cuenca, and Madeleine Valderrama. Ateneo counters with three men’s squads led by Glenn Unabia, Emilio Curran, and Christian Romero, along with two women’s teams featuring Monique Mendoza and Annika Jalbuena. Other schools include St. Benilde, UP, UST, Mapua, Enderun and University of the Cordilleras, which seeks to challenge the dominance of Manila-based teams.

By blending school pride, elite-level play and athlete development, the IIT offers more than a title chase – it sets the stage for the next wave of Philippine golf champions and elevates the college golf scene to new heights.

Sports Association of the Philippines, the official university sports body recognized by the International University Sports Federation. The Cardinals, who will be led by MVP Clint Escamis, are bracketed with the Czech Republic and Poland at Group C. A perennial powerhouse in international basketball, Brazil presents a significant opening challenge for the Filipino cagers. While specific details about Brazil’s university roster for this tournament are yet to fully emerge, their national basketball programs consistently produce top-tier talent, and their university teams are known for their athleticism, skill, and disciplined play. Held from July 16 to July 27, 2025, across the Rhine-Ruhr re-

gion and Berlin, the Universiade sees the Philippines also

Alexandra Eala

The World University Games, a grand celebration of international university sports and culture, brings together over 8,000 studentathletes and o cials from more than 100 countries. Photo taken using the HONOR

Leo Austria

CMEPA law not a new tax, aimed at the rich, says DOF

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Finance (DOF) said Thursday the recently enacted Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA) does not introduce a new tax but rather standardizes the tax rate on interest income. 20 percent

PSEi dips below 6,300, peso hits 57.29 a dollar Top Line buying Phoenix gas stations in Cebu BPI earned

It said in a statement the law aims to correct an “unfair system that favored the wealthy.”

Under CMEPA, the tax on interest income has been equalized at 20 percent to simplify compliance, eliminate confusion and “ultimately level the playing field for all Filipinos.”

Before the law’s passage, the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 stipulated a 20-percent final tax on interest earned from bank deposits with a maturity of less than three years.

Estimates using Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data show that more than 99.6 percent of total deposits were already subject to the 20 percent

tax rate, with only 0.4 percent enjoying preferential rates.

Deposits that benefited from these favorable rates included those with a maturity period of more than five years, which were tax-exempt. Deposits maturing in four to five years and three to four years were subject to 5 percent and 12 percent tax, respectively.

The DOF said this special tax treatment “favored depositors who can afford to park their savings in longterm deposits, making the tax system unfair for short-term depositors who face liquidity issues and need immediate access to their funds.”

The CMEPA “merely corrects this outdated and inequitable system that placed a heavier burden on ordinary Filipinos who do not have the extra cash to put in banks for longer periods,” the DOF said. It said with the new law, interest income is now taxed uniformly at a flat rate of 20 percent, regardless of the maturity period.

The standardized tax rate is not retroactive and does not apply to financial instruments issued or transacted prior to July 1, 2025. This means existing long-term deposits made before the law’s effectivity will continue to enjoy the preferential rate until maturity, it said. The unified rate also does not apply to provident savings programs under the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and Pag-IBIG (such as MP2), which remain taxexempt.

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE government will resume providing subsidy to Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) next year, according to a Department of Finance (DOF) officials.

PhilHealth also does not plan to seek additional contributions from its members, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said. He cited PhilHealth’s substantial reserve funds as the reason. The maximum contribution per member will remain at 5 percent of their basic salary, he said.

The DOF also expects PhilHealth to resume receiving P53.26 billion in annual subsidies by 2026, said Undersecretary Alu Dorotan-Tiuseco.

The health insurer did not receive subsidy from the national budget this year because of its large reserve fund.

“I think there’s no budget for this year, but in 2026, there is a subsidy for PhilHealth, yes, for that year,” Recto said when asked about the resumption of subsidies.

The department also anticipates an increase in the budget for the Department of Health, as education and health remain among the President’s priorities.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) said 142 bids of power generation companies have qualified to join the Green Energy Auction Program (GEA-4) which aims to auction off 10,472 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity for delivery between 2026 and 2029. Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. has the highest number of potential bids among the qualified companies, followed by Joy-Nostalg Solaris Inc.

with nine, SMC Global Light and Power Corp. with eight and Alabel Solar Energy Corp. and Envision Philippines Power Corp. with seven each. The DOE said the list of qualified bidders was issued after a thorough evaluation of registration documents by the Green Energy Auction – Bids Evaluation and Awards Committee (GEABEAC), with assistance from the Green Energy Auction Committee – Technical Working Group (GEACTWG).

Qualified bidders should submit proof of posting their bid bonds between Aug. 12 and Aug. 27, 2025, in accordance with Section 5.1 of the GEA-4 terms of reference. The auction is scheduled for Sept. 2, 2025, and includes ground-mounted solar with 3,940 MW; roof-mounted solar, 42 MW; floating solar, 3,000 MW; onshore wind, 2,390 MW; and solar-plus-energy storage systems (ESS), 1,100 MW Certificates of award to winning bidders will be issued between Nov.

percent

tax on deposit interest Total deposits subject to 20 percent tax

percent

enjoying preferential rates

24, 2025, and Jan. 9, 2026. The qualification of bidders follows the release of Green Energy Auction Reserve (GEAR4) prices by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in Resolution No. 09 series of 2026. The final GEAR4

By Othel V. Campos

Clark City. The project will be funded by the Department of Health (DOH), with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) handling the bidding and construction.

