Manila Standard - 2025 July 21 - Monday

By

Peter Atencio

BOXING legend Manny Pacquiao, at the age of 46, defied Father Time and captivated the boxing world by fighting WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a majority draw on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The decision, which saw two judges score the bout 114-114 and one favoring Barrios 115-113, left the overwhelmingly pro-Pacquiao crowd roaring their disapproval, but ultimately cemented the Filipino icon’s status as a marvel in the ring. The fight leaves the door open for a potential rematch, a prospect both fighters seemed open to.

PBBM warns of social costs

Marcos off to high-stakes encounter with Trump

By Ram Superable

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. departed yesterday for a high-stakes official visit to Washington, D.C., aiming to secure a bilateral trade deal and strengthen the Philippines’

exchanges that we have had since the assumption of the new Trump administration,” Mr. Marcos said during his departure speech at Villamor Air Base

The President described the trip as a crucial step in advancing the Philippines’ national interests while the US is led by Donald Trump.

He said his top priority is to push for greater economic cooperation, with a specific focus on expanding trade and investment between the two countries.

“I intend to convey to President Trump and his Cabinet officials that the Philippines is ready to negotiate a bilateral trade deal that will ensure strong, mutually beneficial, and future-orient-

By Maricel Cruz and Darwin Amojelar

THE law imposing taxes on interest on savings and time deposits has stirred up opposition, with critics claiming that the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA) punishes the working and middle-class Filipinos and protects the rich. The Department of Finance (DOF) has clarified

Bid to lower criminal responsibility age to 10 hit

By Ram Superable

By Rio N. Araja and Rex Espiritu

THREE people have

By Ram Superable and Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT

Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. yesterday raised concerns over the growing social consequences of online gambling, warning that technology should help strengthen, not weaken, Filipino families.

“Another thing digitalization has made easier is gambling. Many families are being torn apart by it,” he said during his weekly video blog, where he acknowledged the advantages of digitalization, particularly in improving government services and boosting efficiency across various sectors. However, he lamented that technology is also being used for harmful activities, including online

Council (NDRRMC) said Sunday. According to the latest NDRRMC situation report, three people were injured and three others remain missing. These figures are still subject to

OFF TO WASHINGTON. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is given departure honors on Sunday at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City . The President embarks on a three-day official visit to the United States to reaffirm the country’s

with the

Japan firms, uni build rescue bots

JAPANESE electronics maker Murata Manufacturing Co., Waseda University and two other companies teamed up to develop humanoid search and rescue robots as part of a wider effort to revive Japan’s formerly world-leading robotics sector.

The four entities, including Kyotobased robot maker Tmsuk Co. and technology service company Sre Holdings Corp. in Tokyo, said in late June that they plan to develop a robot with all Japan-made components, such as sensors and precision instruments.

The robot is designed to stand 3 meters tall, weigh 300 kilograms, walk at around 5 kilometers per hour and lift 100 kg or more. Given its demographic challenges, the companies believe disaster-prone Japan needs to develop such rescue robots.

“We want to build a robot that is much stronger than a human and can move rubble,” Tmsuk Chairman Yoichi Takamoto said at a press conference in late June.

Japan was once a global leader in humanoid robotics, with Waseda University having developed the world’s first fullscale bipedal robot, WABOT-1, in 1973. Honda Motor Co. led humanoid robotics technology with ASIMO, whose final model was released in 2011.

Hoping to play catch-up with U.S. and Chinese manufacturers, the four partners aim to develop a pilot model

by the end of 2026 and a mass-production version by March 2029, they said.

“There are many technologies in Japan that we can be proud of,” Tomotsugu Oba, a manager at Murata Manufacturing’s Mobility Robotics Business Development Section, said at the press conference.

Oba said the project is Japan’s “first step toward the goal of returning to the global (stage).”

There are no humanoid robots anywhere in the world that have been developed to replace humans in search and rescue operations, they said. Kyodo News

internet-based gambling operations.

Before departing for his official visit to the US yesterday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took to social media to express full support for the Filipino boxing legend, calling the match “a moment to witness the heart of a champion and the strength of a nation.”

“The Philippines holds its breath as we come together once more, UNITED behind the People’s Champ,” the President added in his post. Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, on the other hand said: “VICTORY isn’t always measured by the belt — but by the courage to keep fighting.”

“Today, we witnessed two warriors leave it all in the ring. And though the judges called it a draw, for us Filipinos, the mere return of Manny Pacquiao to the global boxing stage — at 46 years old — is a victory in itself,” he said.

meant to “correct an unfair system”.

In a statement, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio described CMEPA as a “predatory taxation scheme” that targeted the savings and income of ordinary Filipinos “while letting the wealthy off the hook.” He maintained that the government already taxes income and consumption.

“Now, even when you save, the government taxes you. Then they say Filipinos lack financial literacy,” Tinio said, adding that the Makabayan bloc in Congress had rejected the bill.

“Instead of giving incentives to those with modest savings, the government targets them while billionaires and big corporations continue to enjoy tax breaks and loopholes,” Tinio asserted.

Social media posts charged that CMEPA imposes a new tax on savings, prompting the DOF, finance experts and the banks to issue clarifications.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said on Thursday that only the interest earned from short-term deposits — such as checking and savings accounts, and not the deposit — are being taxed.

This system has been in place for decades, in accordance with the Tax Reform Act of 1997, Recto said.

To level the playing field for all Filipinos however, the tax on interest income from long-term time deposits, or those parked in the bank for over five years, has also been set at 20 percent. Before CMEPA, time deposits with maturity periods of more than five years were exempt from interest income tax, which the DOF and some tax experts say favored the wealthy minority.

“There is no truth that CMEPA discourages people from saving and investing. Actually, CMEPA is not just a revenue bill, but an act to boost our capital markets and allow for greater participation, especially among ordinary Filipinos,” Recto said in a statement.

“Investing is now not just for the rich, but is for every Filipino who dreams of financial security and a better future, who can now achieve that by diversifying their savings and investments,” he said.

Recto cited other saving programs offered by the government, such as Pag-IBIG MP2 savings and Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs), as options for the public to invest in.

scams, misinformation, and unregulated gambling.

Mr. Marcos pointed out that digital tools, while convenient, have made gambling more accessible and potentially destructive for many households.

“Technology is here to make our lives easier, to steer the government away from corruption, to speed up processes, to improve education, health care, and commerce, and above all, to strengthen and unite the Filipino family,” he said.

The chief executive called on the public to remain cautious and responsible as the nation becomes increasingly reliant on digital platforms in everyday life.

“This is what we continue to push for so we can keep up with the rest of the world. Processes become faster and more efficient when the system is digital,” the President concluded.

Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the Marcos adminis-

tration is still reviewing the wider implications of a total ban on all forms of online gambling, amid rising cases of Filipinos going bankrupt due to “gambling addiction.”

“We are still looking into it because we have to see all the ramifications that gaming of that method may be allowed to operate,” he said after the President departed for Washington, D.C. on Sunday.

Bersamin remarked on widespread speculation that the President would announce a total ban on online gambling during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

It can be recalled that during his third SONA last year, Mr. Marcos announced a total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations.

The executive secretary clarified that while the ban on POGOs stands, other forms of online gaming that are not linked to scams or online fraud are still under study.

Malacañang’s comments came amid renewed efforts by lawmakers and civil society groups to impose a total ban on

On Friday, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) dismissed the justification made by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on legalizing online gambling in the country.

At the 11th Philippine Conference on New Evangelization in Manila, CBCP president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said PAGCOR argues that the legalization allows for better regulation and enables the government to generate revenue.

“The sum total of their reasoning: if we don’t legalize it, it stays illegal — and we lose a lot of money. We could use the money and generate revenues for the government,” David said, citing PAGCOR’s reasoning.

The cardinal criticized the logic, comparing it to legalizing illegal drugs to raise government income.

“So I said, why don’t you just legalize shabu (crystal meth) as well?” David said. “Because it’s illegal, so let’s earn from it? That’s the same logic,” David pointed out.

Romualdez said Manny showed the heart of a true champion: fearless, relentless, and full of pride for his country.

Returning to the ring for the first time in nearly four years, following his 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugás, many questioned whether the “PacMan” could still compete at an elite level against a much younger, reigning champion. Barrios, 16 years Pacquiao’s junior at 30, entered the fight as a significant favorite, buoyed by his youth, reach, and active career. However, from the opening bell, Pacquiao showcased glimpses of the speed, relentless aggression, and ring IQ that have defined his l career.

Throughout the early and middle rounds, Pacquiao moved swiftly, cutting angles and landing his patented straight left hand with surprising regularity.

weather disturbances, with 40,033 families or 137,055 individuals affected. In Cagayan province, 945 families—or 3,129 individuals—have been evacuated from flood-prone areas across 18 municipalities. Of these, 1,948 evacuees are staying in evacuation centers, while 1,030 are temporarily housed with neighbors or relatives.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that the combined impact of Crising and the monsoon rains has caused at least P52.74 million in agricultural damage. About 2,099 farmers were affected, with losses covering 2,466 hectares of farmland and 2,147 metric tons in production. Of the damaged areas, 61.5 percent or 1,519 hectares may still recover, while 948 hectares are likely permanently damaged.

ed collaborations that only the United States and the Philippines will be able to take advantage of,” he said.

Mr. Marcos pointed out that the bilateral relationship should continue serving as both a peacekeeping tool and an engine for regional development.

The trip comes amid concern over a proposed 20 percent tariff on Philippine exports to the U.S., which could impact key industries and employment.

The President is also expected to meet with top American business leaders to promote the Philippines as a favorable destination for investments.

“I expect our discussions to focus on security and defense, of course, but also on trade. And we will see how much progress

we can make when it comes to the negotiations with the United States,” he said.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence made separate trips to Manila, signaling renewed strategic interest in Southeast Asia.

Also, bipartisan congressional delegations from the U.S. had visited the Philippines in recent months. With Vince Lopez

There were moments where it seemed the former eight-division world champion was turning back the clock, taking control of the fight and appearing poised to run away with it. His ability to navigate the ring and find openings against a formidable opponent, despite his extended layoff, was nothing short of extraordinary.

While Barrios effectively utilized his jab and increased his aggression in the later rounds, particularly in the championship rounds (10-12), Pacquiao’s resilience remained unwavering. Barrios himself acknowledged Pacquiao’s enduring qualities, stating, “His stamina is crazy. He’s still strong as hell and his timing is real. He’s still a very awkward fighter to try to figure out.”

“Senator Padilla’s proposal is not new. It is a recycled idea that refuses to die, no matter how many times child rights advocates, neuroscientists, developmental psychologists, social workers, and human rights defenders have refuted it with facts, and compassion,” she said.

De Lima defended the existing Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, or Republic Act 9344, describing it as a sound, forward-looking law centered on restorative justice.

She pointed out that the real problem lies not in the legislation itself, but in its poor implementation at the local level.

Many local government units still

Acting Agriculture Secretary Roger Navarro ordered DA units to immediately assist affected farmers and fisherfolk.

“We must act without delay, weather permitting, to ease the suffering of our farmers and fisherfolk,” he said. Rice fields accounted for over 96 percent of reported losses, though damage was also reported to high-value crops, corn, livestock, and fishery assets.

In response, the DA has mobilized P133.09 million worth of rice, corn, and vegetable seeds through its regional offices. It also activated its Quick Response Fund (QRF) and zero-interest loans of up to P25,000 via the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program, payable over three years. The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation has deployed personnel to fast-track claims processing for insured farmers.

The National Food Authority (NFA) reported that its warehouse in Mindoro was also affected, but rice distribution efforts continue. Administrator Larry

lack proper youth care facilities such as Bahay Pag-asa, as well as trained personnel like social workers and psychologists, De Lima noted.

“Let us not pretend that incarceration is the only language the State knows how to speak. As a former Secretary of Justice, I have seen what jails do to children,” she added. “I have seen what care, education, and structured rehabilitation can achieve. The difference is life-changing. Sometimes, life-saving.”

De Lima called on her colleagues to view the issue not as a matter of being lenient or strict, but of defining the country’s core values.

True justice, she said, requires the wisdom to distinguish between fair consequences and outright cruelty.

“Let us stop treating children as threats. They are mirrors. If we don’t

Lacson confirmed that 500 sacks of rice have already been sent to local governments in Palawan.

The DA said limited road access in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Negros Island Region, and parts of Regions III and IV-B could hinder the transport of agricultural goods. Regional offices are conducting price monitoring to prevent supply chain disruptions.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) continues to provide relief assistance and is coordinating with local governments to assess damage to property and livelihoods. In a meeting held in Lal-lo on Saturday, Cagayan Governor Edgar Aglipay underscored the importance of coordination. “The PDRRMO should define what the towns must have, such as organization, training, equipment, simulation exercises, inspection, and accounting,” Aglipay said. “We will provide support where there is a gap.”

like what we see, it is not the mirror we must shatter. It is the reflection of our failures,” she stressed.

Padilla’s bill seeks to amend Republic Act (RA) No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, removing criminal liability exemptions for offenders aged 10 to 17 who commit heinous crimes.

This existing law provides for the minimum age of criminal responsibility at 15.

One of the bill’s proposed amendments states that children in conflict with the law (CICL) aged 10 but below 18 years old are to be put in Bahay Pagasa or a 24-hour child-caring institution, except when the offense charged is a heinous crime.

It adds that an offender above 10 years but below 18 years of age who committed a heinous crime shall not be exempt from criminal liability.

In Pangasinan, the municipality of Umingan declared a state of calamity after floods triggered by Crising displaced 6,061 families or 16,519 individuals across 40 barangays. The local government reported damage to livelihoods and disruptions to essential services. According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the floods have since subsided, and the affected families have returned home.

Pangasinan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office emergency operations center head Maegan Equila said the flash flooding was caused by the late opening of floodgates. “The local government has conducted an investigation and found that the gates of the flood control system were not opened on time. We are yet to receive an official report,” she added.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said moderate

Although the majority draw prevented Pacquiao from breaking his own record as the oldest welterweight champion (a record he set at 40 against Keith Thurman in 2019), his performance was a profound victory in itself.

As House Speaker Romualdez eloquently put it, “A draw may not be the ending we hoped for, but it was a performance that reminded the world who Manny Pacquiao is—and who we are as a people: matatag, palaban, at may dangal (resilient, defiant, dignified).” Pacquiao, who was recently inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, expressed his belief that he had done enough to win, but also offered a message of inspiration: “I hope this is an inspiration to boxers that if you have discipline and work hard you can still fight at this age.”

