Manila Standard - 2025 July 19 - Saturday

DOJ looking into over 30 others in ‘sabungeros’ case

By Pot Chavez

Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday disclosed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is looking into “more than 30” other individuals for their possible involvement in the disappear-

ance and presumed murders of multiple gamecock enthusiasts popularly known as the “missing sabungeros.” He made this remark following a faceto-face meeting with e-sabong whistleblower Julie 'Dondon' Patidongan, also called “Alyas Totoy.”

10 provinces under Signal No. 2

RESCUE. Rescuers turn up to bring residents from homes affected by severe flooding, top photo, in Isabela, Negros

Negros Occidental. Bottom left photo shows large waves crashing against the seawall in Navotas City as 'Crising' combines with

Special Action Company, 6SAB/Facebook, BFP-Himamaylan City Fire Station, Coast

By Charles Dantes

Solano, aims to strengthen the decades-long alliance between the Philippines and the US, with a focus on bolstering economic and de-

By Charles Dantes

fense relations. "The purpose of this visit is to further strengthen the PhilippinesUS alliance, proactively engage the U.S. on all aspects of relations, and seize opportunities for greater security and economic cooperation," Solano said in a press briefing.

and bottom right

By Rio N. Araja, Maricel Cruz, Charles Dantes, Rex Espiritu and Joel Zurbano

AT LEAST 10 provinces were placed under Signal No. 2 as tropical storm “Crising” barreled toward the country’s northern region.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council remained on red alert status as “Crising” and the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat” continue to threated several parts of the countries. affecting thousands of families and prompting widespread preparedness measures.

In Metro Manila alone, 13 cities and the municipality of Pateros have suspended classes on Friday due to the weather condition.

Based on PAGASA’s 8 p.m. weather update yesterday, the center of the eye of “Crising” was estimated at 145 kilometers west of Calayan, Cagayan. It was moving west northwestward at 20 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 105 km/h. Tropical cyclone wind signal no. 2 remained in effect over Batanes, Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands,

By Charles Dantes

FL Liza off to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a 4-day working visit

By Alena Mae S. Flores

FIRST Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos flew to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday for a working visit, where she is expected to meet with overseas Filipino workers, according to Malacañang on Friday.

Presidential Communications Office

Usec. Claire Castro said the First Lady’s travel schedule, which was from July 17 to July 20, is the reason she will not be accompanying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his upcoming trip to the United States.

IN RIYADH. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos flashes the peace sign upon arrival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a four-day working visit. The visit, originally scheduled for early July, includes the launch of an OFW and OWWA Serbisyo Caravan, a one-stop government outreach program providing legal aid, financial support and welfare counseling for OFWs and their families. Next page

Occidental

photo in Himamaylan,

'habagat' to bring heavy rains in many parts of the country. SAF 61st

Guard District Southern Visayas, Norman Cruz

Pinoy sailor recounts Houthi attack in Red Sea

FILIPINO seafarer Cocoy was off-duty and resting in his cabin when the captain's voice boomed over the intercom of the cargo ship: "We are under attack."

The 38-year-old realized what sounded like a "knock" from inside the vessel was gunfire being exchanged by ship security and Houthi rebels swarming the ship in small boats.

The July 6 assault on the Greekowned Magic Seas broke a monthslong lull in attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Red Sea shipping, which began after the start of the Gaza war in October 2023. Crew members scrambled to reach the "muster station" at the center of the ship, considered the safest place should a projectile strike the vessel.

"There was panic, but we knew we had to move. It's like we were on autopilot," said Cocoy, who asked to be referred to by his nickname as he

undergoes a debriefing.

"(The crew) were in a daze, but they were all rushing to do their assigned jobs for our safety protocol...

maybe I looked dazed too," he told Agence France Presse (AFP).

"There were speedboats from the right, left and back of our ship," he said, relaying what the ship's security team had told him.

"There was also a bigger boat with around 15 crew who were attempting to board our ship, but luckily, our armed guards were able to stop them."

Of the 22 aboard the ship, 17 were Filipino.

The group huddled inside the muster station for nearly five hours as the ship's three-armed Sri Lankan security guards tried to stave off the attack.

"I lost count of how many hits we took," he told AFP of Houthi projectiles.

A Houthi spokesman would later claim that five ballistic and cruise missiles and three drones had been employed in the attack.

One would breach the hull.

"The flooding had started so we decided to abandon the ship," Cocoy said. "We deployed our lifeboat, all 22 of us, and left our main vessel."

Filipino sailors make up as much as 30 percent of the world's commercial shipping force. The nearly $7 billion they sent home in 2023 accounted for about a fifth of remittances sent to the archipelago nation.

While a seafarer for more than 15 years, it was Cocoy's first passage through the Red Sea, and what he called a case of "really bad timing."

"During the gunfight, the faces of my wife and child flashed before my eyes. I kept thinking... will they sur-

vive without me?" he said.

"I thought I was going to die."

After abandoning ship, Cocoy and his shipmates spent three hours floating in the Red Sea before being picked up by a Panama-flagged container ship.

"They were the longest hours of my life," he said.

The Magic Seas was no longer within their sight as it sank beneath the waves.

'We were just lucky'

A day after Cocoy's ordeal, another vessel crewed largely by Filipino sailors, the Eternity C, was attacked and sunk.

Ten of those aboard were rescued.

Another 15 are dead or missing.

It was the deadliest such assault since three people were killed in a missile attack on another ship in March last year.

On Wednesday night, eight Filipinos rescued from the Eternity C landed at Manila's international airport.

The Iran-backed Houthis said last week they had "rescued" an unspecified number of the Eternity C's crew and taken them to a safe location, prompting charges of kidnapping by the US government.

Maritime news journal Lloyd's List reported six Filipino seafarers as "believed taken hostage."

The Philippine government has so far offered no information about the possibility of either hostages or negotiations.

"I feel terrified for the (missing) Eternity C crew," Cocoy told AFP.

"We were just lucky, because all of us survived... I pray that many of their crew can still be located alive."

Cocoy, who is plagued by nightmares of the attack, said he is unsure if he will return to the sea.

"What happened to us was not normal," he said, urging shipowners to find routes that avoid the Red Sea.

"It's something that no one should ever experience." AFP

US Congress approves $9-b in Trump cuts to foreign aid, public media

US Republicans early Friday approved President Donald Trump's plan to cancel $9 billion in funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting, vowing it was just the start of broader efforts by Congress to slash the federal budget. The cuts achieve only a tiny fraction of the $1 trillion in annual savings that tech billionaire and estranged Trump donor Elon Musk vowed to find before

10 provinces...

From A1

Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, the northern and central portions of Abra (Manabo, Pidigan, San Juan, Tayum, Langiden, Boliney, Sallapadan, Bucloc, Lagangilang, Danglas, La Paz, Licuan-Baay, Tineg, Malibcong, Peñarrubia, San Isidro, Daguioman, San Quintin, Dolores, Lagayan, Bangued, Bucay, Lacub), the eastern portion of Mountain Province (Natonin, Paracelis), the eastern portion of Ifugao (Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista), Ilocos Norte, and the northern portion of Ilocos Sur (Cabugao, Sinait, Magsingal, San Juan, San Ildefonso, Santo

DOJ...

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The new suspects bring to about 50 the number of people named by Patidongan as allegedly having a hand in the disappearance of the cockfighting aficionados accused of cheating. He had earlier named 18 policemen in his complaint with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) apart from three alleged masterminds.

"It is important [to talk to him] because we really need to be familiar with the demeanor of the witness and so far, so good... he is very reliable... We are still getting some information and clarifications about everything because he knows a lot of data, so we have to know what he knows," the justice secretary told reporters.

Palace...

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"It is their right to protect their citizens, but as far as (our) government is concerned, crime rates in the Philippines are going down," Castro said, citing efforts under the direction of President Marcos and the leadership of

FL...

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"She will be back on July 21st," Castro said.

The visit, originally scheduled for early July, includes the launch of an OFW and OWWA Serbisyo Caravan, a one-stop government outreach program providing legal aid, financial support and welfare counseling for OFWs and their families.

"The trip highlights the administration's steadfast commitment to the welfare of our OFWs," Cas -

his acrimonious exit in May from a role spearheading federal cost-cutting.

But Republicans—who recently passed a domestic policy bill expected to add more than $3 trillion to US debt—said the vote honored Trump's election campaign pledge to rein in runaway spending.

"President Trump and House Republicans promised fiscal responsibility and

Domingo, Bantay, San Vicente, Santa Catalina, Caoayan, City of Vigan, Santa).

“Crising” was expected to make landfall over Babuyan Islands Friday evening.

It is forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility today (Saturday) and is likely to continue to intensify until it reaches severe tropical storm category by evening or Sunday early morning.

As this developed, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday directed the establishment of additional disaster response centers across the country to strengthen the government’s ability to assist families affected by natural disasters and emergencies.

Remulla explained that the DOJ is working to separate the missing sabungeros from other alleged victims of the previous administration’s drug war, as investigators are finding numerous intersections in the two cases.

"For the past 10 years, maybe we have to review the universe of the facts that we have to take into consideration for us to prepare good cases that can withstand any test," he noted.

The justice secretary also urged more relatives of the disappeared cockfighting enthusiasts to come forward to provide samples for an envisioned DNA bank in hopes of delivering justice to the dead and closure to their families.

Meanwhile, the ongoing search and retrieval operations in Taal Lake were temporarily placed on standby due to continuous rainfall and surface runoff from the nearby river.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III. Castro pointed out that cases of extrajudicial killings linked to the drug war have significantly declined, while crimes related to offshore gaming operations or POGOs have either been either reduced or resolved, with several Chinese nationals involved in illegal activities

tro said.

While in Saudi Arabia, the First Lady will also visit shelters for distressed Filipino women, workers, and children.

DICT Undersecretary Dave Almirol earlier announced that the First Lady is also spearheading the launch of a permanent onestop service hub for OFWs in the Kingdom.

In a related development, Castro rejected Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa’s claim that the Palace is using the International Criminal Court (ICC) issue to divert public attention from controversies involving

government efficiency," House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement just after the vote.

"Today, we're once again delivering on that promise."

Both chambers of Congress are Republican-controlled, meaning a mostly party-line House of Representatives vote of 216 to 213, moments after midnight, was sufficient to approve the Sen-

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Mr. Marcos wants to ensure the safety of communities vulnerable to extreme weather events.

The President made the announcement during his visit to the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City, where he inspected fully automated packing machines used by the Department of Social Welfare and Development to prepare relief goods.

As part of its readiness efforts, the DSWD reported it has P2.9 billion in standby funds, along with a stockpile of 3 million family food packs, 28,107 boxes of ready-to-eat meals, and 334,791 non-food relief items.

PH-US...

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Among the key issues on the agenda is the proposed US tariff on Philippine exports, a matter the two leaders are expected to address during their bilateral meeting at the White House on July 22.

The visit also comes ahead of two diplomatic milestones; the 80th anniversary of diplomatic bilateral relations and the 75th year of the formal defense alliance between the two countries next year.

President Marcos will also hold separate meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on July 21.

In addition, several American

already deported.

She added that the country’s recent improvement in the 2025 Global Peace Index reflects the overall better security environment.

ate-passed measure.

The bill now heads to the White House to be signed by Trump, who praised his backers in the House.

"REPUBLICANS HAVE TRIED DOING THIS FOR 40 YEARS, AND FAILED... BUT NO MORE. THIS IS BIG!!!" he wrote on Truth Social. Most of the cuts target programs for countries hit by disease, war and natural

The agency is continuing its packing operations in both the NROC in Pasay and the Visayas Disaster Resource Center in Cebu, with goods stored in 934 hubs nationwide.

Based on the latest report of the Disaster Response Operations Management, Information and Communication (DROMIC), a total of 5,022 families or 17,694 persons in 142 barangays in Regions 4-A (MIMAROPA), 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas), and 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) have been affected by heavy rains.

The DSWD has already distributed P744,539-worth of family food packs and non-food items as initial aid to 1,000 disaster-hit families.

companies, some of which are already exploring investments in the Philippines, have requested oneon-one sessions with the President.

Solano confirmed that President Marcos has agreed to meet with them, despite his tight schedule.

The Philippine delegation will include top Cabinet officials such as Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Trade Secretary Christina Roque, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Acting Press Secretary Dave Gomez, Special Assistant for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.

"If China views the situation differently, we will not interfere with that because it is within their rights. But from our perspective, the safety and security (conditions) in the Philippines are improving," she said.

the First Lady.

"The possible ICC arrest is not an old issue," Castro said in a briefing.

"Every now and then, we hear that a warrant of arrest may be issued. It’s not something recycled to distract the public," she added.

Castro also responded to Dela Rosa’s comment accusing Palace officials of raising old or recycled topics for political cover.

The senator had criticized Malacañang for allegedly bringing up the ICC case to shift focus away from a purported fake police report involving the First Lady.

Asked if the Philippine government can guarantee the safety of Chinese nationals studying or working in the country, Castro responded that all individuals, regardless of nationality, will be afforded protection.

"Whether Filipino or foreigner, we will ensure the safety of everyone here," she stressed.

"I don’t recall us raising old issues unless we’re responding to questions," Castro said.

"In fact, who really brings up old matters? There was even a Senate hearing about a 2012 PDEA operation," she added. Castro stressed that the issue over the altered police report posted by columnist Rigoberto Tiglao originated outside Malacañang, and not from the administration.

"We are merely responding to falsehoods," Castro said.

"This isn’t a diversionary tactic. Why would we use a fake document to distract people, when we can

disasters. But the move also scraps $1.1 billion that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting was due to receive over the next two years.

Conservatives say the funding— which goes mostly to more than 1,500 local public radio and TV stations, as well as to public broadcasters NPR and PBS—is unnecessary and has funded biased coverage. AFP

Fuel...

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said that based on the first four days of Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), the benchmark pricing used by oil importers and in foreign exchange movement, gasoline will likely go up by P0.70 to P0.90 per liter and gasoline by P0.30 to P0.50 per liter.

“Oil prices have increased this week on signs of improving demand. The positive oil demand outlook in the second half of 2025, the prospect of easing of trade tensions, and the risk to supply in the Middle East following attacks in the oilfields in Iraq have further supported the market,” Bellas said.

He said oil prices jumped significantly early this week due to concerns that direct sanctions on Russia could disrupt crude oil flows.

“However, the milder stance by the US on sanctions over Russian oil has eased the fears of a supply crunch,” Bellas said.

He added that while the actual difference in the week-on-week MOPS averages of diesel is actually minimal and a negative on gasoline, the depreciation of the peso versus the US dollar this week is one of the main factors for the larger potential hike in domestic prices next week.

“Furthermore, the freight and premium levels remain elevated due to lingering tensions in the Middle East, particularly the Red Sea attacks on ships,” he said.

But Department of Energy oil industry management bureau director Rodela Romero expects pump prices to increase “by more or less P0.50 per liter.”

She said two factors contributed to the estimated adjustments, namely: speculation that Trump’s tariff policies will slow global economic growth and energy demand and the unchanged forecast of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries for global oil demand growth in 2025 and 2026 due to a robust economy.

On July 15, 2025, the oil firms raised the price of gasoline by P0.70 per liter, diesel by P1.40 per liter and kerosene by P0.80 per liter.

clearly show the report being circulated is altered?"