Once completed, the facility will be operated and maintained by the municipal government of Capas.

amid DOT protest

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) reiterated its call for transparency and accountability after HelloSafe took down a travel safety report that inaccurately listed the Philippines among the least safe countries for travelers.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, in a letter addressed to HelloSafe founder Antoine Fruchard, sought redress for what she described as a “false and misleading article.” She said the “dissemination of such information under the guise of a safety index caused unwarranted alarm and inflicted damage on the country’s reputation.”

“While we acknowledge HelloSafe’s apology and the removal of the report, we call on content publishers and data aggregators to exercise greater care and accountability when releasing global rankings,” Frasco said.

“This project strengthens our shared goal of making essential services more accessible to Filipinos. With BCDA providing the land and Capas taking charge of operations, this health center will stand as a product of true public sector synergy,”

BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang said.

HelloSafe issued a formal apology in a media statement dated July 15, 2025, expressing “sincere regrets for the misunderstanding and negative perception” caused by the derogatory article’s publication. The company confirmed the suspension of the publication as of June 20, 2025, “pending a full audit of the methodology and criteria used in its creation,” and underscored its “deep respect for the Philippines and its people.” Othel V. Campos

The planned facility will complement NCC’s growing infrastructure by delivering broader medical services to communities across urban and rural Tarlac.

Healthcare needs in the area are served by the UP-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Sports Medicine and Wellness Center, which offers basic medical and dental services and is slated for future expansion into a 200bed hospital.

HALAL FORUM. The Department of Tourism (DOT) led by Secretary Christina Frasco (second from left), in partnership with the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA), hosts the 2nd Halal and Muslim-Friendly Tourism Forum on July 16, 2025 at Seda Hotel in Cebu City. The event aimed to strengthen initiatives that make the Philippines a more accommodating destination for Muslim travelers through stakeholder collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Source: DOT’s Facebook page

MARANAO BANQUET. Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman (sixth from left) visits the office of the newly appointed president of the Mindanao State University (MSU) System Paisalin Tago on July 11, 2025 in Marawi City. Also joining the Pagana Meranaw, a traditional Maranao banquet, are Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa and Special Envoy to the Kingdom of Thailand Bran Reluao.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

company.

The company said its parent, 8990 Housing Development Corp. (8990 HDC), would launch a tender offer for all publicly-held shares at P10.42 per share. This represents a 13.2-percent premium from its closing price of P9.20 on Wednesday.

“Upon extensive deliberations by the board of directors of the company, the board has approved the voluntary delisting of the Company from the PSE,” 8990 Holdings said in a statement.

“The board noted that the voluntary delisting of the company would unlock the intrinsic value of the company’s business and assets, which does not seem to be fully appreciated by the market, based on the historical trading price of the company’s shares on the PSE,” it said.

The tender offer will cover all outstanding common shares not owned by the company’s majority shareholders: Iholdings Inc., Kwantlen Development Corp., Mariano Martinez and Luis Yu Jr. The delisting is subject to several conditions, including approval from the company’s stockholders and completion of the tender offer by 8990 HDC, among others.

Following the announcement, the PSE suspended trading of 8990 Holdings shares.

The tender offer and potential delisting come amid a growing trend of publicly listed firms in the Philippines opting to go private, citing strategic and financial considerations.

Companies that have voluntarily delisted their shares from the PSE include SFA Semicon Philippines Corp. (SSP), Premium Leisure Corp., Keppel Philippines Holdings Inc., Holcim Philippines Inc. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

By Jennifer B. Austria and Alena Mae S. Flores

CEBU-BASED fuel retailer Top Line Business Development Corp. is acquiring several gasoline stations owned by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. in Cebu province for P180 million.

“We’ve laid down a preliminary framework, and our teams are now working through the finer details,” Brigitte Carmel

7-Eleven targets

5,000th store, bares leadership changes

PHILIPPINE Seven Corp. (PSC), the exclusive licensor of 7-Eleven in the Philippines, is targeting to open its 5,000th store before the end of 2026 as the company pushes through with expansion amid strong market competition.

“Looking ahead, we are aiming to reach the 5,000th store milestone before the end of 2026, confident in the strength of our strategies and the quality of our execution,” said outgoing PSC Chairman Jose Pardo.

The bulk of new store openings will be in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, as these markets have shown significant growth over the past few years. For this year alone, PSC plans to open 450 to 500 stores with programmed capital expenditures of P5.5 billion. PSC is maintaining its aggressive expansion plans despite strong competition from minimarts.

The expansion goal comes on the heels of a solid 2024 performance.

PSC reported a net income of P3.81 billion in 2024, up 9.4 percent from the previous year’s level, as system-wide sales grew 13.8 percent to P93.5 billion. Revenues from customer contracts also rose by 13.6 percent to P88.7 billion.

Same-store sales growth remained positive at 3.2 percent for the year, supported by a 3.4 percent increase in customer traffic at mature stores. PSC ended 2024 with 4,130 stores nationwide.

Nearly 85 percent of its stores are now equipped with cash-recycling ATMs, part of its drive to support financial inclusion.

As part of a leadership transition, PSC president and chief executive Jose Victor Paterno announced he will step down as president of the company. He will move up into the chairman role, while longtime operations head Richard Lee has been elected as president and chief executive. Paterno and the board expressed full confidence in Lee’s leadership, citing his deep understanding of the business. Prior to his appointment, Lee played a key role in building operational alignment with PSC’s regional partners, particularly 7-Eleven Taiwan. Jenniffer B. Austria

Lim, Top Line senior vice president and chief operating officer, said.