Rio Araja

to heavy rains (50-100 mm) are expected today in Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, and Batangas. The same weather pattern is forecast tomorrow for Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro. PAGASA warned of flooding and landslides, especially in highly urbanized, low-lying, and mountainous areas. Bataan, Zambales, and Occidental Mindoro may receive heavy to intense rains (100-200 mm), increasing the risk of flooding.

Other areas, including Benguet, Laguna, Rizal, and Oriental Mindoro, will have occasional rains, while the Visayas, parts of Luzon, and regions in Mindanao may experience scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms. Flash floods and landslides remain likely during severe thunderstorms, the weather bureau said. PAGASA and local authorities continue to monitor the situation and issue public warnings.

IN BRIEF

LTO renews licenses for OFWs in Japan via web

THE Land Transportation Office on Sunday processed hundreds of driver’s license renewals for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Japan through its online system during the national government’s Serbisyo Caravan in Osaka.

“Our online driver’s license renewal was a success. It was truly heartwarming to not only see our fellow countrymen supporting this program, but also their gratitude that the process is now fast and convenient,” said acting LTO chief Greg Pua Jr. Pua said the LTO remains committed to accelerating digital transactions in line with the Bagong Pilipinas vision. He added that the agency plans to expand its online services to the Middle East, the United States, and Europe.

The initiative follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for the Department of Transportation to transition government services to digital platforms. The LTO first launched the online renewal program in Taiwan in 2024. Rio N. Araja

House bill proposes digital patient records

4PS Party-list Rep. Marcelino

“Nonoy” Libanan has filed House Bill No. 1907, which seeks to establish a Centralized Patient Record System (CPRS) in every town and city to improve healthcare delivery and ensure continuity of care.

The bill, also called the Local Health Record System Act of 2025, mandates the creation of a secure, comprehensive digital medical record for every patient visiting barangay health centers and rural health units (RHUs).

“In many underserved communities, a patient’s medical history often vanishes with each consultation,” Libanan said. “A centralized record system will help prevent misdiagnoses, avoid duplicated treatments, and ultimately save lives.”

Group urges responsible pet care after Baguio case

THE Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) on Sunday urged pet owners to be more responsible, following the death of a dog in a rockslide caused by heavy rains in Baguio City.

Authorities said a massive boulder dislodged by Severe Tropical Storm Crising rolled onto a house and parked car along Kennon Road in Barangay Camp 7 on Saturday, July 19. No humans were hurt, but a pet dog was killed.

According to the Baguio City Public Information Office, the homeowners had evacuated before the incident but left their pets behind.

“Please do not leave your pets behind,” AKF said. “It’s our responsibility to protect them—not just in comfort, but also in times of crisis and danger.” Barangay officials, disaster response teams, and the city engineering office responded to assess the site and take steps to prevent further damage. Rex Espiritu

Palace names caretakers as PBBM flies to Washington

By Vince Lopez

EXECUTIVE Secretary Lucas Bersamin and two other Cabinet secretaries were designated as the country’s caretakers during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Washington, D.C.

“The order of the President is to continue the work while he is away. Anyway, we keep in constant communication with him during all the time that he is away from the country,” Bersamin said. The Executive Secretary also said

the other two officials are Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III.

“There is no need for him to put anything specific because each of us,

including the other Cabinet secretaries, we are all aware of what the President has set for us to do, so we will just leave it like that and everybody continues to function 100%,” he added. Mr. Marcos on Sunday departed for the United States for an official visit, which includes a meeting with US President Donald Trump. Among the topics the two leaders will discuss is the 20% tariff rate on Filipino goods entering the US, as Mr. Marcos hopes to secure a mutually acceptable and beneficial tariff deal with Trump at the White House.

Quad Comm leaders push to revive ‘mega’ panel

By Rio N. Araja

LEADERS of the Quad Comm in the 19th Congress on Sunday urged colleagues to reconstitute the mega-panel when the 20th Congress convenes later this month, warning that unresolved probes of drug-related killings, Chinese-linked syndicates, and government corruption must not be left to die quietly in the archives.

“We cannot just move on. What we uncovered in those hearings was not fiction, not rumor, but fragments of a

frightening reality,” Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. said.

“Quad Comm 2.0 now becomes a necessity. We firmly believe that justice does not expire and must continue in the 20th Congress. The people have a right to know who benefited from silence and who paid the price for speaking out,” he added.

The Quad Comm, composed of the committees on dangerous drugs, public order and safety, human rights, and public accounts, conducted several joint hearings in the 19th Congress that re-

Agta woman gives birth amid ‘Crising’

A 31-YEAR-OLD woman from the Agta community gave birth on the road during the height of Tropical Storm ‘Crising’ in Santa Teresita, Cagayan, with cops and village officials providing assistance on their way to the nearest health center.

According to the Cagayan Provincial Information Office (CPIO), members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Santa Teresita station were conducting routine patrols while ‘Crising’ struck northern Luzon when they received a call for help from the captain of Brgy. Ariwoden

last Friday night, July 18.

The group of Police Major Gerry Macadangdang, officer-in-charge of PNP-Santa Teresita, immediately responded to bring the woman, named Joan Cepeda, to the municipal health center. They traveled amid heavy rains and floods due to the inclement weather. In a series of videos and photos posted by the CPIO on Saturday, Cepeda was seen delivering her baby on their way to the health center.

“The mother and child are now

after receiving prompt medical

tion,” the CPIO reported.

Employers to ask halt to wage hike bills during SONA

By Othel V. Campos

A CALL to stop legislated wage hikes is among the key items the private sector wants President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) this month.

Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PhilExport) and Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) president Sergio R. OrtizLuis Jr. said many business groups are hoping the President will clearly state in his address that he does not support additional legislated wage increases.

The SONA, set for July 28, serves as the President’s annual report to the nation and a platform to outline legislative priorities.

“We want to hear the President reiterate that the regional wage boards have already been convened and that wage increases are being rolled out. That should put a stop to efforts to refile wage hike bills, which we believe will only be vetoed by the President,” Ortiz-Luis said.

He was referring to the recently approved P50 daily minimum wage increase in Metro Manila, which takes effect July 18, exactly a year after the previous hike.

Ortiz-Luis’s remarks come as several senators have refiled proposals for legislated wage hikes in the 20th Congress, similar to earlier bills seeking P200 and P100 increases that failed to pass in the 19th Congress. PhilExport is also pushing for a number of priority bills it hopes will receive presidential backing. At the top of its list is the proposed amendment to the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The bill seeks to extend the mandatory credit allocation for MSMEs by banks and remove the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’s regulatory cover over the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.), enabling the agency to grant more development loans.

Ortiz-Luis stressed that Filipino MSMEs are the most “underbanked” in Southeast Asia.

PhilExport is also advocating for the passage of the Customs Amnesty Bill, which aims to raise revenues through voluntary disclosure, clear the Bureau of Customs’ backlog of liquidation accounts, and shield importers from alleged harassment related to pending transactions.

Other measures supported by the group include the International Maritime Trade Competitiveness Act, CAAP Charter Amendment, National Quality Infrastructure Act, Konektadong Pinoy Bill, and the Philippine Ports Act.

in 20th Congress

vealed troubling links between offshore gaming hubs, extrajudicial killings, and high-level corruption inside government.

Abante, in a statement, said their work was cut short by politics, threats to witnesses, and “what members now describe as an orchestrated effort to bury the truth.”

He said the push to reconstitute the panel in the 20th Congress is a test of political courage.

“If we truly serve, we should not be afraid of the truth. And memory means picking up where we left off, no mat-

SPECIAL DELIVERY. Officers from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Santa Teresita station in Cagayan, along with local responders, assist 31-year-old Joan Cepeda in delivering her baby at the height of Tropical Storm ‘Crising’ on Friday evening, July 18. PNP-Santa Teresita via CPIO

ter how controversial the issues are, no matter how difficult they are,” he said.

“There were witnesses who were threatened. There were patterns of abuse that pointed to state actors. There were billions of pesos in questionable transactions. Hindi pa ito tapos. Quad Comm 2.0 must finish the job,” Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said. The revival of the panel must be accompanied by protection for key witnesses and the institutionalization of inter-committee investigations, he raised.

ROAD CLEARING. A road clearing operation is underway along Longlong–Tam-awan Road, Balete, Longlong in Puguis, La Trinidad. The local government deployed heavy equipment and personnel to remove rocks and debris that earlier led to the road closure. Leonardo Calabias

safe

atten-

QC RELIEF OPERATIONS. The Quezon City government continues to distribute supplies and food to 280 individuals staying at the evacuation center in Barangay Manresa due to the effects of the Habagat and Typhoon Crising. Evacuees receive hot meals, grocery packs, soap, sleeping mats, and blankets.

IN BRIEF

Cavite drug raid bags

three Chinese nationals

THREE Chinese nationals wanted for drug and human trafficking were arrested by joint operatives from the Bureau of Immigration and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in General Trias, Cavite

The suspects, identified as Jin Tian,, Sun Yong and Liu Zhiwei were nabbed while in possession of a substance believed to be shabu and drug paraphernalia

They were also found to be overstaying aliens and failed to present valid immigration documentation. Further verification showed that Jin has two active derogatory records stemming from an Immigration case for overstaying.

Jin and Liu will be transferred to the BI detention, while Sun will remain in the custody of PDEA for prosecution of his drug-related case. Vito Barcelo

Navy rescues 4 in sea mishap in Tawi-Tawi

A NAVY patrol vessel rescued four passengers of a motorized banca that capsized near Pababag Island, Tawi-Tawi, on Thursday, demonstrating swift maritime response in challenging sea conditions.

The Navy vessel BRP Juan Magluyan, operating under the Western Mindanao Naval Command and Joint Task Force Poseidon, was conducting routine patrol when it spotted a distressed motor launch east of Lamion Wharf with the passengers frantically waving for help..

Upon reaching the site, the navy team found a capsized banca about 1,400 yards west of Matos Point, with four people struggling in the water. The boat has the marking MB Adam Danieal.

Investigation showed that the boat was going to Simunul Island when strong waves overturned it. No injury was reported. Rex Espiritu

BI

stops China-bound mail-order bride at NAIA

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) agents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have prevented from leaving for China a 24-year-old Filipina believed to be a mail-order bride and an apparent victim of human trafficking.

The agents’ suspicions were aroused as the Xiamen-bound passenger presented dubious documents, including a tampered marriage certificate.

Upon closer interrogation, the women eventually admitted she was paid P8,000 to cover travel expenses to China following a fake marriage with a Chinese national where she was given a bogus marital certificate. Vito Barcelo

BROTHERS-IN-ARMS.

Philippine Army chief Roy

leads a delegation on a visit to the Royal

Army headquarters in Phnom

allowing the two forces to reaffirm commitments to stronger bilateral relations. Army photo

3 police generals, 11 colonels get new assignments in PNP reshuffle

THE reshuffle of the Philippine National Police (PNP) hierarchy resumed with three more starranked officers given new assignments effective Monday, July 21.

PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III named Brig. Gen.Erickson Dilaga as police director of the Cordillera Administrative Region , Brig. Gen. Ronald Gayo s head of the Firearms and Explosives Office, and Brig.

PREEMPTIVE EVACUATION.

Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval visits residents currently on preemptive evacuation at the Tinajeros Elementary School ahead of the expected overflow of the Tullahan River as a result of the release of water by La Mesa Dam which has reached critical water levels. Andrew Rabulan

Gen. Rogelio Raymundo Jr. as deputy chief for administration of Central Luzon.

Eleven police colonels were also given new assignments in the revamp initiated last July 17.

Col. Arvin Alcantara of the Directorate for Logistics is transferred to directorate for plans Col. Richard Bad-Ang of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group goes to the Calabarzon regional office; while Col. Harold Depositar is reassigned to the PNP Academy, Col. Jay Dimaandal of Region 3 moves over to the Negros Island police force, Col. Wilson Doromal is reassigned to the office of the PNP chief, Col. Frederick Obar is transferred to the directorate for plans, Col. Ariel Red of the Criminal

‘Gov’t execs, workers not covered by free parking privilege’

driver of the vehicle.

Investigation and Detection Group is deployed to Region 4-A, Col. Nelvin Richohermoso vacates Region 5 (Bicol) for his new assignment at Region 10 (Northern Mindanao).

Col. Julius Suriben is removed from Region 4 and reassigned at the directorate for logistics, Col. Alikhan Yusop leaves Zamboanga for his new post as chief of directorate for police community relations, and Col. Michael Rae Tuscano goes to Central Visayas from the National Capital Region Police Office.

PH, Cambodian armies reaffirm strategic ties

By Rex Espiritu

THE armies of the Philippines and Cambodia have reaffirmed military cooperation during bilateral talks held July 18 at the latter’s headquarters in the Cambodian capital of Phonm Penh.

Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido and his Cambodian counterpart, Gen. Mao Sophan met at the Royal Cambodian Army (RCA) headquarters where they pledged to boost strategic military collaboration.

By Itchie Kabayan

GOVERNMENT officials and personnel are not covered by the free-parking privilege for senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs).

MTPB chief Dennis Viaje also explained that the exemption does not cover overnight parking, for which the vehicle owner should pay the corresponding rates.

To avail of the parking fee exemption, the senior citizen concerned must present a valid senior identification card issued by the

The Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) made this clarification to prevent confusion on City Ordinance 8559 which exempts the elderlies and PWDs from paying the initial fees for parking their vehicles in specified places within the city.

Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs or any other government-issued identification cards.

On the other hand. the PWDs must present a PWD identification card issued by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) upon entry in the establishments, malls, hospitals, parking areas or any other similar places charging parking fees and the ID holder or cardholder must be a passenger or

Violation of the ordinance is punishable by imprisonment of one day to 30 days or a fine of P500 or both, at the discretion of the court.

The fine is bigger at P2,000 for managers, operators or owners of the establishments, malls, hospitals, parking areas that violate the ordinance. Repetitive violations would be dealt with cancellation of the business permit on the parking space.

P23-b SIDC 40% complete, says DPWH

CONSTRUCTION of the P23-billion Samal Island–Davao City Connector (SIDC) bridge is now 40-percent finished and expected to be completed and operational by 2027, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The project, also known as the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge, is a 3.98-kilometer cablestayed bridge designed to cut travel time between the two locations from 30 minutes to just 5 minutes.

DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain said the SIDC is designed as a four-lane, toll-free extra-dosed bridge spanning 4.76 kilometers, directly linking the northeastern part of Davao City to the northwestern section of Samal Island.