She pointed out that the Beverly Hills Police Department confirmed the posted document was fake, and that its contents first surfaced publicly through the Vice President. Castro also called on Dela Rosa to be more discerning before commenting on sensitive issues. "He already got burned by a fake AI-generated video before," she said.

"As a senator, he should be more critical. Malacañang will never use a falsified document to manipulate public discourse," she added.

PH, US conclude air war games in Northern Luzon

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippine Air Force (PAF) and U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) on Friday concluded this year’s second iteration of Cope Thunder Philippines 2025 (CT PH 25-2).

Both countries conducted joint air operations and training exercises over a two-week period that began on July 7 across various locations in Northern Luzon.

CT PH 25-2 brought together 2,300 PAF personnel and 225 PACAF personnel, and featured a wide range of training activities, including joint maritime patrol missions, air defense training, field training exercises (FTXs), and subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs).

The PAF deployed its FA-50PH fighter jets, A-29B Super Tucanos, AW109, S-76A, and S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, while PACAF deployed several F-35A fighter aircraft.

A hotwash ceremony was held on July 14, 2025, at Clark Air Base, Pampanga, serving as the culminating program of the exercise. However, continuing training activities, validations, and SMEEs proceeded until July 18, 2025, solidifying lessons learned and maximizing training value across participating units.

The exercise focused on enhancing air superiority, asymmetric warfare capabilities, and interoperability with international partners to boost coordination, readiness, and deterrence.

Activities included air defense operations, bilateral mission planning, and joint tactics for close air support, casualty evacuation, and combat search and rescue.

AUTOMATED ASSISTANCE. DSWD personnel and volunteers prepare relief goods using newly automated repacking machines at the DSWD-National Resource Operations Center warehouse in Pasay City on Friday, July 18. The initiative ensures more efficient handling and distribution of relief items during disasters. Noel B.

Pabalate

PBBM ‘open’ to anti-dynasty bill

By Charles Dantes

MALACAÑANG on Friday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to a proposed measure seeking to ban political dynasties in the country, but emphasized the need to first study the full details of the bill.

This comes after Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan filed a bill seeking to prohibit political dynasties, which he described as a major barrier to genuine democracy and equal political opportunity in the Philippines.

The Marcoses and the Dutertes, two

of the country’s most prominent political clans, are often cited in discussions on political dynasties.

Asked whether the President is open to supporting the legislation, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the adminis-

tration is waiting for the final version of the measure before making a position.

“They should really define first what a political dynasty is,” Castro said in a briefing. “The President couldn’t have agreed, nor could he have refused, if this bill wasn’t fully drafted,” she added.

Castro explained that while the Palace recognizes the long-running discourse on political dynasties, any support or rejection from the President must be based on a thorough review of the proposed provisions.

The 1987 Constitution already con -

GUAN YU. Temple devotees take part in prayers, blessings, and offerings at the Kuan Kong Temple in Sta. Cruz, Manila, to celebrate the birthday of the Chinese deity Te Ya Kong or Guan Yu (God of War). The feast is a significant event for the Buddhist community and also features performances by the Hokian Chinese Opera Group. Richmond Chi

CamSur: From poorest to country’s 3rd richest province

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE transformation of Camarines Sur from one of the country’s poorest to the third richest province was presented in a high-level forum co-organized by the University College London (UCL) Centre for Sustainable Business and the Philippine Embassy in London. The event, A Public-Private Partnership for Water Security: The CamSur–Veragon Case Study, highlighted how a visionary local government unit (LGU) teamed up with Veragon to deploy atmospheric water generation

(AWG) technology—delivering clean water access, creating jobs, and accelerating industrialization through a low-risk, high-impact PPP model.

Camarines Sur Gov. Luis Raymund Villafuerte took center stage at the forum as he presented the dramatic transformation of his province and its success in pioneering publicprivate partnerships (PPP), specifically its landmark partnership with Italian water-tech company Veragon.

Before an international audience of policymakers, academics, diplomats, and investors,

Stateless descendants to visit Japan in August

SECOND -generation descendants of Japanese nationals who were left behind in the Philippines and have remained stateless since World War II will visit Japan next month, with the Japanese government covering their travel expenses, their support group said Thursday. The decision to shoulder the costs for Jose Takei, 82, and Leonora Uehara, 85, follows Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s earlier expression of willingness to assist them.

Ishiba met Takei and two other second-generation Japanese descendants during his visit to Manila in April. The average age of the surviving second-generation descendants is 83.

Takei will travel to Osaka Prefecture in western Japan to visit relatives traced by the Philippine Nikkeijin Legal Support Center and to pay respects at his family’s ancestral graves. Kyodo News

Villafuerte shared how CamSur rose from being the 39th poorest province in 2004 to now ranking 3rd richest in assets and 2nd in revenue generation among all Philippine provinces, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF).

“This transformation was driven by good governance, strong and consistent leadership, business-friendly policies, and continuity,” said Villafuerte, who is also the president of the National Unity Party (NUP). “These are also the exact conditions that make CamSur one of the most attractive places for PPPs to thrive.”

tains a provision against political dynasties, but it requires enabling legislation from Congress—something that has yet to materialize nearly four decades later.

Previous efforts to pass an anti-dynasty law have repeatedly failed amid concerns about conflicts of interest from lawmakers who also come from political families.

Pangilinan’s bill is one of the latest attempts to give teeth to the constitutional provision and set specific parameters on who can and cannot run for public office within political clans.

IN BRIEF

Fisherfolk from drug-cleared towns surrender floating shabu FISHERFOLK who surrendered floating packs of suspected shabu to authorities are residents of drug-cleared towns in Mariveles, Bataan, and Bolinao, Pangasinan, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez said these towns had been officially declared drug-cleared by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing, after meeting the standards of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP).

“These municipalities have consistently implemented the BDCP. Their barangays are empowered and self-policing, with resilient citizens, stigma-free rehabilitated drug users, and reformists,” Nerez said.

He also lauded the honesty and vigilance of the fishermen and the communities involved, saying this reflects the constructive impact of the BDCP. “For members of drug-cleared barangays, cooperation and participation against illegal drugs have become a way of life,” he added.

Rio N. Araja

PACALUM mayors, DOT vow to boost tourism

PAGSANJAN, Laguna—Local leaders from the PACALUM cluster—Pagsanjan, Cavinti, and Lumban— convened for a tourism and youth empowerment event to strengthen collaboration and promote inclusive economic growth through tourism.

The event was led by Pagsanjan Mayor ER Ejercito, Cavinti Mayor Arrantlee Arroyo, and Lumban Mayor Belen B. Raga, with Pagsanjan Vice Mayor Januario Garcia expressing thanks to Department of Tourism

Secretary Maria Cristina Presco for continued support.

Ejercito highlighted the tourism potential of Pagsanjan, including the iconic Pagsanjan Falls, and stressed the need to invest in infrastructure and services. He also commended DOT efforts to revitalize heritage and natural sites across CALABARZON.

Raga, Lumban’s first lady mayor, presented her sustainable tourism vision for the town, anchored on its natural beauty and rich embroidery heritage. She also underscored the importance of community-based tourism that creates livelihood opportunities, especially for the youth. Roy Tomandao

Quick action stops armed altercation in Marikina

A POTENTIAL road violence incident was averted Thursday, thanks to a citizen’s 911 call and a swift three-minute police response that led to the arrest of an armed suspect. At around 4:57 p.m., a citizen reported an altercation at a gas station along JP Rizal and Kingsway Streets in Brgy. Concepcion Uno. Officers from Sector 6 of the Marikina City Police Station arrived just three minutes later and quickly subdued the suspect.

The 45-year-old suspect, a security guard, allegedly threatened and assaulted a 30-year-old motorist during a road rage incident. According to investigators, the suspect tailgated and cursed at the victim before confronting him at the gas station. Vince Lopez

SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2025

50% fare cut for seniors, PWDs hailed

By Maricel V. Cruz

LEYTE 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday commended President Marcos. for ordering a 50-percent fare discount for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 and the Metro Rail Transit Line (MRT) 3.

IN BRIEF

Vlogger faces probe for reckless driving

A POPULAR vlogger on Friday surrendered her driver’s license during a hearing of her case for reckless driving arising from a viral video of her while involved in unsafe driving in Cainta, Rizal.

Acting LTO chief Greg Pua Jr. said he was glad to know that the vlogger, identified as Cherry White, admitted her mistake, apologized and cooperated with the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division in the conduct of the probe.

“We in the LTO appreciate the humility on the part of Ms Cherry White. As a popular social media personality, we hope that we would find an ally in her in promoting road safety,” Pua said.

Cherry White yesterday claimed she posted the video in her Instagram account around three months ago, and that the video that went viral was posted by another netizen.

Rio N. Araja

Manila-Korea tie-up launches scholarship

THE Manila city council is set to launch a scholarship program, in collaboration with the Korea International Education Association (KIEA), to allow Manileños to pursue their studies and even work in South Korea.

In a statement Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, the council’s presiding officer, described the partnership as “direct investment” in the future of the youth and the city.

“It was an honor to welcome the delegation from KIEA today…. Together with the City Council, led by our majority floor leader, we are passionately working to build a system that will open doors for our bright and deserving students to study in Korea,” she said.

The initiative was jointly proposed by the KIEA and the Manila Koreatown Association to provide comprehensive support for deserving students. Pot Chavez

PRC inaugurates new Nueva Vizcaya branch

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya –The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has opened a branch here designed to bring its services closer to the professionals in the province and the adjacent provinces of Quirino, Ifugao, and Nueva Ecija. Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Jose Gambito and PRC regional director John Alilam led the inaugural rites held Tuesday at the Nightingale Hall of the provincial capitol compound.

Gambito viewed the event as a “manifestation of a dream come true.” At least 50 professionals from Ifugao lined up on the first day of the facility’s operation. Jessica M. Bacud

to raise student fare discounts from 20 percent to 50 percent.

Underscoring the government’s role in easing the financial burden of commuters, Romualdez vowed to back initiatives for the benefit of commuters.

“We are aware of the daily hardships of commuters traveling to and from their jobs, schools and homes. It is our duty as government employees to facilitate their journey, not only with faster and more comfortable vehicles, but also by lowering the fares they pay, Romualdez said.

He lauded the President’s move as

a demonstration of genuine concern for ordinary Filipinos, particularly the vulnerable sectors.

“Previously, the discount given to our senior citizens and PWDs was only up to 20 percent on the train fare. Now they will only pay half the fare and this is because of the President’s concern for the people,” Romualdez said in Filipino.

He likewise welcomed the inaugural trip of the Dalian trains, which had been idle in storage for over a decade. President Marcos led the launch as part of the government’s broader commitment to modernizing public

transportation and maximizing existing assets.

Romualdez also expressed full support for the administration’s efforts to improve the people’s commuting experience, vowing to back funding and legislation that sustain fare discounts and strengthen the public transportation system.

“We will continue to promote the interest and welfare of our riders at the opening of the 20th Congress. We will ensure that the extension of fare discounts and other benefits for our commuters is accompanied by adequate funding,” Romualdez said.

DAR writes off P1.1-b debt of 30k agrarian farmers

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has awarded 39,443 certificates of condonation with release of mortgage (CoCRoMs) to 29,948 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Panay and Guimaras Islands in Iloilo, formally writing off P1.135 billion in mortgage payment arrears with state-run Land Bank of the Philippines.

DAR Undersecretary for foreignassisted and special projects Jesry Palmares said “the issuance of these CoCRoMs allows our ARBs to fully utilize their awarded lands without the

burden of past mortgage obligations.”

“This directly implements the provisions of Republic Act 11953, empowering our farmers with full ownership rights, significantly improving their security of tenure, and enhancing their economic welfare. It’s about providing genuine freedom and opportunity,” he added.

RA 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act provides for the emancipation of farmer-beneficiaries from the financial burden of paying loans and other debts associated with their land, condoning all principal loans, unpaid amortizations, and interests, and exempting them from estate tax over their lands.

The DAR also distributed 275 certificates of land ownership award within a 283.80-hectare land to 183 farmers throughout Panay and Guimaras Islands. At least 621 electronic land titles (etitles), encompassing an area of 702.32 hectares were awarded to 361 beneficiaries under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling project. Meanwhile, in Soccsksargen, DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III also spearheaded the distribution of 10,799 CoCRoMs to 16,380 liberating them from the burden of decades-old debt to the tune of P799 million.

have been officially written off through Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage given away by the DAR. Robert Gines

Pasig police buy-bust nets P21-m shabu, 1 suspect

By Vince Lopez

ANTI-drug police operatives on Wednesday arrested an alleged “highvalue” suspect and confiscated P21million worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City. The 25-year-old suspect was reportedly caught with 3.2 kilograms of metamphetamine hydrochloride commonly called shabu, wrapped in plastic

bags and vacuum-sealed packs valued at roughly P21.7 million in the black market.

.Also seized were the marked money, a mobile phone, a white motorcycle, and two digital weighing scales. Drug charges are currently being prepared against the suspect whose identity was temporarily withheld.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin congratulated the arresting officers for

a job well done.

“This arrest reaffirms our commitment to an intelligence-driven and procedure-based anti-illegal drug campaign pursuant to the directive of (Philippine National Police) chief General Nicolas Torre III. With relentless anti-drug operations and swift police action, our objective is to remove the illegal drug menace in Metro Manila with the help of partner-agencies and the community,” Aberin said.

NNIC, SMC join hands to clean P’que waterways

By Joel E. Zurbano

International

and San Miguel Corp. (SMC) are working together to clean up rivers around the airport in a bid to ease flooding problems in Parañaque City.

“This is especially crucial with the onset of the rainy season as this addresses one of the major causes of urban flooding,”

and

The extensive

in a larger carrying capacity and enhanced outflow to Manila Bay, especially in sections previously made shallow and restricted by years of accumulated silts and wastes that clogged the waterways. A substantial portion of the extracted waste—some 126,000 tons of silt and debris—came from a 3.3-km stretch of the Parañaque River. Large volumes of wastes and silt were also removed from other waterways, including Don Galo River (46,000 tons), Villanueva Creek (27,000 tons), and San Dionisio Creek (25,000 tons). In addition, the ongoing initiative also cleared clogged natural flood drains leading to Airport Creek, Cut-Cut Creek, Multinational Creek, and Libjo Creek. A total of 17,800 tons of garbage and silt were removed from around two kilometers of these specific waterways. To further boost flood prevention efforts around the airport complex, SMC and NNIC also de-clogged drainage systems along Domestic Road and NAIA Road.

President Marcos launched the initiative during a ceremony at the MRT-3 Santolan-Annapolis station on Wednesday. The President earlier directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr)

BUSINESS AS USUAL. With the weather slightly clearing out, fisherman unload the freshly harvested mussels for sale at the Bulungan fish port in Parañaque City. Manny Palmero

FREED FROM DEBT. Agrarian Reform Secretary Secretary Conrado Estrella III poses with two agrarian beneficiaries in Soccksargen region whose debts arising from unpaid amortizations over their newly acquired agricultural lands

THE BIG CLEAN-UP. In keeping with their corporate social responsibility programs, the New NAIA Infra Corp. private operator of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and the San Miguel

OPINION

Co-owners’ right of redemption

“A CO-OWNER of a thing may exercise the right of redemption in case the shares of all the other co-owners or of any of them, are sold to a third person. If the price of the alienation is grossly excessive, the redemptioner shall pay only a reasonable one.” (Article 1620, Civil Code of the Philippines)

If “two or more co-owners desire to exercise the right of redemption, they may only do so in proportion to the share…” (Op cit.)