“While things are still in progress, we can say that this move supports our goal to grow the Light Fuels network across the Visayas and make quality fuel more accessible to more communities. We’ll share more updates once everything’s finalized.”

Top Line announced the acquisition in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday.

The company’s board of directors approved the deal on Wednesday. The purchase, made through Top Line subsidiary Light Fuels Corp. (LFC), includes the gas stations’ fixtures, machinery, equipment and leasehold rights.

The company did not disclose the

number of stations it plans to acquire from Phoenix, which is owned by Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy. Phoenix has faced financial difficulties in recent years amid mounting debts.

Phoenix halted its importation operations of diesel and gasoline in March 2023 due to price volatilities in the world oil market. It also divested its investments in PNX Petroleum Singapore Pte. Ltd (PNX SG) as part of a restructuring program.

This marks Top Line’s second major acquisition this month.

Last week, it announced it acquired 38 retail fuel stations, a 2-million-liter depot and 15 fuel tanker trucks from Total Oil & Gas Resources Inc. and Ballston Metro Corp.

By Othel V. Campos

TAIHEIYO Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI) announced Thursday its P3.72 billion Luzon Distribution Terminal in Calaca, Batangas, is on track for completion by the second quarter of 2026.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) acknowledged the investment’s significance, citing its potential to boost the supply of high-quality cement across Luzon.

“This project exemplifies the kind of investment Bagong Pilipinas champions, one that creates jobs, drives innovation and supports our sustainability goals,” said Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque.

The project will support the company’s recent capacity expansion to 3 million tons annually at its Cebu plant, with an estimated total employment of 26,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The terminal will also facilitate the wider

distribution of blended cement, a product that reduces carbon emissions by incorporating recycled materials such as fly ash and slag.

The facility is part of Taiheiyo’s P21 billion multi-phase investment plan in the Philippines.

Taiheiyo Cement Corporation, Japan’s leading cement producer with a 40 percent domestic market share and a global workforce of 13,000, sees its Philippine subsidiary as a vital pillar in its Southeast Asia expansion.

Based in Cebu, TCPI serves as a critical production and logistics hub, employing hundreds of Filipinos.

The DTI’s trade office in Japan emphasized the strategic relevance of the investment to the Philippines’ infrastructure agenda.

“As infrastructure remains a pillar of national growth, industry leaders like Taiheiyo are vital in meeting both present and future demand,” said DTI-Tokyo commercial counselor Dita Angara-Mathay.

RESPONSIBLE GAMING. Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chairman and chief executive Alejandro Tengco (third from left) and Ad Standards Council (ASC) chairperson Golda Roldan (second from left) lead the signing of a memorandum of understanding formalizing their partnership to promote responsible gambling advertisements. With them are PAGCOR assistant vice president for gaming licensing and development Ma. Vina Claudette Oca (right) and ASC president Anna Locsin (left).

LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE. Bureau of Internal Revenue Romeo Lumagui, Jr. (center) obtains Harvard Kennedy School executive certificate in public leadership, marking a significant achievement in his commitment to continuous learning and principled public service. HKS is also known as the John F. Kennedy School of Government. The certificate is awarded to individuals who complete three intensive executive education programs under the HKS Public Leadership track.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

BANK of the Philippine Islands (BPI) said Thursday it booked P33 billion net income in the first half of 2025, a 7.8-percent increase from P30.6 billion it earned in the same period last year.

to the Phil-

It

Exchange the growth was driven by strong revenue growth,

STATE-OWNED Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) said Thursday it raised P8.25 billion from its latest dual local bond offering, as it diversifies funding to support government economic development projects.

The offering, part of DBP’s expanded P150-billion bond program, was 1.65 times oversubscribed from its minimum issue size of P5 billion, DBP president and chief executive Michael de Jesus said.

“DBP’s latest successful mobilization of the capital markets allows it to expand its funding base and subsequently, finance more projects and initiatives that complement President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s vision of sustaining long-term economic expansion and promoting greater financial inclusion,” de Jesus said.

DBP, the Philippines’ 10th largest bank by assets, provides credit support to infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; the environment; and social services and community development.

The seventh tranche of fixed-rate series bonds included P3.457 billion in 7A Bonds with a 5.8751-percent annual interest rate and a three-year tenor and P4.793 billion in 7B Bonds with an interest rate of 6.1454 percent per annum and a five-year tenor. The bonds were enrolled and traded through the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp., with China Bank Capital Corp. acting as issue manager, sole arranger and sole bookrunner.

percent to P71.2 billion, on the back of an 8.3-percent increase in the average earning asset base and a 32-basispoint expansion in net interest margin to 4.58 percent. Non-interest income rose 7.4 percent to P21.4 billion, driven by the underlying strength of the bank’s fee

businesses led by credit cards, insurance and wealth management.

Operating expenses climbed 11.7 percent to P42.7 billion, on spending on technology, business volume-related expenses and manpower structural increases.

Cost-to-income ratio improved by 96 bps to 46.2 percent due to robust revenue generation.

It booked provisions of P7.3 billion, a 141.7-percent hike from last year as non-performing loan (NPL) ratio stood at 2.25 percent, with the NPL coverage ratio at 97.1 percent.