It connects the R. Castillo–Daang Maharlika Junction in Davao City to the Samal Circumferential Road,

with landing points located in Barangay Vicente Hizon Sr., Davao City, and Barangay Limao, Samal Island.

Once operational, the SIDC is expected to accommodate up to 25,000 vehicles daily, significantly improving mobility between Davao City and Samal Island.

Travel time across the Davao Gulf will be reduced from 55 minutes by ferry to just 4.5 minutes by car, substantially easing dependence on ferry services for residents, commuters, and tourists.

The DPWH is working closely with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources whose teams conduct diving assessments to monitor seagrass beds, shallow waters, marine protected areas, and deepwater zones affected by the construction activities. Vito Barcelo

The high-level meeting is viewed as part of Galido’s reciprocal visit to Cambodia, in light of Sophan’s official trip to the Philippines last March.

Galido was also set to be guest of honor and speaker at the joint closing ceremony of the PA-RCA mobile training team on Sunday (July 19) at the RCAF Training Center in Kampong Speu.

As part of his official engagements, Galido paid a courtesy call on Cambodian Senate President Samdech Hun Sen. A former military officer, Hun Sen served as Cambodia’s prime minister from 1998 until 2023.

In 2023, the Philippine Army and the Royal Cambodian Army signed an accord that formalized the establishment of a bilateral army working group tasked with planning and coordinating joint military activities and exchanges.

The Philippine Army said it remains committed to deepening defense ties with Cambodia through meaningful international military cooperation, aiming to promote peace, security, and regional solidarity across Southeast Asia.

“The Philippine Army leadership supports purposeful and impactful International Military Affairs engagements between the Philippines and Cambodia as a tool to reinforce regional cooperation and to advance the shared goal of peace and progress in Southeast Asia.” The command said in a statement.

GRIM MISSION. Philippine Coast Guard divers lead the search for two children who were reported missing after they tried to swim across a turbulent creek in Barangay Bagong Silangan, Quezon City at the height of tropical storm Crising.

Galido

Cambodian

Penh,

OPINION

Recovering Manila Bay

MMDA’s Romando Artes is quoted as having described the dolomite beach in Roxas Boulevard as a cause for the slow release of floodwaters from Malate, and rightly so. I wonder why his predecessors inb the previous administration never bothered to caution DENR’s Roy Cimatu from his monumental folly. Ostensibly in compliance with a Supreme Court decision during GMA’s time mandating the restoration of our beautiful bay to its pristine condition, DENR’s Cimatu under the previous administration poured crushed dolomite from the mountains of Cebu into the bay’s periphery, about one kilometer long and twenty meters wide.

Thereafter, he and his cohorts at the DENR proudly billed their dolomite beach masquerading as white sand as a “tourist attraction,” and indeed it was quite an instagram novelty for domestic tourists and balikbayans alike.

They even fenced their magnum opus and put up a two-storey “administrative office” complete with hired security guards to safeguard their artificial contraption which has become a monument to bad taste and foolish innovation, laced with graft, no doubt.

Now that climate change and a lack of drainage canals have left Taft Avenue and its environs, including where I have lived for half a century, perennially flooded with every downpour, party-lister Terry Ridon wants the HoR to investigate this abomination called the dolomite beach.

While at it, may we suggest that they also look into why the Philippine Reclamation Authority allowed massive reclamation projects in Manila Bay?

For if a small artificial beach can block floodwaters from being released to Manila Bay, how much more those artificial islands that block not only the natural flow of water but would even steal the magnificent sunset from the eyes of ordinary folk?

Those “builders” who have used other people’s money to reclaim their islands and are now facing a shortage of sand, having gouged out nearby sources from Cavite to Zambales, may well lose their shirts in the process. With little demand from the expected Chinese market and more distant sources of sand (if any), what will be left will be eyesores, mountains of sand which will blow into our faces each time we sit by the bay.

***

Inspired by the racist and bigot that their current POTUS is, US Customs and Border Protection employees forcibly removed 18 Filipino workers from a cruise vessel docked at Norfolk in Virginia. Handcuffed and humiliated, the Filipino seafarers were sent back to the Philippines and barred from entering the US of A for at least ten years despite having valid work visas.

Fil-Am groups condemned the work-

place raids as a “disturbing trend“ where crew members are deported under false pretenses and without criminal charges.

Our president is now in Washington DC, “summoned” by their racist POTUS who thinks and acts like he is the “emperor of the world”. Would that our leader could act more like Brazil’s Lula, or even the president he succeeded and surrendered to a foreign tribunal.

May we suggest that they also look into why the Philippine Reclamation Authority allowed massive reclamation projects in Manila Bay?

My own take: BbM will come back with a trophy in time for his SONA next Monday, likely a few percentage points reduction from the 20% tariff that Trump earlier imposed, but we should be wary of the fine print in the “reciprocal agreement” that his host and his panel of negotiators will ram down our throat.

Worse, I fear that there will be a verbal agreement to expand the activities of the US military under the EDCA which may well endanger Filipino lives and property in the event of a confrontation between the two superpowers operating in our region.

Beggars cannot be choosers, more so if the weaker country is yet bewitched by the siren song of “special relations.” ***

There will be few surprises in the leadership posts of the two houses of the 20th Congress.

Chiz Escudero has very cunningly parlayed his artful dodging of the impeachment trial of the vice-president into an overwhelming advantage over Tito Sotto and his small band of “veteran” supporters.

Winning over the pro-Duterte senators along with Bam and Kiko, it was Escudero’s game from Election Day 2025.

At least we will have a vociferous and active minority who will take on the role of the opposition in the Senate. In the HoR, it’s all over but the counting, as Speaker Martin Romualdez is set to retain his crown.

About the only powerful position that we will await with bated breath is who would chair the powerful Appropriations Committee.

Will the new chair signal a possibility of reform and fiscal prudence, or back to the same old and greedy ways of the past?

Don’t bet on bans – bet on cybersecurity

ONLINE gambling in the Philippines

is no longer on the fringe—it’s mainstream, digital, and inextricably linked to how millions of Filipinos interact with money and entertainment. But as with many things digital, where opportunity expands, so does risk. The surge in online gambling has brought with it a shadow network of unregulated, illegal platforms that prey on unsuspecting users, and no amount of URL blocking alone will make them go away.

According to PAGCOR, in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission and the Department of Information and Communications Technology, nearly 11,000 illegal gambling sites have supposedly been blocked. It sounds impressive until you realize how easily these sites can slip back online. Change a domain name, spin up a new server, and the game continues.

This is where the real threat lies. Not in the regulated, PAGCOR-accredited online gambling sites that are subject to scrutiny and standards, but in the borderless, invisible world of illegal online operators who have zero regard for Philippine laws or public safety. Calls for a total ban may seem appeal-

ing, especially in the face of stories about gambling-related crimes or addiction.

But banning only hurts what is visible and regulated.

It drives the activity underground, further empowering the very operators we should be dismantling.

Banning online gambling is like locking the front door while leaving the back wide open

Banning online gambling is like locking the front door while leaving the back wide open.

To protect the public—especially the young and the vulnerable—we need to shift our mindset.

The battle isn’t against gambling per se. It’s against exploitation, fraud, data theft, and transnational cybercrime. And the frontline of this battle is cybersecurity.

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format of an extreme close-up of a bulbous nose with several pockmarks. One finger is pressing the left nostril. The other hand is holding a rolled-up cylinder labeled ‘corruption.’ The rolled-up cylinder, inserted into the other nostril, is snorting a trail of a

has

EDITORIAL

Conversations with an ally

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left for the United States on Sunday and is set to meet US President Donald Trump as well as state, defense, and trade officials as well as American business leaders.

The state visit, he said upon his departure, was essential to continue advancing our national interest in strengthening our alliance. According to Mr. Marcos, his top agenda is to push for greater economic engagement in terms of trade and investment between the two nations.

The top-level meeting comes just after the Trump administration’s announcement of a 20-percent tariff on Philippine goods. The rate, which is scheduled to take effect Aug. 1, is higher than the 17 percent originally set for the Philippines that was announced in April.

The Philippines will seek to negotiate the rate through “constructive and mutually beneficial dialogue” with the US.

In fact the Philippines is one of

Illegal gambling platforms operate in the shadows, not just to avoid taxes and regulations, but because many of them are wolves in sheep’s clothing.

These sites can plant malware, run phishing scams, steal identities, hijack your computer to mine cryptocurrency (cryptojacking), or worse, serve as conduits for exploitation, even human trafficking.

Because they’re unregulated, they’re under no obligation to protect user data. Encryption? Optional. Secure logins? Rare. Behind some flashy homepage offering “easy money” could be a hacker’s hub. They often use Trojan viruses, keyloggers, or remote access tools.

A fake login page mimicking a legitimate site can steal your eWallet credentials in seconds. And let’s not forget the broader implications.

Some illegal gambling operations are connected to organized cybercriminal syndicates.

That means the same infrastructure being used to target bettors could also be targeting banks, telecom networks, or even government servers. These are not isolated risks. These are national security concerns.

six countries that were notified by the Trump administration of the new rates; they were told that these were a response to trade ties that are “far from reciprocal.” Adjust-

The ultimate beneficiaries – or casualties – of such high-level trade and investment arrangements will be the majority of the Filipino people who are trying to eke out a decent living for their families.

So how do we respond?

Not just with firewalls and blacklists.

What we need is a comprehensive cybersecurity framework backed by law, enforcement, and technology.

Our regulators must be equipped and empowered to work with global partners like Interpol to go after operators at the source—not just keep plugging leaks while the flood keeps coming. But there’s another, more immediate, and powerful ally in this fight: eWallets. eWallet platforms are already embedded in the daily lives of Filipinos. They’re fast, efficient, and crucially, traceable.

Unlike cash, digital wallets leave a trail—a data stream that, if used wisely, can become a powerful regulatory tool. eWallets are agnostic when it comes to transactions. They don’t choose who you pay.

But with smart regulation and cooperation, they can be programmed to recognize red flags.

They can monitor transaction patterns linked to gambling platforms.

They can cap withdrawal amounts, limit transaction frequencies, and block suspicious accounts.

They can also ensure Know Your Customer protocols are strictly enforced to

ments to these rates, Trump wrote, could be considered if these countries changed their trade policies. Indeed, US-Philippines relations are sturdier in some aspects than in others. In defense, particularly, the Americans have reiterated their ironclad commitment to helping us defend our territorial integrity from various threats, including incursions from the Chinese in the West Philippine Sea. On this front, the US – alongside other countries – has been unequivocal in its support for the Philippines.

It is on the economic front, then, that the true extent of the US-Philippine partnership will be tested. We will be following the progress of President Marcos’ conversation with Mr. Trump and truly hope that there is such a thing as a mutually beneficial convergence point. After all, the ultimate beneficiaries – or casualties – of such high-level trade and investment arrangements will be the majority of the Filipino people who are trying to eke out a decent living for their families.

prevent minors from participating. They can alert PAGCOR when thresholds are breached. They can act as a realtime filter between legitimate transactions and those that need scrutiny. This isn’t theoretical. The technology already exists. What’s needed is the political and institutional will to integrate these tools into our regulatory framework. Rather than treat eWallets as passive facilitators, we should empower them as active guardians. This is the smarter path forward: combine stronger cybersecurity legislation with smart tech enforcement through platforms like eWallets.

It creates a layered defense—preventing abuse, tracking bad actors, and shielding Filipinos from the worst of the digital underworld. In a country rapidly digitizing, we cannot afford half-measures.

Bans will not protect us. Intelligent, tech-driven governance will. It’s time we recognize online gambling for what it is: a digital reality that demands digital regulation, not digital denial.

And if we get this right, we don’t just make gambling safer. We make the entire Philippine digital ecosystem stronger.

Gaza agency says Israeli fire kills 39 G

IN BRIEF

shot dead

GENERAL Villamil, Ecuador — At least nine people were shot dead Saturday (Sunday Manila time) while playing pool in a tourist city in southwestern Ecuador, the country’s prosecutor’s office said.

A group of armed men opened fire on several people at a bar in a working-class neighborhood of General Villamil Playas, a coastal city in the southern Guayas province and destination for local tourists.

The Ecuadorian prosecutor’s office said on X that “armed individuals entered the establishment and shot at those present.”

Viral images on social media showed at least nine bloodied bodies lying on the floor around several pool tables.

Local media reports said the attackers were armed with automatic rifles. At the bar where the massacre occurred, relatives held two coffins Saturday night. Bullet holes were visible on the pool tables, according to images captured by an AFP reporter.

Police Colonel Jhanon Varela told media that two people were injured in the attack and treated at a local hospital. AFP

Sri Lanka sacks top cop over blasts

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka’s independent regulator has sacked a senior police officer for failing to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which killed 279 people including 45 foreigners.

The National Police Commission dismissed Nilantha Jayawardena, then head of the State Intelligence Service, for disregarding prior warnings of an impending attack by Islamic extremists.

Court records show that Jayawardena had been alerted to a possible terror strike 17 days before the coordinated suicide attacks on April 21, 2019 which targeted three hotels and three churches.

More than 500 people were also wounded in the bombings.

Jayawardena had been found guilty on all seven counts of negligence and dereliction of duty by a disciplinary inquiry led by a retired judge, the police commission said in a statement late Saturday.

“Considering the gravity of the charges, the Commission decided to give him the maximum punishment,” the statement said. AFP

Hanoi scooter riders balk at bikes ban HANOI – Vietnam’s plan to bar gas-guzzling motorbikes from central Hanoi may clear the air of the smog-smothered capital, but riders fear paying a high toll for the capital’s green transition.

“Of course everyone wants a better environment,” said housewife Dang Thuy Hanh, baulking at the 80 million dong ($3,000) her family would spend replacing their four scooters with electric alternatives.

“But why give us the first burden without any proper preparation?” grumbled the 52-year-old.

Hanoi’s scooter

of the

Dozens dead in Vietnam after tourist ferry sinks

HALONG

Vietnam’s

ferrying families

Long Bay was lashed by a

storm Saturday in one of the deadliest disasters at the UNESCO World Heritage site. The vessel “Wonder Sea” was carrying 48 passengers and five crew when it capsized because of sudden heavy rain, the VNExpress news site said.

Tran Trong Hung, a resident in the Ha Long Bay area, told AFP: “The sky turned dark.”

There were “hailstones as big as toes with torrential rain, thunderstorms and lightning”, he said. Most of those on board were families visiting from the capital, Hanoi, with more than 20 children among the passengers, it said.

