By Ram Superable and Darwin Amojelar
SOME
request
Politiko, the projects included flood
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is seeking a mutually beneficial tariff deal during his meeting with US President Donald Trump today (Tuesday, Manila time). The two leaders are also expected to discuss the potential establishment of a US-backed ammunition production facility in the Philippines.
By Charles Dantes, Rex Espiritu
THE Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday that rains triggered by the southwest monsoon or habagat may persist over the next three days.
PAGASA announced in its 5:00 p.m. weather bulletin that it is also closely monitoring two other low pressure areas in Calayan, Cagayan and southeastern Luzon that have already entered the Philippine area of responsibility. The weather bureau said Metro Manila remains under a heavier rainfall outlook estimated between 100 to 200 millimeters, as well as the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, and Rizal. Rains measuring 50 to 100 mm,
By Charles Dantes
Araneta-Marcos visited distressed Filipino workers in Riyadh, oversaw the repatriation of dozens of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s pledge to protect Filipinos abroad. The First Lady went to Bahay Ka-
linga, a temporary
By Alena Mae S.
By Vince Lopez
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Nicolas Torre III, announced on Monday the arrest of a notorious Chinese national and prime suspect in several criminal cases, including a restaurant shooting in Makati and the abduction of a 14-year-old student in Taguig. In a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Torre identified the suspect as Wang Dan Yu, also
By Othel V. Campos
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and Tropical Cyclone “Crising” have caused nearly P97 million in agricultural damage while also disrupting the transport of food commodities in several regions.
According to DA Bulletin No. 06, issued yesterday, the rice sector suffered the heaviest blow, with palay (unmilled rice) losses reaching 2,178 metric tons across 5,997 hectares of farm plots. The value of the destroyed palay crop
was estimated at P94.41 million, accounting for 97.17 percent of total agricultural losses.
fisherfolk and damaged 6,037 hectares of land.
meanwhile, are expected over Pangasinan, Tarlac, Laguna, Quezon and Occidental Mindoro.
control, road repair, and streetlights, among others.
The online news site said the adjustments were allegedly made during the bicameral conference committee deliberations between the Senate and House of Representatives.
Among the provinces that reportedly received the largest allocations were Bulacan, Sorsogon, Mindoro, Batangas, Davao, Occidental Mindoro, Quezon, Cavite, Valenzuela City, and Cebu.
Bulacan, home province of Senator Joel Villanueva, topped the list, followed by Escudero’s own province of Sorsogon with over P9.1 billion in projects, Politiko said.
In a message to Politiko, Villanueva said: “Hope it’s true but our Bulacan district engineers say it’s not.”
“Am sure DBM (Department of Budget and Management) and DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) would be the right agencies to answer these questions. I’ll raise these this coming budget hearings,” Villanueva added.
Sought for comment, DBM spokesperson Goddess Libiran said: “The power of the purse is with Congress.
After we submitted the NEP (National Expenditure Program), they took over the deliberation. So, I don’t think DBM should comment.”
Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, for his part, said the alleged insertions were “excessive.”
“Grabe (excessive) is the word. Amendments by the Senate in the past never ran into billions (of pesos), especially if it involves the DPWH,” Sotto told Politiko in a Viber message.
“Scandalous, to say the least… More so when these amendments came from cuts from DepEd (Department of Education) and DOH (Department of Health),”
Sotto said he will seek a probe into the questionable budget items.
Bao Long, Torre said, was onboard a speedboat from another country when he was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued by a Makati City court.
“The Philippine National Police has ways to monitor individuals and control the situation. So we saw, we monitored his plans until we knew that he was coming back. We did not allow him to move freely in our country. We arrested him as soon as he set foot on Philippine soil,” Torre said.
Bao Long is wanted for murder, carnapping, and kidnapping for ransom. He is particularly linked to a shooting incident at a restaurant in Makati City in October last year. He was also identified as the prime suspect in the abduction of a 14-year-old student in Taguig in February.
Additionally, Bao Long was allegedly involved in the 2022 kidnap-forransom case of a Chinese acupuncturist in Manila.
“We will definitely do everything to prevent this person from escaping. We want to emphasize that the Philippines is not safe for criminals who hide here or commit crimes and flee to other countries,” Torre said.
Bao Long is currently under the custody of the PNP Custodial Facility at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Corn sustained damage over 33 hectares, with 22 metric tons lost valued at P690,140, while 7 hectares of high-value crops such as vegetables and fruits were also affected, resulting in a loss of 36 metric tons worth P1.73 million. Damage to livestock and poultry was estimated at P320,750.
In total, the twin weather disturbances affected 4,665 farmers and
Of this, 4,967 hectares, or 82 percent, still have a chance of recovery, while 1,070 hectares may be beyond salvage.
Volume losses across all commodities reached 2,236 metric tons.
The DA also reported that logistical disruptions caused by the damage to infrastructure and roads may delay food supply flows from affected farms to markets, exacerbating the impact on rural livelihoods and local food availability.
By Rex Espiritu
A STILL-UNIDENTIFIED gun -
man on Monday morning shot and killed radio broadcaster Erwin Labitad Segovia in Barangay Mangagoy, Bislig City.
Popularly known as “Boy Pana,” Segovia tackled “social issues, local governance, and community concerns” in his popular morning show. He was shot dead shortly after he stepped out of Radio WOW.
Authorities have since launched an investigation into the incident and are actively conducting a “hot pursuit operation” to apprehend the suspects.
Initial police reports indicate
that Segovia had just finished his broadcast and was on his way home when he was followed by two unidentified individuals on a black motorcycle.
“We are already activating the Special Investigation Task Group on New Cases to look into this tragic incident,” Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) Executive Director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. said.
He said his office is already coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Media Security Vanguards and the Media-Citizen Council in Caraga to expedite the investigation.
The PTFOMS official urged the pub -
lic and the media community to remain vigilant and to share any information that can aid in the investigation.
“The safety of journalists remains a priority for the government, and justice for victims of media-related violence continues to be a national concern,” Torres said.
With 147 journalist killings between 1998 and 2024, the New York-based industry watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists describes the Philippines as among six “consistently deadly” countries for journalists.
Most of the slain journalists in the Philippines are based in provincial areas where they run the risk of angering powerful personalities through their coverage. With reports from AFP
Malacañang has ordered the suspension of government work and classes in all levels in Metro Manila and nine surrounding provinces today as heavy rains continued to pound Metro Manila and cause multiple street floods.
Memorandum Circular No. 88, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, covered Cavite, Rizal, Batangas, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, and Bataan provinces.
Exempted from the work stoppage are agencies involved in the delivery of basic health services, disaster response, and other vital functions. Personnel of these agencies were directed to continue operations and provide necessary services to the people.
The executive order left the suspension of work in the private sector to the discretion of their respective managers.
Flooding in Metro Manila
Meanwhile, yesterday’s rains caused widespread flooding in Metro Manila. In Makati City, floods were reported as early as 10 a.m. along Magallanes, Pasong Tamo and Ayala areas where water reached knee-deep but still passable for all types of vehicles.
In Mandaluyong City, the EDSA Shaw Boulevard Underpass was also flooded, but remained passable. The MMDA noted that the MRT-7 Batasan construction partly blocked water flow, contributing to flooding in the area.
In Manila, several areas likewise went underwater by mid-morning, particularly Taft Ave. and connecting side streets, along with parts of Roxas Blvd., Pablo Ocampo Ave., Quirino Ave., UN Ave. and Tayuman in Sta. Cruz district. However, these areas remained passable for all types of vehicles.
the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), upon orders of President Marcos.
The repatriated OFWs received assistance upon arrival in Manila, including P50,000 from the DMW, P10,000 from OWWA alongside livelihood aid, P10,000 from DSWD, and P60,000 from the Office of the President.
The First Lady also distributed
amid improving global demand.
“The positive oil demand outlook in the second half of 2025, the prospect of easing trade tensions, and the risk to supply in the Middle East following attacks in the oilfields in Iraq have further supported the market,” Bellas said.
He noted that oil prices jumped significantly early this week due to concerns that direct sanctions on Russia could disrupt crude oil flows.
“However, the milder stance by the
luggage and other necessities, while OWWA arranged temporary accommodations and transport for those bound to the Visayas and Mindanao.
“Our First Lady’s visit is like a mother’s embrace, a reminder to our OFWs that they are not alone,” said OWWA administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan.
“As the President directed, to make government services felt, we will continue to serve with joy and a true heart,” she added.
The First Lady’s visit also included a short stop at the Bagong Bayani ng Mundo Serbisyo Caravan, a one-stop event providing OFWs access to services from over a dozen Philippine agencies, including PhilHealth, SSS,
Pag-IBIG, and DTI.
Officials said it was the first time such a broad government presence had convened in one location for OFWs in Saudi Arabia.
She later joined thousands of migrant workers at the Serbisyong May Saya, Hatid ng OWWA evening event, which featured performances and testimonials celebrating the resilience of OFWs.
The First Lady missed out on the United States visit of her husband, President Marcos, who is currently in Washington D.C. to meet with US President Donald Trump, to discuss bilateral economic and security collaborations.
US on sanctions over Russian oil has eased the fears of a supply crunch,” Bellas added.
He said that while the actual weekon-week difference in the Mean of Platts Singapore averages for diesel is minimal—and even negative for gasoline—the depreciation of the peso versus the US dollar this week is one of the main factors behind the larger potential hike in domestic prices next week.
“Furthermore, the freight and premium levels have remained elevated due to lingering tensions in the Middle East, particularly the Red Sea attacks
on ships,” he said.
Department of Energy Oil Industry Management Bureau Director Rodela Romero said two factors contributed to the estimated adjustments: speculation that Trump’s tariff policies will slow global economic growth and energy demand, and the unchanged forecast of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries for global oil demand growth in 2025 and 2026 due to a robust economy.
On July 15, 2025, oil firms raised the price of gasoline by P0.70 per liter, diesel by P1.40 per liter, and kerosene by P0.80 per liter.
In Pasay City, Andrews AvenueTramo was also slightly flooded, but safe to navigate.
Similar situations unfolded in Parañaque City, notably at the intersection of MIA Road and Coastal Road. ‘Crising’ damage on infra up at P600-m
Damage to infrastructure in the Western Visayas and Negros regions caused by Crising and the enhanced habagat reached close to P600 million, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The cost of damage was broken down as P195.52 on national roads, P9.04 million on bridges, and P322.25 million on flood control structures in Regions 6 and the Negros Island Region.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said with the continues onslaught of the monsoon rains, the damage to national roads, bridges and flood control structures would reach P600 million.
He said several national road sections remain impassable, including Kennon Road, Camp 6, Tuba, Benguet, due to soil erosion, while three have limited access.
Other roads still closed still closed to traffic were the Apayao (Calanasan)-Ilocos Norte Road, Tanglagan, Calanasan, Apayao; Claveria-Calanasan-Flora-Lasam Road, Barangay Ninoy, Calanasan, Apayao, and Liloy-Siocon Road, Tubongon, Baliguian, in Zamboanga del Norte, due to a landslide.
“We totally understand the dynamics of the [tariff] discussions… In our case, we also would like to see something that would be good for both our countries,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said.
“It has to be what’s right for both sides,” he added.
The Philippines was slapped with a 20 percent tariff that is set to take effect on August 1.
While three percentage points higher from the original 17 percent reciprocal tariff announced by Trump, it is the second lowest in ASEAN, next only to Singapore’s 10 percent.
Romualdez said while discussions on tariffs remain the immediate focus, the Philippine delegation is hopeful the talks could pave the way for renewed
efforts on a bilateral free trade agreement, which had seen progress under Trump’s previous term.
“There were already conversations on the FTA during the first administration…That process stalled with the change in leadership, but we’re now bringing that back into play,” the Philippine ambassador said.
Romualdez said there will also be discussion on beefing up regional security, including efforts to strengthen collaboration with Washington and other likeminded partners in addressing growing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
One emerging area of cooperation under discussion, Romualdez said, is the potential establishment of a US-backed ammunition production facility in the Philippines, following the approval of a related provision in the US Congress’ National Defense Authorization Act.
“Setting up a production facility in the Philippines would obviously be ben-
eficial for us economically also because it will create jobs,” Romualdez said.
“It’s a good way of being able to have a combination of both defense and economic cooperation,” he added.
Ahead of Mr. Marcos’ visit, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington D.C. last week where they exchanged views regarding topics of mutual interest, including the West Philippine Sea.
“The two NSAs expressed optimism for all future joint activities related to defense, security, and industrial cooperation and Secretary Rubio assured Secretary Año of the US’ ironclad commitment to the Philippines under the Trump administration,” the NSC said.
But as to the issue of Trump’s hardline immigration policy, Romualdez admitted there is little room for negotiation, and that Manila’s priority is to ensure undocumented Filipinos facing
deportation are returned home and not sent to third countries.
“I think at the end of the day, the laws of the United States must be respected, just like we expect citizens who come to the Philippines to also respect our laws,” he said.
“The bottom line is there is really not much room for discussion, but to simply work in such a way that all Filipinos that are up for deportation will be deported to the Philippines and not to a third country,” he added.
Romualdez said the Philippine Embassy in Washington has yet to receive updated figures from US authorities, but estimates that nearly 100,000 Filipinos, many of them in California, could be subject to removal proceedings.
“These are sensitive and confidential matters. The US Department of Homeland Security only informs us when coordination is necessary for the repatriation process,” he added.
Cops nab ‘dura-dura’ members in Manila
MANILA Police District (MPD)
Director PGen. Arnold Abad has warned the public against the operation of the so-called “DuraDura Gang” following the arrest of five of its members who allegedly stole from a nurse in Sta. Ana, Manila.
The suspects, all residents of Old Sta. Mesa, were apprehended by the MPD District Police Intelligence Operation Unit (DPIOU) led by PMaj. Kevin Rey Bautista. Charges have been filed against them before the Manila Prosecutor’s Office.
According to Bautista, the group victimized a 53-year-old private nurse from San Juan City at around 9 a.m. on July 15. The incident occurred after she disembarked from a bus on Taft Avenue. One suspect bumped her while another tapped her shoulder to distract her.
Shortly after getting off the bus, the woman saw one of the men place her cellphone into his bag while boarding a motorcycle. Realizing she had been robbed, she immediately reported the incident to the MPD. Itchie G. Cabayan QC hailed for crackdown on mercury-laced items
THE EcoWaste Coalition on Sunday commended the Quezon City government for its continuing crackdown on the illegal sale of mercury-laced cosmetics in the city.
The coalition cited the enforcement of Executive Order No. 2, issued by Mayor Joy Belmonte on February 2, which established a task force to implement a local ban on mercury-containing skin lightening products.