BPI’s total assets reached P3.4 trillion as of end-June 2025, up 9.3 per-

cent year-on-year.

Gross loans reached P2.4 trillion, up by by 14.1 percent from last year, due to robust growth across all portfolios, led by strong growth from noninstitutional loans.

Total deposits grew 6.5 percent to P2.6 trillion. The bank’s CASA (current account and savings account) rose 2.8 percent to P1.6 trillion, with a CASA ratio of 62.4 percent.

Total equity grew 11.5 percent to P453.5 billion, with an indicative common equity tier1 ratio of 14.5 percent and a capital adequacy ratio of 15.3 percent.

total equivalent of nearly P32 billion. The bank said this shows its “unwavering commitment to supporting its clients’ sustainable endeavors and advancing the Philippines’ sustainability goals.”

Standard Chartered Bank and RCBC Capital Corp. acted as joint lead arrangers

BSP cancels money changers’ licenses

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has pledged to deepen financial inclusion in the Philippines to bring more Filipinos into the formal financial system.

This follows the release of a World Bank report showing a slight dip in financial account ownership in the country.

The World Bank’s Global Findex 2025 report revealed that 50.2 percent of Filipinos aged 15 and above owned an account with banks or other microfinance institutions. This marks a marginal decrease from 51.4 percent reported in the previous World Bank

study in 2021.

The BSP noted that while the 2024 Global Findex report shows a slight decline, this could be attributed to the easing of pandemic-related incentives that encouraged the use of transaction accounts.

Persistent challenges, such as connectivity gaps, low financial literacy, and trust issues, continue to hinder progress, the BSP said. However, it cited gains observed between 2021 and 2024, including increased use of mobile money accounts, a rise in formal savings and improved financial resilience, measured by the ability to

access extra funds within 30 days.

These findings underscore the need to move beyond mere account ownership and concentrate on improving financial health, particularly for vulnerable sectors, the BSP said.

The World Bank report indicates that 51 percent of adults in the Philippines had financial accounts, with 47 percent of women and 34 percent of the poor holding accounts.

In contrast, 100 percent of the adult population in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland, Austria, Canada, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland and Denmark held financial accounts.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) to accelerate digital transformation across the Philippines.

The partnership highlights a shared commitment to promote inclusive and sustainable national development through investments in digital infrastructure and services, the two agencies said.

The DICT cited the importance of strategic partnerships to ensure equitable access to digital opportunities for all Filipinos as the digital econo-

my becomes a vital engine of growth.

“We will fulfill the promise of the President to the Filipino people to provide affordable Internet, from Batanes, Marawi to Caramoan Island, and everywhere that there’s a person who needs to go online,” DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said.

“If we work together, our window for execution is very short, but the impact we will create for this country will be generational,” he said. MIC aims to invest in critical digital infrastructure projects that not only generate long-term returns but also drive inclusive growth across geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

AirAsia PH boosts Taipei flights amid soaring demand

AIRASIA Philippines is increasing its flight frequency to Taipei, Taiwan from 14 to 17 times weekly starting this July. This comes as the airline observes a significant surge in travel demand between Manila and Taipei, establishing Taipei as one of its topperforming international destinations. The airline has maintained a robust average load factor of 85 percent on its Taipei route. From January to June 2025 alone, AirAsia Philippines transported over 70,000 passengers to Taipei. This number is projected to climb even higher following the extension of visa-free entry for Filipino travelers to Taiwan until July 31, 2026, for

stays up to 14 days.

“The additional flights come at the perfect time as we enter Q3 and gear up for the peak travel season. This move gets us ready for the expected surge in demand during the ‘Ber’ months, when many Filipinos head to Taipei to enjoy its cooler climate from September through February,” Suresh Bangah, AirAsia Philippines president and chief executive said.

“It also allows us to serve our guests better by offering more options and flexibility whether they’re flying for leisure, business, or to reconnect with family and friends,” he added.

In addition to expanding flight frequencies, AirAsia Philippines

continues to strengthen its 15 + 1 fleet to meet the rising demand across both domestic and international routes, reaffirming its commitment to accessible and reliable travel for all.

AirAsia is a leading low-cost carrier with licenses to operate in five Asean countries—Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia.

The airline has made flying affordable and accessible to over 800 million guests, connecting people and communities across more than 130 destinations.

It operates more than 200 aircraft and holds a significant orderbook for the next decade.

2GO, The Mind Museum bring Science to Palawan

2GO, the Philippines’ largest logistics and sea travel provider, has once again partnered with The Mind Museum to bring the wonders of science closer to island communities.

This time, their collaborative “Mind Rover” initiative has set its sights on Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Before the Mind Rover’s official arrival in Palawan, passengers aboard the MV 2GO St. Francis Xavier, sailing from Manila to Puerto Princesa and Coron, enjoyed a weekend filled with exciting, sciencethemed activities.

Curated by The Mind Museum, these interactive sessions brought STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math)learning to life, transforming sea travel into a fun, meaningful, and enriching

experience for both kids and adults.

This unique initiative seamlessly blends logistics and learning, not only transporting people and goods but also igniting curiosity and imagination across the seas.

Generation

the

Toyota Group exports bolster PH economy

TOYOTA Motor Philippines Corpo-

ration (TMP), alongside key export suppliers from the Toyota Group, recently presented their comprehensive 2024 performance report to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) during the 26th Toyota Special Economic Zone (TSEZ) Update Meeting in June 2025.