Border guards had rescued 11 people and recovered 34 bodies by Saturday evening, it added.

Overnight, the bodies of three crew members were found in the cabin, and rescue efforts continued into Sunday morning to find the five people still missing.

One of the rescued died in hospital on Sunday, bringing the toll to 38, VNExpress said.

and called

the defence and public security ministries to conduct urgent search and rescue. Authorities would “investigate and clarify the cause of the incident and strictly handle violations”, a government statement said. Torrential rain also lashed northern Hanoi, Thai Nguyen and Bac Ninh provinces on Saturday. AFP

Syrian gov’t: Fighting in Sweida

halted after tribal forces pull out

SWEIDA, Syria – Fighting in Syria’s Sweida “halted” on Sunday, the government said, after the southern city was recaptured by Druze fighters and state forces redeployed to the region where more than 900 people have been killed in sectarian violence.

Druze fighters had pushed out rival armed factions from the city on Saturday, a monitor said, after the government ordered a ceasefire following a US-brokered deal to avert further Israeli military intervention.

Sweida was “evacuated of all tribal fighters, and clashes within the city’s neighborhoods were halted”, Syria’s interior ministry spokesman Noureddine al-Baba said in a post on Telegram.

Israel had bombed government forces in both Sweida and Damascus earlier this week to force their withdrawal after they were accused of summary executions and other abuses against Druze civilians during their brief deployment in the southern province. More than 900 people have been killed

in Sweida since last Sunday as sectarian clashes between the Druze and Bedouin drew in the Islamist-led government, Israel and armed tribes from other parts of Syria.

Earlier Saturday, an AFP correspondent saw dozens of torched homes and vehicles and armed men setting fire to shops after looting them.

But in the evening, Bassem Fakhr, spokesman for the Men of Dignity, one of the two largest Druze armed groups, told AFP there was “no Bedouin presence in the city”.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor also said “tribal fighters withdrew from Sweida city on Saturday evening” after Druze fighters launched a large-scale attack.

Fighting nonetheless persisted in other parts of Sweida province, even as

AZA CITY, Palestinian Territories — Gaza’s civil defense agency said during the weekend Israeli fire killed 39 people and wounded more than 100 near two aid centers, in the latest deaths of Palestinians seeking food.

Deaths of people waiting for handouts in huge crowds near food points in Gaza have become a regular occurrence, with the territory’s authorities frequently blaming Israeli fire.

But the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has replaced UN agencies as the main distributor of aid in the territory, has accused militant group Hamas of fomenting unrest and shooting at civilians.

Civil defense agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal said the deaths happened near a site southwest of Khan Yunis and another center northwest of Rafah, both in southern Gaza, attributing the fatalities to “Israeli gunfire.”

One witness said he headed to the AlTina area of Khan Yunis before dawn with five of his relatives to try to get food when “Israeli soldiers” started shooting.

“My relatives and I were unable to get anything,” Abdul Aziz Abed, 37, told AFP. “Every day I go there and all we get is bullets and exhaustion instead of food.”

Three other witnesses also accused troops of opening fire. In response, the Israeli military said it “identified suspects who approached them during operational activity in the Rafah area, posing a threat to the troops”. Soldiers called for them to turn back and “after they did not comply, the troops fired warning shots,” it said, adding that it was aware of the reports about casualties.

“The incident is under review. The shots were fired approximately one kilometre (more than half a mile) away from the aid distribution site at nighttime when it’s not active,” it said in a statement. GHF said reports of deaths near its sites were “false”. AFP

Japan PM Ishiba faces reckoning in house elections

Yoshida said. At one of Tokyo’s polling stations on Sunday, 54-year-old voter Atsushi Matsuura told AFP “Commodity prices are going up, but I am more worried that salaries aren’t increasing.” Another voter Hisayo Kojima, 65, expressed frustration that the amount of her pension “is being cut shorter and shorter”.

“We have paid a lot to support the pension system. This is the most pressing issue for me,” she said. AFP

at Ecuador pool bar

GUNFIRE AT FOOD POINTS. Israeli settlers swim in the Ein Samiyah spring near the village of Kafr Malik, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, in this file photo taken on July 15. The spring, which feeds the pumping station, is the main or backup water source for some 110,000 people,

One of the rescued, a 10-year-old boy, told state media outlet VietnamNet: “I took a deep breath, swam through a gap, dived then swam up, I even shouted for

Chicago signs Japanese point guard Kawamura

CHICAGO—apanese

point guard Yuki

Kawamura has signed a contract with the Chicago Bulls after a strong NBA Las Vegas Summer League performance, the team announced on Saturday.

The 24-year-old who made his NBA debut last season with Memphis played five games for the Bulls team in Vegas and averaged 10.2 points, 6.2 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 2.2 steals a game.

Kawamura delivered a team-best 31 assists, second-most by any Bulls Summer League player since at least 2013, according to the club, and was one of only three players to average at least six assists and two steals in Summer League play.

Last season, Kawamura averaged 1.6 points and 0.9 assists over 22 games off the bench for Memphis, with a best showing of 12 points, five rebounds and five assists against Dallas on April 13.

To make room on the roster, the Bulls released guard Jahmir Young.

Before coming to the NBA, Kawamura played five seasons in Japan’s B League, the first campaign for San-en NeoPhoenix and the rest for Yokohama B-Corsairs with career averages of 16.7 points, 7.3 assists and 3.0 rebounds.

Kawamura played for the Japan in last year’s Paris Olympics, where he ranked third overall with 20.3 points a game and shared third with 7.7 assists per contest -- making him the only Paris Olympian to average 20 points and seven assists.

‘Tiger like’ Sche er

set to spoil McIlroy’s dream in British Open

Arensman climbs to Tour de France win; Pogacar leads

FRANCE—Dutch rider Thymen Arensman climbed to victory on the gruelling stage 14 of the Tour de France in the Pyrenees on Saturday as defending champion Tadej Pogacar extended his overall race lead.

Double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel, who had been third overall, pulled out of the race on the day’s first climb, the daunting 2180m altitude Tourmalet.

The Belgian Soudal Quick-Step rider appeared exhausted after Friday’s uphill time trial. Arensman attacked on the third of four mountains on a colossal climb day while Slovenian Pogacar outsprinted Jonas Vingegaard for second just over a minute behind the winner.

Crossing the line in the mist at 1840m altitude, Arensman flung himself to the ground exhausted after taking a first win on this Tour for British team Ineos.

The 25-year-old produced a virtuoso climb amidst suffocating packs of near hysterical fans who had waited all day for the peloton to pass. Behind him Pogacar fought off a string of attacks from his arch rival Vingegaard on a day the Slovenian never looked like attacking for the win.

Winner of the past two stages Pogacar pounced for the line from 50 metres with his trademark kick gaining another six seconds on the Dane. Pogacar, overall race winner in 2020, 2021 and 2024, now leads Vingegaard by 4min 13sec with Florian Lipowitz moving into third place at 7min 53sec. Pogacar praised Arensman as “the strongest of the breakaway and strongest of the race”. That was one hell of a ride from him. You could only see 20m ahead,” said the race leader. AFP

PORTRUSH—Dominant world number one Scottie Scheffler takes a four-shot lead into the final round of the British Open on Sunday leaving local hero Rory McIlroy praying for a miracle.

McIlroy dubbed his American rival’s brilliance over the first three days at Royal Portrush as “inevitable” as he maintains a stunning run of form that has already seen Scheffler claim the PGA Championship this year.

When leading at the 54-hole stage, Scheffler has won his last nine tournaments and it will take an unexpected collapse or charge from the chasing pack to deny him a fourth major.

Li Haotong is his closest challenger at 10 under par as he aims for history by becoming the first Chinese man to win a major.

Matthew Fitzpatrick sits third, five shots off the lead, after stumbling down the back nine on Saturday.

McIlroy appears the one big threat to a serene Sunday afternoon for Scheffler as the Masters champion tries to ride the wave of support on a course just over 60 miles from where he took his first steps in the game just outside Belfast.

For much of Saturday, the thousands following

McIlroy’s every move were in raptures.

Three birdies in his opening four holes and an eagle at the 12th powered the world number two to a round of 66 and a share of fourth place.

But the 2014 British Open champion remains eight shots off the lead, a gap even he recognises is hard to bridge given Scheffler’s class.

“Scottie Scheffler is inevitable. Even when he doesnt have his best stuff, he’s the complete player,” said McIlroy.

“He’s playing like Scottie. I don’t think it’s a surprise. Everyone’s seen the way he’s played or plays over the last two or three years. He’s just so solid. He doesn’t make mistakes.”

Scheffler not ‘fulfilled’

Scheffler raised eyebrows in his pre-tournament media duties by stating his is “not a fulfilling life” despite his success and standing in the game.

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

feeling,” he added.

Yet, it is hard to see Scheffler being robbed of his few moments of bliss come the 18th green on the Causeway Coast.

Victory would see him become only the second player after Tiger Woods to win the British Open while ranked world number one. His streak of 10 consecutive top-10 finishes is also set to continue, a run that includes three tournament wins.

That level of consistency has sparked comparisons to Woods’ heyday, even if Scheffler remains some way off the latter’s 15 majors.

“He’s an exceptional player. He’s world number one, and we’re seeing Tiger-like stuff,” said Fitzpatrick of his playing partner on Saturday. However, that hype does not appear to matter to the man who is on course to lift the Claret Jug for the first time.

“Winning major championships is not an easy task, and I’ve put myself in a good position,” said Scheffler.

“Going into tomorrow I’m going to step up there on the first tee and I’m going to be trying to get the ball in the fairway, and when I get to the second shot I’m going to be trying to get that ball on the green.

“There’s not really too much else going on.” AFP

PSC chairman cheers Gilas, meets with FIBA in China

THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) appreciates the presence of Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio in Shenzhen, China supporting Gilas Pilipinas Women in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025.

The newly-installed PSC chief took time out of his very busy schedule to personally witness Gilas play at the top level of Asian women’s basketball. However, cheering for the Philippines was not the only reason for the visit.

Gregorio, along with SBP Executive Director Erika Dy, also met with FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Asia President Dr. K Govindaraj, and FIBA Asia Executive Director Hagop Khajirian.

Part of the agenda is the recently-announced Philippine hosting of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2027.

“We appreciate the support from Chairman Gregorio in China. This is his first official trip abroad and the SBP is honored by his presence and his help especially about the hosting of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2027,” said the SBP’s President Al Panlilio. “He wanted to know how the PSC can help not just in the hosting of the event but also

You can’t put a good man down like Pacquiao

WHO would have imagined that in 2025, we would still be talking about Manny Pacquiao not as a retired legend or a ceremonial figurehead of boxing, but as a returning and live competitor inside the ring?

With 12 major world titles spread across an unprecedented eight weight classes, the proud son of General Santos City has long since etched his name into the very foundation of boxing history. He had nothing left to prove — not to himself, not to the fans, and certainly not to the brutal sport that transformed him from a hungry teenager into a global icon. And yet, at 46 years old, the Filipino icon chose once more to defy convention — and Father Time — by stepping through the ropes at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas last Sunday, January 20 (Manila time). His opponent was no token warm-up act. It was Mario Barrios, the reigning WBC welterweight champion, a pugilist sixteen years younger, fresher, and expected by many to

usher Pacquiao gently out of relevance.

The odds were stacked against him. A four-year hiatus from competition, a body weathered by decades of warfare, and the sting of past underwhelming performances loomed large. Even the most loyal among us harbored doubts. This writer, too, questioned whether Pacquiao still had the reflexes, the fire, and the ability to pull the trigger in a sport that shows no mercy to age.

But then came the bell. Barrios attempted to impose his youth and reach with stiff jabs and calculated movement, but by the middle rounds, something incredible began to unfold. The bounce returned to Pacquiao’s legs. He began to dart in and out with that familiar rhythm, firing combinations from unexpected angles. The cobwebs cleared. The engine roared back to life.

It wasn’t the same relentless blur of punches that we saw in his twenties, but it was undeniably Pacquiao. It was the man who humiliated Oscar De La Hoya, dismantled Miguel Cotto, and walked through Antonio Margarito’s size advantage like a man possessed. By round seven, Barrios found himself tentative, hesitant to engage. His jab turned from a weapon into a shield as the fistic sensation across from him began dictating the tempo with quick lefts and blazing 1-2s that rendered the younger fighter’s physical gifts irrelevant.

far beyond

spect inside that squared circle.

on what can be done to further invest in women’s basketball. He saw the talent and the competitive fire from our athletes here and wants to know how the PSC can help drive the program forward,” SBP’s Executive Director Erika Dy added.

Also discussed were other events that the Philippines could also potentially host in the future.

“We know of the nationwide impact of basketball in the Philippines,” said Gregorio. “And my hope is that more FIBA events can be held in our country, not just in Manila but in other regions because this will help boost sports tourism and also enhance sports diplomacy. SBP has hosted successful FIBA events in Clark and San Fernando, Pampanga and it will be good to give other regions and provinces that same opportunity as well.”

Gregorio also used his time here to better understand FIBA’s eligibility rules.

With his unique view as Chairman of the PSC, Gregorio looks at Filipinos in sports globally.

Just when we expected the elder statesman to fade, he surged. In the later rounds, Barrios became a stationary target, repeatedly tagged by an older foe who had no business still being this fast, this sharp, this alive under pressure. It was not just a performance; it was a statement. When the final bell rang, I believed Pacquiao had done enough to claim the crown. But the judges — Tim Cheatham, Max DeLuca, and Steve

In The Red Corner Nissi Icasiano

Pacquiao,

his prime, had turned back the clock just enough to command re-

US golfer Scottie Sche er plays from a bunker on the 12th hole on day three of

Yuki Kawamura AFP

PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio with FIBA executives

MONDAY, JULY 21,

RIERA

RANDY

EDGARD

By Peter Atencio

LAS VEGAS, NV—Before Manny Pacquiao stepped into the ring for his highly anticipated return, two of the Philippines’ brightest boxing talents, Eumir Marcial and Mark Magsayo, delivered impressive victories on the undercard, setting an electrifying tone for the night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial kicked off the Filipino winning streak with an explosive performance, securing a third-round technical knockout over American Bernard Joseph.

Marcial, making his professional return after his 2024 Paris Olympics campaign, showcased his formidable power early, dropping Joseph with a

right hook in the second round.

He then sealed the deal in the third with a barrage of blows, culminating in three powerful lefts that sent Joseph to the canvas for the final time.

