Manila Standard - 2025 July 23 - Wednesday

By Charles Dantes

‘Dante,’ 2 LPAs bring more rain

By Rio N. Araja, Charles Dantes, Rex Espiritu, Joel E. Zurbano and Othel Campos

THREE weather conditions—two low pressure areas and one LPA that has developed into Tropical Depression “Dante”—are threatening to dump even more rain in the country even as several areas are still reeling from the swathe of destruction caused by Severe Tropical Storm “Crising” and the southwest monsoon or habagat.

Malacañang ordered the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels in Metro Manila and 36 other areas today (Wednesday) amid continued heavy rainfall caused by “habagat,” which together with “Crising” has since affected over 1.2 million people.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said apart from Metro Manila,

By Charles Dantes

Sang-hwa announced yesterday.

2028,

The delivery is part of a USD 700 million agreement signed last month between the Philippine government and Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI), as Manila moves to strengthen its air defense capabilities.

“This additional purchase, the 12 FA-

50s, we believe will make a significant improvement also for the air force of the Philippines,” Lee said in a luncheon meeting with the press in Makati City. “The first batch will be delivered, we hope, before the end of the term of the Marcos administration.”

By Vince Lopez, Darwin Amojelar, and Vito Barcelo

By Rio N. Araja, Darwin G. Amojelar, and Alena Mae Flores

By Rex Espiritu

and

Barasoain

Manila. Bottom left photo shows residents bringing out a flood boat to ferry commuters along España Boulevard in Manila. Barasoain Church/Norman Cruz.

Freebies for telco users in 13 flood-stricken areas

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE country’s two largest mobile phone companies are offering free calls, texts, and data to customers in severely flooded areas to help them stay connected during the ongoing weather emergency.

Free calls, texts, and data are now available to subscribers in Angono, Bataan, Bulacan, Cainta, Las Piñas, Marikina, Mindoro, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Pasig, Tarlac, Taytay, and Zambales. PLDT and Smart said they will continue monitoring the situation and working with local authorities to provide support where needed.

“Staying connected is a lifeline in times like these,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman and chief executive of PLDT and Smart.

“We don’t hesitate to support our customers when it matters most. Our entire

Group is mobilizing to help as many Filipinos as we can,” he added.

Pangilinan, who is also president and CEO of Meralco, also directed the power company to deploy high-bed and amphibious trucks, motorized boats, and trained rescue teams in flooded areas.

Anastacio “Boy” Martirez, COO of Smart, emphasized the importance of rapid response: “We’ve activated free calls, texts, and data in affected areas so our customers can reach out for help or to their loved ones. Keeping our network up and our services available is our top priority.”

a medium chance of developing into another tropical depression that will be called “Emong.”

other areas covered by Memorandum Circular (MC) 90 are Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Palawan, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Laguna and Negros Occidental.

State weather bureau PAGASA said “Dante” is seen to reach tropical storm category today but is not expected to make landfall.

“Further intensification into a severe tropical storm remains less likely but is not ruled out…On the track forecast, Dante may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday or on Friday,’’ PAGASA said.

As for the two other LPAs, one is located east of southeast Basco which has

The other one is still outside the Philippine area of responsibility last seen east of Eastern Visayas, but also has a medium chance of becoming a cyclone that will then be named “Fabian.”

As this developed, the death toll from “Crising” and the “habagat” rose to six yesterday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

The latest fatality was recorded in Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan). Three of the previously reported deaths occurred in Northern Mindanao, while one death each was recorded in the Davao and Caraga regions.

Six individuals remain missing, and six others were reported injured.

A total of 1,266,322 people—or 362,465 families—have been affected by the inclement weather nationwide.

Infrastructure damage has been pegged at P413 million, including P299 million worth of destruction in the Ilocos Region and P112.8 million in Western Visayas.

Globe Telecom is also taking immediate steps to support affected communities through communication aid and relief assistance in the wake of Typhoon Crising.

“Filipinos in impacted areas can stay connected with loved ones through Globe’s emergency offers. In times like this, it’s critical that we help communities stay connected and feel supported,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

Globe Prepaid and TM customers will receive free unlimited calls and texts to all networks, 100MB of data for all apps, and an additional 100MB for Facebook, Viber, and more, valid for one day. Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi users in affected areas will receive 5GB of free open data for three days, while GFiber Prepaid users will get a three-day promo extension.

Damage to agriculture has been estimated at P134.66 million, including rice production loss at 3,412 metric tons.

A total of 6,377 farmers and fisherfolk have been affected while 8,035 hectares of agricultural land were impacted.

Of the agricultural land damaged, rice crops losses accounted for 90.51 percent of the total value loss, followed by corn at 3.96 percent and high-value crops (HVC) at 3.37 percent.

In Metro Manila, floodwaters driven by torrential rains ground life to a halt on Tuesday, with tens of thousands evacuated from their homes.

More than 23,000 people living along Marikina River were evacuated, sheltering in schools, village halls and covered courtyards.

About 44,000 more were evacuated in the cities of Quezon, Pasig and Caloocan.

An elderly woman and her driver were swept down a swollen creek as they attempted to cross a bridge in Caloocan, said John Paul Nietes, an emergency operations center assistant supervisor.

“Their car was recovered last night. The rescue operation is continuing, but as of today, they haven’t found either of

more to be protected as part of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).

Both Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have both identified China as a top threat, stated their commitment to the seven-decade treaty with the Philippines as they held separate meetings with Marcos on Monday.

“Together we remain committed to the Mutual Defense Treaty. And this pact extends to armed attacks on our armed forces, aircraft or public vessels, including our Coast Guard anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea,” Hegseth told Marcos.

Noting growing US defense spending, Hegseth said that the two countries “must forge a strong shield of real deterrence for peace, ensuring the long-term security and prosperity for our nations.”

“We do not seek confrontation, but we are and will be ready and resolute,” Hegseth said.

Marcos welcomed US support, noting the “changing political geopolitical forces and the political developments around our part of the world.”

China and the Philippines have engaged in a series of confrontations in the contested waters, which Beijing

claims almost entirely, despite an international ruling that the assertion has no legal basis.

Since his election in 2022, Marcos has boosted cooperation between the former US colony and the United States, both under Trump and his predecessor Joe Biden.

The Philippines and the US have ramped up military cooperation in recent years, holding large-scale joint exercises such as Balikatan, and expanding the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) to additional Philippine sites.

Marcos called the alliance with the US “a cornerstone” of the country’s national defense and credited recent joint exercises with improving interoperability not only with American forces but also with other regional partners such as Australia and Canada.

“It has been a good development,”

Mr. Marcos told Hegseth.

“And I thank you and the United States government and President Trump for the continuing support… in the face of the threats that our country is facing,” he added.

The meeting marks one of Mr. Marcos’ key engagements during his multi-day U.S. visit, which includes discussions on economic partnerships, regional security, and defense alignment with Washington. With AFP

them,” he said. “The car window was broken, so the hope is that they were able to escape.”

More than 167,000 Meralco customers were likewise affected by power interruptions due to the onslaught of the “habagat.”

Meralco said around 101,676 of the affected customers were from Metro Manila, while the rest were from Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Batangas and Quezon.

“We ask our customers for patience and understanding as heavy floods have triggered disruptions in power services. Rest assured that the safety of our customers and line crews is our top priority and we will immediately restore power in the affected areas once the floodwaters recede and it is safe to do so,” Meralco vice president Joe Zaldarriaga said.

At least 20 storms or typhoons strike or come near the Philippines each year, with the country’s poorest regions typically the hardest hit.

Deadly and destructive storms are becoming more powerful as the world gets warmer because of climate change.

With AFP

to help a combination of both defense and economic cooperation between the Philippines and the United States,” Romualdez said.

Earlier, it was reported that U.S. lawmakers were exploring the possibility of establishing a joint ammunition manufacturing facility in Subic Bay.

In a report dated June 16, the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations directed the U.S. Department of Defense to assess the feasibility of establishing a joint ammunition manufacturing and storage facility in the area. The facility would enable the forward staging of ammunition stockpiles and related materials such as nitrocellulose, nitroglycerin, and acid.

Vice President Sara Duterte, however, criticized the envoy’s statement that the Philippines is open to producing ammunition in the country to enhance defense ties with the United States. Duterte, currently in The Hague, Netherlands, to visit her detained father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, said the move would undermine the country’s independent foreign policy.

that government personnel were installing SONA-related materials in public areas while many communities remain inundated due to heavy flooding.

He pointed out that Mr. Marcos was “dismayed” over the situation and redirect efforts at providing relief for flood-affected communities.

“All SONA-related preparations are hereby ordered immediately suspended,” Bersamin said.

“The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), along with all concerned agencies, must put full attention and exclusive focus on flood response and relief operations,” he added.

The President tapped the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to lead evacuation operations, distribute relief goods, and coordinate with local government units to set up temporary shelters.

The comprehensive package includes mission equipment, integrated logistics support, and a training and logistics information system.

showing their guilt” of possible grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and violation of reasonable office rules and regulations over the P1.- billion stock purchase from Alterenergy. Despite the order being executory, the Ombudsman ruled that Veloso and the six other officials can still file an appeal on their suspension.

As this developed, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Board of Trustees on Tuesday said that all services and programs remain uninterrupted, despite the preventive suspension of several officials by the

business community to speak out on the issue of online gambling which continues to attract the youth especially the students who are increasingly engaged in gambling through their mobile devices.

In a related development, Meta took down the Facebook pages of at least 20 influencers promoting illegal online gambling, upon a joint request from the

Office of the Ombudsman.

In a statement, GSIS said its board has acted promptly to ensure business-as-usual across all services and core operations.

“All programs, member transactions, and benefits delivery remain fully operational and uninterrupted,” GSIS said.

In line with established governance protocols, the Board designated Juliet M. Bautista, executive vice president for Support Services, as Officer-inCharge (OIC) of the GSIS during a special board meeting on Monday.

Bautista will temporarily assume the responsibilities of president and general manager to provide steady leadership and assure continued service to all members and pensioners.

Its delivery will be carried out in phases over the next five years, with full completion targeted by 2030.

Defense cooperation between South Korea and the Philippines continues to deepen, following the elevation of their relationship to a “strategic partnership” in October 2024.

The Korea-made combat jet represents the latest evolution of the FA-50 platform, featuring advanced avionics, modern radar systems, and extended operational range.

In addition to the acquisition of 12

Philippine government and a network of digital advocates, to the delight of Senator Joel Villanueva, author of Senate Bill No. 47 or the Anti-Online Gambling Act, which seeks to prohibit all forms of online gambling operations in the country.

In a statement, Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said they have received credible information pointing to two groups that allegedly tried to interfere with their inquiry.

“I found both approaches insulting. I

In its resolution, the Ombudsman said: “The [Ombudsman’s Results of Investigation] expounded that the provisions [of the GSIS Investment Policy Guidelines] were contravened by the respondents because: the Perpetual Preferred Shares were not listed with the PSE (Philippine Stock Exchange) on the dates of the execution of the agreement and the payment of the subscription, the investment was noncompliant with the Minimum Market Capitalization and exceeded the Free Float Market Capitalization Cap.”

new FA-50 Block 70 combat jets, the Philippines recently received the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), a guidedmissile frigate built by South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries.

“As fellow maritime nations, we share an abiding interest in maintaining peace and stability, as well as upholding a rules-based order in the South China Sea and beyond,” he said.

will decide on these cases based on the evidence at hand, based on our investigations, and ever mindful of due process to all concerned. We will be fair. We will dispose of this case without fear or favor,” Calinisan stressed.

He maintained that the Napolcom “will not be deterred by external pressures and will allow the evidence to speak for itself.”

Calinisan encouraged people with relevant information to “come forward and assist in ensuring that justice is served.”

The GSIS executives allegedly purchased the preferred shares without the necessary endorsement from the Assets and Liabilities Committee and Risk Oversight Committee for the approval of the Board of Trustees.

“Their continued stay in office may prejudice the investigation of the case filed against them. [The suspension order is being issued] in order to preserve documents and evidence pertaining to this case which they have control and custody; and in order to avoid respondents’ commission of further malfeasance and/or misfeasance in office,” the Ombudsman said. Meanwhile, renewable energy developer Alternergy Holdings Corporation said its P1.45 billion transaction with Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) was fully documented, transparent and above board.

Iin a statement, Alternergy said GSIS will yield 56 percent rate of return, or

“Our Constitution states that we must have an independent foreign policy. If what the government is doing is only for the benefit of another country, that means we no longer have a truly independent policy,” Duterte said in an interview on Monday.

“So I should not be the only one opposing this plan. All Filipinos should oppose it because our actions must serve the interest of our country—not of others,” she added.

Napolcom’s Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) is currently evaluating the counter-affidavits submitted by the 12 active members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in response to the administrative complaints lodged by a whistleblower identified as alias Totoy.

“This investigation is being handled with the highest degree of integrity. We owe that to the families of the missing individuals and to the Filipino people,” Calinisan said.

P826 million profit, on its P1.45 billion investment in the company.

It said GSIS’ investment supports acceleration of Alternergy’s Green Energy Auction Program 2 awarded projects and government’s goal of energy transition.

It reiterated its unwavering commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and accountability in all its transactions, including the investment by the GSIS.

“We are confident that all our actions adhere to the highest standards of governance,” said Gerry Magbanua, Alternergy president. “Maintaining stakeholder trust is at the core of everything we do.” He added that Alternergy stands ready to cooperate with any official review.

MMDA eases

NCAP rules amid inclement weather

By Charles Dantes

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday assured the public that the No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP) is being implemented with flexibility during periods of severe weather.

MMDA Chairman Don Artes clarified that while NCAP is not officially suspended, violations recorded in flood-affected areas are generally not enforced due to manual validation.

