Manila Standard - 2025 July 24 - Thursday

Trump’s 1st new foreign aid: P3b for PH energy, econ plans

By Charles Dantes and Rex Espiritu

THE US Department of State on

Wednesday announced at least P3 billion ($60 million) in foreign assistance funding for the Philippines

to support energy, maritime, and economic growth programs.

The announcement came after the meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C. Next page

US cuts tariff on PH to 19%

By Charles Dantes, Ram Superable, Maricel Cruz and Othel Campos

WASHINGTON —US President Donald Trump agreed Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) to reduce tariffs on the Philippines, but only by one percentage point, after what he termed a successful meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The Philippines, on the other hand, will extend zero tariff to certain US exports.

Welcoming Mr. Marcos to the White House, Trump called him a "very tough negotiator" and said: "We're very close to finishing a trade deal -- a big trade deal, actually."

"It’s a lot of income coming in for both groups. And they’re going to get bigger under what we’re doing and what we're proposing," the US president added.

In a social media post shortly afterward, Trump said that while the Philippines would open up completely to US goods, he would still impose a 19 per-

cent tariff on products from the Southeast Asian country, a major exporter of high-tech items and apparel.

"It was a beautiful visit, and we concluded our Trade Deal, whereby The Philippines is going OPEN MARKET with the United States, and ZERO Tariffs," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Mr. Marcos clarified that not all US exports to the Philippines will enjoy zero tariff.

“There were certain markets that they asked to be opened. One of the major areas is automobiles because we have a tariff on American automobiles. We will open that market,” he said.

By Rex Espiritu

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he has no objection to the Philippines maintaining good relations with China, pointing out that even the US enjoys a “very good relationship” with Beijing.

Trump made the remark after reporters asked Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. how Manila intends to navigate its ties with longtime ally Washington and regional economic powerhouse China.

“I don’t mind if he gets along with China because we’re getting along with China very well. We have a very

good relationship,” Trump said. “In fact, the magnets—which is a little complex piece of material—are coming out very well.

They're sending them in record numbers. We're getting along with China very well, and I don’t mind if the President dealt with China.”

President Marcos, for his part, said the Philippines does not need to “balance” its relationships with the U.S. and China, noting that the country follows an independent foreign policy.

“We are essentially concerned with the defense of our territory and the exercise of our sovereign rights,” the Philippine president said. “Whether

MOVE over Manny Pacquiao. The Philippines may have a new boxing hero—Philippine Na tional Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III who has just acceded to a boxing challenge by Davao City acting Mayor Se bastian “Baste” Duterte. Win or lose, it will be a feat for the country’s top policeman, being the first fourstar general to get into the ring against his most vocal critic and detractor. In a talk with report ers at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Torre said the timing was right for Duterte’s challenge, saying

we do this alone or not, we need to do this with our partners. And again, our strongest partner has always been the United States.”

He added that the Philippines is also working to form coalitions and pursue multilateral relations with like-minded nations that adhere to international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“That is how we are guided,” he said.

Trump said he has “great respect” for Marcos, and emphasized that the Filipino leader’s dealings with Beijing

By Rex Espiritu NEARLY

40,000 emergency personnel are on standby nationwide as the Philippines braces for the impact of Typhoons Dante and Emong, the Office of Civil Defense

(OCD) announced Wednesday. OCD Officer-in-Charge Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro said search, rescue, and retrieval (SRR) assets have been mobilized, including 15,000 troops from the Armed

THUMBS UP. US President Donald Trump gives a thumbs up sign at the end of his meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the White House as both leaders reaffirmed the Philippines–US alliance as ‘ironclad.’ PCO

COMMITTED.

President

From A1

“The other side of that is increased importation from the US for soy products, wheat products, and pharmaceuticals to reduce the costs of our medicines,” Mr. Marcos added.

Second-lowest tariff in ASEAN

With the reduction, the Philippines now holds the second-lowest tariff rate in the region, next only to the 10 percent of Singapore, which already has a bilateral Free Trade Agreement with the US.

Trump yesterday also announced a lower tariff for Japan at 15 percent, but in exchange what he described as “a massive deal with Japan, perhaps the largest deal ever made."

"Japan will invest, at my direction, $550 billion dollars into the United States, which will receive 90% of the profits,” Trump said.

Mr. Marcos, for his part, described the tariff reduction as a “significant achievement."

"We managed to bring down the 20 percent tariff rate for the Philippines to 19. One percent might seem like a very small concession. However, if you put it into real terms, it is a significant achievement," Mr. Marcos said.

Asked if the deal was lopsided and favored the US more, President Marcos said: “That’s how negotiations go… When we arrived in Washington, tariff rates were 20%. We tried very hard to see what we could do, and we managed a one percent decrease.”

At the Palace, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire

No...

From A1

do not concern him. “I think he has to do what’s right for his country. I’ve always said, you know, make the Philippines great again,” Trump said. “Do whatever you need to do, but your dealing with China wouldn’t bother me at all.”

However, Trump also issued a warning about the Philippines tilting too far toward Beijing. “You did have a country that was tilting towards China for a period of time… I don’t think that would be good for you,” he

he was looking forward to a “12-round charity match” to raise funds needed to help the people displaced by bad weather over the past days.

"It will be a good one and it will raise enough funds so many of our people will be given help" he said, adding that there could even be sponsors for each round of the bout that may be jestingly called the “fight of the century.”

In an interview aired by Radio Philippines, Torre said he doesn't mind if he gets hurt a little bit.

"If it hurts, that's a little. It's just that. It's probably like we have no practice. Or maybe if he has, it's also okay," he said.

For his part, Torre said he could do some sparring sessions at the PNP gym to somehow get in shape for the match.

According to him, it does not really matter if the son of former President Rodrigo Duterte was serious or not with the challenge, but the fight

Marcos...

From A1

“the state of the nation today is different from what it was last year and the year before that.”

“We will be talking about mainly the same things — about the social projects of the government for people in need,” he said.

Castro downplayed the potential effects of the tariff regime, noting that just 16 percent of the country's exports go to the United States, with about two-thirds being electronic components not subject to the levies.

"To put it plainly, it has an impact on the country, but not that much," she said during a press briefing.

Mixed reactions from lawmakers Lawmakers, however, said the deal was an insult to the Philippines.

"The 19 percent against zero tariffs is definitely not the most fair deal between decades-old friends or allies like the United States and the Philippines,"

Senator Panfilo Lacson said yesterday.

"If I may add, it is the worst insult that a host can throw at his guest.”

Senator JV Ejercito added: "This is grossly disadvantageous to the Philippines.”

Senator Imee Marcos said “a mere one percent reduction in tariff rates” for Philippine exports in exchange for zero tariffs on US goods “certainly does not look like a win for the Philippines."

“That (19 percent) seems highly unbalanced. Japan, in contrast, secured a 15 percent reciprocal tariff agreement with the US. If the United States truly sees us as a treaty ally, we should be accorded the same level of mutual respect in trade policy,” Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said.

Senator Vicente Sotto III, however, said the meeting between the two leaders was "most fruitful and productive.”

"I think it was a productive visit. I’ll leave it at that,” Sotto said.

For Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, the meeting between the two leaders

said. “But you can deal with China, you should deal with China.”

Trump said he expects to have a “very good relationship” with President Marcos, noting his familiarity with the Philippine leader and his family. “I know you have some problems with another president. I know it’s not your fault.

It’s the [other] president’s fault,”

Trump said.

While he did not name the previous president, the Philippines distanced itself from Washington under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who cultivated closer ties with

could be put to “better use” if it pushed through.

"If that's what he wants, it's easy to give," Torre said, adding that the faceoff could be held at 9 a.m. Sunday.

"I'll ask Araneta (Coliseum) to set up a boxing ring. Hopefully, they will oblige," he said. "If not, we would look for what gym [Duterte] wanted."

Duterte’s dare stemmed from his social media post where he described Torre as “a coward” hiding behind his rank and uniform.

“Kasi matapang ka lang naman you have the position. Pero kung suntukan tayo alam kong makaya kita.

“Kasi matapang ka lang naman you have the position (You are just brave because you have the (government position,”” Duterte said in the video.

“Pero kung suntukan tayo alam kong makaya kita (But if we come to a fistfight, I know I can beat you.). But then you’re a coward,” Duterte added.

Torre led the arrest of former president Duterte last March, making him the arch enemy of the Davao Citybased Duterte clan.

“We will talk about the programs that we have initiated and will continue to promote and endorse. Hopefully it will continue after my term,” the President said.

He noted that he had anticipated losing time for SONA preparations due to his three-day working visit to the United States.

“We’ve been working very hard on it,” he said. “The SONA is about 80

was a “statement of confidence that the Philippines is ready to lead, to compete and to stand tall among nations.”

“President Marcos has once again proven that our foreign policy can be both principled and pragmatic, firm in defending our interests, but also generous in building alliances that uplift our people,” Romualdez said.

“Access to the US market is a gamechanger. It means more small and medium Filipino enterprises will be able to compete globally. It means more chances for our farmers, our fisherfolk, and our local producers to earn and grow. We are bringing the world closer to our shores and bringing Filipino excellence to the world.”

“When diplomacy results in lower prices for goods, more jobs for our workers, more protection for our borders and more investments in our communities, that is when it becomes real. That is when the global becomes local,” Romualdez added.

ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio, however, warned the Philippines will now be a “no-tariff dumping ground for US automobiles, soy, wheat and pharmaceutical giants.”

“This is not diplomacy. This visit has turned out to be a disastrous humiliation ritual where Marcos Jr. surrenders markets and sovereignty while Trump gets to crow about ‘winning,’” Tinio said.

“While zero-tariff US products flooding our shelves, goods produced by Filipino manufacturers and farmers are slapped with an exorbitant and arbitrary tariff. Some will be forced out of the US market, leading to job losses and economic dislocation,” Tinio added.

Beijing after the U.S. criticized his administration’s war on drugs.

Trump also revealed that he may travel to China soon for talks with President Xi Jinping, signaling a possible breakthrough in ongoing trade and geopolitical tensions between the two countries.

“President Xi has invited me to China, and we'll probably be doing that in the not-too-distant future,” Trump told reporters at the White House during his meeting with Marcos Jr. “It’s a little bit out, but not too distant.”

He added that he has received in-

40k...

From A1

Forces of the Philippines. ‘‘That’s nationwide’’ they’re all on standby,’’ Alejandro said during a briefing.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has deployed 26,000 personnel, while the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has placed 5,000 personnel on alert, Alejandro added. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has also prepositioned three million family food packs across the country.

‘‘For emergency telecommunications, we have 10 mobile emergency teams ready. In terms of air support, 28 helicopters are on standby,’’ he said. Additionally, nine fixed-wing aircraft, 19 naval vessels from the Philippine Navy, 23 patrol vessels from the Coast Guard, and several smaller rescue boats from the BFP are ready for deployment. The Armed Forces have committed 1,600 land vehicles for disaster response and logistics.

Government agencies continue to

percent written. But it needs some finetuning.” The Chief Executive said final revisions would be done when he returns to Manila. The fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. should do away with lavish preparations amid the devastation caused by heavy floods due to multiple tropical storms and the enhanced

Trump’s...

From A1

This marked the US government’s first announcement of new foreign assistance for any country since the Trump administration began its review and realignment of foreign assistance in January.

As part of the at least P3-billion initiative, Rubio also announced that the US Department of State intends to work with the US Congress to allocate P825 million ($15 million) to catalyze private sector development in the Luzon Economic Corridor. If approved, the funding will support investments in the areas of transport, logistics, energy, and semiconductors that will help create jobs and drive economic growth in the country.

Steep challenge for local exporters

The Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines (FOBAP) likewise raised serious concern over the adjustment, noting that the 19 percent tariff still poses a steep challenge for local exporters.

“Twenty percent was already a steep climb, and 19 is not much of a relief. Our competitors remain at similar levels, so we’re still facing intense competition,” FOBAP president Robert Young said He said local exporters are initiating talks with long-time US buyers to explore cost-sharing arrangements that would help ease the burden of the tariff through adjusted pricing.

FOBAP members also plan to shift their focus toward middle- to high-end apparel, where profit margins are wider and pricing more flexible, Young said. At the same time, exporters are stepping up efforts to diversify beyond the US market, seeking to expand their presence in Russia, Australia, Canada, Japan, the Middle East, and the European Union, he added.

“We learned our lesson. We relied too heavily on America,” Young said, despite noting that the US remains irreplaceable in terms of volume.

Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., for his part, said it was still too early to determine how the new tariff deal would impact the country’s agricultural exports.

“Whether the Philippine agriculture sector stands to benefit from this deal remains uncertain, especially since many of our regional competitors are still negotiating for more favorable terms,” Tiu Laurel said. With AFP

vitations from “a lot of people” and will decide on his travel plans soon.

Trump said the U.S. and China are now “getting along very well” and indicated that his personal relationship with Xi remains “healthy.”

If confirmed, the visit to China would mark Trump’s first face-toface meeting with President Xi since starting his second term in January. The proposed talks could help ease tensions between the two major powers, especially as both sides seek to strengthen trade relations and manage competing regional interests in the Indo-Pacific.

monitor the twin typhoons as they approach the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Classes at all levels and government work have been suspended in multiple areas across the Philippines on Thursday, July 24, due to prevailing weather conditions.

The affected provinces and Metro Manila include: Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Quezon Province, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Marinduque, Sorsogon, Romblon, Masbate, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Antique, Iloilo, Pangasinan, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Btangas, Laguna, and Rizal Government offices in these areas are also closed, except for personnel involved in essential and emergency services who are expected to report for duty.

Several local government units (LGUs) meanwhile declared a state of calamity in their jurisdictions.

The declaration allows LGUs to access quick response funds and speed up disaster relief efforts in affected communities.

southwest monsoon (habagat), according to Akbayan party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña.

“It is the height of insensitivity if we will roll out the red carpet for SONA when our constituents and their families don’t even have roofs over their heads,” Cendaña added..

Instead of colorful displays, Cenda-

ña said the SONA will tackle the current state of affairs in the country.

President Marcos, for his part, expressed confidence in the direction of US-Philippine relations, calling the partnership "as important a relationship as is possible to have."

"We must remember that the United States is our only treaty partner," Mr. Marcos said.

"Our strongest, closest, most reliable ally has always been the United States. That is something we value and will continue to foster," he added.

During Mr. Marcos’ meeting with US President Donald Trump, the two leaders discussed regional security and military cooperation. Trump, for his part, described military relations between the US and the Philippines as “fantastic.”

"They're a very important nation militarily, and we've had some great drills lately," Trump said. The US and Philippine armed forces recently held joint drills amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.

As this developed, Mr. Marcos said the planned US-backed ammunition manufacturing hub in Subic Bay is a longstanding initiative under the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) program, aimed at strengthening the country’s national defense.

In a press briefing in Washington on Wednesday (Manila time), Mr. Marcos said the project had been in the pipeline for months.

“That had been decided a long time ago…almost a year ago,” he said.

“Even without (external) help, we would still pursue it,” the President added, noting that the US had simply offered support to complement Philippine efforts. The President made the clarification amid concerns that the facility may provoke backlash from China, which has been aggressively claiming territories in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) that fall within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

“Are we not already a target for China?” Mr. Marcos said. “I think that what we have to be thinking about is protecting the Philippines.”