The victory improved Marcial’s undefeated professional record to 6-0 with four knockouts, signaling his strong intentions in the

middleweight division. Following Marcial’s dominant display, former WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsayo continued his climb back to world-title contention with a unanimous decision win against a tough Mexican opponent, Jorge Mata Cuellar.

Magsayo, now campaigning as a super featherweight, worked for 10 rounds, showcasing his hand speed and flashy combinations. Despite Cuellar’s resilience and ability to absorb punishment, Magsayo controlled the majority of the bout, earning scores of 100-90, 100-90, and 98-92 from the judges.

The victory marked Magsayo’s fourth consecutive win, improving his record to 28-2 and putting him firmly back in line for a shot at a world championship.

Pacquiao magic back as Filipinos cheer ring icon

By Pam Castro and Chad Williams

THE crowd inside the Manila college gym on Sunday roared with every flurry that Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao landed in Las Vegas, then groaned collectively when a draw was announced at the end of 12 hard-fought rounds.

An outdoor viewing party originally planned for the Welfareville neighbourhood, where a slum sits alongside wealthier areas, was moved inside after heavy rain from Tropical Storm Wipha.

About 2,000 people watched their 46-year-old hero’s improbable comeback attempt on a giant screen placed under a basketball scoreboard. At one point, they leapt out of their chairs as Pacquiao -- four years removed from his last fight -- landed a series of combinations against Mario Barrios. They were out of their chairs again late in the penultimate round -- this time because the feed dropped out at a crucial moment of action. Organisers got it back online just before the final round began.

“I was slightly disappointed because Pacquiao seemed to be leading during the first rounds,” Junel Magday, a young boxer who attended with his

team, told AFP after the fight.

Even so, the former champion remained an inspiration for the 19-year-old.

“His persistence, courage and also his

Avaricio, Singson lead Ladies PH Golf Tour hunt

CHANELLE Avaricio and Mafy Singson, both coming off contrasting but equally compelling triumphs in recent Ladies Philippine Golf Tour events, brace for a potential marquee showdown when the ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge fires off Tuesday (July 22) at the South course of the Valley Golf and Country Club in Antipolo.

While the 24-player field is stacked with talent, including seasoned campaigners, young guns and title-hungry veterans, all eyes are expected to be on the brewing rivalry between Singson and Avaricio, two of the brightest stars of the current LPGT season.

Singson broke through with her first pro victory at Eagle Ridge last March, outdueling Florence Bisera in a tense sudden-death playoff. The gritty win marked a significant milestone in her transition from

heart” were the key takeaways, Magday said, “even if he’s way older now”.

Pacquiao is deeply admired across the Philippines for his rise from a teenager street vendor to one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of all time, spinning that passion into careers in politics and even singing.

His fights were once a de facto public holiday in the Philippines, emptying streets and grinding commerce to a halt as residents stayed glued to their television sets.

Muslim rebels and government troops in the country’s restive Mindanao region famously observed a temporary truce so both could watch his 2015 fight against Floyd Mayweather.

- ‘Happy with every hit’The enthusiasm felt more muted this time, as Pacquiao headed into the fight with defending WBC welterweight champion Barrios. But for Alfonso Arvuso, the Filipino champ had lost none of his lustre.

The 66-year-old fan showed up at 7 am, an hour before the venue opened, to grab seats for himself and his two grandchildren, aged six and eight.

tal game and competitive edge.

Avaricio, meanwhile, ended a lengthy title drought in emphatic fashion, romping to a six-shot victory over Singson and the rest of the field at the Forest Hills Classic last month. The multi-titled LPGT campaigner displayed total control across all aspects of her game, reaffirming her place among the country’s elite.

Avaricio’s game has also evolved with her steady participation in the Thai LPGA Tour, where she has competed against deeper, more international fields.

THE Philippines relied on the defensive stand of goalkeeper Nicholas Guimaraes to remain in contention for a semifinal slot in the U23 ASEAN Football Championship Mandiri Cup 2025 in Jakarta.

Guimaraes was named the Man of the Match as the Philippine side conceded only one goal in its 0-1 loss to Indonesia.

“We came here tonight with the intent to take the game to the opponent, that will be th approach we take into every game. We are in this game right up until the very final second because of this attitude, because of this mindset,” said coach Garrath McPherson.

The Philippines’ U23 squad still has a hope of reaching the semis, following a 2-0 upset win over the Malaysia U23 side last Tuesday.

Malaysia shares second place with the Philippines, and will clash with Indonesia in its final Group stage encounter on Monday at 8 p.m. at the Gelo Bung Karno Stadium

The Philippines will go for its second win against eliminated Brunei U23, also on Monday at 8 p.m. at the Patriot Chandrabagha Stadium.

Marcial, Magsayo deliver wins at Pacquiao-Barrios undercard SPORTS

Their contrasting paths – Singson’s grinding, breakthrough climb and Avaricio’s dominant resurgence – now converge at Valley Golf, where the duo is expected to anchor a wide-open 54-hole battle.

For Avaricio, it’s a chance to assert supremacy and win back-to-back.

For Singson, an opportunity to exact revenge and reclaim momentum. But the field is far from a twoplayer race.

The Filipinos will advance to the semis if they have a better tiebreak record than the Malaysians.

“They believe they can beat anyone. The path forward is simple, we recover, we get back on the training pitch and we work to improve,” added McPherson.

Indonesia got the win when the Philippines conceded the lone goal in the 23rd minute, with an own goal by Jaime Rosquillo off a long throw by Robi Darwis from the right sideline. Vietnam and Thailand are among the teams expected to reach the semis.

PH U23 team still in contention for semis berth Makati FC sweeps Gothia Cup

MAKATI FC pulled off a 6-0 win over San Francisco Seals of the United States in the Girls 13 (2012) final to rule the Gothia World Youth Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden on Saturday.

Nafeeza Ayasha Nori produced a scintillating four-star performance as Makati FC displayed technical and effective football to cap another unbeaten campaign for the decorated Philippine youth club. Behind the same core that won the Girls 12 title last year that went undefeated in eight matches, Makati FC’s Girls 13 also had a perfect 8-0 run.

“I think we won because we worked as a team. We played really well,” said Nori, who netted a second-half hat-trick.

Chayada Sawangarom, Ariana Gementiza and Nori were on target in the first half as Makati FC went into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.

“It feels incredible! Winning Gothia Cup for the second time is such an honor especially that this tournament brings together some of the best teams from around the world. Also, playing in the SKF Arena for the first time made our team more hyped up because of the support and cheers of our fellow Filipinos,” Gementiza said.

“Our hardest challenge in this tournament was to defend our title. Since we won last year, all the teams this year were watching us and looking out on us. So all the pressure was on us but that pressure made us more hyped up and gave us more motivation and a reason why we need to win the championship,” the Laguna native added. It was Makati FC’s 40th year of participation in the world’s biggest youth football showcase.

And Nori is not yet done.

“I hope I get to play next year as well – and perform even better,” said Nori.

In the semifinal, Makati FC was also dominant in a 6-0 conquest of Sweden’s

Mark Magsayo (left) punches

Mata in

Chanelle Avaricio

People watch a public screening of the WBC welterweight championship boxing match between Philippines’ Manny Pacquiao and US’ Mario Barrios. AFP

PH open to zero US tariffs on certain products—Recto

By Thony Rose Lesaca

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said the government is open to the possibility of implementing zero US tariffs on certain products ahead of negotiations between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US President Donald Trump.

Recto, in a recent news briefing, said the zero tariffs would apply to a specific set of products that would have minimal impact on the country’s revenue.

“It’s small,” Recto said, referring to the potential revenue impact.

“We have a surplus with the US of roughly $5 billion,” he said.

Trump announced higher tariff rate

8,900 km.

Length of AUG East cable

8 countries

Landing points of AUG East cable

2029

Target completion of AUG East cable

Globe joins new Asian cable to support AI growth

By Darwin Amojelar

GLOBE Telecom Inc. has joined the Asia United Gateway East (AUG East) submarine cable system consortium, a strategic move to address the escalating demand for high-speed, high-capacity connectivity driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and other data-intensive technologies across East Asia.

The 8,900-kilometer AUG East cable aims to deliver additional bandwidth and strengthen network diversity and reliability along a key route linking digital hubs Singapore and Japan, with landing points in the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea and Taiwan.

Globe said its investment in AUG East underscores its commitment to strengthening the Philippines’ digital backbone, fostering economic growth and supporting AI-driven innovation within the country.

Industry projections indicate that AI and AI-enhanced applications will account for a larger share of network traffic than conventional usage by 2031, with Asia-Pacific organizations leading global investments in generative AI and digital infrastructure.

“This new data superhighway strengthens our nation’s digital backbone,” Globe president and chief executive Carl Cruz said.

“It gives businesses the scale, speed, and reliability they need to compete globally and embrace technologies that can uplift lives and drive inclusive progress for all Filipinos,” he said.

Globe Business vice president and head of strategy management and business investments Raymond Policarpio said the company’s investment in the AUG East cable system “is a cornerstone of our longterm strategy to future-proof the Philippines’ digital infrastructure.”

“As AI-powered applications become increasingly pervasive, the demand for resilient, high-capacity international connectivity will also experience a surge,” he said.

“By securing our stake in this vital digital thoroughfare, we are proactively enabling our enterprise clients to leverage cutting-edge technologies, drive innovation, and expand their global reach, ensuring the Philippines remains a competitive hub in the digital economy,” said Policarpio.

of 20 percent on Philippine exports

effective Aug. 1, 2025, compared to the 17 percent rate he said in April and the prevailing 10 percent. He said the US agreed to continue working with the Philippines, despite having a significant trade deficit.

“Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal.

Starting on Aug. 1, 2025, we will charge the Philippines a tariff on only 20 percent on any and all Philippine products sent into the United States, separate from all sectoral tariffs,” Trum said in a letter to Marcos.

Trump also threatened to impose additional tariffs if the Philippines increased its own tariffs on US goods.

Recto said securing lower tariffs is part of the negotiating process, where the broader Philippines-US relationship, including security ties, can be considered.

“I think our relationship with the US is not only trade, but also security. And I’m sure they will be giving that some importance as well,” Recto said. The government is pursuing free

trade agreements (FTAs) with the US and other nations, he said.

“We prefer that. We want to have an FTA, not only with the US. but with Europe and many other countries,” Recto said.

“More trade should be better. We have to expand our markets. Get more investments in manufacturing, so that we can export more,” he said.

“We’re going to take a look at the final tariffs later on, what will be our advantages. Right now, not everything is clear yet,” said Recto.

Recto said FTAs would enable the Philippines to secure reduced or zero tariffs and trade barriers, fostering closer economic ties and increased trade with partner countries.

POWER PROFILE

Martha Sazon: GCash ‘democratizes’ PH financing

MARTHA Sazon, president and chief executive of Mynt, the company behind mobile wallet GCash, has been instrumental in transforming the financial landscape of the Philippines.

She believes GCash has “democratized” finance by making it accessible to nearly everyone, effectively making traditional wallets less relevant.

With around 90 million users nationwide, GCash has become a household name, largely replacing cash transactions.

Sazon attributes GCash’s success to two core principles: providing access to financial services for Filipinos who previously lacked them, and continuous innovation.

She highlighted that in 2021, only 56 percent of Filipino adults had bank accounts, underscoring the significant gap GCash aimed to fill. As a result, one in five banked Filipinos now has a savings account with GCash, and a substantial portion of mutual funds are transacted through its investment marketplace.

GCash, valued at $5 billion, is a fintech startup launched in 2015 as a partnership between Globe, the Philippines’ largest telecommunications company, and Ant Group, an Alibaba affiliate.

Ayala Corp., which owns Globe, also holds a stake. Recently, Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group acquired an 8-percent stake in Mynt.

Sazon took the helm at GCash in June 2020, a period of rapid growth for digital finance in the Philippines, fueled by the demand for contactless services during the global health crisis.

She has a strong background, with 12 years at Globe Telecom where she spearheaded various breakthroughs, and prior roles at GlaxoSmithKline and Del Monte.

With over 20 years of experience in general management, marketing, and sales across various industries, Sazon continues to drive GCash’s mission to address unmet financial needs in the Philippines through ongoing innovation.

Editor’s Note: Power Profile is a weekly news feature spotlighting business leaders and news makers based on research or interviews.

B4 B2

Macquarie: The best is yet to come for PH

GLOBAL financial services group

Macquarie is optimistic about the Philippines’ economic future, with an executive says that “from a business perspective, I think that the best is yet to come.” Macquarie, which employs over 1,000 people in the Philippines, offers services including mergers and acquisitions, public-private partnership

“There’s

Mynt president and CEO Martha Sazon

Market braces for Marcos-Trump tariff talks

By Jenniffer B. Austria

Philippine stock market investors will keenly watch this week’s meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US President Donald Trump in Washington D.C., expecting share prices to trade sideways as they await results on US tariffs on Philippine products.

President Marcos Jr. is set to meet with President Trump on July 22 at the White House, as part of his three-day official state visit to the US.

Unicapital Inc. research head Wendy Estacio-Cruz said investors would closely monitor how President Marcos could secure a mutually-beneficial tariff deal with the world’s largest economy.

The meeting aims to address the 20-percent tariff imposed by the US on Philippine exports, strengthen economic ties and discuss defense matters.

“We expect the index to trade within the 6,300 to 6,400 range this week,” EstacioCruz said.

The stock market remains on a waitand-see mode, according to a Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist,

pending whether Trump would be willing to compromise and settle for lower negotiated tariffs during the trade negotiations.

Last week, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) lost 2.42 percent to close at 6,303.72, while the broader allshares index dropped 2 percent to 3,736.28.

Average daily valued turnover at the stock market improved to P9.79 billion from the previous week’s average of P8.29 billion.

Foreign selling accelerated, with outflows reaching P3.4 billion versus the previous week’s P90.63 million.

The PSEi traded lower for most of the week as investors turned cautious about tariffs and the weakening of the peso against the US dollar. The peso closed at 57.14 against the greenback Friday.

Rethinking plastics

“PAPER or plastic?”

We often hear these choices when we do grocery shopping. It’s popular enough to be depicted frequently in movies and TV shows, too. In deciding between these alternatives, we weigh on choosing one over the other. And when it boils down to the environment, plastic loses by a landslide... right?

Well, not necessarily.

As consumers, we are bombarded with information that plastics are just plain evil. The images that pop out of our head when we talk about plastics are littered coastlines or landfills with heaps of plastic waste. Given this scenario, we assume that the burden-free decision is to choose paper.