TMP president Masando Hashimoto reported that Toyota Group export suppliers significantly contributed $1.2 billion in export revenues in 2024, maintaining 30 pecent share of total Philippine exports of Original Engineering Manufacturing (OEM) parts and components. Despite the steady performance, the Group acknowledged the challenges in international business as some exporters feel the strain from the evolving global trade environment. Some suppliers noted that the proposed reciprocal tariffs by the United States (US) could dampen

export demand and complicate longterm planning.

PEZA director general (DG) Tereso Panga assured that the impact of the US tariff on the Philippines will be minimal as the effect will vary on each country’s level of trade exposure to the US market.

“In the case of the Philippines, because we are not a heavy exporter to the US, we will be among those least affected especially with the reciprocal tariff. Assuming the earlier announced tariff would be maintained by the US government, this is something favorable to us, because we happen to have a lower tariff compared to other economies in the ASEAN region,” said Panga.

On the domestic front, Hashimoto cited the 8 pecent growth of the industry sales with 474,000 vehicles sold in 2024. TMP played a significant role in the market, capturing 46 percent share with an all-time high 218,000-unit sales.

Resident scientists Jose Mario Salazar and Lisa Monica Maureal leads the Mind Rover’s science-filled journey onboard MV 2GO St. Francis Xavier from Manila to Puerto Princesa.

“We are thrilled to partner with 2GO. Through its shipping capabilities, the Mind Rover gets to visit provinces in the Philippines where it would have taken weeks if traveled by land and would have been difficult to transport without 2GO’s direct link from Manila,” Maria Isabel Garcia, managing dDirector and curator of The Mind Museum said.

“Through this partnership, we are able to impact more communities and hopefully encourage more kids to have an inspired engagement and view of science or maybe, even take up STEM in the future. We even get to reach more audiences as we also do science shows on board 2GO!,” she added.

DOTr expedites Metro Manila Subway project

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) is working closely with the subway contractor to accelerate the construction of the P488.5-billion Metro Manila Subway Project to bring much-needed relief to hundreds of thousands of daily commuters.

“As the President said, it will be a great relief for commuters once this segment is operational so that we can at least alleviate the hardship of their daily commute,” Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said.

“We will work with the contractor to expedite the construction,” he said.

The agency earlier awarded the Contract Page 101, covering four stations—East Valenzuela, Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora, and North Avenue—and the depot and the Philippine Railway Institute Building a joint venture led by EEI Corp., while the CP 102, comprising the stations in Quezon Avenue and East Avenue, bagged by D.M. Consunji Inc. CP 103, was awarded to Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co. Ltd., which involves the stations from Anonas to Camp Aguinaldo; and CP 104, which covers the Ortigas to Shaw Boulevard segment, awarded to Megawide Construction Corp.

“I hope we can finish it all the way to Valenzuela by 2028. Maybe we can inaugurate it,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said

“Everyone agrees that it needs to be expedited so that their commute will be more convenient,” he said.

Billed as the Philippines’ “Crown Jewel” of mass transit system, the Metro Manila Subway will cut across eight cities stretching from Valenzuela City to FTI-Bicutan in Parañaque City with a spur line to NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

CEBU Pacific is bringing a taste of the Philippines to Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach with the launch of the Cebu Pacific Travel Beach Bar.

The travel beach bar is surrounded by standing heaters that create a warm ambiance reminiscent of the Philippine climate, offering a perfect escape from Australia’s winter season.

It also features Filipino delicacies, music, and a design inspired by the bahay kubo, bringing a slice of the Philippines to Bondi Beach—one of Australia’s most iconic destinations.

Until July 31, 2025, CEB passengers may book flights to Australia for as low as P7,999 for a one-way all-in fare. The travel period is from August 1 to December 31, 2025, perfect for holiday getaways.

CEB’s travel beach bar marks the first time an airline becomes an official airline partner of the Bondi Festival—a pioneering collaboration that underscores CEB’s commitment to bringing Filipino fun to the world stage. Festivalgoers can drop by the Cebu Pacific Travel Beach Bar until July 20.

The travel beach bar builds on CEB’s Fly to Your Happy Philippines campaign, as the airline continues its global efforts to invite travelers to explore the country’s diverse islands in their own unique way.

Located just outside central Sydney, Bondi Beach is known for its wide stretch of sand, surf culture, and laidback atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists. Each winter, it holds the Bondi Festival, a celebration of arts, live performances, and food experiences now made even more exciting with CEB’s tropical-themed travel beach bar.

With daily flights between Manila and Sydney, and four weekly flights to Melbourne, Filipinos can also visit Bondi Beach and other iconic destinations in Australia. From Syndey’s Bondi Beach and Opera House to Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station and Federation Square, there’s plenty to explore year-round.

The 33-kilometer and 17-station rail line aims to cut travel time between Quezon City and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City from the present one hour and 10 minutes to just 45 minutes.

Once operational, the underground railway system can service up to519,,000 passengers daily.

The MMSP represents a monumental investment in the Philippines’ transportation future, with an estimated total cost of P488.5 billion. This significant sum is being financed through a strategic combination of international and domestic contributions.