“During this period, while we don’t completely halt NCAP, we perform manual checks. Almost all potential violations, particularly in flooded areas where signs are obscured, are dismissed,” Artes said during a briefing.

He added that motorists will not be penalized in areas where traffic signs are blocked or traffic lights are damaged due to heavy rains.

However, reckless driving captured clearly on CCTV will still be enforced on a case-by-case basis.

“For example, earlier there was a clearly reckless incident caught on CCTV. Situations like those are handled separately,” he said.

Artes also confirmed that the MMDA has suspended the number coding scheme since Monday in light of the ongoing inclement weather.

Herbosa leads health check in

Marikina City

By Ram Superable

HEALTH Secretary Ted Herbosa on Tuesday visited evacuation centers in Marikina City to assess conditions and ensure health services were operating efficiently amid continued monsoon rains.

“Every year we experience flooding, so every year we prepare for it,” Herbosa said during the visit.

He inspected the Nangka Elementary School evacuation site, where Department of Health (DOH) personnel distributed essential medicines and supplies, including maintenance drugs for diabetes and hypertension, doxycycline, antibiotics, cough medicines, vitamins, first-aid kits, and face masks.

In a separate advisory, the DOH warned of electrocution risks during floods, particularly from submerged electrical outlets and appliances. The agency urged residents to turn off the main power switch during heavy flooding and avoid wading through water.

Electric shock can result in serious complications such as cardiac or respiratory arrest, organ damage, and severe burns. The DOH also encouraged residents to stay alert to official weather warnings and prepare emergency “Go Bags” for quick evacuation.

As of 8:00 a.m., PAGASA issued a red rainfall warning over Metro Manila, Bataan, and several parts of Cavite, warning of more than 30 millimeters of rain within three hours—posing flood risks, especially in lowlying areas.

Brawner: EDCA sites as humanitarian hubs

By Rex Espiritu

THE Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites with the United States will now serve as relief hubs in response to the effects of Tropical Cyclone Crising and the southwest monsoon.

During a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Armed Forces spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla announced that AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. had directed the activation of EDCA sites as forward operating hubs to support humanitarian aid operations.

“I have ordered our Unified Commands and Major Services to activate these sites as primary hubs for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations,” Brawner said in a statement read by Padilla.

“This activation includes the strategic prepositioning of our rescue assets and the consolidation of relief goods,

FOR EATING. Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos joins a fish sampling activity to show that fish from Taal Lake is safe for eating. According to BFAR Region IV-A Director Sammy Malvas, the initiative aims to restore public confidence in the lake’s fish supply.

which we are undertaking in close partnership with the DSWD to ensure a synchronized, whole-of-nation effort,” he added. Brawner’s order followed direct instruction from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. He emphasized that the EDCA sites would help speed up the delivery of assistance to affected communities.

The AFP is closely coordinating with the US Indo-Pacific Command to use EDCA sites for relief operations. Brawner said this collaboration ensures “seamless interoperability” and effective use of transportation

and airlift assets.

“The AFP is leveraging every available advantage—including our strong alliances and strategic infrastructure—to fulfill our mandate to serve and protect the people,” he said. “The use of EDCA sites is not just a logistical decision; it is a commitment to bring aid and comfort with speed and efficiency.”

Padilla clarified that the Philippines does not need U.S. approval to use the EDCA sites for domestic disaster relief.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), six people died due to the combined effects of Tropical Storm Crising, the southwest monsoon, and a low pressure area. Over 1.26 million people were affected in all regions except Eastern Visayas.

As of July 21, the AFP had deployed 33 disaster response and search-andrescue teams, comprising 316 personnel. More than 12,900 troops are on standby, supported by hundreds of land, sea, and air assets nationwide.

Hot meals for flood-hit city residents

By Maricel V. Cruz

LEYTE Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and the Tingog Party-list have mobilized hot meal distribution and launched relief efforts for families affected by severe flooding in Metro Manila.

The relief drive was in response to days of heavy monsoon rains worsened by Typhoon Crising, which caused the Marikina River to swell and prompted evacuations in low-lying areas.

In Barangay Malanday, Marikina City, 989 families—or around 2,400 individuals—were evacuated. Tingog volunteers served hot chicken soup to evacuees in coordination with local partners.

“Hunger is the main concern right now. That’s why we expedited the delivery of hot meals, and this is just the

beginning. We’ll conduct more relief missions in the coming days,” said Romualdez, the Speaker of the 19th Congress.

In Quezon City, 766 families sought shelter at Bagong Silangan Elementary School. Romualdez’s office worked with Tingog, Rep. Ralph Tulfo, and Barangay Councilor Jun Quizon to distribute hot meals Monday night.

In Manila, simultaneous flooding and a fire affected 120 families in Barangay 420, Nagtahan. Tingog provided hot rice porridge with the help of Rep. Giselle Maceda and Barangay Secretary Nimfa Domingo. The relief teams were deployed swiftly following alerts from barangay officials and in coordination with the district offices of Reps. Teodoro, Tulfo, and Maceda.

IN BRIEF

WPS troops safe despite rough seas, says Navy

THE Philippine Navy on Tuesday assured the public that troops stationed on nine features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) remain safe despite ongoing rough sea conditions caused by weather disturbances.

“Yes, in our latest communication with our troops deployed in our nine features, they are fine,” said Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad.

The troops include personnel stationed on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, one of the country’s key maritime outposts in the WPS. Trinidad said military units had sufficient supplies, thanks to a successful rotation and resupply mission conducted on June 20.

“The sea has been rough. The winds have been above normal. But the overall condition of the troops, including those on BRP Sierra Madre, is safe and secure,” he added. Rex Espiritu

Estrada measure pushes creation of disaster agency

SENATE President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said Tuesday he will introduce two key measures to boost disaster preparedness, following the approval of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act.

“These two proposed laws aim to address the gaps that often lead to avoidable loss of lives, hunger, and delayed recovery,” Estrada said. “Disaster resilience begins long before the typhoon hits or the ground shakes.”

One measure calls for the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), which would oversee risk reduction, emergency response, and recovery from both natural and biological hazards.

The second is the re-filing of the Disaster Food Bank and Stockpile Act, which mandates the establishment of relief supply warehouses in every province and highly urbanized city. Ram Superable

Man attending wake in Manila stabbed dead

A MAN attending a neighbor’s wake in San Andres Bukid, Manila, was fatally stabbed following an argument with another mourner early Tuesday morning.

The victim, aged 57 and a resident of Estrada Street, was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from multiple stab wounds.

The suspect, identified only as “Jeff,” 27, of Radium Street in the same barangay, fled the scene and remains at large.

According to PSMS Jason Ibasco of the Manila Police District’s homicide section, the incident occurred at 1:50 a.m. at the corner of Sagrada Familia and Granate Streets. Police said the argument began after the victim joined a game of cara y cruz while the suspect was drinking. The verbal spat escalated into a fistfight,

MODERN METHODS. Lettuce and tomato farmers in Barangay Santa Barbara, San Rafael, Bulacan use advanced farming techniques to ensure high-

yield and profitable harvests. Revoli Cortez

FOOD FOR EVACUEES. Staff and volunteers from the Office of the Speaker and Tingog Party-list serve porridge to evacuees on Monday in coordination with local partners in Barangay 420, Zone 43, Sampaloc, Manila; Bagong Silangan Elementary School, Quezon City; Barangay 348, Zone 35, Sta. Cruz, Manila; and Barangay Malanday, Marikina City. Ver Noveno

SIT TIGHT, CASH AID IS COMING. More than 3,000 farmers (some of them in this photo) hard-hit by the heavy rains in Maguindanao received P5,000 each in financial assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform. Nash B. Maulana

IN BRIEF

3,100 Maguindanao farmers get P5-k aid

THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) has extended financial aid to farmers affected by the incessant rains in Maguindanao.

MAFAR Maguindanao director Ronjamin Maulana said a P 5,000- package of financial assistance in cash was released to 3,100 farmers last week.

Meanwhile, tropical storm Crising caused massive flash floods inundating agricultural lands Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and in Bangsamoro areas.

Nash B. Maulana

DPWH hastens Davao City bypass project

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) speeds up construction of the 45.5-kilometer Davao City Bypass Project with excavation of the south-bound tunnel nearing breakthrough phase.

In a report to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Undersecretary Emil Sadain said while the 2.3-kilometer north-bound tunnel continues to undergo technical refinements, the parallel southbound tunnel is now only about 32 meters away from target, expected to be reached by the 3rd quarter of 2025.

The refinements were being implemented by the Shimizu–Ulticon–Takenaka Joint Venture, in response to evolving ground conditions.

“These intensified measures are designed to ensure ground stability, construction safety, and overall project resilience,” Sadain said.

Quirino town opens new road to traffic

NAGTIPUNAN, Quirino— Mayor Noel Lim and Vice Mayor Arnel Fiesta led the opening of a concrete road project here seen to substantially boost mobility and economic growth of the town.

Construction of the project was carried out through the local government unit with funding support of OceanaGold Philippines, Inc.

“This project embodies our commitment to progress and unity, and we are proud to bring this vision to life. This is not just about paving roads; it is about paving the way for a brighter future for every Nagtipunero,” Lim said.

“We envision improved connectivity, enhanced safety, and boosted economic opportunities for our Residents,” he added. Jessica M. Bacud

House allots P360-m AKAP funds, aids for typhoon, flood-hit areas

By Maricel V. Cruz

SOME ₱360 million in Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) funds, along with family food packs and other relief items have been allocated for immediate distribution to 36 congressional districts severely affected by typhoon Crising and the intensified southwest monsoon or habagat.

The AKAP and relief assistance, facilitated through the office of Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, in coordination with the Tingog party-list, will be released by the Department of Social Welfare and De -

Debates heat up on Padilla bill on young offenders

SENATOR Robinhood Padilla’s bill lowering the age of juvenile criminals from 15 to 10 years old has ran into a storm of protests from various sectors, including legislators and human rights and children’s welfare advocates.

The Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) denounced Padilla’s measure as a “dangerous rollback of child protection laws.”

Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co called the proposed law a “harsh and biased approach to juvenile justice,” assailing the assumption that children commit murder because they are immune from imprisonment.

Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno likewise rejected the proposal, saying the belief that children escape accountability under current laws is “unfounded.”

Former senator-now party-list Rep. Leila de Lima echoed earlier these concerns, saying the bill represents a failure of compassion and a misunderstanding of the justice system’s true purpose.

However, Padilla defended his bill, arguing that while children are not inherently criminals, those who commit brutal offenses should no longer be treated as if they are incapable of accountability.

velopment (DSWD) under Secretary Rex Gatchalian. Each congressional district will receive ₱10 million in direct financial aid intended for residents displaced by the floods and other storm-related

emergencies.

“This is just the beginning of our coordinated disaster response. This aid goes a long way and this is not the end. The important thing is for the people to feel the immediate assistance extended by the Marcos administration,” Romualdez said.

In addition to the financial aid, relief packs have been readied for mass distribution, including servings of Tingog hot meals for evacuees currently housed in schools, covered courts, and other temporary shelters.

“We want to convey to every affected Filipino family that in times of calamity, the government of President Marcos is here to help. All of these are

‘25 Shari’ah bar exams results out today

By Pot Chavez

THE Supreme Court (SC), through the Office of the 2025 Shari’ah Special Bar chairperson, is set to release today (July 23) results of the 2025 Shari’ah Special Bar Examinations (SSBE).

SC Associate Justice Antonio Kho, Jr., 2025 SSBE chairperson, will present the results, and provide examination statistics, along with key announcements.

In an advisory by Kho’s office, the results will be announced at 1:00 p.m. at the en banc session hall, SC main building in Manila. Meanwhile, the oath taking and roll signing ceremonies for the successful examinees swill be held August 6 at The Manila Hotel in Manila. The public is reminded that the

only accurate and reliable sources of information regarding the 2025 SSBE are those published in official platforms of the SC. The release of the results originally scheduled on Tuesday was withheld due to the work suspension due to bad weather.

This year, 629 law graduates took the two-day examinations in four local testing centers in a precedentsetting fully-digitalized Shari’ah bar examinations. The tests also featured a software to translate English questions to Arabic and Arabic answers to English.

The SSBE subjects included Jurisprudence (Fiqh), Customary Laws (Adat), Persons, Family Relations, and Property; Succession, Wills/Adjudication; Settlement of Estates; and Procedure of Shari’ah Courts.

reminders that you are not alone. We are with you every step of the way,” the lawmaker said in Filipino.

The 36 congressional districts set to benefit from the ₱360 million AKAP fund and related relief efforts included those represented by Reps. Bienvenido Abante Jr., Tobias Tiangco, Dennis Almario, Dean Asistio, Arjo Atayde, Jorge Daniel Bocobo, Antonino Calixto, Joel Chua, Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar, Ricardo Cruz Jr., Ernesto Dionisio Jr., Edgar Erice, Jaime Fresnedi, Gerald Galang, Kenneth Gatchalian, Alexandria Gonzales, Monique Lagdameo, Giselle Maceda, Oscar Malapitan, Eric Olivarez, and Antolin Oreta III.

Health experts: Type 2 diabetes kills but curable

By Ram Superable

THE incidence of Type 2 diabetes has been mounting to become the fifth cause of mortality in the country, medical experts said.

Dr. Gian Tenorio, medical head of Sanofi Philippines, noted that fear and misinformation were largely the reason why diabetes had remained unchecked among Filipinos.

“Effective diabetes care begins with the right information. Your doctor is the best source for medical advice, as it is personalized based on your condition,” Tenorio stressed.

He added that lack of knowledge on the disease prompted the patients to procrastinate or avoid treatment, although effective treatment were readily available.

He also pointed out that common misconceptions such as the belief that insulin is a last resort or a sign of failure discourage patients from taking the right moves to address their health problem.