However, paper is not as burdenfree as we think it is. In reality, paper manufacturing is intensive in energy use and carbon emissions. It emits a higher amount of carbon emissions than plastics when manufactured. Choosing the paper option may just shift our problem from plastic litter to higher carbon emissions. Simply banning plastic packaging and pushing for paper packaging might not be that ideal of a solution.

Okay… so does this mean we should always choose plastic? Well… there is no clear answer. Each packaging material has its own trade-offs. What we can do, however, is to look at what makes plastic the mascot of environmental pollution to begin with.

Let’s look at the lifecycle of plastic packaging. Where do we encounter these images of littered coastlines and filledup landfills? These are caused by the poor disposal. Due to the convenience of single-use packaging, they are thrown away mindlessly, and almost always end up in places they’re not supposed to be,

Plastics are not as inherently bad or evil as we think. With environmental awareness and good practices, plastics can be environmentally friendly.

like in the ocean or in urban waterways… But what if we have good channels to divert plastic wastes properly or, better yet, recycle them? In other words, we seriously need to focus on the management of plastic wastes.

The escalating and persistent issue of plastic waste management demands a multi-stakeholder approach. Retailers, manufacturers, consumers, and policymakers are all part of an ecosystem that produces, consumes, uses, and disposes of plastic packaging.

What can these stakeholders do?

Recently, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law has been institutionalized in the Philippines. EPR is a mechanism that holds producers accountable for the lifecycle of their products, with a heavy focus on plastic packaging. For now, it covers big companies and mandates them to implement programs to manage their plastic packaging waste.

Meanwhile, a few retailers have been implementing takeback schemes, through which wastes from consumers are collected for recycling, for reusing, or for proper disposal. To encourage participation, incentives are sometimes offered. We have also encountered zero-waste retailers where products can be bought package-free. These types of retailers encourage consumers to bring their own reusable containers to put the products in.

These initiatives shift product end-of-life responsibility from consumers to producers.

But what about us consumers? Is there something we can do?

Of course! As consumers, we can REFUSE, REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE – a hierarchy of choices that we can do as we consume products.

When we REFUSE, we avoid plastic waste whenever possible. This can be done by saying no to single-use packaging, supporting package-free products, and being mindful with consumption choices in general.

REDUCE means lessening our overall consumption, which can be done by evaluating our needs, cooking more at home, and lessening online purchases that use too much plastic packaging.

REUSING means finding a new purpose for things that we already have. Carrying reusable items such as ecobags, repairing instead of replacing (buying a new one) clothes with minor issues, choosing durable products that last long, and creatively upcycling things are just some of the ways to reuse. Some plastic conatiners are actually quite durable. For example, the microwavable containers we get from take-outs can be reused or repurposed as a general container.

Finally, participating in RECYCLING efforts initiated by retailers and manufacturers can be done by properly disposing of recyclable plastic wastes like plastic bottles. Some require that these bottles be cleaned and dried before disposal – following these instructions can ensure that recyclable materials will be recycled and not end up in landfills.

Plastics are not as inherently bad or evil as we think. With environmental awareness and good practices, plastics can be environmentally friendly.

Dr. Ivan Gue is the Chairperson of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gokongwei College of Engineering, De La Salle University. Dr. Jonna C. Baquillas is an Associate Professor at the Department of Marketing and Advertising, Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business in the same university. They are engaged in research and projects focused on circular economy, sustainability transitions, and sustainable consumption and production.

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

GREENER NETWORK. PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. sign a landmark deal with MPower to transition its cell sites and facilities under the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP). Joining the agreement signing are (from left) Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines president and chief executive Richard Nethercott, Smart chief operating officer Anastacio Martirez, PLDT chief operating officer Menardo Jimenez, outgoing Energy Regulatory Commission chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta, Meralco first vice president and MPower head Redel Domingo and MPower retail sales head Eddie John Adug.

GREEN LIGHT Ivan Gue and Jonna Baquilas

Pangilinan: Maya posted solid profit in first semester

By Jenniffer B. Austria

MAYA, one of the country’s leading digital financial platforms owned by telecommunications giant PLDT Inc., posted a solid profit in the first half of 2025, according to chairman Manuel Pangilinan.

“Well, they’re doing very well. They’re showing good profitability for the first half,” Pangilinan said in a recent interview “They showed the June numbers already,” he said. Pangilinan, however, did not share the exact figures.

PLDT also confirmed it was

Dimalanta vows to act on measures before leaving ERC

OUTGOING Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said the body aims to complete several regulatory actions before her resignation takes effect on Aug. 8, 2025.

These actions include finalizing 17 ancillary services procurement agreement (ASPA) decisions, issuing 15 provisional authorities for Luzonbased cooperatives involving competitive selection processes (CSPs) and releasing several show cause orders, Dimalanta said over the weekend.

Dimalanta assured the public the commission remains fully operational, with transition efforts underway.

“We will continue to function according to our mandate until such time that the new set of commissioners come in,” Dimalanta said, adding that the commission maintains its legal authority as long as a quorum of three members is present.

“As long as the commission still has three members, there is a quorum, and there is legal mandate for the commission to function,” she said.

“We continue to report to the office every day and continue to work, and then we are working on a smooth transition to the incoming set of Commissioners and Chairperson,” she said. Malacañang announced the appointment of Francis Saturnino Juan as the incoming ERC chairperson, along with Amante Liberato and Paris Real as new commissioners.

During Dimalanta’s tenure, the ERC recorded the lowest generation rates in the first quarter of 2025 since a 2022 power surge. She attributed this decline to improved market conditions and stricter enforcement of accountability measures across industry participants.

Alena

Mae S. Flores

exploring a possible increase in its stake in Maya, although discussions were still in the early stages.

“We’re very excited. That’s really very preliminary,” Pangilinan said, when asked about talks with global investment firm KKR.

KKR reportedly appointed Goldman Sachs for the sale of its

significant minority stake in Maya Bank.

Meanwhile, Pangilinan said the platform’s exposure to online gambling is not that significant.

“They do have some gaming revenues, but they said it’s not very large. At least less than a tenth of the revenues,” he said.

Another executive said the figure was something like 10 percent to 20 percent. “So, it’s not a major contributor to the revenue or to the gross transaction value.”

The government is looking at regulating online gambling and limiting the use of digital payment platforms for online gambling and imposing a daily cap on fund transfers for bettors.

Amid talks of regulating online gambling, Pangilinan also noted that the management of Maya would put in place new safeguard measures to manage online gambling-related risks.

Maya’s performance has attracted investor interest amid a broader push by its parent company to expand across digital and traditional sectors.

Maya said it also continued to strengthen its position as the top digital bank in the Philippines by deposit balance, ending the quarter with P43.6 billion in total deposits— or about double that of the next largest digital bank.

Pangilinan said there were plans for an initial public offering for Maya, at least for the next two years.

IN BRIEF

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has ordered the disposal of over 500 metric tons of misdeclared and smuggled vegetables after tests found signs of severe spoilage, despite the produce being free of harmful contaminants. The shipment, seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Ports of Manila and Subic in coordination with the DA’s Inspectorate and Enforcement Office, contained mostly red and yellow onions and a small volume of carrots. While the vegetables tested negative for microbiological hazards such as E. coli, Salmonella, pesticide residues and heavy metals, the Bureau of

Cebu-based fuel retailer Top Line eyes ‘banner year’ with 50 stations

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CEBU CITY—Fuel retailer Top Line

Business Development Corp. (TLBDC) expects a “banner year” in 2025 as subsidiary Light Fuels Corp. aims to operate 50 retail stations by the end of 2025.

“We’re hoping it can be a banner year because of the 50 stations,” said TLBDC chairman, president and chief executive Eugene Erik Lim.

“From one station or three stations last year, there are now basically 50 stations this year. It’s really a banner year, even in terms of revenue growth or topline growth, we’re hoping it can be a banner year. But most likely it can be because of the acquisition,” he said. The company reported an all-time high of P3.35 billion in gross revenues in 2024, a 21-percent increase from P2.78 billion in 2023.

from P77 million the previous year. Fuel volume sales reached 72.45 million liters in 2024, a 29-percent increase from 56.2 million liters sold in 2023.

It said that in the first half of 2025, liquid fuel sales hit 44.43 million liters, a 38.3-percent jump from 32.12 million liters in the same period in 2024.

Net income jumped 49 percent year-on-year to P115 million in 2024

DA orders disposal of 500 tons of smuggled vegetables

Plant Industry (BPI) flagged them as unfit for consumption due to visible rot, early sprouting and foul odors.

“The onions and carrots showed signs of early sprouting, visible rotting, and putrefaction,” said BPI director Glenn Panganiban, adding that organoleptic assessments conducted in two separate rounds confirmed their advanced deterioration.

Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said safeguarding public health should be paramount in the importation of food products.

“Our priority is ensuring food safety. Imported goods, especially those meant to supplement local production, must not only pass safety tests but also be fit for consumption,” he said.

A total of 17 container vans were found to be misdeclared, with an estimated market value of P66 million.

Thirteen were intercepted in Subic Bay Freeport, with 12 carrying onions and one with carrots, while four containers at the Port of Manila contained only onions.

The cargo originated from China and was falsely declared as items like chicken lollipop, smoked frankfurters and chicken sausage.

Among the importers identified were Beaches Consumer Goods Trading, EPCB Consumer Goods Trading and Luxemar Wet and Dry Goods Trading. The DA said these companies would be blacklisted for violating importation and food safety laws.

Lim did not provide specific income or revenue projections, but said that a strong financial performance

would follow “if we do our job right.”

“With the listing right now, with the stock price going up. We’re happy. But again, it also gives us pressure as a company to perform,” he said, adding that the company’s stock exchange listing should encourage other provincial companies to follow suit. “We’re paving the way in our listing hopefully for other provincial companies to also list. Because in Cebu, there’s a lot of really great companies, even in Mindanao,” Lim said.

BACOLOD Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr. has chal-

lenged the legitimacy of Negros Electric and Power Corp.’s (Negros Power) collection of the Reinvestment Fund for Sustainable Capital Expenditures (RFSC) from power consumers.

Gamboa, who chairs the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Human Rights, issued a resolution demanding that Negros Power explain why a private corporation is charging a bill component typically exclusive to electric cooperatives.

The RFSC, established under Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Resolution No. 20, Series of 2009, was specifically designed for electric cooperatives. It allows them to collect capital contributions from mem-

sis for collecting RFSC. PALENG-QR PAYMENTS. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the

ber-consumers to finance expansions, rehabilitations, or system upgrades.

The councilor said access to electricity is a basic human right requiring transparency and accountability. He alleged that Negros Power’s continued practice of charging RFSC is problematic because it is not an electric cooperative.

Gamboa said Negros Power is collecting P0.1518 per kilowatt-hour for RFSC, which he believes places an undue burden on consumers.

Negros Power said it would address Gamboa’s concerns. The company has 10 days from receiving the resolution to formally respond and clarify the

LREAL ESTATE BUSINESS TRENDS 2025

CALABARZON land values rise amid infrastructure buildup

AND values in CALABARZON, particularly in Cavite, Laguna and Batangas, are expected to further rise sharply as major infrastructure projects improve connectivity and unlock economic potential in the region.

With developers launching new residential communities and the government accelerating transport initiatives, CALABARZON is emerging as a key growth corridor just outside Metro Manila.

Property consultant Leechiu

Property Consultants in a recent briefing highlighted the impact of major road projects—especially the Cavite–Laguna Expressway (CALAX), CAVITEX, and upgrades to SLEX—in transforming accessibility and driving demand.

“When CALAX opens, it will unleash all this value that is trapped

right now in Cavite, Laguna. That interconnection is just going to make life so much easier for people living in the south,” LPC founder David Leechiu said.

Developers response

The Villar Group is aggressively developing Villar City, a 3,500-hectare masterplanned township spanning Las Piñas, Bacoor, Daang Hari, and Molino.

VIllar Land Holdings Corp. last month reported that it has started selling commercial spaces within the property Villar City’s Innovation Districts at P345,000 per square meter.

At current price point is very competitive compared to nearby business districts.

Other major and small real estate players are also launching horizontal residential projects and masterplanned communities across the region to meet growing demand.

Leechiu said the move of PLDT plan to move its headquarters in Filinvest City, Alabang is also a step in the right direction since it can also tap the massive labor market in the south of Metro Manila.

The five-hectare PLDT campus in Filinvest City is envisioned as the future headquarters of the telecommunications group.

As CALAX nears full completion and other projects move forward, infrastructure is set to unlock vast areas of land in CALABARZON, long considered undervalued.

“Once we exhaust Manila, which is what’s happening, the natural spillover is Alabang. “The discount between prices in Manila and Alabang is ridiculous. Villar City, with an average price of ₱450,000 to ₱500,000 per square meter, is one-third the price of Bonifacio Global City. It’s less than one-half of Makati,” Leechiu said. He noted that southern living is also becoming more attractive not only because of pricing, but also for its quality-of-life advantages, like better air quality, cooler temperatures, and improved traffic flow. Aside from CALAX, upcoming government projects such as the North–South Commuter Railway, SLEX Toll Road 5, and BatangasCavite Expressway, are expected to further boost land accessibility and attractiveness to developers and investors.

Price appreciation

According to Colliers Philippines, horizontal residential developments in the provinces, particularly in growth areas like CALABARZON, remain strong performers.

House-and-lot prices in the region appreciated 4–7 percent annually from 2016 to 2023, while lot-only projects recorded even higher annual growth of 7–15 percent.

Colliers is optimistic that the region’s growth trajectory in terms of economic expansion and property price appreciation will be sustained in the near to medium term. With land still relatively affordable and infrastructure rapidly transforming the landscape, CALABARZON is fast positioning itself as the next residential and investment hotspot in the Philippines. Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY

developer Robinsons Land Corp (RLC) is expanding its real estate portfolio by integrating sports, entertainment and recreational facilities into its malls and mixed-use estates, responding to a growing demand for experience-driven lifestyles among Filipinos.

RLC’s newly established Robinsons Sports, Entertainment, and Recreation (SER) recently broke ground on its debut project, the 1 billion Philippine peso ($17 million) Helios Pickleball Center. Located in the Bridgetowne Destination Estate in Pasig City, it is set to be Asia’s first tournament-grade pickleball facility.

“With the launch of Robinsons Sports, Entertainment, and Recreation, we are expanding into new spaces that complement Robinsons Land’s recognized strengths, especially our malls that serve Filipino communities nationwide and our growing Destination Estates like Bridgetowne,” said RLC president and chief executive Mybelle AragonGoBio.