The Marcos administration has since pursued stronger security ties with Washington under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), expanding access for US forces to nine strategic Philippine sites — including locations in Luzon near Taiwan and the South China Sea, which overlaps with the West Philippine Sea.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who joined the President at the briefing, said the project will follow a commercial foreign direct investment (FDI) model, even though it is being funded through US Congress allocations.

“We can envision a private entity going about it on a commercial basis, so that they can hire people on a commercial basis,” he said.

Teodoro said the facility will initially employ 200 to 300 highly skilled workers, with potential expansion through downstream industries and port development.

“It will regenerate revenue on a commercial basis for Subic… It will increase our trade flows. That is an example of US governmentsponsored foreign direct investment to help our people and our self-reliance too,” he said.

The facility is also expected to help meet global demand for ammunition across multiple calibers, which Teodoro described as “at a worldwide shortage at this time.” He added the business case for the project is still under review, and further details will be announced once finalized. With AFP

Uy to be installed Cebu archbishop on September 30

ARCHBISHOP -designate Albert

Sy Uy is set to be installed as the head of the Archdiocese of Cebu in September.

“With hearts full of joy, we announce to you all that on Sept. 30, 2025, Tuesday, at 9 a.m., His Excellency, Most Reverend Alberto Sy Uy will be canonically installed as the 25th Bishop and the 5th Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cebu,” the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu (RCAC) said in a social media post on Wednesday.

The RCAC added that since its establishment as a diocese in 1595, Cebu has been led by 25 bishops. When it was elevated to a Metropolitan Archdiocese in 1934, a new line of archbishops began.

“Archbishop Uy now becomes the fifth to hold this title, following in the footsteps of Archbishops Gabriel Reyes, Julio Cardinal Rosales, Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, and Jose Palma,” it said.

“Let us unite in prayer and thanksgiving as we welcome our new shepherd on this special day, and celebrate this historic moment for our local Church,” the Cebu archdiocese added.

At the same time, the RCAC noted that further details about the installation, the thanksgiving celebration for outgoing Archbishop Jose Palma, and other activities lined up for this historic event will be posted as soon as they become available.

The Vatican formally announced Uy’s appointment on July 16, the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. He is currently the head of the Diocese of Tagbilaran.

QC LANDSLIDE. A landslide occurs in San Vicente, heading toward Sitio Veterans in Barangay Bagong Silangan, Quezon City. Fallen bamboo trees block the road, causing heavy traffic in the area. Barangay officials, led by Barangay Captain Willy Cara, immediately respond to manage the situation and restore the

DOJ backs De Lima case dismissal

By Pot Chavez

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) will withdraw the motion of prosecutors seeking to overturn the acquittal of Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list Rep. Leila de Lima in one of three cases related to illegal drugs.

Last week, a panel of DOJ prosecutors filed a 13-page motion for reconsideration before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 to declare De Lima guilty in a drug case. In a video interview with THEPHIL

BIZNEWS, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed this development when asked about the actions of the prosecutors handling the case.

“I actually talked to the Prosecutor General... and told him to stop

the foolishness of these people under us because they are following a political agenda, not a legal agenda, so we will take over the case,” Remulla said.

He noted that “they will take over the case and move for the case’s dismissal.”

For her part, De Lima welcomed this development and thanked Remulla for “bringing sense and order to the unethical actuations of Provincial Prosecutor Ramoncito Bienvenido Ocampo Jr. and his panel.”

The lawmaker is urging the Justice

Secretary to deal with the remnants of the Duterte administration, whose loyalty lies not with the DOJ but with Duterte, according to her.

“I was imprisoned for almost seven years with the help and cooperation of these prosecutors who seem to have no conscience in their oppression, not only of me but of our legal system... If they are allowed to get away scot-free with what they have done, no one is safe. They should be made to account for what they have done,” De Lima said.

IN BRIEF

MMDA chair Romando Artes inspects the Tripa de Gallina Pumping Station to monitor its operations amid persistent heavy rains. The facility is found filled with a mountain of trash accumulated from recent flooding caused by the southwest monsoon. Norman Cruz

Fishing vessel laden with diesel sinks off Batangas coast

A FISHING vessel carrying approximately 40,000 liters of automotive diesel oil (ADO) sank early Wednesday, around 3 a.m., about 2.25 nautical miles off Sitio Talim, Barangay Luyahan in Lian, Batangas, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Southern Tagalog.

Identified as FV Unity World, the boat departed from Navotas Fish Port Pier 1 en route to Cuyo, Palawan to collect fish, but encountered heavy seas near Fortune Island, prompting the captain to declare abandon ship at approximately 2 a.m, a report from ABS-CBN News also said. All 11 crew members safely reached the

shoreline using floating devices, and no injuries have been reported . The PCG’s Marine Environmental Protection Enforcement Response Team in Nasugbu and the Coast Guard Sub -Station in Lian are closely monitoring the site for possible oil leaks and are deploying containment measures to avert a maritime pollution incident . Coast Guard vessels are reportedly preparing absorbent booms and dispersants and are prioritising salvaging remaining diesel before it contaminates marine waters.

Environmental advocates warn that a spill in the

Philippines, China hold rights consultations

THE Philippines and China held the 9th Joint Consular Consultation in Beijing on 22 July 2025 to discuss the safety, rights, and welfare of their respective nationals, as well as law enforcement cooperation, trade and investment, and tourism. Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs

Maria Antonina M. Mendoza-Oblena and Chinese Foreign Ministry Director-General for Consular Affairs Long Zhou acknowledged that centuries of friendship between the Filipino and Chinese peoples form the bedrock of bilateral relations.

“Our relations have faced challenges, but we continue to cooperate in protecting our nationals and persist in aspiring for more people-to-people exchanges,” said Assistant Secretary Mendoza-Oblena.

The two sides stressed ongoing cooperation between the two countries in addressing transnational and other crimes, including illegal gambling.

Verde Island Passage — a key marine biodiversity hotspot — could threaten coral reefs, fisheries, and the marine protected area network shared between Batangas and neighboring provinces.

Local Bantay Dagat teams are collaborating with the PCG and BFAR to secure mangroves and sensitive coastal zones.

In recent years, the Philippines has faced similar incidents, including the July 2024 Manila Bay spill from the sunken tanker Terra Nova, where PCG-led response efforts included valve sealing and siphoning operations to avert ecological damage.

LTO personnel to assist flood-hit commuters

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has deployed additional personnel to provide maximum assistance to commuters affected by flooding and heavy rains in recent days. LTO acting chief Greg Pua Jr. said their staff were sent to monitor major thoroughfares and secondary roads in Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon to assess road conditions and help stranded commuters.

“Our personnel are actively patrolling to check whether roads remain passable. We are also monitoring the availability of public transportation,” Pua said. He added that the LTO is in constant coordination with other government agencies to provide needed assistance, and has ordered all regional directors to evaluate how many agency personnel were affected by recent weather disturbances. Rio N. Araja

Solon pushes catchment systems to address floods

A PARTY-LIST lawmaker is calling for the nationwide rollout of water catchment systems to combat catastrophic flooding caused by typhoons, monsoons, and dam discharges.

Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Robert Nazal warned that without sustainable water retention systems, the country will continue to face severe losses during weather disturbances. He emphasized the importance of localized catchment infrastructure for flood prevention and food security.

Nazal has filed House Bill 830, which seeks to build farm-level water catchment systems nationwide. The measure offers tax incentives, financing support, and technical assistance to participating communities and farmers.

Former BH representative Bernadette Herrera echoed Nazal’s call, saying the government has failed to learn from disasters like Typhoon Ulysses. “Five years after Ulysses, we’re still seeing the same deadly pattern,” she said, citing the lack of catchment basins and poor dam management. Maricel V. Cruz

FEU holds graduation rites despite heavy rains

FAR Eastern University (FEU) announced that its scheduled commencement exercises from July 22 to 24 would push through despite days of heavy rains and flooding caused by the southwest monsoon and successive storms.

In a social media post, FEU assured graduates and families that the ceremonies would continue as planned. “After careful consideration, we wish to reassure our graduates and their families that the commencement exercises will proceed as scheduled,” it said.

The announcement was met with mixed reactions online, with many expressing disappointment over the decision to hold physical events despite hazardous weather conditions.

Critics pointed out that FEU had suspended office operations in its Manila and Makati campuses earlier in the week due to the weather but still pushed forward with in-person graduation activities.

Reforms in higher education eyed

By Maricel V. Cruz

LEYTE Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday sounded the alarm over mounting cases of student dropouts in public colleges and universities, urging urgent action to strengthen the Free Higher Education Law and prevent millions of students from falling through the cracks of the country’s education reform.

“Free tuition was a landmark achievement, but the work is far from over. Nearly four out of 10 students in state universities and colleges are still dropping out. In some regions, the situation is even more

‘Rain or shine, BI operates at NAIA non-stop’

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) as-

sured the public that its One Stop Shop (OSS) which operates round-the-clock at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) remains open to meet to urgent Immigration concerns even amid the heavy rains and flooding sweeping numerous parts of the country.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reminded foreigners to regularly monitor their Immigration status and avoid overstaying in the country.

Viado said the BI OSS which operates 24/7 continues to perform basic Immigration services such as tourist visa extensions and exit clearances despite inclement weather.

“We remain committed to serving the public, even in challenging times,” Viado said. “Our One Stop Shop and online platforms are available so foreign nationals can conveniently access immigration services and focus on enjoying their stay in the Philippines despite the bad weather,” he added.

Viado also said the BI’s online portal, accessible via e-services.immigration.gov.ph, remains operational.

The OSS is located at Level 3, Departure Area, Terminal 3, and operates nonstop to accommodate travelers in need of immediate Immigration services.

alarming,” Romualdez noted.

Citing data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), Romualdez said the national dropout rate in school year 2023

to 2024 reached 39 percent.

In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), it was as alarmingly high at 93.4 percent.

Central Visayas reported 60.7 percent, Zamboanga Peninsula 59.5 percent, Cordillera 54.9 percent, Metro Manila 52.4 percent, Soccsksargen 51.2 percent, and Western Visayas 50.2 percent.

“These are not just statistics. They are shattered dreams and interrupted futures, often because students cannot afford transportation, food, rent, books or internet,” Romualdez stressed.

“We need to protect and build on the gains of the Free Higher Education

Law by ensuring that students have the means to actually finish school,” he added.

Romualdez expressed strong support for House Resolution (HR) 61 filed by Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon which seeks a full review of the implementation and long-term sustainability of Republic Act (RA) No. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

Romualdez, Speaker of the 19th Congress, said the review should focus on identifying support mechanisms beyond tuition coverage to help students complete their degrees.

IN BRIEF

Fishermen demand halt to Navotas reclamation

MEMBERS of a militant fishermen’s organization have staged a protest at the Navotas City hall to demand immediate stoppage of an ongoing reclamation project at the Navotas coast of the Manila Bay, charging that the reclamation was not only causing floodings but also killing their source of livelihood.

The protesters, who belonged to the Pamalakaya Navotas group, asserted that the 650-hectare reclamation project being undertaken by San Miguel Corp. as approved by the local government unit, had caused “worsening and prolonged flooding in the city.”

“You can really feel the adverse effects of the landfills, Apart from the deprivation of income for thousands of fishermen, the people of Navotas are also suffering from persistent floodings of their communities, the group’s leader, Romel Escarial said in Filipino.

The group also criticized the government for alleged failure to prepare for the calamities brought about by the storms and heavy rainfalls. Rex Espiritu

Two hopeful OFWs banned from leaving

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) agents have intercepted at the Cebu International Airport two prospective overseas Filipino workers bound for Hong Kong on suspicion that they were victims of illegal recruitment.

The two passengers—a woman, 44, and a man, 32—were prevented from boarding their Cebu Pacific flight after giving conflicting statements to the Immigration officers.

The duo initially claimed they were travelling together as tourists, but later admitted that they were leaving to work abroad.

The woman confessed she was headed to the United Arab Emirates, while the man was going to work in a farm in Jeju Island, South Korea. Vito Barcelo

DND team in ASEAN cybersecurity meetings

A PHILIPPINE delegation to Singapore is taking in the 2025 ASEAN cybersecurity meetings, aimed at boosting regional cooperation on digital defense and information security.

The group from the Department of National Defense led by lawyer Odessa Rossilyz Magisa, officerin-charge of the Office for DND Information Security, is attending the ADMM Cybersecurity and Information Center of Excellence (ACICE) events from July 21 to 24. The affair includes the 3rd ASEAN Roundtable, the 3rd Digital Defense Symposium, and the ACICE Advisory Board Meeting.

On Monday, the group also visited the Philippine Embassy, where they met with First Secretary and Consul Joyleen E. Santos, Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim. Rex Espiritu

Bangsamoro parliament opens plenary debates, tackles three bills

By Nash B. Maulana

THE Bangsamoro parliament on Tuesday tackled three bills that seek to improve education, infrastructure, and social development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Speaker Ali Pangalian Balindong said one of the bills will require school-

level management to establish decent functional restrooms in all public and private schools across the region.

Another measure proposes to create a sub-district engineering office in BARMM’s Special Geographic Area (SGA). Both will be deliberated for second reading at the plenary.

On Tuesday, member of parliament Na-

guib Sinarimbo filed Parliament Bill 279 which proposes additional death benefits for the region’s barangay chairmen and Sanggunian Kabataan (SK) chairpersons.

As proposed, the death benefit financial package ranges from P 500,000 to P1 million, as opposed to the existing P20,000.

The measure requires however, that the deceased died in performance of of-

ficial duties. An innovative mechanics follows the shariah-compliant taqaful insurance system that is also much patronized in the west. The insurance principle of Taqaful, an Arabic word which literally means cooperation, is applied in the policies of the giant UK-Life assurance company for its Muslim clients in England, Sinarimbo said.

TWO consumer advocacy groups are urging Congress to rethink proposals for a total ban on online gambling and pursue instead tougher regulation backed by cybersecurity, financial tracking, and stronger enforcement tools.

Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente (BK3) and Konsyumer at Mamamayan (KM) argued that sweeping bans will push online gambling underground, beyond reach of regulators and more vulnerable to abuse.

The two groups proposed policies that focus on identifying and disabling illegal gambling operations through smarter, tech-based approaches.

“People are right to be concerned about the harms tied to gambling,” said BK3 convenor lawyer Karry Sison, “But simply banning something operating in cyberspace will not work as illegal online gaming

sites operating from abroad, beyond our laws, will still be able to spread harmful software and stealing user data,” she explained.

Sison pointed out that government agencies have already blocked thousands of sites, but many continue to resurface using new web addresses and offshore servers.

“You can shut down one site today, and it’s replaced by another tomorrow. That’s why we need systems that track and stop these operators before they reach our screens,” she said. “This is a cybersecurity issue, and we should treat it as such.”

The groups noted that unregulated gambling platforms often serve as entry points for fraud, identity theft, phishing scams, and even human exploitation.

Because these platforms operate without oversight, users have no protection from malicious code or data breaches.

CHECKING OUT ON THE MASSES. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte personally checks on the situations of her constituents who were forced to flee their homes for safer grounds as floodwater continues to rise in low-lying communities of the city. She sees to it that the evacuation centers have adequate supply of basic needs such as food, shelter, and medicine for the sick. Among those she visited were barangays Damayan, Masambong, Bahay Toro, Katipunan, and Del Monte.