Health officials projected that by 2045, as many as 7.5 million Filipinos could be inflicted with diabetes, a condition that is often preventable and highly manageable when addressed early.

Type 2 diabetes is typically linked to lifestyle factors like poor diet, obesity, and physical inactivity, but usually manageable through proper nutrition, exercise, and oral medication.

When preventive measures do not suffice, doctors may recommend insulin or other therapies to stabilize blood sugar and prevent complications.

“When patients understand their condition and the treatment options available to them, it helps them become more open to making informed decisions and more confident in following their doctor’s advice,” Tenorio said.

As the country marks Diabetes Awareness Week, health advocates call for renewed efforts to fight misinformation and equip patients with tools to take control of their health.

“Aside from your doctor, if you need educational materials on diabetes management, get these only from trusted, sciencebacked resources,” Tenorio advised.

LIGHT AT TUNNEL’S END. With stepped up construction activities, the Department of Public Works and Highways says it can already see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel in the making of the 45.5-kilometer Davao City

Bypass Construction Project with excavation of the southbound tunnel nearing its ‘breakthrough phase.’

NEW SCHOOL BUILDING. Nagtipunan Mayor Noel Lim and Vice Mayor Arnel Fiesta lead the turnover ceremony of the new Senior High School Building at Sangbay Integrated School in Quirino. Jessica M. Bacud

OPINION

19th Congress accomplishments

WITH Martin Romualdez at the helm, the House of Representatives under the 19th Congress from July 2022 to July 2025 racked up a remarkable record he described as marked by “decisive action, unwavering unity, and transformative legislation.”

Indeed, he emphasized the House prioritized “laws with courage, heart, and meaning” aligned with President Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda and the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.

The House leader pointed out the legislative output of the 19th Congress can be aptly considered “strategic shifts” rather than mere statutes, with the passage of various bills reflecting a strong commitment to economic recovery, inclusive development, and national security.

The House actually passed 40 out of 64 total priority bills under the legislative agenda of the Marcos Jr. administration. These consisted of 1,368 bills, including 166 Republic Acts (73 national, 93 local laws).

Among the key bills passed by the House were the Public-Private Partnership Code of the Philippines; the CREATE MORE Act, which enhances tax incentives for businesses; Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act; Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime Act; and Amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act. The reforms embodied in these laws are aimed at accelerating inclusive and sustained economic growth in the years ahead.

To promote investment and business development, lawmakers also passed several bills to liberalize the lease of private lands by foreign investors; reform Philippine capital markets; and amend the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease Act.

To strengthen education and develop the skills and capabilities of the Filipino workforce, the House passed the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program Act; Enterprise-Based Education and Training Framework Act; Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act; and The Tatak Pinoy Act which promotes Filipino-made products and innovations.

To protect the environment, lawmakers passed the bill imposing excise taxes on single-use plastics as well as the Waste-toEnergy Bill and the Department of Water Resources Act, among others.

To assert national sovereignty and strengthen maritime security, Congress also approved the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.

Apart from passing important bills, the 19th Congress also conducted hearings in aid of legislation through the Quad Committee composed of four panels on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts.

The Quad Committee held 15 marathon hearings between August 2024 and June 2025 to investigate alleged abuses tied to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, and related transnational crimes.

As a result of the Quad Committee

hearings, legislators drafted five major bills.

The Anti-Extrajudicial Killing Act (HB 10986) criminalizes state-sponsored killings and mandates independent investigations.

The Anti-Offshore Gaming Operations Act (HB 10987) bans POGOs and penalizes enablers of illegal gaming hubs, while the Civil Forfeiture Act (HB 11043) strengthens asset seizure from individuals linked to organized crime.

The Fraudulent Birth Certificate Cancellation Law (HB 11117) targets identity falsification used by foreign nationals in criminal enterprises, while the Espionage Law of 2024 (HB 10998), defines and penalizes acts of foreign espionage and infiltration.

A Social Weather Stations survey has revealed that 66 percent of Filipinos support the Vice President’s impeachment trial in the Senate

All these reflect the commitment of the 19th Congress to the rule of law and the accountability of public officials.

Yet another significant achievement of the 19th Congress was the House action on Feb. 5, 2025 to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte with support from 215 lawmakers, surpassing the Constitutional one-third threshold.

The impeachment complaint cited seven articles, including: culpable violation of the constitution; betrayal of public trust bribery and corruption; malversation of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds; alleged assassination plot against President Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez; involvement in extrajudicial killings; destabilization and obstruction of congressional investigations.

The Senate impeachment trial is expected to begin shortly after the formal opening of the 20th Congress on July 28.

This will be another milestone in our contemporary political history as it would underscore our adherence to honesty and integrity in the public service as well as commitment to justice and the rule of law as essential components of our democratic system.

A Social Weather Stations survey has in fact revealed that 66 percent of Filipinos support the Vice President’s impeachment trial in the Senate.

For Speaker Romualdez, the trial is all about “upholding the Constitution” and emphasizing transparency and accountability as hallmarks of good governance in this country. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Keep hoping, keep living

THESE past few weeks, I’ve been invited to several graduation ceremonies—mostly to give what they call an “inspirational message.” And every time I stand before those bright-eyed graduates in their togas and tassels, I can’t help but ask myself: Are my words really enough? Can anything I say measure up to what they’ve already accomplished, especially those who are the first in their family to ever finish college?

That’s not a small thing. That’s not just a personal achievement. That’s a breakthrough.

That’s their story being rewritten by courage, perseverance, and grit. And that alone inspires me more than any quote or speech I can ever deliver.

The word inspire actually comes from two Latin words—sperare, which means to hope, and spirare, which means to breathe or to live.

That’s why there’s a saying in Latin: Dum spiro spero—While I breathe, I hope. That’s the very heart of what it means to be alive: to keep hoping, and to keep living. And when I look at our young graduates, I see exactly that—hope and life, intertwined. You can see it in their eyes, in their laughter, in the way they walk up to that stage with a sense of pride and purpose. Their dreams are real. Their possibilities are endless.

Their energy is contagious. It’s as if they’re already reaching out toward tomorrow, believing with all their hearts that it’s theirs to shape.

But then, we also need to be honest. Look around and it’s not hard to see why hope sometimes feels like a fragile thing. The world can be overwhelming. Prices go up, jobs are scarce, poverty lingers, and many families continue to struggle just to get by.

For many young people, their dreams are not just challenged – they are delayed, postponed, or even forgotten altogether

For many young people, their dreams are not just challenged – they are delayed, postponed, or even forgotten altogether. Hope gives way to frustration. Life becomes less about meaning, and more about mere survival. And what we end up with is a tired and weary generation, caught in the constant tension of trying to survive while

EDITORIAL

Disaster leadership

ONCE again we were reminded how vicious weather conditions could get in the Philippines. The fact that this latest one which we felt beginning late last week only starts with the letter C – Crising – tells us there will be more to expect this year. Then again, the typhoons and all that they brought in previous years are in themselves horror stories.

It’s climate change, we say, repeating how global warming causes wilder, more erratic, and more frequent weather disturbances than those experienced by older generations.

It’s the Philippines’ location, we also say, pointing out how our archipelago is in an area always battered by disasters.

At the end of it all, we like adding that Filipinos are used to such devastation. People simply prepare for disasters every typhoon season, bundling up their things so they could easily bring them upstairs when the water rises, or having a go-bag ready so they could just grab them when it is time to go to the nearest evacuation center. For good measure, they just pray that it would not be as bad as previous ones they have overcome.

But the cycle restarts with each cam-

trying to succeed.

So how do we keep the fire of hope alive? What gives us reason to believe that things can still get better?

Our young remind us of three things –three gifts that they bring into this world: friendship, fortitude, and faith.

First, friendship. Not just the shallow kind where we click “like” or follow someone online. But real friendship—the kind that shows up, the kind that stays, the kind that says, I’ve got your back. Friendship is the foundation of empathy. It allows us to see beyond ourselves, to care about others’ joys and struggles as if they were our own.

And in a world that often feels disconnected, friendship reminds us that we belong to one another. It’s the glue that holds communities together. It’s what makes life worth sharing.

Second, fortitude. Our young have been through a lot—pandemics, typhoons, family struggles, academic pressures, and social expectations. But they didn’t just survive. They thrived.

paign and election season, when the summer sun is bearing down hard on all of us.

We have to stop letting our politicians get away with equating the future to their political future

The national and local governments have a major responsibility in ensuring that people do not live in places not naturally meant to be lived in. They must ensure that infrastructure projects the bid out and approve are technically sound and thus responsive to the peo-

They showed up to class, worked odd jobs, helped their families, and still managed to make it to graduation day.

Fortitude is that quiet courage to keep going, even when the odds are stacked against you. It’s not just about being strong—it’s about choosing to rise again and again, even when life keeps knocking you down. And our young know this by heart.

Third, and most important—faith. Faith in God, yes. But also faith in themselves. Faith that they are good, and that they can do good. Faith that their lives matter, that their dreams count, and that their small efforts can lead to something meaningful. But faith doesn’t stop with the self. It’s also the belief that others can be good too.

That our neighbor is capable of kindness.

ple’s needs. They have the obligation to disseminate science-backed information on which places are unsafe in the event of storms and flooding. They have the mandate to enable their people to know how best to protect themselves. Alas, disaster only becomes an opportunity for politicians to make a show of compassion in handing out goods to stricken communities, or go to the media to put themselves in a good light as they announce what they have done so far, as though their jobs did not demand it. There is no doubt that weather patterns will only become progressively worse in the years to come. Photo opportunities and an invocation of Filipinos’ resilience are no longer acceptable. We should demand from our leaders the sacrifice of working hard on longterm projects even as the results may be visible only when their terms ends. We have to stop letting our politicians get away with equating the future to their political future. We have to make our memory work longer and our hearts less forgiving. We may not be able to do anything about the weather patterns that batter us, or where our country is located, but we can certainly do better in making our leaders accountable for what happens – and what does not happen – before, during, and after disasters.

Keep breathing life into your dreams. Keep choosing to be kind, to be brave, to believe.

The world needs you—your vision, your energy, your heart. And in case no one has told you yet: you are exactly the kind of hope this world needs. Be better every day. Be the best in everything you do. And never forget—you don’t just carry your own dreams.

You carry the dreams of everyone who came before you, and you light the way for those who will come after.

While you breathe, hope. And while you hope, live.

That our leaders can choose integrity. That our communities can heal and rebuild. And that’s the kind of faith we need now more than ever—a faith that dares to believe in the goodness of people. Friendship, fortitude, and faith. These are not just nice words to say in a speech. They are choices we make. Ways to live. They are how we keep breathing when life gets hard. They are how we keep hoping when things seem hopeless. They are how we keep going—together. So to our young graduates, as you take your first steps into this bigger, messier, more complicated world—don’t stop hoping.

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format in traditional pen and ink with crosshatches and stippling tinted with colors. The scene is a cliff. At the edge of the cliff are senior citizens. One of them is confined to a gurney. Another is in a wheelchair. At the edge of the cliff is a vast abyss labeled ‘No Social Services.’ Next to the senior citizens is a field of barbed wire labeled ‘poverty of families.’

Iran won’t halt nuke enrichment

TEHRAN – Iran has no plans to abandon its nuclear program including uranium enrichment despite the “severe” damage caused by US strikes to its facilities, the country’s foreign minister said ahead of renewed talks with European powers.

Iran is scheduled to meet Britain, France and Germany in Istanbul on Friday, to discuss its nuclear programme, with Tehran accusing European powers of scuppering a landmark 2015 nuclear deal. The meeting will be the first since Iran’s 12-day war with Israel last month, during which the United States carried out strikes against Tehran’s nuclear facilities.

For now, enrichment “is stopped because, yes, damages are serious and severe,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier” on Monday.

“But obviously we cannot give up enrichment because it is an achievement of our own scientists,” he continued, calling it a source of “national pride”. US President Donald Trump responded to the comments on his platform Truth

Social, saying Washington would carry out strikes again “if necessary”.

The 2015 agreement, reached between Iran and UN Security Council permanent members Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, plus Germany, imposed curbs on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

However, it unraveled in 2018 when the United States, during Trump’s first term, unilaterally withdrew and reimposed sweeping sanctions.

Though Europe pledged continued support, a mechanism intended to offset US sanctions never effectively materialized, forcing many Western firms to exit Iran and deepening its economic crisis.

“Iran holds the European parties responsible for negligence in implement-

ing the agreement,” said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei ahead of Friday’s talks in Istanbul on the deal’s future.

Iran will also host a trilateral meeting Tuesday with Chinese and Russian representatives to discuss the nuclear issue and potential sanctions.

The Chinese foreign ministry said Beijing would “continue to play a constructive role in pushing relevant sides to restart dialogue and negotiations, and reach a solution that takes in account the legitimate concerns of all parties”.

In recent weeks, the three European powers have threatened to reimpose international sanctions on Tehran, accusing it of breaching its nuclear commitments. AFP

Jeju Air crash families decry gov’t report on pilot error

SEOUL – The families of victims of South Korea’s deadliest plane crash on home soil have denounced a government report which blamed the disaster on pilot error, a representative told AFP Tuesday.

The Boeing 737-800 was flying from Thailand to South Korea’s southwest on December 29 last year but ended up belly-landing at Muan airport and exploding in a fireball after slamming into a concrete barrier, killing 179 people.

South Korea’s land ministry told AFP it had planned to release the partial findings of the investigation into the crash at the weekend but called off a briefing and withheld the report after the families objected, claiming it could be misleading.

The report said a bird strike damaged the plane’s right engine but the pilot then mistakenly shut down the left engine instead, a representative for the families, who saw the report, told AFP.

The error resulted in a total power loss and a failure of the landing gear system, they said.

