HOUSE TO ASK SUPREME COURT TO RECONSIDER IMPEACH RULING
By Rio N. Araja and Ram Superable
THE House of Representatives will file a motion for reconsideration on the recent Supreme Court (SC) ruling, which nullified its impeachment complaint
against Vice President Sara Duterte, according to House spokesperson Princess Abante. In a statement on Sunday, Abante said that while the lower chamber respects the decision of the SC, it is “deeply con-
cerned” with the development, echoing the position of other lawmakers and legal experts.
“The House, after careful study, will file a motion for reconsideration because the decision—which declares the
Articles of Impeachment sent to the Senate to be barred or unconstitutional—is anchored on factual premises or findings that are erroneous and contrary to the official record of the House,”
SONA to focus on gains, legacy
By Charles Dantes, Ram Superable and Alena Mae Flores
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he will focus on social welfare and protection projects that would uplift the lives of ordinary Filipinos during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) today.
His fourth SONA will report accomplishments in the past three years, as well as legacy projects for the latter half of his term.
“We will talk about the programs that we have initiated and will continue to
promote and endorse,” Mr. Marcos said.
“Hopefully these will continue after my term,” he added.
Today’s address comes after a series of typhoons battered several parts of
By Vince Lopez
By Peter Atencio
By Rex Espiritu and Rio N. Araja
CENTRAL Luzon, comprising seven provinces, has been the hardest-hit region following the recent onslaught of typhoons and monsoon rains, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Sunday.
According to the NDRRMC, nearly 2.5 million individuals—or close to 750,000 families—in Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampan ga, Tarlac, and Zambales were affected by recent weather disturbances. Of this number, 13,801 families (47,061 individuals) are currently housed in 527 evacuation centers, while another
By Rio N. Araja and Ram Superable
SUPPORT for the speakership bid of reelected Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez has grown even stronger with 293 lawmakers now backing his continued leadership of the chamber in the 20th Congress. At the Upper Chamber, as many as 16 senators have already signed a resolution
By Vince Lopez, Cherrie Anne Villahermosa
THE supposed “battle of the ages” between Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III and acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte’s did not push through but nevertheless raised over P20 million worth of cash assistance and relief items for the people affected by the confluence of the tropical storms and the southwest monsoon of habagat.
Torre himself made the announcement after he was declared the “winner by default” as Duterte
Torre raises over P20m in walkover match
was no-show Sunday morning at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum for the bout that went viral despite short notice.
“Many people paid. We raised about P350,000 at the gates, so we have to show up and give the people what they expect,” Torre told reporters.
“We also have two tons of rice and canned goods amounting to P4.2 million. Thank you for your support,” he added.
Torre also thanked his supporters and for helping PNP raise funds for charity.
The PNP chief said the proceeds and donations will be turned over to the
Norman Cruz
PNP chief Nicolas Torre
the country, prompting House and Senate leaders to call for austerity measures that includes doing away with unnecessary floral arrangements and decorations and even forgoing lavish catering.
A memorandum signed by House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco said there will be no more staged.
“Members are respectfully urged to avoid ostentatious displays and exercise discretion in their wardrobe choices,” Velasco said.
The Senate will implement the same “no red carpet” protocol today.
Senator Francis Escudero said there will only be “suitable access and opportunity for media to perform their job of covering the opening” of the 20th Congress.
Aside from climate preparedness amid the onslaught of extreme weather conditions, the President is expected to discuss key issues such as the P20/ kilo rice program, online gambling, ex-
ternal concerns that include the impact of the US tariff on local exporters, and perhaps even the uncertain future of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte.
According to Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa, the “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” program has benefitted close to 1 million Filipinos already.
De Mesa said the target is to make “BBM Na” available to 15 million beneficiaries by 2028.
The issue of online gambling is also seen to be highlighted in today’s SONA.
Church leaders, civil society organizations and some lawmakers have pushed for a total ban, but the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation said stricter regulation is needed instead.
“Many families are being destroyed by it (online gambling), especially if it is used irresponsibly,” Mr. Marcos said in a recent vlog.
His recent trip to the US is also expected to be part of his fourth address to the nation.
Mr. Marcos, after a meeting with US President Donald Trump, secured a one percentage point reduction from the originally announced 20 percent reciprocal tariff on Philippine exports.
While the new tariff rate of 19 percent remains relatively high, it is 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.
The President likewise brought home $21 billion in investment pledges and $63 million in development assistance from his Washington trip.
Meanwhile, the energy sector is hopeful the SONA will put emphasis on energy security through nuclear and renewable energy (RE), and paving the way for a clear path toward energy transition.
“We hope the SONA will reinforce policy directions that promote greater private sector participation, faster permitting, stronger support for diverse energy sources, and investments in grid modernization,” Meralco PowerGen Corp. president Emmanuel Rubio said.
“We hope that the President stays
the course and sustains the growth of the RE sector. No less than the International Labor Organization forecasted the creation of 350,000 jobs by 2030,” Tetchi Capellan of Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance added.
Duterte’s impeachment trial, which faces an uncertain future after the Supreme Court junked the complaint against her as unconstitutional, could also be mentioned in Mr. Marcos’ SONA.
In an interview in May, the President said he has consistently made clear his position against pursuing any impeachment.
“How many times do I have to say that? I didn’t want impeachment,” Mr. Marcos said.
Duterte will skip today’s SONA for the second straight year, choosing instead to join a “Free Duterte Rally” in South Korea.
“We have no law that says it is the duty of Filipinos to listen to the President. What the law states is that it is the President’s duty to report to us, the Filipino people, on the state of our nation,” she said.
Abante said.
Earlier, retired SC Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said the House of Representatives should file a motion for reconsideration before the SC. He made this remark in an exclusive interview with Manila Standard on Sunday when asked what the proper remedy would be after the High Tribunal declared the articles of impeachment against Vice President Duterte unconstitutional.
Meanwhile, Carpio explained that he could not speculate on what would happen if the Senate decides to vote on a motion to dismiss or proceed with the trial.
“I have to wait for the SC to decide on the MR of the House,” he said.
Earlier today, 1SAMBAYAN called for a re-examination of the SC’s decision, urging a correction based on the verifiable records of the House proceedings.
11,899 families (39,560 individuals) are sheltering outside these facilities.
Floodwaters persist in 639 areas across the region. Meanwhile, 53 roads and four bridges remain impassable, severely hampering mobility and relief efforts.
In response, the Philippine Air Force (PAF), in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Luzon, launched a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) mission on July 25. Using an S-70i Black Hawk helicopter, the PAF surveyed damage in Pampanga, Bulacan, Bataan, and Tarlac—provinces heavily affected by Severe Tropical Storm Crising, Tropical Depression Dante, Typhoon Emong, and the intensified southwest monsoon.
As of Sunday morning, July 27, the NDRRMC confirmed 13 deaths caused by the weather disturbances: nine in Metro Manila, two in Central Luzon, one in Northern Mindanao, and one in Caraga. Five individuals were reported injured, while five remain missing. Other reported casualties are still being validated.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has forecast moderate rainfall (50–100 mm) to persist in Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro due to the southwest monsoon.
PAGASA also warned of possible localized flooding in urban and lowlying areas and potential landslides in hazard-prone locations. Severe Tropical Storm “Krosa” (local name: Emong) is expected to continue enhancing the monsoon rains.
Several local government units (LGUs) have suspended classes for Monday.
In Metro Manila, the Malabon City government suspended in-person classes from kindergarten to senior high school in public schools, including those under the Alternative Learning System (ALS). Quezon City canceled all classes at every level in public and private schools to accommodate security and logistical preparations for the SONA at the Batasang Pambansa.
Philippine National Police chief
Gen. Nicolas Torre III on Sunday said the mobilization of 12,000 policemen to secure President Ferdinand Marcos’ fourth SONA is not an overkill but a security preparation for any worst-case scenario.
“We always respect the opinion of other people. We are just making sure –we always hope for the best but we are prepared for the worst,” he said.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the police will be mobilized to secure the areas around and all the roads leading to and from the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
“More or less that would be the deployment unless of course we will deem it necessary to add the deployment of our personnel over the prevailing security situation,” she said.
“There will also be skeletal deploy-
ment for anti-criminality efforts including police checkpoints,” said Fajardo.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said some 2,300 personnel from the city’s Law and Order Cluster and from other government agencies will likewise provide support and assistance.
“Our Law and Order Cluster is closely coordinating with the Philippine National Police to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors during this day,” Belmonte said.
Fajardo on Saturday said permits were issued to militant group Bayan, which will hold a rally near St. Peter’s Church on Commonwealth Avenue; Tindig Pilipinas, which requested space in White Plains; and a pro-administration group that was allowed to gather near the Sandiganbayan building, also on Commonwealth Avenue.
“We are coordinating with them to ensure they police their own ranks a nd avoid any unnecessary friction,” Fajardo said.
She said the IBP Road would be off-
over fellow Filipino Bernie Regalario.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday (early Sunday in Manila).
The win made Biado the first Filipino player to ever capture the prestigious trophy twice.
“I’m over the moon—I still can’t believe I’m a two-time World Champion.
It means everything to me. I’m so proud to bring this trophy home to the Philippines,” said Biado, who made the finals after a dominant 11-3 semi-final victory
The 2025 World Pool Championship, the crown jewel of the World Nineball Tour, featured 128 players from 40 countries and boasted of a recordbreaking $1,000,000 prize pool.
Biado’s win earned him the champion’s purse of $250,000 (approximately P14.2 million).
Gorst earned $100,000, while losing seminalists Regalario and Kledio Kaçi of Albania got $50,000 each.
Nicknamed “Black Tiger,” Biado started strong, building a commanding 9-2 lead with a deadly combina -
limits to all rallies, regardless of affiliation as part of the agreed security plan.
The MMDA’s Mobile Command Center, equipped with CCTV monitors, will be stationed at the Batasan-Commonwealth junction, while its Communications and Command Center in Pasig will monitor rallies.
The MMDA is sending a total of 1,329 personnel from various units to manage traffic, respond to emergencies, clear roads, and assist in crowd control.
Ambulances, tow trucks, fire trucks, mobile patrol units, motorcycle units, flood mitigation equipment, and other resources will also be deployed at designated routes and staging areas.
The agency will also implement a zipper lane or counterflow along Commonwealth Avenue to give way to vehicles of government officials and guests going to the Batasang Pambansa.
Motorists are advised to take alternate routes to avoid the anticipated heavy traffic along Commonwealth Avenue and IBP Road. With Rio Araja
tion of precision safety play and pinpoint potting.
However, Gorst, known for his resilience and dubbed a “monster on the table,” mounted a furious comeback, winning seven consecutive racks to level the score at 9-9.
The Russian-American star continued to push, even tying the match again at 13-13, putting pressure on Biado.
But Biado’s composure under fire ultimately sealed his triumph. In the 27th rack, a costly scratch from Gorst off a jump shot handed Biado the opening he needed.
“1SAMBAYAN most respectfully disagrees with the Supreme Court’s decision dismissing the fourth impeachment complaint, citing factual inaccuracies... The misinterpretation of facts undermines the principles of due process and fair judgment,” the group said in its statement.
It can be recalled that Carpio, lead convenor of 1SAMBAYAN, claimed that the Constitution was strictly followed in Duterte’s impeachment.
“The Constitution was followed. The threshold was met. The process was legal and complete. That should be the end of it,” the former justice said.
Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo Lacson said Sunday that evidence related to the impeachment case against Vice President Duterte could still be examined in other forums if the Supreme Court’s ruling prevents the trial from moving forward.
“There are many other fora where, if the public wants to know what happened with the use of the CIF, even during the budget deliberation, I myself will ask,” he said.
“When the budget of DepEd or OVP is tackled, that can be asked. The budget deliberation can be used to clarify,” Lacson explained.
The senator said he intends to actively question fund allocations during these hearings to shed light on how the money was spent, adding that the public has the right to know where confidential funds go. He also said reviewing the budgets of past years alongside upcoming appropriations is necessary to ensure accountability.
Aside from budget hearings, Lacson said another alternative is for either the Senate or the House to file a resolution for an inquiry in aid of legislation.
Such an inquiry, he added, would examine how confidential and intelligence funds are used by agencies that do not perform law enforcement or intelligence work.
expressing support for Senator Francis Escudero to remain as Senate president in the 20th Congress, according to Senator JV Ejercito.
Among the most recent to align with the majority at the House were Malasakit@Bayanihan Rep. Girlie Veloso and Taguig City Rep. Jorge Bocobo, expanding the earlier bloc of 291 lawmakers who signed the original manifesto of support.
“Representative Romualdez’s track record speaks for itself. He has led the House in passing laws that truly matter to the Filipino people, and he has done so by building consensus and keeping the institution stable,” Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga said. They underscored that the growing
Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Philippine Red Cross through its Quezon City chapter.
Following the make-believe match, the PNP chief visited flood-hit communities near Baseco Port in Manila.
So far, the number of people affected by the southwest monsoon (habagat) and severe tropical storms Crising, Dante, and Emong has reached 6.5 million individu-
number of lawmakers signing on to the manifesto reflects broad confidence in Romualdez’s capacity to lead, especially at a time when the House of Representatives must hit the ground running for the next half of the Marcos administration.
“Backed by 293 of his peers, Representative Romualdez has shown that he is not only capable of uniting coalitions, but also of steering the chamber toward productivity and lasting impact,” Parañaque City Rep. Brian Yamsuan said.
The House leaders emphasized the speakership contest should center not on personalities but on vision, competence and delivery, all of which they said Romualdez consistently demonstrated as Speaker of the 19th Congress.
“This is about continuity, competence and a clear path forward. That’s what the House needs. That’s why we support Rep. Romualdez,” Quezon Rep. David
als, or around 1.8 million families.
However, Duterte, who reportedly fled to Singapore two days before the scheduled showdown, hinted that he was keeping his options open and may be ready to box any day next week.
In the second episode of his podcast Basta Dabawenyo released on Saturday evening, Duterte explained the snub, saying Sunday is family day for him.
“I have other things to do on Sunday, but I can fight him on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, any day but Sunday, para may time pa sya mag ensayo kasi
Suarez said. At the Senate, Ejercito said he was among the 15 to 16 senators who signed the resolution, which he said was circulated last month when the Congress was on break.
“Yes, because first of all, I’m part of the leadership being the deputy majority leader at present. So siguro (Maybe) as a courtesy and respect to Senate President Escudero, I have to stick it up with him,” he said. Ejercito, however, said that he was “torn” in choosing between Escudero and returning Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III because the latter is “very close” to him and is his partymate at the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC). He said that by backing Escudero’s stay as head of the upper chamber, he may also be retained as the Senate deputy majority leader.
yung jab mo (Torre) nakababa agad ang kamay mo, “he said. At the same time, Duterte 37, sustained his verbal assault on Torre, saying he did not dare the country’s top policeman, now 55, to a boxing match.
“I did not challenge you. All I said was I just wanted to punch somebody. I am glad that you had some workouts, but let’s do it not for charity. Let’s do it man-toman, no gloves, no camera. I’ll be there in Metro Manila,” Duterte declared. Torre stressed however, that he had enough of Duterte’s antics.
The senator also said that if their number reaches 18, Escudero will likely take the supermajority. So far, among those who signed include the Cayetano, Villar, and Tulfo siblings, as well as his brother, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada.
Estrada first confirmed that there was a resolution circulating among senators to signify their support for Escudero as Senate president.
House lawmakers said the movement behind Romualdez’s speakership bid is not only growing in number but deepening in resolve.
“This is about lawmakers coming together to keep the institution strong and service-oriented. And we believe that Representative Romualdez is best equipped to lead us in that direction,” Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin said. They pointed to Romualdez’s role
“I have a lot of work and this is not worth responding to,” he said, when asked if he would still entertain a future challenge from the mayor.
“We exerted a lot of effort in this event. I don’t think he is worth responding to at this point. We should just let him be in his own world,” Torre said with finality.
According to the PNP chief, there was no more to discuss because things have been said and done and there is no more ‘logic’ if he continued to listen to the vice mayor’s statements.
in shepherding landmark measures, including the passage of 61 out of 64 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council priority bills.
“Legislation under Romualdez’s watch has been focused, strategic and always pro-people. That kind of leadership is not easy to come by, and it is even harder to sustain. Yet he has done both,” Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin noted.
The legislators noted the role of Romualdez in preserving the working relationship between the House and Malacañang, without sacrificing the independence of the institution.
“His guiding principle has always been clear: support what is good for the country, protect the institution, and always prioritize the people’s welfare,” Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona noted.
‘8 out of 10 Pinoys want VP to face trial’
By Rex Espiritu
DESPITE a recent Supreme Court ruling junking the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, the majority of Filipinos believe she should still face a Senate trial to address the allegations
IN BRIEF
Fisherfolk need help even without floods--Tulfo
SENATOR Erwin Tulfo on Sunday urged the government to extend assistance to fisherfolk during typhoons and rough weather, even when they are not directly affected by flooding. He stressed that fishermen lose their livelihood for days or even weeks due to dangerous sea conditions, leaving them unable to provide for their families.
Tulfo made the appeal after visiting Palawan, where around 11,000 fishermen have been stranded since July 19, based on a report from the Philippine Coast Guard. He said he coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to begin the distribution of food packs to the affected families.
“We cannot leave them behind just because they were not directly affected by the typhoon. The fact that they can’t go out to sea due to bad weather makes them victims too,” Tulfo said.
Palawan DSWD Provincial Director Eric Aborot committed to begin food pack deliveries within the week as sea conditions improve. The PCG will assist in distributing relief goods to ensure supplies reach remote coastal communities. Ram Superable
Pangilinan activates Sagip Saka plan for QC
SENATOR Francis Pangilinan activated the Sagip Saka program to aid victims of recent typhoons, sourcing 800 kilos of fresh vegetables from Nueva Ecija and turning them over to Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte for distribution to affected residents.
Pangilinan emphasized that the Sagip Saka Act is not just legislation but a “lifeline” connecting food producers to those in crisis. Farmers from Talavera had to harvest early due to typhoon disruptions, prompting the initiative to rescue their produce and prevent waste. He worked with Talavera Mayor Aries Lim, the Kaya Natin! Movement, and the Department of Agriculture Region III to facilitate the delivery of vegetables, including patola, tomatoes, onions, garlic, sweet potatoes, string beans, cucumbers, and squash.
Pangilinan also urged local government units to maximize the provisions of the law, especially in times of disaster. He said the act addresses both urgent food access for victims and fair market support for farmers.
GenTri DepEd unveils local heritage chronicle
GENERAL TRIAS CITY, Cavite — The Department of Education’s local division in General Trias launched its first heritage chronicle during the “Balik Kasaysayan sa 2025 Gawad Pagtanaw” and Gentri Book Launching ceremony on July 23. The launch was held at the Schools Division Office Multi-Purpose Hall in Barangay Santa Clara. It featured a threevolume publication highlighting the city’s rich history, cultural traditions, and legacy of local heroes.
Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ivan Inductivo led the event, emphasizing the importance of preserving the city’s historical identity. Former Superintendent Dr. Daisy Miranda also underscored the role of heritage in shaping the values of younger generations. Dennis Abrina
greed, while 7 percent were undecided.
The release of the survey coincided with the Supreme Court’s July 25 decision declaring the impeachment unconstitutional, citing the violation of the one-year bar on filing multiple complaints and Duterte’s right to due process. OCTA clarified, however, that the survey was conducted independently of the ruling.
“The hope is that these survey results will offer meaningful insights into public sentiment amidst this sig-
nificant legal and political development,” OCTA said.
Public awareness of the impeachment case was near-universal, with 97 percent of respondents saying they were aware of the issue. Support for a trial was consistent across regions and social classes, highest in the Visayas (92%) and lowest in Mindanao (69%).
By socio-economic group, support ranged from 78 to 80 percent.
When asked why Duterte should face trial, 59 percent said she must ad-
dress the charges and clear her name. Other reasons included belief in the validity of the charges (21%) and the need to resolve the issue to remain eligible for the 2028 elections (16%). The latter reason was more pronounced in Mindanao, where 31 percent cited it.
Among those who opposed a trial, 44 percent viewed the impeachment as a political feud between the Marcos and Duterte camps. Others cited their belief in Duterte’s integrity and the lack of evidence against her.
Cebu archbishop urges online gambling ban
By Vito Barcelo
CEBU’S newly appointed Archbishop Alberto Uy has reached out directly to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., calling for an immediate halt to online gambling across the country.
The prelate, appointed by Pope Leo XIV on July 16, emphasized that online gambling is causing significant distress to many Filipino families, especially the younger generation. The Archbishop’s appeal highlights the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable individuals from the negative impacts of online gambling.
In a statement, Uy appealed to the President to impose “a total and permanent ban” on online gambling in the country. “Online gambling is a silent yet devastating storm that destroys lives, breaks families, and corrupts values,” Uy said. “Do not allow this poison to continue spreading into the homes, phones, and hearts of our people.”
“No amount of government income or corporate gain can justify the loss of human dignity, the breakdown of Filipino families, and the exploitation of the poor,” he added. Uy urged Marcos and lawmakers to prioritize the protection of fami-
lies and human dignity over revenue and profit. He also called on Filipino families to reject online gambling, support those struggling with addiction, and participate in community awareness and prayer campaigns. The bishop’s appeal came about two weeks after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines raised the alarm on the rising use of e-wallets for gambling.
Uy is set to formally assume his new ministry as Archbishop of Cebu on Sept. 30, 2025, succeeding retired Archbishop Jose Palma.
PBBM lauds Iglesia ni Cristo on 111th anniv
By Vince Lopez
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday congratulated the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) on its 111th founding anniversary, recognizing the group’s “continued service, charity, and solidarity with others.”
“For more than a century, the leadership and members of the Iglesia ni Cristo have declared and proven their purpose to serve as exemplary citizens and good disciples of God through service, charity, and solidarity with others,” Marcos said in a statement posted on social media.
“Their wonderful works have greatly
brought about widespread change and have resulted in understanding, mutual assistance, and unity,” he added. Marcos emphasized the INC’s role as a key partner in promoting the “Bagong Pilipinas” vision of his administration.
“May all our efforts serve as the fulfillment of a Bagong Pilipinas that is truly humane, patriotic, and fearless,” he said. The President earlier declared July 27, 2025, a special non-working day in honor of the INC’s founding.
Vice President Sara Duterte also praised the INC leadership as she joined in greeting the religious organization on its anniversary.
“I would like to extend my congratu-
lations and gratitude to Brother Eduardo V. Manalo for his wonderful leadership and the purity of his heart in promoting unity, understanding, and faith amidst different principles and ideologies in society,” she said. Manalo is the current Executive Minister of the INC.
Duterte also thanked the INC for its efforts to uplift the country. “Thank you very much to our brethren for your steadfast belief in God and love for our country. Thank you for always praying for the order, peace, and welfare of the Philippines,” she added.
She encouraged INC members to continue spreading their faith by living according to the word of God.
DHSUD: Expanded housing now offers more options
By Rio N. Araja
THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is now offering various options under its flagship housing program, saying that under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH), homebuyers are no longer a “captive market.”
Housing czar Jose Ramon Aliling said the DHSUD has transformed the Expanded 4PH Program into a simplified, people-centric, and sustainable approach to addressing homelessness.
As part of the program, DHSUD now includes horizontal developments or subdivision-like projects, revives the beneficiary-centered Community Mortgage Program (CMP), and promotes rental and incremental housing—providing a broader range of choices for targeted beneficiaries.
The agency has tasked key shelter agencies with specific responsibilities. The Social Housing Finance Corp. is in charge of reviving and enhancing the CMP, including incremental housing; the National Housing Authority leads in rental housing; the Pag-IBIG Fund introduces exclusive low-interest programs for socialized housing; and the National Home Mortgage Finance Corp. focuses on the housing secondary market.
“With these, we now have more options to offer our beneficiaries depending on their needs and capacity. Instead of the previous limited choices that rendered homebuyers a captive market, we’ve made the Expanded 4PH a beneficiaryfocused program,” Aliling said.
This is according to the latest Tugon ng Masa survey conducted by OCTA Research from July 12 to 17, 2025, which found that 8 in 10 Filipinos (80%) support Duterte undergoing an impeachment trial. Only 14 percent disa-
DELIVERING AID. Senator Lito Lapid visits and delivers aid to flood-affected
residents in the towns of Sasmuan, Minalin, Sto. Tomas, Macabebe, and Masantol in Pampanga on Saturday. These areas remain flooded due to the habagat and a series of recent typhoons.
PRECARIOUS. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong inspects the rockshed at Millsite, Camp 4, Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet on July 27. The newly built structure is in a precarious condition after part of its foundation collapses due to a landslide caused by Typhoon Emong. Baguio City Public Information Office
HONORING THE FALLEN. The Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry ‘Alakdan’ Division honors the late Corporal Mardhija Jumadil with a 21-gun salute, the military’s highest ceremonial tribute, in recognition of her service and sacrifice.
OPINION
One percent for ‘special relations’
THAT Washington trip, by whatever measure, turned out to be a disaster.
First, the timing: our president or his subalterns could have made an excuse to postpone the hastily-called “summons” from the White House. The country was reeling from disastrous floods; and there was an allimportant SONA forthcoming.
Today’s SONA would define his next three years as president, coming as it does from the embarrassing results of the senatorial sweepstakes for the Alyansa. Now, his own allies in the Alyansa are quarelling for leadership of the chamber that once upon a not-too-distant past was considered “august.”
The end-result is a one-percent reduction from a very recent announcement of 20 percent in export tariffs, while giving the US of A’s machinery, automotive, agricultural exports to our country, among others in a long list, zero tariff.
In April, Trump levied us a 17 percent tariff, for which our economic managers were so deliriously comparing our lower rate compared to Vietnam’s 46 percent and Indonesia’s 32 percent.
But the devil is in the details of the agreements. America virtually coerced SEA nations to “invest” in the US and purchase Boeing planes, and open their markets to imports of agricultural products from soybeans to pork to poultry and seafood.
Trump had to shore up the manufacturing and agricultural sector of his faltering economy, with BRICS and other countries retaliating against his “imperial” bully tactics by boycotting his exports.
For the “honor” of being the “first” ASEAN leader allowed to visit Trump’s gilded Oval Office, our president managed to reduce the 20 percent to 19 percent, two percentage points higher than the previous 17 percent levy announced on April 2. For that “honor” and our leader’s effusive praise of our “special relations” with “our only” treaty partner, we were granted a 1 percent consuelo.
And that’s for a trade deficit with the US of only $4.9 billion, just about the same amount that our president’s 2026 budget for those graft-washed flood control projects of P254.3 billion or $4.5 billion.
As if to twist the dagger, Trump called our president a “tough negotiator” who “loves his country very much.”
Yet he told our president that he does not mind if we deal with China, which he intends to visit soon, as Xi Jinping is a good friend.
Xi must be muttering “Beh, buti nga” after watching the White House exchange.
My Washington sources told me that US Trade Secretary Howard Lutnick gave assurances that we could revert the 20 percent to the original 17 percent, which was doable because our trade with the US is so puny compared to Vietnam, which has a trade
surplus of $123 billion, and even Indonesia, with a $17.9 billion positive trade balance over the US.
From 20 back to 17 percent would have been trophy enough to preen over at today’s SONA, still 3 percent lower than what Vietnam and Indonesia re-negotiated on basically similar terms without Prabowo Subianto paying obeisance to the “great white father,” and General Secretary To Lam’s phone call to the US president whose predecessors his Ho Chi Minh defeated in 1975.
And since Emperor Donald announced the 1 percent gift already, the SONA highlight is gone, and the show is stolen from today’s magnum opus of a speech
Yet, despite “special relations,” increased EDCA bases pointing to Taiwan, Balikatan exercises galore, and a munitions factory in Subic (which Gibo Teodoro says will add 200 new jobs), on top of Cerberus’ taking over the decrepit Hanjin shipyard, and, on top of it all, a presidential visit to Emperor Donald, all we get is one percent.
So much for Lutnick and Rubio, and all the efforts of our ambassador Babes, our top economic manager Derick Go and our trade secretary of Kamiseta provenance.
Temu, Shein, and all those Shopee and Lazada products give better discounts.
What happen?
It seems that what Lutnick assured us was vetoed by his Emperor, because that might be an affront to Indonesia, whose 32 percent he dropped to 19 percent, but whose 285 million population is more than twice the Philippines’ 114 million, and could therefore buy more jet planes, automobiles and even beef from the US of A, than us “little brown brothers,” who can ill afford such purchases, nor put up factories in America like the Vietnamese tycoons and leaders have pledged.
What’s so special about special relations?
And since Emperor Donald announced the 1 percent gift already, the SONA highlight is gone, and the show is stolen from today’s magnum opus of a speech.
Back to the dreary drum roll of statistics about how well the economy is growing, or the flood control projects and relief operations, and perhaps a stricter regulation, not an outright ban of online gambling, which neither PAGCOR nor the president’s cronies can afford to let go.
Flooded streets, fractured trust, and
the President’s
TODAY, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his State of the Nation Address, the country is reeling—not only from persistent economic hardship, but also from the devastation of over a week of torrential rains and flooding that battered every region of the Philippines.
The political atmosphere also remains charged following the Supreme Court’s controversial ruling declaring the impeachment attempt against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional.
In this context of crisis and disruption, the SONA cannot be business as usual. It must be a decisive articulation of leadership – focused, grounded, and responsive to the real conditions facing ordinary Filipinos.
The latest Pulse Asia survey data is a clear signal.
Economic anxiety remains the overriding concern for Filipinos. Sixty-two percent want inflation curbed. Half want higher wages.
One in four is focused on job availability. When asked about personal struggles, 53 percent are most worried about securing a stable income; 45 percent are anxious about building any savings at all.
These are not abstract policy preferences
– they are daily realities for millions.
Any SONA that doesn’t begin with these priorities risks losing relevance.
The President must use this platform to present concrete legislative proposals – not vague intentions – that directly tackle these issues.
moment
These include subsidies for essential goods, tax reforms that offer real relief to low and middle-income earners, and incentives that spur job creation in both urban centers and rural economies.
It’s also time to spotlight progress in agriculture, particularly where rice prices have been reduced and support for local farmers has increased.
The SONA cannot be business as usual. It must be a decisive articulation of leadership – focused, grounded, and responsive to the real conditions facing ordinary Filipinos
These achievements matter, but only if they’re sustained and scaled. For an administration that has pledged inclusive growth, these actions will be the real test.
Social welfare also demands attention – not as an afterthought, but as a pillar of national development. Despite economic gains on paper, hunger and poverty remain
EDITORIAL
A midterm SONA
IDTERM State of the Nation Addresses present a great opportunity to any chief executive.
A SONA halfway into a president’s term provides a solid three-year basis for a report of actual accomplishments. Three years is a good time to draw up new plans or build from the meritorious gains, if any, of one’s immediate predecessor. Within that period, one can plan, execute, and observe early gains.
More importantly, the first three years are a sound guide in identifying initial gaps that could then be addressed in the succeeding three years. Armed not with fancy visions, flowery rhetoric or, horrors, a stream-of-consciousness rambling, the chief executive could then outline the steps needed to achieve quantifiable objectives.
Done well, a good midterm SONA could convey the message that sounds like this: “the government knows what must be done and has taken steps to achieve its targets, has attained modest gains but knows it must do more and better, and is doing everything within its power, shunning distractions, and focusing on its priorities for the good of the people.”
Today’s address will be a window into the mind of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. — what things he believes are urgent and important, somewhat important, or not important at all This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt:
Filipinos would like to hear something like this from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. this afternoon.
He will likely talk about economics, on how the people continue to be concerned with coping with the prices of goods, finding – and holding – a job, and being able to provide the basic needs of their families.
We wonder how he would convey the nuances of that mere one-percentagepoint decrease in tariffs on Philippine exports to the United States, even as US
persistent.
Public safety and peace and order also rank high among citizen concerns, especially outside Metro Manila.
Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds of Filipinos are most concerned about staying healthy and avoiding illness.
Access to food, healthcare, and safety are not optional – they are minimum expectations in any serious agenda for social equity.
Then there is the issue of national pride and sovereignty.
Seventy-three percent of Filipinos expect this administration to stand firm in asserting our rights in the West Philippine Sea.
This is not just about defending maritime territory – it’s about upholding the dignity of the nation.
A decisive, principled stance must come with legislative backing, such as enhanced funding for maritime defense and anti-corruption measures in agencies tasked with national security.
It is also a test of whether the administration is willing to match rhetoric with resolve.
goods will be slapped with zero tariffs when they come to our shores. We understand that being a truly “tough negotiator” means different things from different vantage points and different contexts. How we can turn this around to still be good for ordinary Filipinos – or at least better than the previous situation – is a challenge.
We are, of course, unrelenting in our defense of our territorial integrity in the West Philippine Sea – not because we are but a pawn in a bigger game between two bigger nations, but because it is in our own best interest. We continue to enjoy the commitment and support, not only of the US but other countries as well, in this aspect.
We also want to hear from President Marcos that the new normal in extreme
In today’s digitally connected Philippines, where 87 percent of citizens are online and nearly all of them use social media, governance must evolve.
The internet is not just a space for engagement – it’s also a battleground for truth.
The President must call for legislation that counters online disinformation and bolsters digital literacy. Government portals should go beyond being repositories of information – they must become interactive, transparent platforms where citizens participate meaningfully.
A democracy only works when people are informed and involved.
Speaking of democracy, we cannot ignore the legitimacy of our electoral process.
While 35 percent of Filipinos believe the May 2025 elections were more credible than previous ones, doubts persist – particularly in Mindanao, where concerns about fraud remain acute.
If the President is serious about strengthening our democratic institutions, electoral reform must be on his priority list.
weather systems will be met with a new normal in disaster risk reduction and management on the national and local government levels. Filipino resilience was developed over decades of government ineptitude and indifference. The President should assure the people that while typhoons pummeling our islands are becoming more intense and greater in number, our leaders are thinking long term, going beyond the notion that typhoons are just an excuse to go to evacuation centers and distribute relief packages to the displaced. Finally, the President must say something about the urgency of championing transparency in government. He must led by example. This is not only through using technology-based tools in government services and decisions, but moreover in holding personalities accountable for the wanton manner of amassing and spending public funds. The Palace on Friday urged the public to respect our institutions after the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Dutere was unconstitutional. This however does not preclude him –or the legislative branch – of articulating their sentiments and using the appropriate legal recourse. These steps must be done to highlight that the impeachment case, while political in nature, is not an offshoot of the fallout between two powerful political families. There is an inherent ill that must be addressed here.
Today’s SONA will be a window into the mind of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. — what things he believes are urgent and important, somewhat important, or not important at all. Let us watch, not for entertainment, not even punditry, but for the high stakes we have in the real state of our nation.
That means modernizing voting systems, curbing vote-buying, and increasing transparency. Voter education, especially for the youth, is essential to restoring faith in elections. This SONA must resonate with the Filipino people by addressing their most pressing concerns and proposing legislation that institutionalizes real solutions. By focusing on economic stability, social welfare, governance reforms, and territorial defense, the President can show that inclusive development is not just a slogan but a governing principle.
That’s how trust is earned. That’s how confidence is restored. That’s how real leadership is defined. In a nation facing simultaneous hardship and crises, the public demands – and deserves – tangible commitments backed by decisive action.
This SONA must not just be a report on the past year.
It must be an inspiring direction to collectively move forward. It must deliver substance over spectacle.
A boy displaced by the ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia rests at an evacuation center in the Thai border province of Si Sa Ket during the weekend. Thailand and Cambodia pounded each other with heavy artillery fire for a third day, as a border conflict that killed at least 33 people and displaced more than 200,000 from their homes spread across the frontier. Both countries said they were willing to start talks to end the fighting, after US President Donald Trump spoke to the two prime ministers late on Saturday (Sunday Manila time) and said they had agreed to meet and ‘quickly work out’ a ceasefire. AFP
Thailand, Cambodia clash amid truce hopes, 34 killed
SAMRAONG, Cambodia –Thailand and Cambodia clashed for a fourth day Sunday, despite both sides saying they were ready to discuss a ceasefire after a late-night intervention by US President Donald Trump.
The neighbors, popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists, have been locked in their bloodiest conflict in years over their disputed border, with at least 34 people confirmed killed and more than 200,000 displaced.
Both said they were willing to start talks to end the fighting, after Trump spoke to the two prime ministers late on Saturday (Sunday Manila time) and said they had agreed to meet and “quickly work out” a ceasefire.
But fresh artillery clashes erupted on Sunday morning near two long-contested ancient temples in the frontier region between northern Cambodia and northeast Thailand that has seen the bulk of the fighting.
Cambodian defense ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata said Thai forced began attacking areas around the
Israel air drops aid packages into hunger-stricken Gaza
GAZA CITY – Israel said during the weekend it air dropped aid into the Gaza Strip and would open humanitarian corridors, as it faced growing international condemnation over the deepening hunger crisis in the Palestinian territory.
Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza on March 2 after ceasefire talks broke down. In late May, it began allowing a small trickle of aid to resume.
Before Israel announced the delivery of seven aid packages, the United Arab Emirates had said it would restart aid drops and Britain said it would work with partners including Jordan to assist them.
The decision to loosen the flow of aid came as the Palestinian civil defense agency said over 50 more Palestinians had been killed in Israeli strikes and shootings, some as they waited near aid distribution centers.
The same day, Israeli troops boarded a boat carrying activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coali-
VENTURA, California – Lisa Tate, whose family has been farming in Ventura County since 1876, cannot recall a threat to crops like the one emanating from Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant onslaught.
Tate fears that the crackdown on illegal workers, far from addressing the problems of this vital agricultural region north of Los Angeles, could “dismantle the whole economy” and put the country’s food security at risk.
“I began to get really concerned when we saw a group of border control agents come up to the Central Valley and just start going onto farms and just kind of trying to chase people down, evading the property owner,” the 46-yearold farmer, who grows avocados,
temples at 4:50 am.
The regular thump of artillery rattled windows in the Cambodian town of Samraong, around 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the frontline, AFP journalists said.
Thai Army Deputy Spokesman Ritcha Suksuwanon said Cambodian forces began firing artillery around 4:00 am as the two sides battled for control of strategic positions.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Sunday said his country “agreed with the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces”.
He said his Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn will talk to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to coordinate with the Thais, but warned Bangkok against reneging on any agreeement.
Earlier, after Trump’s call, Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said he had agreed in principle to entering a ceasefire and starting talks “as soon as possible.”
But he warned that Cambodia must show “sincere intention” to bring about peace.
A long-running border dispute erupted into combat this week with jets, tanks and ground troops battling in the rural border region, marked by a ridge of hills surrounded by wild jungle and agricultural land where locals farm rubber and rice. AFP
IN BRIEF
Ecuador deports 603 Colombian inmates
tion as it attempted to approach Gaza from the sea and deliver a small quantity of supplies to the aid-starved population.
The humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory has gravely deteriorated in recent days, with international NGOs warning of soaring malnutrition among children.
On Telegram, the Israeli military announced it “carried out an airdrop of humanitarian aid as part of the ongoing efforts to allow and facilitate the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip”.
Earlier, Israel said humanitarian corridors for UN aid convoys to deliver “food and medicine” would also be designated.
This would improve the humanitarian situation, and disprove “the false claim of deliberate starvation in the Gaza Strip”, it added.
Israel’s foreign ministry posted on X that a “humanitarian pause” would apply to certain parts of Gaza on Sunday morning to facilitate the aid deliveries. AFP
BOGOTA – Colombian authorities said Saturday (Sunday Manila time) that Ecuador had deported 643 Colombian prisoners via a land border crossing, after Bogota protested the action came without prior agreement. In 2024, Ecuadoran President Daniel Noboa announced his intention to deport Colombian inmates to ease overcrowding in the country’s prisons. Small groups were transferred starting in April. But Colombian President Gustavo Petro opposed the move, saying that a joint plan was needed to safeguard the prisoners’ rights.
“In the morning, 603 people arrived, 60 women and 543 men, and we completed the reception of them” at the Rumichaca border crossing in Carchi province, Colombia’s acting foreign minister Rosa Villavicencio said. Authorities on both sides of the border had previously reported conflicting figures for the number of prisoners deported. AFP
UN tech chief wants AI regulated
GENEVA – The world urgently needs to find a global approach on regulating artificial intelligence, the United Nations’ top tech chief said this week, warning that fragmentation could deepen risks and inequalities.
citrus and coffee, told AFP in an interview.
“That’s not something we’re used to happening in agriculture,” she added.
The impact goes beyond harvesters, she said. “There’s a whole food chain involved,” from field workers to truck drivers to people working in packing houses and in sales.
“It’s just, everybody’s scared,” she said -- even a multi-generational American like her.
“I’m nervous and I’m scared, because we’re feeling like we’re being attacked.”
Other farmers contacted by AFP declined to speak to the media, saying they feared potential reprisals from the Trump administration. AFP
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, head of the UN’s International Telecommunications Union agency, told AFP she hoped that AI “can actually benefit humanity”. But as concerns mount over the risks posed by the fast-moving technology -including fears of mass job losses, the spread of deepfakes and disinformation, and society’s fabric fraying -- she insisted that regulation was key.
“There’s an urgency to try to get... the right framework in place,” she said, stressing the need for “a global approach”. Her comments came after US President Donald Trump this week unveiled an aggressive, low-regulation strategy aimed at ensuring the United States stays ahead of China on AI. Among more than 90 proposals, Trump’s plan calls for sweeping deregulation, with the administration promising to “remove red tape and onerous regulation” that could hinder private sector AI development. AFP
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Ex-Surigao Norte gov faces graft raps for fund mess
By Rio Araja
THE Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to indict former Surigao del Norte governor Francisco Matugas, along with his provincial budget officer Ma. Myrla Padayhag for alleged illegal transfer and disbursement of P60 million in provincial funds intended for disaster management.
In a resolution, Ombudsman Samuel Martirez said the respondents violated Section 3 of Republic Act 3019 as amended based on a complaint filed by Oscar Pospia Jr. on June 6, 2023.
“Evidently, theRe was no ordinance authorizing Matugas to augment and transfer funds. Hence, the realignment and disbursement of funds amounting to a total of P60 million used in the procurement of the Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Change Adaptation mainstreamed learning materials and the supplementary learning materials had no basis and, therefore, illegal,” the decision read.
The Ombudsman ordered the filing of the case before the Sandiganbayan. The provincial government previously signed three memoranda of agreement with three local school division superintendents wherein provincial funds worth P60 million were transferred to Department of Education for the procurement of multi-million-peso worth of books and other learning materials for elementary school children.
”The funds were deviated from the public purpose from which the said funds were intended. Corollary, the subject MoAs entered into by Matugas with three Schools Division Superintendents were unauthorized and bereft of any legal basis,” the Ombudsman noted.
Army troopers kill seven Reds in Masbate clash
By Rex Espiritu
SEVEN suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were reported killed while nine high-powered firearms were seized in a military operation in Barangay San Mateo, Uson, Masbate, on Sunday, July 27.
According to the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division (9ID), soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Battalion encountered armed men believed to be members of the NPA’s Komiteng Larangang Perilya (KLG) South, Sub-Regional Committee 4 of the Bicol Regional Party Committee, around 6:00 a.m. The firefight lasted for about 30 minutes.
Among the seized firearms were four M16 rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, an M14 rifle, a Bushmaster rifle, and an M653 rifle. Also retrieved were personal items and subversive documents.
Military officials viewed the operation as a significant blow to the dwindling communist insurgency in the region. Nonetheless, the 9ID stressed that combat operations are not the primary approach to resolving armed conflict.
“This successful operation delivers a major blow to the already weakening Communist Terrorist Group. However, the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) emphasized that armed encounters are not their primary solution to insurgency,” the Army said in a statement.
COMMUNITY REACH OUT. Tingog party-list
Romualdez upbeat over Marcos’ fourth SONA
By Rio N. Araja
LEYTE Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Sunday expressed confidence that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address will reinforce the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and responsive governance.
“As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prepares to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address, I am proud of the gains he has made under his steady and compassionate leadership,”
Romualdez said.
care, stable jobs and improved access to education and social services,” he stressed.
He said this year’s SONA “is a chance to build on what we’ve achieved and set a clear, compassionate and forwardlooking agenda that speaks to the real needs of our people.”
IN BRIEF
Twister strikes Paoay village, rips 7 houses
A TORNADO whirled across Barangay Nagbacalan in Paoay, Ilocos Norte on Saturday, tearing down seven houses, an eatery, and a gasoline station. Paoay Mayor Shiella Galano, along with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and other volunteers, immediately checked the situation.
Fortunately, no one was reported injured during the incident.
Romualdez said tomorrow’s SONA would provide an opportunity to further strengthen the country’s progress while addressing urgent public concerns.
“But the work is far from over. The Filipino people continue to face challenges — from rising costs of basic goods to the need for better health-
“From bold economic recovery initiatives to decisive investments in agriculture, infrastructure, education and digital innovation, the President has shown that strong governance can uplift lives and restore confidence in our nation’s future,” he added.
Congress remains fully committed to supporting the President’s priorities through legislation that delivers meaningful results, he emphasized.
“We in the House of Representatives stand firmly behind the President’s vision. We are ready to translate his priorities into action by passing laws that will ease the burden on Filipino families, strengthen our economy, and ensure that no one is left behind in the journey toward a truly inclusive and secure future,” Romualdez said.
“We are thankful that no one was hurt during the incident. While assessment of damage is still ongoing, the local government of Paoay will help in fixing their homes,” Galano said. Rex Espiritu
PMA unscathed by bad weather over the week
THE Tingog party-list has distributed 459 bags of rice to flood victims in Payatas, Quezon City as part of its final leg of relief operations.
Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre spearheaded the distribution in coordination with village chairman Rascal Doctor and Fr. Bong Sarabia of the San Antonio de Padua Chapel last July 26.
Most of the beneficiaries were Waray and Bisaya families from Asper and Sandakot from the lowlying communities hardly hit by days of monsoon rains. Many were also regular churchgoers at the chapel, which served as a makeshift evacuation center at the height of the flooding.
With floodwaters rising to neckdeep in parts of the neighborhood, with no evacuation centers nearby,
REBEL FIREPOWER. Troopers of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion take stock of firearms and rocket-propelled grenades captured following a clash of New People’s Army guerrillas during a clash in Uson, Masbate that also left seven suspected insurgents dead.
Payatas leg wraps up Tingog relief ops
the residents were forced to take refuge in the chapel and a mortuary.
“In moments like these, what truly matters is that we show up for each other. Many of you are fellow Warays and Bisaya, people who have left the region but never lost your sense of community,” Acidre said.
“This simple act of giving rice is our way of telling you: you are not alone, and you are not forgotten. And please, continue praying for us in government—that we may always be guided by faith, integrity, and compassion in serving you,” he added. The party-list wrapped up its weeklong relief operations on July 25, reaching over 21,000 individuals across flood-affected areas in Metro Manila, Rizal and nearby provinces. Rio N. Araja
THE elite Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City survived unscathed the wraths of three typhoons that battered Luzon mainland over the past week.
However, PMA spokesman Jesse Nestor Saludo told Manila Standard the school will be closed to all visitors, citing safety concerns. No definite timeline was given as to when the academy could reopen to tourist traffic.
“This precautionary measure is being implemented to ensure the safety of the public and all personnel within the academy grounds.” Saludo said.
The Philippine Navy headquarters in La Union meanwhile, suffered damaged in the recent weather disturbances, but the troops did not shy away from their mandate to ensure the safety of the villagers at the height of the typhoons. Rex Espiritu
Manila vice mayor gets bridge for birthday gift
MANILA Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza got a unique gift from her parents on her 44th birthday on July 26, 2025. Actually, the surprise present would not be beneficial for herself, but thousands of people from of Barangay 125 in Tondo, Manila couldn’t be happier with it—a sturdy bridge that makes crossing a murky creek in their community a lot easier and safer.
The celebrator’s parents, former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza wife Ma. Evelina, handed the span over to their daughter following a simple blessing rite.
Chi’e brother Ali disclosed that the project was a “dream come true” for her after she figured in a near fall while aboard a makeshift raft to reach the other side on her campaign trail. Itchie Cabayan
CHARITY WORK DURING CONGRESS BREAK. Senator Mark Villar leads relief operations for families affected by heavy rains and floods dumped by the three tropical storms aggravated by the southwest monsoon or habagat. Villar visited various communities in Marikina City, Rizal, Bulacan, and Quezon City to hand out relief goods consisting of food packs, bottled water, hygiene kits, and other essential items.
MONDAY, JULY 28, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
PSC Training Hub in Baguio upgraded
THE Philippine Sports Commission Training Hub in Baguio City on Sunday unveiled a major upgrade for the strength and conditioning training of our national athletes.
The MVP Sports Foundation donated P2.2 million worth of highgrade, high-performance gym equipment for the old weightlifting facility, with complete interior refurbishment courtesy of the John Hay Hotels managed by Landco Lifestyle Ventures and the assistance of FCLaranag Development Corporation.
“We (athletes) will cherish the blessing that we have,” stated Islay Erika Bomogao - the first Filipina Muay Thai world champion. Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalist Aira Villegas echoed, “Hindi po namin sasayangin ito. Lalo pa po naming paghuhusayan ang training namin, para sa bayan.”
PSC chairman Patrick “Pató” Gregorio reaffirmed his commitment to providing national athletes with rewarding support by promptly addressing their critical and primary needs.
“We cannot delay something as beautiful as this,” chairman Gregorio said. “Every day we delay opening these spaces for our athletes is a day of training lost.”
Marking the beginning of the PSC’s rehabilitation efforts, this project stands as a testament to the strengthened partnership between the public and private sectors.
“We’re very happy to give help to PSC and to athletes. We look forward to more programs that we can share with Chairman Pató,” MVPSF Executive Director Paulo Trillo stated.
Chairman Gregorio emphasized, “Our athletes make us so proud as a nation, kaya in everything we do, dapat happy ang atletang pinoy.”
Riviera hosts pivotal leg in Junior PGT tilt
WITH multiple victories across the first four legs of the Luzon swing of the ICTSI Junior PGT Elite Golf Series, standouts Mavis Espedido, Zach Guico, twins Lisa and Mona Sarines, Ryuji Suzuki and Rafa Anciano have virtually secured their spots in the Elite Junior Finals.
That leaves the rest of the field in a spirited hunt for top honors and crucial ranking points as the Luzon series resumes with Leg 5 tomorrow (Tuesday, July 29) at the Couples course of the Riviera Golf Club, Inc. in Silang, Cavite.
A deep and competitive field is set to battle in the ICTSI Riviera JPGT Championship, with players from all three age divisions – 7-10, 11-14 and 15-18 – in both the boys’ and girls’ categories aiming to strengthen their bids for berths in the Elite Junior Finals, slated for Oct. 7-10 at The Country Club in Laguna.
The culminating event will feature a Ryder Cup-style clash between the top performers from Luzon and Visayas-Mindanao, promising highstakes action and regional pride.
In the 7-10 category, set over 36 holes, leading the charge are Penelope Sy, Tyra Garingalao, Venus delos Santos, Ziyu Liu, Cala Tolentino, Frances Guevarra, Ronee Dungca and Tyly Bernardino for the girls, and Zoji Edoc, Halo Pangilinan, Kingston Ching, James Padron, Jethro Bayron, Matteo dela Cruz, Giulio Ballado and Samuel Ababa for the boys.
Eala battles ex-Wimby champ in 1st round of Canadian Open
By Peter Atencio
FILIPINA tennis ace Alex Eala will bring with her the ‘aggressive style’ that her late grandfather Roberto “Bobby” Maniego instilled in her going into her first-round encounter in the National Bank Open at the IGA Stadium in Montreal, Canada on Sunday.
It was Eala’s grandfather “Bob”, who taught her how to play aggressively when she was just eight years old, according to Eala.
“He was a huge part of my life and young career. He was my first and only coach until I moved to Spain. He was the one who showed up every day and put in the work. So much of my foundation—my mentality, my bravery on court—comes from the tough love and sacrifice he gave me and my brother,” said Eala before she left Manila.
Eala, whose world rankings dropped from 56th to 69th this week, is set to fight 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova of Czech Republic in the Round of 128.
THE Filipino tradition lives on with Carlo Biado’s conquest at the 2025 World Pool 9-Ball Championship in Jeddah on Sunday morning, according to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
“This is another great reason to rejoice and celebrate—Carlo Biado winning in Jeddah and becoming the only player in the world to emerge 9-ball champion twice,” Tolentino said. “Long live Biado and Philippine billiards.” Biado also won in 2017 in Doha to accomplish the feat first pulled off by the “Magician,” Efren “Bata” Reyes in 1999 in Cardiff, Ronnie Alcano at
The world no. 65th Vondrousova, who reached a career-best 6th in September, 2023, is expected to make things tough for Eala in the tournament, also known as the Canadian Open.
Vondrousova last played at the Wimbledon earlier this month, reaching the second round, but losing to 2021 US Open champ Emma Raducanu of United Kingdom, 3-6, 3-6.
Eala last fought at Wimbledon, where she met defending Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejčíková in the first round and lost in three sets, 6-3, 2-6, 1-6.
The 5’9” lefty netter still made history, becoming the first Filipina to have played at the Wimbledon main draw.
home in 2006 and Francisco “Django” Bustamante in 2010 also in Doha.
ZEUS Fight League came out swinging last Friday, July 25, with Road To Olympus 2, a ten-bout showcase staged at DD Night Club in Quezon City. Billed as a relatively minor card from the year-old promotion, the event defied expectations and brought the house down with a string of highlight-reel finishes and compelling storylines.
In fact, it felt like a throwback to the promotion’s earlier days at the SM North Edsa Skydome just five kilometers away. But this time, it wasn’t the venue doing the heavy lifting — it was the competitors. With most matches ending inside the distance, Road to Olympus 2 is now firmly in the conversation for Philippine MMA’s 2025 Event of the Year. Nowhere was this energy more evident than on the main card, where all six professional contests were settled without the help of the judges. While the night was packed with memorable performances, three athletes stood out above the rest:
3. Alex Bigander
One of the evening’s breakout stars was Alex Bigander, who took a major step up in competition by facing seasoned veteran Arvin Chan in the co-headliner at middleweight. Standing at 5-foot-9, Bigander entered the cage with a chip on his shoulder, determined to demonstrate
The POC has been tasked to administer the obligations and respon-
he belonged on the big stage opposite a man with 22 fights to his name. And prove it he did — dominating Chan from the opening bell with a suffocating ground attack that left little room for offense.
Ironically, despite Chan’s reputation as the superior striker, it was Bigander who landed the sharper punches during the brief exchanges. Though he faced early adversity in the first round, Bigander stayed composed and surged back in the second, overwhelming Chan with relentless ground-and-pound that forced the referee to step in. Now 4-0 with all victories coming by stoppage, the 21-year-old has officially arrived.
2. John Rey Alejandro John Rey Alejandro entered Road to Olympus 2 as a name to watch — and he left it with serious buzz surrounding his future. Tasked with taking on the battle-tested Ariel Oliveros — a veteran of BRAVE Combat Federation and UAE Warriors — Alejandro made it look like just another day at the office. From the outset, the Alpha One representative showed no signs of nerves, quickly taking “Joker” to the mat and flaunting his dangerous submission game. Midway through the first round, Alejandro nearly sealed the win with a tight armbar. But true to his nickname “Slick,” he seamlessly transitioned to a kneebar as Oliveros tried to scramble to his feet, forcing the tap at the 3:30 mark of round one.
With this emphatic performance, Alejandro showed he’s more than just a prospect — he’s a real threat in
sibilities of the national sports association of billiards and snookers, the Billiard Sports Confederation of the Philippines, since its suspension by the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sport, or ACBS, last March.
“We will continue to work, guide and help our national billiard athletes in their training and competitions abroad, including in the Thailand SEA [Southeast Asian] Games this December,” Tolentino said.
To Biado’s name are gold medals at the Wroclaw World Games in 2017 and a gold medal each at the Singapore (2015), Kuala Lumpur (2017) and Vietnam (2021) SEA Games.
the flyweight division. Fellow contenders would be wise to take notice.
Honorable Mention: Ar-Jay Ortega def. Rhino Casipe via submission (kneebar) at 3:36 of Round 1 –Bantamweight
1. Jake Bron If Road to Olympus 2 is in the running for Event of the Year, Jake Bron vs. Kimbert Alintozon is a clearcut candidate for Fight of the Year.
In the night’s main event, the two up-and-comers threw caution to the wind in a scheduled five-round war for the vacant ZFL flyweight championship. What ensued was a frenetic, action-packed encounter filled with thunderous exchanges, menacing submissions, and momentum swings that had the crowd inside DD Night Club on their feet.
From piston-like left hooks to punishing takedowns, neither fighter gave an inch. But in the final frame, it was Bron who found another gear. Pouring on the pressure, he battered Alintozon with a barrage of strikes, eventually forcing his opponent’s corner to throw in the towel. By pushing Alintozon to the brink, Bron not only exhibited his resilience — he displayed that he’s a champion who won’t go down without a fight. Now with gold wrapped around his waist, “Venom” carries a target on his back and a reputation to uphold.
(For comments or questions, reach the author at nissi.icasiano@gmail.com or visit his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nissi.icasiano.)
PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio inspects the sports equipment at the PSC Training Hub in Baguio City.
Carlo Biado
Abraham Tolentino
Rafa Anciano
Alexandra Eala
STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS
PH auto sector seeks JPEPA review after US tari deal
By Othel V. Campos
TNew tariffs on US vehicles
20% 500,000
Tariff on Japan-made vehicles
Vehicle sales target for 2025
HE Philippine automotive sector is seeking an update on the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), citing tariff disparities that have emerged following the government’s recent decision to grant zero tariffs on select US vehicle imports.
The move was made in exchange for a marginal one-point reduction in US tariffs on Philippine exports, from 20 percent to 19 percent.
While the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) described the decision as a “strategic trade balancing act,” industry leaders caution that it has unintentionally tilted the playing field in favor of US exporters, disadvantaging
long-standing partners like Japan under an agreement once considered comprehensive and mutually beneficial.
Under current JPEPA provisions, Japanese-made internal combustion vehicles with engine displacements below 3,000 cc remain subject to a 20-percent import tariff.
Larger vehicles with engine sizes over 3.0 liters, as well as hybrid models, are either duty-free or benefit from preferential rates under JPEPA’s environmental and advanced-technology provisions.
“The agreement needs to be updated,” said Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) chairman Alfred Ty on the sidelines of the 35th anniversary celebration of the TMP Foundation on June 25, 2025.
“We understand the need to protect local manufacturing, but the automotive industry has evolved. Engine size is no longer the best measure, especially with the rise of hybrids and electrics,” he said.
Ty said the zero-tariff access recently granted to US vehicles, including large-engine SUVs, has created a fresh imbalance. “You now have large
American vehicles coming in duty-free, while efficient Japanese small cars are still taxed at 20% percent. It’s not in step with how the global auto market is moving,” he said.
The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) echoed these concerns, noting that JPEPA’s outdated engine-based tariff framework no longer reflects market and technology realities.
“We recognize the value of supporting local production, but there may be room to revisit how the current structure affects certain segments, particularly small, fuel-efficient vehicles that remain popular among Filipino consumers,” said CAMPI president Rommel Gutierrez.
Gutierrez said that while hybrids do enjoy zero tariffs, the definition in JPEPA is narrow. Many conventional small vehicles still fall under the full 20-percent rate, despite being more affordable, cleaner, and widely purchased. He also called for tariff alignment similar to the Philippine trade agreement with South Korea, which grants zero tariffs across a broader range of vehicle types.
IN BRIEF
Investment projects doubled to P91b in 7 months—PEZA
THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said over the weekend it approved P90.96 billion worth of investments from January to July 2025, or double the P45.48 billion registered in the same period last year.
“This 100-percent surge in investment approvals in just seven months is a resounding vote of confidence in the Philippines as a competitive, resilient, and innovation-ready investment destination,” PEZA director-general Tereso Panga said in a statement. Investors are scaling up in the country’s ecozones because they recognize its stable policies, world-class talent and the “whole-of-government commitment to building smarter, greener and more inclusive growth centres across the country,” he said.
The investments are expected to generate 35,874 direct jobs and bring in projected exports worth $2 billion.
About 150 new and expansion projects were cleared in the first seven months of the year, a 25-percent increase from the 120 projects approved a year ago. These were dominated by 66 manufacturing projects, 41 IT-BPM, 13 domestic market enterprises and nine ecozone developments. The rest involved 13 covered facilities, four utilities and four logistics projects.
PEZA said it approved P18.59 billion in fresh investments, including a P13.1-billion big-ticket project in July.
These are projected to create 2,891 new jobs and generate $744.05 million in exports. Manufacturing continued to lead with 13 out of the 17 newly approved projects in July, followed by facilities with three, IT-BPM with two and a domestic operations project.
Region IV-A remained the top investment destination in the first seven months, receiving 81 projects overall, including 13 in July. Other top recipients include the National Capital Region, Region VII and Region III.
Othel V. Campos
Darwin G. Amojelar
Goitia hails PH-US deal as strategic, not a sell-out DR. JOSE Antonio Goitia, chairman emeritus of several civic groups, is defending the recent trade and security agreement between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and United States President Donald Trump, calling it a “bold and strategic move” for the Philippines.
“This is not selling out. This is playing smart,” Goitia said, countering criticisms that the deal is one-sided. He said the agreement secures the Philippines “a seat at the table,” highlighting its longterm strategic value over immediate gains. The deal, which removes tariffs on US goods entering the Philippines while imposing a 19-percent tariff on Philippine exports to the US, has drawn concerns. Goitia said that trade involves more than just prices, encompassing “access, leverage, and building long-term partnerships.”
NLEX ramps up ood control e orts after monsoon rains hit expressway
By Darwin G. Amojelar
NLEX Corp. said it is stepping up its flood control measures to enhance motorist safety and mobility, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
The move comes after recent torrential rains, intensified by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and the overflow of La Mesa Dam, caused flooding in the NLEX Balintawak Cloverleaf, Valenzuela and Meycauayan areas.
The company said its proactive riskmitigation efforts include regular cleaning of drainage systems and culverts,
roadside clearing, constant monitoring of river water levels and bridge inspections and mitigation works.
NLEX said it also ensures the availability of water trucks and dewatering equipment, and organizes inter-agency flood mitigation forums to strengthen community preparedness in maintaining clear waterways.
“We are implementing immediate measures in response to the recent flooding to ensure the safety of our motorists and to help reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future,” said NLEX officer-in-charge and Metro Pa-
cific Tollways Corp. chief finance officer Luis Reñon.
“We are also working with relevant authorities to explore possible longterm solutions, including our offer to upgrade bridges, adopt and rehabilitate rivers and creeks that traverse NLEX,” he said.
“These initiatives are part of our continued commitment to providing safe and passable expressways, especially during severe weather conditions,” said Reñon.
NLEX said it cleared accumulated garbage from overflowing rivers and creeks and rapidly cleaned drainage
systems. Inspections of rivers and creeks used as outfalls for water from expressway pumping stations were also carried out to ensure proper flow and function.
Road patching works are underway, with permanent pavement repairs planned once weather conditions improve, it said.
To bolster these efforts, vacuum trucks have been deployed for canal declogging and are on standby in key locations such as Balintawak, Paso de Blas and Tulaoc, to help reduce water accumulation.
PH farm sector protected in US tari negotiations, says Tiu-Laurel
TRADE negotiators assured the Department of Agriculture that key local agricultural products, including rice, corn, sugar, chicken, fish and pork will be protected in ongoing tariff discussions with the United States, according to Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
“Secretary Frederick Go and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque have assured us that protecting our local producers remains the top priority in these negotiations,” Tiu-Laurel said. The statement follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump that the Philippines had accepted a 19-percent tariff on its exports to the US while granting duty-free access to American goods.
Malacañang has since clarified that the trade agreement is still under negotiation. Go said the Philippines had not made any concessions that would harm domestic industries. He said any trade deal should balance improved market access with the need to protect Filipino farmers and workers. The Philippine Exporters Confedera-
tion Inc. (PHILEXPORT) earlier welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to personally lead recent trade negotiations with President Trump, calling it a reassuring demonstration of his commitment to the export sector and the broader Philippine economy.
“Many exporters were relieved and appreciative that the President himself took on the responsibility of being the chief negotiator. While the results may not have fully met our expectations in terms of tariff cuts, his involvement sends a strong and comforting signal of his concern for the export community,” PHILEXPORT said in a statement. The group also acknowledged the joint press briefing led by Roque and Go, the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, which helped clarify the details of the talks.
PHILEXPORT noted that while the new tariff rate of 19 percent remains relatively high, it is still lower than previous levels and likely represents the
I Squared Capital investing another $1b in PH DigiPlus remains
By Othel V. Campos
ISQUARED Capital, a leading global infrastructure investor, committed an additional $1 billion to infrastructure development in the Philippines, doubling its total exposure in the country to over $2 billion.
The company announced its plans during a high-level meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. where it committed to channeling the fresh investment into critical projects in energy transition, transport and logistics and digital infrastructure—priority areas under the country’s long-term development blueprint.
“Through this partnership, the Marcos administration is demonstrating how private capital can be a force for national resilience, sustainability and competitiveness. We are proud to contribute to the country’s infrastructure transformation,” said I Squared Capital chairman and managing director Sadek Wahba.
Secretary Frederick Go, the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA), said the announcement was “a clear vote of confidence in the Philippines as a destination for worldclass infrastructure investments.”
“These projects will directly improve people’s lives, from powering communities with renewables
President’s SONA likely to lift stock market this week
PHILIPPINE stocks are expected to trade sideways, with an upward bias this week, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) takes center stage.
Philstocks Financial Inc. research head Japhet Tantiangco said investors were looking forward to the 2025 SONA, particularly on how the government would keep inflation low and accelerate economic growth.
Tantiangco said investors would also watch out for upcoming second-quarter earrings of listed companies.
“Robust results are expected to lift the local market,” he said.
Investors may also watch out for the upcoming S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing PMI for clues on the local economy, he said.
While the stock index managed to stay above the 6,400 level last week, analysts said the market might have a hard time going past the 6,500 level due to market uncertainties.
Analysts said despite the market’s recent rise, the index remained undervalued. This offers opportunity for bargain hunters to accumulate on undervalued stocks.
Last week, the Philippine Stock Exchange index climbed 1.74 percent to close at 6,413.18 on Friday, while the broader all-shares index rose 1.62 percent to 3,796.87.
Average value turnover went down to P6.85 billion from the previous week’s average of P9.79 billion.
Foreign investors turned net buyers, with inflows reaching P340.15 million. Jenniffer B. Austria
to modernizing cold storage and expanding digital access,” said Go.
I Squared is implementing seven major infrastructure projects in the Philippines, including a plan to double its $200-million investment in modular power solutions through Aggreko Philippines for off-grid electrification.
Another is the development of a 1.5-gigawatt pipeline of utility-scale renewables by HEXA Renewables, including a 280-MW solar farm in Batangas, with plans to infuse an additional $350 million in investments by 2027.
The US investment company also supports Berde Renewables deployment of rooftop solar for commercial and industrial clients, reducing energy costs and supporting RE100 compliance.
In food infrastructure, I Squared recently acquired Royale Cold Storage, with expansion already underway.
In the fuel sector, I Squared supports the $510-million fuel storage project of the Philippine Coastal Storage & Pipeline Corp., and in the digital space, I Squared is backing HGC’s rollout of over 1,500 kilometers of terrestrial fiber to improve broadband access in underserved areas.
The investment in BDx allows for the construction of enterprise-grade data centers to drive digital transformation and boost cybersecurity readiness.
The projects not only generate jobs and attract technology transfer but are also aligned with the Philippines’ climate and development goals.
I Squared Capital manages $45 billion in assets and operates more than 90 companies across 70 countries.
GREEN LIGHT
Jessica Jaye Ranieses
IN a time of uncertainty and global tensions, the 2025 re-imagining of Superman is a breath of fresh air. Unlike the gritty antiheroes and ethically ambiguous heroes who have dominated the theaters in recent years, Superman 2025 presents something different and indeed significant: a hero whose most important power is not flying, laser vision, or super strength, but compassion.
Yes, kindness.
In a world on the brink of chaos, Superman 2025 shows the Man of Steel to be more than a hero but as a humane being who saves lives, does his best to save as many as he can (even squirrels), and refuses to accept that killing his enemy is the only solution. He leads not by being in command, but by presence and by adhering to solid values. The movie comes at the right time: at the same time that real-world problems—especially the recent typhoons that affected numerous Filipinos—are putting our leaders, both government and nongovernment, to the test.
Seeing Superman 2025 on a rainy day was an unexpected but thought-provoking experience. The central message of the movie, that real strength is in being kind and compassionate, seemed really important. It posed a genuine question: when things go wrong, who actually rescues us?
While government authorities are ultimately the ones under scrutiny during typhoons, Filipinos also look to their organizational leaders for guidance. In times of crisis, it is often the non-government leaders, those who lead companies, schools, and civic organizations, whose actions have the most immediate impact on people’s lives.
So how did they respond?
Others moved swiftly and with empathy. I have seen posts from friends where their employers provided flexible scheduling, and were quick to provide assistance. Others provided paid leaves for those gravely impacted by flooding. But above all, I hope some leaders did something surprisingly
By Jenniffer B. Austria
DIGIPLUS Interactive Corp said its operations remain strong and interest from its more than 40 million users is “as usual” despite regulatory headwinds and a recent drop in its share price.
DigiPlus chairman Eusebio Tanco also expressed confidence at a recent press briefing that the company would be included in the 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) in the next rebalancing.
“We are one of the fastest growing, most stable and probably the only internet company there is in the Philippines. We’re being chosen by most asset managers as part of their portfolio stocks to invest in. We have a good business model, we have a strong management team, and we’re technically very, very capable,” said Tanco.
Market watchers have seen DigiPlus, which has steadily expanded its digital platforms and services, as a potential candidate for inclusion in the PSEi, which
tracks the 30 most traded and valuable companies on the Philippine Stock Exchange. The next rebalancing of the index is expected in the coming months.
“Operationally, we were not affected. It’s the stock price that has been affected… We’re still on target. Nothing has changed except hurt feeling,” Tanco said.
The company said it continues to study the impact of various proposals on regulating the gaming sector, such as a proposed measure to increase the minimum cash-in requirement for online gambling platforms to P10,000 to discourage impulsive gamers.
DigiPlus president Andy Tsui, however, expressed concern that over-regulation could push players toward illegal gaming platforms, which he said would not benefit the government.
“Because black market operators, they don’t follow any procedures, and they don’t have eKYC [electronic know your customer], they don’t have to comply with the minimum top up,” Tsui said.
Kindness is cool again: What Superman 2025 teaches us about leadership in times of crisis —“— Superman 2025 presents something different and indeed significant: a hero whose most important power is not flying, laser vision, or super strength, but compassion.
basic: a phone call or a simple chat or SMS to inquire how individuals were faring.
I believe most people have lost sight of how much it matters to check in with others as a form of care. When we’re so caught up with getting things done today, it’s a big deal to just say “How are you?” It makes us feel noticed. It makes us remember that our health and well-being is more than what we do.
(SPOILER ALERT!) We see this in Superman, in a brief but potent moment, Pa and Ma Kent have over 70 missed calls to their son, concerned of his safety and well-being. And from what we know of Superman, his immense goodness and sense of morality did not just automatically come with his powers; it came from the Kents, who brought him up with goodness and a very strong sense of responsibility.
Actions like this can be incredibly powerful during tough times. They make people feel remembered, valued, and cared for. They are reminded that they are more than a name on a list and a face on a screen. A small gesture of kindness can transform everything from hopeless to hopeful.
Silence during a crisis is not silence. It says something. It says: “You’re on your own.” Leaders do not need to have all the answers during a moment of uncertainty. They can be afraid or vulnerable like everyone else. But they must love their people enough to stand up for them, to check
in on them, to drop work when necessary, and to treat every employee as a human being worthy of respect and compassion.
As what fans have said: “Kindness is cool again, thanks to Superman”. We need CEOs that have a people-first mindset. We need HR leaders who genuinely care about well-being as much as protecting the organizations from labor lawsuits. We need team leaders who understand that it is as important to ask “Are you safe?” as it is to ask “Did you finish the report?”
Let our leaders seek inspiration in Superman. Not for his superpowers, but for the courage to be compassionate. In the end, we don’t need superheroes. We just need leaders who, like Superman, understand that strength isn’t about being invincible, it’s about being human.
As he says in one of the film’s most memorable lines: “I’m as human as anyone. I love, I get scared. I wake up every morning and despite not knowing what to do, I put one foot in front of the other and I try to make the best choices I can. I screw up all the time, but that is being human and that’s my greatest strength.”
From that place of shared humanity, may our leaders choose to lead with empathy, integrity, and heart.
Jessica Ranieses is an Associate Professor at the Department of Decision Sciences and Innovation of De La Salle University. She is also the President of the Philippine Academy of Management, an association dedicated to advancing responsible and relevant management scholarship and practice in the country. She earned both her Doctor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees from DLSU. Jessica can be contacted at jessica.ranieses@dlsu.edu.ph.
The perspectives shared in this piece are solely the author’s and do not necessarily represent the official views of De La Salle University, its faculty, or its administration.
CASHLESS PAYMENTS. Land Bank of the Philippines reinforces its role as a key enabler of convenient and cashless commuting with the successful pilot launch of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) for Metro Rail Transit Line-3 on July 25, 2025. Joining the launch are (from left) Visa country manager Jeffrey Navarro, Mynt president and chief executive Martha Sazon, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Information and Communication Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monetary Board Member Walter Wassmer, G-Xchange president and chief executive Ren-ren Reyes, LandBank [resident and chief executive Lynette Ortiz and executive vice president Leila Martin and BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan.
LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM. Three Mamanwa women hold colorful samples of bags they weaved using buri leaves from their village of Maraiging, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte in Mindanao. First Gen launched a grassroots social enterprise that is helping revive and improve the skills of the Mamanwas in weaving the traditional handicrafts for sale. The social enterprise, called MAMAFASWAS, provides additional income to the indigenous people in Maraiging. First Gen received an award from the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) on July 2 for implementing the livelihood program, helping improve the lives of the indigenous cultural community.
Anvaya Cove: The premier seaside escape just got closer
Anvaya Cove, a leisure estate project of property developer Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is set to become the next destination for families and tourists seeking exclusivity and convenient premier living because of the upcoming infrastructure projects.
The planned SCTEX-Hermosa Interchange will make it easier and faster to reach this beautiful seaside community in Morong, Bataan, bringing the perfect blend of nature, comfort, and legacy closer to Metro Manila and Central Luzon.
Seaside leisure
Anvaya Cove was launched in 2006 by ALI’s luxury brand Ayala Land Premier as its first leisure development. Spanning over 620 hectares, it was thoughtfully masterplanned to combine lowdensity living with environmental sustainability. The community offers a mix of mountain and seaside experiences, featuring a 3.5-kilometer coastline and elevations reaching up to 130 meters above sea level. The master plan includes several residential neighborhoods designed to suit different lifestyles:
• Cliffside offers lots ranging from 475 to 1,644 square meters,
providing panoramic views of the sea and mountains.
• Mango Grove features lots nestled among lush mango trees in a tranquil setting.
• Seaside Point, a newer addition, has premium lots with direct views of the West Philippine Sea and the estate’s golf course.
• Sea Breeze Verandas consists of low-rise condominium units perched high enough to offer sweeping vistas of the surroundings.
Anvaya Cove also boasts worldclass amenities, centered around the Beach & Nature Club. Families can enjoy the Nature Camp with zip lines, rope bridges, and nature trails perfect for exploration. The Sports Center offers multi-purpose courts, a gym, and a café overlooking Ilingin Cove. Golf enthusiasts can experience the 18-hole, par72 championship golf course set among rolling hills, providing both mountain and seaside views.
then
to
DMCI Homes elevates condo living with the Valeron Tower in Pasig
DMCI Homes is elevating condo living with The Valeron Tower, a modern residential development in Pasig City that caters to the fast-paced lives of urban professionals. Located along the thriving C-5 Ortigas Corridor, this high-rise project is a joint venture between DMCI Homes and Japanese global conglomerate Marubeni Corp.. It offers a seamless blend of comfort, accessibility, and functionality, making it an ideal choice for individuals who value both convenience and lifestyle.
The Valeron Tower provides easy access to key business districts, shopping centers, and major roads as it is strategically positioned along C-5 Road in Pasig. But beyond location, it’s the amenities that make this condominium stand out—starting with the Sky Deck Pool. The Sky Deck Pool sits high above the busy streets, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and a tranquil environment where residents can escape and recharge. It’s just one of the many ways The Valeron Tower reimagines urban living.
One feature that sets this property apart is its design. The building features three levels of amenities, which are not typically found in most developments.
“These levels ensure that every
The Valeron Tower’s
resident can enjoy a variety of spaces tailored to their needs, whether it’s a place to work out, socialize, or simply relax. The abundance of amenities reflects DMCI Homes’ commitment to providing an exceptional living experience for all residents,” the property firm said. The property also offers commercial-grade fiber internet, which ensures fast and stable connectivity for all residents—a must-have in today’s
The Valeron Tower will be served by DMCI Communities’
connected world.
To further support convenience and sustainability, The Valeron Tower also offers the DMCI Homes RideShare Carpool Program, which is designed to make commuting easier and more environmentally friendly.
“This award-winning carpooling service, exclusive to DMCI Homes residents, makes getting around easier and more eco-friendly. It fosters a community-focused approach, allowing residents to save time while reducing their environmental impact,” DMCI Homes said.
For families, the presence of a daycare center on the ground floor adds even more value. It’s a welcome amenity for parents balancing work and home responsibilities, offering peace of mind knowing that childcare is just downstairs.
This nearby daycare lets parents focus on their daily routine, confident their kids are in good hands in a warm, safe environment.
Easier road access means this special community is now within closer reach, making it an excellent choice for a weekend escape, permanent residence, or a smart investment. Because of the upcoming infrastructure projects, Anvaya Cove is set to become the next destination for families and tourists seeking exclusivity and convenient premier living. Though the interchange is still under construction, it promises a future where Anvaya Cove is more accessible and connected than ever, blending exclusivity with convenience while maintaining its deep ties to nature.
TO BRING government services closer to Filipinos, Robinson’s Land Corp. (RLC) thru Robinsons Malls, in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), recently launched the newly expanded and modernized Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) NCR Central Consular Office located in Robinsons Galleria, Quezon City.
Strategically located in one of the metro’s most accessible malls, the upgraded Consular Office offers a significantly larger and more streamlined space, designed to enhance service delivery and accommodate a higher volume of applicants daily. With improved facilities and a more efficient layout, the office now caters to an increased volume of passport and consular service applications, delivering a faster and more comfortable experience for the public.
“The opening of DFA NCR Central office at Robinsons Galleria is part of DFA’s ongoing initiative to improve service quality and workplace conditions. Having our offices at convenient locations like Robinsons Malls helps improve employee welfare and public satisfaction,” said DFA-OCA Assistant Secretary Ma. Antonina M. Mendoza-Oblena during her keynote speech.
The opening ceremony was attended by government and private sector leaders, including DFA Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) Assistant Secretary Ma. Antonina M. Mendoza-Oblena, Quezon City 3rd District Rep. Franz S. Pumaren, Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Carlo G. Sotto, DFA Consular Office Coordinating Division (COCD) Acting Director lawyer Manuel C. Ayap, and CO NCR Central Head Maria Luisa L. Remulla. Representing Robinsons Land Corporation were Joel S. Lumanlan, vice president for operations and marketing; Irving L. Wu, external affairs director; and lawyer Jose Luis Aliling, corporate affairs director.
“Through our Lingkod Pinoy Centers, Robinsons Malls and DFA continue to make government services more accessible and convenient for the Filipinos. The expansion of the DFA NCR Central office at Robinsons Galleria reflects our shared commitment to providing better customer experiences for all the communities that we serve,” said Joel Lumanlan, vice president for operations and marketing of Robinsons Malls.
Zone,
onward through Tipo Road, Argonaut Highway, and the scenic Morong-Bataan Road, leading straight
Anvaya’s gates.
Jenniffer B. Austria
Gateway to the coast Currently, reaching Anvaya Cove involves several road connections, including the Subic-Clark-Tarlac
Expressway (SCTEX). But the proposed new Hermosa Interchange will cut travel time by offering a more direct route to the Subic Bay Freeport
STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS
4TH SONA Marcos: 4th SONA to focus on people’s needs
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) will focus on ongoing social and economic programs amid a changing national landscape.
“We will be talking about the social projects of the government for people in need,” Mr. Marcos said.
“We will talk about the programs that we have initiated and will continue to promote and endorse... hopefully these will continue after my term,” he added.
When President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his 3rd State of the Nation Address last year, he vowed to accelerate the Philippines’ digital economy, bolster infrastructure, modernize defense, and uphold national sovereignty.
A year later, his administration has scored a mix of significant wins and ongoing challenges, with this year’s SONA promising a stronger focus on structural reforms.
Digital backbone and economic incentives
President Marcos highlighted the CREATE Act’s role in propelling over P1 trillion in investments and generating more than 100,000 jobs.
He also launched the CREATE MORE bill to further spur economic growth through tax incentives. Legislatively, his administration passed the CREATE‑ MORE tax reform in November 2024, lowering corporate tax rates and extending incentives, a strategic move to attract foreign capital.
Infrastructure boom
The Build Better More program also accelerated under his watch. As of July 2024, nearly 1,200 km of roadways and 367 bridges, especially along the key Maharlika Highway corridor, have been built or upgraded. More projects are underway, including a P12.75 billion rehab of Laguindingan Airport, and the Aboitiz InfraCapital contract for Bohol‑ Panglao’s airport from late 2024. Defense and maritime sovereignty
President Marcos signed the landmark Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act in November 2024, asserting sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, moves that met with diplomatic ire from China.
In October 2024, he backed legislation to revitalize the local defense industry, providing tax and financing incentives, stepping stones in the P35 billion AFP modernization program.
Fiscal discipline and budget push
By year end 2024, President Marcos approved a record P6.33 trillion 2025 national budget—a 10 percent increase over 2024, allocating P1 trillion each for education and public works, while maintaining military modernization support.
4TH SONA
STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS
Biz groups push SONA wishlist
By Othel V. Campos
LEADING Philippine business organizations, in‑ cluding the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Philippine Exporters Confed‑ eration, Inc. (PhilExport) and members of the Joint For‑ eign Chambers of the Philippines (JFC), are calling on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to endorse a broad set of economic reforms in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In formal letters sent to Malacañang, the groups outlined a comprehensive legislative and executive agenda aimed at boosting the country’s competitiveness, accelerating digital transformation, driving inclusive development, and attracting long term investments.
PCCI, the country’s largest business group, submitted a list of 20 priority bills aligned with the government’s digitalization, infrastructure, MSME development, and fiscal policy goals.
“These measures address persistent bottlenecks in investment, logistics, rural development, and regulation. A strong endorsement from President Marcos during his SONA can accelerate their passage and underscore the administration’s commitment to future ready growth,” said PCCI president Enunina V. Mangio.
Topping PCCI’s list is the Open Access in Data Transmission Bill (Konektadong Pinoy Act), which seeks to expand access to high speed internet and support the implementation of the Digital Transformation Roadmap and the National Fiber Backbone. Other key proposals include the creation of a National Comprehensive Infrastructure Master Plan, the
International Maritime Trade Competitiveness Act, amendments to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Charter and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Act, and reforms to strengthen the country’s agriculture, labor, and export sectors.
PCCI is also advocating for improvements to the Magna Carta for MSMEs, the Blue Economy Act, the Corporate Farming Act, the National Land Use and Management Act, and
amendments to the Agri Agra Law, ASIN Law, and Warehouse Receipts Act.
To bridge labor market gaps, the group supports the Apprenticeship Training System Act, amendments to the Dual Training System Act, and the proposed National Quality Infrastructure Act. On the fiscal side, PCCI is backing the Budget Modernization and Reform Act and the Customs Amnesty Act.
Meanwhile, PhilExport and Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) president Sergio R. Ortiz Luis Jr. said many business groups are also hoping the President will use the SONA to oppose additional legislated wage increases.
“We want to hear the President reiterate that the regional wage boards have already been convened and that wage increases are being rolled out,” he said, referring to the P50 daily wage hike in Metro Manila effective July 18.
We want to hear the President reiterate that the regional wage boards have already been convened and that wage increases are being rolled out.
—PhilExport and ECOP president Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr.
PhilExport is also pushing for amendments to the Magna Carta for MSMEs, removal of BSP oversight on SB Corp., passage of the Customs Amnesty Bill, and MSME‑supportive measures. The Joint Foreign Chambers and Philippine Business Groups (JFC PBG) echoed many of these priorities in a parallel appeal to the President.
Digital Economy Act all aimed at modernizing the country’s digital and energy landscapes. All groups backed the Freedom of Access to Information Act, the long pending National Land Use Act, and the establishment of a National Single Window System to streamline trade and customs processes.
A strong endorsement from President Marcos during his SONA can accelerate their passage and underscore the administration’s commitment to futureready growth.
— PCCI president Enunina V. Mangio
“While both domestic and global challenges persist, the Philippine economy continues to show strong fundamentals and clear potential for long‑term growth. To harness this, bold reforms are required,” the group said.
JFC’s priority legislative measures overlap with many of PCCI’s and focus on critical reforms across digitalization, infrastructure, energy, and investment policy.
These include amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), along with the proposed Cybersecurity Act, E‑Governance Act, Artificial Intelligence Act, and
Additional priorities include amendments to the Foreign Investors’ Long‑Term Lease Act and the proposed Holiday Rationalization Act to improve business efficiency. In addition to legislation, PCCI and the chambers outlined key executive actions that could deliver immediate impact and boost investor confidence.
These include the full implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Act and the CREATE MORE law, as well as the review and suspension of revenue memorandum circular (RMC) 5 2024, which imposes taxes on non resident foreign corporations.
A Congress Aligned with a National Vision: The Story of the 19th Congress
WHEN the 19th Congress opened its first session, the country stood at a crossroads. The nation was still emerging from the long shadow of the pandemic, economic recovery was fragile, and the public’s trust in institutions remained uncertain. The House of Representatives had a choice: remain business as usual or rise to the moment with purpose, focus, and unity.
Under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, the House chose the harder but more meaningful path.
From the outset, Speaker Romualdez envisioned a House not merely of politicians, but of public servants—a legislative chamber that listened to the people, learned from their struggles, and legislated with their needs in mind. He reoriented the institution toward performance, professionalism, and proximity to the Filipino public. And he anchored its mission on two national foundations: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas governance agenda, and the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.
This alignment was neither ceremonial nor rhetorical—it was practical, strategic, and ultimately, effective.
Throughout its term, the 19th Congress translated national vision into enforceable, actionable law. By the end of its run, it had passed 32 out of 64 measures under the Common Legislative Agenda, and 27 of the 28 priority bills endorsed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). These included landmark laws that touched every corner of Filipino life: food affordability, digital transformation, universal healthcare, public finance reform, national defense, and job creation.
But the real measure of success was not in numbers alone. It was in the House’s renewed identity as a true House of the People.
Speaker Romualdez championed inclusivity as a core principle of governance. He opened the floor—literally and figuratively—to voices that had long been marginalized in policymaking: women, youth, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, solo parents, farmers, fisherfolk, and daily wage earners. The legislative agenda was shaped not from the top down, but from the grassroots up.
He empowered women legislators and youth representatives to lead from the front—trusting their vision and equipping them with key roles in policy development. The result was a Congress that not only passed laws but changed perspectives: on equity, access, and the role of leadership itself.
This same commitment to democratic depth extended to sectoral and party-list representatives. For Speaker Romualdez, their role was not auxiliary—it was essential. Under his speakership, party-list members played active and often leading roles in committee work, budget deliberations, and national consultations. Their voices became part of the legislative mainstream, not the margins.
Beyond representation, Speaker Romualdez redefined the House’s role in national reform and oversight. He championed the creation of strategic policy bodies such as the Quad Committee, the TriCom, and the Murang Pagkain para sa Pilipino Super Committee, designed to fast-track legislative action on pressing concerns like inflation, interagency coordination, and food security.
Equally important, he strengthened the House’s role as a guardian of public interest. Under his term, the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability tackled high-stakes investigations into corruption and government inefficiencies, asserting that the legislature has a duty not just to write laws, but to defend them from abuse.
And while Speaker Romualdez often occupied center stage, he never lost sight of the importance of team effort. He recognized and relied on the discipline and resolve of Deputy Speakers, Majority and Minority Leaders, committee chairpersons, and House staff, treating them not as subordinates but as co-stewards of institutional excellence. Under his leadership, marathon hearings, bicameral negotiations, and plenary debates became less about partisan wins and more about public gain.
He also revived something that had long eroded in Philippine politics: trust in legislative leadership. By projecting calm amid crisis, competence amid challenge, and civility amid polarization, Speaker Romualdez restored dignity to the Speakership—and, in turn, to the House itself.
Perhaps his most significant achievement is also the least visible: he made the House matter again. He brought the institution closer to the Filipino people—not through slogans, but through action; not through noise, but through quiet, steady work.
He leaves behind a Congress that governed not only with intellect, but with empathy. Not only with authority, but with accountability.
As the 20th Congress begins its journey, it does so on the shoulders of a House that chose purpose over politics. A House that proved legislation can be a tool of transformation. And a House that, under a principled and effective leadership, can truly became what it was always meant to be: a House of the People.
A NEW ERA OF DELIVERANCE AND DIRECTION Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines Rises with
Unity, Stability, and Results
BEFORE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. even takes the podium today, the message is clear: this is a government that delivers. In just three years, the Marcos administration has steered the nation from crisis to con fidence— replacing dysfunction with direction, and restoring public trust in institutions through steady, focused leadership.
More than a constitutional obligation, this year’s State of the Nation Address affirms a rare alignment in government: an Executive with vision and a Congress working with urgency. Together, they have ushered in a new era of peace, prosperity, and principled governance.
UNITY IN ACTION
Gone are the days of gridlock and grandstanding. With 32 out of 64 priority measures enacted under the Common Legislative Agenda, the 19th Congress and the Marcos administration have delivered reforms with speed and substance. This collaboration reflects not just political unity— but a shared resolve to build systems that uplift lives and secure the nation’s future.
Infrastructure has been expanded, social protection deepened, and digital transformation accelerated. From roads to ports, from e-governance to the national ID rollout, the “Build Better More” vision is being realized not only through construction—but through connectivity, inclusivity, and innovation.
INVESTING IN PEOPLE AND PROGRESS
The legislative achievements of this administration lay a strong foundation for long-term growth. Laws like the Maharlika Investment Fund, the PPP Code, the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, and CREATE MORE modernize the economy, improve revenue systems, and open new doors for investment.
Job creation and enterprise development are also front and center. The Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, Tatak Pinoy, OTOP, and ETEEAP reforms empower workers, MSMEs, and returning OFWs. New laws in education and health—from mental health support in schools to expanded specialty care outside Metro Manila—ensure that reforms are felt where they matter most: in the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
AS THE 20th Congress opens on July 28, the House of Representatives begins a new legislative term with renewed public trust, institutional momentum, and a clear record of performance. The 19th Congress, under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, marked a period of steady institutional rebuilding—characterized by legislative discipline, national alignment, and rising public confidence.
In the final months of the 19th Congress, survey results reflected a significant and sustained improvement in how the public viewed the House. According to Social Weather Stations (SWS), trust in the institution rose sharply—from 34 percent in April 2025 to 49 percent in May, and peaking at 57 percent in June. This rise coincided with an equally notable increase in the personal trust and approval ratings of Speaker Romualdez himself, who consistently placed among the top-performing national officials in independent surveys during the same period.
The parallel trend between institutional trust and leadership approval was not coincidental. It reflected a dynamic where the public saw in the Speaker a stabilizing force and in the House an institution capable of focused, responsive governance. As Speaker, Romualdez prioritized
Consumer protection, cybercrime deterrence, energy security, and environmental sustainability are no longer peripheral issues—they are now part of the country’s core development agenda.
STABILITY, SECURITY, AND SOVEREIGNTY
President Marcos has redefined national security—not only in terms of defense, but in peace, order, and sovereignty. Insurgencies have weakened, crime rates are down, and local governments are more empowered. Defense upgrades and stronger regional alliances have also fortified the country’s stance amid external threats.
This stability has made space for growth. Businesses are expanding, foreign investments are flowing in, and communities are planning for the future. Quietly but decisively, the nation is regaining its rhythm.
HOPE RESTORED, NATION RENEWED
What defines this administration is not just performance—but tone. The President governs without spectacle, reforms without drama, and leads with quiet resolve. Agencies are working. Projects are progressing. Policies are aligned. The people are seeing a government that listens, adapts, and delivers.
Most importantly, hope is returning. In place of division, there is direction. In place of noise, there is movement.
SONA 2025: BAGONG PILIPINAS IN MOTION
Today’s SONA is not just a report—it is a reaffirmation. The work is far from done, but the country is on solid footing. The path is clearer, the institutions are stronger, and the people are behind the President.
This is not just another chapter in governance.
This is Bagong Pilipinas—anchored in vision, powered by unity, and committed to every Filipino.
performance over politics, steering the chamber away from polarizing debates and toward meaningful, measurable output.
Under his leadership, the House aligned closely with the Marcos administration’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda and the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028. This alignment was not merely symbolic; it was legislative in nature. Of the 28 priority measures identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), the House passed 27. Of the 64 bills listed under the Common Legislative Agenda, 32 became law during the 19th Congress.
These laws covered key sectors: economic recovery, health system improvements, digital transformation, food security, public safety, and education. Instead of high-profile but shallow reforms, the House focused on institutional impact—creating laws that strengthened public service delivery, enhanced economic competitiveness, and responded directly to social needs.
The Speaker’s ability to unify a broad and diverse coalition of political parties within the House enabled smooth legislative operations. Despite highprofile national issues—from budget tensions to impeachment proceedings— the House avoided dysfunction and maintained productivity. The result
was a chamber that gradually rebuilt its image as a dependable and effective branch of government.
Public opinion reflected this. While trust in many institutions wavered amid political controversies, both the House and its leadership defied the trend. Speaker Romualdez’s personal ratings benefited from his steady visibility, policy focus, and measured public posture. He was not only viewed as a political leader, but also as a manager of consensus—traits that translated into broader institutional respect.
The opening of the 20th Congress presents an opportunity to sustain and deepen these gains. The expectations are higher, as is public scrutiny. But with institutional trust already rebuilt and leadership credibility reaffirmed, the House enters this new chapter with a stronger foundation than it had in years.
The legacy of the 19th Congress is clear: the House reestablished itself as a center of legislative productivity and public trust. At the same time, its leader—Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez—emerged as one of the most credible and effective political figures of his time. The success of the 20th Congress will be measured by how these gains are protected, enhanced, and translated into broader social progress.
HON. FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ 20th Congress House of Representatives
PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR.
STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 4TH SONA
By Darwin G. Amojelar
DESPITE the escalating global uncertainties, particularly the heightened tensions in the Middle East and the imposition of new US tariffs, Philippine economic managers remain optimistic about the country’s economic resilience.
This optimism underpins the recent recalibration of the country’s economic growth targets from this year through the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term in 2028. The Development Budget
Coordination Committee (DBCC), the inter-agency body responsible for setting macroeconomic targets, projects the economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), to expand by 5.5 to 6.5 percent this year. This is
Economic managers optimistic of achieving growth targets
East and the imposition of US tariffs.
Despite these external pressures, the DBCC affirmed its readiness to implement “timely and targeted measures to mitigate their potential impact on the Philippine economy.” It also highlighted the country’s “ample international reserves,” providing a robust buffer against external shocks.
Even with these adjustments, the Philippines remains a standout performer in ASEAN, driven primarily by robust domestic demand.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) also downgraded its economic growth forecast for the Philippines to 5.6 percent from a previous estimate of 6 percent
The Manila-based lender also reduced the 2026 growth forecast for the Philippines to 5.8 percent from 6.1 percent, citing external headwinds.
a downward revision from its earlier December forecast of 6 to 8 percent.
The Philippine economy closed 2024 with a 5.7 percent expansion, and demonstrated a 5.4 percent growth in the first quarter of 2025, fueled by accelerated government and household spending
The DBCC anticipates GDP growth to expand between 6 to 7 percent from 2026 to 2028, from the previous 6 to 8 percent projection.
The DBCC said the revisions took into account heightened global uncertainties, such as the unforeseen escalation of tensions in the Middle
The World Bank, meanwhile, expects the Philippine economy to grow by 5.3 percent in 2025, a slight decrease of 0.3 percentage points from the 2023-2024 average.
On inflation, the DBCC has narrowed its projection for 2025 to 2 to 3 percent, down from the earlier 2 to 4 percent, citing a “whole-of-government approach” aimed at maintaining a low inflation environment. Inflation is expected to stabilize within the 2 to 4 percent target range from 2026 to 2028. Oil prices are also expected to remain relatively stable. Despite
geopolitical
tensions, Dubai crude oil prices are projected to average between $60 to $70 per barrel from 2025 to 2028, tempered by easing global demand and anticipated increases in global oil inventories. The foreign exchange rate is also assumed to remain stable, averaging P56 to P58 per US dollar from 2025 through 2028, supported by lower domestic inflation and global financial conditions. Trade assumptions have also been refined. Goods exports are now projected to contract by 2 percent in 2025, primarily due to slower global demand and heightened trade policy uncertainties, before recovering to a modest 2 percent growth from 2026 to 2028. Conversely, goods imports are expected to rise by 3.5 percent in 2025 driven by resilient domestic economic activity, further increasing to 4 percent in subsequent years supported by stable domestic consumption and sustained infrastructure spending. Fiscal consolidation remains a cornerstone of the government’s medium-term strategy. The national government is committed to progressively reducing the fiscal deficit from 5.5 percent of GDP in 2025 to 4.3 percent by 2028. This will be achieved while simultaneously ramping up investments in critical areas such as infrastructure, human capital, and social services. Turn to D2
PCSO at the Forefront of Healthcare Accessibility
IN LINE with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has made remarkable progress in bringing health services closer to every Filipino. On July 9, 2025, we marked a historic milestone with the largest single-day distribution of Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) in our agency’s history, 387 vehicles distributed to local government units (LGUs) across the country in one day.
This accomplishment is part of our flagship PTV Distribution Program, which supports the President’s vision of universal healthcare. As of today, we have delivered a total of 1,067 PTVs to LGUs, reaching 62% of our national target of 1,724. By August 2025, we are set to distribute an additional 453 vehicles, prioritizing LGUs in Eastern Visayas, Mindanao, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). With this, we will hit an 88% accomplishment rate, and we are confident that we will achieve 100% coverage before the end of the year.
Each PTV is fully equipped with a stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, first aid kit, blood pressure monitor, medicine cabinet, and other essential supplies to ensure that every patient wherever they may be is transported with safety, care, and dignity.
Beyond the PTV program, PCSO continues to expand its charitable services. From 2024
Melquiades A. Robles General Manager, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office
to June 2025, we allocated ₱4.98 billion to charity programs that benefited 618,489 individuals. We also disbursed ₱4.49 billion in mandatory contributions, bringing our total social service support to ₱9.48 billion during this period. At the same time, we have contributed ₱25.22 billion in taxes and ₱4.3 billion in dividends to the National Treasury, affirming our vital role not only in public health but also in strengthening our national economy.
As we look forward to further strengthening our capacity to serve the Filipino people, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office urges the public to support initiatives to amend the 71-year-old PCSO Charter. Revisiting the Charter at this critical time will enable the Agency to generate more resources, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver more responsive programs.
At PCSO, we remain committed to our mission of serving the nation not just through games and revenues, but through tangible, life-saving support for those who need it most. Together, we will continue to be a vital partner in building a healthier, more compassionate Philippines.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the groundbreaking ceremony of the Caticlan Passenger Terminal Building in Nabas, Aklan, which is set to be completed by 2027 and is seen to bring more jobs, livelihoods, and development to the local economy.
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)
STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 4TH SONA
Austerity measures, contingency plans in place for 4th SONA
By Maricel V. Cruz
THIS year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) will be marked by visible austerity, as the House leadership implements cost-saving and simplified arrangements in light of recent flooding and other climate-induced calamities across the country, Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin said.
C Garin said, citing suggestions from Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Speaker of the House during the 19th Congress.
The scaled-down approach includes removing red carpet fanfare, limiting unnecessary floral arrangements and decorations, and forgoing lavish catering.
The House has also refrained from any major procurement specific to the SONA.
“There will be no additional procurement on many aspects simply because of the SONA,” Garin said.
According to Garin, even the food arrangements have been scaled back.
“It will be simple—maybe just a snack because of course the people will be there all day,” she said.
A memorandum signed by House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco said there will be no more staged ceremonies, fashion coverage, and photo setups during today’s SONA.
“These adjustments reflect our solidarity with affected communities and our commitment to uphold the dignity of this national gathering,” Velasco said.
“Members are respectfully urged to avoid ostentatious displays and exercise discretion in their wardrobe choices,” he added.
The Senate will implement the same protocol when it opens its session today.
PH makes strategic WPS defense push
By Rex Espiritu
THE Marcos administration is intensifying efforts to defend Philippine sovereignty, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as he promised 4 years ago.
“I will not preside over any process that will abandon even a square inch of territory of the Republic of the Philippines to any foreign power,” Mr. Marcos declared during his inaugural SONA. That vow has since become a cornerstone of his foreign and defense policies.
Mr. Marcos first major foreign policy stance after assuming office was to uphold the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Over the past years, the Philippines has adopted a “transparency” strategy, making public videos and photos of Chinese ships firing water cannons, using lasers, and blocking Filipino vessels.
The President has likewise signed in the past year two laws – the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act – effectively reinforcing the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over the West Philippines Sea.
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act had explicitly defined the extent of the country’s internal waters,
Economic... From D1
The DBCC emphasized that this “well-calibrated approach reflects our strong resolve to uphold fiscal discipline without compromising our goals of inclusive and sustainable development, even amid a more challenging global landscape.”
Revenue collections are anticipated to steadily increase, reaching 16.3 percent of GDP by 2028. This growth is underpinned by recently enacted revenue reforms, including VAT on non-resident digital service providers and initiatives promoting capital markets efficiency, alongside ongoing improvements in tax administration, compliance enforcement, and digitalization.
National Government disbursements are set to remain a significant growth driver, averaging 21.1 percent of GDP annually over the medium term. Infrastructure spending will be sustained at 5 to 6 percent of GDP each year, ensuring continuous improvements in physical connectivity. Public investments will also prioritize education, healthcare, agriculture, digital transformation, and social protection, aligning with the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028.
In line with these projections, the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 National Budget is set at P6.793 trillion, equivalent to 22 percent of GDP. This represents a 7.4 percent increase from the FY 2025 budget of P6.326 trillion, reflecting the government’s steadfast commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth while maintaining fiscal sustainability.
SEA CONCERT FOR PEACE.
Atin Ito volunteers disembark from M/V Kapitan Felix Oca upon arriving at El Nido, Palawan in May for a sea concert. Atin Ito Facebook page
archipelagic waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone, and continental shelf that are fully in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
The Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, meanwhile, designates the sea lanes and air routes suitable for the continuous and expeditious passage of foreign ships and aircraft through or over its archipelagic water and the adjacent territorial sea. The law was signed to prevent arbitrary international passage in the Philippine archipelago.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is also advancing the standard naming of the 131 features in the Kalayaan Island Group.
It
—“—
should be a simple SONA. It shouldn’t be flashy, it shouldn’t be like a fashion show…At the end of the day, the most important thing is service to the people.
— Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin
“No red carpet at the Senate,” Senator Francis Escudero said. Escudero said there will only be “suitable access and opportunity for media to perform their job of covering the opening.”
Super Health Centers strengthen healthcare access under Marcos administration
AS PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, the government’s continuing rollout of Super Health Centers (SHCs) has become a key highlight in the administration’s health agenda.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), over 600 SHCs have already been funded and constructed nationwide since the program began in 2022.
These centers are designed to bring essential medical services closer to communities, especially in far-flung and underserved areas.
Citing that SHCs are part of the government’s long-term strategy under Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa
said these facilities are established to decongest hospitals and to provide quality and accessible healthcare at the community level. They were introduced in 2021, serving as an enhanced version of rural health units equipped with basic to intermediate health services such as laboratory testing, X-ray, ultrasound, electrocardiogram, outpatient consultations, maternal and child services, tuberculosis screening, minor surgeries, ambulatory surgery. They also serve as satellite vaccination sites, pharmacy dispensaries, and referral systems for more specialized care to date.
In 2022, about 307 SHCs were established nationwide. These were followed by 322 in 2023, and 132 in 2024. The DOH identifies the
strategic areas where these centers will be established since they act as a key support layer between barangaylevel health units and hospitals. This year, additional SHCs were opened in Pangasinan, Eastern Visayas, and Zamboanga City, apart from those already operating in Aklan, Agusan del Sur, Bulacan, Cebu City, Dinagat Islands, Leyte, and Northern Samar, among others.
Last Feb. 27, a groundbreaking ceremony for a super healthcare facility, which will cost P187 million, was held at Barangay Iluluan in Camalig, Albay.
DOH officials and the local government unit of Matag-ob in Leyte also led the groundbreaking ceremony of a P12-million SHC to be under the DOH Health Facility Enhancement Program last Feb. 28. On March 24, then Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna led the groundbreaking ceremony for a P50-million SHC in Sampaloc.
Local government units have partnered with the DOH for construction and operations, with funding channeled through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
GROUNDBREAKING.
Officials from the Department of Health and the local government unit of Matagob lead the groundbreaking ceremony of the P12-million Super Health Center project on Feb. 28, 2025 in Leyte, Eastern Samar. The project is part of the national government’s effort to upgrade public health services in the fourth-class municipality. PIA
File photo shows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivering his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the House of Representatives last year.
A construction worker installs steel reinforcement inside a tunnel segment – part of Metro Manila’s growing infrastructure projects. Edd Castro
Senate sets tone for PBBM’s address
By Ram Superable
THE Upper House opens the 20th Congress today with a record legislative productivity momentum that Senator Francis Escudero hopes to maintain.
“We wasted no time in moving these very important pieces of legislation toward approval on third reading and enactment into law. These were the result of long hours of work from the senators and their staff and were crafted to benefit a wide range of sectors,” said Escudero, Senate President of the 19th Congress.
“Our people deserve no less from their elected officials in the Senate,” he added.
In the final stretch of the 19th Congress, senators collectively approved measures that addressed economic recovery, social welfare, national security, and digital transformation.
The third regular session alone saw 105 bills approved on third reading, 213 measures signed into law, and 39 others awaiting presidential action.
This surge in productivity eclipsed the combined legislative output of the first two regular sessions, which produced only 14 third-reading approvals and 73 laws signed by the president.
Committee work intensified as members worked through measures ranging from fiscal reform to infrastructure modernization, ensuring that bills were reviewed, amended, and passed with urgency.
STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 4TH SONA
The Senate’s passage of several LEDAC priority measures highlighted its alignment with national development goals and the administration’s economic recovery plan.
Among these key laws were the PublicPrivate Partnership Code, the CREATE MORE Act, the Real Property Valuation Reform Act, and the Tatak Pinoy Act.
“Given the growing economy, archipelagic landscape, expanding population, and rapid urbanization, the Philippines requires intensified infrastructure spending and better selected infrastructure investments to support a higher growth trajectory and improve quality of life in both urban and rural communities,”
Senator JV Ejercito said during the approval of PPP bill.
Legislators also approved the Government Procurement Reform Act and the E-Governance Act, signaling a renewed commitment to digital efficiency and transparency in government processes.
“This bill is actually a product of the experience of the DICT in the last few years. This is to emphasize and articulate what they need,” Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said as the E-Governance bill passed its third reading.
Economic and agricultural reforms were a recurring theme, with senators pushing through the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and amending the Rice Tariffication Law to stabilize food security.
The New Agrarian Emancipation Act relieved more than 600,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries from decades-old debts, cementing the Senate’s stance on equitable land distribution and farmer support.
Lawmakers also prioritized education and workforce readiness through the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Act and the Lifelong Learning Development Framework Act.
These measures complemented other education-related initiatives, including the expansion of Philippine Science High School campuses to accommodate more students nationwide.
The Free Funeral Services Act and the Revised Animal Welfare Act were signed into law to improve public services and reinforce humane treatment standards across industries.
Even during midterm election breaks and the challenges of a politically divided landscape, senators maintained a focus on bipartisan legislative priorities.
Work far from over —Romualdez
By Maricel V. Cruz
REELECTED Leyte First District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez expressed satisfaction on the gains under the Marcos administration as he vowed to work on the legislative priorities of the 20th Congress that will complement the President’s socioeconomic roadmap.
“I am proud of the gains we have made under his steady and compassionate leadership. From bold economic recovery initiatives to decisive investments in agriculture, infrastructure, education, and digital innovation, the President has shown that strong governance can uplift lives and restore confidence in our nation’s future,” said Romualdez, who was Speaker of the 19th Congress and is president of LakasCMD.
“But the work is far from over. The Filipino people continue to face challenges—from rising costs of basic goods to the need for better healthcare, stable jobs, and improved access to education and social services. This year’s SONA is a chance to build on what we have achieved and set a clear, compassionate, and forward-looking agenda that speaks to the real needs of our people,” he added.
Romualdez said the House is committed to work with the Marcos administration through pieces of legislation that will uplift every Filipino.
“We in the House of Representatives stand firmly behind the President’s vision. We are ready to translate his priorities into action by passing laws that will ease the burden on Filipino families, strengthen our economy, and ensure that no one is left behind in the journey toward a truly inclusive and secure future,” he said.
Romualdez recently led the Congressional Consultative Forum on Regional Priorities for Regions X, XI, and CARAGA, hosted at the Almont Inland Resort in Butuan City, where lawmakers engaged in a wideranging dialogue on local development needs, national policy alignment, and shared legislative goals under President Marcos’ Bagong Pilipinas vision.
“This forum is more than a gathering of colleagues—it is a reflection of our commitment to listening, learning, and legislating for the people. We are united not just by party lines, but by our shared duty to uplift every Filipino,” Romualdez said.
Central to the discussions was the “Houseto-House Agenda,” a seven-point framework that guides the legislative priorities of the 20th Congress and complements the President’s socio-economic roadmap.
These development pillars are:
1. Food Security – Supporting agricultural modernization and regional food systems to ensure accessible and affordable food.
2. Clean Water Access – Expanding infrastructure for safe and reliable water, especially in underserved areas.
3. Affordable and Stable Electricity – Promoting energy reforms and rural electrification to boost local productivity and quality of life.
4. Reliable Transportation – Strengthening connectivity through roads, ports, and transport systems that link communities to opportunities.
5. Sustainable Livelihood – Empowering MSMEs, cooperatives, and local industries to create dignified, long-term employment.
6. Accessible Healthcare – Enhancing public health services, including rural hospitals and barangay health stations.
7. Quality Education – Improving access through investment in schools, teacher support, and digital learning platforms. “Gobyernong may malasakit. Kongresong may puso. Sa pagkakaisa natin, walang maiiwan sa Bagong Pilipinas,” Romualdez said.
Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez
Senator Francis Escudero
MONDAY, JULY 28, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
Davao’s little jewel shines bright in the region
IRECENTLY made a quick trip to Davao City to host the Philippine Retirement Authority’s 40th anniversary dinner for our foreign retirees who have settled down in the Mindanao area. Since I wanted to be near the city’s shopping, recreation, and dining establishments, I decided to stay at Park Inn by Radisson, that little jewel of a hotel in the city’s Lanang district.
The moment I walked into the lobby, I noticed its fresh look right away, which made the lobby seem much bigger than it had the last time I stayed at the hotel. Once adorned with apple green and mustard yellow accents, the lobby now features vibrant shades of pink and purple, creating a fresh, modern, and lively ambience.
After I dropped off my things in my room, I went around the hotel to see what else was new. The pool area now showcases a striking mural by local artists, Grupo ng Aktibong Mindanawon. Whereas it used to have a sports bar theme, the
Circular 2024-003, which lists guidelines for Muslim-friendly accommodations— providing prayer mats, installing Qibla direction markers, placing Qur’ans in guest rooms, and offering flexible meal options upon request, such as strictly No-Pork or other Muslimfriendly alternatives. Now, the hotel also has a dedicated Non-Pork Station at its daily breakfast buffet and ensures that the staff are trained in culturally respectful service.
Tausug dish. Typically served as a soup, Chef Vance reimagined it as a deconstructed plate by searing a tender cut of beef tenderloin and finishing it with a rich, dark sauce made from charred coconut and spices. The dish highlighted authentic flavors while demonstrating refined culinary techniques and elegant presentation.
Muslim employees within the kitchen and food & beverage service teams further strengthen this commitment. Their presence fosters greater cultural awareness and attentiveness to guest needs, providing an added level of reassurance to Muslim diners.
pool area now has this colorful artwork, radiating warmth and energy that invites guests to relax in an inspiring setting. The unique mural shows fluid lines and interconnected faces, which make any viewer imagine the diversity and unity of the human spirit, reflecting the collective identity of Mindanao’s people.
The hotel is currently undergoing a series of upgrades across its facilities, public spaces, and guest rooms. Two floors of the hotel are undergoing complete renovation to align with the latest Park Inn by Radisson brand standards and will be completed by
the third quarter of this year.
But a source of pride for the hotel is its recent recognition by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as the first Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment in the Davao Region. This milestone underscores the hotel’s strong commitment to inclusive hospitality and culturally sensitive service.
The recognition was awarded in accordance with DOT Memorandum
Guests can also interact with servers in familiar dialects, creating a friendlier, more welcoming environment that enhances the overall comfort of their stay.
In the recent Halal Friendly Culinary Olympics, the hotel’s Executive Sous Chef, Chef Vance Bolivar, showcased his creative Tiyula Itum Steak Medallion, a modern interpretation of the traditional
Chef Vance drew inspiration from a member of his culinary team who is Tausug, infusing the dish with authentic cultural roots. The entry won a prize, underscoring the team’s culinary creativity, cultural respect, and growing expertise in Muslimfriendly food preparation.
DOT Region XI commended the hotel for setting a standard in the local hospitality industry and for its role in making the Davao Region a more accessible destination for travelers. This recognition reaffirms Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s position as one of the trailblazers in inclusive hospitality.
Now in its 12th year, the hotel continues to be a beacon in the dynamic hospitality landscape. Through the ongoing enhancements, along with its recent commendations, the hotel banners its “Yes! I Can!” service philosophy, giving guests like me every reason to keep coming back. More information on the offerings of Park Inn by Radisson Davao is available at (082) 272 7600 or through reservations.davao@parkinn.com. For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com
By Nickie Wang
THE Philippines’ largest airline, Cebu Pacific, has been recognized by Skytrax as one of the World’s Most Improved Airlines for 2025, joining a global list of carriers that have made notable strides in performance and customer experience.
The low-cost airline ranked 10th in the latest Skytrax list, which evaluates carriers based on quality upgrades, global rating changes, and improvements across various award categories.
Cebu Pacific’s continued expansion into international leisure destinations, paired with a growing modern fleet and a renewed focus on customer service, has helped position it as a competitive alternative to full-service airlines like Philippine Airlines. The carrier’s strategy of connecting major cities around the world to vacation spots in the Philippines and Asia has resonated with a wide range of travelers, offering more affordable options without sacrificing convenience.
Topping the list is Taiwan-based Starlux Airlines, followed by Italy’s ITA Airways, HK Express, Germany’s Eurowings, Egyptair, Air Japan, MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Germany’s Discover Airlines, and Air Greenland. Skytrax, which has recently rolled out its annual awards for top airlines and airports, said the most improved list offers insights into carriers that have made significant progress— providing travelers with reasons to reconsider airlines they may have overlooked in the past.
GMA Integrated News will deliver comprehensive multi-platform coverage of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ’s fourth State of the Nation
Address (SONA) today with reports airing on television, radio, online, and social media.
Anchored by Pia Arcangel and Atom Araullo , State of the Nation
Address 2025: The GMA Integrated News Special Coverage will broadcast live on GMA and GTV and stream online via GMA News’ website, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok platforms.
GMA’s flagship newscast 24 Oras will lead the network’s special reports and post-SONA analysis, while morning show Unang Hirit will provide early coverage through Unang Balita . Other programs—including Saksi Dobol B TV Balitanghali , and State of the Nation —will offer live updates and recaps throughout the day.
GMA News Online will feature a dedicated SONA 2025 section with special reports on key sectors such as the economy, education, agriculture, and security. The GMA News app will also carry a live blog and end-ofday summaries. In the regions, GMA Regional TV will deliver localized SONA coverage through One North Central Luzon , Balitang Bisdak , One Western Visayas , and One Mindanao . Updates will also be posted on GMA RTV’s digital platforms.
GMA’s AM radio network, Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz, will
Cebu Pacific ranks 10th in Skytrax’s World’s Most Improved Airlines for 2025
mural by Grupo ng Aktibong Mindawanon now welcomes guests to
hotel’s swimming pool bar
From left: The Muslim-Friendly Hotel Certification was presented by DOT regional director Tanya Rabat-Tan to general manager Sven Toune, witnessed by DOSM Liza Gamo and FO Rep Raul Gregorio
Park Inn by Radisson Davao general manager Sven Toune shows off the newly refurbished hotel lobby