HUMANITARIAN IMMERSION. Neophyte Senator Erwin Tulfo, in collaboration with World Vision Philippines, oversees relief operations for flood-hit families who sought shelter at the Diosdado Macapagal Elementary School in Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City. Manny Marcelo

OPINION

Corruption kills

rampaging floods that have been sweeping not just the metropolis but so many other regions, one begins to wonder if God is sending us all a message. And the message is: “Wake up! How can you tolerate so much abuse, so much corruption from the people you elected to office?” It reminds me of that tale about how “blessed” this “beautiful country” is, and that when someone asked God why he showered the Philippines with so much natural beauty and resources, the good Lord snapped “wait till you see the kind of government they have.”

A shocking discovery about a government-funded project in Cebu’s Mandaue City bared how bamboo strips were used instead of steel bars to “reinforce” concrete walls for flood control.

The wall collapsed even before the massive rains came when bamboo could not keep the concrete plaster together.

“Kawayan, dili puthaw nga cabilla,” constituents exclaimed, even as their representative smiled in tarpaulins announcing the various “infrastructure projects” she brought, thanks in part for being a useful toady to the powers that be, replete with instant signature done without reading in the impeachment complaint that her neighboring congressman in another district shamefully admitted he signed because otherwise his district would be denied “mga gracia gikan sa kagamhanan.”

As we wait for the president’s fourth SONA, we recall how he boasted last year about the more than 5,000 flood control projects his administration has completed. With rain from the heavens drowning out his much-applauded address to the nation from the obeisant representatives of the people, questions rose days after about where and how these “projects” controlled the rampaging waters of the seasonal “habagat.”

To begin with, having thousands of flood control projects shows how little sensible planning is done, especially in urban centers like Metro Manila, where what is needed are giant water-impounding systems and strategically located outflows to river and sea.

But then again, these flood control projects are treated as congressional entitlements --- “gracia” from above.

The more of a toady and panderer you are, the more flood control and other projects where the “tongpats” cannot be properly audited.

Many were killed then; many are being killed even now as we write, because of “ghosts” controlling floods and projects hiding bamboo strips instead of steel.

I recall how some 20 years back, a bridge collapsed in Romblon, only to expose bamboo “cabillas” instead of steel as its reinforcement. Well, it seems contractors

fleeced by corruption of 40 percent kickbacks have no recourse but to construct substandard infrastructure.

Alangan namang si politiko lang ang kikita? Kung 40 percent ang kickbacks, sometimes upfront, the contractor must get at least 15 percent, right?

Corruption kills, but the victims, which are all of us, seem to have accepted this continued abominable practice as a way of life.

We have become jaded by the reality of too much corruption. We just keep electing the same lecherous brigands every three years.

Pare-pareho lang sila, pre!

As if 5,000 flood control projects were not enough, the 2025 budget manufactured by the infamous bicam co-chaired by Zaldy Co and Grace Poe, under the tutelage of their “wa-is” leaders, was again replete with more such “inserted” projects.

We have become jaded by the reality of too much corruption. We just keep electing the same lecherous brigands every three years

A revelation made at the height of our drowning in floodwaters was that no less than the Senate President inserted P142 billion into such piece-meal flood control projects not just P9.1 billion for his native Sorsogon, but to Bulacan as well, with a senator who wants to be governor by 2028 receiving a P12.08 billion bonanza.

Even Davao? Alam ba ni PBbM ito?

Or is this so even the DDS loyalists like Bato will retain Chiz as his choice for SP? Ham for Bato and Chiz for SP?

Meanwhile, our palay farmers are getting a double whammy: hit by low prices for their produce because of massive imports and worsened by the competition from a government that stubbornly pushes a P20 per kilo rice against all economic sense; and now, floods that inundated their fields, rendering palay roots spoiled.

Basta kurakot ang habol, maraming paraparaan, the wags keep saying.

The Supreme Court “outlawed” pork barrel, kuno. But the “wa-is” have invented ways to circumvent it each year, with the DBM’s nihil obstat and the president’s imprimatur.

When if ever will we rise up and cut off the head of corruption that kills people, destroys their livelihood and property, killing our future as well?

Distortion of democracy

THE party-list system in the Philippines, instituted by the 1987 Constitution with implementation details provided by Republic Act 7941 signed into law in 1995, reflects contentious issues of democracy.

Designed to give underrepresented sectors a voice in Congress, it has given political dynasties and business interests yet another avenue to tighten their grip on power.

Observers say it has allowed marginalized sectors like farmers, workers, women, and various ethnic groups to gain representation in the House of Representatives (HoR) and a mechanism for those without well-defined political constituencies to participate in lawmaking, potentially strengthening democratic governance.

But others contend it has been susceptible to manipulation by well-funded groups and individuals, claiming it does not truly represent the marginalized. They argue the system lacks sufficient mechanisms for holding party-list representatives accountable to the sectors they claim to represent.

In February, three months before the midterm elections, watchdog group Kontra Daya forewarned: more than half the 156 party-list groups vying for seats in the 20th Congress are controlled by entities outside the sectors they claim to represent.

Of the 86 party-lists it flagged, 65 were linked to political dynasties or big business.

As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address on July 28 approaches and the 20th Congress formally opens, Comelec must prepare to deal with another abuse: the resignation of party-list nominees to make way for their real principals.

This is the nub as it were in the country’s party-list system Under the system, a party-list submits a ranked list of 10 nominees, but it is the organization – not the individuals – that is elected,

the goal moving away from personality-driven politics. In reality, this has become an escape hatch for some individuals.

For garbled reasons, the true leader or intended representative may not be ranked first, and the first nominee assumes office but soon resigns, allowing the second nominee to take over, the process continuing until the preferred individual eventually gets the seat.

On Dec. 29, 2021, the Comelec published the final list of party-list candidates for the 2022 elections, which included P3PWD.

On election day, May 9, 2022, P3PWD got 391,174 votes, or 1.0629 percent of the total votes cast for party-list organizations, earning one seat in the HoR for the 19th Congress.

Congress must consider reforms to the Party-List Law: stricter limits on political families and greater transparency in nominee disclosures

On May 26, 2022, Comelec proclaimed P3PWD’s first nominee, Grace S. Yeneza, as P3PWD’s representative in the HoR. She later took her oath of office. Court records show Yeneza and the remaining four P3PWD nominees resigned, citing various reasons.

In 2022, former Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon attempted to assume the congressional seat of the Komunidad ng

Trafficked OFWs need gov’t help

IF THE Philippine economy benefits in large measure from the dollar remittances of overseas Filipino workers, it stands to reason the national government should be giving them all the assistance they need, not only when they go abroad but also when they encounter problems at work in foreign shores.

A particularly worrisome development in recent years has been the increasing incidence of OFWs promised lucrative jobs abroad but ending up hoodwinked by unscrupulous recruiters into working in scam hubs in Cambodia, Myanmar and elsewhere.

This is a matter that should be addressed by our Department of Migrant Workers with decisive steps to protect our OFWs from being abused in these scam hubs.

Several OFWs have actually been trafficked into scam operations in Cambodia.

Lured with false promises of legitimate jobs, they found themselves trapped in guarded compounds and forced to scam foreigners. Failing to meet quotas meant beatings, salary deductions or public humiliation.

Some victims were forced into “love scamming”—creating fake Facebook accounts to lure, manipulate and defraud fellow Filipinos, both at home and abroad.

The national government, particularly the DFA and DMW, should spare no effort to extend every possible assistance to OFWs who find themselves forced to work in scam hubs abroad

One OFW told media if they got sick, they would not be given the $300 they were promised. Their salaries were also cut if they did something wrong in the course of their work.

Victims who sought help from the Philippine Embassy were often discovered by their traffickers and handed over to Cambodian authorities for detention. Workers’ phones were confiscated for most of the day, with only one hour of access.

Some were sold to other companies if they failed to bring in enough profit. Another victim said he was punished in front of fellow Filipinos before being transferred elsewhere.

Four batches of Filipinos were sent home from Cambodia this July. But they lamented that upon landing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, no one from the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking was there to receive them.

Others were made to promote bogus investment schemes. They worked grueling shifts, from 10 p.m. to 4 p.m. the next day. Eight victims shared their experiences during a press conference organized by an NGO this month. They wore

Pamilya, Pasyente at Persons with Disabilities party-list, despite not being on its original list of nominees.

On June 14, 2022, P3PWD filed before the Comelec the withdrawal of all five nominees and submitted the following substitute nominees: Guanzon, Rosalie J. Garcia, Cherrie B. Belmonte-Lim, Donnabel C. Tenorio, and Rodolfo B. Villar, Jr. The next day, the Comelec issued Minute Resolution 22-0774, approving the withdrawal and substitution. The long story short, Comelec proclaimed Guanzon as the qualified nominee of P3PWD to represent it in the HoR. Guanzon took her oath of office and submitted it to the House on June 27, 2022.

But two days later, the Supreme Court, citing violations of substitution rules, granted the Temporary Restraining Order, prohibiting Comelec from from implementing Minute Resolution 22-0774.

In 2024, the Supreme Court barred Guanzon from taking her congressional office by

face masks and sunglasses to hide their identities, fearing retaliation from former employers.

nullifying her nomination, citing grave abuse of discretion by the Comelec in approving her substitution past the designated deadline. In an immediately executory Decision, written by Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario, the Supreme Court en banc directed P3PWD Party-List to submit additional nominees but prohibited it from renominating for the 19th Congress the nominees whose substitutions were invalidated. A glance at the 2025 party-list reveals strange patterns. Several groups have second or lowerranked nominees who appear to share surnames. Examples include Magbubukid (two nominees named Albano); Ilocano Defenders (three nominees surnamed Say); Banat (three surnamed Ferenal); Turismo (two surnamed Teo); API Party (two surnamed Espino); Bangon Bagong Minero (two surnamed Co, two surnamed See); FPJ Panday Bayanihan (two surnamed Llamanzares); 1Tahanan (three Catulpos), and Nanay (two Bendicions).

This is unfortunate. The United Nations and other agencies have estimated that cyberscams, most of them originating from Southeast Asia, earn international criminal gangs billions of dollars annually. The cybercriminals pretend friendship or tout phony investment opportunities to cheat their targets around the world. The national government, particularly the DFA and DMW, should spare no effort to extend very possible assistance to OFWs who find themselves forced to work in scam hubs abroad.

There may also be other party-lists whose ties to business are hidden by the lack of similar surnames in their nominee lists. When resignations are announced, we should ask: was that the plan all along? Resignation is legal, election experts say. But when it is premeditated and used to obscure the true intent behind a candidacy, it becomes an act of deception. If the real nominee cannot be transparent from the start, what else might they conceal once in office?

This loophole must be closed. Comelec should investigate post-election resignation patterns and determine whether they are being used to circumvent the law. Congress, for its part, must consider reforms to the Party-List Law: stricter limits on political families within party-lists and greater transparency in nominee disclosures. The promise of the party-list system is worth defending – but only if we refuse to let it be hijacked by those it was meant to hold accountable.

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format with scumbling, lithography, and pencil textures. On the right side of the cartoon is a series of Dalian trains ordered by the Philippine Government a decade ago.

Honor Blanco Cabie

THURSDAY JULY 24, 2025

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

UK sanctions 25 over migrant Channel crossings

LONDON – The United Kingdom sanc-

tioned Wednesday more than two dozen people, groups and suppliers accused of helping to smuggle migrants across the Channel, in the first such use of sanctions powers.

The move comes as the UK government faces growing pressure to stem the migrant arrivals on small boats from northern France, as numbers hit record levels this year.

The asset freezes and travel bans announced on Wednesday target individuals and entities “driving irregular migration to the UK”, the Foreign Office said.

They include a small boat supplier in China, so-called “hawala” money movers in the Middle East, and gang leaders based in the Balkans and North Africa.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy called it “a landmark moment in the government’s work to tackle organized immigration crime” linked to the UK.

“From Europe to Asia we are taking the fight to the people-smugglers who enable irregular migration, targeting them wherever they are in the world,” he added.

“My message to the gangs who callously risk vulnerable lives for profit is this: we know who you are, and we will work with our partners around the world to hold you to account.”

In all, 20 individuals, four gangs and one company were sanctioned.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer took power a year ago promising to curb the journeys by “smashing the gangs” facilitating the crossings, but has struggled to deliver on the pledge. AFP

IN BRIEF

HK trans man wins challenge vs. toilet law

HONG KONG – A Hong Kong court on Wednesday ruled to strike down parts of the city’s law criminalizing people going into public toilets designated for the opposite sex.

The case was brought by a transgender man, known as “K,” who was encouraged by doctors to use men’s public bathrooms as part of his gender dysphoria treatment.

K’s Hong Kong ID card still identified him as female, which meant he could be fined up to HK$2,000 ($255) under existing rules. He argued that this breached his rights to equality, privacy, and to be free from discrimination.

High Court judge Russell Coleman agreed and struck down two provisions in the city’s regulations, giving the government a year to make the change.

Transgender activists in the financial hub have notched several wins over the past decade in Hong Kong courts, which are separate from those in mainland China. AFP

Myanmar junta drone crashes over Thai border

BANGKOK – A Myanmar junta drone targeting anti-coup fighters crashed over the border in Thailand, the kingdom’s military said, prompting an official rebuke over hazardous spillover from the civil war.

Western Thailand regularly suffers ramifications from the conflict that has raged in Myanmar since the military toppled the country’s elected civilian government in 2021.

Deserting junta troops, fleeing civilian refugees and desperate economic migrants often make unsanctioned crossings of the countries’ 2,400 kilometer frontier. Thailand’s military said it found the “kamikaze drone” on Monday in a forest in Tak Province, 15 kilometres inside the Thai border.

“No civilians were injured or killed, and no property damage was reported,” said a Tuesday night statement. AFP

Retrial opens for woman who bit off assaulter’s tongue

SEOUL – A South Korean court reopened a decades-old case on Wednesday after the country’s #MeToo movement inspired a woman to challenge her conviction for defending herself against sexual violence 61 years ago. Choi Mal-ja was 19 when she was attacked by a 21-year-old man in the southern town of Gimhae in 1964. He pinned her to the ground and forced his tongue into her mouth, court records showed. Choi managed to break free by biting off about 1.5 centimeters of his tongue. In one of South Korea’s most contentious rulings on sexual violence, the aggressor received only six months in prison, suspended for two years, for trespassing and intimidation -- but not attempted rape.

But Choi was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm and handed a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. AFP

NGOs warn ‘starvation’ across Gaza

JERUSALEM, Undefined – More than 100 aid organizations warned on Wednesday that “mass starvation” was spreading in Gaza ahead of the US top envoy’s visit to Europe for talks on a possible ceasefire and an aid corridor.

Israel is facing mounting international pressure over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory, where more than two million people face severe shortages of food and other essentials after 21 months of conflict, triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel.

The UN said on Tuesday that Israeli forces had killed more than 1,000 Palestinians trying to get food aid since the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitar-

ian Foundation started operations in late May -- effectively sidelining the existing UN-led system.

A statement with 111 signatories, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Save the Children and Oxfam, warned that “our colleagues and those we serve are wasting away”.

The groups called for an immediate negotiated ceasefire, the opening of all land crossings and the free flow of aid through

UN-led mechanisms. It came a day after the United States said its envoy Steve Witkoff will head to Europe this week for talks on Gaza and may then visit the Middle East. Witkoff comes with “a strong hope that we will come forward with another ceasefire as well as a humanitarian corridor for aid to flow, that both sides have in fact agreed to,” State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters.

Even after Israel began easing a more than two-month aid blockade in late May, Gaza’s population is still suffering extreme scarcities.