According to EcoWaste, food and drug regulation officers (FDROs) from the city’s Health Department and Special Services Division inspected stores flagged by watchdog groups EcoWaste and BAN Toxics. Rio N. Araja
‘Tourist spots should look after environment’
THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on local governments of five major tourist island destinations to strengthen efforts addressing persistent environmental issues.
The localities—El Nido, Coron, Siargao, Panglao, and Boracay— have been designated as green economy models (GEMs). DILG officials will meet with their local chief executives to review their action plans and discuss their progress on addressing environmental and public health concerns.
The DILG reminded the LGUs of their responsibility to rehabilitate waterways, implement waste management systems, and protect water quality in their respective areas.
These island LGUs had earlier submitted six-month rehabilitation action plans, detailing strategies on liquid and solid waste management, tourism development, peace and order, and health response. Copies of the plans were also sent to national agencies for coordination. Vince Lopez
By Charles Dantes and Vito Barcelo
PHILIPPINE Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said Monday that there is little room for negotiation under U.S. President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policy, as Manila prioritizes ensuring that undocumented Filipinos facing deportation are sent home—not to third countries.
“I think at the end of the day, the laws of the United States must be respected, just like we expect citizens who come to the Philippines to also respect our laws,” Romualdez said in a media briefing. “The bottom line is there is really not much room for discussion, but to simply work in such a way that all Filipinos up for deportation will be returned to the Philippines and not to a third country.”
Romualdez said the Philippine Embassy in Washington has not yet received updated figures from U.S. authorities but estimated that nearly 100,000 Filipinos—many of them in California—could be subject to removal
By Maricel V. Cruz and Vince Lopez
WITH just days to go before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), the House of Representatives on Monday announced it is “90 to 95 percent ready” to host the event at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
House spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante made the statement at a press briefing following the final interagency coordination meeting to finalize preparations. She said most of the arrangements have been completed, with only minor adjustments remaining.
“The interagency delegation will have a walkthrough in the House of Representatives. But other than that, we are all set,” Abante said, adding
LEGACY WALL. Senator Francis Escudero leads the unveiling of the Senate Legacy Wall at the Senate. Manny Marcelo
that contingency plans are in place in case of severe weather. Despite recent rain, preparations have not been delayed.
She noted that security measures have already been finalized, with arrangements similar to last year’s, subject to minimal adjustments depending on situational concerns. No specific threats have been reported, although law enforcement remains on alert.
Abante also expects guest attendance to match last year’s high turnout of over 1,500 attendees.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III meanwhile said Monday that approximately 12,000 police personnel will be deployed for the SONA.
“Around 12,000 personnel are being deployed, along with other law enforcement agencies and civilian support units, for this activity in the House of Representatives,” Torre said during a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
He noted that the PNP will dispatch an advance team on July 26, with full deployment scheduled for July 27 until the early hours of July 28.
Torre also clarified that no specific security threats have been detected so far.
By Vince Lopez
OPERATIVES of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested two individuals and confiscated an estimated PHP121.4 million worth of substandard Apple products in Parañaque City as part of its intensified crackdown on illegal trade.
CIDG acting chief BGen. Romeo Macapaz identified the suspects only as “Crissa” and “Charles.” The two were apprehended on July 19 at Bay View, Garden Homes 3, Barangay Tambo, while selling unregistered Apple items—including iPhones, iWatches, and accessories—without required clearance from the National Telecommunications Commission and registration with the Department of Trade and Industry.
The seized items include 225 Apple iWatches, 531 MagSafe chargers, 4,580 AirPods, 2,652 charger adaptors, 6,664 charger sets, 1,033 iPhone accessories, 70 car chargers, 1,740 charging cords, 87 handheld fans, 77 hair dryers, 126 Beats Solo headphones, one iPhone 16, and 110 earphones.
Macapaz emphasized the government’s responsibility to protect consumers and promote ethical standards in commerce. He praised the CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Unit for its swift action in intercepting the illegal goods.
“This underscores our commitment to combating crime and upholding the law,” Macapaz said. “We urge the public to report illegal activities in their areas. Your CIDG will respond and act immediately.”
proceedings. He emphasized that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security only informs the Philippine government when coordination is necessary for repatriation.
His comments come amid rising tensions involving Filipino nationals in the U.S., including reports that 18 Filipino seafarers were detained and deported in handcuffs over alleged violations related to child pornography found on their cellphones—a claim that remains unverified and is currently under investigation by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
The seafarers were part of the crew aboard the Carnival Sunshine cruise ship, docked at the Port of Norfolk, Virginia, when they were apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. One of them, Marcelo Morales, posted on social media that they were “treated like criminals” and “deprived of food and water.” Morales claimed he was initially cleared in May but was rearrested in June without new evidence and taken into custody along with eight other Filipino crew members.
By Ram Superable and Maricel V. Cruz
SENATE President Francis Escudero
rejected calls from student groups urging him to inhibit from the upcoming impeachment trial, stating that fairness means applying the law equally and not aligning with preferred outcomes.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Senate Legacy Wall on Monday, Escudero said, “It’s clear they think that if you don’t agree with them or follow their wishes, you’re being unfair. But being fair means applying the rules equally to everyone, no matter who they are.”
He reiterated that the Senate would not be influenced by partisan interests and would base its proceedings on legal standards and fairness. Escudero also noted that the Supreme Court had already affirmed several positions previously taken by both chambers of Congress.
According to Escudero, five of the eleven issues raised before the Supreme Court actually originated from the Senate’s inquiries, which were later echoed in the Court’s decision. He said August 4 is a tentative date for the trial, pending discussion when session resumes.
“Why that date? Because the parties involved need to be given notice. The Senate majority can’t just decide on opening day to hold the hearing immediately the next day,” he said. Escudero added that the Supreme Court may ultimately resolve further procedural issues.
A legal expert at the House of Representatives meanwhile expressed hope that Escudero will fulfill his commitment to reconvene the Senate impeachment court on August 4.
“We are hopeful Senate President Chiz Escudero will deliver on his commitment to reconvene the Senate impeachment court,” Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, a lawyer, said. He added that doing so would allow the 20th Congress to proceed with the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte and show its resolve in pursuing the impeachment process.
A PARTY-LIST member of the House of Representatives has filed a bill banning black sand mining, including dredging as a front for disastrous activities.
Mamamayang Liberal (ML) partylist Rep. Leila de Lima filed House Bill 1843, also known as the Anti-Black Sand Mining Act, citing environmental concerns and potential disaster scenarios.
“Studies by environmental groups in areas with black sand mining showed that black sand mining operations contributed to the depletion of fisheries, erosion of land and severe flooding in coastal and riverside communities,” De Lima said in her explanatory note. The former senator cited in particular the case of Cagayan province where “residents have expressed alarm at the effects of black sand mining activities.”
“In a press conference in September 2013, Ofelia Fuentes of Samahan ng Kababaihan sa Buguey at Sta. Teresita said that due to black sand mining in Cagayan River and coastlines, houses are crumbling because the sand underneath it are getting eroded, rice fields are shrinking and harvests are becoming less as the fields are inundated by saltwater, and fisherfolk are reporting reduced catch,” HB No.1843 stated.
De Lima said she filed the bill with an eye on pushing the cause of fisherfolk organizations like PAMALAKAYA which oppose dredging operations in Cagayan River. These groups resist what they denounced as Chinese-led dredging, allegedly a mere front for black sand extraction and not genuine river rehabilitation.
By Vito Barcelo
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has extended the period of importer accreditation from two years to five years to “enhance operational efficiency, uphold integrity, and minimize opportunities for corruption.”
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the measure was in response to President Marcos’ directive to improve ease of doing business in the country.
‘The change will not only reduce the administrative burden on importers but also simplify the process, allowing them to focus more on their operations rather than annual renewals. This shift is expected to lead to smoother trade transactions, reducing unnecessary delays and fostering a more predictable regulatory environment for businesses,” Nepomuceno said in a statement.
Under the amendment, the accreditation processing fee will increase from P2,000 to P5,000, and the accreditation remaining valid for three years. This change is intended to help the BOC better handle growing demands and enhance the efficiency of the accreditation system.
Additionally, the application form will be updated to include additional fields, ensuring more accurate data collection and improving compliance monitoring.
By Maricel V. Cruz
LEYTE Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday welcomed President Marcos’ directive to establish more disaster response centers across the country, especially amid the spate of typhoons battering the Philippines.
Romualdez, who served as Speaker of the 19th Congress, also emphasized the urgent need for legislation that would embed climate resilience into the country’s disaster strategy, including permanent funding and establishment of disaster relief hubs nationwide.
“We fully support the President’s proactive move to expand the country’s disaster response infrastructure,” Romualdez said. “But to ensure consistency, efficiency, and sustainability, we must legislate and institutionalize resilience and readiness into our national development strategy.”
President Marcos issued the directive following Friday’s surprise inspection of the National Resource Operations
Center (NROC) in Pasay City where he oversaw the automated packing of relief goods ahead of tropical storm Crising.
Crising, which exited the Philippine area of responsibility Saturday morning, combined with the prevailing southwest monsoon or habagat, triggered massive flooding in many areas across the country.
Romualdez, whose province of Leyte was devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, said the Philippines remains one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries and is now facing even greater risks due to the worsening climate crisis.
Building permanent disaster hubs
and codifying preparedness protocols into law, he said, would be essential for the country’s long-term safety.
“Calamities do not follow a schedule. Our response mechanisms shouldn’t depend solely on executive discretion or seasonal budget availability,” he pointed out.
Romualdez also commended the President for skipping a scheduled infrastructure inspection to personally oversee emergency preparations, saying it “speaks volumes about his administration’s priorities.”
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it is prepared to assist people affected by Crising with around P2.9 billion in standby funds, three million food packs, over 28,000 boxes of ready-to-eat food, and nearly 335,000 non-food items prepositioned across 934 relief hubs nationwide.
“These are impressive figures, but we must ensure that this level of preparedness is not only maintained but improved through legal mandates,” Romualdez said.
By Joel E. Zurbano
THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Monday announced it has extended the preventive suspension of Topflite Academy of Aviation’s flight training operations following the July 11crash landing of its Cessna plane near the Iba Airport in Zambales, leaving four people injured.
STUDENTS WEIGH IN ON IMPEACHMENT CASE. Student leaders troop to the Senate on Monday to deliver a formal request for Senate President Francis Escudero to inhibit himself as presiding judge of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. They also tied red
their grievances.
Cebu gov welcomes Russian ambassador
CEBU City— Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro met today (July 21) with Russian ambassador to the Philippines Marat Pavlov at the Cebu provincial capitol with a view to strengthening bilateral ties. Pavlov was accompanied by Consul Armi Garcia and other members of the Russian embassy during the talks that tackled opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Pavlov cited next year’s 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia in 2026, emphasizing the long-standing ties between the two nations and invited Baricuatro to Russia for the milestone events next year.
The envoy also said the Philippine leadership acknowledged that differences in socio-political systems between the two countries did not hinder successful and effective cooperation, underscoring the potential for deeper collaboration.
Minerva Newman
PH, US armies launch Piston 25 joint exercise
SPECIAL Forces soldiers of the Philippines and their American counterparts have launched Balance Piston 25-1304 joint exercise at Fort Ramon Magsaysay to boost interoperability in unconventional warfare while strengthening defense ties between countries.
The bilateral training, which will run from July 14 to August 8, is part of the annual Balance Piston series described as “a long-standing collaboration designed to enhance both forces’ capabilities, share tactics and best practices, and reinforce their commitment to regional stability and mutual defense.”
This year’s program includes a wide range of specialized skills training, such as tactical combat casualty care, prolonged casualty care, combat and advanced marksmanship, unconventional warfare, reconnaissance, military free fall, mission planning, and the use of remote advisory technologies. Rex Espiritu
Isabela solon to execute massive dev’t projects
CAAP director general retired Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario emphasized that their action was important to “protect future aviators and preserve the integrity of aviation training by ensuring that all flight schools strictly adhere to established safety protocols and regulatory standards.”
“CAAP assures the public and aviation stakeholders that strict oversight continues to be implemented to safeguard the integrity of pilot training institutions and ensure safe, responsible, and compliant operations throughout the aviation sector,” he said.
Reports from the Philippine National Police - Aviation Security Group indicated that the plane crashed in an agricultural area of Barangay Lipay Dingin Panibutan.
“This measure is in accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety and reinforce accountability within the aviation sector,” the CAAP said in a statement. The agency explained it was necessary to extend the suspension pending completion of the investigation and all safety and compliance issues were fully addressed.
TO PROMOTE economic and social growth in his legislative district in Isabela province, Rep. Christopher Go has laid out a comprehensive plan focused on infrastructure development, job opportunities, social welfare, healthcare, and quality education.
Some of Go’s projects as outlined in his development blueprint are roads and bridges meant to boost connectivity and access to services, provide essential services for investors to create jobs for local manpower, and enhance government outreach to vulnerable sectors especially the poor, the elderlies, and persons with disabilities. In the education department, Go eyes improved learning facilities and promote vocational courses “to equip the next generation with the skills necessary for gainful employment.”
Jessica M. Bacud
ON JULY 28, President Marcos Jr. is expected to come out with his State of the Nation Address (SONA). We can expect a lot of things; we can also expect a lot of other things.
I believe that inflation, Santa Banana, is still the biggest problem of the nation, especially since all our imported oil needs come from the Middle East. With the expanded conflict in the Middle East, we can expect the nation to be affected.
That is why inflation and the high prices of oil have escalated, affecting both the rich and the poor,but especially the poor who are the most affected by the high prices since all our oil needs are imported, affecting everything including service, food prices and transport prices.
President Marcos Jr, has tried his best to subsidize the nation but he can only do it up to a certain point.
Add all these problems, to our prevailing problems of poverty as well as graft and corruption in the government, it is no wonder that in all surveys conducted, inflation and high prices are still regarded as the biggest problems.
Insofar as the forthcoming impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte, I believe that, as President Marcos Jr. has said, he will not interfere and will let the senator judges make their final decision.
Having set the start of the impeachment case against Sara Duterte on Aug. 4, aside from all the prevailing problems and the headwinds that the economy is facing, it would have been a walk in the park for BBM.
Unfortunately we can expect more problems and more headwinds for the economy in the forthcoming months.
In the upcoming SONA of President Marcos Jr. one thing I expect him to tackle, unless my sources and tips are mistaken, is the possibility of rejoining the country to the UN Rome Statute of the Internal Criminal Court.
We can also expect Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to be arrested in connection with his involvement as Chief Police when the former President Rodrigo Duterte launched his infamous war against illegal drugs, having been the author of those dreaded days when EJKs under his “Operation Tokhang” and “Operation Double Barrel” – all aimed at the illegal drug menace.