A substantial portion of the project, specifically P370.7 billion, will be financed through an official development assistance (ODA) loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This underscores the strong bilateral partnership between the Philippines and Japan, with Japanese expertise and funding playing a crucial role in realizing the country’s first underground mass transit system. The remaining P117.7 billion of the total project cost will be covered by the Philippine government. This commitment from the national government highlights its dedication to addressing Metro Manila’s severe traffic congestion and improving the daily commute for millions of Filipinos. Darwin G. Amojelar

Cebu Pacific showcases Filipino culture at Australia’s Bondi Festival

TMP line team members conduct final inspection of

all-new Next

Tamaraw at the TMP Santa Rosa Manufacturing Plant

FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2025

Editor

NICKIE WANG,

ANGELICA

VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER

VALDEZ, Writer

By Jasper Valdez

ACTOR Joseph Marco is entering a new phase of his career, but not without first confronting a moment many fans never saw coming.

The actor, who recently signed with Viva Artists Agency, revealed that he nearly walked away from acting just months ago.

Speaking candidly during his contract signing, Marco said it was a guest appearance in Batang Quiapo that changed everything.

“I really thought my passion for acting was gone,” he shared, recalling how the role made him realize he still belonged in front of the camera. “When I was on set, I told myself, ‘I was born to do this.’”

Marco, who started in the industry 18 years ago, called the moment a personal turning point. While he has remained visible in film and television over the years, he admitted that there was a time when he questioned his place in showbiz.

The actor credits maturity and life experience for helping him regain clarity.

“When you’re younger, there are so many distractions,” he said. “But now, I see things more clearly. I know my responsibilities, and I know what I want.”

Now under co-management with Khai Liclican, Marco is preparing for a new series under Viva One and is also set to make his stage debut in theater— something he once thought he would never try.

“This is going to be my first time doing a play,” he said. “It’s a milestone for me. I used to think theater wasn’t for me, but I realized it’s something I want to do while I can.”

Viva Communications chairman and CEO Vic del Rosario Jr. expressed confidence in Marco’s next chapter.

“We believe he’s a good actor. He’s bankable and one of the top male stars,” he said.

Meanwhile for his future projects, the actor said he’s currently focused on taking on more meaningful projects and roles that challenge him.

Though he’s open to exploring other aspects of performance—including music and dance—he emphasized that the story and the character are what matter most.

“I’ve learned to say yes or no depending on how the material speaks to me,” he said. “If it doesn’t make sense, I won’t do it just for the sake of it.”

With a renewed mindset and agency support, Marco said he’s ready for what’s next. “I’m on fire. I’m so ready to work again.”

How Joseph Marco confronted his breaking point in showbiz

Joey Reyes reappointed as head of Philippine film agency

ACCLAIMED filmmaker and educator Jose Javier Reyes has been reappointed as chairman and CEO of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), following the completion of his partial term in office.

Reyes, who first took over the role in April 2024 after the resignation of Tirso “Pip” Cruz III took his oath before Court of Appeals Justice Selma Palacio-Alaras. FDCP Education Division head Rica Arevalo served as witness during the ceremony.

Reyes brings decades of experience in filmmaking and arts education to the post. During his previous term, he prioritized programs aimed at industry development, including the construction of a new FDCP office and upskilling audiovisual workers through education and grants.

The FDCP also initiated research with De La Salle University on the habits and preferences of Filipino moviegoers, with the findings published in June. The data is expected to guide stakeholders in crafting long-term plans for the local film sector. Reyes also oversaw the launch of the Film Education Convention (FilmEc) in 2024, which gathered students and educators from across the country. The FDCP said it is preparing to expand the program into a recurring nationwide platform for film education.

Under his leadership, new grants were introduced to support projects highlighting National Artists for Film, as well as local productions in animation, short films, and documentaries. The agency also partnered with the Metro Manila Film Festival to host a student short film competition for the first time.

To further stimulate production, the FDCP is updating its incentive programs to attract both local and foreign shoots. Efforts also continue in film restoration, with classic titles like Jaguar (1979) and ‘Merika (1984) recently screened in restored formats. Restoration work on Sister Stella L (1984) is currently underway.

Film bodies, including the Film Academy of the Philippines and Mowelfund, welcomed Reyes’ reappointment. The FAP described his leadership as

“timely and necessary,” while Mowelfund noted that his experience and dedication remain an asset to the agency.

Philippine cinema. This includes ongoing

Reyes said the FDCP would continue to expand its programs and strengthen partnerships to advance preparations for Philippine Film Industry Month in September, which will focus on women’s contributions to the sector. Reyes will serve a full three-year term.

Writer-director Jose Javier Reyes (left) takes his oath as FDCP chair before Justice Selma Palacio-Alaras

Viva executives, led by Boss Vic del Rosario Jr. (second from left), welcome Joseph Marco (second from right) to their roster of artists

Joseph Marco (right) shakes hands with Viva Communications chairman Vic del Rosario Jr. during his contract signing

Joseph Marco begins a new chapter in his career under Viva Artists Agency

SHOWBIZ

Andres Muhlach’s

’full

ANDRES

Muhlach , a Gen Z actor, referred to his latest endorsement as a “full circle moment,” celebrating a personal milestone as he launches his first solo campaign after years of working alongside his twin sister, Atasha Muhlach

“This is such a big blessing to me. I always tell my parents I’m happy because I’m in the middle of what I prayed for. Talagang full circle moment ’ to ,” Andres said during the launch of Jollibee’s new Crunchy Chicken Sandwich flavors.

At the event, Jollibee introduced two limited-time flavors—Golden BBQ and Chili Cheese—joining the fan-favorite Creamy Ranch in its Crunchy Chicken Sandwich lineup. Andres, now the official face of the campaign, shared that the thrill-seeker in him enjoys bold, flavorful food.