The pilot said: “Let’s shut down engine number 2 (the right engine),” but the flight data recorder showed that actually it was the left engine that was shut down, according to the report.

“No one has directly seen or heard the cockpit voice recorder or the flight data recorder,” Kim Youn-mi, a representative of the victims’ families, told AFP.

“We weren’t given any proper explanation about those things. We need to hear that to know. We have the right,” she added. AFP

5 dead, 25

missing in landslide, rains in Pakistan, China

KHAFLU, Pakistan – A landslide triggered by torrential monsoon rains swept away cars in mountainous northern Pakistan, killing at least three people, with more vehicles buried under the debris, officials said Tuesday.

In eastern China’s Shandong province, flash floods killed two people and left 10 missing on Tuesday, state media said. Flash floods, collapsed buildings and electrocutions have killed 221 people since the monsoon season arrived in late June with heavier rains that usual. More than eight vehicles were swept away on Monday when heavy rains triggered a landslide on a highway in Diamer district, Gilgit-Baltistan region, a senior police officer told AFP.

“Three dead bodies have been recovered and more than 15 are still missing,” said Abdul Hameed, the district police officer.

‘ILLEGAL FREEZE.’

A person dressed as Donald Trump interacts with a group of protestors outside of the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse on Monday (Tuesday Manila time) in Boston, Massachusetts. Lawyers for Harvard University argued in federal court that the federal government’s freeze of more than $2 billion in grants and contracts is illegal and should be reversed. AFP

No papers: Ghost lives of millions of Pakistanis

KARACHI, Pakistan – Ahmed Raza is invisible in the eyes of his government, unable to study or work because, like millions of other Pakistanis, he lacks identification papers.

In the South Asian nation of more than 240 million people, parents generally wait until a child begins school at the age of five to obtain a birth certificate, which is required for enrolment in most parts of Pakistan. Pakistan launched biometric identification cards in 2000 and registration is increasingly required in all aspects of formal life, especially in cities. In 2021, the National Database and

Registration Authority estimated that around 45 million people were not registered. They have declined to release updated figures or reply to AFP despite repeated requests.

Raza slipped through the cracks until the end of elementary school, but when his middle school requested documentation, his mother had no choice but to withdraw him.

“If I go looking for work, they ask for my ID card. Without it, they refuse to hire me,” said the 19-year-old in the megacity of Karachi, the southern economic capital.

He has already been arrested twice

for failing to present identification cards when stopped by police at checkpoints.

Raza’s mother Maryam Suleman, who is also unregistered, said she “didn’t understand the importance of having identity documents.”

“I had no idea I would face such difficulties later in life for not being registered,” the 55-year-old widow told AFP from the single room she and Raza share.

To register, Raza needs his mother’s or uncle’s documents -- an expensive and complex process at their age, often requiring a doctor, lawyer or a newspaper notice. AFP

WASHINGTON, dc – US aviation regulators said Monday (Tuesday Manila time) they are investigating a recent close call in which a passenger plane took emergency action to avoid a mid-air collision with a US military bomber. A Delta flight operated by SkyWest took off Friday from Minneapolis and was approaching the city of Minot, North Dakota when the pilot rapidly rerouted after seeing another aircraft nearing from the right.

“I don’t know how fast they were going, but they were a lot faster than us, I felt it was the safest thing to do to turn behind it,” the pilot told passengers, ac-

MILLIONS

UNREGISTERED. In this photograph taken on May 15, 2025, teacher Nazia Hussain (left, back) with her children and students pose for a photograph at a government school at Rajanpur district in southwestern Punjab province. Ahmed Raza is invisible in the eyes of his government, unable to study or work because, like millions of other Pakistanis, he lacks identification papers. In the South Asian nation of more than 240 million people, parents generally wait until a child begins school at the age of five to obtain a birth certificate, which is required for enrolment in most parts of Pakistan. AFP

Floods in the area have blocked major highways, damaged communication signals, 50 houses, four bridges, a hotel and a school.

The death toll includes “104 children and 40 women”, while more than 500 others have been injured, Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Agency said Tuesday. Up to 364 millimeters of rain lashed parts of the provincial capital Jinan between midnight and 5 am, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The downpours triggered flash floods in two villages in the town of Dawangzhuang, “destroying or damaging” 19 homes, CCTV said.

“At present, all-out efforts are being made to search for and recover the missing persons,” the broadcaster said. It added that authorities would “carry out post-disaster rescue and follow-up work in an orderly manner”. AFP

Bangladesh mourns 27 in deadliest jet crash

DHAKA – Families and teachers gathered Tuesday at a Bangladeshi school where a training fighter jet crashed, killing 25 children and two others in the country’s deadliest aviation accident in decades. Most of the victims were pupils who had just been let out of class when the Chinese-made F-7 BJI aircraft slammed into the Milestone School and College on Monday.

“So far, 27 people have died. Among them, 25 are children and one is a pilot,” said Sayedur Rahman from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, updating an earlier death toll of 20.

“Seventy-eight people are being treated in different hospitals,” added Rahman, special assistant to the ministry’s chief adviser. More than 170 people were injured in the crash, said the military which is investigating the cause.

The usually bustling school was eerily quiet on Tuesday morning, with classes cancelled. AFP

North Korea to build 5,000-ton destroyer

SEOUL – North Korea vowed to build an additional 5,000-ton destroyer for its navy, state media reported Tuesday, after the nuclear-armed country launched two similar vessels this year.

Leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to ramp up his country’s naval capacities, and presided over the April launch of the country’s first 5,000-ton destroyer-class naval ship, the Choe Hyon. South Korea’s military has said the ship could have been developed with Russian help, possibly in exchange for deploying thousands of troops to help Moscow fight in Ukraine.

Kim also presided over the botched launch of the destroyer Kang Kon in May, which was subsequently repaired and set afloat in June.

Workers at the Nampho Shipyard pledged Monday at a rally to complete the new warship by October 10 next year, according to Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency. AFP

Brazilian judge threatens Bolsonaro over speech

cording to recorded audio of the commercial pilot. “Sorry about the aggressive maneuver,” he said. “This is not normal at all.” The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that US officials are “investigating the event involving SkyWest Airlines Flight 3788 at Minot International Airport on Friday,

BRASILIA – A Brazilian Supreme Court judge has threatened former president Jair Bolsonaro with imprisonment, arguing that the sharing of a speech of his by online users was a “violation” of a social media ban, according to a document accessed by AFP on Monday (Tuesday Manila time). The far-right former president, who is accused of attempting a “coup” against his successor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, made a speech Monday that quickly went viral on social media. Bolsonaro did not post the speech from his own account, although his sons and political allies did so. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes -- with whom Bolsonaro has clashed often -- displayed posts from accounts on X, Instagram, and Facebook with videos, images, and text from Bolsonaro’s speech to journalists in Congress.

According to Moraes, the 70-year-old former president “delivered a speech to be shown on digital platforms.” AFP

McPherson notes PH U23 team’s growing confidence

By Peter Atencio

THE confidence of the Philippine Under 23 national men’s football team is growing.

Head coach Garrath McPherson said this after the squad made history on Monday, when it pulled off a 2-0 triumph over the Brunei U23 side in their final Group A match of the ASEAN U23 Championship Mandiri Cup.

“Momentum is crucial in tournament football, and we’ve successfully ridden the wave of emotions this past seven days. The team has grown in confidence with every game, winning tonight provides more confidence,” said McPherson.

McPherson talked about their latest win during a post-match press conference at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Wing forward Javier Mariona opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a well-taken penalty kick, for the Philippines.

It was awarded after Brunei’s Wafiq Danish fouled Jax Peña inside the box.

Following numerous on-target shots, the Philippines got its insurance goal in the 85th minute when Tuloy Foundation’s Harry Nunez skillfully converted a pass from Mariona.

“We have achieved all of this with only a one week training camp leading in, I am proud and happy for the players and staff. I trust the supporters back home are proud of the character and spirit of this group,” added McPherson

Nuñez was named Man of the Match.

The Philippines went on to finish second in Group A, with their second triumph in three matches. They are behind group winner Indonesia, which had a scoreless draw with Malaysia.

The Filipino booters now wait for the results of the final fixtures in Groups B and C as they have a strong chance of securing a historic first-ever semifinal appearance in the ASEAN U23 Championship.

Trump adds pressure on new stadium deal for NFL Commanders

WASHINGTON—A proposed new $3.7 billion stadium for the NFL Washington Commanders is under pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to scuttle the deal without a team nickname change.

The former Washington Redskins, who dropped the controversial nickname many saw as racist in 2020, adopted Washington Football Team before rebranding to the Commanders in 2022.

Trump said he wants to see the team restore the old nickname and called upon Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians to revert to their old nickname of Indians in weekend social media posts.

“I may put a restriction on them that if they don’t change the name back to the

Jockey

JOCKEY Mark Alvarez pulled off an amazing double victory over the weekend by steering Sherbet Fountain to the King’s Gold Cup crown and Morally to the Prince Cup Stakes title at the Metro Manila Turf Club (MMTCI) in Malvar, Batangas, on Sunday. Alvarez rode the undefeated Morally (Mo Town-Street rally by Hard Spun) to a race-clinching time of one minute and 23.60 seconds over 1,400 meters, beating Calculus, Anytime Anywhere and Tiz The Moon Rumored in the first of a three-leg series. He again rode four-year-old Sherbet Fountain to victory over imported horses Glenamoon, Xtra Extraordinary, Manila de Bay, Hey Joe Joe and Counter Attack with a one-minute and 9.40-second time over 1,200 meters.

Both winning horses are owned by Gabriel Gaerlan with ES Roxas and MA Alvarez as Morally and Sherbet Fountain’s trainers, respectively.

MMTCI chairman and president Atty. Narciso Morales and Miss Universe 2020 Rabiya Mateo awarded the trophies and prizes to the winners of the two-day racing

original ‘Washington Redskins,’ and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, ‘Washington Commanders,’ I won’t make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington,” Trump posted. Washington’s City Council is studying plans before voting on final approval for a deal struck by the club and Mayor Muriel Bowser to build a new 65,000seat domed venue on the site of RFK

Alvarez steers

Stadium, the club’s former home before it moved to the Maryland suburbs.

Asked Monday about Trump’s threat, Bowser said a name change by the club would not alter her support of the deal. Instead, she ripped the council for delays on approving the stadium deal that would rely on about $1.1 billion in taxpayer funds.

“What I’m concerned about is we haven’t done our part and so we need to complete our part so that the team can get to work so that local businesses can get hired so that we can start earning the tax revenue that will come when we deliver the Commanders’ stadium,” Bowser said.

Phil Mendelson, chair of the DC Council, said in a statement that Trump’s threat would not push the council’s timeline for considering all

aspects of the deal, including at a hearing next week.

“I am focused on getting the best deal for District taxpayers and getting the deal across the finish line,” he said. “I have heard from no -zero -- District residents complaining about the name change or saying this is an issue in connection with the stadium.”

The RFK Stadium site for the pro posed new stadium is on federal land but US lawmakers gave control of the site to the city last year. Trump, who said the team would be more valuable by reverting to its prior nickname, could impact the deal through US federal committees that approve DC construction projects. AFP

Sherbet Fountain, Morally to wins at Metro Manila Turf Club

events shattered all industry sales records for previous stakes races.

“I’m very much thankful to the principal sponsor, Mr. Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corp., for supporting this king of sports which contributes greatly to the coffers of the government by way of income taxes from our company,” Morales said.

“We expect the second and third legs of the series to be more exciting and thrilling with the arrival of

NBA’s Clippers reach 1-year deal with Paul

LOS ANGELES—Chris Paul, a 40-year-old guard and 12-time NBA All-Star, has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to multiple reports on Monday.

Paul returns to a club where he enjoyed some of his best campaigns from 2011-2017 for his 21st and possibly final season, ESPN and The Athletic reported.

The deal, worth $3.6 million, would allow Paul to be near his family in Los Angeles and give him a final chance at an NBA title.

The Clippers have added guard Bradley Beal and center Brook Lopez while resigning guard James Harden and together with Kawhi Leonard could make the club a formidable Western Conference squad.

In the past 10 seasons, the Clippers have gone past the first round of the playoffs twice, reaching the conference finals for the first time in club history in 2021 before falling to Phoenix.

Paul ranks second on the NBA all-time assists

CTSI Valley Golf Challenge reset due to bad weather

more than a hundred imported racehorses all champions from different countries” , he said.

“This will boost the market of our horseracing industry, improve the breeding through known international bloodlines and pedigrees,” added Morales as he made special mention to the field that included top imported racehorses from Kentucky, USA, Europe, Australia and Singapore. The second leg is set August 15 and the third and final leg on September 19 also at the Metro Manila Turf Club. The stakes races are among the most profitable in the country’s history with a guaranteed prize pool of ₱11 million and ₱5.5 million for the Prince Cup and King’s Gold Stakes with the winning horse and owner getting ₱200,000 for every imported entry.

CITING the safety of players and tournament personnel as its utmost priority, the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. (PGTI) has officially postponed both the Philippine Golf Tour and Ladies PGT events of the ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge, originally scheduled to begin Tuesday at Valley Golf’s South course in Antipolo.

The decision was made after relentless downpours rendered the course unplayable and posed serious safety hazards to players, caddies and staff.

“To ensure everyone’s safety and the best possible playing conditions, the Tour is postponing the 2025 ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge to a later date,” PGTI said in a statement.

The rescheduling applies to both the four-day PGT tournament and the 54-hole LPGT competition. Initially, the PGTI postponed the opening round with plans to reassess course and weather conditions. However, persistent rains brought on by the southwest monsoon left major portions of the course waterlogged, ruling out any chance of a fair and safe competition.

“We thank everyone for their patience and understanding,” the PGTI added.