With the possible rejoining of the countryin the Rome Statute of the ICC, we can expect a lot of development in connection with the detention of former President Duterte for crimes against humanity.
There are two things I can predict.
First of all the ICC will outright reject Duterte’s petition for an interim release and request to be sent to another country, not the Philippines and also all the claims of illegal arrests of Duterte and anybody else connected with him.
Having fictitious people as recipients of millions of pesos in confidential and intelligence funds, which are in effect still the money of the people, is definitely graft and corruption
As to forthcoming start of the impeachment case against the Vice President, I still have my doubts whether or not she will be able to get out of that big hole of her own making by having recipients of her P250 million confidential funds to unknown and fictitious individuals like “Mary Grace Piattos” and “Yoyo Villamin” and many others.
I am doubtful whether the Vice President can explain to the senator judges why she used fictitious and unknown persons.
I believe there is no law against fictitious persons, but insofar as government funds are concerned, having fictitious people as recipients of millions of pesos in confidential and intelligence funds, which are in effect still the money of the people, is definitely graft and corruption.
I do not know, Santa Banana, how the country will be able to hurdle all these economic problems facing the administration in the coming years considering how politics is so divisive among us Filipinos.
Whatever BBM will decide in his SONA, it bears watching because it affects everybody in the country.
CMEPA’s promise of riches for the rice-less
ONCE upon a time, in a land called the Philippines, a magical law called the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA) promised to shower financial fairy dust on 110 million citizens.
Plot twist: 75 percent of families still can’t afford piggy banks, let alone stock portfolios.
But don’t worry – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assures us his “inclusive capital markets” will work better than his father’s last brilliant plan. Spoiler alert: it won’t.
The laughable ‘empowerment’ charade
The Department of Finance trumpets CMEPA, effective July 1, 2025, as a great equalizer, “leveling the playing field” for all Filipinos.
Yet, with 75 percent of families –20.1 million households – lacking savings in 2024, per IBON Foundation, this is like pitching a stock portfolio to a sari-sari store owner who can’t buy her next sack of rice.
The Philippine Stock Exchange as a path to prosperity?
It’s as reachable as a Makati penthouse for most.
Only 56 percent of adults had bank accounts in 2021, per the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and 82 percent of retail investors lose money in markets, a truth the PSE buries like a bad bet.
Urging the poor to trade stocks because the stock transaction tax dropped from 0.6 percent to 0.1 percent is not empowerment – it’s a cruel jest, like gifting a yacht to someone drowning in debt.
Urging the poor to trade stocks because the stock transaction tax dropped from 0.6 percent to 0.1 per-
This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format in
People are wading through the floodwaters with rats swimming alongside them. In the background is a vast sand
labeled ‘Dolomite Beach,’ and there is a smaller sign that reads ‘Clogging the drainage.’ From the background, a massive wave towers over and crashes into the flood.
VARIOUS voices have emerged as regards online gambling, following the disquieting narratives on the missing cockfight devotees, many of whom have been reported dead and buried under mysterious circumstances.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself in his vlog on social media before leaving for the United States on an official visit, has lamented that online gambling – now more accessible to many because of technology and digitalization – has been destroying families especially when used irresponsibly.
While he acknowledged some headway in the government’s digitalization program, the President warned such technology had been irresponsibly used for scams, misinformation and gambling.
“Technology is here to make our lives easier, to rid the government of corruption, to speed up processes, to improve education, health care and trade. Above all, to make the Filipino family successful and united. Not to destroy it,” said the Presiden, who is studying mounting calls for a total ban on online gambling.
cent is not empowerment – it’s a cruel jest, like gifting a yacht to someone drowning in debt.
The absurdity peaks when you consider that basic banking is a luxury for millions; CMEPA’s market dream is a mirage for those scraping by on ₱300 a day.
Fake news whining
The DOF’s cries of “fake news” over viral claims of a 20 percent tax on all savings are rich with hypocrisy.
Social media memes screamed that entire deposits were taxed, sparking panic and bank-run fears.
But in a nation where only 25 percent of adults grasp basic finance, per a 2015 BSP survey, the DOF’s jargonheavy press releases are as decipherable as Sanskrit to a jeepney driver.
Instead of flooding TikTok with a market vendor explaining the tax in Tagalog, the government left the stage
At the same time, the President is cautiously weighing the possible economic and social impacts of the proposal for a total ban, supported by some lawmakers in the Senate.
We call on the authorities to study well the issue and lock not only the front door but the exit door as well
He is expected to expound on this in his State of the Nation Address before the Senate and the House of Representatives on July 28. Online gambling, as some experts
to clickbait peddlers. The result? A “20 percent grab” myth that fueled distrust. The DOF decries misinformation but sowed the seeds with its elitist, impenetrable messaging, failing to meet Filipinos where they are – in barangays, not boardrooms.
Fairness for tycoons, crumbs for the commoner
DOF Secretary Ralph Recto and tax lawyer Benedicta Du-Baladad hail CMEPA’s 20 percent tax on long-term deposit interest – previously exempt for over five years – as ending a giveaway to the wealthy. BSP data shows only 0.4 percent of deposits enjoyed this exemption, proof it coddled the rich.
Slashing the STT to 0.1 percent and axing documentary stamp taxes on investment funds is pitched as opening markets to all, potentially tripling
have noted, has become, in their words “mainstream, digital and inextricably linked to how millions of Filipinos interact with money and entertainment.”
But these same experts note that while opportunity expands in things digital, so are the dangers, pointing out that banning online gambling is like “locking the front door while leaving the back wide open.”
The leap of online gambling has generated a covert network of unregulated, illegal platforms that devour unsuspecting users that these cannot be eliminated at the blink of an eye, however authorities restrict access to such specific websites.
It is not enough, from where we are, that 11,000 illegal gambling sites have been blocked, as reported by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, in coordination with the National Telecommunications Technology.
Note that these sites, when none is watching, can easily resurrect like the mythical phoenix that cyclically regenerates or is reborn from the ashes of its predecessor.
We call on the authorities to study well the issue and lock not only the front door but the exit door as well.
retail stock accounts to 2–3 million. Marcos Jr. boasts of ₱25 billion in revenue by 2030, hinting at funds for public good.
But this “fairness” is a flimsy mask. Why not a tiered tax – 10 percent for deposits under ₱100,000, 30 percent for those over ₱5 million?
Such a structure would truly dent inequality, sparing the nanay saving ₱50 a week while hitting tycoons hard.
The flat 20 percent tax smells of cowardice, dodging the chance to soak the rich.
The STT cut benefits urban yuppies, not rural vendors.
PSE’s Ramon Monzon claims it lures foreign investors, but this trickle-down fantasy rarely reaches the provinces – just look at the 1990s, when market booms enriched Manila while rural poverty festered.
TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025 mst.daydesk@gmail.com
Alaska Airlines requests grounding of fleet citing ‘IT outage’
WASINGTON, DC – Alaska Airlines has requested a ground stop for all its mainline aircraft according to an advisory notice by the US Federal Aviation Administration, with the company citing an “IT outage.”
The airline told AFP that on Sunday it “experienced an IT outage that’s impacting our operations” and that it “requested a temporary, system-wide ground stop for Alaska and Horizon Air flights until the issue is resolved.”
The FAA status page showed all destinations being impacted by the ground stop of Alaska’s mainline aircraft.
It did not immediately respond to AFP’s requests for comment.
Alaska Airlines apologized for the disruption, urging travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
“We apologize to our guests for this inconvenience,” it said in a statement.
“There will be residual impacts to our operation throughout the evening.”
The statement, also posted on X, drew a backlash from what appeared to be frustrated passengers. AFP
Polls show falling support for Trump’s deportations
WASHINGTON, DC – Polls released Sunday (Monday Manila time) showed falling support among Americans for Donald Trump’s hardline measures against illegal immigration, as the Republican president celebrated six months back in power.
Trump won last year’s election in part with promises to launch a historic deportation drive, riling up his base with exaggerated claims of mass violence committed by undocumented migrants, whom he referred to as “savages” and “animals.” Polls from both CNN and CBS show that Trump has lost majority support for his deportation approach.
Fifty five percent of respondents feel the raids -- frequently seen online in viral videos of masked, unidentified agents seizing people off the street -- have gone too far, CNN said.
This was up 10 percent from a similar poll in February, shortly after Trump took office. AFP
Ferry fire kills 5, hundreds rescued
JAKARTA – An Indonesian ferry fire
killed at least five people on Sunday, the country’s coast guard said Monday, while more than 200 others were saved with many jumping overboard to flee the huge blaze. The KM Barcelona 5 ferry was engulfed in flames off the coast of Sulawesi island, Indonesia’s Maritime Security Agency said, just weeks after at least 19 people were killed when a ferry sank off the popular resort island of Bali.
“Five people were reported dead, two of whom have yet to be identified. Meanwhile, 284 people have been evacuated safely,” the agency, also known as Bakamla, said in a statement.
The fire broke out at the ferry’s stern as it was on its way to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, with some passengers jumping overboard with life jackets, the statement said.
Fishermen also helped evacuate the victims to nearby islands, the statement added. Those injured were taken to the nearest health facility, Bakamla added. AFP
93 aid seekers killed, dozens hurt by Israeli fire--Gaza agency
GAZA CITY – Gaza’s civil defense agency said Israeli forces opened fire on crowds of Palestinians trying to collect humanitarian aid in the war-torn Palestinian territory on Sunday, killing 93 people and wounding dozens more.
Eighty were killed as truckloads of aid arrived in the north, while nine others were reported shot near an aid point close to Rafah in the south, where dozens of people lost their lives just 24 hours earlier.
Four were killed near another aid site in Khan Yunis, also in the south, agency spokesman Mahmud Basal told AFP.
The UN World Food Program said its 25-truck convoy carrying food aid “encountered massive crowds of hungry civilians which came under gunfire” near Gaza City, soon after it crossed from Israel and cleared checkpoints.
Israel’s military disputed the death toll and said soldiers had fired warning shots “to remove an immediate threat posed to them” as thousands gathered near Gaza City.
Deaths of civilians seeking aid have become a regular occurrence in Gaza, with the authorities blaming Israeli fire as crowds facing chronic shortages of food and other essentials flock in huge numbers to aid centers.
The UN said earlier this month that nearly 800 aid-seekers had been killed since late May, including on the routes of aid convoys. AFP
TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba clung on Monday even after his coalition suffered what he called an “extremely regrettable” election result, as painful new US tariffs loom.
In Sunday’s election Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has governed almost continuously since 1955, and its partner Komeito fell a projected three seats short of retaining a majority in the upper house.
Voters angry at inflation turned to other parties, notably the “Japanese first” Sanseito, which made strong gains with its “anti-globalist” drive echoing the agenda of populist parties elsewhere.
“I even think (the LDP) should have lost more,” 25-year-old Kazuyo Nanasawa, who voted for a small ultra-conservative party, told AFP, adding that Ishiba should quit.
The debacle comes only months after Ishiba’s coalition was forced into a minority government in the more powerful lower house, in the LDP’s worst result in 15 years.
But asked late Sunday if he intended to remain in office, Ishiba told local media: “That’s right.”
“Changes in the external environment, such as the international situation, or natural disasters, cannot wait for the po-
QUITO, Ecuador – The Ecuadoran government on Sunday extradited notorious drug trafficker Adolfo Macias, alias “Fito,” to the United States, a month after he was recaptured following a 2024 escape from a maximum security penitentiary, the country’s prison authority said.
The flight transporting Macias landed in New York state on Sunday night, according to the Flightradar tracking site.
The US Attorney’s Office filed charges in April against Macias, the head of the “Los Choneros” gang, on suspicion of cocaine distribution, conspiracy and firearms violations, including weapons smuggling.
A letter filed by the US Department of Justice on Sunday said Macias was due to appear in a federal court on Monday “for an arraignment on the Superseding Indictment in this case.”
The drug lord on Sunday was removed from custody at a maximum security prison in Ecuador’s southwest “for the purposes that correspond to the extradition process,” Ecuador’s prison authority SNAI said in a statement to reporters.
Macias, a former taxi driver turned crime boss, agreed in a Quito court last week to be extradited to the United States to face the charges.
He is the first Ecuadoran extradited by his country since a new measure was written into law last year, after a referendum in which President Daniel Noboa sought the approval of moves to boost his war on criminal gangs.
Ecuador, once a peaceful haven between the world’s two top cocaine exporters Colombia and Peru, has seen violence erupt in recent years as enemy gangs with ties to Mexican and Colombian cartels vie for control. AFP
litical situation to improve,” Ishiba told a news conference on Monday.
“For this reason, although I’m acutely aware of our grave responsibility for the election results, in order to not let politics become stagnant, I believe I must fulfil my responsibility as the party with the most votes and to the people of the country, while listening carefully and sincerely to the voices of the local people,” he said.
It was unclear in any case who might step up to replace Ishiba now that the government needs opposition support in both chambers to pass legislation.
LDP supporter Takeshi Nemoto, 80, told AFP that a new leadership contest
“would be a losing battle” for the party, further complicating tariff talks with US President Donald Trump’s administration.
“Diplomacy is under pressure at the moment,” agreed Shuhei Aono, 67. “Who is going to take care of it? I think (Ishiba) cannot easily withdraw.”
The election saw 125 seats in the 248seat upper house contested. The coalition needed 50 of those but local media reported they only won 47, with the LDP winning 39 and Komeito eight, giving them 122 deputies. Second-placed was the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), which won 22 contested seats, followed by the Democratic Party For the People (DPP) with 17. The right-wing Sanseito party won 14 seats. Sanseito wants “stricter rules and limits” on immigration, opposes “radical” gender policies, and wants a rethink on decarbonisation and vaccines. AFP
known Epstein, a wealthy money manager, since the 1990s. They partied together in 1992 with NFL cheerleaders at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, according to footage from NBC News, which shows the pair talking and laughing. The same year, Epstein was Trump’s only guest at a “calendar girl” competition he hosted involving more than two dozen young women, The New York Times reported.
In a display of their close ties, Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet at least seven times during the 1990s, according to flight logs presented in court and cited by US media. He has denied this, and in 2024 said he was “never on Epstein’s plane.” In 1993, according to The New York Times, Trump allegedly groped swimsuit model Stacey Williams after Epstein introduced them at Trump Tower -- a claim the president has refuted. Separate from his links to Epstein, Trump has been accused of sexual misconduct by around 20 women. In 2023, he was found liable of sexually abusing and defaming American journalist E. Jean Carroll in a civil trial. Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s main accusers who died by suicide this year, said she was recruited into his alleged sex-trafficking network aged 17 while working at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in 2000. AFP
PORTRUSH—Scottie Scheffler began his week at the British Open pondering “the point” of his pursuit of perfection but still cruised away from the field to lift the Claret Jug for the first time.