Israel says humanitarian aid is being allowed into Gaza and accuses Hamas of exploiting civilian suffering, including by stealing food handouts to sell at inflated

3rd round of Kyiv-Moscow talks likely in Turkey

ISTANBUL – Ukrainian and Russian officials could meet in Istanbul on Wednesday for a third round of peace talks, their first meeting in more than seven weeks amid US pressure to reach a ceasefire.

Expectations of a breakthrough are low.

The two sides previously met in May and June, but failed to agree an end to the nearly three-and-a-half year war.

The Kremlin has not explicitly confirmed it will attend on Wednesday, but cautioned earlier not to expect any “miraculous breakthroughs” if it does.

The two sides have wildly different

positions for ending the conflict.

Russia has called on Ukraine to effectively retreat from the four Ukrainian regions it claims to have annexed in Sept. 2022, a demand Kyiv has called unacceptable.

Ukraine has ruled out any negotiations on territory until after a ceasefire and says it will never recognize Russia’s claims over occupied territory -- including Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014. Russia’s full-scale invasion, launched in Feb. 2022, has ravaged parts of eastern and southern Ukraine and resulted in tens of thousands of military and civilian deaths.

Japan PM plans to resign after election debacle -- local media

TOKYO – Having done a trade deal with US President Donald Trump, Japan’s prime minister will soon announce his resignation, reports said Wednesday, after his latest election debacle left his coalition without a majority now in both houses of parliament. The reports said Shigeru Ishiba had conveyed his intention to step down to those close to him, following the announcement Wednesday of a US-Japan trade deal. Sunday’s upper house election was calamitous for Ishiba’s center-right Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has governed almost continuously since 1955.

Voters angry at inflation turned to other parties, notably the “Japanese first” Sanseito, whose “anti-globalist” drive echoes the agenda of populist movements elsewhere. Ishiba plans to vacate the top job by the end of August, the Mainichi daily reported. The Yomiuri newspaper said he would announce his resignation in July but did not give details of when he would leave office. These and other reports said calls for the 68-year-old

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he hoped the two sides would discuss the release of prisoners and prepare a meeting between himself and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Moscow has said that “a lot of work” is needed before even discussions can take place about possible talks between Putin and Zelenskyy, who last met in 2019. Ukraine said former defense minister and current security council secretary Rustem Umerov would head its delegation. The Kremlin said it would send political scientist Vladimir Medinsky to lead its negotiating team. AFP

prices or shooting at those awaiting aid. In their statement, the humanitarian organizations said warehouses with tonnes of supplies were sitting untouched just outside the territory, and even inside, as they were blocked from accessing or delivering the goods.

“Palestinians are trapped in a cycle of hope and heartbreak, waiting for assistance and ceasefires, only to wake up to worsening conditions,” the signatories said.

“It is not just physical torment, but psychological. Survival is dangled like a mirage,” they added.

“The humanitarian system cannot run on false promises. Humanitarians cannot operate on shifting timelines or wait for political commitments that fail to deliver access.” AFP

Palau ponders taking asylum seekers from US

SYDNEY – The United States is looking to send asylum seekers to the sparsely populated volcanic isles of Palau, the small South Pacific nation said Wednesday. Scattered about 800 kilometers east of the Philippines, tropical Palau has long been one of the United States’ closest allies in the Pacific.

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr last week received a request from Washington to accept “third-country nationals seeking asylum in the United States”, his office said in a statement. Whipps’ office told AFP on Wednesday the proposal was still under consideration by the nation’s powerful Council of Chiefs, an advisory body of traditional leaders.

“A meeting was held last week. So far no decision has come out of that meeting,” a spokesman said.

US President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to expel millions of undocumented migrants, saying the country had been “inundated” by unwanted arrivals.

He signed an executive order in January -- titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” -- that suspended admissions for countless refugees seeking haven in the United States. Key details of the proposed deal between Palau and the United States were not immediately clear, such as how many asylum seekers it would cover, or what Palau may get in return.

“Based on the most recent draft agreement, Palau would have full discretion to decide whether or not to accept any individuals, and all actions would be consistent with our constitution and laws,” the Palau president’s office said in a statement. AFP

Transgender cyclist wins exclusion case in Belgium

BRUSSELS—A court in Belgium has ruled in favour of a transgender cyclist who sued the International Cycling Union (UCI) after it refused her a licence to participate in women’s events, according to a judgment issued Tuesday.

The discrimination case, settled this month by the Brussels civil court, dates back to 2023, when the cyclist was notified that her licence had been revoked and she was barred from women’s competitions based on new UCI regulations.

At the time, the international cycling body questioned the supposed advantage conferred on transgender women in competitions by having reached puberty as a boy.

In July 2023, it imposed a requirement that transgender athletes, in order to compete in the women’s category, must be able to prove that they began their transitioning before puberty or before the age of 12.

This is in addition to the existing requirement to display low testosterone levels.

The plaintiff, born a boy in 1974, transitioned in her early forties and argued that the measure leading to her exclusion constituted discrimination.

In an order dated July 10, the court ruled in her favour, saying her action against the UCI was admissible and well-founded.

This chapter of the UCI medical regulations on eligibility rules for transgender athletes establishes “discrimination prohibited” by Belgian law, pursuant to a December 2008 decree on gender equality, the court ruled. Consequently, these rules are declared null and void, and the UCI no longer has any justification for refusing the plaintiff’s participation in women’s cycling competitions, the court ruled, according to a copy of the order released to the media.

Belgium’s Institute for the Equality of Women and Men, which was a civil party in the case, said the order was “directly enforceable” and sets a precedent in the country.

The Belgian cycling federation told AFP it had began discussions with the UCI about how to apply the rules in the future. AFP

Paret-Peintre

scores Tour de France home win in

Mont Ventoux

MONT VENTOUX—Valentin ParetPeintre bagged a first home win on an enthralling stage 16 of the Tour de France on Tuesday pipping Ireland’s Ben Healy atop the 1910m altitude Mont Ventoux finish line. Behind them Jonas Vingegaard attacked overall leader Tadej Pogacar relentlessly but the defending champion tracked the Dane all the way up the 15km ascent to extend his lead by two seconds.

Trailing by 4min 13sec at the start of this stage Vingegaard attacked with 9km to climb on Mont Ventoux, whose eery upper reaches resemble a lunar landscape

They were eclipsed, however, by a frantic fight for the line and the stage win between EF’s Healy and Soudal Quick-Step;s Paret-Peintre who relieved home hopes on a Tour raced entirely on French soil.

Vingegaard and his Visma team did everything they could to hurt the Team UAE leader Pogacar, but the 26-year-old resisted all they threw at him despite being isolated from his teammates early in the climb which is already etched into Tour folklore after epic past battles.

Chris Froome ran part of the way up during a frantic wait for mechanical assistance, while even the great Eddy Merckx once needed oxygen at the summit.

Tom Simpson died here in 1967 after collapsing on a baking climb but asking to be helped back onto the saddle.

Stage 17 should be one for the sprinters as Tim Merlier hopes to add to his two stage wins and current green jersey Jonathan Milan also targets a second win at the 700m straight run to the finish line at Valence. AFP

Venus triumphant in return; Osaka to take on Raducanu

WASHINGTON —Venus Williams made a triumphant return to singles tennis on Tuesday after a 16-month hiatus, defeating fellow American Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 to reach the second round of the WTA and ATP DC Open.

The 45-year-old winner of seven career Grand Slam singles titles rolled to her 819th career WTA singles victory in 97 minutes at the first US Open hardcourt tuneup event.

“It is not easy to come off after all that time and play the perfect match,” she said. “Peyton played so well. I felt like I was trying to slow myself down from going faster and

faster and faster.” Williams had not played a WTA singles match since March of last year at Miami and had not won a match in 709 days -- since defeating Russian Veronika Kudermetova in the first round at Cincinnati in August 2023.

“I wanted to play a good match and win the match,” Williams said. “It’s so rewarding to come back after a layoff and injuries.” Williams became the oldest player to compete in a WTA tour-level match

since Japan’s Kimiko Date at 46 in Tokyo in 2017.

She became the oldest WTA match winner since Martina Navratilova at age 47 at Wimbledon in 2004.

“Thank you so much for the energy,” Williams told the crowd. “We were literally living and dying together.”

Williams broke for a 4-3 lead in the second set, winning nine of 10 points in one stretch, then held to 5-3 and pushed Stearns in a 12-minute ninth game but missed on four match points before Stearns held.

Williams smashed a service winner on her sixth match point for the triumph, booking a second-round date with Polish fifth seed Magdalena Frech.

“I’m back here because of the encouragement of my team and they wanted me to come on back and play again so a lot of this is for you guys,” Williams told spectators.

“You guys don’t know how much work goes into this. It’s nine to five but you’re running the whole time, lifting weights and then you’re like dying -- and then you repeat it the next day.”

Japan’s Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, ousted Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan 6-2, 7-5, to book a second-round match against Britain’s Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open winner who eliminated Ukraine’s seventh-seeded Marta Kostyu k 7-6 (7/4), 6-4.

“I’m excited about it,” Osaka said. “I’ve never played her before, so for me, that’s something really cool too. Because I’ve seen her, I guess when she first did well at Wimbledon before she won the US Open, moments like that, and I knew she was a good player.”

“I’m looking forward to the match,” Raducanu said. “It will be a great test of my own game and myself.” AFP

Tickets to FIVB worlds opening night now up for grabs

ALAS Pilipinas showcasing its skills and passion and K-Pop group BOYNEXTDOOR excitingly entertaining Filipino fans all in one night on September 12 will kick off action in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

“It will be one night to remember in the history of world volleyball and the Philippines will be right in the middle of everything,” said Ramon “Tats” Suzara, president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC).

US

WASHINGTON—American transgender women will no longer be able to compete in women’s events at the Olympics and Paralympics after a recent policy change by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

A new note on the USOPC website regarding the participation of transgender athletes in sports says: “As of July 21, 2025, please refer to the USOPC athlete safety policy.”

The policy update, following US President Donald Trump’s “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order, was added to the USOPC Athlete Safety Policy on its website as a new subsection entitled “Additional Requirements.”

“The USOPC is committed to protecting opportunities for athletes participating in sport,” the addition reads.

“The USOPC will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders

with oversight responsibilities... to ensure that women have a fair and safe competition environment consistent with Executive Order 14201 (Trump’s order) and the Ted Stevens Olympic & Amateur Sports Act.”

The Stevens Act, adopted in 1988, provides a means of handling eligibility disputes for Olympic sports and other amateur events.

A memo to Team USA from USOPC chief executive Sarah Hirshland and president Gene Sykes on Tuesday obtained by ABC News and ESPN made reference to Trump’s February executive order, saying: “As a federally chartered organization, we have an obligation to comply with federal expectations.”

Trump’s executive order threatens to remove federal funds from any school or institution allowing transgender girls to play on girls’ teams, claiming that would violate Title IX

Fifty days ahead of the Philippines’ first-time hosting of the 32-nation FIVB MWCH, Suzara said all systems are rolling with tickets to the opening ceremony night now about to sell briskly online through the world championships official website https://www. philippineswch2025.com/.

“Never in the history of the world championships, men or women, will there be an opening ceremony that will be a concert in atmosphere and featuring BOYNEXTDOOR,” Suzara said. The Philippines opens its campaign against Tunisia starting at 5 p.m. after which the festive and grand opening follow suit with an expected jampacked SM MOA Arena.

Tickets for opening night are pegged at P14,000 for Patron (Center) and P12,500 for Patron (Back), P12,500 for Lower Box Center, P8,500 for Lower Back Sides, P7,500 for Lower Back Back, P5,500 for Upper Box Center, P4,500 for Upper Back Sides, P2,500 for Upper Box Back and P1,500 for General Admission.

BOYNEXTDOOR’s Sungho, Riwoo, Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan and Woonhak will be performing their most popular acts as global celebrity ambassadors of the FIVB MWCH

rules giving US women equal sport opportunities. The order requires immediate enforcement against institutions that

which will be played at both the SM MOA Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum from September 12 to 28.

“We have carefully reviewed and decided on the selection of BoyNextDoor as a truly pivotal move in elevating the global profile of volleyball and igniting excitement for the event,” Suzara said.

“With the championship proudly hosted in the Philippines, this partnership presents an incredible opportunity to engage fans across the world, with the BoyNextDoor’s unique appeal and dynamic global influence to attract a wider and more diverse audience profile,” he added. The PNVF and LOC—co-chaired by Presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Fraqsco—believe BOYNEXTDOOR’s involvement and active participation will “encourage increased participation and viewership, both locally and internationally.”

“By unifying the worlds of sports and entertainment, and making these work together as one, we aim to spark greater interest in volleyball, promote cultural exchange, and boost local economy through tourism and international engagement,” Suzara said.

deny women single-sex sports and single-sex locker rooms.

“Our revised policy emphasizes the importance of ensuring fair and safe competition environments for women,” ESPN quoted the USOPC letter to governing bodies as saying.

“All National Governing Bodies are required to update their applicable policies in alignment.”

ESPN also said the officials noted the USOPC “has engaged in a series of respectful and constructive conversations with federal officials” in the wake of Trump’s executive order.

The move comes as Los Angeles awaits a host role for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) also altered its policy for transgender athlete participation to limit women’s sports competitors to athletes assigned female at birth after Trump’s executive order. AFP

Venus Williams returns a shot against Peyton Stearns during Day 2 of the Mubadala Citi DC Open 2025 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington, DC. AFP

BOYNEXTDOOR’s Sungho, Riwoo, Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan and Woonhak will make the opening ceremong of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship a night to remember.

US President Donald Trump

THURSDAY, JULY 24. 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Centeno tops Jakarta 10-ball; PH bets advance at world tilt

By Randy M. Caluag

FILIPINA billiards’ ace Chezka Centeno continued her hot streak by clinching the M Arena Ladies 10-Ball Open title in Jakarta, Indonesia, defeating fellow Filipina Denden Santos, 10–6, in an all-Pinay final.

The victory added to Centeno’s impressive run on the global stage. Just recently, she bagged a silver medal at the inaugural Oneida WPBA Women’s 8-Ball Championship in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The 2023 World 10-Ball champion nearly captured another world title, but fell short in a gripping 9–8 hillhill final against Austria’s Jasmin Ouschan, keeping fans enthralled until the final rack.

Inspired by Centeno’s success, the Philippine billiards scene showed more firepower as 14 Filipino

players advanced to the second round of the World Pool Championship in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Johann Chua led the charge with a dominant 9–0 victory over Mohamed Al-Balkhi. Marvin Asis followed with a stunning upset over Spain’s David Alcaide, 9–8, while 2017 world champion Carlo Biado took care of Jan Van Lierop, 9–5.

Lee Van Corteza also posted a strong performance, edging Al Waleed Al-Mudayan, 9–7.

AJ Manas prevailed in an all-Filipino battle against Alexis Ferrer, 9–6, and James Aranas dispatched Wesam Hamamm, 9–4.

Roland Garcia added another big win for the Philippines, toppling former world champion Niels Feijen, 9–4.

Also advancing in the winners’ bracket were Bernie Regalario, Jeffrey Ignacio, Michael Baoanan, Patrick Gonzales, and Michael Feliciano.

They joined Tuesday’s winners, Jefrey Roda and Anton Raga, to complete the strong Filipino contingent in the next round.