“The right of legal pre-emption or redemption shall be exercised within thirty days from the notice in writing by the prospective vendor, or by the vendor, as the case may be.” (Article 1623, Civil Code of the Philippines)

“The [Supreme] Court has been consistent in ruling that the required written notice by the seller is mandatory and indispensable for the 30-day redemption period to commence.”

“The written notice was obviously exacted by the [Civil] Code to remove all uncertainty as to the sale… and to quiet any doubts that the alienation is not definitive.” (Azurin v. Chua, G.R. 259662, April 23, 2025 citing Rama v. Spouses Nogra)

Hence “[i]t is proper to interpret the written notice requirement under Article 1623 as mandatory.”

“The law could have merely specified ‘notice’ if notice, through any form, is sufficient to trigger the 30-day period to redeem.” (Op cit.)

“It must be emphasized, however, that while written notice is mandatory for the 30-day period of redemption to run, the form of such written notice need not conform to any specific kind of format so long as it informs the co-owner of the terms and conditions of the sale, as well as its validity and efficacy.” (Op cit.)

In the case of Azurin v. Chua, Lot 236, the disputed property, was under the name of spouses Flaviano Azurin and Maxima Marcelino which was transferred [to] Antonio Azurin, Sr. (Antonio Sr.), their eldest son. By presenting notarized quit claims purportedly executed in his favor by his siblings, Antonio, Sr. was later able to transfer Lot 236 to his three (3) sons, namely: Antonio, Jr., Rafael, and Larry.

When Antonio Sr.’s siblings (Adelaida, Jose, and Juliet) discovered the sole adjudication made by Antonio Sr., they filed a complaint for recovery of property with nullity of documents and certificate of titles against Antonio Sr.’s three sons who were in possession of the property.

“The trial court adjudged Adelaida as the owner of one-fourth of Lot 236, covering an area of 169 square meters on the basis of the Deed of Absolute Sale dated February 15, 1984 executed by Antonio, Sr. in her favor.” Despite successive appeals the decision remained unchanged. (Op cit.)

“On the strength of the final and executory decision in her favor, Adelaida sold [her portion of the lot] to Carlito Chua (Carlito) on November 25, 2005. Afterwards, Lot 236 was surveyed and subdivided under a duly-approved subdivision plan.” (Op cit.)

“On January 27, 2010, Lot 236-A was segregated and [a new title] was issued in Carlito’s name. Afterwards, Carlito filed a verified complaint for recovery of possession with damages against [Antonio, Sr.’s children].” The trial court ruled in favor of Carlito. (Op cit.)

If the price of the alienation is grossly excessive, the redemptioner shall pay only a reasonable one

“Consequently, a writ of execution and a writ of demolition were issued against [Antonio, Sr.’s children]. Larry thereafter ceded his share in the disputed property in favor of [his siblings] Antonio, Jr. and Rafael.” (Op cit.)

“On March 28, 2016, Antonio, Jr. and Rafael filed a complaint for legal redemption with damages against Carlito” wanting to recover the portion sold to Carlito. The trial court dismissed the complaint. (Op cit.)

“Aggrieved by the trial court’s Decision, Antonio, Jr. and Rafael appealed to the [Court of Appeals]” which later denied the same. “According to the CA, the case for legal redemption was filed more than 15 years after the sale—way beyond the 30-day statutory period.’’ (Op cit.)

“[T]he written notice requirement under Article 1623 of the Civil Code may be dispensed with… due to the peculiar circumstances involved and the laches that had set in…” “[I]n the case at bar [it] show[s] that [Antonio, Jr. and Rafael] had sufficient knowledge of the sale and… that there is laches on their part.”

“[L]ot 236 was duly surveyed for the segregation of the subject property from it, [hence]… they would have known about the survey.” “Furthermore, [Antonio, Jr. and Rafael] had actual notice of the sale when [Carlito] filed an action for recovery of possession with damages against them.” (Op cit.)

The Supreme Court held “that [Antonio, Jr. and Rafael] had actual knowledge of the sale, at the latest, on January 27, 2010 [but] they filed the complaint for legal redemption with damages only on March 28, 2016. It took them six years and two months to file their complaint, [thus], [l]aches ha[d] set in against them.” (Op cit.)

Team Philippines: FVR’s legacy of unity, leadership in troubled times

By Melandrew T. Velasco

AS WE await the fourth State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and mark the third year on July 31 since the passing of former President Fidel V. Ramos, the man we fondly called FVR, I find myself returning not just to the milestones of his presidency, but to the mindset he modeled and preached— Unity, Solidarity, and Teamwork. Three words he repeated often. Three values he lived by. And three urgent calls that today’s fractured Philippines needs more than ever.

In FVR’s world, leadership was not about control—it was about cooperation. He always spoke of the country as “Team Philippines,” a nation of diverse individuals riding in one Mother Ship and rowing in the same direction for the common good. He loved to say, “We must move forward faster—together as one nation and one people all aboard MV Pilipinas.” That was not just a slogan. It was his ethos. A leader who listened FVR came to power in a divided country. The early 1990s were filled with post-Marcos uncertainties, coup aftermaths, power outages, economic volatility, and festering regional conflicts. But instead of ruling with a heavy hand, FVR chose to listen.

He consulted, reached out, built coalitions—even with those who once stood

against him. He welcomed criticism if it led to consensus. He opened doors, held dialogues, and stitched together an inclusive Cabinet that prized competence over connections.

His leadership style was a living testament that democracy can function with discipline and that progress can be made without leaving anyone behind.

Unity is action, not slogan

In today’s political climate—polarized, noisy, often combative—we could all use a little of FVR’s brand of governance. His concept of unity wasn’t shallow “pampabango.” It was hard work. It meant listening across party lines as proven with LEDAC that enabled the passage of 229 landmark bills, negotiating with integrity, and building consensus through shared responsibility.

FVR envisioned a Philippines where differences were strengths, not divisions

He saw governance as a relay race, not a solo sprint. What one administration started, the next should improve -regarding one presidency as a building bloc to nation building. He refused to

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format in a traditional pen and ink texture with subtle colored tints of a piggy bank looking distraught. Behind him is a looming, smiling vampire. The face of the vampire is massive compared to the piggy bank. The vampire is smiling and baring its fangs. The fangs spell out the word ‘TAX.’

EDITORIAL

Going out on a limb

IN THIS age of disinformation and misinformation, where sharing crude content is easy as pie with the platforms available, journalists must be remember their mission: to inform the public with accurate and verified information.

That mission, followed to the letter and spirit, fosters transparency and accountability.

We take the report on Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, picked up by other media outlets, which said the Cabinet official was holding two passports. Teodoro assumed office on June 5, 2023 and had previously served the same position as defense chief from Aug. 2007 to Nov. 2009.

The report said 61-year-old Teodoro holds a passport from Malta, making him a dual citizen of the Philippines and that European country, with a passport, under Teodoro’s full name Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo Cojuangco Jr., issued on Dec 22, 2016 number 1259234, valid for 10 years.

In the Philippines, dual citizenship is generally restricted for those holding sensitive government positions.

While Republic Act 9225 allows natural-born Filipinos who have become naturalized citizens of another country to retain or re-acquire Philippine citizenship, they must renounce

tear down what worked simply to make room for ego. In his words, “There is no monopoly of good ideas. Let us build on what is already there.”

That, perhaps, is the core of his concept of Team Philippines—that the nation is bigger than any one leader, party, or administration.

A team, not a tribe

FVR constantly emphasized the need to break free from tribalism—political, regional, religious, or ideological. He envisioned a Philippines where differences were strengths, not divisions. Where being Ilocano, Cebuano, Moro, or Tagalog meant celebrating identity, not building walls.

Even in peace talks with rebel groups, his tone was clear: “We are all Filipinos. Let’s build this country together.” He believed the future of the country

their foreign citizenship and take an oath of allegiance to the Philippines before assuming any public office, especially sensitive ones. It is not enough to say the media outlet had tried to reach out to the person several times, a line repudiated by Teodoro.

The media must never go out on a limb, particularly where issues as sensitive as Teodoro’s case could have been addressed by an honest phone call

In an interview broadcast live, Teodoro said in Filipino “This is not only fake news but also a smear campaign,

hinged not on uniformity, but on shared dream, unity of purpose and solidarity among Filipinos.

Lessons from a life lived well

As someone who had the rare privilege of chronicling his life and legacy through 18 books over nearly two decades, I saw first hand how much he lived what he preached -- to love our Inang Bayan more each passing day.

In our conversations and interviews, he always circled back to one theme: the Filipino people must never be bystanders in nation-building. They must be active participants, co-creators of a future that includes everyone.

He would often sign off messages with his trademark thumbs-up and the words: “Kaya Natin Ito.” Not in blind optimism, but in steady conviction that we can do it—if we do it together.

because they did not try to get my side, which I could have given.

“They just came out with the report. And they knew that it would be picked up quickly.”

He explained he availed himself of a Maltese passport in 2016 because he was looking for jobs and opportunities in Europe, noting he was a private citizen then, and renewing visas was time consuming and a difficult process.

On Monday, the Department of National Defense said Teodoro Jr. had surrendered his Maltese passport before the filing of his candidacy for the 2022 elections.

“Its existence was disclosed to the Bureau of Immigration and Comelec (Commission on Elections) prior to the 2022 elections, as well as to the Commission on Appointments prior to their confirmation of his appointment as defense secretary,” DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a statement. Clearly, the motive of the rumor, picked up as a news report, was clear and known to Teodoro, and the timing of the article, suspect as it is, adds to the quietly perceived motive. We don’t preach, but strongly feel the media, print and broadcast, must never go out on a limb, particularly where issues as sensitive as Teodoro’s case could have been addressed by an honest phone call.

Moving forward, FVR-style In these troubled times—when we face economic headwinds, environmental threats, geopolitical tensions, and deep social and political divides—maybe what we need isn’t another divisive debate or populist promise.

Maybe what we need is to remember what FVR already taught us: That unity is possible. That solidarity can be sustained. That teamwork works. And that, despite our differences, we are still Team Philippines—always.

(The author is president/chief executive officer of Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc. and president/executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a non-government outfit advocating tree-planting and environmental protection.)

Druze violence leaves 600 dead

SWEIDA, Syria – Syrian troops on Thursday pulled out of the Druze heartland of Sweida on the orders of the Islamist-led government, following days of deadly clashes that killed nearly 600 people, according to a war monitor.

The southern province has been gripped by deadly sectarian bloodshed since Sunday, with hundreds reportedly killed in clashes pitting Druze fighters against Sunni Bedouin tribes and the army and its allies.

The city of Sweida was desolate on Thursday, AFP correspondents on the ground reported, with shops looted, homes burnt and bodies in the streets.

“What I saw of the city looked as if it

had just emerged from a flood or a natural disaster,” Hanadi Obeid, a 39-year-old doctor, told AFP.

Syria’s interim President Ahmed alSharaa said in a televised speech that community leaders would resume control over security in Sweida “based on the supreme national interest”, after the deployment of government troops on Tuesday fuelled the intercommunal bloodshed and prompted Israeli military

intervention.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that 594 people had been killed in clashes in Sweida province since Sunday.

The UN’s humanitarian agency, OCHA, said that “nearly 2,000 families have been displaced” by the violence across the province.

Israel had hammered government troops with air strikes during their brief deployment in Sweida and also struck targets in and around the capital Damascus, including the military headquarters, warning that its attacks would intensify until the government pulled back.

The Observatory reported that three people were killed in Damascus by the Israeli strikes.

Syria’s state-run news agency SANA later reported the first Israeli attack on the area since government forces withdrew, with strikes on the outskirts of Sweida.

The Syrian presidency meanwhile accused Druze fighters in Sweida of violating the ceasefire that led to the withdrawal of government forces. In a statement, the presidency accused “outlaw forces” of violating the agreement through “horrific violence” against civilians.

The presidency also warned against “continued blatant Israeli interference in Syria’s internal affairs, which only leads to further chaos and destruction and further complicates the regional situation.”

AFP

Sokor to end private adoptions after signal probe

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea is set to overhaul its adoption system on Saturday by ending the decades-old practice of outsourcing adoptions to private agencies, which has led to widespread allegations of abuse.

South Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy and a global cultural powerhouse, sent more than 140,000 children overseas between 1955 and 1999. But an official inquiry concluded this year that the international adoption process had been riddled with irregularities, including “fraudulent orphan registrations, identity tampering, and inadequate vetting of adoptive parents”.

The rights of South Korean children had been violated, the landmark investigation by a truth commission found.

The independent body established by the state called for an official apology and blamed the government for the issues, especially a failure to regulate adoption fees that effectively turned it into a profit-driven industry.

On Saturday, South Korea will introduce a “newly restructured public adoption system, under which the state and local governments take full responsibility for the entire adoption process,” South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare said. AFP

SECTARIAN BLOODSHED.

Kurdish Syrian women carry placards during a march in support for the people of Sweida in the eastern city of Qamishli on Friday. Syrian troops pulled out of the Druze heartland province of Sweida on orders from the Islamistled government, following days of deadly clashes that killed more than 500 people, according to a war monitor. More than 1,700 mostly Alawite civilians were massacred in their heartland on the Mediterranean coast in March, with governmentaffiliated groups blamed for most of the killings. AFP

California to sue Trump gov’t over rail funds

LOS ANGELES – California will sue

President Donald Trump’s administration over its decision to cancel billions of dollars in federal funding for the construction of a long-delayed high-speed rail line, the state’s governor said Thursday.

“Trump’s termination of federal grants for California high-speed rail reeks of politics. It’s yet another political stunt to punish California,” Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement.

“We’re suing to stop Trump from derailing America’s only high-speed rail actively under construction,” Newsom

said, adding that canceling the funds would put “real jobs and livelihoods on the line.”

A Democratic stronghold, California has been the target of Trump’s ire since his return to office, and is already waging multiple legal challenges against the federal government.

The dream of a train linking Los Angeles with San Francisco some 380 miles (610 kilometers) away in just two hours and 40 minutes has been over 15 years in the making.

But the project launched in 2008 to

connect the two main cities of the country’s most populous state has seen numerous hold ups and overshot budgets.

According to the governor, it is expected to create 15,000 jobs.

On Wednesday, Trump announced he was cutting federal funding earmarked for the project.

“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 the Democrat governor, a bitter political rival of the president. AFP

a national

UN rights chief urges prompt probe into Syrian violence

GENEVA, Switzerland – The United Nations rights chief demanded on Friday that Syria’s interim authorities ensure accountability after days of deadly clashes in the southern city of Suweida that reportedly left hundreds dead.

“This bloodshed and the violence must stop and the protection of all people must be the utmost priority,” Volker Turk said in a statement.

He demanded “independent, prompt and transparent investigations into all violations” adding: Those responsible must be held to account.”

“It is crucial that immediate steps are taken to prevent recurrence of such violence,” he said.