Now a four-time major winner, the unassuming American’s game is making waves in a dominant spell golf has not seen since Tiger Woods’ heyday.
Scheffler’s four-stroke victory at Royal Portrush was already his fourth this year, despite a slow start after a freak hand injury caused by broken glass when he was making pasta.
Since the Houston Open in March, the 29-year-old has not finished outside the top 10 in 11 tournaments -- rubber-stamping his status as the world’s best. That run has included major wins at both the PGA Championship and British Open to take him within a US Open victory of joining the six men to have won the career Grand Slam.
Rory McIlroy was the latest to join that select club when he won the Masters in April.
But even the world number two is blown away by Scheffler’s consistent excellence as McIlroy was un-
US golfer Scottie Sche er plays with his son Bennett on the 18th green after winning the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush golf club in Northern Ireland. AFP able to chase down the only man on the planet currently better with a club in his hand on home soil.
“Scottie Scheffler is inevitable,” said McIlroy. “He’s just so solid. He doesn’t make mistakes.”
Scheffler’s supremacy over the rest of the field has drawn comparisons to 15-time major champion Woods.
Matt Fitzpatrick labelled his playing partner on Saturday “Tiger-like” and there are a raft of stats to back up that claim.
PORTRUSH—Rory McIlroy said he had enjoyed an “awesome week” back in Northern Ireland, even if his charge to win the British Open for a second time fell short on Sunday.
The Masters champion finished in a tie for seventh on 10 under par, seven shots adrift of world number one Scottie Scheffler, who romped to his first Claret Jug. McIlroy was supported wildly across the four days at Royal Portrush, which is just over 60 miles from where the world number two grew up.
“It’s been an awesome week. I’ve got everything I wanted out of this week apart from a Claret Jug, and that’s just because one person was just a little bit better than the rest of us,” said McIlroy.
“I feel so thankful and just so lucky that I get to do this in front of this crowd. Hopefully I’ll have one or two (British) Opens left here.”
It seems just a matter of time before Scheffler joins that list after he added the British Open to his two Masters and PGA Championship title from earlier this year.
The American’s spate of success in the last two years has sparked comparisons with the dominance of 15-time major winner Tiger Woods during his heyday.
“None of us could hang with Scottie this week. He’s an incredible player,” added McIlroy.
“He’s been dominant for the last couple years. He is the bar that we’re all trying to get to.
He is the first player since Woods to surpass 100 consecutive weeks as world number one.
Scheffler’s seven PGA Tour wins last year was the most since Woods in 2007 and he has also now become just the second player to win the British Open while ranked number one.
Behind that success is a relentless work ethic, even if it sometimes drives even Scheffler to wonder why he pushes himself to the max.
“We work so hard for such little moments,” he said on the eve of the British Open. “I’m kind of a sicko; I love putting in the work. I love getting to practice. I love getting to live out my dreams. But at the end of the day, sometimes I just don’t understand the point.”
Arrest shock
For those trying to catch him, the hard work appears well worth it.
“At the start of this year, when we checked the stats, Scheffler was further ahead of number two in the world than I was at 15th or 16th to the number two,” said world number 14 Robert McIntyre. “He’s an exceptional player and a great guy, and works so hard.”
Scheffler’s dominance on the PGA Tour is beginning to show in his major record.
His four majors have come in the last 16 events, a record which could have been even better but for a remarkable incident as last year’s PGA Championship, which checked his progress. AFP
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 recently. 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 Boo FF.
THE Philippine Davis Cup team shares the limelight with the Philippine Blu Girls in a two-part session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday (July 22) at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Philippine Tennis Association Executive Director Tonette Mendoza and national team standout Ruben Gonzales take care of the Davis Cup side as the Philippine squad was promoted in Group III of the Asia Oceania zone. Meanwhile, Blu Girls Royevel Palma and April Mae Minanga discuss the team’s road to the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games after earning a berth in the quadrennial meet year following a fourth place finish in the just concluded Women’s Softball Asia Cup in China.
Masters victory in April saw him become just the sixth man to win
“In a historical context, you could argue that there’s only maybe two or three players in the history of the game that have been on a run, the one that Scottie’s been on here for the last 24 to 36 months. Incredibly impressive.
“He’s a very worthy winner. Also, he’s a great person, and I think he’s a wonderful ambassador for our game as well.”
Set at 10:30 a.m., the weekly Forum is presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app Arena Plus. The session is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation, aired on a delayed basis over Radyo Pilipinas 2, and shared on its official Facebook page Radyo Pilipinas 2 sports.
ANTIPOLO —They’re all here. From seasoned veterans like Angelo Que, Tony Lascuña and Guido van der Valk, to in-form challengers such as Aidric Chan and Carl Corpus, to promising young internationalists Sean Ramos and Lloyd Go, and the ever-reliable Keanu Jahns, Reymon Jaraula and Rupert Zaragosa. Add to the mix Jhonnel Ababa, Ira Alido, Zanieboy Gialon, Hyun Ho Rho and Mike Bibat – a varied blend of youth and experience – and the stage is set for a compelling showdown in the P2 million ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge, which unwraps today (Tuesday) at Valley Golf’s South course.
But this isn’t just a battle of power and precision – it’s a test of composure and strategy, especially on a course reshaped by last week’s rains brought by a tropical storm. In such exacting conditions, where the course plays longer and the margins grow thinner, expect chaos – and brilliance. That should make the title race wide open. With so many contenders in peak form, a single moment could decide it all: a bold play over the water, a nerveless birdie putt, or a clutch par save from the sand on the 72nd hole to steal the win. The combination of a starstudded field and the challenging terrain could very well produce one of the
most dramatic finishes of the season. Van der Valk, who snapped a long title drought with a one-stroke escape over Jahns and Que at Forest Hills last month, is riding a wave of confidence and momentum into the P2 million championship, the fourth leg of this year’s Philippine Golf Tour sponsored by ICTSI. But Que, denied a rare treble after winning the first two legs at Pradera Verde and Eagle Ridge in contrasting fashion, is hungry to get back on the winner’s board. Lascuña, known for thriving in tough, storm-affected conditions, is likewise a marked man in the 72-hole championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. He’s determined to end a slow start to his season, having placed 13th at Pradera, tied for sixth at Eagle Ridge, and slipped to 25th at Forest Hills. The four-time PGT Order of Merit champion remains a threat whenever the going gets tough. But the spotlight also shines brightly on cousins Chan and Corpus, whose recent back-to-back breakthroughs on the Asian Development Tour in Morocco have vaulted them into the conversation. How those international victories shape their mindset, confidence and performance on home soil will be closely watched.
TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO,
ANTIPOLO—Daniella Uy, sharpened by her recent stint in Taiwan, returns to the local circuit to boost an already formidable cast all set for a gritty, rainsoaked showdown in the ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge, which gets going today (Tuesday, July 22) at the Valley Golf’s South course here.
Uy tied for second with Korean Kim Seoyun in the season-opening leg of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour at Pradera Verde last February, before spending the next four months competing in Taiwan. Though her campaign there fell short of expectations amid tough international competition, the experience provided valuable lessons in resilience and adaptation – tools she now hopes to wield in her pursuit of another LPGT crown.
The former Junior World champion, who racked up wins at Bacolod last year, and at Forest Hills and Del Monte in 2023, faces a talent-packed field headlined by Mafy Singson, who won here in 2023 as an amateur.
Singson also enters with momentum and confidence, coming off a thrilling playoff victory over Florence Bisera at Eagle Ridge in the second leg of this year’s LPGT.
Adding firepower to the mix is Chanelle Avaricio, fresh from a sixshot romp at Forest Hills. Harmie Constantino and Princess Superal, both former Order of Merit winners, are also aiming to regain their form and return to title contention.
Also in the hunt are Sarah Ababa, Chihiro Ikeda, Mikha Fortuna, Bisera and rising star Tiffany Lee, while hoping to break through are Gretchen Villacencio, Velinda Castil, Kayla Nocum, Martina Miñoza and Kim.
Marvi Monsalve, whose game has been honed by stints in Taiwan and Thailand, is also chasing a longawaited maiden win.
WASHINGTON—Venus Williams will make her return from a 16-month layoff at this week’s DC Open, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion saying Sunday she is not sure of anything beyond that.
The 45-year-old American overcame a serious health scare last year and after enjoying a visit to Wimbledon decided to accept a wildcard into the US capital tournament, the first hardcourt tuneup for the US Open.
“I think I know what I want to do, but I don’t always want to talk about it,” Williams said. “I’m just here for now. And who knows? Maybe there is more. I hold my cards close, but at the moment, I’m focused just on this.” Williams will open against 23-year-old American Peyton Stearns, ranked 34th in the world. Stearns won her only WTA title last year on clay at Rabat. The older sister of 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams has not played since a firstround loss at Miami last year.
“My personal goal is to have fun I think right now and enjoy the moment, not put too much pressure on myself,” Venus Williams said.
“I don’t know if I define success at this moment in any sort of way other than believing in myself and sticking to my process. That’s not easy to do, especially after a layoff. So those are my goals.”
Venus Williams, the 2000 Sydney Olympic singles champion, has won five Wimbledon singles titles and two US Open crowns. AFP
By Randy Caluag
NOT all boxing matches end in justice. Not all heroes get the farewell they deserve. In this sport, effort doesn’t always equal reward.
And on a warm July night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, thousands of hearts broke in unison as Manny Pacquiao was denied one more shot at glory—falling to WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in a controversial decision.
The verdict: a majority draw that felt like a theft.
The pain wasn’t his alone. It rippled through every Filipino and long-time supporter, who had followed his journey since the Pacquiao’s Blow by Blow days as a skinny brawler, and the millions back home
glued to every second on their screens.
For 10 rounds, he looked like the Manny of old. He danced. He darted. He threw punches in bunches. He wasn’t just there for a farewell. He came to win.
And for a while, it looked like he had.
Barrios, 16 years younger and the reigning WBC welterweight champion, entered the ring with youth and momentum on his side. But early on, he seemed unsure how to wield that advantage—fighting cautiously, tentatively, almost reverently in the shadow of a legend. It wasn’t until the 10th round that he finally found his rhythm. But by then, the moment had mostly slipped away. And yet, the scorecards told a different story: two judges saw it as a draw. One had Barrios ahead.
Inside the arena, disbelief swept like a wave. Not just from fans. Even the fighters seemed stunned. And beyond the ropes, frustration poured across
By Peter Atencio
THE second stringers of the San Beermen will be ready to step up whenever they are needed.
Game 4 hero Jericho Cruz said this after leading the Beermen a 105-91 subduing of the TNT Tropang 5G for a 3-1 lead in the bestof-seven title series of the 49th Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Nag-step up ako. Kung hindi maganda laro ng first group, nandito lang kami ni Don (Trollano),” said Cruz, now that the Beermen are in a position to claim their 11th Philippine Cup crown.
Cruz topscored with 23 points spiked by 5-of-7 three-pointers, including three big triples in the fourth quarter.
His big performance came as CJ Perez brought in 16 markers with
clutch hits at the finish.
“’Yung ginagawa namin, binibigyan namin sila ng motivation para gumanda ang laro nila,” added Cruz, the Beermen’s 6’1” shooting guard.
Best Player of the Conference Junemar Fajardo knocked in a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double showing for the Beermen.
The Beermen, who last won a Philippine Cup crown back in 2022, will clash with the injury-hit Tropang 5G in Game 5 Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Chot Reyes-coached Tropang 5G need to come up with three wins a row in their effort to claim a sweep of the 49th season.
The Tropang 5G have already won the 49th season crowns of the Commissioner’s Cup and the Governors’ Cup at the expense of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings.
social media platforms like wildfire.
At 46, Pacquiao’s speed seemed to defy biology. His flurries—sometimes beginning with a miss—nearly always found their mark. For some stretches of the fight, he wasn’t just in control—he was the storm.
And when the final bell rang, there was no celebration. Just confusion. The roar of “Manny! Manny!” slowly dissolved into stunned silence.
“I thought I won the fight,” he said—not with bitterness, but with quiet conviction. Because that’s who Manny Pacquiao has always been: a believer.
He never needed a belt to validate him. He fought for something deeper—his country, his people, and every kid who’s ever been told they were too small, too old, or too late.
The judges may have made the decision. But they couldn’t touch his faith. Or his fire. Manny Pacquiao remains what he’s always been—an icon. The OG. The original GOAT.
By Riera U. Mallari
BERLIN, Germany – Fresh off their stunning 3-1 victory over Argentina, the National University men’s spikers try to make it two wins in a row when they take on Poland in the 2025 FISU World University Games at the Horst-Korber Sportzentrum here.
The Bulldogs, who were recently crowned “fivepeat” champions in the University Athletic Asso-
ciation of the Philippines, are coming off a dazzling 25-23, 25-22, 23-25, 25-13 victory against powerhouse Argentina on Saturday.
What made the victory all the more impressive was the fact that the Bulldogs played a mere 8-man rotation as four of their players (Joshua Retamar, Kim Malabunga, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, and Leo Ordiales) were serving national team duties for Alas Pilipinas.
“The guys were exhausted but ecstatic,” said coach Dante Alinsunurin Jr.
The Bulldogs, who started their campaign with back-to-back losses to World Universiade runner-up Poland on July 17 and Colombia the following day, are in the classification round to determine the 9th to 16th places.
In other results, Mapua University fell to a fast and athletic Brazil selection on opening day of basketball hostilities in Duisburg, 58-105, before dropping a 47100 beatdown at the hands of the defending champion Czech Republic.
NU and Mapua secured their berths in the Universiade after winning the Asian University Volleyball Championships and the Asian University Basketball Championships, respectively, both organized by the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines, the official university sports body recognized by the International University Sports Federation.
Held from July 16 to July 27, 2025, across the Rhine-Ruhr region and Berlin, the Universiade sees the Philippines also competing in table tennis, archery, athletics, artistic gymnastics and badminton. The delegation is backed by Bestank Corporation, Philippine Airlines, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Asics, KELME Sportswear, Healthy Options, LT Group Inc., Seascape Village, Paddock Casual Jeans, OMNI Electrical and Lighting, Fronte Motors, Megaworld Corporation, Burlington Socks, Cobra Energy Drinks, and Henn Athletic Club.
By Othel V. Campos
Newly-announced US tariff on PH products
AS PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. embarks on a crucial mission to renegotiate the 20-percent US tariff on Philippine exports, an industry group urged him on Monday to leverage the country’s strategic importance and longstanding alliance with the United States.
Asian exporters such as Thailand and Malaysia have been able to negotiate better terms with the US, leaving the Philippines behind.