The campaign is a milestone for the actor, who has steadily carved out his own identity in showbiz under Viva, while also being part of a prominent entertainment family. He said it feels especially

circle moment’

young

and Atasha

in a throwback photo meaningful to now represent a brand he grew up with.

pose

“Growing up, we were always around this brand. It feels great to have something that’s mine now. Even my dad laughed about it—he’s just being playful and supportive,” he continued.

When asked if he ever expected the level of attention he and Atasha are now receiving, Andres said it was never something he or his sister actively thought about.

“We never really talk about it. We don’t think about it like that. For Tash and me, we just really want to do good work and make people happy—the people we work with. We just want to make

Bad Bunny brings tourism surge to Puerto Rico

THE off his blockbuster residency that’s expected to bring hundreds of millions of dollars to Puerto Rico while showcasing its rich culture, he posted a simple message: Shop Local.

our parents proud and just do good work,” Andres told Manila Standard Entertainment

Despite the growing fan base, the Mutya ng Section E star said not much has changed for him.

“Even with all the noise, I just want to keep doing good work, make

concert series in San Juan, which, after nine performances exclusive to residents, will open up to fans from elsewhere—what many Boricuas, as Puerto Ricans are known, are hoping will serve as an exercise in responsible tourism.

“It’s an incredible moment for the island,” said Davelyn Tardi of the promotional agency Discover Puerto Rico.

The organization conservatively estimates the residency will bring in some $200 million to Puerto Rico over the approximately threemonth run, which falls during the typically less-trafficked summer months.

Azael Ayala works at a bar in one of San Juan’s popular nightlife zones, telling AFP that business was already booming even though the residency was only in its first weekend.

It’s “completely changed,” the 29-year-old said, as crowds buzzed about La Placita where some bars were slinging Bad Bunny-themed cocktails.

“We’re thrilled,” Ayala said. “The tips are through the roof.”

The fact that people are coming from across the globe to see Bad Bunny “is a source of pride for Puerto

Rico, too,” he added.

Arely Ortiz, a 23-year-old student from Los Angeles, couldn’t score a ticket to a show -- but said Bad Bunny was still the draw that prompted her to book her first trip to Puerto Rico.

“I really love how outspoken he is about his community,” she said. “Just seeing him, that he can get so far, and he’s Latino, it encourages more Latinos to be able to go for what they want.”

“He has for sure empowered Latinos, like 100 percent.” AFP

people happy, and make my family proud,” he shared.

He also expressed support for his sister, who is set to headline the upcoming thriller series Bad Genius: The Series , launching this July on Viva One.

“Tash is about to embark on her own journey, and I’m super, super proud of her because she is really a talented person. And, you know, I really believe in her and I look up to her—even as my sister,” Andres stated.

MCDONALD’S iconic character

Grimace made surprise appearances in Metro Manila last July 12 and 13, delighting parkgoers with photo ops and giveaways during unannounced visits to Quezon Memorial Circle, Bonifacio Global City, and parts of Manila. The lovable purple mascot interacted with fans and handed out special gift packs, turning an ordinary weekend into a fun-filled prelude to his upcoming nationwide party.

Grimace’s party took place on July 17, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in select McDonald’s branches across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The event was free and open to fans of all ages.

To join, participants were required to pre-register in person at any participating McDonald’s store by July 16. A store representative assisted in scanning a QR code and completing the online registration.

Each successful registrant received one physical invitation valid for one attendee.

Registration had to be done in person—friends or representatives were not allowed to register on someone else’s behalf. Sign-ups without the attendee’s physical presence were considered invalid. The invitation had to be presented on the day of the event. No invite, no entry.

Attendees were also required to wear something purple—whether a shirt, pants, or a full outfit—and were encouraged to go all out. Guests were invited to take photos and videos during the event and share them online using the hashtag #McDoGrimaceParty.

For more updates on Grimace’s party and other upcoming events, follow McDonald’s Philippines’ official social media accounts.

Grimace tours Intramuros in a kalesa while surprising fans during his Manila visit

Bad Bunny performs during his residency concert series in Puerto Rico

Fans take selfies in front of Bad Bunnyinspired murals in San Juan, Puerto Rico

A

Andres (right)

Muhlach

with Jollibee

Andres Muhlach attends the launch event for Jollibee’s new Crunchy Chicken Sandwich flavors

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Home’ weaves into Osaka for Philippine Pavilion special

LIFESTYLE show Metro Home will feature the Philippine Pavilion at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, in a special episode airing tonight at 8:30 on Metro Channel.

The episode marks the program’s first foray abroad and takes viewers inside the pavilion titled Woven , a rattan-clad structure highlighting Filipino craftsmanship through over 200 handwoven textiles created by local artisans.

Host Anton Barretto meets with pavilion designer Carlos Calma , a Filipino architect and visual artist, who says the eightmonth project pays tribute to the 18 regions of the country. The textiles, made from sustainable materials, aim to showcase the nation’s cultural diversity and rich weaving traditions.

The pavilion also includes an AI-powered interactive fiesta, a photobooth, a gift shop, a café, and a massage area.

Produced by Metro Channel, Metro Home is known for exploring well-designed spaces and homes. The show’s previous episode featured co-host Jessica Kienle Maxwell at Spanish restaurant Asador Alfonso

The special episode on the Philippine Pavilion premieres July 19 on Metro Channel.