Man of the Match Harry Nunes (no. 16) of the Philippines outmaneuvers his Brunei defenders. PH U23 FB

(8) Sherbet Fountain

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

World-class teams beat Bulldogs, Cardinals

By Riera U. Mallari

BERLIN, Germany – Using only an eight-man rotation, National University fell to Portugal, 0-3, in the 2025 FISU World University Games at the HorstKorber Sportzentrum here on Monday.

The Bulldogs, who stunned the Universiade last Saturday with a victory over Argentina, despite their lack of manpower, couldn’t sustain the momentum as they succumbed to the Portuguese 25 – 19, 25 – 23, 25 – 14 in the men’s classification 9 to 16th rounds.

In basketball, the Mapua University lost its third straight game -- a 67-79 setback to Poland in Duisburg.

It was, however, the best showing by far of the Cardinals, who fell to a fast and athletic Brazil selection on opening day of basketball hostilities, 58-105, before dropping a 47-100 beatdown at the hands of the defending champion Czech Republic.

The Cards, who played minus MVP Clint Escamis, were led by Marc Cyrus Cuenco with 14 points, followed by John Christopher Recto (12) and Yam Concepcion.

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 Berli n, 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.

IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu ushers in new era of elite triathlon

THE IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines kicks off a new decade of world-class racing in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu with an even more explosive and demanding test of endurance, power and speed set to unfold on Aug. 10. Held in the country’s premier destination for sports and adventure, this blue-ribbon event continues to attract a dynamic mix of local and international triathletes, all eyeing glory in one of Asia’s most prestigious multisport competitions.

As in previous years, the grueling 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21km run – presented by Megaworld and Mactan Newtown – will challenge athletes through a course that blends breathtaking scenery with unforgiving terrain.

Celebrated globally, the IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines earned the distinction of Best Spectator Race in 2018 and has since grown into a marquee event in the international triathlon calendar.

Billed as the Crown Jewel of Asia, the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu offers a unique course that weaves through the crystal-clear waters off Mactan Island, an iconic and scenic cycling route, and a festive yet demanding run – delivering an unmatched racing experience.

For registration and full race details, visit: ironman.com/races/ im703-cebu-philippines/register.

Fueled not only by its challenging course and scenic location but also by the exceptional hospitality and vibrant local culture that make Cebu a favorite among global triathletes, the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu has built a reputation for rapid sell-outs, with slots often snapped up within days of registration.

SPORTS

Eala debuts in Canadian Open, heads to Cincinnati, Mexico next

By Peter Atencio

ALEXANDRA Eala hopes to do better in the second half of year and in the coming competitions of the Women’s Tennis Association Tour.

Eala said

and

SMART/MVPSF PH taekwondo jins vie in Asian Junior, Cadet tilts

WORLD Junior veterans Ethan Jervey Dayne Chavez and Rhiyanne Agatha Shay Cadilena banner the SMART/MVPSF Philippine team that will see action in the 2025 Asian Junior, Cadet Taekwondo Championships from July 24 to Aug. 1 in Kuching, Malaysia. Also part of the strong 44-player cast is Samantha Gley Duria who saw action in last year’s World Cadet Championships and so are New Face of the Year

standouts Nuel Kyle Reyes and Zian Andree Tabita.

Chavez will vie in the Juniors’ -55kg category and Cadilena in -46kg while Duria in Cadets’ 41kg. Both Reyes and Tabita will compete -33kg and Reyes in 41kg.

Also fancied to figure prominently, according to head of delegation and Philippine Taekwondo Association Secretary General Rocky Samson are

PLDT High-Speed Hitters

rescued after getting stranded by ood

By Randy M. Caluag

THE PLDT High-Speed Hitters were safely rescued Monday night after getting stranded during training at a gym along G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City.

Torrential rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat) flooded the area, which is known to be flood-prone, with waters reaching chest-deep levels. The team and staff were trapped for hours before members of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Army arrived early evening to facilitate their evacuation. The High-Speed Hitters expressed their heartfelt thanks to the rescuers who ensured their safety.

“Maraming salamat po to our Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Army and our volley friends who assisted in rescuing our

High-Speed Hitters out of the Araneta Avenue area,” the team posted on Facebook.

“Alam po namin na mahaba pa ang gabi niyo at marami pa kayong matutulungan. We can only hope and pray na ligtas din po kayong makakauwi sa inyong mga tahanan.”

Just two days earlier, PLDT cruised to a 2522, 25-15, 25-16 win over an undermanned Petro Gazz squad during the PVL On Tour stop in Ilagan City, preserving their unbeaten streak.

The team resumed training on Monday following a brief weekend break—only to find themselves trapped as floodwaters rapidly rose in the area.

The same downpour caused widespread flooding across Metro Manila, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and many homes submerged.

poomsae bets Dean Darnet Venerable, Adrian Joseph Gajasan III, Juliana Mykhail Candeleria and Juliana Martha Uy.

Other members of the PH team which is backed by Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and MILO are Dondy Santillan, Jr. (-37kg), Achim Jeconiah Resimo (-45kg), Mark Julian Santiago (-49kg), Jian Axl Khloe Liyad (-53kg) , Aamir Jolo Narido (-57kg), and Justin Martin Omayan (-61kg) – all competing in free sparring.

Apart from Duria, also in female’s cadet team are Sophia Marie Bautista (-44kg), Reese Emmanuelle Nicomedes (-51kg), and Cheska Paula Banawa (51kg.), while leading the junior male squad are Joshua Aaron Erece (45kg), Juan Victorio Yamat (-48kg), Felix Ace Perez (-51kg), Matt Rejhan Lavestre (-59kg), Chuck Aeron Alariao,(-63kg), Khadryck Gy Costina (-68kg), and Lhord Jared Patrick Pasaron (-73kg). They will be up against equally formidable jins from 34 other countries, including Korea, Iran, Jordan, Chinese Taipei, China, Cambodia, and Iraq.

Also taking part in the week-long event are Ryzza Cadilena (-42kg), Felicity Jana Castel (-44kg), Quynh Louise Edillor (-49kg), Alexis Mactal (-52kg), and Aretha Pualengco (-55kg) while the lone Para athlete is Tokyo and Paris Paralympics veteran Allain Keanu Ganapin.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters take a group selfie.

GO, PHILIPPINES! Filipino fans cheer the Mapua Cardinals during their game against Brazil in the 2025 FISU World University Games in Duisburg, Germany. Photo shot using the HONOR 400

Members of the SMART/MVPSF PH taekwondo, led by PTA Secretary-General Rocky Samson, pose prior to their training for the Asian Championships.

Alexandra Eala

POWER RESTORATION.

Manila Electric Company (Meralco) line crews are working round-the-clock to restore electricity service to areas affected by heavy rains brought about by the southwest monsoon.

Meralco said that as of 7 a.m. Tuesday, about 167,000 customers, mostly in Metro Manila, Bulacan and Cavite, were without power.

By Thony Rose Lesaca

The Philippines showed medium to high likelihood of achieving its 2028 targets for development, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Monday.

Data from the PSA revealed that 247 out of the 439 or 56.3 percent of the regular indicators evaluated across 14 development sectors showed improved progress towards the economic and social goals of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.

The PSA said that in the 2024 statistical indicators on Philippine development (StatDev), the services, science and technology, competition, peace, security and justice, and employment sectors demonstrated strong and promising performances.

The human and social development, macroeconomy, governance, infrastructure, environment, and trade and investment sectors recorded average performances. Meanwhile, the

social protection, agriculture and agribusiness, and industry sectors showcased low likelihood of achieving their 2028 development targets.

It said that in contrast to its headline indicators on a national scale, only the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate remained “slightly far” from its end-of-plan (EOP) target of 6.5 to 8.0 percent. This was despite the increase in GDP growth from 5.5 percent in 2023 to 5.7 percent in 2024.

The national government deficit to GDP ratio also narrowed to 5.6 percent last year, while the country’s gross national income per capita increased by 3.5 percent. Both reflected progress that suggests medium likelihood of attaining its EOP targets.

Formulated and maintained by the PSA, the StatDev serves as an early warning measure that tracks whether the country’s progress is on or off track for its EOP targets aligned to the PDP 2023-2028. The StatDev data are updated annually and released every July.

Tsuneishi launches methanol-powered bulk carrier in Cebu

TSUNEISHI Heavy Industries (Cebu) Inc. has launched the SC-443, an 81,200-metric ton, dual-fuel methanol-powered Kamsarmax bulk carrier, marking a global first for the shipbuilding industry.

The vessel, bound for East Asia, underscores Tsuneishi’s commitment to cleaner shipping and reinforces the Philippines’ role in maritime manufacturing. A Kamsarmax is an innovative carrier designed with the maximum size that can enter the narrow Kamsar Port in the Republic of Guinea.

The SC-443, assembled in April 2025 at West Cebu Estate, is scheduled for deployment by January 2026. It is engineered to significantly reduce emissions, cutting carbon dioxide (CO₂) by 10%, nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) by 80 percent, and sulfur oxides (SOₓ) by 99 percent compared to conventional models.

West Cebu Estate, a 540-hectare Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered special economic Zone, hosts 17 locators and employs 15,000 people. Located in Balamban, Cebu, it is known as the “Shipbuilding Capital of the Philippines” and also features a university and a workers’ dormitory. A new expansion will include a commercial district with retail lots, anchored by a neighborhood mall with a transport terminal and a communal park.

Methanol has emerged as a promising alternative fuel, aligning with the International Maritime Organization’s goal of

SC 443, the world’s first methanol-powered Kamsarmax bulk carrier, was built by Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu) Inc. at West Cebu Estate, marking a breakthrough for Filipino shipbuilding on the global stage.

reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships by at least 40 percent by 2030.

With over three decades of operations at West Cebu Estate, Tsuneishi has launched nearly 400 ships and delivered more than 370 vessels globally. Its success is attributed to Filipino craftsmanship, supported by the estate’s infrastructure and integrated support system developed by Aboitiz InfraCapital’s Economic Estates.

The Aboitiz Group, as the Philippines’ first “techglomerate,” aims to transform industry through innovation.

Tsuneishi Heavy Industries, anchored at West Cebu Estate (developed by Aboitiz InfraCapital), has helped position the Philippines as the world’s fourth-largest shipbuilder by gross tonnage.

Business group pushes 20 bills ahead of SONA

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business group, asked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to endorse 20 priority bills in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) as well as in the 20th Congress agenda.

PCCI president Enunina Mangio said in a letter to Malacañang the proposals aim to drive structural reforms that would “unlock the full potential of our economy” and promote “broadly shared and sustainable growth.”

These measures align with the administration’s goals of boosting competitiveness, expanding economic opportunities and fostering innovation, she said.

Topping the PCCI list is the Open Access in Data Transmission Bill (Konektadong Pinoy Act), which seeks to expand nationwide access to high-speed internet and support the implementation of the Digital Transformation Roadmap and the National Fiber Backbone.

PCCI also advocates for a National Comprehensive Infrastructure Masterplan to guide long-term, resilient infrastructure investments.

It said to enhance logistics and reduce operational costs, the business group supports the International Maritime Competitiveness Act and proposed amendments to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Act and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Charter, aimed at resolving regulatory overlaps and improving oversight in the shipping and aviation sectors.

It said to empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), it supports updates to the Magna Carta for

MSMEs to improve access to finance, markets and technology.

The PCCI also calls for key reforms in agriculture and fisheries, including the Blue Economy Act, Corporate Farming Act, amendments to the AgriAgra Law, ASIN Law, Warehouse Receipts Act and the long-pending National Land Use and Management Act. The group is pushing for workforce-aligned reforms such as the Apprenticeship Training System Act and amendments to the Dual Training System Act to address skills gaps and promote youth employment. It also backs the National Quality Infrastructure Act to improve export standards and competitiveness.

It said to improve fiscal discipline and service delivery, the PCCI supports the Budget Modernization and Reform Act and the Customs Amnesty Act.

It also endorses the Cybersecurity Act, E-Governance Act and Artificial Intelligence Act to secure infrastructure and future-proof the economy. “These measures address persistent bottlenecks in investment, logistics, rural development, and regulation. A strong endorsement from President Marcos during his SONA can accelerate their passage and underscore the administration’s commitment to inclusive, future-ready economic growth,” Mangio said.

S&P revises credit outlook of Meralco to positive

S&P GLOBAL Ratings revised its credit rating outlook for Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to positive from stable, while affirming our ‘BBB’ long-term issuer credit rating.

It said Meralco is strengthening its business proposition with improving scale and profitability in power generation and further diversification as an integrated power utility.

The company will also likely maintain strong operating cash flow from its core distribution business on the back of the recent renewal of its distribution franchise, it said, despite higher leverage due to sizable capital expenditure (capex) on a large solar project and recent acquisitions.

“The positive outlook reflects our expectation that business integration, scale and diversity could improve with project execution in power generation, without material delays or cost overruns. We forecast an adjusted ratio of funds from operations [FFO] to debt of about 30 percent or higher for 2025-2027 despite high capex,” S&P Global said.

Meralco’s existing franchise is set to expire in June 2028. In April 2025, Meralco renewed it for another 25 years, until 2053. Backed by the exclusive franchise, the company will likely maintain its natural monopoly within its franchise area, including Metropolitan Manila, the Philippines’ national capital and economic center, it said.

Meralco continues to serve 39 cities and 72 municipalities, including Metro Manila. A significant portion of the company’s revenue comes from the region. The output from the company’s franchise area accounts for about 50 percent of the national gross domestic product, and the economic weight and importance of this franchise area supports demand for power and the company’s continued growth.

PSE offers grace period before delisting firms

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Philippine Stock Exchange announced Tuesday it will grant suspended companies more time to meet regulatory requirements before proceeding with delisting, a move aimed at safeguarding investors and maintaining the bourse’s limited roster of listed firms.

PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon said the exchange is prepared to offer suspended companies an extension to comply, allowing their shares to resume trading.

Monzon explained that most suspensions stem from the non-submission of required reports, such as audited financial statements and quarterly reports.

“As much as possible, of course we don’t want to delist companies because we already have a very small number of listed companies. To be delisting more is really counterintuitive,” Monzon said. Among the listed firms currently suspended due to non-compliance

THE SM Group’s commitment to an inclusive supply chain has fostered the growth of its partner micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with more than 100,000 MSMEs currently supported by the conglomerate. This community includes a growing number of Gen Z (ages 13 to 28) and Millennial (ages 29-44) entrepreneurs. SM supports these young business owners by providing marketplaces to showcase products, offering marketing assistance, and facilitating financial access.

Nearly 70 percent of SM Supermalls’ tenants are MSMEs.

“We’ve seen a growing presence of Gen Z and Millennial entrepreneurs across our MSME programs,” said Joaquin San Agustin, executive vice president for Marketing at SM Supermalls. “These young, up-and-coming business owners have been actively joining our fairs and leasing spaces. Many are first-time entrepreneurs, creatives, or former online sellers who now see the value of connecting with customers face-to-face. SM is here to be the launchpad and marketplace of their dreams.”

Aspiring entrepreneurs often discover opportunities to become tenants through SM Supermalls’ MSME application portal or by participating

in ongoing pop-up markets such as the Viyline MSME Caravan, Artisan, Souk Fair, and the Art Market.

“Working with these young entrepreneurs is always refreshing,” San Agustin added. “We’ve seen firsthand how their energy and innovation breathe new life into our malls, turning booths into mini experiences and side hustles into real businesses.”

Kultura, an SM Group retail brand, has been a dream platform for Hannah Garcia, 28, founder of Pamanna Jewelry. Her business began as a passion project, fueled by early exposure to retail and craftsmanship.

Kultura partners with 15 to 20 Gen Z and Millennial suppliers, like Garcia, who had the courage to start their own ventures.

“We choose our suppliers based on their understanding of the market and if they can develop the products we need,” said Sheila Tan, senior assistant vice president for operations at Kultura. “We also assess their willingness to grow with Kultura and if their values align with ours.”

“Entrepreneurship allowed me to celebrate Filipino craftsmanship in a way that feels both personal and impactful,” Garcia said, noting her connection with Kultura. “We both believe in quality, story-driven creations, and empowering local makers.”

with reporting requirements are Abra Mining & Industrial Corp., Cyber Bay Corp., Globalport 900, Inc., IP EGame Ventures, Inc., Manila Jockey Club, Inc., MJC Investments Corp., Philippine National Construction Corp., Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., PT&T Corp. and Roxas Holdings Inc.

However, the PSE has also begun delisting procedures for several suspended companies, including Philab Holdings Corp. and Marsteel Consolidated Inc.

Monzon also noted that initiating a delisting procedure against a suspended company would necessitate imposing sanctions on both the company and its officers.

PH shares edge up amid thin trading, investors await US tariff meeting

LOCAL shares closed slightly higher Tuesday despite thin trading, as investors continued to await the outcome of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to the United States.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index gained 2.95 points, or 0.05 percent, to close at 6,355.69. The broader all shares index climbed 3.76 points, or 0.10 percent, to 3,757.20.

Analysts said the market traded sideways within a narrow range, as investors remained cautious ahead of an Aug. 1 deadline for countries to negotiate with the U.S. on tariff issues.

“Technical setups hint at renewed confidence while still cautious after last week’s dip, most likely waiting for the developments of the trade discussions in Washington this week and upcoming corporate earnings,” said

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) an-

nounced Tuesday it has received P57.4 million from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), bolstering government efforts to expand renewable energy development in the country.

Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp. As a result, market participation was tepid, with P4.74 billion worth of stocks traded.

Market breadth was positive, with 97 gainers against 96 decliners, while 45 stocks remained unchanged.

Sub-indices ended mixed. Holding firms and services declined by 0.61 percent and 0.13 percent, respectively. Mining and oil advanced by 0.90 percent, while property rose 0.69 percent. Financial and industrials also gained 0.64 percent and 0.11 percent, respectively.

Shares of Aboitiz Power Corp. jumped 2.26 percent to close at P43. Conversely, shares of Universal Robina Corp. slipped 1.83 percent to P93.25. Jenniffer B. Austria

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc., a fiber broadband and technology provider in the Philippines, said it achieved full Tier III certification from the Uptime Institute for its Caloocan Data Center.

This makes Converge’s Caloocan Data Center the first in the Philippines to receive both design and constructed facility certifications from the global authority. The Tier III certification for constructed facility has lifetime validity. Uptime Institute created the data center tier classification to become the international standard for data center performance.

It said a Tier III data center is concurrently maintainable with redundant components as a key differentiator, with redundant distribution paths to serve the critical environment. Unlike Tier I and Tier II, these facilities require no shutdowns when equipment needs maintenance or replacement.

The latest certification validates that the state-of-the-art data center in Metro Manila has been constructed and operates according to high-level design requirements, making it the first data center in the Philippines to be fully approved by Uptime Institute as Tier III, both in design and build.

The company’s Caloocan Data Center is a 300-rack, 3-megawatt facility that will soon house the firm’s assets to support its critical business functions.

In February, the infrastructure was awarded a Tier III certification for its design documents which affirms that its blueprint meets the redundancy requirements of a rated-three data center. The hub completed its construction in March and has already been powered up for operational testing.

“With our Caloocan Data Center having been fully certified as Tier III, now both for design and for construction, we are on track to building a digital ecosystem that ensures the highest levels of reliability and security for our network,” said Converge chief executive and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy.

The amount represents PCSO’s 2023 contribution to the Renewable Energy Trust Fund (RETF), as mandated by the Renewable Energy Act of 2008. The law allocates 1.5 percent of PCSO’s net annual income to the fund, which supports projects promoting the development and use of clean energy technologies.

The DOE aims to achieve a 35 percent renewable energy share in the power mix by 2030.

DOE Undersecretary Rowena Guevara accepted the check on behalf of the department and thanked PCSO for its continued support.

“This contribution is not just a financial boost — it’s a step forward in expanding energy access, innovation, and sustainability,” she said. The DOE, through the RETF Committee, has actively collected and managed these funds since the issuance of Department Circular No. DC2022-06-0018, which outlined guidelines for fund sourcing, accounting and auditing.

Young entrepreneurs are making their mark in the SM for MSMEs [micro, small and medium enterprises] program—including Ala-Mangga Corner owners Wendell Zulaybar and Anna Marie Malatumbaga, who represent the next generation of business leaders.

BUSINESS

DOTr, LTO launch new digital platform for faster plate release

By Darwin G. Amojelar

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) have launched a new digital platform designed to ensure the faster, more convenient release of vehicle license plates for motorists.

The Plate Registration Management Information System (PRMIS) aims to enable motorists to receive their Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) and license plates within a maximum of three

PSF board approves nearly P100-m grants for climate adaptation

THE People’s Survival Fund (PSF) Board has approved P99.67 million in grants for five new climate adaptation projects across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, aimed at helping local governments address climate vulnerability.

The PSF is a pioneering model for national adaptation climate financing, offering opportunities for local government units (LGUs) to design and implement community climate resiliency initiatives.

The PSF board stated that since 2022, it has approved 21 local climate adaptation projects and project development grants totaling approximately P1.421 billion.

This demonstrates the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration’s steadfast commitment to uplifting and empowering local communities to adapt to climate change, it said.

“I thank our hardworking PSF board and the participating LGUs for working together to turn these projects into a reality,” Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said.

“These climate adaptation projects are part of our whole-of-government effort to protect the most vulnerable communities from the effects of climate-related disasters.”

The Finance Department chaired the 23rd PSF Board Meeting on July 18, 2025, where two full projects for Pandan, Catanduanes, and Tagum, Davao del Norte, were approved. Additionally, three project development grants were approved for Basay, Negros Oriental; Claver, Surigao del Norte; and Rizal, Kalinga. Darwin G. Amojelar

days, according to the agencies.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon stated that motorists will no longer have to wait months or even years to obtain these documents and plates for their vehicles.

He explained that the new system is part of the extensive digitalization efforts by the DOTr and its attached agencies to provide faster and more convenient public service.

“To our motorists, you can be confident — now that President Bongbong Marcos has forced us to find a way to expedite the release of license plates. You can get your license plates in a maximum of three days,” Dizon said.

“Before, our countrymen had to wait for their license plates, OR/CR. It would take years. Now, it’s faster.”

Dizon said the DOTr and LTO will continue to work with car dealerships to further expedite the release of license plates for motorists.

“To the car dealerships, help us so that our countrymen can get their license plates at least the same day. We will roll this out nationwide in the coming days,” Dizon said.

Dizon earlier announced that the government has resolved the 11year backlog of motorcycle plates, with 5.4 million motorcycle plates produced and slated for distribution to LTO district offices across the country.

Pag-IBIG Fund mobilizes calamity loan for

PAG-IBIG Fund has mobilized its calamity loan program to assist members affected by Typhoon Crising, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to deliver immediate support to Filipinos in disaster-hit areas.

“We are ready to assist our members affected by Typhoon Crising through the Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan,” said Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, head of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and chairperson of the 11-member PagIBIG Fund board of trustees.

“We continue to closely monitor

developments and are prepared to provide immediate aid in areas that may be declared under a state of calamity in the coming days. This is part of our continuing effort in heeding the call of President Marcos to deliver timely relief and support to those in need,” said Aliling.

Under the Pag-IBIG calamity loan program, qualified members may borrow up to 90 percent of their total Pag-IBIG Savings, which consist of their monthly savings, employer counterpart contributions and earned dividends.

The loan carries an interest rate of

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Philippines, spearheaded by homegrown tech company CostPlus Inc. and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), made a strong debut at the inaugural Battery Show Asia and Mobility Tech Expo in Hong Kong, marking a significant moment for Asia’s clean energy sector.

CostPlus and the DTI represented the country’s push toward innovative, scalable clean energy solutions on the global stage.

CostPlus showcased its clean energy innovation, Kidlat EV, a system designed to power underserved communities.

“Bringing our products for the world to see — and seeing people’s reactions — gives us immense validation,” said CostPlus founder and president Anand Mahtani.

“We’re proving that Filipino innovation can improve lives, not just at home but across the globe.” Kidlat, which has already powered over 27,000 homes, schools and community hubs in the Philippines, was among the expo’s standout solutions.

“It’s not just about electricity. It’s about enabling education, internet, clean water, and sustainable cooking in communities that need it most.

We’ve proven it works here — and now we’re scaling globally to help

the 800 million people still without reliable energy,” Mahtani said.

DTI Hong Kong Vice Consul for Commercial Roberto Mabalot Jr. emphasized the government’s strong push to strengthen trade and technology ties in the region. He expressed hope that this effort will help boost the economy through increased investment and job opportunities for Filipinos.

“We’ve been welcoming buyers and sellers to our booth since this morning,” said John Yzrael Nalda of DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau.

“This event creates new opportunities for Philippine companies to expand their reach and grow our exporter base.”

Risky URLs surging on PH social media, report says

REPORTS of risky URLs circulating on social media platforms like Facebook and messaging apps such as Viber and Telegram in the Philippines jumped by 37.74 perecent in the second quarter of 2025, according to the latest scam report from Whoscall. Whoscall stated that reports of risky URLs climbed to 18,735 in the second quarter of the year, up from 13,602 in the first quarter of 2025. Loan-related URLs rose by 19.68 percent, while links related to promotions, rewards and incentives spiked by 57.46 percent. Adult gambling-related links jumped by 75.91 percent. Mel Migriño, country head and general manager of Gogolook in the Philippines, suggested this trend might be due to scammers shifting tactics as authorities and the private sector tighten measures against traditional SMS and callbased scams.

“The joint effort of the government and private sectors minimized scam calls and SMS scams. However, scam actors are now shifting to other platforms, such as social media and messaging apps, to continue their operations,” Migriño said. She added that many of these scams now involve luring users into clicking suspicious links, which could explain the sharp rise in reports involving URLs. Darwin G. Amojelar

5.95 percent per annum, the lowest for cash loans in the market, and is payable over a period of up to three years, with a three-month grace period before the first payment is due. Members may file their loan applications within 90 days from the declaration of a state of calamity in their area. Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta said Pag-IBIG branches are now in coordination with local government units in their respective areas for the deployment of the agency’s mobile branch, the Lingkod Pag-IBIG On-Wheels, to receive applications for loans from members,

as well as insurance claims from current Pag-IBIG Housing Loan borrowers whose properties have been damaged due to the typhoon.

“When calamities strike, we at Pag-IBIG understand that our members in affected areas need immediate financial assistance. For this reason, we make sure that all our services and benefits remain accessible to our members. Even while our offices and personnel in typhoon-hit areas have also been affected, our branches remain open and are ready to receive loan applications and housing loan insurance claims,” said Acosta.

ERC urges gov’t agencies to join power retail aggregation program

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Tuesday urged government agencies to join the retail aggregation program (RAP), which allows consumers to pool electricity demand and negotiate more competitive rates.

“They are also very capable [of] advocating for this…We really still need to hopefully push for that advocacy among government agencies so that we can show that government leads the way also in this item,” said outgoing ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta.

The RAP allows multiple electricity consumers to aggregate their energy demand to breach the 500-kilowatt threshold needed to source power directly from their preferred supplier.

Dimalanta, who submitted her resignation effective Aug. 8, 2025, said they hope the RAP will eventually reach typical residential households.

She noted the commission was scheduled to discuss this in the third quarter under the roadmap for lowering the retail competition and open access threshold.

“We will see if we can accelerate this, if we can have the roadmap for public consultation maybe by next week because most likely my last meeting with the commission will be by next week,” she said.