He said the US may be using tariffs not just for trade balancing but as a geopolitical weapon, an approach he said was already evident in President Donald Trump’s previous statements and policies.
20% 17% 20%
Previously announced US tariff on PH products
Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PhilExport) president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., in a televised interview, called on the President to make a strong case for tariff relief and increased government backing for the sector.
“We were okay with the 17-percent tariff because our competitors were still taxed higher. But when
the Philippines was slapped with a 3-percentage-point increase, the biggest hike among all countries, it sent a very bad signal,” Ortiz-Luis said.
“Worse, Vietnam, which used to pay 46 percent, was brought down to our level at 20 percent. That undermines our position entirely,” he said.
Ortiz-Luis said other Southeast
While Finance Secretary Ralph Recto signaled a willingness to lower duties on select American goods in exchange for better tariff rates, OrtizLuis warned of possible blowback from other trading partners.
“We’re a small player in US trade. Our exports to them are barely 1 percent of their total imports, and mostly electronics,” Ortiz-Luis said.
“If we lower our duties for the US, what will China or others expect?”
Reduced US tariff on Vietnam products from 46%
GSIS-Alternergy deal complied with rules, says financial advisor
By Alena Mae S. Flores
INVESTMENT & Capital Corporation of the Philippines (ICCP), a financial advisor, said Monday Alternergy Holdings Corp.’s investment transaction with state-run pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) complied with the rigorous requirements of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and corporate governance standards.
ICCP, financial advisor to Alternergy, issued the statement after GSIS president and generalmanager Jose Arnulfo Veloso was placed under preventive suspension by the Office of the Ombudsman on the pension fund’s P1.45 billion investment in redeemable preferred shares (RPS) in Alternergy in 2023.
The Ombudsman ordered the immediate suspension without pay of Veloso and other GSIS officials amid an investigation into the transaction.
ICCP said the RPS issuance to GSIS was conducted in accordance with corporate governance standards and existing securities regulations.
The firm said the RPS, an equity security designed for investors seeking attractive and long-term fixed income yield, also complied with PSE and SEC requirements for their subsequent listing on the exchange in March 2024.
“These transactions followed strict due diligence and compliance processes. We ensured transparency at every stage of these transactions in line with our commitment to ethical and professional standards,” said ICCP chairman and chief executive Val Bagatsing. Bagatsing said “Alternergy has reported to the PSE the payment of the first full annual coupon to the RPS in December 2024.”
ICCP reiterated its commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance in connection with Alternergy’s capital-raising activities.
DIGITALIZATION.
Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA)
Undersecretary Gerald Divinagracia discusses ‘Transformative Digitalization’, a holistic approach that goes beyond automation and focuses on end-to-end improvements involving strategy, governance and leadership. Speaking before PLDT and Smart senior leaders and executives, Divinagracia cited the importance of a process-first mindset in any transformation effort— underscoring that technology alone cannot solve inefficiencies.
B3 B4 B2
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed 34 criminal charges before the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) and the Courts of Caloocan City against World Balance, registered as CHG Global Inc. (CHGGI), in connection with its alleged P178.8-million basic tax deficiencies, according to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
World Balance is a leading footwear and apparel brand established in 1980 in the Philippines by the Chong family.
The BIR said in a statement that on July 9, 2025, the DOJ filed before the CTA 30 criminal Informations against World Balance and its corporate officers for alleged violations of Sections 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended (Tax Code).
It said that on July 16, 2025, another four criminal Informations were filed before the Regional and Metropolitan Trial Courts of Caloocan City for violations of Sections 254, 255, and
Two more BSP interest rate cuts expected within the year, says Recto
By Thony Rose Lesaca
DEPARTMENT of Finance
Secretary Ralph Recto said the Philippines can expect two more 25-basis-point (bps) reduction in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ key interest rates, for a total of 50 bps, for the rest of the year.
Recto said these rate cuts are possible because of the stable inflation outlook, echoing the position of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that there is room for more cuts due to the easing cycle of inflation.
Recto noted, however, the final Monetary Board action would also
depend on what would happen with the situation in the US.
“I think we have room to cut. Maybe not two, [but it] depends on what happens in the US as well. But as of today, I would assume that we’re okay for two rate cuts,” said Recto.
The cut down its key interest rates by 25 bps on June 19, citing a moderated outlook on inflation.
This reduced the BSP’s target reverse repurchase rate to 5.25 percent, with adjusted interest rates on overnight deposits at 4.75 percent and on lending facilities at 5.75 percent.
267 of the Tax Code.
The BIR said it uncovered fraudulent practices through its Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) program, which targets the use of fictitious receipts issued by nonexistent or ghost companies.
It said World Balance used the scheme to evade the correct payment of taxes constitutes willful tax evasion and deliberate misrepresentation in its tax filings, covering taxable years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.
The Informations impleaded the officers of World Balance, Barnaby Chong and Bradley Chong. “Their criminal liability is expressly provided under Sections 253(d) and 256 of the Tax Code,” the BIR said. It said the DOJ also indicted Barnaby Chong, Bradley Chong and Audrey Suzanne Chong for alleged violation of Section 267 for making untruthful declaration, return, and other statement in the annual income tax returns of World Balance.
LEARNING CENTER. Aboitiz Foundation, in partnership with AboitizPower Corp.’s GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin (GNPD), turns over solar panels and internet connectivity to Biaan Aeta Integrated School (BAIS) in Mariveles, Bataan—marking a major milestone under its flagship program, AuroraPH. Launched in 2024, AuroraPH harnesses the power of renewable energy and satellite internet to transform last-mile schools into thriving centers of learning, empowering both learners and educators. Its pilot implementation reached 11 schools and benefited over 2,500 learners and educators, including public schools in hard-to-reach areas in Benguet, Bataan, Cebu and Davao City.
By Jenniffer B. Austria
LOCAL shares rebounded Monday after last week’s decline, driven by hopes for a positive outcome from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump. The benchmark Philippine Stock
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Notice is hereby given that JANZEN R. PARO is no longer connected with OCEAN PROSPERITY MANNING & MANAGEMENT CORPORATION since December 4, 2017.
2025)
PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK, Mortgagee, -versus- FRE NO.
Exchange index closed at 6,352.74, up 49.02 points, or 0.78 percent, as investors looked for bargains after the market’s recent decline. The wider allshares index ended at 3,753.44, up 17.16 points, or 0.46 percent.
The peso closed at 57.17 to the U.S. dollar on Monday, slightly weaker than its 57.145 close on July 18, 2025.
“The PSEi upped this Monday back a little above the 6,350 mark, driven by investors seeking cheaper price together with continued vigilance as investors remain alert to global trade developments as negotiations between US and PH regarding tariff commence this week,” said Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp.
President Marcos flew to Washington D.C. over the weekend, aiming to secure a bilateral trade deal and strengthen the Philippines’ alliance with the U.S.
Except for the mining and oil index, which slipped 0.25 percent, all indices ended higher. Holding firms rose 0.91 percent, followed by financials, which climbed 0.73 percent.
Services advanced 0.58 percent, while industrial and property rose 0.50 percent and 0.37 percent, respectively.
Value turnover reached P5.42 billion.
Shares of Bank of the Philippine Islands jumped 3.2 percent to close at P125.90. Meanwhile, shares of Monde Nissin Corp. slipped 1.31 percent to P7.54.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Thunder Consortium on Monday confirmed it received a notice of award for its bid on the 796.64-megawatt Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan (CBK) hydroelectric power plants from the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM).
The consortium, made up of Aboitiz Power Corp. wholly-owned subsidiary Aboitiz Renewables Inc. (ARI), Sumitomo Corp. and Electric Power Development Co. Ltd. (J-Power), received the notice of award on July 18, 2025. It was the winning bidder for the sale and privatization of the CBK power plants.
“The Thunder Consortium will undergo the post-award processes required by PSALM,” AboitizPower said in a statement.
“ARI represents the company’s investments and interests in various renewable energy projects, including geothermal, large hydro, run-of-river hydro, wind, battery energy storage systems and solar projects.”
The Thunder Consortium, which offered the highest bid of P36.266 billion for the CBK hydro facility, is expected to pay the government this year.
AboitizPower said Thunder Consortium is honored by the opportunity to manage and operate CBK, noting it will help support the country’s aspirations for a cleaner and more dynamic grid.
“Pump storage hydro is an integral part of the Philippine energy system,” the company said.
“As a clean energy resource, it can reduce peak power prices and support deeper penetration of variable renewable energy (RE) in our energy system, well-aligned with the Philippine Energy Plan’s aspiration of 50 percent RE in the power mix by 2040.”
The consortium congratulated PSALM on successfully conducting
the competitive bid, fulfilling its mandate and effectively generating additional fiscal resources for nationbuilding.
PSALM manages the assets and liabilities of National Power Corp. as mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.
The Department of Energy (DOE) previously stated the sale of CBK will reduce financial burdens on Filipino taxpayers, strengthen the power sector and support the clean energy transition.
“It will bring immediate relief in our debts so that means the burden of that in our electricity bills may be eased,” DOE Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan said, referring to the universal charge portion of the power bill.
The DOE added that aside from delivering immediate debt relief to PSALM, the proceeds of the sale will ensure the facility receives the investment and expertise needed for long-term reliable operations.
The CBK complex plays a crucial role during peak demand periods and emergency situations. It supplies a significant share of the electricity used in Metro Manila, the country’s largest and most energy-intensive consumption center.
Beyond immediate debt relief, the privatization creates longterm economic benefits through improved grid stability, reduced government contingent liabilities and enhanced energy security. The transaction also demonstrates the Philippines’ commitment to private sector participation in infrastructure development.
No.
Imelda, Quezon City; 3. Johnbest Bistay
J.P. Rizal st. Narnayan, Mandaluyong City, NCR; 4. Johnbest Bistay Sand,
J . P. Rizal St., Namayan, Mandaluyong City, NCR; and 5. Block 3 Lot 8 Road Lot 8, The Princess Homes, Villa Hermano 4, Sta. Lucia, Novaliches, Quezon City, NCR in favor of Philippine Savings Bank, Mortgagee to satisfy the mortgage debt in the amount of ONE MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED TWENTY EIGHT THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED THIRTY NINE PESOS & 58/100 (PHP1,728,239.58) as of June 24, 2025, inclusive of interest, penalties, and other charges together with all the lawful fees and expenses of foreclosure sale, the Ex-Officio Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court and/or his duly authorized Deputy Sheriff hereby announces that on September 11, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Office of the CIerk of
petition under ACT 3135, as amended by ACT 4118, and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Real Estate Mortgage executed on June 23, 2021, by John S. Junsay married to Joy M. Junsay, Debtor/s - Mortgagor/s both of legal age, Filipinos and with postal address/es at 1. No. 10B Madiac St. Santol, Quezon City, NCR; 2 #81 Kapiligan St Doña Imelda, Quezon City; 3. Johnbest Bistay Sand, No. 350 J.P. Rizal st. Narnayan, Mandaluyong City, NCR; 4. Johnbest Bistay Sand, No. 360 J . P. Rizal St., Namayan, Mandaluyong City, NCR; and 5. Block 3 Lot 8 Road Lot 8, The Princess Homes, Villa Hermano 4, Sta. Lucia, Novaliches, Quezon City, NCR in favor of Philippine Savings Bank, Mortgagee to satisfy the mortgage debt in the amount of ONE MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED TWENTY EIGHT THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED THIRTY NINE PESOS & 58/100 (PHP1,728,239.58) as of June 24, 2025, inclusive of interest, penalties, and other charges together with all the lawful fees and expenses of foreclosure sale, the Ex-Officio Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court and/or his duly authorized Deputy Sheriff hereby announces that on September 11, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Office of the CIerk of Court & EX-Officio Sheriff, Regional Trial Court, Hall of Justice Bldg., Elliptical Road,
the improvements existing thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate of Title No. 004-2015009214 Registry of Deed for Quezon City A PARCEL OF LAND (LOT 8, -BLOCK 3 OF THE CONSO SUBDIVISION PLAN PCS-00-013633, BEING A PORTION OF THE CONSO OF LOT 537- B-2 (LRC) PSD-1946 & LOT LOT 537-A, FLS-2724-D, LRC RECORD NO. 5975), SITUATED IN BARANGAY (SAN BARTOLOME) STA. LUCIA, QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA, ISLAND OF LUZON. BOUNDED ON THE SOUTH ALONG LINE 1-2 BY LOT 7; ON THE WEST ALONG LINE 2-3 BY LOT 10, BOTH
THE half mark of the term of office of a high official—be he a government official or a corporate chief executive officer—is the point preferred by most people for evaluating the official’s performance in the earlier part of his term. On June 30, 2025, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.—better known nationally as BBM— reached the mid-point pf his presidency, and his three-year performance is now the subject of much evaluative activity.
How did Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. perform during his first three years in office? More to the point, is this country better off today than on June 30, 2022, when the term of the previous administration ended?
The most generous evaluation that one can make of the BBM administration after its first years in office is that this country is no worse off today than three years ago. If anything, it probably is slightly worse off.
Easily the foremost achievement of the Marcos administration’s first three years in office was the pivot of Philippine foreign policy away from the pro-China position to which the previous administration had brought it (“The arbitral award is just a scrap of paper,” the former President had said.) and the strengthening of this country’s external defense posture with the signing of defense arrangements with a number of friendly countries.
On the domestic political front, the situation was far less felicitous. The Uniteam alliance that brought the combined Marcos and Duterte forces to victory in the 2022 election broke up in 2024 and then turned into open warfare, with Vice-President Sara Duterte resigning from her Department of Education (DepEd) secretaryship.
The national political environment became even more poisoned with the Malacanang-sanctioned hand-over of former President Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the impeachment of Sara Duterte by BBM’s Congressional allies for, among other charges, her alleged misuse of DepEd and Office of the Vice-President funds.
The conviction of the Vice-President - an outcome that would disqualify her from running in the 2028 Presidential election - has been placed in doubt by the victory of a number of pro-Duterte candidates in the May 2025 Senatorial election.
At the end of its first three years in office, the Marcos administration produced no significant changes in the kinds of figures that indicate sustained economic improvement - poverty rate, fiscal-policy space, employment and underemployment, foreign investment external trade, agriculture and food, infrastructure, manufacturing and education, health care and other social services. Despite the passage over the years of legislation intended to
At the end of its first three years in office, the Marcos administration produced no significant changes in the kinds of figures that indicate sustained economic improvement.
increase the ease of doing business in this country- such as the law to cut red tape - foreign direct investment (FDI) continued to elude the Philippines during the Marcos administration’s first three years in office. This country continues to lag badly behind Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) member-countries like Vietnam and Thailand.