Despite his earlier loss, Ferrer stayed alive in the tournament by defeating Phuong Nam Pham, 9–6,

SMART/MVPSF Nat’l Taekwondo Championships set this weekend

IT’S going to be another weekend to remember as the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) stages its much-awaited 2025 SMART/ MVPSF National Championships on July 26 and 27 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

For one, the “cream of the cream” will be there and so are the newcomers, rising stars and even a group of battle-scarred veterans in the grandest team event competition of the year. Even members of the current national team can’t afford to take it easy in the two-day event since their rivals are determined to make statements in the hope of earning possible slots in the training pool in the near future. Each team is consists of three players and two alternates for both Advance and Novice divisions. Each division has four categories namely, Seniors, Juniors, Cadet and Gradeschool (Male and Female).

Close to 2,500 fighters from various major schools and clubs all over the country plus the grizzled fighters from the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be taking part in the tournament fully supported by Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and Milo.

Elimination round on Saturday (July 26) starts at 9 a.m. while the opening ceremony that highlighted by a performance from the PH Demonstration Team will be held on Sunday (July 27) beginning at 1 p.m.

As in the past, the PTA will utilize the Protector and Scoring System (PSS) and will also have an IVR (Instant Video Replay) system to eliminate human error.

Martial arts enthusiasts and sports aficionados are invited to witness this event, especially children who are interested to learn the popular Korean sport.

in the losers’ bracket. Mark Kalagayan also kept his campaign going with a 9–7 triumph over Abdulaziz Al-Amoudi.

On the other hand, Rogelio Sotero and Marlon Castañeda became the first casualties among the 18-player Philippine delegation in this prestigious event.

Conspicuously absent from the tournament was two-time world champion and Cebuana billiards icon Rubilen Amit, who was forced to withdraw due to illness.

In a Facebook post dated July 19, Amit addressed questions about her absence from the official player list.

“Hi guys! Some of you may be wondering why my name isn’t on the players’ list for the World Pool Championships. Unfortunately, due to health concerns, I’ve had to withdraw from the event,” she wrote.

While Amit did not disclose the specific nature of her condition, she said her decision to skip the tournament was based on her doctors’ advice, prioritizing her recovery and well-being.

PH battles Vietnam in ASEAN Mandiri Cup semifinals

By Peter Atencio

VIETNAM will face the Philippines in the semifi-

nals of the ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup 2025.

This was made possible after Nguyễn Đình Bắc’s

83rd minute header earned Vietnam a 2-1 win over Cambodia at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday.

Thailand, which won Group C, will meet tournament host Indonesia in the other half of the semis.

The Garrath McPherson-coached Filipino booters are set to clash with the Vietnamese on 4 p.m. on Thursday (5 p.m. in Manila).

Later, the Thais, who played Myanmar to a scoreless draw, meet the Indonesians at 8 p.m.

McPherson said the Philippine side’s confidence has grown, 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.

The Philippine side went on to finish second in Group A, with its second triumph in three matches. Vietnam’s winning shot came when Đình Bắc headed from the center of the box to the bottom left corner, off an assist by Nguyen Thành Dat.

The count was earlier tied at 1-all when Cambodian booter Mon Rado knocked in a header from the center of the box to the top left corner in the 62nd minute.

Acuna breaks 3-position air ri e record at national tryouts

A NEW record was set again in the women’s 3-position air rifle event by Amparo Acuna during the second leg of the recent national tryouts for the coming Southeast Asian Games.

The 28-year-old Acuna did it again when she fired 589 points over the weekend at the Philippine Marine Shooting Range in Taguig City.

The other week, Acuna, who just returned from a training stint in Germany, broke two national records on the first leg.

In the 3-position event, Acuna tallied a 584.

Acuna, who spent two weeks at a camp in Dortmund, Germany with

Atletang Ayala program, which former national swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi runs, made it possible for Acuna and Quiroz to make the trip. Peter Atencio

NAIROBI—Janeth Chepngetich on Tuesday stunned a strong field at the Kenyan trials to claim the women’s 10,000m title and earn a maiden appearance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

The 26-year-old held off challenges from two world record holders, Agnes Jebet Ngetich and Beatrice Chebet.

Janeth Chepngetich is no relation to women’s marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich, whose provisional suspension for doping earlier this month has cast a shadow over Kenya’s preparations for Tokyo.

“I had set a strategy from the beginning. I wanted to control the pace and offer a chance to my competitors (to see if they would mount a challenge),” Chepngetich told reporters.

“But in the end I managed to nail the victory.”

Chepngetich won in a time of time of 30min 27.02sec as she made up for narrowly missing out on qualification for the Paris Olympics last year when she finished fourth in the trials. Chebet, who also set a new world record for the women’s 5,000m at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene two weeks ago, was happy with her third place which guaranteed her a third World Championships appearance.

Ngetich is a world record holder in the 10km road run.

In the women’s 3,000 metre steeplechase, Olympic bronze medallist Faith Cherotich was back to her winning ways after losing to Bahraini rival Winfred Yavi in Eugene. The 21-year-old won in 9:09.44, well ahead of second-placed Doris Lemngole (9:24:69) with Caren Chebet in third with 9:34.91.

In the men’s steeplechase, world under-20 champion Edmund Serem atoned for his elder brother Amos Serem’s absence through injury when he won the race in 8:38.91. “It was a difficult moment for me knowing that brother Amos would have also taken part in these trials. But winning here today is a consolation for him too. I am going to Tokyo to win a medal for him,” said Serem. AFP

Chezka Centeno displays the Philippine ag after winning the M Arena Ladies 10-Ball Open title in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Female jins engage each other in an intense action with both aiming to score a point during a tournament by the Philippine Taekwondo Association.

The Philippines’ Javier Mariona (no. 20) in action

WHAT’S INSIDE?

San Miguel buys 3.8% Meralco stake for P3.9b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SAN Miguel Corp. said Wednesday its power generation arm San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. acquired a 3.8-percent stake in Manila Electric Co., the country’s largest power distributor, for about P3.9 billion, a deal consummated after 17 years.

Bon Secours plans to invest $500m in PH operations

By Othel V. Campos

US-based healthcare player Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH) announced plans to expand its footprint in the Philippines, with a proposed investment of up to $500 million to establish a premium, stateof-the-art tertiary hospital and scale up its global business services (GBS) operations.

The announcement was made during a meeting on Monday between BSMH executives and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Washington D.C., according to the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA).

SAPIEA Secretary Frederick Go said the new venture is “a strong vote of confidence in the Philippines and a transformative opportunity for our healthcare and services sectors.”

“We will work closely with BSMH to help turn their plans into reality. Their investment will generate meaningful jobs and help deliver world-class facilities, advanced medical equipment, and high-quality healthcare for the Filipino people,” he said.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, BSMH is one of the world’s largest not-for-profit health systems, operating over 50 hospitals and 1,200 care sites in the United States and Ireland, with a global workforce of more than 60,000. The group reported $5 billion in annual revenue in mid-2025.

BSMH has a presence in the Philippines through its subsidiaries Nordic and Bon Secours Mercy Health Philippines, which provide IT and back-end support services.

SMC president and chief executive Ramon Ang, in a text message, confirmed that the company acquired Meralco shares from Land Bank of the Philippines. The deal was transacted via special block sale through the stock exchange.

“Old transactions after 17 years,” Ang said.

Data from the Philippine Stock

Exchange showed that 43.23 million Meralco shares were sold at P90 apiece, a steep discount to Meralco’s closing price of P540 on Tuesday.

Based on current market price, the 43.23 million shares are now worth P23.4 billion.

“Such shares were transacted in the Philippine Stock Exchange this morning thru the deeds of absolute

sale which contained the terms and conditions mutually determined by and acceptable to both parties and conformably with the decision of the Court of Appeals,” SMC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said SMC could use the investment as bargaining chip for future partnership or joint venture with Meralco.

The shares acquired by SMC is related to the 2008 transaction where Land Bank agreed to sell 46,596,596 shares in Meralco to SMC.

Meralco’s major shareholders include Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and JG Summit Holdings Inc. Alena Mae S. Flores

A 1-PERCENT tax on remittances

from the United States is expected to have minimal effects in developing Asia, including the Philippines, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in its latest report.

“The Philippines is projected to face the largest proportional decline [in Asia], with US remittance inflows falling by the equivalent of 0.05 percent of GDP [gross domestic product],” the ADB said.

The tax was included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enacted on July 4, 2025, and effective Jan. 1, 2026. The

tax will shift part of the tax burden to immigrants and will be collected by physical and online money transfer service providers. Transfers through US. banks and using US-issued debit or credit cards will be exempt.

“The final rate of 1 percent adopted by the US Congress is much lower than the originally proposed 5 percent. As a result, the impact on remittances flows to Asia and the Pacific is projected to be very modest,” according to the Asian Development Outlook July 2025.

The US is a key source of remittances for economies in

THE ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) lowered its 2025 growth forecast for the Philippines to 5.6 percent from an earlier 6.3 percent. AMRO also reduced its 2026 forecast for the Philippines to 5.5 percent from 6.3 percent. According to the latest quarterly update of the ASEAN+3 Regional Economic Outlook (AREO), Philippine inflation is expected to average 1.8 percent in 2025 and 3.2 percent in 2026.

Despite an anticipated global economic slowdown, Allen Ng, AMRO Group head and principal economist,

the region. In 2021, the last year with bilateral data available, US remittances to the region totaled $61 billion, about 30 percent of the total received. For four countries in the region - Tonga, the Marshall Islands, Vietnam and the Republic of Korea - the US was the main source, accounting for more than 40 percent of remittances received.

India received the largest absolute amount with about $16 billion, followed by the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China, both receiving $13 billion.

said the direct impact of the recently announced 19 percent reciprocal tariff from the US is likely to be limited for the Philippines. Ng said the tariff was not factored into AMRO’s latest projections, but given the Philippines’ domestically focused economy, a significant change to their forecast due to this specific tariff is improbable. While the immediate effect of the US tariff is expected to be minimal, AMRO revised its Philippine economic growth forecasts downward due to a projected global economic slowdown and slower-than-anticipated first-quarter GDP expansion. 5.6% 5.8% 2.2%

ADB trims 2025 PH GDP growth forecast to 5.6%

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) downgraded its 2025 growth forecast for the Philippines to 5.6 percent from a previous estimate of 6.0 percent. The revision aligns with the bank’s general downgrade of its outlook for developing Asian economies this year. The ADB, in its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) July 2025 released Wednesday, also reduced the 2026 growth forecast for the Philippines to 5.8 percent from 6.1 percent, citing external headwinds.

It noted that the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first quarter was lower than expected at 5.4 percent. Domestic demand, supported by easing inflation and monetary policy, grew 6.7 percent. However, net exports “dragged on growth” as brisk imports outpaced exports. The manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) recovered slightly to 50.7 in June from 50.1 in May. The ADB said business confidence in the Philippines softened amid heightened global policy uncertainties, though consumer sentiment remained positive in the near term. Unemployment was low at 3.9 percent in May, and a 3.0 percent increase in remittances helped sustain household spending. Inflation in the Philippines is expected to settle at 2.2 percent in 2025 and 3.0 percent in 2026. Despite the revised forecasts, the Philippines is still projected to post one of the fastest growth rates in Southeast Asia, second only to Vietnam’s expected 6.3 percent this year. The ADB also lowered its growth forecasts for economies across developing Asia and the Pacific for both this year and next. These downgrades are driven by expectations of reduced exports amid higher U.S. tariffs and global trade uncertainty, as well as weaker domestic demand.

DEED OF DONATION. Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN), through its thermal generation arm

Business Power Corp. (MThermal), turns over P15 million in community development support for Cebu and Panay during a ceremonial signing of deed

donation (DOD) held in partnership with One Meralco Foundation (OMF). Attending the signing ceremony are (from left) Meralco executive vice president and OMF trustee Ronnie Aperocho, OMF president Jeffrey Tarayao, MThermal president and chief executive Jaime Azurin, MGEN president and chief executive Emmanuel Rubio and MThermal vice president Margarita Paulino.

DigiPlus to adjust operations amid stricter regulation

By Jenniffer B. Austria

ONLINE gaming operator DigiPlus

Interactive Corp. expressed willingness to adjust and improve its operations in response to calls for stricter regulation on online gambling from the government and lawmakers.

However, in a statement released Wednesday, DigiPlus also appealed to lawmakers for a fair, fact-based dialogue regarding online gaming regulation.

“We are open to evolving and improving wherever needed,” said DigiPlus chairman Eusebio Tanco.

“If there are new standards to meet, or better ways to protect players, we will act swiftly and responsibly. But please, do not condemn an industry, and

the 50,000 Filipino families who rely on it, without hearing the facts first.” Tanco’s remarks came amid growing debate in Congress over proposals that could impose tighter controls — or even bans — on online gaming in the Philippines. DigiPlus said it is concerned that law-abiding online gaming operators are being unfairly grouped with illegal gaming businesses that ignore rules and put players at risk.

The company pointed out that many safety and compliance measures, such as strict identity checks, age verification, self-exclusion options and responsible gaming reminders, have already been implemented across its platforms since November 2024.

DigiPlus operates online gaming

platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone.

“We are appealing to the government: Let us approach this rationally. If we study the issue with clear eyes, we will see that the social ills being blamed on online gaming stem from the illegal market. That is where underage gambling happens. That is where financial abuse thrives. Target that, and the harm disappears,” the company said.

DigiPlus also warned that a total ban on licensed operators could lead to job losses. The company currently employs more than 3,000 people directly and supports around 50,000 jobs nationwide in fields like IT, cybersecurity, multimedia design, customer service and maintenance.

FGen to boost PH geothermal investments

By Alena Mae S. Flores

LOPEZ-LED First Gen Corp. plans to increase its geothermal investments following the sale of a 60 percent stake in its gas assets to Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc.

First Gen President Francis Giles Puno said subsidiary Energy Development Corp. (EDC) has made significant drilling investments over the past two years, highlighting geothermal as the company’s most important renewable energy platform.

“But next year, there’ll be more investment because when you think about it, the assets themselves are over 40 years old. And it’s a renewable energy resource,” Puno said.

EDC undertook its most aggressive drilling campaign in its history, drilling 24 new wells in 2024 and increasing its rig count to seven from just one operational rig at the start of the year.

Puno called this an “unprecedented undertaking,” noting that another 19 wells are planned for 2025, including the first exploration drilling for the Amacan growth project in Mindanao.

“We expect to add more than 140 megawatts of baseload steam capacity this year alone,” Puno said during the company’s annual stockholders meeting in May. “Numerous other plant improvements will deliver more GWh generation for a prolonged period. EDC is also commissioning 83 MW of new geothermal capacity and 40 MWh of battery storage, deliver-

PH stocks rally above 6,400, peso rises on US tariff agreement

THE local stock market surged Wednesday, with the main barometer closing above 6,400 after the Philippine government concluded trade negotiations with the United States.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rallied 106.56 points, or 1.68 percent, to close at 6,462.25. The broader all-shares index also gained 50.15 points, or 1.34 percent, to finish at 3,807.35.

The peso also strengthened, reaching 56.881 against the U.S. dollar Tuesday, up from 57.01 Monday.

Analysts attributed the market’s positive performance to the trade agreement.

Philstocks Financial Inc. research head Japhet Tantiangco noted, “The market seemed to have taken positively the US-Philippine trade deal announced by President Donald Trump.” He added that “investors also cheered the Peso’s appreciation against the US dollar this Wednesday.”

Under the new agreement, U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to reduce tariffs on Philippine goods to 19 percent, one percentage point lower than the previously announced 20 percent.

All sub-indices closed in positive territory, led by the services sector,

SOLAR PARTNERSHIP.

PUEBLO DE ORO Development Corp., the residential development arm of the ICCP Group, partners with August Energy NetZero Inc. for the installation of 200 kilowatt-peak rooftop and groundmounted solar photovoltaic systems across PDO’s sites initially in Cagayan de Oro and Malvar, Batangas. Attending the signing ceremony are (from left) ICCP Group senior vice president Bienvenido Jose Alora, PDO president and chief operating officer Prim Nolido, August Energy managing director Kunal Mehta, Green Alliance Solutions Philippine country manager Francis Araneta, and August Energy director Camilo Paulo Concio.

which advanced 5.84 percent. Mining and oil stocks rose 2.09 percent, and holding firms increased by 1.34 percent.

Value turnover was strong at P10.18 billion, with 1.94 billion shares traded. Market breadth was positive, with 128 advancers outpacing 71 decliners. Foreign investors were net buyers, with inflows reaching P181.16 million.

Bloomberry Resorts Corp. was the day’s top index gainer, climbing 7.2 percent to P4.62. Bank of the Philippine Islands was the madesin laggard, declining 1.56 percent to P125.80.

Tokyo stocks surged Wednesday after Japan and the United States finally hammered out a trade deal to slash Donald Trump’s tariffs, including those on the crucial car sector. Investors were also cheered by news that Washington had reached agreements with Indonesia and the Philippines, stoking optimism that other countries will also follow suit.

Despite a lack of deals ahead of Trump’s August 1 deadline, equity markets have been on the march in recent weeks on optimism that governments will eventually get over the line. Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

Globe included in FTSE4Good index for ESG performance

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GLOBE Telecom Inc. on Wednesday announced its continued inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index Series, marking a 10 consecutive years of recognition for its robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. The FTSE4Good Index Series, developed by global index and data provider FTSE Russell, is a leading tool for measuring the performance of companies with strong ESG practices. These indexes are widely utilized by market participants to create and evaluate responsible investment funds and products. Companies are assessed on various criteria, including corporate governance, health & safety, anti-corruption, and climate change. Globe stands alongside Ayala Corporation, ACEN, Ayala Land, and BPI in the list of FTSE4Good Index Series constituents, and among the only 14 Philippine companies on the index.

“This recognition is not just a badge. It reflects years of effort to embed and champion sustainability into how we do business,” said Yoly Crisanto, chief sustainability and corporate communications officer at Globe.

“We have always believed that long-term growth comes with long-term responsibility,” she said.

Globe’s sustainability journey has progressed over time, from early compliance efforts to a more strategic pursuit, rooted in its Purpose of creating a Globe of Good.

The appointment of its chief sustainability officer nearly a decade ago, coupled with guidance from its major stockholders and Globe executives, accelerated the advancement of sustainability in the company. Critical to this progression is Globe’s alignment with global sustainability and corporate governance principles, alongside the adoption of leading sustainability reporting frameworks and standards.

At the core of Globe’s sustainability framework is a data-driven approach, which ensures that its strategies and programs remain relevant and deliver impactful results. The company has also adopted robust enterprise risk management frameworks to proactively address potential challenges. Furthermore, sustainability is deeply ingrained into the organization’s performance culture: the Board provides oversight on ESG-linked risks and opportunities, and employees have ESG-linked performance tracking, with a dedicated 10 percent of their balanced scorecard allotted to sustainability initiatives.

ing round.”

He explained that compared to solar and wind, which only require equipment replacement, the process for geothermal is more complex.

“In geothermal, our plants have been in operation for the last 40 years. So we’re in the process of upgrading some of the other facilities and also putting in newer facilities…We can prove that geothermal is an important renewable resource,” he said.

“Our focus right now actually is more on the next phase of geothermal development, and that includes concessions we have here. We’re also drilling in Mindanao, in Amacan. So that’s, we need to prove the sustainability of that resource and hopefully also we can take advantage of our concessions in Indonesia.”

Puno emphasized that geothermal is a crucial energy supply because it runs 24 hours a day, unlike intermittent solar and wind.

“That’s why we reported earlier we’re the biggest producer of renewable energy because to replace the 24-7 baseload renewable energy with solar, you need to build so much more solar and battery storage combinations,” Puno said.

Plastic firm signs deal to supply solar floaters for Laguna project

TAISON Industrial Corp., a local plastic product manufacturer, is set to build a production line to supply thousands of floaters for SunAsia Energy’s ambitious project to construct the world’s largest floating solar farm.

Taison Industrial and Sungrow, a global company headquartered in Hefei, China, signed a local manufacturing agreement for solar floaters Tuesday. Sungrow also inked a supply agreement with SunAsia Energy for its planned Laguna Lake floating solar project.

Sungrow vetted Taison Industrial to produce the necessary floaters in time for the construction of SunAsia’s Laguna Lake floating solar farm. Sungrow is a leading technology provider with production facilities across Asia and Europe.

SunAsia is developing more than 1,317 megawatts of floating solar projects in Laguna de Bay. Floaters, made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are mounting structures for solar panels. They are designed to withstand strong winds and heavy rains in various water bodies and typhoon-prone areas of the Philippines.

“The signing of the supply agreement between Sungrow and Taison Industrial is a milestone in the country’s decarbonization journey,” said Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin. “It signifies our readiness to lead a future with a clear footprint in industrial innovation and progress.” Garin highlighted the economic benefits, including hundreds of jobs, technology transfer to industries and capacity building for professionals.

“The factory, once built, represents the fruits of enabling policies, investors’ confidence and international collaboration,” she said. “The local manufacturing of solar floaters, dedicated to supporting the renewable energy industry, is a landmark achievement. It reflects not only a deepening confidence in our energy transition pathway, but also the strength of public-private partnerships in bringing transformative ideas to life.”

SunAsia chief executive Tetchi Capellan said the company is committed “to move forward and stay on course with its mission to decarbonize the electricity system in the

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CHILDREN’S RIGHTS. PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. chief sustainability officer Melissa Vergel de Dios (rightmost) discuss during a panel discussion how companies are integrating children’s rights in ESG with UNICEF’s chief of social policy Maya Faisal (leftmost) and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. assistant manager for sustainability Segis Borja (middle).

BUSINESS

APECO nears completion of 10 infrastructure projects

By Othel V. Campos

TEN long-abandoned infrastructure

projects at the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), with a collective value of nearly P800 million, are now either completed or actively under construction, the agency announced Wednesday.

The projects, which include underground power lines, water systems, sanitation facilities and public buildings, had been left unfinished for more than 10 years.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during a visit to Aurora in July 2024, pledged to continue and complete APECO’s unfinished projects, which were inherited from previous administrations.

“We are transforming legacy problems into productive assets,” said APECO president and chief executive Gil Taway.

“This is our way of fulfilling President Marcos’ directive to finish what was started and unlock APECO’s full economic potential.”

Among the completed projects are the P60 million central water supply and reservoir (CWSR) Phase 1, the P28 million Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) Phase 1, and the P12 million APECO Fire Station.

The underground power distribution line (UPDL) Phase 1 is 98 percent complete, while UPDL Phase 2 brings the total progress to 78 percent. Both phases are worth a combined P70 million.

The P30 million CWSR Phase 2 is 87 percent complete, and the P15 million fire trucks and ambulance procurement is about 50 percent complete.

Meanwhile, the P47 million STP Phase 2 is in the pre-construction stage.

APECO also revised plans for the unfinished corporate campus building, initially allocated P75 million, of which only P17 million remains. The structure is now integrated into the broader Corporate Campus Development program, which originally had a budget of P439 million but now retains just P103 million.

FPIP, 17 locators honored as top Tanauan City taxpayers

LOPEZ-LED economic zone First

Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) and 17 of its locators have been recognized by the local government of Tanauan City, Batangas province, for being the city’s largest taxpayers last year.

Seven of these companies contributed more than P1 billion in business and real property taxes to the Tanauan City government in 2024. This amount is roughly one-fourth of the city’s P4.3-billion budget for 2024.

“We are proud to be a partner of Tanauan, not just in terms of the substantial tax contribution but also because of the jobs that we create for the local community,” said Ricky Carandang, FPIP vice president.

Tanauan City Mayor Nelson Collantes (right) hands a plaque to First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) assistant vice president Jason de las Alas (second from left) in recognition of the ecozone as one of the city’s biggest

P1 billion in business and real property taxes in 2024 --- enough to support roughly one-fourth of the LGU’s P4.3-billion budget in 2024.

“When FPIP prospers, so does the city.”

FPIP and nine locators also swept all the awards in the top 10 real property taxpayer category, while eight made it to the list of Tanauan City’s 10 biggest sources of business tax.

“I would like to believe that the richest local government unit in Batangas now is Tanauan City because our partners from the business sector are paying their taxes,” Tanauan City Mayor Nelson Collantes said during city hall ceremonies on July 14 honoring the top taxpayers. Tanauan City organizes the annual awarding ceremonies to honor and show appreciation to the city’s biggest taxpayers.

Vice Mayor Wilfredo Ablao disclosed during the same ceremonies that the tax contributions helped the city double its budget for education assistance and other programs. Because of the increased tax payments, the number of schoolchildren receiving benefits under the local government’s education assistance program doubled from 27,000 to 54,000, and the number of beneficiaries per family increased from two to four schoolchildren, Ablao said.

Honda Philippines Inc., a motorcycle assembler inside FPIP, paid Tanauan City P275.15 million in business tax, making it the largest source of this type of payment to the local government last year.

THERE’S nothing more renewable or reusable energy source than water. It is clean and does not harm the environment, unlike most fossilbased fuels used in firing power plants.

The Philippines has relied on hydroelectricity dams to provide electricity for decades. The government, aware of its strategic role in the power mix, has been pushing for this type of electricity-generating plant to boost our energy security.

The recent successful privatization of the Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan (CBK) hydroelectric facility in Laguna typifies government’s resolve to attract investments and expand the footprint of hydro as an energy source.

The privatization highlights the critical and strategic role of pumped storage hydroelectric technology in securing our nation’s energy independence and sustainability.

Pumped storage hydroelectricity functions like a giant rechargeable battery. It involves two water reservoirs situated at different elevations. During periods when electricity demand is low or renewable energy production―such as solar and wind―is abundant, excess electricity is utilized to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper one.

When electricity demand surges or renewable energy production declines (during the night or cloudy, windless days), the stored water is released back downhill, powering turbines that generate electricity.

Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales recognized the unique strategic value of pumped storage hydro

Cebu BRT hubs to open in September

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Wednesday the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CebuBRT) will begin its pilot operations in September 2025 to improve the daily commute for 70,000 passengers in Cebu.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the pilot operations of the CebuBRT and expedited the completion of other stations to serve commuters and ease traffic in the province, the DOTr said.

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said at least three stations of the mass transit system would be operational by September, highlighting the urgent need for a mass transit system that will offer connectivity and mobility to commuters.

“We are already expediting the construction of other BRT stations so that more areas and more commuters can be reached by this project,” Dizon said.

At least 70,000 commuters are expected to benefit from the bus system’s pilot operations, which will serve the Fuente, Cebu Normal University and Cebu South Bus Terminal stations.

Construction for the Cebu Capitol station will follow, after finalizing its detailed engineering design to make

it a median station from the previous curbside configuration.

Dizon expressed gratitude to the Cebu provincial government for coordinating with the DOTr in addressing issues of the project.

“The President has ordered the expedited completion of this project. Our Cebuano compatriots can count on us to do everything we can to help commuters make their journey faster and more comfortable,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dizon said Phases 2A and 3A of the BRT, which are composed of 13 stations and 62 bus stops, would be completed before the President’s term ends in 2028.

Package 2A involves constructing the South Road Properties (SRP) to Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) and Capitol to IT Park segments, along with a bus depot.

Package 3A includes building bus stops along Mambaling to Talisay, SRP to Talisay, and IT Park to Talamban as well as a feeder bus terminal.

Strategic power source; Unfair CMEPA criticisms

projects and provided targeted incentives to attract robust private-sector participation.

Pumped storage hydro can serve as an essential balancing mechanism, smoothing out fluctuations in demand and intermittent renewable energy generation, thereby ensuring grid stability and reliability. Energy storage technologies like pumped storage hydro, thus, stabilize supply fluctuations.

The DOE has incorporated pumped storage hydro into its national energy outlook, projecting new facilities to begin operations between 2028 and 2030, aligning seamlessly with the broader Philippine Energy Plan.

By storing energy generated from domestic renewable sources, we fortify our resilience against volatile international energy markets, geopolitical uncertainties and volatile fuel prices.

Pumped storage hydro has been around for 150 years―proving its long-term value and reliability in powering nations.

In this context, the DOE’s completion of its Third Green Energy Auction (GEA-3) deserves recognition. The landmark event marks a significant step toward achieving the ambitious goal of increasing the country’s renewable energy share to at least 30 percent―or potentially even higher―before the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term in 2028.

The results of GEA-3 signals the current administration’s unwavering commitment to advancing the nation’s green energy agenda.

Olympia Violago Water and Power Inc.

secured the 600-MW Wawa Pumped-Storage

Energy storage technologies like pumped storage hydro... stabilize supply fluctuations.

Project in Rizal, while Ahunan Power Inc. was awarded the 1,400 MW Pakil Pumped-Storage Project in Laguna.

Pan Pacific Renewable Power Philippines Corp. accepted awards for three major hydroelectric projects in Apayao: the 150 MW Gened 1 and 150 MW Gened 2 impounding hydroelectric power plants and the 2,000 MW Maton-Pumped-Storage Hydropower Project. Additionally, Coheco Badeo Corp. confirmed its acceptance of the 500-MW Kibungan PumpedStorage Hydropower Project in Benguet. Pumped storage hydroelectric power plants are poised to become a central pillar of the Philippines’ energy landscape. They represent a strategic enabler of a clean, flexible and resilient power system, capable of seamlessly integrating renewable energy sources and ensuring grid stability.

Recto’s tax role

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto is on the receiving end of unfair and irrational criticisms over the implementation of the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA).

Mr. Recto, to be fair, did not author the law. He was not even Finance Secretary when it was passed. He is just guilty of doing his job― implementing a law that Congress passed in 2023.

CMEPA imposes a flat 20-percent final tax on

interest income from long-term bank deposits that are pre-terminated before five years. It is not a new tax burden.

Before CMEPA, a 20-percent tax was already imposed on deposits of less than three years, with slightly lower rates for those held between three and five years. The law merely streamlined what was already in place. It simplified the system, plugged loopholes and aligned it with longstanding tax policy.

Yet, Recto is getting all the brickbats. We cannot and should not condemn public officials for carrying out what is mandated under the law. It is Congress that passes laws and the executive department implements them. If the Department of Finance (DOF) had not enforced CMEPA, it could open it and its chief to legal liability.

The proper recourse for those displeased with CMEPA is to call up their representatives in Congress and push for amendments.That is how things are done in a democracy. It is absurd to demonize those who fulfill their constitutional mandate.

Aside from implementing the country’s tax laws, old and new, the DOF has maintained fiscal discipline, worked to reduce debt, avoided new burdensome taxes for the poor, boosted investor confidence and contributed to the country’s economic stability. Recto deserved those credits as one of the country’s chief economists.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

The Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (Cebu-BRT) will begin its pilot operations in September 2025 to improve the daily commute for 70,000 passengers in Cebu. At least three stations of the mass transit system would be operational by September, highlighting the urgent need for a mass transit system that will offer connectivity and mobility to commuters.

PhilHealth expands dengue, leptospirosis coverage

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) announced it increased its coverage for hospitalization due to dengue and leptospirosis, common illnesses during the Philippines’ rainy season.

PhilHealth’s enhanced benefit packages now provide P19,500 for moderate dengue cases and P47,000 for severe dengue. Coverage for leptospirosis was raised to P21,450.

PhilHealth president and chief

SSS revises calamity loan guidelines

THE Social Security System (SSS) announced revised guidelines for its Calamity Loan Program (CLP) to provide faster and more affordable financial assistance to members in areas hit by natural disasters, including Tropical Cyclone “Crising.”

SSS president and chief executive Robert Joseph de Claro said the updated guidelines align with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s May 1, 2025, announcement regarding reduced interest rates for both salary and calamity loans.

De Claro said the Social Security Commission, led by chairperson and Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, approved a proposal to lower interest rates on calamity loans from 10 percent to 7 percent annually.

He said the decision comes after a similar reduction last month, which saw salary loan interest rates drop from 10 percent to 8 percent. These reduced rates are available to members with good credit histories, specifically those who haven’t benefited from penalty condonation in the last five years.

The revised guidelines also permit calamity loan renewal after six months, provided the existing CLP is not past due. De Claro highlighted a significant improvement in the activation process for the CLP, which will now take only seven working days from the date of a calamity event, a considerable reduction from the previous one-month timeframe.

SSS branch operations sector and international operations group units will play a more active role by endorsing state of calamity declarations to the SSS member loans department within two calendar days of issuance.

executive Edwin Mercado said these enhancements are in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to make healthcare benefits not only within one’s reach, but more importantly, truly felt by all Filipinos.

He also urged those affected by dengue or leptospirosis to seek immediate treatment at PhilHealthaccredited facilities, assuring them that the insurer would cover a significant portion of their medi-

cal expenses.

The state-run insurer also reminded the public to prioritize safety during the rainy season to prevent waterborne diseases.

This includes avoiding wading in floodwaters, practicing good hygiene like handwashing, drinking clean water, and ensuring food is properly prepared. To prevent dengue, PhilHealth advised keeping surroundings clean and using mosquito nets or repellents.

ELECTRONIC wallets play a key role in responsible online gambling, with 92 percent of players preferring GCash, followed by Maya (6 percent), according to a new study.

Only 2 percent use over-the-counter payment outlets. About 73 percent of e-wallet users trust the platforms’ age and identity checks, and 64 percent believe these platforms effectively help them regulate their spending, enabling responsible play, according to the report from Filipino sociocultural research firm The Fourth Wall.

Online gambling adoption surged post-pandemic from 2022 to 2024, influenced by lockdowns, digital migration and potentially increased advertising and social influence. In 2024, online gambling recorded P410 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), projected to reach up to P480 billion this year.

“The study is not about promoting or going against gambling, but about recognizing both the cultural realities and regulatory responsibilities at hand with the ultimate aim of protecting people,” said John Brylle Bae, research director at The Fourth Wall.

“As online gambling continues to rise in the country, there must be a shift toward more data-driven, researchinformed dialogue towards regulation

Meralco vows to restore power in affected communities

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MANILA Electric Co. assured its customers that it is working round-the-clock work to restore power in areas affected by service interruptions due to the inclement weather.

It said affected customers has gone down to 2,790 as of 4 p.m. Tuesday.

The affected customers–most of them in Cavite, Metro Manila and Bulacan, were affected by flooding.

Meralco said it is on full alert with the entry of Tropical Depression Dante and enhanced southwest monsoon which are expected to bring heavy rains across its franchise area.

“We remain vigilant as we monitor the current weather conditions that affect our franchise area. We remain fully committed to restoring electricity service to all impacted customers as safely and swiftly as possible,” Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said.

“Along with the Department of Energy, we also reiterate our call to continue practicing caution and follow electrical safety guidelines, especially in flood-affected areas,” he said.

Beyond service restoration, Meralco also extended help to residents heavily affected by the current situation.

Meralco Rescue deployed high-bed trucks and motorized fiberglass boats to support power restoration and rescue operations, while its social development arm already began disaster relief efforts.

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin convened an emergency meeting of the Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER) to coordinate the energy sector’s response and help sustain energy services throughout the ongoing calamity.

Garin cited the importance of maintaining vigilance and swift action, highlighting the energy sector’s crucial role in supporting essential government functions and emergency response efforts.

She directed the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to closely monitor and validate the power status of electric cooperatives (ECs) in affected areas.

and policymaking,” he said.

The study suggests that better regulation, rather than an outright ban, is needed to create a safer environment for online gambling in the Philippines and prevent the proliferation of unregulated platforms.

The report analyzed the behaviors, motivations and perceptions of Filipino online gamblers, particularly those using regulated platforms. Its key finding cites the preference for regulated access with safeguards over complete prohibition, as online gambling continues to be a national talking point.

“Our study reveals greater preference for safer and regulated platforms among Filipino online gambling players,” said Bae.

“There is an understanding among them that an outright ban won’t stop online gambling, but instead push it underground, increasing risks like scams and addiction through unregulated channels. This suggests their call for regulation is rooted in safer options and better consumer protection,” said Bae.

IN BRIEF

Off-grid areas were also checked and are continuously being monitored, including small communities that may face limited access to emergency services. She also instructed Meralco to prioritize the restoration and maintenance of power in critical facilities, particularly hospitals and evacuation centers, while exploring contingency measures to minimize service disruptions.

PLDT, Globe agree to provide free calls, SMS to customers in flooded areas

By Darwin G Amojelar

THE country’s two largest mobile phone companies are providing essential communication services amid continued heavy rains and widespread flooding.

PLDT Group and Globe Telecom are offering free calls, texts and data to customers in the severely impacted areas to help them stay connected during the ongoing weather emergency.

“Staying connected is a lifeline in times like these,” said Manuel 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 said.

Pangilinan, who is also president and chief executive of Manila Electric Co.,

also directed the power company to position and deploy high bed and amphibious trucks, motorized boats, and trained rescue teams in flooded areas.

Anastacio Martirez, chief operating officer of Smart, stressed 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,” he said. The free calls, text and data are now accessible to subscribers in Angono, Bataan, Bulacan, Cainta, Las Pinas, Marikina, Mindoro, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Pasig, Tarlac, Taytay and Zambales. PLDT and Smart said they

and coordinate with

to

Manila Electric Co. crew are working round-the-clock to restore power amid heavy rain and flood.

FFCCCII, DTI boost partnership

Business group vows to help DND in disaster response

By Michael Wong Ho

A DELEGATION from the Federa-

tion of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) led by president Victor Lim paid a courtesy visit to the Department of National Defense (DND) on July 2, 2025.

The group included honorary president Dr. Cecilio Pedro, executive vice president Jeffrey Ng, vice presidents William Gosiaco, David Chua, Antony Chan and Reynold Siy and other FFCCCII officials.

The delegation was warmly received by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Undersecretary Irineo Espino and Undersecretary Donato Madriaga.

Lim introduced the newly elected officers of FFCCCII and highlighted the federation’s flagship programs and ongoing projects.

Teodoro acknowledged FFCCCII’s long-standing role in nationbuilding, particularly its donation of numerous classrooms in rural areas and its collaboration with the DND on various civic projects.

He said a significant portion of the DND budget is allocated to disaster preparedness and relief operations. He noted that the DND

also oversees the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and plays a key role in the relocation of homeless communities.

Lim said that FFCCCII could coordinate with its provincial chamber members to explore potential relocation sites to assist in this effort.

FFCCCII foreign affairs committee vice director Lu Cui Shun offered logistical support, adding that their company operates several barges that could be used to transport aid when needed.

Both parties also discussed the proposal to recognize Hokkien as a native Philippine dialect through the Commission on the Filipino Language.

Teodoro supported the initiative, acknowledging that Hokkien is widely spoken within the FilipinoChinese community and that many Hokkien words have been integrated into the Filipino language.

He noted that recognizing Hokkien would symbolize the integration of the Filipino-Chinese community into mainstream Philippine society.

FFCCCII also proposed to lower electricity costs through the potential development of nuclear power in the country.

By Julie Ann Lope

THE Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), led by its president Victor Lim, paid a courtesy visit to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque on July 1, 2025. Lim introduced the newly-elected officers of FFCCCII and shared updates on the organization’s various ongoing projects aimed at supporting economic development and public welfare.

Roque lauded FFCCCII’s strong contributions in assisting the government’s economic and trade initiatives.

She commended the group for its active role in promoting national prosperity and emphasized the importance of dynamic partnerships in advancing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda.

Both sides engaged in productive discussions on key economic topics including boosting exports and investments, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and simplifying business regulations.

The DTI also shared its initiatives to protect e-commerce platforms and digital consumers in the evolving digital economy.

FFCCCII reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national development efforts.

The delegation assured Roque they would continue to participate in summit forums and policy dialogues and deepen cooperation with the DTI in promoting high-impact national priority projects.

Mandaluyong chamber marks 70th anniversary

THE Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Mandaluyong Inc. (FCCCMI) celebrated its 70th founding anniversary and held its 69th to 70th officers’ induction ceremony at Gloria Maris Seafood Restaurant in Greenhills, San Juan City on June 22, 2025. Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry

STO Express launches PH operations

STO Express Global (Philippines) Group, a logistics company, launched its operations in Meycauayan City, Bulacan on July 20, 2025. Board chairman Zhu Qun said the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing markets in Southeast Asia. With a population of 110 million and a rapidly growing e-commerce industry, the country is an important part of STO Express’s global expansion plans. Zhu announced the company’s localization plan called “Integrate into the local and serve the local.”, and listed the company’s three

main commitments.

The first is to focus on local talent. Over 90 percent of STO Express employees in the Philippines are Filipinos. The management team includes experts from both the Philippines and China.

Delivery staff are trained in both English and Filipino and are equipped with smart devices to improve service.

The second is continuous investment in infrastructure. Using Bulacan as a transportation hub, the company plans to build more distribution centers across the country.

Inc. (FFCCCII) president Victor Lim served as the guest speaker during the event. Lim congratulated FCCCMI and commended the organization’s dedication to fostering strong business ties and community development. He encouraged the chamber to continue striving toward greater

Within three years, STO aims to open over 1,000 service outlets to create a strong and efficient delivery network nationwide.

The third is to offer innovative services. Since the Philippines often uses cash-ondelivery and has a complex address system, STO will use its smart logistics technology to solve these challenges and improve delivery operations.

Zhu also said that the Philippines is not just a key market, but also a base for operations and talent development as STO expands further into Southeast Asia.Michael Wong Ho

Executives of STO Express Global (Philippines) Group hold a launching ceremony in Meycauayan City, Bulacan on July 20, 2025.

achievements and elevate its contributions to a higher level.

Newly-elected FCCCMI president Ding Wei Du made a generous donation of P100,000 to the FFCCCII’s “Filipino Chinese Students Lost Grant” project—an initiative aimed at supporting the education of Filipino Chinese youth in need. Julie Ann Lope

Fil-Chinese team set to join Fujian basketball tourney

THE Filipino Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation (FCAAF) is set to participate in the 2025 Second Fujian Homologous Cup Basketball Invitation Tournament from July 26 to 31 at the Xiang’an Sports Exchange Center in Xiamen, Fujian Province.

The tournament is an important part of the Fujian Famous Events series. It aims to promote cultural exchange through basketball -a global language- and to showcase traditional Chinese culture with shared roots, ancestors, and spirit. The event also supports closer ties and integration between Fujian, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

FCAAF board chairman Chen Zhu Yuan expressed strong support for the tournament and called it a valuable opportunity for cultural and athletic exchange.

FCAAF president She Yi Jing gathered select players to form the strongest possible team to represent the FilipinoChinese community.

Michael Wong Ho

FFCCCII president Victor Lim (right) pays a courtesy visit to Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque on July 1, 2025

The Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Mandaluyong Inc. (FCCCMI) celebrates its 70th anniversary at Gloria Maris Seafood Restaurant in Greenhills, San Juan City on June 22, 2025.

FFCCCII president Victor Lim (left) and Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

THURSDAY,

NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

The Jake Cuenca way

HBO Max reverts to original branding, offers new lineup, returning titles

HBO Max is returning to its original name following a rebrand in 2023. The move aims to restore the familiar identity viewers associate with the platform while keeping the streaming experience unchanged.

The service’s pricing and features remain the same, and the extensive catalog of original programming, films, and popular series continues to be available to subscribers.

Smart subscribers in the Philippines can conveniently charge their HBO Max subscription to their postpaid bill or use prepaid load.

To mark the announcement, HBO Max unveiled a slate of new seasons and film releases now available for streaming:

The Gilded Age Season 3

The Emmy-nominated period drama returns with heightened stakes as it follows the Russell family and others navigating power, marriage, and shifting alliances in 1880s New York. Lavish sets, historical intrigue, and new characters continue to define the acclaimed series.

And Just Like That… Season 3

The continuation of Sex and the City follows Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte as they navigate life and relationships in their 50s. Known for its modern take on identity and reinvention, the series continues to blend sharp writing with its signature style and humor.

SA Minecraft Movie

Based on the best-selling video game, this live-action adaptation stars Jason Momoa and Jack Black . The film centers on a band of heroes working to save the Overworld,

How the seasoned actor has evolved, always by his own standards

Very Wang Nickie Wang

TAR Magic artist Jake Cuenca moves through his career guided by standards he sets for himself. Now, more than two decades in show business, he still brings the same energy he had at the beginning, only this time with a sharpened focus on his goal as an actor.

Currently part of the top-rating action-drama

FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, Jake approaches his role with full immersion.

“When you’re an actor, it becomes more natural when you go through a transformation,” he said during a special Star Magic Spotlight, a monthly event featuring the talent management’s trending artists.

“Whether it’s gaining or losing weight, once your body feels different, the character starts to come alive,” he went on.

That level of dedication is evident in his approach. “I live by a standard,” Jake shared. “I immerse myself completely. I completed a project before, and I spent seven months in the city jail to gain an understanding of the environment. For Batang Quiapo, even when we don’t have a script, I’m already there early, watching, listening, becoming the character.”

He marks his 23rd year in the industry with the mindset of someone just hitting his stride. “It takes twenty or thirty years to truly understand acting. I’m on my 23rd year now, and I finally get it.”

Jake also embraces moments of spontaneity, such as the nowviral Miguelito Dance, which originated

combining familiar elements from the game with big-screen spectacle.

Wicked

The hit Broadway musical arrives on screen with Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. The adaptation tells the backstory of the witches of Oz, featuring classic songs like “Defying Gravity” and visually rich interpretations of the iconic tale.

Gladiator II

Director Ridley Scott returns with a sequel to the Oscar-winning original. Set years later, the film stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, along

from fun exchanges with Chie Filomeno

“I’m not a dancer by training, but when Chie and I were hanging out, she kept doing this TikTok dance. I tried it in the show, and within two days, over seventy thousand people were doing it. I have to thank Chie for that,” he recalled.

When it comes to choosing projects, Jake keeps his options open. “If the script is strong and the director is someone I admire, I’ll take the role,” he said. “BL stories? If the timing and material are right, I’m open to it. A May–December romance also sounds exciting.” He constantly finds ways to grow. With two big projects underway, Jake is already looking forward to doing theatre again.

“After these, I want to go back to the stage. Theater grounds you. It’s a space where you reset and reconnect with your craft,” he said. Even with years of experience, Jake remains driven by curiosity and passion. He stays committed to learning, evolving, and embracing every new challenge that comes his way. As he put it best: “You keep playing the game—as long as you can still score.” And Jake continues to score, living each chapter of his career on his own terms.

with Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal, exploring themes of legacy, vengeance, and survival in ancient Rome.

Sinners

Set in 1930s Mississippi, Sinners follows twin brothers and war veterans who open a juke joint, only to confront a group of vampires threatening their community. The supernatural horror-thriller blends racial history, music, and suspense.

HBO Max says more content is on the way as the platform continues to grow its library. The company encourages users to subscribe or renew through Smart for a seamless experience.

‘Wicked’ brings the untold story of Oz’s witches to life with a dazzling visual interpretation of the Broadway hit

Jake Cuenca appears in a ‘Star Magic Spotlight’ episode as he reflects on his 23rd year in the industry

Jake Cuenca discusses his commitment to immersion and constant reinvention as part of ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Simplified beauty according to Judy Ann

By Angelica Villanueva

FOR celebrity mom Judy Ann Santos, beauty no longer means perfect skin, a tiny waist, or fitting a mold. At 47, the awardwinning actress said her definition of beauty has evolved far beyond appearances.

“Before, for me, when you say beautiful or beauty, it meant clear skin, mestiza features, a slim figure, a 16-inch waist. I never achieved any of that. First of all, just look at me—I’m not mestiza. Second, I never had a 16-inch waist—maybe when I was eight,” she told Manila Standard Life. That youthful ideal no longer applies. Juday shared that her years in show business, motherhood, and advocacy work have all helped her see beauty differently.

“For me, beauty is really a word that depends on how you define it. It’s not just the physical side. It’s how you treat people. It’s how you see the world. It’s how you help others. It’s how you stay true to yourself,” Juday explained.

“To me, it doesn’t matter who you are. It doesn’t matter if you’re the most beautiful woman on earth. But if you have a bad attitude and don’t know how to treat others well, it all goes down the drain,” she continued, saying that her views are personal and not prescriptive.

“But that’s just me, okay? I’m not encouraging you to think the same way. But most of the time, for me, beauty has little to do with the face. It’s really

WHILE the showbiz world can be a room full of stars and dream makers, the irony is that fake people coexist alongside the “legits.” The ones who can actually run the show, whether in front of or behind the camera, know for sure that survival and success require an individual to be real.

Van Dichoso, the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of RiverRock Films and arguably the most celebrated US-based CPA (Certified Public Accountant) of Filipino descent, has always chosen the same kind of people to keep moving up the corporate ladder. He describes such a bunch in one word: trusted.

about who you are. It’s how you look at the world. It’s how you give back and how you show kindness. That’s what beauty is for me,” added Juday.

Now the newest face of Bioten Hyaluronic Gold, the actress admitted she was surprised when the offer came in.

“I asked, ‘Why me?’ I’m not exactly known for my beauty. But I hit the jackpot. At this point in my life, to be given a beauty endorsement?” she said. Still, she wanted to be sure it was something she could personally stand behind. After trying it for a week, she found that it naturally aligned with her needs.

“My skincare routine used to have 12 steps. Now it’s five, four if I’m not wearing makeup. Less is more. You have more time to rest, to think about tomorrow, and to sleep early. Sleep is the key, and of course, water,” Juday shared.

“I don’t like thick products. I love that it’s light. It gives my face a different kind of bounce and glow,” she added.

Though flattered, Juday made sure to remain grounded, saying, “Loving yourself is not just about shopping. It’s about how you accept yourself. All of us have imperfections, and that’s totally fine. That’s what makes you perfect, that imperfection.”

When asked when she feels most beautiful, Juday answered, “When I wake up and take a deep breath outside. Even when I wake up at 4:30 a.m. to make food for the kids, even if I’m sweaty and look a mess, I feel most beautiful. Because I know I was able to take care of my children.”

“And I think being a woman and being a mother—regardless if you’re single, separated, or together, you are holy. You are beautiful. You are perfect,” she stated.

Last year, he was named by Forbes as one of America’s Top 200 CPAs. Moreover, the Los Angeles Business Journal has kept him deeper into the list—as one of the Top 100 Accountants for the past three years (2022–2024).

new media production company that develops and finances projects to fruition.

Beauty business owner finds closure after cyberlibel case ruling

By Angelica Villanueva

AFTER a four-year legal battle, beauty business owner and overseas worker

Pauline Basilides has found a sense of closure after a court ruled in her favor in a cyberlibel case against a fellow online seller.

For Basilides, the verdict marked the end of a long and painful journey that began with what she described as a simple act of kindness.

In a press conference, Basilides became emotional as she recalled “five years of personal hell” that followed viral social media posts accusing her of being a scammer.

Basilides, who started her beauty product business in 2019 while working in Australia, met the other seller in an online community and eventually became friends with her. In 2021, she lent her a brand-new vehicle, which was later involved in an accident. Basilides said tensions rose after she informed her about the damages, and soon after, she was subjected to public humiliation online.

“I was attacked online for something I did not do. The accusations spread so quickly, and people believed it without knowing the truth,” Basilides said. She became the target of an online smear campaign that damaged her reputation and affected her business. From enjoying stable sales and growing a small enterprise, she saw everything collapse.

“In 2020, we were earning well, we bought a car, land, and were saving for the future. But by 2021, everything disappeared because people labeled me a scammer,” she recalled.

The experience took a toll on her mental health. Basilides said she withdrew from social circles, avoided conversations, and began to doubt herself.

“I lost my confidence, my ability to talk to people. I wouldn’t leave the house; I was afraid of seeing people,” she said.

Despite the fear and depression, she chose to fight back. When legal threats were made, she stood her ground and pursued the case to clear her name. She said it was not about retaliation but about restoring her dignity.

“This wasn’t about revenge, this was about fighting for myself, for my family,” she said.

“First, you have to be proud of who you are,” he said as we chatted over wine and good food in a Beverly Hills restaurant.

He was referring to being Filipino-born—in Quezon City, to be exact—even if he had been naturally Americanized early on after moving to the US at just seven years old. He also expressed delight that singeractress Lea Salonga is getting her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He mused, “That one is an achievement, definitely, and you could scrape her skin and Filipino blood will come out.”

This year, he was selected for the Marquis Who’s Who in America, a recognition of his rise fueled by self-awareness and trust. “You have to build relationships,” he said. “If you’re not trusted, can’t talk to people, or lack empathy, you won’t get far.”

You may call his backdoor entry into the film industry a mere career diversion, but it is a significant move that gives the FilipinoAmerican community some headway. There’s real logic to it, much like every move he makes. His mother, as we should know, had a TV show in the ‘70s called Fiesta Filipino.

As a co-owner of RiverRock Films, Van handles budgets and accounting while occasionally contributing creatively, especially when music, a key element for him, drives the story. During the pandemic, the company produced Never Alone, a musical about music as a remedy to lockdowns. They’re now working on a spy action film to be directed by V for Vendetta’s James McTeigue

Last weekend in Las Vegas for meetings and the Manny Pacquiao fight, Van said, “The film business is a lot of work—maximizing profits, going to sets, making sure the cast and crew have food. It’s not glamorous.”

Still, he sees no limits, driven by faith and purpose. “You are responsible for your success. I am responsible for what I am,” he said. “God has been around. You always have to believe in that.”

Known in his circle as a top-tier accountant, he’s now expanding into public speaking, sharing what he’s learned over the years. A health-conscious pro, he stays active and looks younger than his age.

He said he recently played basketball with college students, noting that as long as you can still score, you can continue playing the game. You bet he meant that more in a figurative sense.

This year, her efforts were recognized when the court found the other party guilty of cyberlibel. For Basilides, the ruling offered relief after years of dealing with the impact of online defamation.

“I’m relieved that the truth came out. It feels like my story was finally heard,” she said.

Now focused on rebuilding her life, Basilides hopes her experience serves as a reminder of the dangers of online harassment.

“Before you destroy someone on social media, think twice. You could be ruining an innocent person’s life,” she said.

Such descriptive poetry also reflects the man’s humility. For when we talk about Filipinos making waves in Hollywood, Van is himself at the top of the heap.

The showbiz vibe had always been there, and Van once wanted to be an actor, despite the improbability of becoming one, given that he belongs to a minority group. Fate redirected him when an uncle urged him to become a CPA. It was a turning point that brought him good pay and a valuable network, things a pursuit of, say, bit acting roles probably wouldn’t have secured.

“I knew my studio partners for years, and I’ve been exposed to decision-makers and company owners long enough,” he noted.

RiverRock Films is a full-service film, TV, and

Among his important pieces of advice is to know the place you are in. He said, “Whatever the vibe of the city you’re in, that’s where you belong. You go to Washington, D.C., if you’re thrilled by political power. You know what vibe we have here in Los Angeles.”

As for his desire to be an actor, it’s a ship that has already sailed. Van knows business is business. He drew the line, “I am not acting when I own the studio. This is business, not for self-gratification. I am not here to self-serve or make myself famous.”

Besides, for someone like Van Dichoso, an individual track record speaks for itself. He is in the spotlight because of his years of hard work and excellence—and he deserves to be—being an inspirational figure to those who want to hit the big time, to his daughter Vanessa, and of course, to all Pinoys at heart.

Beauty business owner Pauline Basilides (left) and lawyer Johnrey Villablagon at the press conference

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

By Nickie Wang

W

Science-backed skin solution for confidence and care

HILE filters and AI apps can smooth out imperfections in photos, Chris Pino , owner of Ensorcell Beauty, believes nothing beats the feeling of having naturally healthy, glowing skin.

For the young beauty expert, SkinPen microneedling offers exactly that, a safe, proven treatment that helps people feel good not just on the outside, but from within.

“I’m not the first clinic to offer SkinPen, and I won’t be the last, because it’s that trusted,” Chris said during the brand’s media launch at Ensorcell in Greenhills. “It’s the only microneedling pen that’s cleared by the U.S. FDA, and that says a lot.”

But what makes her clinic different, she explained, is the kind of care clients receive. “We wanted to go back to what our brand stands for—giving clients not just results, but also a treatment experience that leaves them feeling taken care of.”

That’s why every SkinPen session at Ensorcell includes a complimentary lymphatic massage, adding a touch of relaxation to the procedure.

SkinPen has long been a favorite among Hollywood stars like Jennifer Aniston and Victoria Beckham, and now it’s gaining popularity in the Philippines for good reason. It’s also been approved by the Philippine FDA and is fully engineered and assembled in

By Jasper Valdez

AS THE rains continue and flooding affects many parts of the country, the Department of Health (DOH) is urging the public to take extra precautions against common rainy season illnesses.

Water sources can become contaminated during heavy rains, increasing the risk of diseases like diarrhea, typhoid fever, hepatitis, and cholera. These illnesses are often caused by consuming unsafe drinking water. To stay protected, the DOH advises boiling drinking water for at least two minutes or using chlorine tablets, especially in evacuation centers where access to clean water is limited.

In recent weeks, thousands have been displaced by Typhoon Crising and the Southwest Monsoon. As of July 19, over 29,000 individuals are staying in 370 evacuation centers across NCR, Regions I, II, III, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, Caraga, and CAR. With many people in crowded spaces, the risk of disease transmission increases.

That kind of detail matters to Chris and her team. Airam Nieto, HealthSpan’s marketing manager, pointed this out during the launch: “With some products, parts are made in different places. But with SkinPen, everything, from the technology to the charger, is from the U.S. Even the needles used on clients come straight from there. It’s all about safety.”

So how does it work? SkinPen creates thousands of tiny, controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface, triggering the body’s natural healing process. This encourages the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that keep skin firm, smooth, and youthful-looking. The procedure typically takes around 30 minutes, with only mild redness and swelling that fades within a day or two. It’s non-invasive, chemicalfree, and doesn’t rely on heat, making it suitable for all skin types.

The DOH stresses the importance of handwashing and maintaining good hygiene to prevent the spread of infections.

The health department also warns against floodwater exposure. Leptospirosis, a serious illness caused by contact with water contaminated with animal waste, can enter the body through wounds or broken skin. Other common rainy season diseases include dengue, which is spread by mosquitoes, and influenzalike illnesses. To lower your risk, avoid wading in floodwaters, wear protective gear if unavoidable, and wash thoroughly with soap and water afterward.

If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle pain, vomiting, or diarrhea, seek medical attention immediately or call the DOH Telekonsulta Hotline at 1555 (press 2). Early treatment can prevent complications and help protect others in your community. Simple steps, like purifying water, avoiding flood exposure, and maintaining hygiene, can go a long way in staying safe and healthy this rainy season.

By Nickie Wang

FILIPINO make-up artist

Catungal shared what he has learned from working abroad, saying his international career changed the way he approaches beauty, work, and life.

Catungal started his overseas journey with Sephora Middle East, where he sharpened his skills and joined a competition in France. The event gave him a chance to learn from make-up artists based in Europe and the United States.

Now based in the U.S. for three years, Catungal said the move taught him to become more independent, adapt to different cultures, and shift his priorities. He said personal happiness, worklife balance, and pursuing one’s passions now matter more to him than material success. Living in a diverse society, he added, helped him better understand religious beliefs, cultural differences, and the importance of standing up for one’s rights.

Chris especially appreciates how precise the treatment is. “The needles are single-use and have adjustable depths,” she said. “Some clients have thicker skin, others are more sensitive. I like that I can tailor the treatment to what each person needs. That kind of control just isn’t possible with other devices that have fixed settings.”

Alongside the microneedling, Ensorcell also uses serums like Restructurer and DNA PEPT-HA, packed with skin-loving ingredients like vitamin C, glutathione, lipoic acid, and hyaluronic acid. These formulas work to brighten, hydrate, and calm the skin, while also helping with recovery and reducing dark spots.

Chris recommends a series of treatments for best results. “We usually suggest at least three sessions for issues like acne scars or melasma,” she said. “But even for people who don’t have major skin concerns, we advise doing it every four months for maintenance.”

Many clients notice visible improvements in skin texture, tone, and elasticity after just a few visits.

But for Chris, smoother skin is only part of the story. “Our motto here is, ‘It’s about how you look and how you feel,’” she shared. Clients return not only because of the visible glow they see in the mirror, but because of how the treatment makes them feel.”

Beauty ambassador Elmer Catungal draws from global experience

to adjust to different types of clients. In Manila, he said, listening to the client and understanding their vision is key. In the Middle East, the goal is to deliver glamorous but modest looks while respecting cultural preferences. In California, he noted, it’s important to be flexible and communicate well with clients from various backgrounds and with different budgets.

In the U.S., Catungal reunited with long-time friend and former Viva Hotbabe Ella V. Manalang, founder of VGlow Beauty Bar and VGlow Skincare in Los Angeles. Manalang tapped him as a beauty ambassador for the brand, allowing him to expand his work into skincare.

Catungal said his experience in Manila, the Middle East, and the U.S. taught him how

Manalang also recently opened Aura Wellness & Spa in Cainta, Rizal, with her sister Paula Villanueva. The spa is located at The Pinnacle Plaza along Marikina-Infanta Highway.

Catungal said building a career overseas requires more than technical skill. “It takes preparation, flexibility, and the right mindset to succeed,” he said.

Catungal’s creative touch is on full display in these sleek editorials for Now Magazine, featuring Kevin Kreider and Jermaine Crawford

Filipino make-up artist Elmer Catungal shares how his global career shaped his views on work, beauty, and

Elmer Jermaine

Chris Pino leads Ensorcell Beauty’s launch in Greenhills

the United States.

improvement in skin texture following SkinPen microneedling treatments