“But we’re targeting over the next two years…Metering is quite a challenge. We need to also roll out together with it the AMI [advanced metering infrastructure] or smart metering program,” Dimalanta added. She also stated that the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines, as the central registration body, will need to prepare for the lower threshold.

Alena Mae S. Flores

ENERGIZING BOHOL. Vantage Energy and Bohol Quality Corporation (BQC) sign a retail electricity supply agreement to power the latter’s BQ Mall. Joining the signing ceremony are (from left) BQC corporate secretary Gretel Marie Ong, BQC president Raymund Ong, Vantage Energy president Ernesto Cabral, and Vantage Energy strategic account manager Ladylou Angot.

The

Ramon Roxas, Sumanth Badiger, Giselle Anne Pena, Ananya Mathani, Anand Mahtani, Partha Tapan Chandra compose team

Filipinos keep smiling amid economic challenges

FILIPINOS demonstrate their unique ability to find join despite rising prices and economic challenges.

For Filipinos, joy isn’t a commodity to be purchased; it’s something actively created. When electricity is unavailable, Filipinos bring out a guitar. When onions reached an astounding P700 a kilogram, they responded with memes, transforming the situation into a national inside joke.

Even when floods rise knee-deep, they can be found floating on a Styrofoam box, a Bluetooth speaker in one hand and a beer in the other.

Behavioral psychologist Dr. Ana Reyes says: “What one is seeing isn’t escapism, it’s resilience. Filipinos use low-cost entertainment, whether it’s a livestream, a TikTok, or a casual game, to anchor themselves. It’s both catharsis and connection.”

Across the country, Filipinos are embracing accessible joys – simple things that cost little but hold immense meaning. This includes rewatching “Four Sisters and a Wedding” because the line “bakit parang kasalanan ko?” never loses its appeal, or eagerly anticipating a teleserye cliffhanger.

It’s the thrill of a “budol finds” haul, a P1 load to send “ingat ka” to a crush, or a P20 online game providing just enough excitement to brighten the day.

This phenomenon represents joy in recession: simple, affordable happiness that fits into their daily lives, their budgets and their hearts.

Filipinos spend over nine hours a day online, more than any other country globally. However, this isn’t mindless scrolling; it’s a means of connecting and coping. Phrases like “G na G,” “Sana all,” and “Kapit lang” serve as digital mantras, expressed with humor but deeply rooted in grit.

Globally, pop culture has historically flourished during times of crisis rather than prosperity. Hollywood emerged during the Great Depression, anime rose from postwar Japan, and K-pop surged during Asia’s economic downturn. In the Philippines, when tragedy strikes, culture erupts – loud, proud, hilarious, and heartfelt. Hardship doesn’t diminish joy; it sharpens it, teaching them to cherish what little they possess.

Simple pleasures, from livestream karaoke to quick games played between shifts, are never mere distractions. They are declarations. They convey, “I may be struggling, but I haven’t stopped living,” and “Deserve ko ‘to.” When considering the rise of low-cost entertainment, particularly forms that offer a thrill or amusement for just a peso or two, perhaps the question isn’t “Why?” but rather, “How could they not?”

In a world that constantly encourages toughening up, Filipinos choose to remain soft, and rightfully so. Amid crises, they continue to seek reasons to laugh and play. This is the uniquely Pinoy superpower: raw, real, and ridiculously resilient.

MRT-7 denies causing Batasan Station flood

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE MRT-7 Project Management Office (MRT-7 PMO) on Tuesday denied that its facilities near Batasan Station on Commonwealth Ave. caused the recent flooding in the area.

The statement comes in response to renewed claims linking the ongoing railway project to the incident.

“All MRT-7 structures in the area, including columns and footings, were built outside existing drainage lines and do not obstruct the natural flow of water,” MRT-7 PMO said.

“These were constructed with full consideration of the drainage layout and in compliance with approved engineering plans,” it said.

The office also addressed concerns about a manhole constructed along the drainage line. “Based on design, simulation, and on-site inspection, the manhole does not interfere with water flow inside the pipe culverts,” it said.

MRT-7 PMO said while construction during earlier phases did affect a section of the drainage system, this was fully coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The affected segment was restored upon completion, and on March 3, 2025, the DPWH Quezon City 1st District Engineering Office certified that the drainage was “100 percent completely restored in accordance with standard plans and specifications”, it said.

Following the most recent flooding, MRT-7 engineers inspected the area and found the drainage outlet heavily clogged

with plastic waste and debris. This significantly reduced the system’s capacity, likely contributing to the surface flooding.

MRT-7 PMO, at a recent interagency meeting with the DPWH and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), requested any documentation indicating obstructions caused by the project. As of Tuesday, no such documents have been provided, it said.

MRT-7 PMO said flooding in Metro Manila is a longstanding and complex issue, often rooted in poor waste disposal and inadequate maintenance of drainage systems.

The office said it is important to approach the matter with a common understanding and a focus on long-term solutions.

Through its parent company San Miguel Corporation’s Better Rivers PH program, MRT-7 said it is contributing to efforts to reduce flooding by cleaning up heavily silted and polluted waterways. It said that to date, more than 8.5 million metric tons of waste have been removed from rivers across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

MRT-7 PMO affirmed its support for the MMDA DPWH, and local governments in initiatives that promote sustainable drainage solutions, improved waste management and flood resilience.

IN BRIEF

GOCC dividends reach P105b

DIVIDENDS collected from government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) hit P105 billion to date, according to data released by the Department of Finance (DOF) on Tuesday. This exceeded the P100-billion target of the DOF and the P20-billion projection of dividends on shares of stocks in the Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing (BESF) for the fiscal year 2025. These remitted dividends were largely sourced from top contributors such as the Land Bank of the Philippines (P26 billion), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (P18.91 billion), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (P12.67 billion) and Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (P10.13 billion). Meanwhile, the other top contributors include the Power Sector Assets & Liabilities Management Corp. (P8.95 billion), Philippine Ports Authority (P5.20 billion), Manila International Airport Authority (P3.32 billion), Clark Development Corporation (P2.48 billion), Philippine National Oil Company (P2.42 billion), and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (P2.20 billion).

DOF Secretary Ralph Recto said dividends from these state-run firms or GOCCs could climb P90 billion to P110 billion higher than the projected target amount in the BESF for the whole year. Thony Rose Lesaca

GSIS says services remain uninterrupted THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) board of trustees said Tuesday that all services and programs remain

TREE PLANTING. A First Balfour employee inserts a mangrove sapling to the ground during a treeplanting activity in Pasuguin, Ilocos Norte. Hundreds of First Balfour employees stationed in various job sites in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao planted more than 4,000 tree saplings in late June 2025 to mark this year’s observance of Arbor Day.

Amid the rising cost of living, Filipinos continue to find joy in accessible and simple pleasures.

Despite economic challenges, joy is actively created rather than purchased, often through humor, community and resourcefulness.

SPOTLIGHT

‘Mula nguso hanggang buntot’

Hog Festival 2025 marks 35 years with flavorful tribute

THE recently concluded Hog Festival 2025 was a resounding celebration of Filipino culinary heritage, agricultural pride, and community unity.

With the powerful theme, “Sarap ng Pinoy Pork: Mula Nguso Hanggang Buntot,” the festival honored 35 years of unwavering advocacy by the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. (NatFed), highlighting the creativity and resilience of the Filipino hog industry.

“Hog Festival 2025 showcasing how every part of the hog is transformed into dishes that bring families and communities together. It was a testament to our farmers, chefs, and food lovers who continue to preserve and elevate our rich food culture,” said Jan Buenaflor, Project Director and founder of the Hog Festival.

The festival, which started last year, has since evolved into a national movement celebrating pork not only as a staple food but as a symbol of Filipino livelihood, tradition, and identity. With steadfast support from NatFed chairman Chester Tan and vice-chairman Alfred Ng, Hog Festival 2025 brought together farmers, chefs, government officials, industry partners, and Filipino families for a celebration of pork — in every flavorful form. In collaboration with Araneta City, among the major highlights was the Cooking Showdown: The Chefs vs. Queens of the Kitchen, hosted by celebrity chef Rolando Laudico. The show-

down featured professional chefs Miggy Cabel Moreno, Tatung Sarthou, and Massimiliano “Massi” Pauletto, competing against culinary queens like Chef Nancy ReyesLumen (Adobo Queen), Binibining Pilipinas Christal Jean Ramos, Binibining Pilipinas Myrna Esguerra, and online sensation Sassa Gurl. The teams creatively prepared pork dishes using various parts of the pig.

The festivities continued with the Pork Fiesta Degustation, a culinary journey of 35 pork dishes — one for each year of NatFed’s advocacy. The degustation featured recipes that showcased the full versatility of pork — from the snout to the tail.

“Hog Festival 2025 is a celebration of every farmer’s story — from the smallest backyard raiser to the largest commercial farm,” Ng said.

“Every cut of pork served here carries the sweat, sacrifice, and heart of the Filipino hog raiser,” he added.

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) lauded forest guards and local partners for helping newly released eagles survive in the mountains of Leyte province, as indicated in a recent successful hunt.

PEF director of operations Jayson Ibañez said in a phone interview Tuesday that one of the forest guards from upland Kagbana village in Burauen town, Leyte, took a photograph on July 18 of Kalatungan I, a recently released male Philippine eagle, successfully hunting an Asian Palm Civet.

“With fewer than 400 pairs left, every successful hunt is a win for the species. Big thanks to our forest guardians and local partners helping eagles like Kalatungan I soar,” Ibañez said.

Three-year-old Kalatungan I was released on May 8, along with his mate, an eight-year-old female named Lyra Sinabadan.

They are the second pair of national birds to be released in the province. The first pair was reintroduced in Leyte’s mountains in June 2024.

Both birds were rescued in Bukidnon and arrived in the mountains of Burauen on March 21. They are part of a five-year initiative to reintroduce the raptor in Leyte.

This milestone marks the successful integration of Kalatungan I into the wild. It reflects the role he now plays as an apex predator of the complex food web of the Anonang-lobi forest ecosystem, according to the official.

The Anonang-Lobi Mountain Range, located in the central part of Leyte Island, is a 60,000-hectare Key Biodiversity Area.

The PEF calls for donations to support the forest guards and their vital work in monitoring and protecting eagles and their habitats.

The Philippine eagle is one of the rarest eagles in the world and one of the largest and most powerful among forest raptors. It is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with only an estimated 400 pairs remaining in the wild.

GRAB users in the Philippines can now top up their GrabPay wallets using Cryptocurrencies. This is made possible by Grab’s partnership with payments provider Triple-A and local digital asset exchange PDAX. Crypto top-ups into the GrabPay e-wallet were initially launched in Singapore in 2024 through Grab’s partnership with Triple-A, a firm that enables businesses to facilitate payments in digital currencies.

Building on this success, Triple-A teamed up with PDAX to bring a new level of convenience and flexibility to Grab users in the Philippines by enabling this innovative cash-in method.

Users can top up their GrabPay wallets using an array of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), US dollar-backed stablecoin USDC, and USDT. Cashing in on Grab via crypto can be done in a few simple steps:

1. Select ‘Cryptocurrencies’ as the cash-in method on the Grab app.

2. Choose a token and network from the supported list of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.

3. Enter the amount in pesos, and review the conversion rate and transaction details.

4. Send the tokens from your preferred crypto wallet to the provided address.

5. Top-up confirmed. Funds are instantly reflected in your GrabPay wallet.

Eric Barbier, CEO of Triple-A, shared: “We had a successful launch of GrabPay top-ups with cryptocurrency in Singapore. The response has been fantastic. Now, we’re looking forward to bringing this service to the Philippines, a market that’s ready for digital currencies. This is a big step in making digital currencies easier to use in everyday life across Southeast Asia.”

According to CJ Lacsican, Vice President for Cities and Head of the Grab Financial Group in the Philippines, integrating cryptocurrency as a cash-in option for GrabPay reflects Grab’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion in the Philippines. “By offering more accessible, digital-first solutions, we aim to empower a wider spectrum of Filipinos — especially those with limited access to traditional banking or those who prefer the convenience of digital currencies,” Lacsican said.

Other cash-in methods for GrabPay include e-wallets, online banking via InstaPay, linked bank accounts, debit and credit cards, and select convenience stores and business centers.

Nichel Gaba, PDAX CEO, added: “The Philippines has one of the largest crypto user bases globally. Through this partnership, we’re thrilled to offer accessible use cases that will both support the existing crypto community and drive greater adoption of cryptocurrency.”

Baguio develops online app for faster hazard reporting

BAGUIO CITY – The city government here on Tuesday announced the development of an online app where residents can report hazardous situations that could potentially lead to disaster. Dubbed ‘LIGTAS’ or the Local Incident Gathering Tool for Alerting Safety, the app is “an online hazard communication tool that aims to hasten reporting of dangerous situations for faster response from appropriate responders,” according to Charles Bryan Carame of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO).

“With this tool, we aim to provide residents with a technology-driven platform to notify authorities of potential disasters in the communities,” Carame said in a media interview. Carame said incidents like soil ero-

sion, unstable slopes, clogged canals, damaged utility posts, fallen trees or any other hazard may be reported to LIGTAS, which will be officially launched this month.

Once the app is launched, quick response (QR) codes will be posted in barangay halls, schools, and key public spaces for mass dissemination and utilization.

Carame said LIGTAS will also be an avenue for the community to get involved in addressing environmental hazards and preventing disasters before they happen, giving each person the mindset to share in the responsibility of public safety.

“LIGTAS is not just an incident report form, we intend it as a movement,” he said. “Through LIGTAS, every resident can be part of keeping our city safe and disaster-ready.”