Whopping merchandise trade deficits continued to be a part of this country’s economic way of life during the past three years. And the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) did not come up with a program to alter that state of affairs.
The Build Better More (BBM) infrastructure program was launched with much fanfare early in 2022, but three years later not one major railway or road project had been completed. In its place the Marcos administration offered privatization of existing government infrastructure assets and an attempt to ramp up PublicPrivate-Partnership (PPP) projects.
In the fiscal policy area, the BBM administration struggled continuously to keep the fiscal benchmark ratios (deficit to debt, debt to gross domestic product (GDP)) at internationally acceptable levels. Toward that end, the Marcos administration and Congress looked hard for means with which to expand the tax base.
Perhaps the best example of the Marcos administration’s failure to come to grips with this country’s most serious economic problems was the fact that the Philippines remained the world’s No. 1 rice importer. The worst part of the situation has been the Department of Agriculture’s inability to offer a sustainable answer to this country’s rice supply-deficit problem. Every thoughtful Filipino knows that the P20-per-kilo rice program is fiscally unsustainable.
The first three years of the BBM administration saw no breakthrough out of this country’s massive education problem, which has long manifested itself in very low rankings in the international education evaluation systems, especially the Program for International Scholastic Assessment (PISA). Sara Duterte’s appointment as Secretary of Education was a huge mistake and a big setback for Philippine education.
Filipino economists had hoped that the World Bank would elevate the Philippine to a middle-income country during the Marcos administration’s first years in office. Undoubtedly considering the structural and operational deficiencies discussed above, the World Bank has decided to defer such elevation to 2026 or 2027.
(llagasjessa@yahoo.com)
DA-BAR VISIT. Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research director Joell Lales, current head of the DA-BAR, led the agency’s visit to the world-class research, development, and manufacturing facility of BauerTek located in Guiguinto, Bulacan. The collaboration between DA-BAR and BauerTek is proof that the Philippines’ agricultural wealth is yielding advancements in science, technology, and the national economy. BauerTek is renowned for producing naturalbased supplements that help combat various illnesses such as cancer.
By Alena Mae S, Flores
MERALCO PowerGen Corp. (MGen)
announced Monday its plans to develop a 49-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) in Toledo, Cebu, as part of its efforts to enhance grid stability and support the country’s energy transition.
The company stated the facility will play a key role in ensuring reliable and balanced power delivery across the Visayas grid, particularly in maintaining the quality and safety of electricity reaching endusers. MGen noted that given the region’s growing demand and the increasing share of variable renewable energy, battery energy storage has become essential in managing system reliability and ensuring sufficient grid support during peak and off-
FPIP JOINS RAP. First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) pioneers the retail aggregation program for electricity that enables power consumers to pool their demand and directly negotiate with power suppliers. The ceremonial launch was led by Francis Giles Puno, concurrent president of FPIP and First Gen Corp. (third from left), and Monalisa Dimalanta, outgoing ERC chairperson (4th from left), together with First Gen chief customer engagement officer Carlo Vega and executive vice president Lito Santos; Department of Energy assistant director Madonna Naling; and Robinson Descanzo, chief operating officer of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines.
peak hours.
“This project is part of our broader commitment to strengthen the reliability of the grid and accelerate the country’s transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future,” said Emmanuel Rubio, MGen president and chief executive.
“Battery energy storage will be critical in managing variability in supply and demand, particularly as we integrate more renewable energy into the system.”
The company expects to complete the first phase of its BESS facility, with a 25MW capacity, in Toledo, Cebu by 2026, and the balance in 2027, subject to regulatory clearances.
The Toledo project is MGen’s second BESS project in the country. MGen’s planned MTerra Solar includes a large-
scale 4,500 megawatt-hour (MWh) energy storage development in Nueva Ecija, which is designed to support its 3,500 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar power pipeline in Luzon. MGen operates a diverse portfolio of power generation assets equipped with advanced technologies. Its main subsidiaries include Global Business Power Corp. (MThermal), MGEN Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen) and MGEN Gas Energy Holdings Inc. (MNatural Gas). It also holds stakes in PacificLight Power (PLP), a liquefied natural gas facility in Singapore, and SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC), a renewable energy company. MGen has also invested a 40.2 percent stake in an integrated LNG facility in Batangas.
By Othel V. Campos
AG&P Industrial, a subsidiary of Atlantic, Gulf & Pacific Company of Manila, Inc., has completed the fabrication and shipment of critical modular components for Ampol’s Future Fuels Gasoline Desulphurisation Project at the Lytton Refinery in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
“Successfully completing this project to the highest standards of safety and quality is a proud moment for us,” said Alex Gamboa, AG&P Industrial president and managing director of Global Business Development.
“Our work with Kent and Ampol demonstrates the value AG&P Industrial brings to mission-critical infrastructure that enables cleaner, more efficient energy systems.”
Under an agreement with UK-based Kent PLC, AG&P Industrial supplied 18 pre-assembled pipe racks (PAR), 16 pre-assembled units (PAU), and 19 pre-assembled support structures (PAS).
The modular units are part of Ampol’s major refinery upgrade, which will reduce fuel emissions and comply with Australia’s Euro 6 sulfur emissions standards. These standards require fuel sulfur content to be less than 10 parts per million by 2025.
The modules were manufactured in the Philippines and shipped to Australia, logging over 2 million safe man-hours with zero lost-time injuries.
“This project adds to AG&P Industrial’s growing portfolio of international infrastructure solutions,” Gamboa said. “We are proud to contribute to Australia’s energy goals while showcasing Filipino craftsmanship and modular construction expertise.”
AG&P Industrial continues to position itself as a key partner in global infrastructure development, offering engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction, installation, commissioning (EPFCIC), and operations and maintenance (O&M) services.
● Being responsible for the new technologies industry development; ● Promoting the upgrading and transformation of production lines, actively participating in the continuous improvement activities in the production process, and putting forward suggestions for improvement.
● Being responsible for new product review and processing path confirmation, new mold sampling, and mass production follow-up, as well as Standard Operating Procedure production and distribution and process implementation and maintenance;
● Providing technical support to Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and other factories to ensure the smooth progress of production activities;
● Improving and optimizing continuously the injection molding production process to improve production efficiency and product quality; and
● Working closely with the Research & Development department to introduce new process technology, equipment, and materials to improve the competitiveness of production processes and products.
Qualification Requirements:
• Bachelor’s Degree Holder
• 5 years of experience in the relevant field or industry. Experience must include troubleshooting, problem-solving, and advising stakeholders on complex technical issues.
• Possesses familiarity with industry-specific standards, regulations, and best practices.
• Exhibits effective communication skills with senior leadership, employees, and stakeholders.
• Has analytical skills for evaluating and improving technical processes.
• With high level of integrity and ethical responsibility, especially when advising on technical solutions that impact on the organization or clients. Applications may be sent to: Roselyn Calim (HR Assistant Officer) roselyn@vs-i.com.ph
Company/Employer Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position VS Industry Philippines, Inc. (VSIPI) Workplace
By Jenniffer B. Austria
PHINMA Corporation announced Monday an additional P300 million investment in its flagship township development in Bacolod.
PHINMA, in a disclosure to the stock exchange, said the infusion was made through its real estate arm, PHINMA Property Holdings Corp. (PHINMA Properties). The funds will partially finance the ongoing construction of the 21-hectare mixed-use master-planned development.
The P12-billion project, named Saludad, is a partnership with Bacolod-based property firm JEPP Real Estate Co.
“This new P300-million investment will allow PHINMA Properties to sustain the favorable market momentum for our Saludad project in Bacolod,” said Ramon del Rosario Jr., PHINMA chairman and chief executive.
“This signifies the PHINMA Group’s stronger commitment to the Bacolod community and nearby areas by promoting economic development and creating new livelihood opportunities.”
Saludad is the PHINMA Group’s first township and integrates its core services, including hospitality, education and construction.
The project features TRYP by Wyndham Bacolod, the township’s anchor hotel expected to break ground soon, and a campus for Southwestern University PHINMA, its first location outside Cebu City. The development will also utilize construction materials from the PHINMA Construction Materials Group.
“We’re creating a lively, sustainable community for our beloved Bacolodnons where they can easily access essentials to dignified lives,” said Raphael Felix, PHINMA Properties president and chief executive.
“Saludad combines the best offerings of the PHINMA Group with the city’s rich heritage and beautiful sceneries, amidst its fast growing economy — this marriage of tradition and modernity makes it distinctly Bacolod. As we say, Aton Ini.”
Beyond residences, the township will feature business hubs, commercial centers and retail spaces aimed at serving both entrepreneurs and professionals. Construction is currently in full swing, with the first phase in the southern section slated for completion by the first quarter of 2026. The second phase, in the northern portion of the site, is expected to be completed in 2028.
•
improve machine availability and performance.
• Organizing and managing the injection-molding department, ensuring operational efficiency.
• Studying industry trends and promoting innovation in mold test technology.
• Establishing and leading a trial team, ensuring members possess the necessary skills and training.
• Defining job responsibilities and performance appraisal standards to enhance employee productivity.
• Overseeing injection production management, personnel control, raw material utilization, and 5S improvements.
Qualification Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree and master’s Degree Holder
• Candidates should have at least 7-10 years of experience in a management role within operations, logistics, or production.
• The ability to lead and motivate teams, resolve conflicts, and manage diverse personalities.
• Effective communication with senior leadership, employees, and stakeholders.
• A certification that specifically focuses on operations management. Applications may be sent to: Roselyn Calim (HR Assistant Officer) roselyn@vs-i.com.ph
Company/Employer Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position VS Industry Philippines, Inc. (VSIPI) Workplace Address: Lot 1, Block 8, Alogis Sto.
THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) expects more Filipinos to boost their retirement savings through the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) program following the passage of the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA) or Republic Act 12214.
One key provision of the CMEPA grants private employers a 50-percent additional tax deduction if their contributions to the retirement program equal or exceed their employees’ contributions.
Established under Republic Act 9505, PERA is a voluntary retirement savings program designed to supplement benefits from the Social
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippines will host the fourth round of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) in October 2025, as both parties aim to sustain momentum toward forging a modern and comprehensive trade deal.
The upcoming talks follow the third negotiating round held in Brussels, Belgium, on June 20, 2025.
Philippine chief negotiator Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty and his EU counterpart Dora Correia, a director at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Trade and Economic Security, led five days of discussions covering 19 key areas.
“The progress made so far is encouraging, and we look forward to launching market access negotiations in the next round. We are committed to concluding the FTA in a way that responds to today’s global trade realities and supports inclusive, sustainable growth,” Gepty said.
The FTA between the Philippines and the EU is the most comprehensive trade agreement the Philippines has pursued to date.
Aside from core topics like trade in goods, services and investment, the talks now include emerging areas such as government procurement, digital trade, energy and raw materials, and trade and sustainable development.
In 2024, total trade between the Philippines and the EU reached $15.5 billion, with the EU accounting for 7.7 percent of the Philippines’ global trade. Exports to the EU stood at $8.1 billion, while imports totaled $7.5 billion.
Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and employer-sponsored plans. The program offers tax advantages not found in other retirement investment products.
“The CMEPA strengthens the role of PERA by offering stronger incentives for long-term savings,” SEC chairman Francis Lim said.
“It encourages companies to support their employees’ retirement planning while simultaneously increasing the capital available in the financial system, stimulating the local stock market,” he said. The SEC also commended the Marcos administration for enacting the
law, which additionally lowers taxes on several capital market transactions.
“At its core, CMEPA is designed to align the Philippine capital markets more closely with regional peers by removing long-standing barriers to investor participation,” Lim said.
“This supports the commission’s mission to continue introducing reforms that will increase the local market’s competitiveness. The strict implementation of provisions under CMEPA is key toward ensuring broader public participation in the capital market and fostering a deeper investment culture among Filipinos,” he said. Jenniffer B. Austria
By Jenniffer B. Austria
The bank said in a statement Monday it has poured P1.04 trillion into projects that support clean energy, infrastructure, water, transportation and community development.
Among the largest initiatives it funded is San Miguel Global Power’s battery energy storage system (BESS), described as one of the biggest of its kind in the world.
BDO served as the anchor lender for the project, which includes 32 BESS facilities across the country with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatt-hours. The system helps improve power quality and support renewable energy sources.
BDO also helped finance Citicore Renewable Energy Corp.’s Citicore Solar Batangas 1 project, the largest solar plant in Batangas.
The facility will generate 197 megawatts of power once it becomes fully operational, enough to power around 158,000 households a year.
The project also supports Citicore’s AgroSolar program, which allows farming and solar energy production
development
and
CREDIT rating agency Philippine Ratings Services Corp. (PhilRatings) said Monday it is closely monitoring Del Monte Philippines Inc. (DMPI) after its US affiliate Del Monte Foods Holdings Limited (DMFHL) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
PhilRatings said it is assessing DMPI, whose P645.9-million bonds are maturing in October 2025. These bonds currently hold a top credit rating of PRS Aaa with a stable outlook from PhilRatings.
Del Monte Pacific Limited (DMPL), the parent company, previously said the bankruptcy pertains only to DMFHL and would not affect DMPI, which remains operational and financially stable.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
FRESH River Lakes Corp. (FRLC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Gen Corp., said Monday it signed loan agreements with BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) for P15 billion.
First Gen said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Monday that FRLC, which owns and operates the 165-megawatt Casecnan hydroelectric power plant in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, signed loan agreements on July 18, 2025
The loan facilities will be used for FRLC’s general corporate requirements.
“At First Gen, we believe that hy-
droelectric power plays a major role in delivering reliable and compelling clean energy solutions to our customers. It is vital for the country’s energy security and decarbonization goals,” said First Gen chief financial officer Emmanuel Singson.
“This latest financing will further strengthen our ability to continue delivering a competitive and dependable portfolio of clean energy to the nation.
We deeply appreciate the continued trust and support of our partner banks BDO, BPI and RCBC,” said Singson.
First Gen, through FRLC, won the bid for the Casecnan hydropower plant with its $526-million offer in 2024, which was way above government’s minimum bid price.
DMPI settled P5.8 billion in obligations that matured on Oct. 30, 2023.
PhilRatings said it is actively assessing any developments within the Del Monte Group.
“PhilRatings has also reached out to its key officer contact in DMPI regarding the potential financial implications of these recent events on the company,” it said.
“The company has maintained/stated that the bankruptcy proceedings of DMFHL will not negatively impact DMPI’s operations, its relationships with local banks and access to financing,” it said.
DMPI and DMPL earlier clarified that neither has guaranteed any of DMFHL’s loans or those of its subsidiaries,
NRCE SPEAKER.
The Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) announces that Francis Flores, president and country chief executive of Pickup Coffee as one of this year’s featured speakers at the 31st National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) on July 31 to Aug. 1 at the SMX Convention Center. Since its launch in 2022, Pickup Coffee has rewritten the rules of café culture—scaling to over 300 stores nationwide in record time and becoming a standout success in the fast-growing takeout coffee market.
and therefore have no contingent liabilities tied to the U.S. business.
PhilRatings also noted that DMPI has shown strong recovery in recent months. In fiscal year 2024, the company’s net income dropped 30 percent to P2.6 billion, largely due to decreased US shipments and higher costs. However, in the first nine months of fiscal year 2025, net income surged 85.3 percent to P3.5 billion.
Full-year revenues for fiscal year 2025 rose 14 percent to P44.2 billion, driven by strong fresh and packaged pineapple exports. It reported a 40-percent increase in earnings before interest, taxes, and amortization (EBITDA) to P8.6 billion. Jenniffer B. Austria
to take place on the same land.
BDO was the largest lender in a P150-billion financing deal for MTerra Solar, billed as the world’s biggest integrated solar and battery storage project.
The project, located in a 3,500-hectare property between Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, is expected to generate 3,500 megawatts of solar power and 4,500 megawatt-hours of battery storage. It is projected to supply clean energy to about 2.4 million homes.
“Championing sustainable infrastructure is more than financing. It is about laying the groundwork for a sustainable and climate-resilient future,” said BDO executive vice president and head of institutional banking group Charles Rodriguez.
“At BDO, we take pride in partnering with companies that drive innovation, uplift communities and fuel national progress,” said Rodriguez. The bank also supports green buildings, rooftop solar installations and other infrastructure that helps reduce energy use and emissions.
Deadly Texas torrents expose critical issues in early warning
By Vibhu Mishra
THE deadly flash floods in central Texas that claimed more than 100 lives over the July Fourth weekend in the United States have underscored the devastating power of this fastonset hazard—and the critical challenge of ensuring early warnings reach vulnerable populations, even in the dead of night.
The UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that the tragedy highlights growing global challenges around extreme rainfall, warning dissemination and community preparedness.
Flash floods are the most lethal form of flooding, responsible for over 5,000 deaths annually and 85 percent of all flood-related fatalities worldwide, according to WMO data, and result in economic losses of more than $50 billion annually.
“Unlike slow-onset river floods,
THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called on local government units (LGUs) to take proactive measures in addressing flood risks amid climate change and the onset of the rainy season.
The DENR urged the LGUs to create a future that mitigates flooding risks and enhances overall community resilience.
The agency said assessing the causes of flooding must be rooted in science-based analysis, particularly in light of changing weather patterns influenced by climate change.
The DENR warning also comes in the heels of deadly flash floods in central Texas early this month that claimed more than
PH receives 2nd award for environment
THE importance of science-based, community-driven collaboration in improving people’s lives to boost climate resilience was highlighted in the recent GovMedia Awards 2025 in Singapore as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) bagged another award for Project TRANSFORM. Project TRANSFORM, or the Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilience and Environmental Sustainability through Multi-Stakeholder Engagement, clinched the Stakeholder Engagement of the Year Award for the Environment in the GovMedia Conference & Awards 2025 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center.
A flagship program of the DENR, Project TRANSFORM aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for a whole-of-society approach toward disaster and climate resilience through inclusive and sustainable ecosystems.
DENR Undersecretary Marilou Erni, overall lead of Project TRANSFORM said “Project TRANSFORM is more than a program―it is a paradigm shift.”
“It shows that resilience begins with partnership, thrives through science, and grows through community action,” she said.
Erni added that the program actively involves both public and private sectors to ensure sustainable climate investments with a positive and direct impact on the beneficiary communities.
Launched in 2023 after a multi-stakeholder consultation, Project TRANSFORM addresses environmental challenges at the community level.
Lead implementing partners include the Department of Interior and Local Government, National Resilience Council, First Philippine Holdings Corp., Philippine Business for Social Progress, Peace and Equity Foundation and Zuellig Family Foundation. DENR News
flash floods leave very limited time for reaction,” the agency said in a news release last week. “That makes accurate short-term forecasting and community preparedness essential.”
Overnight July 3 into July 4, torrential rains—up to 46 centimeters (about 18 inches) in a matter of hours—sent a wall of water surging through Kerr County’s Guadalupe River basin at around 4 a.m., catching many residents and vacationers off guard.
The US National Weather Service issued timely alerts—including a flash flood watch more than 12 hours in advance, upgraded to a flash flood emergency about three hours before impact.
The warnings were disseminated by Weather Radio, emergency management systems and television and radio stations, but many people, including hundreds of children at summer camps, were not reached in time. UN News
100 lives. The Texas calamity underscored the devastating power of the fast-onset hazard—and the critical challenge of ensuring early warnings reach vulnerable populations, even in the dead of night.(Read related story.)
The DENR noted that meteorological data over the past decade indicates a striking increase in rainfall volume, attributed to climate change. This noticeable shift in weather patterns has exacerbated the
challenges faced by urban areas like Metro Manila, where heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems and lead to significant flooding.
The DENR said it is crucial for LGUs to integrate comprehensive flood risk reduction programs into their design and solid waste management plans. By doing so, communities can better protect themselves from the adverse effects of increased rainfall.
Among the key strategies that the LGUs can undertake are:
—Improved drainage designs and incorporating modern drainage solutions that can handle increased rainfall volumes;
Solid waste management enhancement. Ensuring that waste management systems prevent
blockages in drainage systems, which can worsen flooding.
—Community engagement: Involving local communities in planning and implementing flood mitigation programs to raise awareness and promote resilience.
—Ecosystem restoration: Implementing green infrastructure and restoring natural water systems to absorb excess rainwater.
The DENR said it was essential amid the challenges posed by climate change to adapt urban planning strategies to safeguard communities.
It said it was committed to working hand-in-hand with local government units and the public to create a future that mitigates flooding risks and enhances overall community resilience. DENR News
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Undersecretary
Marilou Erni (second from right) leads the agency’s contingent in accepting recognition for Project TRANSFORM and BakaJUAN Mangrove Mapping Project during the GovMedia Conference & Awards 2025 in Singapore. With her are (from left) Jewel Labita and Simonette Lat of the DENR, and Chris Head, contributing editor for GovMedia. DENR Photo
Conclusion
It also helps those communities access the ravines by, for instance, subsidizing private events and providing translation at guided nature walks. The city also offers volunteering opportunities and incentives for tree-planting on private land. Under a reconciliation plan, the city is also drawing on the land stewardship skills of Indigenous Peoples. For instance, authorities are learning from Indigenous community members as they carry out traditional controlled burns to restore savanna ecosystems in the city’s High Park, say municipal officials.
Other role model cities in the Generation Restoration project include Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, and Glasgow, the third-biggest city in the United Kingdom. Montreal is carrying out 2020–2030 plans that focus on
Natural Resources Canada At an event in Montreal today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on ... In Glasgow, an emphasis on community engagement, including through schools, aims to foster greater awareness and pride in the city’s green spaces, including through treeplanting and maintenance drives, and more opportunities for
official from the Brazilian city of Manaus on how to keep newly planted street trees watered. “The pilot cities are doing some very innovative thinking,” she said. “It’s definitely not onedirectional and the lessons we are all learning can help us to make nature an integral part of the sustainable cities of the future.” UNEP News
TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
By Angelica Villanueva
COMEDIAN and box-office superstar Vice Ganda honored his deep connection with the Filipino masses as he accepted the Box Office Hero award during the 8th Entertainment Editors’ Choice (The EDDYS) held at Newport World Resorts on Sunday, July 20.
Dressed in a black ensemble, Vice personally received the gold trophy from Senator Mark Villar and Regal Entertainment producer Roselle Monteverde, who presented the award to him. The Box Office Hero award recognizes Vice for the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival’s top grosser, And The Breadwinner Is… During his speech, the “Unkabogable” star addressed long-standing criticisms of his work, calling out critics who dismiss his films as “slapstick,” “nonsense,” or “bakya.”
Maraming nagtatanong kung bakit lagi raw maraming nanonood ng pelikula ko… maraming nagtataas ng kilay, maraming nagku-question, bakit daw maraming nanonood ng pelikula ko?” said Vice. He directly addressed critics who accuse his movies of being shallow or low-brow.
Para sa ilang kritiko, para sa ilang mga feeling mas magagaling pa sa kritiko, sa mga uma-arteng kritiko, ang mga pelikula ko raw ay walang kwenta, walang katuturan, slapstick, katsipan, puro kabaklaan, puro kabaduyan, bakyang-bakya,” he continued. Despite these criticisms, Vice said his films have become a source of joy and escape for many ordinary Filipinos.
Bakit patuloy na pinipilahan ang mga pelikula ko? Dahil ang mga pelikula ko po, kahit hindi masyadong pumapasa o hindi pumapasa sa panlasa ng mga kritiko, ang pelikula ko ay nagsisilbing pangtakas ng napakaraming pangkaraniwang masang Pilipino,” Vice added. He emphasized how people still flock to cinemas to watch his movies, even as movie ticket prices continue to rise.
Maraming Pilipino na patuloy na pumupunta sa sinehan para silipin at panoorin ang pelikula ko at pagtawanan ako para kahit papaano makalimutan nila yung lungkot, makalimutan nila ang dami nilang problema, para kahit papaano makalimutan nilang malapit na silang mawalan ng pag-asa rito sa Pilipinas,” he stated.
“Ang hirap ng buhay nila, konti lang ang pera nila pero nanonood pa rin sila ng sine, lalong-lalo na ng pelikula ko. Kasi gusto nilang tumawa. Ayaw nilang magpakakritiko at masyadong mag-isip sa panonood ng pelikula. Gusto na lang nilang tumawa kasi ‘yun ang magpapatawid sa kanila para bukas buhay pa sila,” he added.
Vice also pointed out how his success transcends gendered expectations in entertainment awards. Suwerte ako sa mga award na walang gender. Box Office Hero, Phenomenal Box Office Superstar, Special Citation. ‘Yung mga walang gender, nanalo ako sa mga ganyan. Kaya maraming maraming salamat po,” he said.
Closing his speech, Vice paid tribute to the masses who have loyally supported him throughout his 17year career on television and film.
“Ako at ang masang Pilipino ay may relasyon. Kami ay nagkakaunawaan. Iisang wika o lengwahe ang sinasabi namin. Iisa ang trip namin. Ang relasyon ko sa masang Pilipino ay parang pangkaraniwang relasyon lang araw-araw. May love-hate relationship kami pero hindi kami nag-iiwanan [at] araw-araw nagmamahalan kami,” he explained. He also thanked The EDDYS, the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), Star Cinema, ABS-CBN,
THE 8th Entertainment Editors’ Choice
(The EDDYS) honored outstanding achievements in Philippine cinema on Sunday, July 20, with Green Bones emerging as the night’s top winner. The film earned five awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.
Zig Dulay received Best Director for helming Green Bones, while Dennis Trillo claimed Best Actor for his role in the same project. The movie also took Best Cinematography and shared Best Supporting Actor honors through Ruru Madrid who tied with Aga Muhlach for Uninvited
“I hope you’re all doing okay,” Dennis began his speech in Filipino, addressing the crowd who braved the storm to attend the event. “Thank you so much for valuing the work we’ve done. Thank you to everyone behind the scenes and to those who continue to buy movie tickets. Thank you to my family, who serve as my inspiration.”
Marian Rivera was awarded Best Actress for Balota Lorna Tolentino earned Best Supporting Actress for Espantaho, which also won Best Visual Effects.
“If I didn’t become an actress, I would’ve been a teacher. It’s my dream to be a teacher. While working on Balota, I had many realizations about my life. This is what my soul has been searching for—to do a film where I don’t have to worry about how I look. I just act based on the emotion and the scenes I need to portray,” Marian started her acceptance speech
in the vernacular.
“Teachers—how they put their lives on the line to guard the nation’s votes—that’s not an easy job. I share this award with all teachers, not just for what they do during elections but for their everyday dedication to teaching and their tireless role as second parents to their students,” she continued,
by Eliza Maturan, also from My Future You, received the award for Best Original Theme Song. Box Office Hero awards were presented to Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards (Hello, Love, Again), Vice Ganda (And The Bread Winner Is), Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia (Un/happy for You), Piolo Pascual and Vic Sotto (The Kingdom), and Green Bones stars Trillo and Madrid. The recognition goes to performers whose films grossed more than P100 million. Ogie Diaz was named this year’s Joe Quirino Award recipient. Veteran entertainment editor Crispina Belen was honored with the Manny Pichel Award. The Joe Quirino Award commemorates the legacy of the late columnist and TV host known for his prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, while the Manny Pichel Award is named after a respected broadsheet editor. RS Francisco received the Isah V. Red Award, which honors individuals who support and inspire underprivileged Filipinos.
The ceremony, hosted by Alexa Ilacad, Darren Espanto, Kaila Estrada, and Kyline Alcantara, was held at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City. Mr. Fu and Alexa Miro served as red carpet hosts.
Pop Diva Kuh Ledesma and OPM icon and singersongwriter Ice Seguerra also had special participation in the awards night, along with Jackie Lou Blanco, Arman Ferrer, Carla Guevara, and David Young A delayed telecast will air on Kapamilya Channel and Jeepney TV, with international streaming on iWantTFC starting July 27.
By Jasper Valdez
SEVEN celebrated figures in Philippine cinema were honored with the Movie Icon award at the 8th Entertainment Editors’ Choice (EDDYS) on Sunday night.
The EDDYS paid tribute to industry legends Laurice Guillen, Odette Khan, Perla Bautista, Pen Medina, Rosemarie Gil and Eddie Mesa, and National Artist Kidlat Tahimik who received the Movie Icon award for their body of work in Philippine cinema.
Guillen, who marks over five decades in the industry, reflected on her journey, saying, “More than 50 years ago, anyone entering this profession always had a connection with the press, now called media. After 50 years, we have become friends. That’s what happens in lasting relationships.” Khan spoke about the craft of acting, saying, “We worked hard to get where we are now—with our hearts and souls. It’s not easy to convince people to cry or to get angry.” Tahimik, regarded as the “Father of Philippine Independent Cinema,”
The event was presented by Playtime PH in partnership with Newport World Resorts and ABS-CBN. Co-presenters included Globe and Unilab. Additional support came from Senators Camille Villar, Mark Villar, and Chiz Escudero; Beautederm Corporation; Luxxe White; Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival; Kat Corpus; My Daily Collagen; and Brightlight Entertainment. The show was directed by Eric Quizon Vote verification was handled by Juancho Robles’s auditing firm, Chan Robles & Company, CPAs. The EDDYS is organized annually by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), a non-profit group composed of current and former entertainment editors from national newspapers, tabloids, and online platforms. For more information, follow The EDDYS on Facebook at The EDDYS (The Entertainment Editors’ Choice).