“Helios is just the beginning. As the first of its kind in Asia, it reflects

CLI, Japan’s NTT launch P9.2-b project in Cebu

RLC diversifies into sports ventures

Robinsons Land’s ambition and vision to support the rising popularity of pickleball while also creating accessible, world-class venues that promote active lifestyles, community building, and even national pride through sport,” she said.

The Helios Pickleball Center, built to international tournament standards, will feature 25 professional-grade courts, including a dedicated stadium court for major events.

The eight-story complex will dedicate six floors to sports and recreation facilities, offering amenities such as a gym, a sports clinic, and food and beverage services. Two basement levels will provide parking, with the entire facility spanning over 17,500 square meters of gross floor area.

Helios is also positioned as a future Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour venue, aiming to host

international tournaments. The facility will be open to the public, with court reservations available through PodPlay, a digital platform for booking sessions, joining group games, and connecting with other enthusiasts.

Construction of the Helios Pickleball Center is underway and is targeted for completion in 2027.

Aragon-GoBio also noted RLC’s plans to repurpose some of its existing mall spaces for sports, entertainment, and recreational offerings.

“We plan to roll out more sports and recreation hubs across our other estates, including Montclair, Sierra Valley, and the upcoming Bonifacio South Point. We want to foster communities not just through commercial offerings, but through shared experiences and active lifestyles,” she said.

Jenniffer B. Austria

CEBU Landmasters Inc. (CLI) and Japan’s NTT Urban Development (NTTUD) Asia recently launched The Wave Towers, a P 9.2-billion premium residential development in Cebu IT Park, one of the country’s top business and IT hubs outside Metro Manila.

The Wave Towers is the first project under CLI NUD Ventures, a joint venture between CLI and NTTUD Asia. It also marks CLI’s first international partnership.

NTTUD is the real estate arm of Japan’s NTT Group and has developments in cities such as New York, London, Boston, Melbourne, and Tokyo.

The project is inspired by Japanese design principles and Cebuano creativity. It aims to offer a calm and high-quality urban lifestyle in one of Cebu’s busiest districts.

“With The Wave Towers, we’re setting a new standard for Cebu’s urban living, where design meets cultural respect and harmony,” said CLI chairman and chief executive officer Jose Soberano III.

“This vision is made possible through our partnership with NTT UD Asia, blending their global design expertise with our local insight to create homes that reflect

purpose and lasting value.”

The development will have two residential towers, starting with the 40-storey Nagomi Tower. “Nagomi” is a Japanese word that means harmony or calm. The tower will include 709 residential units with minimalist interiors, smart digital locks, modern intercom systems, premium bathroom fixtures, and luxury vinyl tile flooring in bedrooms.

The project will also offer lifestyle amenities. The 6th Floor amenity deck will include a pool complex with sauna and spa, fitness center, Japanese garden, children’s play area and game room. The Sky Amenity Deck on the 37th floor will have a lounge library, wellness gym and open-air sky deck with city views.

Retail spaces at the ground and podium levels will offer dining options. The building will also have five elevators, wide corridors and full backup power for added comfort and convenience.

The Wave Towers will offer studio, one-bedroom, twobedroom and three-bedroom units to meet upscale market demand and deliver strong long-term investment value.

Ayala Land boosts investment amid middle-class expansion

PROPERTY developer Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is investing P17.5 billion to upgrade and build malls, a move aimed at capturing the evolving lifestyles of a burgeoning Philippine middle class.

The investment reflects a significant increase from the P13 billion originally announced in 2024 for its mall redevelopment initiative.

ALI senior vice president and head of leasing and hospitality Mariana Zobel de Ayala told a recent media briefing the company’s transformation program includes four malls.

“This extensive transformation is far more than just renovation; it’s about creating spaces where life happens, where memories are made, and one that aligns perfectly with Ayala Land’s long-term growth story of building places that people love,” Zobel de Ayala said. The expanded budget allows ALI to extend its transformation efforts

to more properties, including Ayala Malls Abreeza in Davao, Ayala Malls Marquee in Pampanga, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf and Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces.

“These are essential parts of the estates we build, and essential parts of living your life,” Zobel de Ayala said.

“In our country, malls are important spaces that bring people together, support entrepreneurs and businesses, and serve as venues for everyday

experiences and shared benefits,” she said.

Upgrades will include more al fresco spaces, improved pedestrian flow, new retail concepts, co-working amenities, and energy-efficient infrastructure. This forms part of the company’s vision to reposition malls as “third spaces” blending commerce, culture, and community.

“What we’re doing with Ayala Malls goes beyond reimagination,” Zobel

de Ayala said. “It’s a strategic pillar of Ayala Land’s broader approach strategy, focused on building places that people love.”

The investment comes as the Philippines’ gross national income per capita reached $4,470 in 2024, just $26 shy of the World Bank’s upper-middle-income classification threshold. Inflation has also eased, averaging 1.8 percent in the first half of 2025, below expectations.

These economic indicators are a key reason for the property firm’s confidence in physical retail. A growing middle class is expected to drive demand for enhanced shopping, dining, and lifestyle experiences, not only in central business districts but also in fast-developing communities.

“Over the next five years, we will continue to expand our network,” Zobel de Ayala said.

“We have plans to add an additional 700,000 new square meters of leasable space, developing new Ayala Malls in key growth areas across the country,” she said.

The investment is already showing returns. In the first quarter of 2025, Ayala Malls posted P5.7 billion in revenue, a 4-percent increase yearon-year. Malls not under renovation recorded a strong 14 percent quarteron-quarter growth, contributing to an 11-percent gain across the broader portfolio.

As the country’s economy stabilizes and household incomes rise, ALI views mall development as both a business opportunity and a contribution to national progress.

“This is hopeful and encouraging — that our country will continue to progress forward and remain on an upward economic trajectory,” said Zobel de Ayala. “With a resilient and expanding economy, we are confident in the long-term potential of the retail sector.”

Villar Land anchors strong growth on foresight, extensive landbank

BUILDING on its founder’s solid legacy, Villar Land is making its own mark in the Philippine property sector with a growing portfolio of masterplanned communities, strategic foresight, and stringent fiscal controls.

In recent years, Villar Land— which seeks to meet rising demand for quality homes, workplaces, and commercial spaces amid rapid urbanization—has doubled down on the key metrics and assets needed to sustain growth through economic cycles.

Profitability by design

For one, Villar Land continues to ensure strong gross profit margins, particularly in its residential developments. This metric—which reflects the company’s financial discipline and profitability— highlights the its ability to manage development costs efficiently while maintaining healthy pricing strategies.

Villar Land also notes the importance of having a robust project pipeline, which can help ensure a continuous flow of revenuegenerating developments.

This disciplined approach to project selection, budgeting, and execution highlights the company’s sustained financial performance—enabling Villar Land to not only shield itself from rising material and labor costs, but also generate the cash reserves needed for future launches.

Building resilience

Recognizing that property development can be cyclical, Villar Land has further enhanced its capital structure through the acquisition and development of Villar City, a transformative asset in its portfolio.

This acquisition not only strengthens the company’s balance sheet by increasing its asset base, but also supports a shift toward a more resilient and recurring income model.

The 3,500-hectare Villar City, which spans 11 cities and towns Metro Manila and Cavite, is envisioned to become a thriving nexus for economic, lifestyle, cultural, and leisure activities amid lush open spaces, 10 million trees, and some 100 cafes.

Several districts within Villar City are already complete and thriving, replete with upscale residences, commercial hubs, and offices.

By transitioning from a primarily residential development focus to a more diversified model that includes investment properties and commercial assets, Villar Land is better positioned to weather economic cycles. This balanced capital structure—with a mix of land assets, development income, and future recurring revenue—enhances both stability and long-term value creation. From homes to CBDs This kind of diversification also points to a crucial pivot of Villar Land.

Villar City, in particular, showcases the next phase of growth for the company. While it will continue to build on its residential segment within this megacity, Villar Land is also venturing into creating more central business districts (CBDs).

This means it will be developing more office spaces, retail centers, and mixed-use infrastructure— marking a strategic shift toward a

balanced portfolio of residential and commercial projects. This diversification not only mitigates risk but also taps into different revenue

streams that could ensure and enhance the overall growth potential of Villar Land.

The landbank advantage

Given the sizable and strategically located landbank of Villar City, Villar Land is more than well-positioned to drive decades of sustainable growth— systematically rolling out mixeduse, residential, and commercial developments that capture evolving demand while generating diversified, long-term cash flows.

This landbank advantage gives investors confidence that Villar Land can adapt to shifting market preferences—whether the next wave favors suburban townhouses, transitoriented condos, flexible offices, or sustainable central business district towers.

Villar City’s strategic mix of residential, business districts, commercial, and leisure components signals Villar Land’s long-term vision of creating high-value, sustainable developments for generations to come.

Forresta is Brittany’s ultra-luxury residential enclave in Villar City, offering exclusive lots nestled among trees and lush landscapes.

Villar City’s 18-hole championship course by Curley-Wagner Golf Design will offer world-class leisure close to home.

Forresta Cafe provides a refined space where guests can savor a delectable selection of local fare, teas, and coffees.

Villar City is a dynamic megacity combining leisure, retail, residential, and commercial spaces for a complete lifestyle.

Manila, Philippines (July 2025) - RLC Residences has once again

as one of the leading names in the residential condo market, topping both Top-of-Mind Awareness and Purchase Intent in a recent study conducted by Kantar The residential division of Robinsons Land outperformed key competitors, particularly in the mid-tier condominium segment, showcasing strong conversion rates and brand affinity.

The study, which surveyed 1,035 property seekers from socio-economic class ABCl households within NCR+ (NCR, Cavite, Rizal, Pampanga) and Cebu (Metro Cebu, Mandaue, Punta Engano, and Busayl, specifically males and females aged 25 to 60 years old who are purchase decision-makers of residential condominium property to buy, actively looking for a residential condo to buy from a developer, and intend to purchase in the next 2-3 years, revealed RLC Residences as the most recognized and preferred developer among local residential condo purchase intenders. Among those who interacted with brokers, RLC Residences generated strong associations with: being highly recommended by friends and family, value for money, friendly and knowledgeable property agents, flexible payment terms, being known for property value increases, providing various payment channel options, providing digital condo services, and being customer-centric (immediately attends to client's concerns).

" The recogmtlOn affirms our commitment to being a brand that listens, understands, and delivers on what today's Filipino home seekers truly value," said John Richard Sotelo, Senior Vice President and General Manager of RLC Residences and Chief Marketing Officer of Robinsons Land. "It reflects our mission to make each homebuying journey feel personal and supported-true to our purpose of serving and delighting every homeowner, every step of the way, as we welcome them to their forever home.

This milestone reflects RLC Residences' journey since its relaunch in 2021, which unified Robinsons Luxuria, Robinsons Residences, and Robinsons Communities under one brand identity. By 2022, RLC Residences reached 3rd in Top-of-Mind Awareness within its first year of commercial launch, and now in 2025, it proudly holds the No 1 spot-driven by a clear vision, consistent innovation, and a

RLC

REAL ESTATE BUSINESS TRENDS 2025

Interest rate cut to boost real estate growth

THE recent 0.25 percentage point cut in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) policy rate to 5.25 percent, along with hints of two more rate cuts this year, is sparking renewed optimism on the domestic real estate industry, particularly in the residential and retail segments.

Despite the Philippine economy growing by 5.4 percent in the first quarter, below government forecasts, the central bank’s rate cut aims to make borrowing cheaper, encouraging businesses and consumers to spend and invest more.

“Cooling inflation and lower interest rates should be a plus for the Philippine property. We have yet to see significant reduction in mortgage rates but the eventual drop for the remainder of the year should complement the Philippine property market’s recovery,” said Joey Rol Bondoc, director of Research at Colliers.

Lower interest rates are expected to help small and medium-sized companies expand, potentially increasing demand for office spaces. The retail sector is already benefiting from higher consumer traffic and sales compared to pre-pandemic

times, with positive effects spilling over to the hospitality industry, which is focusing more on domestic tourists amid weaker international arrivals. Faster Than Expected Retail Recovery

According to Colliers, the Philippine retail sector is bouncing back strongly. The entry of new foreign retail brands and expansion of existing ones have helped mall spaces in Metro Manila reach near prepandemic occupancy levels. This has resulted in lower retail vacancies and

a recovery in lease rates, especially in established business hubs.

Colliers projects that retail mall vacancy rates will return to preCOVID levels by the end of 2026, reflecting Filipinos’ growing preference for shopping in physical malls. More malls are also expected to open outside Metro Manila, signaling confidence from foreign brands in key provincial cities.

To continue attracting retail tenants, mall developers are encouraged to update their retail spaces and consider

help the mid-income condominium market, with units priced between P3.2 million to P12 million, move toward a full recovery.

Outlook

popular segments such as home furnishings and personal accessories, which require larger spaces. Residential Market and Mortgage Rates

While the interest rate cut sends a positive signal for the residential market, Colliers notes that condominium sales in Metro Manila will likely only pick up once mortgage rates fall, which is expected to happen by the third quarter of 2025.

An additional 0.25 percentage point rate cut this year could particularly

Colliers remains optimistic that the lower interest rates will boost real estate demand across residential, office, retail, and hospitality sectors throughout 2025 and beyond.

“In our view, lower interest rates should buoy investors and end-users appetite to buy residential units as well as encourage office and industrial locators to execute their expansion plans,” Colliers said.

“Lower interest rates will also entice more Filipinos to spend which could bolster demand in the retail and hospitality sectors,” it added.

Joey Rol Bondoc, director of Research at Colliers

PH office market sees strong growth in first half of 2025

The Philippine office market is showing strong signs of recovery and growth in 2025, driven mainly by the booming IT-BPM industry, according to a recent market briefing by Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC).

In the first six months of 2025, office leasing demand reached 740,000 square meters, which is already 67 percent of the total 1.1 million square meters leased in all of 2024. This momentum signals a solid rebound, largely fueled by expansions, outsourcing, and growing confidence in the country’s workforce.

“The first half of the year has already clocked in 740,000 square meters of leasing activity. That is 67% of last year’s number. That is a very big number, to put it in perspective.” He added that while uncertainties remain about the second half, the current trend shows promise for continued growth,” said Mikko Barranda, Director for Commercial Leasing at LPC.