BETTER HEALTH ACCESS. San Pascual, Batangas Mayor Rosario Anna ‘Roanna’ Conti (in red) leads the inspection of the San Pascual Super Health Center. Conti was accompanied by local representatives of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Health.

Kalatungan I, a recently released male Philippine Eagle in Leyte

NICKIE

Very Wang Nickie Wang

SHOWBIZ

Shuvee Etrata

stint

Hirit, while working with various brands. She admits she now carries herself with more care, aware that people—especially younger fans—are watching. “I used to be carefree, but now I feel more tame,” she said with a laugh.

She also shrugged off any speculation about possible onscreen romances. When asked about the chance of working with a “TDH” (Tall, Dark, and Handsome), a description fans often connect to Anthony Constantino or Donny Pangilinan, she simply replied, “There are so many TDHs in this world! If work comes with a TDH, why not? Let’s make the most of it as long as we stay true to ourselves.”

For Shuvee, staying grounded amid rising visibility seems to be what’s setting her apart and keeping audiences intrigued.

Meanwhile, since exiting the PBB house, the Sparkle housemates have entered exciting phases in their careers.

This season’s Sparkle First Big Winner, Mika Salamanca, has joined Encantadia Chronicles:

Sang’gre and recently reached 11 million TikTok followers. Will Ashley is preparing for Bar Boys 2 , while Charlie is also set for new acting projects under Sparkle. AZ Martinez joins Mika in Sang’gre , marking her first major TV break.

Other housemates are also steadily advancing in showbiz. Ashley Ortega, who joined the house earlier in the season, now stars in Lolong: Pangil ng Maynila Michael Sager and Josh Ford are growing their acting portfolios, with Josh appearing in MAKA: Next Chapter Vince Maristela is part of Sang’gre Meanwhile, Dustin Yu will appear in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival entry Shake, Rattle & Roll XVII and in an episode of Regal

Will Ashley

Alongside fellow Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition housemate Charlie Fleming, Shuvee will appear in the upcoming series Master Cutter, sharing the screen with Dingdong Dantes. She’s also part of the film Bawal Kang Tumingin, another project she and Charlie are working on together. Both productions are still under wraps, but the attention around Shuvee is building. “Even our big bosses say they have so much belief in me, and I really wonder why,” she said during a media conference. “When I entered the house, it was hard for me to be

real. I was scared to be judged and not loved for who I truly am. But Bianca [de Vera] encouraged me to just be myself.”

That shift made a difference. “The moment I stayed true to myself, people started embracing me,” she said. “Everything feels overwhelming now. I’m aware of the growing opportunities and followers, but more than anything, I feel a great responsibility to raise awareness and be a good person.”

Since her PBB stint, Shuvee has stayed busy, appearing regularly on shows like It’s Showtime and Unang

GMA executives with PBB Kapuso celebrity housemates

Mika Salamanca

TV’S NEW DARLING. Shuvee Etrata is gaining attention in showbiz with new projects

Van Gogh in Manila

A celebrated Dutch painter’s legacy finds new form at annual art event

AT THE recently concluded MOCAF (Modern and Contemporary Art Festival), there were some residues of post-impressionist icon

Vincent Van Gogh

Generations after his death, the Dutch artist still has a chokehold on the imagination of many who traverse time and time zones. There is this romantic notion of the misunderstood artist that proves to be so resilient that it has truncated Van Gogh’s legacy. His presence in an art event that celebrates the modern and contemporary is proof of such dangerous romanticism.

Some people preach how Van Gogh had a certain naïve purity of an undiscovered genius because he had never been successful during his lifetime. A John Denver song solidified the misunderstood artist whose body was beset by illness and financial mismanagement to be sacrificed at the high altar of art. These two components overlook a crucial point: Vincent Van Gogh was thoroughly supported by his brother, Theo Van Gogh, who provided him with stipends. This contradicts the figure of the noble starving artist trope, which is dangerous because even in the Philippine art scene, dead artists make more money from their brand and legacy than living ones who struggle even to get their foot in the door.

WHAT I cherish most about the Virgin Labfest is the unmistakable spirit of community that pulses through every corner of the theater. During its regular run, we often found ourselves at the mediaslash-info desk in the lobby of Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater).

It was just a small table — nothing grand — yet it became our quiet little haven amid the festival’s energy. The unofficial tambayan, as we would call it. There, in between bites of snacks and handfuls of gummies given and shared by friends and families, conversations flowed and connections quietly bloomed. Media friends would stop by before or after the show to exchange thoughts, asking “What’s your favorite play so far?” Directors and playwrights, tickets in hand, would pause for a quick chat, a laugh, or a moment of stillness before curtain call. Actors would pass with cheerful greetings on their way backstage. Even audience members would linger — some to ask directions, others simply drawn by the shared buzz of

Primer

Bright colors and rhythmic strokes pay homage to Van Gogh’s Starry Night in this abstract piece

Walking around MOCAF, I spied in such close succession the legacies of Van Gogh himself. I saw iterations of Van Gogh’s self-portraits in a couple of works by Jomar “Thadz” Delluba. This dual portrait is exhibited at Gallery Joaquin, which holds a queer interjection of the artist’s (Delluba’s) youth.

Chong Ardivilla

Delluba’s art approach is to recast known or familiar portraits from the Western art historical canon by replacing their eyes with a pair of round eyes with lowered eyelids. This trope of the bored, judgmental, tired, distrusting cartoonish eyes can be found in the contemptuous Garfield by Jim Davis and in the cartoon character Stewie from Seth MacFarlane’s Family Guy. Van Gogh’s intense gaze has been eradicated for cartoonish conceit.

Across Gallery Joaquin is the 22nd and 5th Gallery, which hosts Raymond Gev’s interactive Van Gogh portrait. This time, Van Gogh’s visual articulation is that of the trope that he has a mental illness. There is a crank at the lower right-hand side of the painting which makes the googly eyes move and his tongue flit in and out of the mouth. This is the most honest portrayal of what the ordinary person would think of Van Gogh, diminishing his mental illness into a cute painting.

Then, across that gallery is The Art House, which has Nena Saguil’s Untitled (1975). Though we cannot tell for sure if Van Gogh inspired Saguil, she is an aesthetic descendant with her brazen focus on bright colors and dynamic flow. In her Untitled, the fluid planes look like they are reminiscent of Van Gogh’s famous Starry Nights

This will not be the last time we see Van Gogh and his iterations in the Philippine art fairs. Just keep an eye out.

You may reach Chong Ardivilla at kartunistatonto@gmail.com or chonggo.bsky.social.

What happens on 13th of September?

anticipation. There were lots who would ask us to take their photos at the VLF photo area. That small corner was never just a table. It stood witness to the joy, nerves, pride, and kinship that defined VLF. In those small, everyday exchanges, we weren’t just spectators or staff — we were a community, brought together by a shared love for stories, for theater, and for each other. It was during one of those huddles where Riki Benedicto, director of Mga Magindara sa

Siyudad (one of the featured plays in this year’s edition), broke the news about 13th Of September, a play he is directing to be staged in a theater festival in Monaco.

He shared the news while toying with the idea of staging a send-off and fundraising show for 13th of September at the CCP Blackbox Theater — a sneak performance before the production flies to Monaco on Aug. 20 to 27.

During the huddle, Riki shared the premise of the play with those who were curious and willing to listen — an adaptation of Lanie Robertson’s The Insanity of Mary Girard, reimagined by three-time Palanca awardee

Eljay Castro Deldoc

The 13th of September, a reimagining of the oneact play The Insanity of Mary Girard, will represent the Philippines at the 18th Mondial du Théâtre in Monaco this August. This marks the country’s first appearance at the prestigious quadrennial festival since its founding in 1957.

The original work tells the story of Mary Girard, who was institutionalized in 1790 after her husband declared her insane.

In The 13th of September, a 56-year-old Mary prepares for her last night at the Pennsylvania Asylum, revisiting memories

of her past as she performs her routine with fellow patients.

Produced by Be Our Guest Theatricals (BOGT) Philippines, the play explores themes of injustice, empowerment, and the idea of sanity. It has previously been staged internationally, including in Canada and Germany.

Veteran director-actor Andoy Ranay will take on the lead role, performing alongside Lao Rodriguez and Drew Espenocilla. Ranay, who recently headlined Presidential Suite #2 at Virgin Labfest XX, is also known for his work in ABSCBN series such as Dirty Linen and The Broken Marriage Vow Rodriguez, a longtime presence in Philippine theater and film, has performed in works by Tanghalang Pilipino, PETA, and Atlantis. Espenocilla, a founding member of Tabsing Kolektib PH, creates performances centered on decolonial narratives and community memory in Sorsogon.

BOGT’s nine-member delegation will perform on Aug. 26 and 27 at the Princess Grace Theater, closing the festival alongside entries from Lithuania and Morocco.

The group thanks Fire and Ice Studio, Beyond Concepts

Office of the First Lady, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines for their support.

Art exhibit raises funds for elderly care home

SUNSHINE Place is holding the eighth edition of its annual Coloring Lives art exhibit, running until July 27 at the Atrium of the Podium in Mandaluyong, with proceeds going to the Josefheim Elderly Care Community in Pililla, Rizal. A collaborative effort between Sunshine Place and its students, including seniors, young adults, and children, the fundraising exhibit will feature watercolor paintings, porcelain works, decoupage, and Ikebana-Sogetsu flower arrangements by participants from its various art classes. Ikebana-Sogetsu students under instructor Marc Tomas present floral arrangements with metal as the central theme. Participants include Cynthia Heusseuf, Laly Etroit, Babyruth Chuansu, Maricor Mendoza, Lora Rivera, Susie Yap, and Linda Atayde Painters in the exhibit include Elena Fernandez, Loida Tan, and Attorney Vicky Pollisco from the intermediate and advanced classes; Addie Reventar and Tax Riego from the beginners and kids’ classes; and Rosemarie Oh, Rosalind Ng, Len Fernandez, and Mae Lee Casey in porcelain painting. Decoupage works are presented by Lita Gelano, Nenne Bartolome, Terly Chikamco, Margie Colayco, Dolly Borlongan, Rhoda Zamora, Tess Castaneda, Evelyn Felias, Tess Colayco, and Cristina Dolendo Neny Regino exhibits an Ikebana arrangement in a porcelain-painted vase. The Josefheim Elderly Care Community, managed by the nonprofit Josefheim Foundation, provides shelter and care for abandoned and marginalized elderly people. The organization aims to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of its residents.

Fr. Uldarico Dioquino, spiritual director of the Josefheim Foundation, described the center as “a sanctuary where love never ages and every wrinkle tells a story,” and called for public support to continue its mission.

Previous Coloring Lives exhibits have raised funds for Kanlungan ni Maria in Antipolo, San Lorenzo Ruiz Center for the Elderly, and residents at the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong.

This ikebanasogetsu flower arrangement by Marc Tomas use striking dried botanicals and intricate structures

A vibrant painting by Addie Raventar adds a playful burst

Seasoned actor-director

Andoy Ranay transforms into a powerful visual centerpiece for the Philippine staging of ‘The 13th of September’

Glazing Life

Glaiza Lee

Photo Studio, the

BOGT Philippines will represent the Philippines at Monaco’s prestigious Mondial du Théâtre this August

A portrait reimagines the classic image of Van Gogh with modern textures and bold elements at MOCAF 2025

An artwork infuses Van Gogh’s iconic brushwork with playful surrealist eyes, displayed at Gallery Joaquin during MOCAF

An interactive painting injects humor into a Van Gogh portrait with kinetic eyes and a tongue mechanism

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

By Jasper Valdez and Angelica Villanueva

THE red carpet at the 8th Entertainment Editors’ Choice (EDDYs), held Sunday at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City, celebrated Filipino design as celebrities arrived in pieces that paid tribute to tradition and expressed personal style. From reworked ternos to handwoven ensembles, the event highlighted the depth of local craftsmanship.

Standard’s Choice: Modern twists on tradition

By Nickie Wang

SOMETIMES, art finds you when you need a quiet place to think. At Conrad Manila’s latest edition of its Of Art and Wine series, the silence speaks volumes. Titled The Light That Never Goes Out, the 36th installment features abstract works by Coeli Manese Running until Sept. 13 at Gallery C, the exhibit is a collaboration with Space Alt. Manese’s exhibit is built on three themes: Eternal Light, Inner Illumination, and Resilient Hope. Each theme is layered with colors that “carry emotional weight.” There’s Payne’s grey for wisdom, turquoise for healing, and burnt sienna for humility. These

The 8th EDDYs red carpet highlights local artistry in fashion

‘Of

and

Manese’s ‘Song of Victory’

Manese’s ‘Inner Illumination’ is one of the artworks featured at Conrad’s ‘Of Art and Wine’ exhibit

‘I choose You’ by abstract artist Coeli Manese

Conrad Manila’s 36th

Art

Wine’ series, ‘The Light That Never Goes Out,’ features abstract

Kira Balinger

The Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition alum chose a structured pink gown by Ryan Manansala, finished with a dramatic bow at the waist.

Miggy Jimenez

Kidlat Tahimik

Artist and Movie

Tahimik

Kaila Estrada Incognito actress Kaila Estrada wore an off-white terno by Koko Gonzales with crisp tailoring, butterfly sleeves, and floral accents that added presence onstage. Marian Rivera

beaded white gown by Steph Tan, styled with a softly structured terno silhouette.

Lorna Tolentino Veteran actress Lorna Tolentino wore a black terno top with tailored pants by Jaggy Glarino, combining heritage with a modern silhouette.

The EDDYs red carpet placed a spotlight on Filipino identity through fashion, honoring heritage and innovation in equal measure. Catch the elegance, the standout looks, and the night’s big winners when The 8th EDDYs airs on Sunday, July 27, on iWant, Kapamilya Channel, and Jeepney TV.