By Angelica Villanueva
FOR today’s digital-first audience, watching a show means engaging with emotion as much as with entertainment. That’s the core promise behind the return of iWant, ABS-CBN’s standalone streaming platform, which relaunched on July 9 with a fresh brand identity, new features, and a slate of emotionally charged originals.
With the theme “Unlock Your Feels,” the relaunch event held at the Dolphy Theater marked a new chapter in the company’s digital transformation, graced by ABSCBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, COO Cory Vidanes, and Chief Digital Officer Jamie Lopez, alongside creators, advertisers, and Kapamilya stars.
Yturralde, and Lance Reblando as well as Kapamilya stars Shanaia Gomez and Kaori Oinuma, who will headline the upcoming iWant Originals series.
Actor Donny Pangilinan also joined the event, along with acclaimed Filipino directors Ivan Payawal, Red Ollero, and Rodina Singh, as well as broadcast journalist Jeff Canoy, who shared their new and upcoming series that will be available exclusively on iWant.
The platform will continue to offer titles from ABS-CBN Studios as well as select shows and films from GMA (outside the Philippines), Regal Entertainment, Viva, and independent partners such as MavX, The Fat Kid Inside, Project 8, Nathan Studios, and Kinetec.
“We want viewers to feel seen, heard, and represented. The new slate reflects stories that are closer to home—raw, emotional, and real,” said Jamie Ortega, head of Digital Content.
“As your digital home, iWant is where the stories you love meet all the feels you live. A place where we welcome all storytellers and all types of storytelling, and where we will continue to be of service to the Filipino,” said Lopez. Originally launched in 2010 and later folded into iWantTFC in 2020, iWant now returns as a standalone platform for
ABS-CBN Chief Digital Officer says iWant aims to welcome all storytellers and types of storytelling
Philippine-based users. The service features a sleek new interface designed for smoother performance, sharper previews, and access across smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, desktops, and even via Chromecast and AirPlay. iWant head Jolly Estaris introduced the upgraded app to brand
collaborators and agency partners, emphasizing its enhanced speed and mobile-first viewing experience. One of the event’s highlights was the “Museum of Filipino Feels,” an interactive exhibit featuring iWant’s trending shows and most beloved titles. Among the upcoming exclusives are Ghosting starring Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra MMK Director’s Cut, and the BINI Docuseries, with BINI World Tour Stories set to premiere in September. Joining the event were the cast of Love at First Spike Emilio Daez, Reign Parani, Sean Tristan, River Joseph, Andi Abaya, Dylan
Shticks Joseph Peter Gonzales
AFTER the success of Mommy Dearest Camille Prats is stepping away from acting, at least for now.
In the hit GMA afternoon drama, Camille played Olive, her first-ever “contravida” role. As the show neared its finale, the actress took to social media to thank those who embraced her performance.
“As #MommyDearest reaches its finale week, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for embracing Olive,” she wrote. “When GMA offered me this role, it wasn’t a difficult decision to make.”
It was a refreshing change from the kindhearted protagonists she usually portrayed. “What I didn’t realize was how much I had been longing—as an actress—to take on a character different from the ones I usually portray. Playing Olive breathed new life into my passion for acting. I’m truly grateful to have explored this different side of my creativity.”
She also acknowledged director Gina Alajar for helping shape the character, and gave thanks to her co-stars Katrina Halili, Shayne Sava, Dion Ignacio, and Amy Austria. “To my co-actors—thank you for opening your hearts to me… I’ll always treasure our meaningful conversations during lunch breaks and waiting hours,” she added. Camille had warm words for the staff and crew as well. “Thank you for taking good care of us on the set, for all the understanding, and for the many laughs we’ve shared off-cam… It’s nice that food is our love language.”
In the same post, Camille announced that she is taking a break from doing TV series to focus on her family. “Turns out, I can’t divide my time—and while I deeply love what I do… I’m being called to be a wife and mom first,” she said. Camille and her husband, VJ Yambao, are parents to Nala and Nolan Camille also has a son, Nathan, with her late husband, Anthony Linsangan, while VJ has a child named Ice
* * *
ACROSS the Pacific, Eduard Bañez
is building a different kind of life— one that still celebrates creativity, but in new forms.
Eduard was part of Star Magic Batch 15, alongside Jessy Mendiola, Bela Padilla, and Megan Young. Now based in Los Angeles, he’s focused on tech, media, and community.
“Back then, I wanted to safeguard my future since I knew showbiz was not permanent,”
Eduard shared. He’s currently developing a dating app designed to foster deeper connections and launched a personal website, Spluk, where he collaborates with Filipino writer Chino Hansel Philyang.
Inspired by Sofronio Vasquez’s win on The Voice US, Eduard also plans to produce a concert that will showcase Filipino artists in LA. “Despite the fact that certain individuals in America do not welcome us, we will continue to create, innovate, and do good for the community.”
He has collaborated with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Sia, and Justin Bieber, hosted MTV Asia, and appeared on Nickelodeon.
While he hasn’t ruled out a return to showbiz, he’s clear about what he wants. “I’d love to
work on meaningful projects that tell stories about the Filipino experience,” he said. Two different paths— but both grounded in passion, purpose, and heart.
At only P35 per month, iWant is positioning itself as one of the most affordable streaming platforms in the country, tailored for audiences looking to laugh, cry, and connect in every viewing experience.
“This isn’t just about reviving a brand. It’s about reimagining how Filipino stories are told and felt in today’s digital world,” Lopez said.
films from the 2024 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will return to the big screen at the University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI) through “Choice Cuts: Panalong Film Festival Rewatch,” scheduled for July 30 to Aug. 1 and Aug. 6, 7, and 9.
‘Mommy Dearest’ star Camille Prats
The screening series will feature eight full-length films and 10 student shorts that highlight authentic Filipino stories, cultural identity, and diverse social
“As we gear up for next year’s festival, we’re giving another window for Puregold CinePanalo films,” said Ivy HayaganPiedad, Puregold senior marketing manager. “Good films are meant to be seen, and we want to give these alumni films the spotlight they deserve.”
Among the featured fulllength films are Under a Piaya by Kurt Soberano, which won Best Picture at the 2024 festival, and Pushcart Tales by Sigrid Bernardo, which earned the Best Director award. Other titles
include One Day League: Dead Mother, Dead All by Eugene Torres, A Lab Story by Carlo
,
the
Student shorts on the lineup tackle themes such as LGBTQ+ rights, mental health, indigenous culture, and Filipino identity. Works include Saan Ako Pinaglihi? by Rafaela Abucejo, Ka Benjie by Alexa Moneii Agaloos, Tiil ni Lola by Reutsche Colle Lima, and Text FIND DAD to 2366 by Kent Michael Cadungog The event is a collaboration between Puregold, EdukSine Studios, and the UPFI. EdukSine is a DOST-funded social enterprise that supports independent cinema and helped bring the rewatch event to life. Tickets are priced at
TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 combines fullscreen performance and FlexCam technology
By Nickie Wang
MODERN smartphones are built with tools that can help users manage work, stay connected, and handle daily routines more efficiently. With features like multitasking displays, hands-free cameras, and extended storage, devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Z7 Series are designed to support users who rely on their phones for both productivity and day-to-day convenience.
Smart Communications is now offering the Samsung Galaxy Z7 Series through pre-orders, giving customers a chance to elevate their mobile experience with exclusive perks and flexible plans.
From July 9 to 31, Smart subscribers can pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7, and Z Flip7 FE, which were recently introduced at the Galaxy Unpacked event in New York. The latest foldables feature enhanced displays, upgraded cameras, and
sleeker designs tailored to users who prioritize productivity and mobility. Smart is offering a free storage upgrade during the pre-order period: customers who choose the 256GB variant will automatically receive the 512GB model at no extra cost. Additional incentives include up to 50 percent off a Samsung Care+ subscription and a 30 percent discount on Galaxy Buds when ordered through Samsung’s official website.
Postpaid subscribers can pair the
a complimentary Smart Tag valued at P1,690. The Galaxy Z Fold7 512GB can be availed for a P71,200 downpayment and P1,200 monthly. The Galaxy Z Flip7 512GB comes at P43,000 down and P700 monthly,
A taste of Ipoh
Malaysia’s iconic coffee brand brews new flavors for Filipino coffee lovers
By Angelica Villanueva
Filipino coffee lovers got their first full taste of Malaysia’s iconic kopitiam culture as OldTown White Coffee officially launched in the Philippines with an immersive, five-day event that celebrated both tradition and flavor innovation.
Held on July 9, at Robinsons Magnolia, the showcase titled “Back to Where It All Began” re-created the experience of OldTown’s birthplace, Ipoh, through virtual reality tours, nostalgic street scenes, and interactive installations. More than just a product launch, the event offered a cultural deep dive into what makes OldTown’s creamy, full-bodied white coffee a household name across Asia.
“This brand was born from Ipoh’s humble kopitiam culture, and today we celebrate that heritage while unveiling new flavors. We believe our refreshed look and expanded range will delight anyone seeking a cup of rich, smooth, and creamy coffee,” said Jazmin Leong, country sales manager – Philippines of Jacobs
Douwe Egberts (JDE).
Guests moved through three main experiences: a VR cycling tour through Ipoh’s historic alleys, a walkthrough of mini shophouse replicas that traced the evolution of white coffee, and a 3-Bean Blend Tic-TacToe game introducing the Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica mix that defines OldTown’s signature taste. At the heart of the event were two new variants made specifically for the local market, the Salted Caramel Flavored White Coffee, offering buttery-sweet notes for indulgent drinkers, and 30 percent Less Sugar White Coffee, a smoother, less sweet option that doesn’t compromise on creaminess.
“It’s very important because OldTown, with its deep-rooted heritage from Ipoh, has always wanted to bring the product into more households across the world. Filipinos are very experiential when it comes to food and drink, and we believe that rich cultural experience will resonate,” Leong told Manila Standard Lifestyle
OldTown White Coffee was first introduced in 1999, modernizing the traditional Hainanese coffeeroasting method into convenient, instant blends. Today, it’s recognized in over 30 countries and continues to be anchored by its time-tested 3-bean formula.
While OldTown products have been available in major Philippine supermarkets since November 2024, the official launch signals a broader market push—backed by a newly announced exclusive distribution partnership with San Miguel Corporation.
“With San Miguel’s strong distribution network, we’re confident we can reach more Filipino consumers. They’ve been our longtime partner in coffee, and adding OldTown to their portfolio truly strengthens our reach,” Leong added.
Alongside the new flavor offerings, OldTown also reaffirmed its full product lineup for local consumers: the Classic White Coffee, prized for its rich aroma and smooth texture, and the Hazelnut Flavored White Coffee, a comforting blend of roasted nuttiness and signature creaminess.
Looking ahead, Leong said the team is actively developing more variants, potentially with local inspiration.
“We’re still working on our pipeline. While we can’t share specifics just yet, we’re excited to explore even more flavors that connect with local preferences,” she stated.
while the more affordable Flip7 FE 256GB is available for P36,400 and P500 monthly.
Smart also offers 0 percent interest installment plans and financing options via its billing service and partner loan providers, making the foldables more accessible.
The Galaxy Z Fold7 is Samsung’s thinnest and lightest Fold yet, featuring a large Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and the series’ first 200MP wide camera. Designed for
multitasking and
it transforms into a mini workstation when unfolded. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip7 provides full-screen performance in a compact form with an Infinite Flex Window. The Flip7 FE is a more affordable variant with a 6.7-inch main display and a 50MP FlexCam that allows hands-free shooting when folded.
Available in new colorways such as Blue Shadow, Jetblack, Silver Shadow, and Coralred, the Z7 Series offers storage capacities of up to 1TB for the Fold7 and up to 512GB for the Flip7.
All devices are 5G-ready and optimized for Smart’s high-speed network, ensuring fast downloads, smoother streaming, and low-latency gaming.
Smart subscribers can place their pre-orders through any Smart Store or online at smart.com.ph/ GalaxyZ7Series.
By Angelica Villanueva
AS PEOPLE crave connection as much as comfort food, Italianni’s brings both to the table with the launch of its new dine-in offerings. Whether it’s a weekday lunch with coworkers or a spontaneous weekend dinner with family, anyone has more reasons to satisfy their Italian cravings with its All Day Value Season 2 and Bistro To Share campaigns. Known for its Italian-American classics served in a warm, welcoming setting, Italianni’s continues its tradition of making gatherings more flavorful— and now, even more affordable. Whether you’re dining solo or bringing a small group, the brand’s new promos offer flexibility, taste, and generous portions that encourage conversation and connection. The All Day Value Season 2 menu is a well-balanced, three-part set meal that starts at just P385. Guests can choose one starter, one entrée, and one drink from a curated selection of crowd favorites. Starters include a mini Pizzetta Pepperoni, Pumpkin Soup, or a House Salad with either Italian Vinaigrette or Caesar Dressing (additional P75). The entrée options range from pasta dishes like Spaghetti Pesto and Penne Arrabiata to heartier plates such as Herb Chicken with Rice (+P150), Chicken Milanese (+P185), or Grilled Porkchop Au Poivre (+P185). For drinks, diners may enjoy Iced Tea, Dalandan Juice, or even opt for a Frozen Margarita (+P95) for a little treat. But Italianni’s isn’t just catering to
individual diners. With the new Bistro To Share offering, groups of three to four can now enjoy a feast starting at P1,495. This bundle is perfect for family lunches, casual dinners with friends, or even small celebrations. The format is simple and satisfying: one starter and three entrées selected from an upgraded menu that includes the likes of Italian Truffle Chips, Eggplant Parmigiana, and classic Caesar or Sicilian Salads. Main course choices span a range of comforting options—from pizzas like Quattro Formaggi, Honey Garlic Snowflakes, and Quattro Carne to pasta favorites like Baked Ziti and Shrimp & Basil Aglio Olio. Guests may also opt for protein-rich entrées such as Herb Roasted Chicken Half (+P180) or Parmesan-Crusted Fish Fillet to share (+P180), making each spread customizable to suit every appetite. Available all day, every day for dine-in customers, both offerings echo the brand’s catchphrase, “Amore di Merrier,” which means a celebration of togetherness, made even better with hearty food and familiar flavors. As an added delight, Italianni’s also now offers a selection of new breads available in select branches. Perfect for gifting or enjoying at home, these breads give guests a little more of Italianni’s to take with them—whether as a token of the meal they just shared or simply as another excuse to return. Both All Day Value and Bistro To Share promos are available all day, every day, for dine-in customers at participating Italianni’s branches nationwide.