“Revenge and vengeance are not the answer.”

His comments came after Syrian troops pulled out of the Druze heartland of Sweida on Thursday on the orders of the Islamist-led government, following days of clashes that reportedly killed nearly 600 people.

The southern province has been gripped by deadly sectarian bloodshed since Sunday, with hundreds reportedly killed in clashes pitting Druze fighters against Sunni Bedouin tribes and the army and its allies.

Israel had meanwhile hammered government troops with air strikes during their brief deployment in Sweida and also struck targets in and around the capital Damascus, including the military headquarters.

It said its attacks would intensify until the government pulled back. AFP

EU okays 18th round of Russia sanctions

BRUSSELS – EU countries on Friday agreed to a new package of sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine, including lowering a price cap on Moscow’s oil exports. The 18th round of economic punishment against Russia since its 2022 invasion was approved after Slovakia dropped a weeks-long block following talks with Brussels over separate plans to phase out Russian gas imports.

“The EU just approved one of its strongest sanctions packages against Russia to date,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.

“Each sanction weakens Russia’s ability to wage war. The message is clear: Europe will not back down in its support for Ukraine. The EU will keep raising the pressure until Russia ends its war.” Slovakia’s Russia-friendly leader Robert Fico dropped his opposition after getting what he called “guarantees” from Brussels over gas prices as the bloc pushes to cut off Russian imports by the end of 2027. AFP

NK bars foreign tourists from new seaside resort

SEOUL – North Korea has barred foreigners from a newly opened beach resort, the country’s tourism administration said this week, just days after Russia’s top diplomat visited the area.

The sprawling seaside resort on its east coast, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s pet project, opened to domestic visitors earlier this month with great fanfare in state-run media.

Dubbed “North Korea’s Waikiki” by South Korean media, the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone appears to be lined with high-rise hotels and waterparks, and can purportedly accommodate some 20,000 people.

State media previously said visits to Wonsan by Russian tour groups were expected in the coming months.

But following Lavrov’s visit, the North’s National Tourism Administration said “foreign tourists are temporarily not being accepted” without giving further details, in a statement posted on an official website this week. AFP

Myanmar junta offers cash rewards

RIDDLED WITH IRREGULARITIES. This file picture, taken in Seoul on June 11, 2025 shows Peter Moller, KoRoot’s co-representative, posing for a photo in front of pictures of Korea-born adopted children after an interview with AFP at KoRoot, a Seoul-based organization that helps Korean adoptees search for their records and birth families. Seoul is to overhaul its adoption system today by ending the decades-old practice of outsourcing adoptions to private agencies, which has led to widespread allegations of abuse. AFP

Trump threatens to sue WSJ over story on alleged Epstein 2003 letter

WASHINGTON, DC –

YANGON – Myanmar’s junta said Friday it is offering cash rewards to fighters willing to desert armed groups defying its rule and “return to the legal fold” ahead of a slated election. The Southeast Asian country has been consumed by civil war since a 2021 coup, with the embattled junta facing an array of pro-democracy guerillas and ethnic armed rebels.

“Instead, they are going with a false, malicious, and defamatory story anyway,” he said. “President Trump will be suing The Wall Street Journal, NewsCorp, and Mr. (Rupert) Murdoch, shortly. The Press has to learn to be truthful, and not rely on sources that probably don’t even exist.” AFP

story says the letter featuring a sketch of a naked woman and Trump’s signature was part of a collection of notes for Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003. The newspaper says it reviewed the letter but did not print an image. Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief Emma Tucker “was told directly by (White House press secretary) Karoline Leavitt, and by President Trump, that the letter was a FAKE,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social network.

After suffering major battlefield reverses, the military has touted elections around the end of the year as a pathway to peace -- plans denounced as a sham by opposition groups and international monitors. State media The Global New Light of Myanmar said Friday “individuals who returned to the legal fold with arms and ammunition are being offered specific cash rewards”. The junta mouthpiece did not specify how much cash it is offering, but said 14 anti-coup fighters had surrendered since it issued a statement pledging to “welcome” defectors two weeks ago. AFP

RIGHTS PROTEST. Demonstrators protest near President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home during a ‘Good Trouble Lives

On’ protest on Friday in Palm Beach, Florida. Commemorating the fifth anniversary of the death of civil rights leader and former US Rep. John Lewis, demonstrators around the country protested today in what was touted by organizers as

day of action to respond to the attacks on civil and human rights by the Trump administration. AFP

Unbeaten HD Spikers

target quarterfinal slot vs. Crossovers

ILOILO City—Expect fireworks to erupt as Cignal faces Chery Tiggo today (Saturday), seeking not just for Pool B supremacy but for the first outright berth in the quarterfinals of the PVL On Tour, which resumes at the City of Passi Arena in Iloilo City. With both teams flaunting unbeaten records – Cignal at 3-0 and Chery Tiggo at 2-0 – their 6:30 p.m. showdown promises to be a no-holds-barred duel. More than just momentum is at stake as the winner secures a vital head start in the race to the playoffs, making this a virtual playoff preview and an early statement game in the pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision.

Iloilo, a regular PVL out-of-town destination known for its heritage churches and world-class jusi and piña fabrics, is expected to be buzzing with volleyball fever once again. With the league having cultivated a strong fanbase in the city, another jampacked and electric crowd is anticipated for this weekend’s explosive twin-bill.

But the fireworks begin as early as 4 p.m., when Creamline (2-1) takes on ZUS Coffee (1-1), in what serves as a perfect appetizer to the evening’s main course. The Cool Smashers, eager to bounce back from a stunning straight-set loss to the HD Spikers last July 1, will look to regain their rhythm against a squad hungry to prove itself in a stacked field.

Adding intrigue to both matches is the 12-day break for Chery Tiggo and ZUS Coffee, allowing them to recharge and recalibrate. While some might fear rust, both squads are expected to come out wellprepared, knowing full well what’s at stake.

Cignal has been on a tear despite missing top scorer and Alas Pilipinas standout Vanie Gandler. The HD Spikers stunned the Cool Smashers in straight sets behind the emergence of new recruits Erika Santos and Tin Tiamzon, alongside rookie Erin Pangilinan. With stalwarts Ishie Lalongisip, Roselyn Aquino, Jackie Acuña, Heather Guino-o and playmaker Gel Cayuna stepping up, the team has found a balanced and dangerous mix of offense and defense.

Snoop Dogg is co-owner of Championship club Swansea

LONDON—Snoop Dogg has become co-owner of Championship side Swansea City in an unlikely alliance between the world of rap and football, the Welsh club announced.

The 53-year-old American star joins former Real Madrid stalwart and Croatia World Cup finalist Luka Modric in the club’s ownership structure.

Snoop Dogg made a surprise appearance on the club’s social media channels last week modelling their new home jersey for the 2025-26 season and the club announced on Thursday that he has become an investor. His involvement comes after American businessmen Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen took over the club last November. Swansea will hope that Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, can use his 100 million-plus social media followers to boost the club’s profile as they seek to return to the Premier League for the first time since they were relegated in 2018.

Swansea’s owners have said they want to generate greater revenue, which would allow them to invest more in new players under the profit and sustainability rules in British football.

The 53-year-old rapper said on the club’s website: “My love of football is well known, but it feels special to me that I make my move into club ownership with Swansea City.

“The story of the club and the area really struck a chord with me. This is a proud, working class city and club. An underdog that bites back, just like me.

LUA, ATENEO SHINE

Buenaventura powers UP to twin wins in IIT opener

SAN RAFAEL, Bulacan—University of the Philippines-1’s Joshua Buenaventura showcased mental fortitude, composure and competitive fire as he launched his campaign in the ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour in stirring fashion – firing a three-under 69 to capture the men’s individual crown in Friday’s opening round at the Royal Northwoods Golf Club here.

Buenaventura also spearheaded UP1’s victorious team effort, combining with Miggy Roque’s 77 to post a 146 aggregate and power the Dilimanbased squad to the men’s team title in the first leg of the four-stage series,

which culminates in the grand finals on Sept. 23-25 at Splendido Taal. Emilio Carpio also turned in a 77 for UP-1 but didn’t count in the three-to-play, twoto-count format.

La Salle-1 took second in team play

with a 150 total, led by Zachary Castro’s 71 and Jose Lorenzo Flores’ 79, while Ateneo-2 placed third with a 151 behind Ricardo Joson’s ace-boosted 73 and Matthew Mendoza’s 78.

“It’s all about practice and hard work,” said Buenaventura, 20. “My iron play and putting were the highlights of my game, especially since I wasn’t driving particularly well today.”

In the women’s division, La Salle-1’s Julia Lua overcame a rollercoaster round of 84 to edge UP-1’s Adrienne Manhit (87) by three strokes and become the inaugural women’s individual champion of the tour, developed by

the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and the Philippine Golf Foundation to deliver elite-level play for varsity and independent entries.

Ateneo-1’s Monique Mendoza finished third with an 89. Lua, 19, credited her fairway woods for helping her salvage the round, saying, “I relied on them a lot to save my score throughout the round.”

She also emphasized adaptability amid shifting weather conditions: “The key was really adjusting to the course. The rain came on and off, and the wind picked up at times, so I had to stay flexible and make adjustments as much as I could.”

Lua echoed Buenaventura’s sentiment on the inter-campus atmosphere: “The campus battle is definitely exciting. It’s fun to see how other teams match up against ours. It’s great to see so many women playing well – the competition is really strong.”

Lua had previously ruled the tour’s soft launch at Sherwood Hills last month, while Buenaventura tied for third, both proving their readiness for high-stakes competition.

But it was Ateneo-1 that clinched the women’s team title, with Mendoza and Simi Tinio turning in rounds of 89 and 90 for a 179 total – seven strokes ahead of La Salle-1’s Lua and Janine Yusay, who combined for a 186.

UP-1 claimed third with a 188 aggregate behind Manhit’s 87 and Katrisse Datoc’s 101. Mendoza highlighted the team’s focus heading into the tournament, saying, “We had individual training to help us perform well today. Our main expectation was just to have fun, meet other players, and get a feel for the course – especially with the weather being so unpredictable.” She added, “We’re hoping to focus more on training and team building moving forward.”

Buenaventura’s 69 was anchored on five birdies against two bogeys, showcasing his sharp shotmaking, putting, and course management. After teeing off on No. 2 in a shotgun start, he found rhythm early with a birdiebogey-birdie stretch from No. 3. He edged Castro, who rebounded from two-over with birdies on Nos. 11, 12, and 15 to finish with a 71, playing in the same flight as Buenaventura. Joson finished third individually with a 73, highlighted by a hole-in-one on his very first hole, the 148-yard No. 7, using a Miura CB-302 8-iron and a TaylorMade TP5x Pix ball.

Pacquiao insists he can take on Barrios, Father Time

LOS ANGELES—Thirty years after clambering through the ropes for his first professional fight as a skinny 16-year-old, Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring once more on Saturday for the latest round of his protracted battle with Father Time.

The 46-year-old Filipino icon takes on World Boxing Council welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas chasing another milestone to crown his glittering 30-year professional career.

Pacquiao stunned the boxing world in May when he announced that he planned to end his four-year exile from the sport to challenge Barrios, taking advantage of a WBC rule that allows former champions to request an immediate title fight when coming out of retirement.

Pacquiao, who is reportedly set to receive between $5-10 million for Saturday’s fight, says his comeback is mo-

tivated by his passion for the sport and the adrenaline rush of headlining a Sin City fight night.

“I’m returning because I miss my boxing,” Pacquiao said during a

LEADING fiber broadband and technology provider

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is stepping up its game in providing high-demand, exclusive entertainment content as it announced a pay-per-view service for the comeback fight of legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao versus current WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios this Sunday, July 20.

For just P499, get to watch the battle for the WBC World Welterweight Championship live with your Converge Xperience Hub subscription together with your friends and family. Just scan the QR code or get your pay-perview access at https://pay.rbu.com.ph.

For Converge customers who aren’t subscribed yet to the Xperience Hub, you can log-in to gofiber.ph to upgrade to a Super FiberX or Netflix Bundle Plan to unlock the Xperience Hub.

“The Pacquiao vs. Barrios fight is shaping out to be an all-out war and our subscribers can experience this historic ring battle live via the Converge Xperience Hub,” said Converge SVP and Head of Consumer and SME Business John Paul Aguilar. The battle between 46-year-old Pacquiao and the defending champion Barrios will be held at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas at 8 a.m. (Manila time) on July 20.

Viewers may navigate to their home screens in their Xperience Hub and go to the pay-per-view section. The

recent publicity tour.

“Especially these situations -- being interviewed, press conference, training camp, everything like that.

“I missed that. But it has been good for me -- I’ve rested my body for four years. And now I come back.”

Sceptics though have voiced concern that Pacquiao, whose last professional win came in 2019, may have bitten off more than he can chew by exercising his right for a title shot against a defending champion Barrios who is 16 years his junior and in the prime of his career.

Even Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s long-time trainer who will be in the Filipino’s corner once again on Saturday, admitted to initially harboring reservations about the match-up.

“I really don’t want to see him make a comeback, because I think he’s already been great. He’s already done everything he can do,” Roach

said in May before Pacquiao’s return was made official.

‘Bad intentions’

Oddsmakers have echoed the scepticism, with Barrios installed as 4/11 favourite to dish out a ninth defeat in what will be Pacquiao’s 73rd career fight.

“I’m okay being the underdog,” an unfazed Pacquiao said in Las Vegas this week. “I’ve been the underdog many times. I’m always bringing surprises.”

Pacquiao’s supporters meanwhile point to the Filipino’s chiseled physique and glimpses of impressive hand speed as reasons to believe that the veteran can produce another memorable Vegas win.

Yet boxing history is littered with veteran fighters who looked sharp in training camp only to be dismantled by much younger opponents when fight night rolled around. AFP

promotional poster of the fight, shown in the section, features the QR code which users may scan to pay for and access the content.

Additionally, with the recent collaboration of Converge and Sky Cable, Sky TV subscribers can purchase the content through the same QR Code.

Since the payment and ordering of the service is done online, they will be notified of the successful payment through the payment platform used, including their e-wallets.

“This is just the beginning of Converge offering convenient and seamless access to high-demand content, may it be entertainment or otherwise. There will be a lot more to expect in terms of IPTV content in the months to come,” Aguilar noted.

Converge recently announced its leap into the future with beyond connectivity services that will enrich everyday life of Filipinos. More content and entertainment offerings are just part of this promise to its customers. The Xperience Hub is a Google-certified

4K streaming, Wi-Fi, and digital audio interface. You can also download other popular apps with the likes of Disney+, Viu, Spotify, Curiosity, Amazon Prime and HBO GO.

Champion Mapua University

La Salle-1’s Julia Lua overcame a rollercoaster round of 84 to edge UP-1’s Adrienne Manhit (87) by three strokes and become the inaugural women’s individual champion of the tour.

Snoop Dogg

Manny Pacquiao attends a news conference at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP

SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Bright British Open start for Schef er; Rory 3 shots back

PORTRUSH—World number one Scottie

Scheffler made a fine start to the British Open to sit three under par at a rain-swept Royal Portrush on Thursday as home favorite Rory McIlroy was roared on during a rollercoaster one-under-par round.

Former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick, China’s Li Haotong, Dane Jacob Skov Olesen, South Africa’s Christiaan Bezuidenhout and American Harris English hold the clubhouse lead at four under par.

Scheffler, though, is well-placed to launch his challenge for a fourth major and a first Claret Jug despite a series of wayward tee shots.

The American hit just three fairways but still produced one of the best rounds of the day thanks to his brilliant approach play.

“When it’s raining sideways, it’s actually, believe it or not, not that easy to get the ball in the fairway. Thank you guys all for pointing that out,” he told reporters.

Scheffler raised eyebrows with his pretournament comments that his is “not a fulfilling life” due to his relentless quest for more success.

He battled his way through the first 15 holes at one-under thanks to birdies at the third, seventh and 10th before finding his touch with another birdie at the “Calamity Corner” 16th and nearly holing an approach for eagle at the 17th.

McIlroy steadies the ship

McIlroy 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. The Northern Irishman was 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 first-round 79, saw him miss the cut.

McIlroy is nine shots better off this time after day one, but was ragged off the tee to see a potentially brilliant start blown off course in the windy conditions. AFP

Chua wins Dubai Open crown, Malayan 10-ball king in Jakarta

By Randy M. Caluag

FILIPINO cue master Johann Chua stunned former world No. 1 Fedor Gorst with a commanding 13-6 victory to clinch the 2025 Knight Shot Dubai Open title, while rising star Sean Mark Malayan captured his first major international crown at the 2025 Predator PBC Indonesia International 10-Ball Open in Jakarta.

Chua pulled away from a tight 7-6 scoreline by stringing together six consecutive racks, shutting the door on Gorst’s comeback hopes.

Earlier in the semifinals, Chua also turned back Spanish ace David Alcaide, 11-7, en route to the $15,000 top prize.

LAS VEGAS, USA—Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino is in Las Vegas to show his full support for Manny Pacquiao and two other Filipino boxers competing on Saturday (Sunday in the Philippines) at the MGM Grand Garden. Tolentino, accompanied by POC Secretary-General Atty. Wharton Chan, also visited the Knuckleheads gym on Thursday (Friday in the Philippines). The gym is owned by international matchmaker Sean Gibbons, who is also the president of Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions. Their visit was to meet the Filipino boxers training there.

“We are very thankful to Sean [Gibbons] and Manny Pacquiao for taking care of our Filipino boxers who fight for the pride of our country,” Tolentino said. He added that the POC might collaborate with MP Promotions in the future, potentially seeking representation for professional boxers in the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics, as professional boxing is now permitted in the Games.

Tolentino emphasized that they would first seek permission from Gibbons if they identify potential Olympic talents from his promotions.

Eumir Felix Marcial, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, welcomed Tolentino’s visit.

Marcial, who is undefeated in five professional fights with three knockouts, is set to face American Bernard Joseph in an eight-round undercard bout.

The main event will see Manny Pacquiao challenge reigning World Boxing Council welterweight champion Mario Barrios. Another Filipino boxer, Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo, will go against Jorge Mata Cuellar of Mexico in a super featherweight match.

“We are praying that Pacquiao, Marcial, and Magsayo will win and be safe in their respective fights. We will be watching them live to show our support,” Tolentino said, noting that Sean’s son, Parker, also welcomed them warmly. In addition to Marcial, Tolentino met

More than the title, the Dubai win is expected to give Chua a significant confidence boost ahead of next week’s World Pool Championship in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he spearheads a 15-player Filipino contingent.

In Jakarta, Chezka Centeno narrowly missed a finals berth in the

Playing vs. world’s best taught Eala to be ‘brave, better player’

By Peter Atencio

PHILIPPINE pride Alexandra Eala

learned to be a better player after finishing her professional campaign in the first half of the year in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) as she competed for the first time in the main draw of Wimbledon Open recently.

The 20-year-old Eala said this a week after she arrived in Manila to reconnect with family, fans and supporters.

Competing against the top 100 players in the world this year gave Eala a chance to know her game and what she needs to improve on.

“The lessons I learned from them is what I learned about myself, when I play, how are my skills, what makes me go, and how to manage

my nerves,” said Eala.

“I’ve learned to be brave, and try to be my best,” she added. Eala reflected on her experiences in the past months during a meetand-greet with fans and the media on Friday afternoon at the Radiance Hall of the Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

During the hourlong session, Eala unveiled a 12-inch Funko Pop-style toy figure of her that chief backer Globe Telecom crafted.

With Eala’s career earnings reaching $1.080 million, she is set to embark on a new journey in the second half of the year.

The US Open will be the main tournament that Eala will be preparing for when she leaves the country following a three-week vacation.

“brought

finals. However, Centeno remains in the hunt in the Mixed Doubles division. She and partner Jeff de Luna advanced to the quarterfinals after sweeping Taiwanese duo Chang and Chiang, 2-0.

Just a day earlier, the 23-year-old Malayan—hailing from Hilongos, Leyte—staged a career breakthrough by winning the men’s 10-Ball Open title. He blanked former Las Vegas Open champion Wu Kun Lin of Chinese Taipei, 2-0, in the finals. Malayan’s impressive run included a gritty 2-1 semifinal win over fellow Filipino Kyle Amoroto and a hard-fought quarterfinal triumph against hometown bet Yoni Rahmanto, also 2-1. The victory earned Malayan a $25,000 prize, roughly 1.4 million pesos.

San Juan shares lead with Abra; Ilagan prevails

STREAKING San Juan led throughout and trounced Manila Batang Quiapo, 88-61, on Thursday to share the lead with Abra in Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.

Powered by Michael Calisaan, the San Juan Knights cruised to their ninth straight win

The Ilagan Isabela Cowboys also extended their hot streak with an 80-66 thumping of the Cebu Greats earlier. Riding on a balanced offense, the Cowboys led by as far as 77-57 en route to their fourth consecutive victory and an 11-8 slate.

Jayboy Solis notched 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals, Mark Dyke 11 points, all in the fourth quarter, and Joshua Guiab 11 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists for the Cowboys, who are bidding to make the playoffs in their maiden stint.

Donald Gumaru and Allan Santos contributed 9 points each, while Mark Dela Cruz, returning after a two-month absence, chipped in 5 points and 5 rebounds in just 6 minutes and 48 seconds of play. Cebu slid to 5-11 as only Jun Manzo struck back with 28 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.

Homegrown Mark Meneses tallied 8 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals. The Quezon Huskers led all the way and subdued the Bacolod Tubo ers , 85-74,in the opener.

Indonesia Women’s Open, falling to Korea’s Seo Seoa, 1-2, in the semi-

Sean Mark Malayan (center) displays the championship trophy and the replica check of his Jakarta 10-Ball Open top prize.

Tennis superstar Alexandra Eala unveils her Funko Pop-style toy gure.

Johann Chua

POC president Abraham Tolentino, Jerwin Ancajas, Eumir Felix Marcial, Wharton Chan,

Jhack Tepora, Jonas Sultan, Vincent Astrolabio and coach trainer Joven Jimenez with other Filipino boxers including middleweight prospect Weljon Mindoro, former world super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, bantamweights Vincent Astrolabio and Jonas

Sultan, and super bantamweight Carl Jammes Martin. Tolentino mentioned he

them some box of sardines from Zamboanga City. It was good to see them.”

of learning, empowering both learners and educators. Its pilot implementation reached 11 schools and benefited over 2,500 learners and educators, including public schools in hard-to-reach areas in Benguet, Bataan, Cebu and Davao City.

$226 million -$5.6 billion $106 billion

BOP surplus in June 2025

BOP deficit in first half of 2025

GIR as of end-June 2025

New ERC chair vows to reduce case backlog

By Alena Mae S. Flores

NEWLY-APPOINTED Energy

Regulatory Commission (ERC)

chairperson and chief executive

Francis Saturnino Juan on Friday announced proposals for the regulatory body, focusing on five key areas to address regulatory backlog and streamline processes.

Juan, who has received strong support from the energy industry, welcomed the trust and confidence shown by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in appointing him to head the ERC, the agency responsible for promoting the interests of all electricity consumers.

Juan replaces Monalisa Dimalanta, whose irrevocable resignation is effective Aug. 8, 2025. Malacanang also appointed two commissioners, Amante Liberato and Paris Real, a move that eases industry concerns of a regulatory vacuum.

Juan proposed a review of the continued use of the performancebased rate-setting methodology for private distribution utilities. This review comes in light of recent developments in jurisprudence and experience from previous ratereset proceedings involving Manila Electric Co.

Juan also proposed to revisit the ERC’s current approach to reviewing and approving power supply agreements that have already undergone a rigorous and stringent competitive selection process. He stated the review aims to “streamlin[e] and fast track[] the approval process... and ensure the timely entry of new generation capacities to support the country’s ever increasing electricity demand.”

He also proposed to “review the current yardstick regulation used for setting the on-grid electric cooperatives’ rates and allow for their individual filing of rate applications to allow the distressed ECs [electric cooperatives] to earn sufficient revenues to allow for them to continue providing quality distribution services to their members-consumers.”

BOP logged $226-m surplus, GIR rose to $106b in June

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE Philippines’ balance of payments (BOP) recorded a $226-million surplus in June 2025, a turnaround from the $155-billion deficit in June last year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Friday.

The surplus indicates that the country’s total cash inflows exceeded outflows in global transactions in June. The BSP attributed this to the national government’s foreign currency deposits with the BSP and income from BSP investments.

The June BOP surplus helped narrow the six-month deficit to $5.6 billion from $5.8 billion in a year ago.

Preliminary BSP data showed the year-to-date BOP deficit was largely due to the continued trade-in-goods deficit.

Based on preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) International Merchandise Trade Statistics (IMTS), the trade deficit for January to May 2025 stood at $19.7 billion, a decrease from the $20.7-billion

deficit posted a year earlier.

The sustained net inflows from personal remittances from overseas Filipinos, foreign borrowings by the national government and foreign portfolio investments supported the BOP surplus in June.

The BOP position also mirrored an increase in gross international reserves (GIR) to $106.0 billion by end-June 2025 from $105.2 billion as of end-May 2025.

The latest GIR level provides a robust external liquidity buffer, equivalent to 7.2 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. It also covers about 3.4 times the country’s short-term external debt based on residual maturity.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CEBU Pacific said Friday it is the first local carrier in the country to operate a 100-strong fleet with the delivery of its latest aircraft — a brand new A330neo.

The A330neo is also the 12th aircraft of its kind to join Cebu Pacific’s fleet, solidifying the airline’s position as the largest A330neo operator in the Asia-Pacific.

The 459-seater aircraft arrived in Manila from Airbus’ facility in Toulouse, France. It is the second of four A330neos expected to join Cebu Pacific’s fleet this year, with the first having arrived on March 28. The airline anticipates a total of seven

MANY Filipino students pursue Education degrees not out of passion, but as a last resort, according to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

Teacher training in the Philippines needs to align with the realities and demands of modern classrooms, a study published by PIDS suggested. Despite the presence of professional development programs and needs assessments, PIDS found that most training remains overly generic, compliance-driven and disconnected from teachers’ actual challenges— ranging from managing student behavior to integrating digital tools. The findings were discussed

aircraft deliveries in 2025.

“Reaching 100 aircraft is more than a milestone — it reflects our unwavering commitment to make air travel accessible to more Filipinos,” said Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao.

“With a larger fleet, we’re able to operate more efficiently, enhance connectivity across the country and the region, and pass on the benefits of scale through even lower fares,” said Lao.

B3

during a live podcast on July 3, coorganized by PIDS and the Centro Escolar University (CEU), where education experts urged a shift toward localized, classroom-focused teacher development.

PIDS senior research fellow Dr. John Paolo Rivera said the study

“Quality Education Starting with Teacher Education”, revealed that many students pursue education degrees not out of passion but as a last resort.

“Education course is often taken as a last option. It’s no longer driven by motivation. It could be that the level of interest is low, which may affect the quality of education in the end,” Rivera said.

The A330neo provides Cebu Pacific with the flexibility to serve regional and long-haul routes, as well as highdemand sectors. With increased range and capacity, the aircraft allows the airline to optimize operations while maintaining cost efficiency.

Airbus NEOs are the latestgeneration aircraft that burn up to 25% less fuel per flight and produce less noise compared to previous generations. The decrease in fuel consumption leads to a corresponding reduction in aircraft carbon emissions.

The milestone comes amid continued passenger growth. In June 2025, Cebu Pacific flew 2.2 million passengers, a 7.9-percent increase from the same month last year. From January to June, the airline has flown 13.9 million passengers, a 21-percent rise increase from 11.5 million in the first half of 2024.

LEARNING CENTER. Aboitiz Foundation, in partnership with AboitizPower’s GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin (GNPD), turns over solar panels and internet connectivity to Biaan Aeta Integrated School (BAIS) in Mariveles, Bataan—marking a major milestone under its flagship program, AuroraPH. Launched in 2024, AuroraPH harnesses the power of renewable energy and satellite internet to transform last-mile schools into thriving centers

Dimalanta: PH power rates have room to drop

By Alena Mae S. Flores

OUTGOING Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said power rates in the Philippines still have room to fall further.

“One thing we did in the commission as early as Nov. 2022 was to ask distribution utilities to conduct fuel audits,” Dimalanta said.

“It turned out that there are electric co-ops, distribution utilities that are not looking for fuel invoices from suppliers before charging consumers,” she said.

Dimalanta noted that more than 60 percent of the country’s power supply comes from coal and gas plants.

“The approvals there by the commission are that you can pass through fuel costs, but you have to make sure that you are not earning [from] fuel,” Dimalanta said.

“Whichever is lower is always the condition of the commission. They have show cause orders for that. The others have returned, our point is that you should not charge without a basis. The review is not yet complete,” she said.

Dimalanta said the unsubstantiated

fuel costs should be refunded once the commission finishes its review, hopefully by the end of the year.

“They should not have charged,”

she said. “This is an opportunity for the charge to come down. There is still room for lowering the rates if everyone is disciplined, under our own respective mandates.”

She said power generation charges have been decreasing since January 2023.

“This year, since January until now, we have seen a significant lowering of rates in most regions in the country,”

Dimalanta said.

“I think in almost [every] region, except two. Lowest generation rate in the last 10 years. I think that alone is a good sign. But that’s not the only job of ERC, it’s all about energy and improved market conditions,” she said.

Dimalanta also cited the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP) as another legacy of her term.

PEZA, Mizuho Bank formalize investment partnership

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Mizuho Bank teamed up to expand PEZA’s investment network through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on July 10, 2025 at the PEZA head office.

PEZA director-general Tereso Panga and Mizuho Bank president and chief executive Masahiko Kato signed the agreement, officially designating Mizuho as an investment

promotion partner.

The MOU strengthens a partnership initially established in December 2012, which aimed to attract Japanese corporations to the Philippines, support the market entry of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and facilitate joint investment promotion efforts.

The renewed agreement reinforces both parties’ commitment to boosting foreign direct investment, particularly from Japanese and other Asian firms

Cebu-based Top Line expedites expansion, eyes 50 fuel stations by end-2025

CEBU CITY—Top Line Business Development Corp. aims to have 50 service stations operated by its retail fuel subsidiary, Light Fuels Corporation, by the end of 2025.

This goal exceeds the company’s initial public offering (IPO) prospectus target of building 30 stations by 2026.

The company attributed this to the success of its flexible, disciplined expansion strategy, which combines construction with targeted acquisitions to accelerate market reach.

“We are positioning ourselves for even greater impact,” Top Line chairman, president and chief executive Eugene Erik Lim said at the com-

Construction starts rose 1.1% in May

BUILDING constructions in the Philippines rebounded in May 2025, increasing 1.1 percent to 16,282 from approved building permits, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Friday. This followed an 8.2-percent decline in April.

Residential buildings accounted for the largest share, with 11,331 constructions, or 69.6 percent of the total. This was an annual increase of 10.4 percent from 10,266 in May 2024. Single-type houses made up the majority of residential constructions at 9,664 (85.3 percent).

Non-residential constructions were the second highest at 2,930, or 18.0 percent of the total, but this category dropped 14.9 percent annually. Commercial buildings were the most common non-residential type, with 1,994 constructions (68.1 percent).

Additions to existing buildings, alterations and repairs, and other constructions contributed 3.4 percent, 6.7 percent, and 2.4 percent respectively to the total. These categories saw annual decreases of 17.3 percent, 17.6 percent, and 6.9 percent respectively compared to May 2024.

The total value of constructions in May 2025 amounted to P42.09 billion, a 22.7 percent annual decline from P54.48 billion in the same month last year. Residential building construction value was P21.25 billion, accounting for 50.5 percent of the total. This reflected a 17.2 percent annual decline from P25.67 billion in May 2024. Single-type buildings had the highest value within residential constructions at P13.81 billion (65.0 percent).

pany’s first stockholders’ meeting in Cebu City.

“Our strategic priorities include expanding storage and import capacity to strengthen supply reliability, expanding our retail footprint to make our systems more efficient with economies of scale, and upgrading digital platforms to improve operational visibility and customer experience,” he said.

Top Line’s retail network expansion is designed to deliver incremental revenues and improve the company’s operating margins over the medium to long term.

This growth strategy supports strong sales momentum, with liquid fuel sales reaching 44.43 million li-

Top Line Business Development

ters in the first half of 2025, up 38.3 percent from 32.12 million liters in the same period last year.

Light Fuels operates four stations, with eight more under various stages of development across Metro Cebu and Cebu Province.

Its recent acquisition of 38 stations from Total Oil & Gas Resources Inc. (TOGRI) and Ballston Metro Corp. (BMC) expands its operational network to 50 stations by year-end, broadening its presence in the highgrowth regions of Cebu, Leyte, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental.

The company spent P180 million for the acquisition, sourced through bank financing and internally gener-

ated funds. The acquisition also includes a 2-million-liter depot in San Jose, Negros Oriental and an additional 15 tanker trucks, enhancing the company’s logistics capacity.

“We seize opportunities for expansion with prudence and purpose,” Lim said.

“This acquisition is a strategic move that demonstrates our disciplined and effective use of capital. Each station we acquire has been carefully evaluated for its operational potential and its ability to strengthen our network, ensuring it contributes to our bottom line while delivering sustainable value for our shareholders,” he said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Aurora Freeport seeks up to P3-b budget for 2027 to unlock potential

THE Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is seeking a budget of P2 billion to P3 billion for 2027, as part of efforts to tap into the agency’s remaining P8.6 billion capitalization and accelerate development in the region.

APECO president and chief execu-

tive Gil Taway confirmed the proposal in a recent interview, emphasizing that the requested amount would come from the agency’s long-approved but largely unreleased P10 billion in capitalization, of which only P1.4 billion has been disbursed to date.

“This is not a one-time fund, it’s meant to be released over time. We are pushing for P2 [billion] to P3 billion for 2027, so we can finally move faster on infrastructure and revenuegenerating projects,” he said in a

briefing Friday.

Taway acknowledged the slow release of funds, attributing it to skepticism from national agencies and lawmakers due to APECO’s previous non-performing track record.

“Maybe the national government and Congress lost trust in APECO because of its track record before we came in. But under our leadership, we are proving that things have changed. We are practicing transformational governance with accountability, transparency, inclusivity, and ethical behavior,” he said.

While APECO’s approved annual budgets increased from P256 million in 2025 to P262 million in 2026, Taway said the amounts are not enough to fully unlock the economic zone’s potential. Othel V. Campos

looking to expand across the ASEAN region.

PEZA and Mizuho Bank will also explore ESG-aligned initiatives, including carbon credit mechanisms and transition financing to support a low-carbon economy.

“We see this as the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership—one that will bring in high-quality investments, generate jobs for Filipinos, and help build a more resilient and competitive economy,” Panga said.

Filinvest Land wins bid to

host

DICT headquarters

FILINVEST Land Inc. (FLI) announced it has won the bid to lease office space for the new headquarters of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

The DICT’s new headquarters will occupy about 8,120 square meters across four floors of FLI’s Studio 7 building, designed to accommodate around 1,350 employees.

The department will be located on the top four floors (19th to 22nd) and will have access to 90 parking slots for four-wheeled vehicles and 40 for two-wheeled vehicles for employees and visitors.

The relocation, targeted for the fourth quarter of 2025, represents a significant upgrade from the agency’s long-standing location in Diliman. This move aligns with the DICT’s goal to modernize public service while improving accessibility and operational efficiency.

This development underscores FLI’s strategic shift towards government offices as stable, long-term tenants. This pivot comes amid evolving space requirements in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, where some firms are re-evaluating their real estate strategies. FLI is proactively diversifying its tenant mix, positioning government institutions as viable, future-ready anchors for its office portfolio and contributing to national development.

“FLI is proud to welcome DICT to Studio 7,” said Tristan Las Marias, president and chief executive of Filinvest Land Inc.

PROJECT REVIEW. The Investment Coordination Committee – Cabinet Committee (ICC-CC), chaired by Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph Recto and co-chaired by Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, convenes on July 17, 2025 at the DOF Office in Manila. The committee reviewed project proposals submitted by various government implementing agencies. Projects that received committee approval will be endorsed to the Economy and Development (ED) Council, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for final consideration and approval.

SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2025

extrastory2000@gmail.com

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor

ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

CAB: Higher fuel surcharge to raise airfare in August

By Darwin G. Amojelar

AIR passengers should prepare for higher airfares in August as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has raised the fuel surcharge to Level 4 for the month.

The CAB said an advisory Friday the passenger and cargo fuel surcharge for domestic and international flights would rise to Level 4 effective Aug. 1 to 31. This represents a rise from Level 3, which was implemented in July. Under Level 4, the fuel surcharge for domestic flights ranges from P117 and P342, depending on the distance, while for international flights, the fuel surcharge may range from P385.70 and P2,867.82.

The CAB said for the cargo fuel surcharge, airlines are allowed to

charge P0.60 to P1.76 per kilogram for domestic flights under Level 4 and P1.98 to P14.74 per kg. for international flights.

“Airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharge must file its application with CAB on or before the effectivity period, with fuel surcharge rates not exceeding the above-stated level,” the CAB said. Airline fuel surcharge is an optional fee, imposed and collected by airlines to recover fuel costs and stem losses caused by upward spikes in fuel cost.

According to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Jet Fuel Price Monitor, the average jet fuel prices stood at $92.51 per barrel as of July 11, 2025, up by 20.69 percent from the same period last year.

ROYALPRESENCE. Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado graces the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka on July 7, 2025, marking a momentous occasion for cultural diplomacy and deepening ties between Japan and the Philippines. The Princess, known for her enduring relationship with the Philippines— including her role as Honorary President of photography competition Japan Through Diplomats’ Eyes and for gracing cultural events at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo with her presence— was welcomed by Ambassador Mylene Garcia‑Albano, Consul General Voltaire Mauricio and Pavilion Manager Raquel Tria Joya.

CBK plants awarded to Thunder group

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) on Friday awarded the Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan (CBK) Hydroelectric Power Plants (HEPPs) to the Thunder Consortium, comprising Aboitiz Renewables Inc., Sumitomo Corp., and Electric Power Development Co.

“Today [Friday] is the issuance of the notice of award to the Thunder consortium,” PSALM president Dennis dela Serna said.

The Thunder Consortium submitted the highest offer of P36.266 bil-

lion for the 796.64-megawatt CBK hydro facility, and PSALM expects the payment this year.

The award follows a post-qualification endorsement by the Privatization Bids and Awards Committee and ap-

DITO says subscribers surpassed 15m in 4 years, plans more investments

DITO Telecommunity Corp. said Friday it surpassed the 15-million subscriber mark in just four years since its commercial launch in March 2021.

“We are incredibly grateful to our 15 million DITOzens for believing in our vision of a better, faster, and more inclusive digital future,” said Adel Tamano, chief revenue officer of DITO Telecommunity.

“This milestone will push us to keep raising the bar—investing in our network, delivering better experiences, and redefining what’s possible in Philippine telecommunications,” said Tamano.

This achievement comes after DITO was recently recognized by Opensignal, an internationally respected authority in mobile network experience, as the Fastest Mobile Network in the Philippines.

In its April 2025 Mobile Network Experience Report, Opensignal awarded

DITO 14 out of 16 categories, including multiple wins in the 5G Experience section.

With 5G coverage expanding rapidly and continued investments in network infrastructure, DITO is on track to reach even more communities in the months ahead. The company remains committed to offering value-driven services that empower every Filipino to stay connected, informed, and inspired.

“Speed alone doesn’t tell the full story. Just as important is how we’ve built a digital-first, future-ready network— one that can scale, optimize, and perform on par with global standards,” said Eric Alberto, chief executive of DITO Telecommunity.

“This reflects our commitment to delivering world-class connectivity that keeps every Filipino connected, informed, and empowered in today’s digital world,” he said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

proval by the PSALM board on July 17, 2025.

PSALM’s Technical Working Group conducted a post-qualification evaluation on July 9, 2025, to verify the consortium’s submitted documents.

The Thunder Consortium has seven calendar days from the official receipt of the notice of award to accept, sign, and submit it to PSALM, which manages the assets and liabilities of National Power Corp. as mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.

“This milestone marks a significant step in PSALM’s privatization program, contributing to the govern-

ment’s broader energy sector reform agenda. The successful sale of the CBK HEPP is expected to enhance operational efficiency and support the country’s renewable energy goals,” PSALM said in a statement.

The Department of Energy (DOE) earlier said the CBK sale would reduce financial burdens on Filipino taxpayers, strengthen the power sector, and support the clean energy transition.

“It will bring immediate relief in our debts so that means the burden of that in our electricity bills may be eased,” DOE assistant secretary Mario Marasigan said, referring to the universal charge portion of the power bill.

ONLINE TRAINING. Teachers from various schools nationwide participate in the ‘WATCH. LEARN. TEACH.’ program, a partnership between Knowledge Channel and City Savings Bank, which features a comprehensive free online training series. Beyond regional boundaries, CitySavings expanded its educational support together with Knowledge Channel for the innovative program.

PAL launches ‘2-in-1 getaway fares’ promo for international travelers

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) has introduced a new “2-in-1 Getaway Fares” offering, allowing international travelers to visit two Philippine destinations for the price of one. The promotion targets visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and Southeast Asia. Under the promotional campaign, passengers can fly to Manila and then connect to one of several popular domestic destinations, including Boracay (Caticlan), Cebu, Coron, Puerto Princesa, Siargao, and Bohol (Tagbi-

laran), all for the cost of a single international round-trip ticket.

PAL vice president for marketing Alvin Miranda cited the convenience of the new offering.

“Explore Manila, the vibrant capital city of the Philippines and connect to the top spots of the country for nature adventure, or for some sun and sea! Enjoy two destinations for the price of one,” Miranda said. He added that the direct non-stop flights to Manila with convenient domestic connections would provide “sought-after

travel ease and convenience,” he said.

PAL said that for a roundtrip from the US (Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Guam, Honolulu) to Manila and to a Philippine destination, the lowest all-in base fare is $1,079.

For a roundtrip from Canada (Toronto, Vancouver) to Manila to a Philippine destination, the lowest roundtrip all-in base fare is C$1,569. For the same routing from Australia (Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney), the lowest roundtrip all-in base

Smart, MPower team up to energize 144 cell sites

SMART Communications Inc. teamed up with MPower, Manila Electric Co’s (Meralco) retail electricity supplier, to power 144 cell sites and nine facilities under the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) Retail Aggregation Program (RAP).

“Our group has always believed that national progress depends on two essential foundations: reliable power and strong digital connectivity,” said Manuel Pangilinan, chairman and chief executive of PLDT Inc., Smart and Meralco in a statement.

“One cannot function without the other — hand in glove, so to speak — and both are critical to ensuring that our people, especially those in the margins, have access to opportunity,” he said. PLDT and Smart’s transition to the RAP through MPower’s energy solutions covers a total demand of over 2,500 kilowatts across the PLDT Group’s integrated network. Further RAP implementations across more sites in Visayas and Mindanao are planned before the end of the year. The RAP allows end-users to manage their energy requirements by aggregating multiple accounts within the same franchise area and purchasing power in bulk from licensed retail electricity suppliers.

Darwin G. Amojelar

BIR topped half-year collection target

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) topped its revenue collection target for the first half of 2025, reaching over P1.5 trillion.

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said in a

fare is Au$ 969 and for the same routing from Japan (Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka), the lowest roundtrip all-in base fare is 27,000 yen. PAL said that from Thailand (Bangkok), the roundtrip all-in base fare is THB7,090; from Singapore, S$139 roundtrip base fare, from Vietnam (Hanoi and Saigon), US$190 roundtrip base fare; from Indonesia (Jakarta and Bali), IDR3,827,000 roundtrip base fare; and from Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), MR1,359. Darwin G. Amojelar

Insurtech firm Igloo unveils weather index insurance for Filipino farmers

LEADING insurtech company Igloo has launched Weather Index Insurance (WII), an index-based insurance specifically designed to protect agricultural businesses and farmers against climate risks.

Unlike traditional insurance, which requires assessing actual damages after a disaster, WII uses measurable weather data, such as rainfall, temperature, or wind speed, as triggers for payouts. When a predefined threshold is crossed, compensation is automatically released, enabling faster and more objective claims processing.

Igloo said this parametric model has already been successfully deployed in Vietnam, where WII is available through telecommunications company MobiFone’s agricultural app, Mo-

biAgri. The app utilizes technologies like Big Data, AI, blockchain, AR, and VR to support digital farming. By embedding Igloo’s Rainfall Weather Index Insurance into MobiAgri, the initiative offers a holistic platform aimed at improving crop yields, managing climate risks, and promoting sustainable farming.

The deployment covers 18 provinces and cities, supported by a network of over 2,000 rain stations and 650 meteorological stations.

“We believe the same model can be applied to the Philippines, where frequent typhoons and prolonged droughts continue to impact agricultural productivity,” said John Chen, Igloo country manager for the Philippines and Thailand.

DOF studies higher online gambling taxes

DepEd harnesses power of AI to help teachers work smarter

THE Department of Education Schools Division Office of Quezon City (DepEd SDO-QC), in partnership with Microsoft and the Quezon City Local Government’s Education Affairs Unit, is harnessing the power of AI to help teachers work smarter and support students more effectively.

This initiative, aligned with Presidential Digitalization Blueprint’s push for digital transformation, introduces Microsoft AI tools into the classroom, making a lasting impact on both teaching and learning.

As part of the broader initiative to integrate AI into education, the recent AI Immersion Experience and Copilot Classroom Hackathon saw over 70 teachers and ICT coordinators from Quezon City explore Microsoft 365

Copilot and other AI-powered tools designed to simplify daily tasks. This collaboration adds Microsoft AI tools to empower educators with smarter workflows, enabling them to dedicate more time to student engagement and instructional quality. Teachers reported saving between 10 to 22.5 hours per week on lesson planning, test creation, worksheet preparation, and school communications. By reducing administrative work, educa-

tors can now dedicate more time to engaging students and enhancing the learning experience. Following the success of the pilot, plans are underway to expand the program across all 160 public schools in Quezon City.

The program also aims to improve student outcomes through tools like Reading Progress. These apps help students practice reading with instant feedback while giving teachers valuable insights to personalize instruction. With over 420,000 students across Quezon City public schools, this tech-driven approach is helping create more focused and effective learning environments.

DepEd QC, Microsoft, and the LGU are working together to explore more options and ensure the program’s longterm sustainability, laying the groundwork for future-ready schools.

To support this rollout, DepEd QC is

Skyro equips Aeta students with tools to learn, help their communities thrive

“ALL levels of education are important, and improving the basic level of education is probably the best impact we can make.”

These are the words of Nasim Aliev, co-founder and co-CEO of Skyro, one of the fastest-growing financial technology (fintech) companies in the country, during the company’s school kit distribution program at Camias Resettlement Elementary School in Porac, Pampanga – the company’s meaningful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative shaped by employee involvement for the first time. Over 30 volunteers from various Skyro departments gathered together to prepare school kits that consisted of essential supplies, including a school backpack, writing and coloring materials, white shirts, slippers, snacks and Skyro water flasks. These school kits were then handed over to

all 550 Aeta elementary school students. They also packed hygiene items like hand soap and alcohol for the school.

During the program, the Skyro volunteers were divided into seven groups of four and were assigned to

different levels from grades 1 to 6. They brought fun and joy to students by playing games with them such as Bring Me, Hep Hep Hooray, Newspaper Dance, or Longest to Say. After the games, the students were treated to meals.

also building an AI training roadmap that will help educators gain essential digital skills. This includes integrating AI and digital literacy into professional development, empowering thousands of teachers to grow with the evolving tools of modern education. Teachers across districts are already seeing results. “With the Copilot, tedious and repetitive tasks can be done efficiently, which helps me focus more on the development of teaching instructions,” said Joan Miana, School ICT Coordinator at E. Rodriguez Jr. High School. “It serves as a one-stop shop of different tools that we need in our profession.” Meanwhile, Tricia Mae C. Ramos, School ICT Coordinator at 15th Avenue Elementary School, noted that the tool “eases the burden in assessing the learner’s progress” and helps reduce time spent preparing lessons and activities.

“Napakalaking tulong po ng binibigay ng Skyro na school supplies. Dito po kasi may target po kaming baguhin ang pamumuhay ng mga kapatid nating Aeta through education so sa pamamagitan ng binibigay ng Skyro, mahihikayat namin yung mga mag-aaral na mag-aral pa mabuti at pumasok sa eskwelahan,” explained Camias Resettlement Elementary School head teacher Magdaleno Magbag, Jr. The school kit distribution initiative is part of Skyro’s mission of helping Filipinos achieve their dreams and face life’s twists and turns by bringing financial support, helping them become resilient, and giving them reasons to celebrate – from small wins to a brighter tomorrow.

“Education is still the best way to improve the future of children,” Nasim added. Following the success of its first CSR initiative, Nasim vows that Skyro will invest more resources into causes that are meaningful not only for the company but for the country as well. Also present during the event were Skyro’s Head of POS Business Lowen Medina and Head of Communications Cristina Loquinario.

Globe expands broadband reach to speed up digital inclusion

GLOBE is reinforcing its commitment to digital inclusion by expanding access to its fiber broadband services, strategically utilizing previously built network capacity. Through targeted investments and customer insighting, Globe is enabling more Filipino households and small businesses to participate meaningfully in the country’s digital future.

“Fixed broadband continues to be a growth engine for the business. We see user data consumption now surging past 30 GB/month per user. We are fine tuning our fiber strategy to more than connectivity, it’s about empowering households, enabling SMEs, and growing the digital economy,” said Globe president and CEO Carl Cruz.

According to the Digital 2025 Report, Filipinos spend almost nine hours online daily. This shows digital services are now integral to everyday life, making high-quality broadband more crucial than ever. Despite this, fixed broadband access is still inconsistent, with only 33% of households connected as of 2024, based on the latest figures from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Globe’s expanding GFiber portfolio anchored on postpaid plans and the contract-free, reloadable GFiber Prepaid are responding to the increased demand. As of the first quarter of 2025, Globe has 1.83 million broadband subscribers, with GFiber Prepaid alone growing 53% quarter-on-quarter to serve 400,000 Filipino homes.

“We’re building more than infrastructure, we’re enabling opportunity,” Cruz emphasized. “By expanding access to reliable broadband, we’re opening doors for millions of Filipinos to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.”

Focused Expansion Globe’s network strategy is aligned with national digital goals, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) National Broadband Plan and programs for Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). By focusing on high-need and high-impact areas, Globe is helping advance digital equity while supporting inclusive economic participation. Through ongoing migration from legacy fixed wireless and wired to fiber in targeted regions, as well as participation in shared infrastructure initiatives, Globe is addressing coverage gaps while ensuring network scalability and operational efficiency. Globe has successfully migrated over 600 towns in at least 70 provinces nationwide to full fiber connectivity, increasingly eliminating copper from its network. This transition provides faster, more reliable internet for residents and supports Globe’s sustainability agenda of reducing environmental impact and discouraging illegal salvaging.

LG is redefining its sound experience with the launch of the new xboom lineup, an evolution from the bold power of XBOOM to a more elevated, designforward approach to audio. Built for how people listen today, xboom blends sleek style, balanced acoustics, and smart features that adapt to any space, setting a new standard for portable sound. Bringing this vision to life, LG partnered with global music icon will.i.am as the lineup’s Experiential Architect. A nine-time Grammy winner and innovator at the intersection of music and technology, will.i.am fine-tuned the xboom collection to deliver richer, warmer tones and a more immersive listening experience, infusing every detail with creativity, precision, and cultural edge. The LG xboom Stage 301 delivers immersive sound powered by a 6.5” woofer and 2.5” midranges, filling the room with deep bass and wide-stereo clarity. With 12 hours of playtime, it’s built to keep the

music going all day and night. It’s also IPX4-rated for water resistance, making it splash-proof and ready for anything, whether it’s a weekend get-together with friends or a classic karaoke night with the family. And with karaoke-ready mic controls and DJ effects accessible through the LG ThinQ app, turning any gathering into a full-on performance has never been easier.

The LG xboom Bounce lives up to its name, bringing powerful bass and vibrant energy that makes every beat feel like it’s in motion. Dual passive radiators and twin dome tweeters deliver lifelike clarity and rich detail, turning up the rhythm in any space. With an impressive 30-hour battery life, it’s built to keep the good times bouncing from sunrise to long after sunset. Rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, and tested to U.S. military standards, proven to pass all 7 durability tests including rain, vibration, impact, salt water spray, flooding, sand dust, and high temperature,

IPX4 water-resistant rating, these buds are built to keep up, because great sound should move with you, not slow you down.

The recent AI Immersion Experience and Copilot Classroom Hackathon saw over 70 teachers and ICT coordinators from Quezon City explore Microsoft 365 Copilot and other AI-powered tools designed to simplify daily tasks.

Team Skyro brings joyful learning to Camias Resettlement Elementary School with

The nex-gen LG xboom features balanced and warm signature sound, plus AI Sound, AI Lighting, AI Calibration, and RAiDiO.FYI across the entire ‘xboom by will.i.am’ lineup for a truly immersive audio experience.

TikTok panel empowers parents on teen digital safety, expression

TIKTOK, the leading destination for short-form mobile video, hosted a panel discussion with the aim of empowering parents to take an active role in shaping their teens’ digital experiences while allowing them the freedom to express themselves creatively and safely. Featuring Child Rights Coalition Asia Deputy Regional Executive Director, Hazel Joy Bitaña and TikTok Public Policy Manager Peachy Paderna, the discussion provided a platform for helpful and insightful conversations about the crucial role that parents play and strategies they can use to ensure the online safety of their teens.

The panel discussion began by shedding light on the effects of the digital age on family dynamics, parenting

PCCI’s

business conference urges gov’t to develop digital roadmap

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, is putting digital transformation front and center of at this year’s biggest gathering of business leaders — the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E), happening on October 20-21 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio said this year’s theme, “The Future is Now: Unleash the Power of Digital Transformation,” highlights the urgent need to embrace digital tools to stay competitive, enhance efficiency, and drive sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

“It’s time to act boldly and strategically to harness the full potential of digital technology and innovation. If we want to compete for investments and capital, our local enterprises need to remain competitive on the global stage, and for our workers and youth to thrive in an evolving technological landscape, we must embrace digital transformation,” Mangio stressed.

Heading the conference is Converge ICT Solutions Inc. CEO and Co-Founder

Dennis Anthony H. Uy, who also chairs PCCI’s IT and Telco committee. Uy envisions a Philippines where every household, business, and community is connected and empowered by technology.

“Digital transformation is the key to unlocking our nation’s full potential and ensuring no one is left behind in this rapidly evolving digital world,” Uy said.

Mangio stressed the need for a clear, unified digital roadmap to accelerate progress, urging stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector to align efforts and fast-track the rollout of digital infrastructure.

In the lead-up to the conference, PCCI and Converge, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), have launched a nationwide series of hackathons in North Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and NCR.

The goal: develop practical tech solutions to help MSMEs tackle real-world business challenges.

Showcasing Tomorrow’s Tech Today

More than 2,000 delegates are expected to join this year’s conference and explore “the future” through a tech expo featuring cutting-edge solutions — from AI-driven automation to smart infrastructure — designed to help businesses work smarter and grow faster.

Uy shared that local and international tech companies will be on hand to showcase emerging technologies and highlight how digital transformation can drive growth across all sectors.

but also as a tool for discovery, learning, and creative expression. As this age group becomes more immersed in digital spaces and as we empower them to become responsible digital citizens, it is important to provide parents with tools and resources that will enable them to support their teens,” said Child Rights Coalition Asia Deputy Regional Executive Director, Hazel Bitaña.

“TikTok recognizes that teens are growing up in a digital-first world, and that they deserve special consideration as they begin to explore the online world more independently,” said Peachy Paderna, Public Policy Manager at TikTok. “TikTok’s resources such as the Family Pairing features, Guardian’s Guide, and Teen Safety Center help build trust between parents and teens by offering tools that balance freedom and supervision. They empower young people to explore and express themselves responsibly, with the right guidance in place to ensure age appropriate experiences”.

practices, and the relationships between parents and children. Subsequently, this followed into a discussion about the current tools and resources available on TikTok to foster a secure online environment

TALK about a winning streak! For the second year running, TCL, the Triple Global Top 1 TV Brand and a leading force in consumer electronics, has absolutely dominated the No. 1 spot in the Panel TV Brand category, according to the recent Annual Cumulative Market Share Data for Panel TVs from TRS Research. This news powerfully solidifies TCL’s position as a global powerhouse in the TV industry!

As they mark their 25th year in the business, TCL has once again hit a remarkable milestone: seizing the top spot in both market share (value and volume) for their core TV business! TCL has also dominated the premium TV segment, clinching the top position for QLED televisions, according to TRS research.

Just recently, TCL has been recognized with three Global TOP 1 rankings by the market research company Omdia, highlighting its leadership in ultra-large TVs, Mini LED TVs, and Google TVs.

for teens, before exploring the tips and strategies for parents to use in guiding their teen’s digital experience. “Today’s teens actively use platforms like TikTok not only as a source of entertainment

According to Omdia’s latest data, TCL led global shipments of 85-inch and larger TVs in 2024 with a 22.1% market share. Additionally, TCL secured the No. 1 position in Mini LED TV shipments with a 28.8% share and maintained its leadership in Google TV shipments globally from 2021 to 2024.

TCL has been a key player in bringing technological progress not only to Filipino homes but globally, consistently delivering innovations that transform everyday living. This legacy of pushing boundaries and redefining home experiences has made more intuitive, efficient, and power-

How NTC SmartClass teaches Gen Alpha

SCHOOL is no longer just about blackboards and memorizing dates. With Gen Alpha leading the charge, education is being reimagined. These young learners are growing up in a world of instant access, big ideas, and even bigger expectations, and they’re not just adapting; they’re thriving. At NTC SmartClass, students like Brianna and Dave are living proof of how modern, flexible education can shape confident, self-directed learners. Here’s how they’re doing it and why we should all be paying attention.

1. They Explore What Matters, Not Just What’s in the Test Gone are the days of memorizing just to pass a quiz. Gen Alpha students at NTC SmartClass are encouraged to deep-dive into subjects that matter to them. For Brianna, that means studying Social Studies at her own pace and truly understanding pre-colonial Philippines — not just learning the dates and names, but the bigger context of culture and identity. NTC SmartClass supports this with a lifestyle-adaptive approach that lets students explore topics more meaningfully. It’s not just about what happened; it’s about why it matters.

2. They Take Charge of Their Educational Journey Every student learns differently, and Gen Alpha knows

Bitaña recognized TikTok’s efforts to balance safety and empowerment of young people in digital spaces. “As part of our mission at Child Rights Coalition Asia of advocating for better policies for and with children and teens, we believe digital platforms are spaces where teens should be free to express themselves safely and in the creative method of their choice. And while ensuring children’s right to protection is vital, it is equally important to guarantee their other rights, and parents and guardians can contribute to this by having conversation with their teens about their experiences online,” she said.

Empowering parents and supporting Digital Well-Being

Launched in 2020, Family Pairing, TikTok’s parental supervision tool, now provides more flexibility, giving parents and guardians more ways to support their teens’ digital well-being.

ful technologies accessible to a wider range of Filipino families and more.

“TCL has truly become a trailblazer, driven by an unwavering commitment to innovation, pushing beyond limits to develop cutting-edge, sustainable technologies. We believe this relentless pursuit of progress is what continues to elevate TCL’s brand value. With this recognition, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has helped us achieve this remarkable milestone,” enthused by TCL Philippines’ visionary CEO Peter Chen.

Celebrating Excellence and Greatness

TCL has also embarked on an exhilarating new journey, relentlessly enhancing everyday living and empowering consumers with stylish, functional, and brilliantly smart products! This milestone is about boldly embracing a future where TCL remains passionately dedicated to envisioning and shaping the homes of tomorrow for every Filipino.

to learn, create, lead with tech

it. Brianna experienced this firsthand when traditional school couldn’t match her learning style. Instead of sticking to rigid lessons, NTC SmartClass allowed her to find materials and approaches that worked for her.

This kind of flexibility teaches students to take control of their education. Whether it’s watching a video, reading a case study, or testing out a hands-on project, students aren’t boxed into one method—they’re encouraged to build their learning path.

3. Ask “Why?” and Apply Learning to Life At NTC SmartClass, understanding comes before memorization. Dave noticed a huge shift when he joined in Grade 8. Suddenly, lessons weren’t just about retaining information but about applying it to real life.

Trigonometry made more sense when he used it in his 3D modeling projects. For Brianna, Math became relevant when it helped her in costing out a project. Now, the connection between the idea and the application has become clearer. This kind of learning builds a stronger foundation and a much more confi dent student.

4. They Turn Tech Time into Real-World Projects

Gen Alpha may be tech-savvy, but NTC SmartClass turns their screen time into something productive. Dave found NTC SmartClass’s TLE (LifeLabs) especially exciting because it tackled current, practical topics. From livestreaming to 3D modeling, he used what he learned to build real-world projects.

Brianna, meanwhile, uses her digital skills to edit videos and manage her commissions. With digital tools at their disposal, students are learning how to turn their interests into hard skills. Tech is no longer a distraction; it’s a gateway to creativity and income.

5. Flexible Schedules that Foster Student Self-Discipline NTC SmartClass offers flexible schedules, but that doesn’t mean students slack off. If anything, it pushes them to become more organized.

Brianna appreciates the ability to pace herself, but she also understands the discipline it takes to meet her goals. Dave echoed the same: having the freedom to explore his passions meant he had to learn how to manage his time wisely. It’s a subtle but powerful lesson that prepares them for college, careers, and life in general.

6. They’re Already Entering the Business World NTC SmartClass students aren’t waiting until college to explore entrepreneurship. Brianna is already accepting art commissions and calculating costs—all while studying. She’s learning how to run a creative business from scratch.

Dave, on the other hand,

Shown here are (from left) Peachy Paderna, Philippines, TikTok Public Policy Manager;

Bea Bautista, Head of Communications, Philippines, TikTok; and Hazel Joy Bitaña, Child Rights Coalition Asia Deputy Regional Executive Director.

Family Pairing

Brianna shows her nished art. With SmartClass, she gets to have more time to explore her interests without losing time for other activities and subjects

Dave tests out his breadboard circuit. As a techie, he got deep into several aspects of tech, making him learn advanced skills beyond his current grade level.

SHOWBIZ

Very Wang Nickie Wang

THE Pinoy Big Brother house has long been a reset button for hopefuls in showbiz.

For many who’ve slipped through the cracks or simply never had the spotlight, the show remains one of the few platforms that can introduce a name—and make it stick.

How ‘PBB’ rewrites the career paths of Kapamilya housemates

This was especially clear in the latest PBB Celebrity Collab edition. For the first time in history, a Kapamilya flagship aired on GMA, ABS-CBN’s former rival. In this partnership, what really stood out was how the season quietly revived stalled careers and introduced unfamiliar names to a new audience.

Big winner Brent Manalo admitted that entering PBB was a last attempt. “If PBB didn’t work out for me, I might quit because I received a lot of rejections,” he said at a Star Magic press conference last July 14. After leaving the yellow house, he was surprised to find himself with a growing fan base. At the reunion event held inside the PBB house, Brent stood alongside fellow Big 4 Ralph de Leon, Esnyr Ranollo, and River Joseph. Ex-housemates Kira Balinger, Klarisse de Guzman, Xyriel Manabat, and Bianca de Vera were also present.

Together, they looked back on how PBB had shifted their trajectories.

“Grabe yung experience, parang fever dream talaga,” Brent shared. “Before, twenty people would show up at mall shows. Now, it’s hundreds—maybe thousands.”

While still processing the attention, he said he’s committed to earning the support he’s been given.

Ralph, who had been evicted and later returned to the competition, said the experience brought him closer to his faith. “When I can’t run to anyone else with my problem, who else is better to go to?” he said. “I feel like everything that happened is all because of Him.”

Esnyr said that the experience gave him exposure and inner strength. “When I entered the house, I felt weak. Now, I can say I’m stronger because of what we went through.”

Reality dating show tackles queer visibility

By Angelica Villanueva

AS CONVERSATIONS around queer rights grow louder in the Philippines, the country’s first queer dating reality show, Sparks Camp, returns for its third season with more honesty, heart, and a deeper sense of purpose: to go beyond surface-level kilig and reveal what truly sparks joy.

Streaming every Wednesday on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel, the show returns with breathtaking scenery, new faces, and a commitment to telling authentic LGBTQIA+ love stories.

Meanwhile, River Joseph was tagged online as the “green flag” of the season. While flattered, he said he was simply being himself and doesn’t feel pressured to live up to the label.

Dyogi

Before the press conference ended, Star Magic and ABS-CBN production head Laurenti addressed the housemates, urging them to stay grounded: “Minahal kayo ng tao… hinding hindi kayo makakalimutan ng sambayanan.”

A follow-up event, The Big PBB Collab Concert: PBB Collove, is set to take place on Aug. 10 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with Kapamilya and Kapuso talents sharing one stage.

“This is a mature show. We’re showing that sparks don’t just fly through attraction—they form through conversations. It is through conversations that we try to get to know the core, the values, and the things that make an individual beautiful and attractive,” said LGBTQIA+ advocate and host Mela Habijan during the press launch.

‘Sparks Camp’ campers engage in fun activities

‘Sparks Camp’ season 3 campers with (center) director Theodore

Set in a picturesque mountainside conservation area in Nueva Vizcaya, Sparks Camp Season 3 introduces ten new campers, each bringing unique stories and backgrounds, as they hope to find connection through dating tasks, heart-toheart talks, and intimate challenges.

“This is a very intentional season. Every camper tried their best to engage, ask questions, and tell their stories without pretension,” she added.

Director Theodore Boborol shared the team’s creative vision, noting that Season 3 is not only visually elevated but also emotionally resonant.

“We want to show a representation of what queer people are and what queer romance is. At a time in which queer interactions are being challenged, Sparks Camp stands as proof that queer love is

beautiful,” Boborol explained. The director also revealed that the new location was chosen to offer a fresh visual identity for the show.

“We started with a lake in Laguna for Season 1, then moved to the beach in Pangasinan for Season 2. This time, we went mountainside, and it gave us something new—peaceful, grounding, and intimate,” he continued.

Campers themselves echoed these sentiments during the press conference.

“Watching the first episode made me feel nostalgic. It felt like I was back in the camp again,” said camper Hans

“Everything I said was the real me—no filter. I didn’t expect to open up that much,” content creator Edward Maalihan shared.

“We’re not afraid to show our real emotions. For those people who had prejudgments, I just want to say: we didn’t fake anything. We were real,” Julian Agustin added.

The show, which earned a nomination at the 2024 ContentAsia Awards and has over seven million cumulative views across its first two seasons, aims to reach an even broader audience this year.

Sparks Camp Season 3 is an expansion. We’re reaching out to those who haven’t seen us yet. But with that comes a bigger responsibility—to represent, to be brave, and to keep the conversation alive,” Boborol emphasized. That responsibility is at the heart of this season’s creative direction.

From casting to location, the team behind Sparks Camp made deliberate choices to reflect the richness of queer experiences. Whether it’s navigating crushes, expressing vulnerability, or confronting biases, each moment on screen offers a glimpse into the realities of LGBTQIA+ lives.

“Yes, there’s fun. Yes, there’s kilig. But what we want is for people to listen, to listen to how queer people fall in love,” Mela stated. The latest season also comes with a new theme song, “Nahuhulog,” performed by The Voice Teens PH alum Chie Viewers can also access a director’s cut with extended scenes, available via iWant or by joining the Super Kapamilya membership on YouTube.

THE Philippines’ representatives emerged victorious in the Mrs. Grand International and Mrs. Supranational pageants, with more than forty contestants from across the globe, held recently in Yangon, Myanmar.

Princess Abella from Minglanilla, Cebu finished as First Runner-up in Mrs. Grand International 2025, won by Nguyen Thi Thua of Vietnam, while Mrs. Myanmar was crowned Mrs. Grand International (Elite) 2025. Abella also bagged the Most Popular Award.

Wendelyn Talabis from Santa Cruz, Laguna was crowned Mrs. Supranational (Elite) 2025, while Mrs. Vietnam Nguyen Thi Huyen was named Mrs. Supranational 2025, with Mrs. China finishing as First Runner-up. Talabis ranked Top 1 in the Mrs. Supranational People’s Choice Award, which automatically gave her a spot in the Top 8 finalists.

“Your remarkable performance and victory in Yangon, Myanmar, have brought pride, inspiration, and honor to our country. Your strength, elegance, and unwavering dedication stood out on the international stage — a true embodiment of a world-class Filipina, and a testament to perseverance, heart, and Filipino excellence. Thank you for carrying our flag with dignity and making the whole nation proud,” the Mrs. Philippines International (MPI) organization said in a congratulatory message to Talabis.

MPI also congratulated Abella: “You made the Philippines shine on the international stage with your grace, intelligence, and strength. You embodied the true spirit of a Filipina queen. Your success is a victory for every Filipino.” Meanwhile, MPI’s Classic Mrs. Philippines International Global 2025, Dr. Evangeline Mae CastilloRobea, will vie in the Mrs. International Global 2025 to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in September, while Mrs. Philippines Universe Official 2025, Sugar Mercado , will compete in the Mrs. Universe pageant scheduled in Manila in October 2025.

Wendelyn Talabis from Santa Cruz, Laguna, was crowned Mrs. Supranational (Elite) 2025

Princess Abella from Minglanilla, Cebu, finishes as first runner-up in Mrs. Grand International 2025

Boborol

‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition’ female celebrity housemates (from left) Kira Ballinger, Xyriel Manabat, Klarisse De Guzman, and Bianca De Vera

‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition’ male celebrity housemates (from left) River Joseph, Esnyr, Brent Manalo, and Ralph De Leon

season.

SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

Writer

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA,

JASPER VALDEZ,

Writer

By Angelica Villanueva

FMooni, a modular and fully customizable luxury mattress, officially launched on July 10, offering what it claims is the first of its kind in the Philippine market. In a media event, the brand allows customers to tailor their sleep experience based on their own comfort and support preferences, redefining what it means to sleep in luxury.

Mooni features two main products: the Mooni Classic and the Mooni Luxury. Both variants are built with layered components that users can rearrange or replace to create their preferred sleep setup. The system includes cooling covers, gel-infused memory foam, dynamic support layers, and twice-tempered pocketed springs for added stability.

The Mooni Classic includes a 4 cm 30D gelinfused memory foam comfort layer and a 4 cm

OR Filipinos who believe there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to a good night’s sleep, a new homegrown brand is offering a solution: design your mattress, your way.

dynamic transition foam designed to support spinal alignment. It is topped with a removable, washable cover made from Belgian fabric by Bekaert Deslee, certified under Oeko-Tex® Standard 100.

The Mooni Luxury expands on these features with a 4 cm 50D gel-infused memory foam comfort layer, a 38D responsive layer for body pressure relief, and a flippable base that offers both soft and firm sides. A high-density support layer enhances body alignment by evenly distributing weight across the mattress.

All Mooni mattresses are available in sizes ranging from Single to Super King, and users have the option to add extra layers for a more tailored feel. The brand promotes its product as a “#ForeverMattress” due to its long-term usability and eco-friendly, replaceable components.

New vendo machines let Filipinos cut plastic waste, one refill at a time

A NEW kind of vending machine is offering Filipinos a chance to clean up not just their homes, but also their habits.

Sabon Express, a local refill company founded during the pandemic, officially launched its Blue Box soap and detergent vending machine at the BJMPMBAI Corporate Center on Saturday, July 5, as part of the organization’s 24th anniversary celebration.

The project has drawn backing from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the EcoWaste Coalition, both of which advocate for science-driven, sustainable consumer practices.

Touted as the first fully automated refill station in the country for cleaning products, the Blue Box aims to cut down on single-use plastic packaging by encouraging consumers to bring their own bottles.

Each machine dispenses dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, and fabric conditioner in small increments—P5 gets you 50ml.

“Before, I was just like any other consumer,” said Sabon Express founder and CEO Mellany Zambrano. “But when I realized the plastic I used could last 400 to 500 years on earth, I knew I had to do something.”

That realization, coupled with her events business shutting down during the pandemic, pushed Zambrano to start exploring refillbased systems. She began with manual stations and slowly developed them into motorized units.

The current Blue Box version is automated,

user-friendly, and consumes minimal electricity. A full eight-hour day of operation costs just around P130.

What sets Sabon Express apart, Zambrano said, is the hygiene and structure behind each refill.

“There are already existing businesses that offer the same refilling service,” she said. “But we wanted a system that’s clean, scalable, and value for money.”

Each machine is equipped with real-time stock monitoring and an optional solar-powered setup for outdoor deployment.

Through a smart portal, Sabon Express can respond to malfunctions or refill needs immediately. Franchisees, meanwhile, get trained on how to operate and maintain the units.

Zambrano also said the products inside the Blue Box aren’t inferior. “Our formulations are developed with DOST chemists and licensed chemical engineers,” she said.

“We use the same raw materials as the leading brands, but we don’t have to pass on marketing or supermarket costs to the consumer.”

One liter of refill from the Blue Box can save up to seven plastic sachets from being thrown away. While finished products in plastic bottles are still available to introduce the brand to new users, the company says its main focus is to make refills mainstream.

“We’re not here to compete with big soap brands,” Zambrano said. “We’re here to give people another option—one that’s practical, affordable, and better for the environment.”

Designing your dream bed

The brand was developed over three decades, with a focus on adaptability, comfort, and sustainability. Interactive testing stations,

100 motorcycle riders gathered in Antipolo City for a breakfast ride organized by VS1 and Mototek to celebrate World Motorcycle Day, joining thousands of others around the globe who marked the occasion.

Participants met at Parvil Shell Service Station as early as 6:30 a.m. before heading to Cafe Una through a scenic morning route. The event, held on June 21, was open to riders of all styles and affiliations, reflecting the brands’ aim to foster a broader sense of community among Filipino motorcyclists.

VS1 and Mototek, known for their motorcycle and car care products, offered free cleaning and maintenance services during the ride. Organizers also held a short program that included product demonstrations, raffle draws, and games. The gathering ended with the awarding of prizes to several attendees.

“This event was our way of giving back to the riding community,” said Shariz Ngo, product associate for VS1 and Mototek under Consumer Care Products Inc. (CCPI). “We recognize that motorcycles aren’t just a mode of transportation, but a lifestyle and a passion shared by many.” To extend the event’s reach, the brands also ran promotions online through

NEARLY

Sabon Express founder Mellany

Motorcycle

Mooni showcases its customizable mattresses that allow Filipinos to personalize comfort and support at home

“Our goal was to build something different. One of the biggest challenges was defining our identity in a saturated market, but we pushed through by staying curious and listening to real customer needs,” said Jam Chan Cua, Mooni’s managing director.

Mooni

Nap Labs, are now open at Uptown Mall BGC, EDSA Cubao, and Libis to let customers try different mattress configurations. Mooni is available through its official website, mooni.com.ph, and on major e-commerce platforms including Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop. Launch promotions include up to 10 percent off and free shipping for select Metro Manila areas.

The customizable layers of Mooni mattresses let users mix and match for their ideal sleep experience

Mooni promotes better rest with modular mattresses designed to adapt to every sleeper’s needs