LPC founder David Leechiu said the strong office take up during the first half of the year was achieved despite the continued absence of POGOs (Philippine offshore gaming operators), work-from-home set up of several companies and threat of AI (artificial intelligence) taking over the jobs of in the BPO sector.

The IT-BPM sector alone accounted for 365,000 square meters of leased space in the first half of 2025, which is 86 percent of its total take-up in 2024. Barranda noted,

“This signals a possible return to pre-pandemic levels, driven by expansion, outsourcing, and increasing confidence in the Philippine talent pool,” Barranda asid.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC) led the leasing activity in Metro Manila,

with 146,000 square meters leased in the first half of the year, already surpassing its total for 2024. Cebu remained the top provincial market, accounting for over half of the provincial leasing volume.

Vacancy rates held steady at 18 percent nationwide, with Metro Manila’s office space supply reaching 2.7 million square meters.

While vacancy rates remain at double-digit level, especially outside key districts like BGC, Barranda pointed out that space is tightening in prime locations:

“If you are a 5,000 square meter tenant, there are only four buildings in BGC that can meet that requirement.

For PEZA-registered BPOs, only two buildings are available.”

This shortage is prompting some tenants to look at alternative areas like Makati and Quezon City, where suitable office spaces are available.

LPC also noted that the office market has shifted from cautious relocations to bold expansions.

“Companies are actively growing their footprint rather than just moving to newer buildings,” Barranda said. Many tenants are leasing bare shell spaces, showing confidence in longterm occupancy and willingness to invest in customized office fit-outs.

Green-certified buildings are also increasingly favored, especially by multinational companies.

Barranda concluded, “Demand has been strong for the first half of the year. We believe it will continue, but again, you never know. We’re optimistic about it.”

Avida

TARI Estate Phase 1 leasing accelerates

TARI Estate, the latest industrial development by Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates, is seeing strong investor interest as another company secures a 16-hectare parcel within the estate.

This brings the total sold area to 60 hectares, or 74 percent of Phase 1’s available inventory. Site development for Phase 1 is now 90 percent complete, allowing locators to begin building and preparing for operations.

“The pace at which locators are committing to TARI Estate reflects the trust we’ve built and the credibility of our vision,” said Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, Head of Aboitiz

InfraCapital Economic Estates.

“TARI Estate is a tangible example of our commitment to turning investment interest into real, catalytic growth. More than just infrastructure, we are building a future-ready platform that creates long-term value for our partners and helps unlock the full potential of Central Luzon.”

The new facility is expected to create thousands of jobs and attract supporting industries, further boosting the estate’s role in Central Luzon’s industrial growth.

TARI Estate spans 384 hectares and is strategically located near major highways—TPLEX, SCTEX,

and CLLEX—as well as Clark International Airport and major seaports. This provides locators with excellent access to logistics and transportation routes. As a PEZA-registered, readyto-build site, TARI Estate is backed by the full support of the Aboitiz Group. Companies that locate here benefit from services provided by AboitizPower, Aboitiz InfraCapital Water, Aboitiz Construction, Aboitiz Land, and UnionBank. Once fully developed, TARI Estate is expected to generate over 60,000 jobs and serve as a key driver of economic growth in the region.

Land sees strong demand for house-and-lot projects outside Metro Manila

AVIDA Land, the mid-income housing arm of Ayala Land, is seeing strong residential demand for its house-and-lot communities in key provincial areas, as Filipino homebuyers continue to seek more space, better infrastructure, and long-term investment value outside Metro Manila.

The company reported sustained sales momentum in major growth corridors like Laguna, Cavite, Pampanga, and Bulacan, where its projects are located within Ayala Land Estates— large-scale, master-planned communities that offer integrated residential, commercial, and institutional environments. These estates provide strategic locations, complete infrastructure, and potential for long-term property appreciation. Avida’s horizontal developments are showing consistent performance. Parklane Settings Vermosa, launched in 2022, sold 46 percent of its available inventory in just three months and is now 92 percent sold. Verra Settings Vermosa reached 65 percent take-up within 11 months and is now 96 percent sold. Crescela Nuvali, which

In the first four months of 2025, developments such as Crescela and Southdale Settings in Nuvali, Parklane Settings in Vermosa, and Aldea Grove Estates in Angeles, Pampanga, continued to post strong sales, reflecting persistent demand in areas where infrastructure and master planning intersect.

“There is sustained demand for homes that offer space, flexibility, and a stronger sense of community—especially in areas where accessibility and infrastructure are rapidly improving,” said Aris Gonzales, Avida Land Project and Strategic Management Group Head.

“Our focus has always been on building homes that meet the evolving needs of Filipino families, and the market’s response affirms that we are on the right track.”

The company noted that market trends show that buyers, especially from the middle-income segment, now prioritize

spaces, better quality of life, and properties with future expansion potential.

SHOWBIZ

Retelling ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay’ through a Filipino lens

GMA Network’s new drama series Beauty Empire topped Philippine primetime ratings during its pilot week, outperforming rival programs across key viewership areas, according to Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

A co-production between GMA Public Affairs, Viu Philippines, and CreaZion Studios, the show aired from July 7 to 10 and posted higher ratings than competitors Sins of the Father and Unchained Love

In Total Philippines (PHINTAM), Beauty Empire earned an average combined (GMA/ GTV) people rating of 4 percent, equivalent to 2.8 million viewers. This exceeded the 3 percent average rating of Sins of the Father (A2Z/TV5/ Kapamilya Channel/Jeepney TV) and the 1 percent posted by Unchained Love (A2Z/TV5/ Kapamilya Channel).

In Urban Philippines, the series recorded a 4.4 percent average combined (GMA/GTV) rating, or 1.9 million viewers. This was again higher

than Sins of the Father, which drew 3.2 percent, and Unchained Love with 1.1 percent.

The series also became the top show on Viu Philippines during the same period.

Beauty Empire stars Barbie Forteza as Noreen Alfonso, Kyline Alcantara as Shari De Jesus, and Ruffa Gutierrez as Velma Imperial. The story follows characters navigating rivalries and secrets in the beauty industry while confronting evolving standards of beauty and success.

The cast also includes Sid Lucero, Sam Concepcion, Choi Bo-min, Chai Fonacier, and Gloria Diaz in a special role.

The show was created by filmmaker Real Florido and screenwriter Rona Co of CreaZion

Studios Creatives and is directed by Mark Sicat Dela Cruz

Beauty Empire airs from Monday to Thursday at 9:35 p.m. on GMA Prime. It is also available for streaming on Viu Philippines and GMA Pinoy TV.

THERE is something both familiar and unsettling about seeing Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia, and Carlo Aquino in roles that feel emotionally raw and stripped of glamour.

In the Philippine adaptation of the Korean drama It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, the three take on characters who live with their wounds, learn from them, and carry them in ways many Filipinos might quietly relate to.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay tells a story that reminds us pain does not fade overnight, and love, while powerful, may not always be the solution. Healing takes time, and this version allows us to sit with that truth.

In the story, Anne plays Mia, a successful children’s book author whose polished exterior hides a troubled past. She meets Patpat, a psychiatric caregiver portrayed by Joashua, who has devoted his life to caring for his older brother Matmat, played by Carlo, a man with autism. Their paths cross, setting off a journey that explores childhood trauma, mental illness, grief, and the search for stability and connection. The local version of It’s Okay to Not Be Okay premieres tonight on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, and Kapamilya Online Live, with earlier releases on Netflix (July 18) and iWant (July 19). Rather than replicating the original, this adaptation presents the story through a Filipino lens, with attention to how local audiences process emotional struggle.

“It’s a universal story,” Anne said during the star-studded media conference for the series. “Every Filipino, whether it’s family or friends, will be able to relate to the story of healing, pain, and love.”

Director Mae Cruz-Alviar said the production made a conscious effort to handle mental health themes with care.

“We had to match the story to how our audience accepts conversations about mental health,” she said. “There’s still limited awareness, so we had to avoid overwhelming viewers.”

The goal was to stay true to the heart of the show while remaining mindful of how people might receive it, the director added.

Joshua, who plays the emotionally reserved Patpat, found parts of the role very close to home.

Parehas kaming mapagmahal na kapatid. ‘Yung pagka-burned out ng character ko, naramdaman ko rin,” he shared.

Carlo, meanwhile, prepared for his role through immersion and workshops with special schools. His portrayal of Matmat offers a rare and careful representation of a character on the autism spectrum in a mainstream series.

The cast also includes Rio Locsin, Michael De Mesa, Agot Isidro, Maricel Laxa, Enchong Dee, and several others. Directed by Cruz-Alviar and Raymond Ocampo, and led by creative producer Henry Quitain and Star Creatives business unit head Des M. De Guzman, the series aims to start important conversations about emotional recovery and self-worth.

MARC Nelson and Christi McGarry

Sydney, Gold Coast, and Brisbane in a three-part Australian special of the Metro Channel travel show Beached.

In the first episode, which aired on July 19, the hosts visit Sydney’s iconic harbor, scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge, spend time at Taronga Zoo, and dine at Midden by Mark Olive and Me-Gal restaurants.

The episode also features Bondi Beach, which McGarry calls a place that “captures the soul of a city.”

“It’s not just a beach—it’s a way of life,” she says.

Nelson describes the bridge climb as more than just an adrenaline experience. “It’s a walk through history— an encounter with engineering, resilience, and perspective,” he says.

The second episode, airing July 26, highlights Gold Coast, which Nelson calls a place “built for thrill seekers.” Their itinerary includes a jet ski safari, surfing,

‘Beauty Empire’ cast members (from left) Sam Concepcion, Kyline Alcantara, Barbie Forteza, Choi Bo-min, and Ruffa Gutierrez

‘Beached’ hosts Marc Nelson (right) and

Very Wang Nickie Wang

‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay’ lead stars (from left) Carlo Aquino as Matmat, Joshua Garcia as Patpat, and Anne Curtis as Mia

From left: Joshua, Anne, and Carlo gracing the series’ grand press conference

Editor Writer Writer

Hong Kong’s JW Marriott beckons

WIn a prime location in the heart of the metropolis and surrounded by iconic landmarks, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong invites travelers to soak in the city’s dynamic energy through bespoke experiences tailored to different travel styles, from urban wanderers and adventurous families to nature enthusiasts.

Mercury Rising Bob Zozobrado

Situated atop Pacific Place, a prestigious shopping and entertainment complex, the hotel boasts direct access to the Admiralty Mass Transit Railway (MTR) station, which provides seamless connections to Hong Kong’s sought-after attractions. Hotel guests can relax amidst scenic views of Victoria Harbor, the downtown skyline, or the mountains, or rejuvenate at the 24hour fitness center, which includes an outdoor pool. They can also enjoy international cuisine at any of the eight acclaimed restaurants and bars, from Michelin-starred Chinese fare and sizzling steaks

and Botanical Gardens—the oldest park in the city—and the picturesque Victoria Harbor with the Central Harborfront, where the city’s major events take place. Of course, there is always the timeless charm of the Star Ferry gliding across the harbor. In the evenings, one can easily be dazzled by the ‘Symphony of Lights’ that transforms Hong Kong’s skyline into a spectacle. Another fun activity is riding the first public transport in Hong Kong, the historic Peak Tram, which takes passengers to JW

ITH a dazzling fusion of East-meets-West vibrancy, Hong Kong remains one of Asia’s most captivating destinations, offering an irresistible mix of world-class dining, a distinctive cultural landscape, and breathtaking nature – all within a short flight from major Asian cities.

to sustainable seafood and creative cocktails. Within a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, guests can step aboard the authentic ‘Ding Ding’ tram for a nostalgic ride through the city’s bustling streets to Central Market and Tai Kwun, both meticulously revitalized landmarks where heritage meets contemporary arts and culture. A swift MTR ride across the harbor unveils the illustrious West Kowloon Cultural District, where the M+ Museum and the Hong Kong Palace Museum are located. For the adventurous, a short distance away is the Zoological

‘Symphony of Lights’ show lights up Victoria Harbour, from JW Marriott’s central location

YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE Which country’s capital has the fastest growing population? Ireland’s

the pinnacle of Hong Kong Island for a panoramic view of the mesmerizing skyline from Sky Terrace 428. Families will be delighted to know that just one MTR stop from the hotel is Ocean Park, where the little ones will surely enjoy catching a glimpse of the beloved panda twins and the amusement rides. For nature lovers, the hotel offers easy access to the simple beauty of natural wonders—the famous scenic hiking trails of Dragon’s Back and Victoria Peak Green Trail, the sun-kissed shores of Repulse Bay and Stanley Beach, or ferry rides to the charm of Lamma Island and Peng Chau. What I find admirable about JW Marriott Hong Kong is its commitment to environmental consciousness. It offers the popular ‘Stay Green at JW’ package, which includes limited-edition reusable insulated water bottles for refilling at dispensers across the hotel, a specially designed tote bag, dining credits to savor sustainable seafood and beverages at the hotel’s Fish

For

Cebu Pacific becomes first Philippine airline to operate 100 aircraft

CEBU Pacific has become the first Philippine airline to operate a fleet of 100 aircraft following the arrival of a new A330neo, marking a major milestone for the low-cost carrier.

The widebody aircraft, which landed in Manila from Airbus’ facility in Toulouse, France, is the 12th A330neo in the airline’s fleet. Cebu Pacific is the largest operator of the aircraft type in the AsiaPacific region.

The 459-seater plane is the second of four A330neos set to be delivered this year, with two more expected in the coming months. Cebu Pacific plans to receive seven more aircraft in 2025.

“Reaching 100 aircraft is more than a milestone — it reflects our unwavering commitment to make air travel accessible to more Filipinos,” said Xander Lao,

president and chief commercial officer.

The airline reported a 7.9 percent yearon-year increase in passengers in June, carrying 2.2 million travelers. From January to June 2025, Cebu Pacific flew 13.9 million passengers, up 21 percent from 11.5 million during the same period last year.

The A330neo allows the airline to expand its regional and long-haul operations while improving fuel efficiency. The aircraft burns up to 25 percent less fuel per flight and produces less noise and carbon emissions compared to older models.

Cebu Pacific operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, with a mix of 12 Airbus A330s, 40 A320s, 26 A321s, and 22 ATR turboprop aircraft, covering the widest domestic network in the Philippines.

Cebu Pacific celebrates a fleet milestone with the arrival of its 100th aircraft, expanding access to affordable travel for Filipinos

The outdoor pool area provides guests with a relaxing space to unwind amidst the city’s energy

Guests enjoy sweeping views of the Hong Kong skyline from the functionally designed guest rooms of JW