OPULENT

Last week, this was how I described the two-story destination I rediscovered in Quezon City that blurs the lines among fashion, food, and faith or spiritual experience.

At first glance, The Grand Hausse is a feast for all the senses: the patterns, colors, accessories, and interiors greet you with flair. But behind the layers of luxury is something even more powerful: the owner’s intention.

Every corner, every plate, every curated outfit in The Grand Hausse has been crafted to spark something deeper. This means a return to self, a celebration of beauty, and a recognition of abundance. The woman behind this sensory-rich haven is creative visionary and spiritual entrepreneur Micah Shi, who founded the lifestyle concept in 2024.

At first, walking into The Grand Hausse can feel intimidating or overwhelming. The boutique on the first floor is bold, with chic tops, sculptural coats, and flowing dresses designed specifically to flatter the Filipina form. There’s a line of 18K PVD gold costume jewelry with various design choices for women. The pieces radiate. Fashion here isn’t fast or forgettable—it’s personal and, as we learned, energetically charged.

“Fashion here is a form of energetic self-expression,” Shi explained, noting how it is not just about style. Each design is meant to help wearers embody energies like confidence, creativity, and power. As with everything in The Grand Hausse, it turns out that the goal is not just to impress, but to uplift and elevate one’s well-being.

That philosophy carries into the

ENCHANTED Kingdom is marking the 30th year of Eldar the Wizard with a month-long celebration this July, spotlighting its beloved character through shows, games, and surprisefilled park activities. Under The Enchanted Story of Eldar the Wizard campaign, the homegrown EK icon is honored with immersive experiences across the park, including themed games, interactive quests, treats, and community activities.

Dishes like Fiery Aligue-Lobster Bisque Pasta, Mystique Handkerchief Pasta, and Citrine Ribeye Steak are rituals, not just forms of indulgence. They were crafted using healing ingredients and good intentions. Drinks such as Golden Abundance are infused with intentions for prosperity, while Heartful Blossom is designed to open the heart to love.

But it’s not just the sensory richness that sets The Grand Hausse apart— it’s the meaning behind it all. “While doing business that had to do with car accessories, I had that desire to balance my masculine and feminine energy. That led me to the creation of The Grand Hausse to nurture and express my feminine side,” Shi shared while I was enjoying the tiger prawn risotto and pistachio-based kare-kare. “The energy came along when I had my spiritual awakening. By that, I meant awakening to my true self. You see, our true self is our best self.”

ordinary,” she explained.

That belief ripples through the brand’s offerings. Guests are not limited to sorting through fashion items or sipping on wine and smoothies—they also engage in mood-changing experiences.

“Everything in The Grand Hausse is intentional and comes from a good place,” Shi reiterated.

Whether you’re selecting from the boutique’s coats and dresses or indulging in desserts like Salted Egg Cheesecake, Peach Pavlova, and Designer Chocolates, you are being reminded of who you are: abundant, beautiful, and worthy.

“What I’ve learned throughout this journey is that your higher purpose is always intimately connected to your deepest passions,” Shi reflected. “So, when you do your heart’s desires, you tune in to the frequency of your calling. My message to everyone is: listen to and follow your heart and forget about what society dictates about who you should become.”

Shi’s personal transformation now fuels her business mission. Every choice and pairing is guided by a deep belief in healing through intentionality.

“What I learned in my journey, I apply to The Grand Hausse because I want to share my light with others so they may also embody the light that is very healing,” she said.

And so, The Grand Hausse levels up from being a symbol of creative freedom to a platform for soulful entrepreneurship— and a call to live artfully and with intention. While it offers fashion clothing, 18K PVD accessories, dinnerware, and designer chocolates, and serves everything from all-day breakfast and soulful sandwiches to steaks and crafted cocktails, the real offering is intangible: the chance to feel whole and worthy.

Indeed, in Shi’s world, maximalism isn’t about excess—it’s a metaphor for abundance. The lavishness, the textures, the layers of detail all scream: life should be celebrated.

“Maximalism is something that I associate with abundance because life is never meant to be

Festivities began on July 12 with Eldar’s Missing Birthday Invitations, where guests searched for hidden invites placed by Eldar’s friends Morgom, Cromatia, and Snaptooth across the Spaceport and Jungle Outpost zones. Winners were treated to minigames and magical rewards. The celebration continues on July 19 with The Search for Eldar’s Birthday Hats, inviting guests to help Ogg the Guard find lost hats around Victoria Park,

At a time when the concept of minimalism is a large part of pop culture and growing in the self-care scene, Shi invites us to consider a different approach—one where spiritual growth calls for celebration. In her maximalist world, beauty is healing, energy is style, and pure intention makes everything worthwhile.

The Grand Hausse is located at 669 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, and is open daily from 11 a.m.

For your random thoughts, e-mail the author at randomrepublika@ gmail.com.

Portabello, and Brooklyn Place. On July 19 and 20, the theme park will hold The Birthday Giver, a gift-giving activity encouraging visitors to donate toys, books, clothes, school supplies, and non-perishable items via the Magical Drop Box at Midway Boardwalk. The month-long celebration will culminate on July 26 with Eldar’s

second floor, where the designer caférestaurant begins. Plush seating, mood lighting, and curated table settings evoke a Parisian café mood.

The Philippine Pavilion’s rattan-wrapped structure celebrates Filipino craftsmanship at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka