Manila Standard - 2025 July 31 - Thursday

OCTA SURVEY SHOWS UPTICK IN PBBM, SPEAKER RATINGS

By Rex Espiritu

and Maricel V. Cruz

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez saw marked improvements in their trust and performance ratings, according to the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey released by OCTA Research yesterday.

At the same time, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio and Senate President Francis Escudero logged notable declines.

Mr. Marcos emerged as the top-performing official in the second-quarter survey, with a 4-point increase in trust rating (64%) and a 3-point rise in performance rating (62%).

While the latter remains within the margin of error, OCTA noted that the consistent upward trend signals a "genuine and positive shift" in public perception.

The improvements marked a reversal of the downward trend observed since late 2024, highlighting what OCTA describes as a renewed public

DILG: Full-blast probe on public funds misuse

By Rio N. Araja

TBy Rex Espiritu, Pot Chavez and Vito Barcelo

INTERIOR

HE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.

Secretary Jonvic Remulla vowed to go “full blast” in investigating alleged misuse of public funds meant for infrastructure projects as he pushed for an integrated approach to waste management as a long-term measure to address flooding.

On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma. Mendoza narrated before congressmen how Garma allegedly facilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.

Following marching orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his fourth State of the Nation Address, Remulla said the DILG will look into allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds in government projects.

The whistleblower also implicated incumbent National Police Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.

“I will give it to the investigation side of the DILG. We are going to go full blast on that. We will make sure that we cover [everything],” he said in an interview with PTV.

During his SONA on Monday, Mr. Marcos ordered a full audit of all flood

Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption within the PCSO shortly before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City.

Garma, herself an ex-police Lt. Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in-

Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry

THE legal counsel of Chinese businessman Tony Yang sought to disparage lawmakers’ conclusions

adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English.

Fortun, a lawyer who often finds himself at the center high-profile cases, apparently sought to mock congressmen, calling their probe

However, House members argued they did not come by their suspicions

On Friday, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon presented a matrix showing Yang’s first appearance and his subsequent activities at the Quad

“We saw a pattern, and we tracked it to the top of these corporations... we stripped it of its layers , to get to the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue

of military exercises in Scarborough shoal

By Darwin Amojelar

By Pot Chavez, Vito Barcelo, and

Superable

“The Bilyonaryo article is malicious and unfounded,” Bautista said in a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said story. “Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added. Bilyonaryo reported online that “Bautista and his long-time protege in Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are at the center of the storm after it was

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippine Navy debunked on Sunday the recent announcement by China that it conducted military exercises off Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). China reportedly made the announcement coinciding with the fourth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Philippines, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the regional waters over the weekend. Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vin -

cent Trinidad told reporters that Manila troops did not monitor any such activity, adding that Beijing’s statement was meant only for its internal audience.

“Our troops did not observe any exercise, we have to understand that sometimes, China is doing this for their internal audience, right? For them not to look weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad said.

By Maricel V. Cruz

Two Chinese warships were monitored at a distance ranging from eight to 14 nautical miles. One of these went up to 1,000 yards at the MMCA site but eventually went away. “It was not threatening, just normal,” accord -

The solons explained how the matrix details Yang’s connections to other individuals involved in illicit activities, including the operations of illegal POGOs.

By Pot Chavez

Among the companies implicated are Brickhartz Technology Inc. and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., which are being linked to alleged kidnapping.

THE Philippine government on Sunday publicly called for the United Nations (UN) to give it a seat on the UN Security Council, highlighting the country’s strong record and dedication to upholding the rule of law.

Department of Foreign Affairs

found there, that will be examined," Remulla said in a briefing.

A HUMAN skull with teeth and additional bones were recovered from Taal Lake, raising the possibility of DNA extraction from the remains, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday said.

The two firms supposedly have connections with the Baofu Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which, in turn, can be directly traced to disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guo.

(DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo in a speech delivered at the UN General Assembly in New York said the Philippines continues to emphasize the “importance of upholding the rule of law and the integrity of the multilateral system in the face of today’s global challenges.”

“Yes, there were teeth in the skull. We don’t know if it has a lower jaw,” he added, noting that the teeth may still contain usable DNA.

Quoted by reports, Manalo

During Friday’s Quad Comm hearing, lawmakers cited Tony Yang in contempt for “lying” to about his businesses and business partners.

"Some remains were found yesterday. They are in the crime lab. There was a human skull and bones found... It looks like only one person was

The remains, which include an upper jaw and teeth, were discovered within a pre-identified quadrant of the lake and are now under the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for further forensic analysis.

PAGASA

A WEB OF CRIME? House leaders Aurelio Gonzales and David Suarez presented this matrix during the last QUAD Comm hearing which shows the operations of a criminal syndicate allegedly led by fugitive Michael Yang, then economic adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, that controlled the illegal activities of the POGOs and was involved in the drug trade and extrajudicial killings.

Acidre hits DOT's Frasco for ‘mediocrity’

By Maricel V. Cruz

TINGOG Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre yesterday said the Department of Tourism (DOT) under Secretary Christina Frasco must answer for its underwhelming performance and missed opportunities, citing how the tourism sector was completely left out of President Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“That silence was loud. The absence of tourism from the President’s SONA sends a clear message: the sector is not delivering, and the DOT

DILG:...

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control projects, blasting costly but ineffective infrastructure that failed amid recent floods in various areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Remulla also said he will meet with Metro Manila mayors Friday to discuss a more comprehensive and institutionalized approach to waste management.

“Because of inefficient planning for solid waste management over the past 30 years, local government units now struggle with the collection system,” Remulla said.

“We need a systematic approach

Survey...

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confidence in the President’s leadership.

"Among the top officials surveyed, President Marcos Jr. holds the highest trust and performance ratings in the 2nd Quarter of 2025," OCTA said in a statement.

In contrast, the Vice President’s trust and performance ratings saw sharp declines.

Her trust rating dropped 4 points to 54%, while her performance rating plunged 6 points to 50%.

OCTA’s study indicated that these declines were broad-based, affecting nearly all regions and socioeconomic classes, with steep drops recorded in

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Remulla said the new discovery adds weight to witness testimonies pointing to Taal Lake as a dumping ground, possibly linked not only to the case of the missing cockfighting aficionados or “sabungeros,” but also to other crimes such as those related to the drug war.

Meanwhile, most of the 12 police officers linked to the alleged abduction and murder of the missing “sabungeros” had previously faced administrative cases, said Brigido

House...

From A1 in the 20th Congress under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez. Harvard-educated Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing was chosen to chair the Committee on Appropriations, one of the most influential panels in the House with jurisdiction over the national budget. Her leadership comes at a critical time, with the House set to begin deliberations once the Executive Branch submits the proposed 2026 national budget.

Suansing will be assisted by Bataan 2nd District Rep. Albert Garcia, who was elected senior vice chair.

The Quad Comm—composed of the Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts— likewise plays a central role in major House investigations into illegal activities, human rights violations, and other serious threats to public safety and good governance.

Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores was elected chair of

Vietnam, and Malaysia have seen their sectors bounce back, the Philippines continues to lag.

“In 2024, we welcomed only 5.95 million foreign visitors. That’s still far below our 2019 figure of 8.26 million, and miles behind Thailand’s 35.5 million or Malaysia’s 25 million. These numbers should set off alarms,” he said.

needs to do better,” Acidre said. He pointed to glaring gaps in the country’s tourism recovery, noting that while neighbors like Thailand,

so that the east, west, north, south – the whole of Metro Manila – are aligned,” he added.

He also lamented that under the Local Government Code, each LGU is solely responsible for its own waste management.

“The wording of the Local Government Code is one of the biggest hindrances for the government in planning waste management, and it’s something we have to revisit,” he said.

Metro Manila was one of the hardest hit areas during the onslaught of the southwest monsoon (habagat) and the series of weather systems in the country last week, affecting over 820,000 individuals.

Massive flooding was reported in

Metro Manila and Balance Luzon.

Despite the downward trend, the Vice President still holds majority support, with both ratings staying above the 50% mark.

"Despite their contrasting trends, both Marcos Jr. and Duterte-Carpio continue to enjoy majority backing, with trust and approval ratings remaining above the 50% mark," OCTA said.

Similarly, Escudero also experienced a 4-point drop in both trust (51%) and performance (49%) ratings nationally.

However, the dip was partly offset by significant gains in Mindanao, where his trust rating jumped 11 points and his performance rating surged 17 points—the largest regional improvement of any official in this survey cycle.

Dulay, Inspector General of the Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS).

He said the unit had already submitted the officers’ administrative records to the National Police Commission (Napolcom) as part of the ongoing probe. Napolcom earlier filed charges of grave misconduct, irregularities in the performance of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer against the 12 policemen.

The cases were based primarily on the sworn statement of whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as “Alias Totoy,” and corroborated by other complainants.

the Committee on Dangerous Drugs, while Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano will head the Committee on Public Order and Safety.

Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. was retained as chair of the Committee on Human Rights. However, the House has yet to elect a new chairman for the Committee on Public Accounts.

Davao de Oro 1st District Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora was elected chairperson of the Committee on Accounts.

The chamber also elected Marikina 2nd District Rep. Miro Quimbo as head of the Committee on Ways and Means, which handles tax and revenue legislation, with Manila 1st District Rep. Ernesto Dionisio Jr. as his senior deputy.

Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua was retained as chair of the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, while Cagayan de Oro 1st District Rep. Lordan Suan heads the Committee on Public Information.

To support Majority Leader and Rules Committee chair Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, the House elected Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor as senior deputy majority leader.

$13.1 billion) in receipts, Thailand earned more than $39 billion and Vietnam $16 billion during the same period.

“It’s not just about quantity. It’s also about the quality of experience. Tourists are choosing to spend more elsewhere, and that reflects how we’re managing the sector,” he said.

Acidre also stressed that the country is not only attracting fewer tourists but generating less revenue per visitor. While the DOT reported P760.5 billion (roughly

various cities in the metropolis, submerging communities.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways is set to submit to the President next week the list of all completed and ongoing flood control projects in the country since 2022.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said they are currently consolidating data from the different District Engineering Offices and Regional Offices on all the flood control projects under the present administration.

“I have directed all District Engineering Offices and Regional Offices to go all over their respective areas and identify all flood control projects that have been completed and in progress,” Bonoan added.

Meanwhile, Romualdez joined the President as one of only two top officials who saw gains in both trust and performance.

His trust rating rose 3 points to 57%, while his performance rating climbed 4 points to 59%

These gains were described as broad-based, with improvements across all major regions and socioeconomic groups, signaling a strengthening public perception of the Speaker’s leadership.

In a statement, Romualdez welcomed the survey results, which chalked up an increase in his trust and performance ratings along with the President.

"I welcome the results of the latest OCTA Tugon ng Masa survey with gratitude and a clear sense of respon-

Poor...

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In a radio interview, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said some solons inserted unvetted flood-control projects into the National Expenditure Program (NEP).

“Many flood-control projects were inserted into the national budget during the past bicameral deliberations without coordinating with the DPWH,” he told Radyo dzBB in Filipino.

“New items that were not validated by us [the DPWH] are the ones that have seen delayed implementation,” the secretary added.

Bonoan said the department only learned about funding for specific flood control projects after they were already inserted into the final version of the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

He added that last-minute insertions often cause delays, especially when they involve right-of-way issues or affect existing communities.

“We will handle the implementation [of the projects]; however, it will take some time to perform the necessary assessments and validations,” he said.

The DPWH received a massive budget of P980.25 billion for flood control projects nationwide from 2023 to 2025, but flooding persists in Metro Manila and some provinces during heavy rains or typhoons.

Meanwhile, Senate President Francis Escudero said the Executive Branch cannot expect Congress to pass the national budget unchanged while Cabinet officials continue lobbying lawmakers for modifications.

He acknowledged that the administration has the prerogative to pursue its proposed budget but emphasized that the power of the purse still belongs to Congress, and that the Executive’s submission could not be accepted wholesale as if Congress were merely a "rubber stamp."

"If the House is willing to do that, and it seems to be afraid to do that, then that’s their call. But on the part

The lawmaker emphasized that tourism should be one of the country’s strongest tools for regional development and inclusive growth, particularly in underserved areas.

“But how can we expect local tourism to recover if national leadership is

At the same time, Bonoan said they will also include in the list the projects undertaken by past administrations.

Asked if they were able to identify the flood control projects that failed to function as intended during the weather disturbances that caused massive flooding last week, he said:

“We will categorize them because there are many flood control projects that have been completed and have functioned during the previous administration.”

“We have to identify them, if these projects are still working or need rehabilitation, they have withstood many typhoons, floods, we will have them checked,” Bonoan added.

For his part, Manila Mayor Isko

sibility," he said.

"The increase in both my trust rating and performance rating is an encouraging sign that the reforms we’ve been working on in the House of Representatives—particularly on transparency, budget integrity, and service delivery—are gaining public support," he added.

The Speaker pointed out that the survey results indicate that people are paying attention and that they want honest leadership and tangible results.

OCTA Research emphasized that the TNM survey results were gathered independently and without any external commissioning. It was carried out from July 12 to 17, through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 respondents aged 18 and above.

of the Senate, we will review the budget and propose the necessary amendments based on the inputs given to us as well," he said on Wednesday.

"If they don’t want the budget changed...then they should start by talking to their secretaries and instruct them to stop lobbying Congress for additions or changes to their respective agency budgets," the senator added.

For his part, Senator Panfilo Lacson pushed for a more transparent bicameral deliberation or “open bicam” in the budget process, saying it could help identify lawmakers attempting to make questionable insertions.

“The insertions may not be completely eliminated, but at the very least, we can identify who inserted or realigned the funds for projects that were changed from the NEP once they reached Congress,” he said.

“It’s easy to pinpoint if the public is watching and if there are official minutes, because right now, the budget bicam doesn’t keep any. But if there are minutes and transcripts, it will be clear who among the lawmakers made the insertions," the senator added.

Lacson also reiterated his call for a longer period for the Senate to review House amendments to the NEP.

At the House of Representatives, 4Ps party-list Rep. Jonathan Clement Abalos also called for greater transparency in the budgeting process.

He said budget allocations for essential government programs can be protected from unwarranted adjustments to the detriment of intended beneficiaries if the budget process is under public scrutiny.

“These reforms can prevent unjust budget cuts on social programs similar to what occurred in the previous budget cycles, specifically, to the allocation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipinong Program (4Ps),” said Abalos.

The lawmaker also lauded the House leadership for raising the bar for transparency and accountability in government budgeting by pushing to open bicameral conference committee deliberations to the public.

falling short?” Acidre said.

“The DOT has the budget, the mandate, and the talent. What it seems to lack is urgency and direction,” he added. While affirming his support for the administration’s economic goals, Acidre said government agencies must be held to clear performance standards.

“We cannot keep rewarding mediocrity. The tourism sector is too important to be sidelined. If the DOT cannot deliver, then we owe it to the Filipino people to demand accountability and course correction,” he said.

Moreno proposed on Wednesday the transfer of operations and maintenance of flood control infrastructure to LGUs to better address flooding problems.

“If you give the mayor the authority, you get action and accountability... Let us handle it because we face the people every day. And when we fail, there is no one else to blame," he said.

“If you let the mayor run it and it fails, there is direct responsibility. In three years, if we mess up, we are done,” he added.

The mayor also lauded the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority for its effective operation of 72 pumping stations across Metro Manila, 24 of which are located in Moreno’s city.

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Earlier this week, Gadon allegedly made offensive statements accusing the SC of being politically aligned with the Duterte family in connection with its ruling on the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Topacio argued that Gadon’s remarks constitute contempt of court, describing them as improper conduct that undermines the integrity of the judiciary.

He added that, as a public official, Gadon’s statements carry more weight and have a greater impact compared to those made by private individuals.

In an interview with Manila Standard, Gadon said the petition provides him with an opportunity to expose what he called the “hypocrisy” of the Supreme Court.

He also claimed the Vice President should be penalized for her alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

In a separate 15-page petition, Tolentino and Suplico argued that Heydarian’s social media post referring to the SC as the “Supreme Coddler” implied the Court had abandoned its constitutional duties in favor of political loyalty.

Cendaña’s similar public remarks were also cited for allegedly suggesting judicial dereliction of duty and complicity in political shielding.

“The public statements made by respondents Richard Heydarian and Rep. Perci Cendaña, characterizing the Supreme Court as the ‘Supreme Coddler’ and insinuating bias and subservience to former President Duterte, constitute improper conduct within the ambit of this rule. These statements scandalize the Court by undermining public confidence in its independence and integrity,” the petition read.

Duterte on Wednesday meanwhile urged her supporters to stay vigilant and strong amid efforts to remove her from office, following the SC ruling that declared the Articles of Impeachment against her unconstitutional.

In a statement, Duterte thanked her legal team “for standing by me even when no one else was willing,” and criticized unnamed leaders whose "greed will bring down our homeland."

For his part, Senate President Francis Escudero defended the Upper House’s cautious stance in the impeachment process, saying the SC ruling validated their approach.

“This Supreme Court decision makes me believe the House was rushing things,” Escudero said. He emphasized that the Senate’s goal was never to delay proceedings but to ensure proper jurisdiction and compliance with constitutional rules.

IN BRIEF

Makati mayor calls for unity

MAKATI Mayor Nancy Binay on Wednesday called for unity and cooperation from the Sangguniang Panlungsod, while emphasizing the need for responsible governance to drive the city’s progress.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the city council, Mayor Binay urged councilors to go beyond being a rubber stamp and to thoroughly review all legislative proposals. She underscored the importance of thoughtful deliberation to ensure ordinances serve the best interests of the people.

“The people deserve a council that diligently deliberates ordinances,” she said. “Not one that merely skims through things and nods in agreement with whoever speaks loudest.” Binay also drew from her experience in the Senate, saying good governance transcends political lines.

“We knew how to set aside politics when it came to passing laws that benefited the nation. We hope to do the same here in Makati,” she said.

Five Koreans

nabbed for multiple online fraud

FIVE South Korean nationals have been arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for their alleged involvement in multiple online fraud schemes.

The BI, in coordination with Korean authorities and the Philippine Air Force, arrested the suspects in a house inside Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City. The suspects were identified as Ham Seong Hwan, Kim Jongbaek, Kim Taekyeong, Park Jinhyung, and Park Youngjun.

The group allegedly ran fake travel and hotel booking sites to scam people looking for luxury vacations. Park, said to be the group’s ringleader, has been overstaying since 2024.

Park Youngjun was arrested separately along Jose Abad Santos Avenue. He is facing an Interpol red notice and a warrant of arrest from the Seongnam branch of the Suwon District Court in South Korea for fraud. Vito Barcelo

SC completes draft rules on sign language

THE Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday announced the completion of draft rules on the use of Filipino Sign Language (FSL) in the judiciary, a milestone aimed at making court proceedings more accessible to the d/Deaf community.

The initiative supports the SC’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027, which promotes inclusivity and accountability in the justice system. The rules are the first of their kind in Philippine legal history.

SC Associate Justice Japar Dimaampao, who chairs the Technical Working Group, described the effort as a meaningful service to the d/Deaf community. He quoted Mahatma Gandhi, saying, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Pot Chavez

DOE flags SIPCOR for violations

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE government is eyeing possible action against the Villar-led Siquijor Island Power Corporation (SIPCOR) operations due to ongoing power outages on Siquijor Island, officials warned.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin stated that the department found several violations by SIPCOR, which supplies power to the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PROSIELCO). The findings have been submitted to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

“They have a lot of violations,” Garin said, emphasizing that the findings were based on records and investigation, without political bias.

National Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda announced that the agency would enlist the University of the Philippines College of Engineering to conduct a third-party assessment of SIPCOR’s power facilities.

“I was given a directive by the secretary of Energy to hire an independent third-party surveyor to test and evaluate the viability of the plant, if it can still produce electricity,” Almeda said.

He outlined two potential scenarios once the assessment is completed. “There will be conditions that will be imposed, and if we are not convinced that they can still continue according to the provisions of the contract—and I believe contractual obligations should always give way to the paramount interest of public welfare—that’s the time that the government will step in,” Almeda explained.

Almeda clarified that while he raised the possibility of a government takeover, it stems from the general principle of the state’s police power. “The state always has the police power to take over a public utility. It has to. If there would be any contractual obligation, it should give way to the paramount interest of public welfare,” he added.

Garin cited Section 71 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, which allows “the President to address imminent electricity shortages by requesting authorization from Congress to establish additional generating capacity.”

Almeda also noted that the ERC could impose

NEGOSYO AGRARYO. The Regional Grand Bagsakan and 2nd Negosyo Agraryo Fair 2025 returns to Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo, Manila, from July 30 to August 3. The event features Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and products from Region 2. Richmond Chi

penalties on SIPCOR and order consumer refunds if violations of its rules or the power supply agreement are found. The NEA is also coordinating with the Department of Justice for any “violations other than

power obligations.”

Among the “serious lapses” identified by officials is SIPCOR’s lack of a reserve generator and its failure to deliver its committed capacity under its contract.

DA seeks to import 150,000 MT of pork under MAV Plus

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking to import an additional 150,000 metric tons (MT) of pork under the Minimum Access Volume Plus (MAV Plus) scheme in a bid to temper rising food prices ahead of the holiday season, Agriculture Sec-

retary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in an interview.

Tiu Laurel clarified that the bulk of the imports will be channeled through the government’s Kadiwa program to help lower retail pork prices and ensure a more stable supply across public markets.

“The volume that we are asking for under MAV Plus is 150,000 tons. But the majority of this will

plan

only be sold to Kadiwa. The Kadiwa system is meant to bring pork prices down to a more reasonable market level,” he said.

Of the total, 30,000 MT will be allocated to meat processors to help stabilize the cost of canned goods.

Tiu Laurel noted that the DA may even ask processors to reduce prices once the new supply arrives.

By Charles Dantes

THE Department of Health (DOH) will roll out an expanded nationwide immunization campaign starting September, aiming to vaccinate millions of children and vulnerable groups against life-threatening but preventable diseases, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa announced.

Speaking in a public briefing, Herbosa said the goal is to immunize 95% of roughly two million children annually with 16 different vaccines under the National Immunization Program. These include protection against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis, and other illnesses.

“Vaccination is really worth it; this is how we prevent children from dying from vaccine-preventable diseases,” Herbosa said. “Each year, children need to complete

vaccinations. This is a collaborative effort with LGUs,

society, and the private sector,” he added.

CRITICAL. The driver and passenger of a Toyota Veluz that fell from the flyover along Centennial Road remain in critical condition as of Tuesday night, July 29, in Barangay Sta. Rosa in Noveleta, Cavite. Dennis Abrina

CA ruling on ’08 sea mishap hailed

By Rio N. Araja

THE Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) on Wednesday welcomed an amended decision of the Court of Appeals increasing the amount for moral and exemplary damages for some of the 71 passengers of M/V Princess of the Stars that capsized and sank off the coast off Romblon at the height of typhoon “Frank” on June 21, 2008.

PAO chief Persida Acosta echoed the CA’s ruling that there was gross negligence and bad faith on the part of the Philippine Span Asia Carrier

Corp. (formerly known as Sulpicio Lines Inc.), operator of the ill-starred ship, in the performance of its duties as a common carrier.

DENR sets up office in Negros Island Region

DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael Lotilla yesterday announced the establishment of the Negros Island Region (NIR) office with career executive Charlie Fabre as officer-in-charge with the rank of regional executive director.

Republic Act No. 12000 re-established the Negros Island Region, including the island province of Siquijor.

The NIR was originally created in 2015, comprising Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, but was abolished in 2017.

“The establishment of the DENR-NIR marks a significant step towards ensuring environmental conservation in the Negros Island Region, which is home to critical watersheds, biodiversity hotspots, and vibrant coastal and marine ecosystems, including the Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area and the Sagay Marine Reserve in Negros Occidental, as well as the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park and Apo Island Protected Landscape and Seascape in Negros Oriental,” Lotilla said.

Meanwhile, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling issued Department Order No. 2025-021 transforming the Expanded 4PH into beneficiary-centric program aimed not only at building decent homes but offering dignified living for homebuyers/beneficiaries. Rio N. Araja

IN BRIEF

LPP elects Albano SVP for N. Luzon

ILAGAN City—Isabela Gov. Rodito Albano has been elected as senior vice president for North Luzon of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP).

Quirino Gov. Dakila Carlo Cua was reelected as chairman while South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo as chosen as president during the LPP’s general assembly held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Quezon City last Friday ( July 25).

Others elected were Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda as executive vice president, Camarines Sur Gov. LRay Villafuerte, Jr. as senior vice president for South Luzon, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr. as senior vice president for Visayas, Dinagat Is. Gov. Nilo Demerey, Jr. as senior vice president for Mindanao, and Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal as secretary-general. Interior and Local Government Secretary DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla Jr. administered the oath to the new set of leaders of the LPP. Jessica M. Bacud

The CA amended its 2024 decision to increase the total indemnification from P133,869,801.90 to P136,329,914.38 per fatality.

The Appellate Court, in its July 2025 amended decision, reaffirmed the personal liability of the shipowners — Enrique Go, Eusebio Go, Carlos Go, Victoriano Go, Dominador Go, Ricardo Go, Edward Go and Edgar Go — that “they were grossly negligent in directing it’s affairs.”

Acosta said the CA even granted a quo’s award of P400,000 in moral damages and another P400,000 in exemplary damages each for four survivors

— Gerardo Pelimer, Francisco Batula, Sosan Lisbo and Rodel Laborte—who went through the ordeal of struggling to survive the raging sea even as they saw their loved ones perish in the hostile waters.

A source said one of the four survivors had even developed a phobia of water, refusing to take a daily bath for some time after the tragedy.

The appelate court granted augmentation in death benefits for the fatalities namely Arlene Clarin, Josephine Illut and her son, Antonio Fausto, Cupertino Parba Sr., and Teresito Laborte Sr., among others.

LTO promotes online driver’s license renewal

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) steps up its information drive to encourage more people to avail of the online platform in the renewal of driver’s license.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said he has instructed all regional directors to amplify traditional and social media campaigns to promote online driver’s license renewal.

“With this digital platform, our kababayan (countrymen), especially the busy workers, will save more time, energy and even their hard-earned money if they avail of this because they no longer have to go to LTO offices for this particular transaction,” he said.

Rio N. Araja

Police buy-bust bags 2 suspected gun runners

POLICE have arrested two suspected gun dealers in a buy-bust operation on Monday (July 28) on Circumferential Road 5 (C5) in Taguig City. The Southern Police District launched the operation following a report from a concerned citizen regarding illegal firearms being sold in Quezon City, Taguig, and nearby areas.

Acting on the information the District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) coordinated with other pertinent units to map out the entrapment.

The arrested team also confiscated one 9mm Jericho 941 pistol, three magazines, nine live rounds of ammunition, the marked ₱1,000 bill used in the buy-bust, a red canister concealing the firearm, two mobile phones, and a gray vehicle used by the suspects. Vince Lopez

Bill grants maternity cash subsidy for workers in informal sector

By Maricel V. Cruz

A BILL filed at the House of Representatives provides maternity cash benefits for women workers in the informal sector.

House Bill (HB) 2240, authored by Parañaque 2nd District Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan, covers women employed in the informal economy

DAR looks back to 2024 as ‘banner

AGRARIAN Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella

III hailed 2024 as a “banner year” for the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), highlighting the agency’s triple-digit growth in key land distribution programs.

Estrella unveiled DAR’s achievements in the first half of 2025, which he said would translate into stronger food security and improved agricultural productivity.

“In 2024, we surpassed the 100,000-mark in distributed land titles. And this 2025, I foresee that we will reach 200,000 titles to be distributed.

I believe our trajectory will be around 300,000 to 400,000 titles, which our farmers have long been waiting for,” he said.

“Some waited for 15, 20, some have been waiting for 30 years and they are finally receiving

these titles.” Estrella said.

who are not members of the Social Security System (SSS), whether on a regular or voluntary basis.

They include freelancers, own-account workers, home-based workers and workers in unrecognized or unregulated employment relationships.

HB 2240, which is among the first batch of bills authored by Yamsuan in the 20th Congress, proposes “a onetime direct maternity cash benefit per delivery” to informal sector female workers “equivalent to the prevailing minimum wage rate in their region of residence multiplied by 22 days.”

year’

During his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday, President Marcos assured farmers of continuous land title distribution, as well as the condonation of unpaid loans and mortgages of the agrarian reform beneficiaries.

The President said he wanted to assure the farmers that the land they will soon own the land they till.

Estrella disclosed that since the beginning of the Marcos administration, the DAR has significantly increased its output.

He said during the first six months of the Marcos administration alone from July to December 2022, the DAR distributed over 26,000 land titles.

In 2023, the number doubled to more than 50,000, and by 2024, DAR had already surpassed 100,000 land title distributions, Estrella added.

“A big chunk of our informal workers who contribute to energizing our economy are women and many of them do not

receive any benefits from the government. Our bill aims to change this unfair treatment of them,” said Yamsuan.

Yamsuan cited the bill’s significance in the wake of President Marcos’ commitment reaffirmed during his 4th State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) to expand opportunities for low-income Filipinos to set up small businesses.

VIEW FROM ABOVE. La Union Gov. Mario Eduardo Ortega assesses the extent of destruction in the aftermath of typhoon ‘Emong’ while aboard a military plane. La Union PIO

UMBRELLA POWER. On a rainy day, even in Baguio City, you don’t leave home without an umbrella. It is some kind of a roof which you can carry around, rain or shine. Dave Leprozo

OPINION

BERNADETTE Sembrano, in the concluding portion of last Friday’s (June 25) TV Patrol newscast, had a cute way of putting the SONA expectations so aptly – “Sana, SONA.”

Indeed, after three major events last week, the SONA has become anti-climactic.

It was drowned out by floods which affected millions of our countrymen, courtesy of corruption so criminal which the president himself admitted before in his fourth SONA.

It was upended by Donald Trump embarrassing the “tough negotiator” who went all the way to DC just to meekly accept “mumo,” Tagalog patois for crumbs falling off the table.

And then on June 25, the Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, thrashed the articles of impeachment brought forth by the HoR to the Senate for trial “forthwith” as unconstitutional on very fundamental grounds, from violation of the one-year ban to grave abuse of its discretion.

And so, from what the president should have salvaged by way of an enumeration of “accomplishments” and a definition of his way forward after the mid-term elections, the much-awaited SONA has become “sana!”

Drowned by the heavens, upended by the self-styled emperor of the world, and eclipsed by the Supreme Court in a 13-0 vote, via a ponencia authored by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen.

The president’s fourth SONA “sana” failed to show concrete achievements, and recited cosmetic programs like the Benteng Bigas Meron na, and discounts on the LRT for seniors.

It was reactive to the criticisms of the public without presenting real pro-active programs other than what his Cabinet has been presenting as its “bright” if band-aid solutions.

I admired PBbM’s first SONA, where he asked Congress to pass 19 priority measures, most of which would positively impact our lives beyond his sixyear term. He then sounded like Singapore’s Lee Hsien Loong.

Three years after, the bureaucracy has not been right-sized. Instead, it has an overgrown head, with dozens of undersecretaries and assistant secretaries getting fat emoluments for doing little or nothing.

The budget was supposed to be “modernized.” Instead, insertions by legislators for graft-laden projects became norm and, worse, in the notorious bicameral conference committee where sleight of hand is modus operandi.

Three years after, he now rues the way the 2025 budget has been mangled by not just the bicam, but by the leadership of Congress, mismo! Yet they remain by overwhelming clamor.

The National Land Use Act, met by applause, even if Congress has not allowed it to prosper beyond committee.

That ought to be the basis for rational zoning by both the national agencies and

the LGUs, and was first introduced by Orly Mercado back in Cory Aquino’s time, re-filed annually by Gringo Honasan, but land use “just lies there, and dies there.”

Has the military pension system been rationalized, so that it becomes sustainable?

What about the Medical Reserve Corps? And through the past three years, we are still grappling with the same chronic diseases, from dengue to leptospirosis, even as MAIP, another pork barrel mutation of our legislators who de-funded Philhealth, has become the new modus.

Legislators responded with applause, ovation even, while they invent new schemes on how to make their days ‘forever happy’

This time, the president promises more “freebies” from Philhealth. Come on!

That first SONA promised amendments to the EPIRA that would “ensure consumer protection and enhance the competitive operation of the electricity market.” Words, words, words!

We could go on and on, but at the end, all we can say is “sana.”

He ended the first SONA by declaring that the “state of the nation is sound.” He repeated that in his second SONA, stating with flourish, “dumating na po ang Bagong Pilipinas.”

Three years late, he seems to have discovered that Congress has stolen the nation’s future from the hands of the Executive, and while asking them to be ashamed of themselves, threatens an audit and investigation. Ne nemen?

Legislators responded with applause, ovation even, while they invent new schemes on how to make their days “forever happy.”

At the end of three years, there have been no significant changes that indicate sustained reduction of the poverty rate, meaningful employment, better social services, availability and affordability of food except for the usual importation as solution.

And FDIs are few and far between, while tourists shun our LOVE-ly islands.

Yet the corruption has gone overboard, fattening the pockets and ensuring the political longevity of forever dynasties.

After an hour of reacting and resolving, while mocking the applause of the “lolongs” and seeing the unbelieving faces of the diplomats in his audience, we the people can only say “asa ka pa.”

Palantir, the AI giant that preaches US dominance

PALO ALTO, California – Palantir, an American data analysis and artificial intelligence company, has emerged as Silicon Valley’s latest tech darling -- one that makes no secret of its macho, Americafirst ethos now ascendant in Trump-era tech culture.

The company’s reach spans the global economy, with banks, hospitals, the US government, and the Israeli military among its ever-expanding client roster.

“We want and need this country to be the strongest, most important country in the world,” Alex Karp, Palantir’s CEO, recently declared at a client conference in Palo Alto, California, where AFP was the only media outlet present.

In armed conflicts -- most notably in Ukraine -- Palantir’s tools help evaluate potential targets in real-time, using multiple sources, including biometric data and intercepted phone calls.

“I’m super proud of... what we do to protect our soldiers... (using our AI) to kill our enemies and scare them, because they know they will be killed,” the graying, curly-haired billionaire continued, wearing a tight white T-shirt. Washington has been filling Palantir’s coffers.

In the first quarter, the company received $373 million from the US government -- a 45 percent jump from the previous year -- and it’s not all military spending.

This spring, federal immigration authorities (ICE) awarded the company a

$30 million contract to develop a new platform for tracking deportations and visa overstays.

‘Like a drug’

The company then secured an investment of nearly $800 million from the US military, adding to the $480 million contract signed in May 2024 for its AI platform supporting the Pentagon’s “Project Maven” target identification program.

In armed conflicts — most notably in Ukraine -- Palantir’s tools help evaluate potential targets in real-time, using multiple sources, including biometric data and intercepted phone calls

This marked Palantir’s first billiondollar contract, elevating it alongside government contracting stalwarts like Microsoft and Amazon’s AWS. However, financial results “are not and will never be the ultimate measure of the value, broadly defined, of our business,”

is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt:

whose

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EDITORIAL

Where did P1 trillion flood control funds go?

IN PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address before Congress last Monday (July 28), legislators and top national and local officials present greeted with a standing ovation his announcement to go hammer and tongs after those responsible for flood control projects that failed to prevent widespread flooding.

The president’s announcement must have been no less than a punch in the gut for the lawmakers who allotted funds for flood control projects and public works officials who implemented these projects.

The question now is whether we can expect honest-to-goodness flood control projects that really work, and not projects that serve only to fatten the bank accounts of the unscrupulous and the hopelessly corrupt.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson is therefore on the right track in calling for a review of the government’s flood control projects.

What he is saying is that almost half of almost P2 trillion allocated for flood control since 2011 may have been lost to corruption.

“Isn’t it absurd,” he pointed out, “that the rise of floodwaters in our country is directly proportional to the increase in the annual budget for the national government’s flood management program?

Karp wrote in his letter to shareholders in early May, where he tossed in quotes from Saint Augustine, the Bible and Richard Nixon.

“We have grander and more idiosyncratic aims.”

Palantir was founded in 2003 by Peter Thiel -- Silicon Valley’s preeminent conservative -- Karp, and others with CIA backing.

The company takes its name from the magical seeing stones in Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings.”

“Young people would say we’re like pure drugs -- very expensive, highly sought after... that make you stronger and better,” Karp boasted on stage.

Palantir’s expanding footprint at the highest levels of government has raised eyebrows.

Several members of the Trump administration’s “DOGE” cost-cutting

“For 15 years since 2011, the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) is supposed to have spent almost 2 trillion pesos…We also can-

The Senate probe is timely and appropriate since we can expect more weather disturbances in the country amid global climate change

not discount the fact that of the P2 trillion in allocations, P1 trillion may have ended up in some people’s pockets.”

Climate change has been tagged as a factor in the flooding problem but he government really needs to improve the preparation, planning

commission, originally headed by Elon Musk, came from the company.

Recent reports from The New York Times, Wired, and CNN have detailed secret government projects to create, with Palantir’s help, a central database combining data from different federal agencies.

‘Deeply proud’

This development has created “a lot of concerns about how that information might be used,” warned Elizabeth Laird from the Center for Democracy & Technology.

Palantir maintains it isn’t building “surveillance technology” or a “central database on Americans.”

Unlike most traditional Silicon Valley companies that have kept military projects discreet, Palantir now embraces its defense work openly.

Sasha Spivak, director of strategy, said

and implementation of flood control projects.

The senator explained that two trillion pesos means an average daily expense of almost P350 million for the past 15 years. If a midsize cutter suction dredger costs anywhere from $1.5 million to $8 million at $5 million or P285 million with the current peso-dollar exchange rate, the government can actually buy one dredging machine every day and use part of the excess of P65 million for operating expenses and maintenance.

The lawmaker has also bared inequitable and distorted allocation of funds for flood-control projects in some areas in the 2025 budget, such as a small barangay in Oriental Mindoro that received P1.9 billion and a small town in the same province that received P10 billion.

Sen. Bam Aquino has also indicated he wants to take part in a thorough probe of flood control projects to determine which ones have worked and those that have failed miserably, so this can be a double-barreled attack on a problem that has persisted for so long. The Senate probe is timely and appropriate since we can expect more weather disturbances in the country amid global climate change that can exact a heavy toll on lives and properties in the years to come.

that when she joined Palantir ten years ago, the company kept its sense of purpose behind closed doors.

“Today we’re not ashamed, we’re not afraid, and we’re deeply proud of what we do and our clients,” said Spivak. Some employee groups are pushing back. In early May, 13 former Palantir employees published a letter accusing tech giants of helping to “normalize authoritarianism under the cover of a ‘revolution’ led by oligarchs.”

They argue that by supporting the Trump administration and DOGE, Palantir has betrayed its stated values of ethics, transparency, and defending democracy.

“When I joined the company... there were many smart, motivated people -that’s pretty rare,” said one of the letter’s signatories, who wishes to remain anonymous, for fear of reprisal. AFP

This

Generate

political cartoon in horizontal format of a group of ordinary Filipinos

faces

covered with black smoke.

black smoke smiles menacingly as their black claws cover the eyes

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2025

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF

Trump’s ex-personal lawyer confirmed as US judge

WASHINGTON, DC — US President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer was confirmed by the Senate Tuesday to become a federal appellate judge in a 5049 partisan vote.

The Republican-led Senate confirmed Emil Bove as a judge on the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals, a lifetime appointment, despite fiery opposition from Democrats, who walked out of a Senate committee meeting in protest earlier this month.

Two GOP Senators — Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski and Maine’s Susan Collins — voted against the nomination, but Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the chamber and were able to carry the vote anyway.

A former federal prosecutor, Bove, 44, was nominated by Trump while serving as the third-ranking official in the Justice Department.

His nomination drew fierce criticism, and Senator Dick Durbin, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued a statement Tuesday night lambasting Bove after he got the new job. AFP

‘Welcome to hell’: Migrants tell of horrors in jail

MACARAIBO, Venezuela — Mervin Yamarte left Venezuela with his younger brother, hoping for a better life.

But after a perilous jungle march, US detention, and long months in a Salvadoran jail surviving riots, beatings and fear, he has returned home a wounded and changed man.

On entering the sweltering Caribbean port of Maracaibo, the first thing Yamarte did after hugging his mother and six-yearold daughter was to burn the baggy white prison shorts he wore during four months of “hell.”

“The suffering is over now,” said the 29-year-old, enjoying a longed-for moment of catharsis. Yamarte was one of 252 Venezuelans detained in US President Donald Trump’s March immigration crackdown, accused without evidence of gang activity, and deported to El Salvador’s notorious Terrorism Confinement Center, known as CECOT. AFP

Shanghai evacuates 283,000 people

SHANGHAI – Shanghai has evacuated almost 283,000 people from vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas as Typhoon Co-May made landfall in the Chinese financial hub on Wednesday evening, bringing lashing rains and winds.

Almost a third of flights from Shanghai’s two international airports have been cancelled, the city’s news service said, totaling around 640.

The Shanghai Central Meteorological Observatory upgraded an earlier yellow rainstorm alert to orange on Wednesday afternoon, the second-highest warning level.

Typhoon Co-May first made landfall in eastern Zhejiang province around 4:30 am Wednesday (2030 GMT Tuesday), with winds near its center of 83 kilometers per hour.

“From last night to 10:00 am today, 282,800 people have been evacuated and relocated, basically achieving the goal of evacuating all those who needed to be evacuated,” state broadcaster CCTV reported.

More than 1,900 temporary shelters have been set up across the city, authorities said. AFP

Ukraine says Russian strike on camp kills 3 soldiers

KYIV — A Russian strike on a military training camp killed at least three Ukrainian soldiers on Tuesday, following an overnight offensive in the south that killed a pregnant woman and a dozen prisoners.

The Kremlin has come under intense pressure to end its war on Ukraine, now in its fourth year, with US President Donald Trump issuing a 10-day ultimatum to act or face sanctions.

On social media, the Ukrainian army said a Russian missile hit one of the ground force’s training units, without specifying the location.

At least “three servicemen are dead and 18 wounded,” it said Tuesday.

Over the previous night, a series of Russian attacks killed at least 25 civilians, including a 23-year-old pregnant woman and more than a dozen inmates at the Bilenkiska penal colony in southern Zaporizhzhia region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of deliberately targeting the prison, which the justice ministry said killed 17 people and wounded another 42.

The Kremlin denied the claim, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov telling reporters, “the Russian army does not strike civilian targets”. AFP

Huge quake off Russia sparks big Pacific tsunami warnings

TOKYO – One of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded struck Russia’s sparsely populated Far East early Wednesday, causing tsunamis of up to four meters across the Pacific and sparking evacuations from Hawaii to Japan.

The magnitude 8.8 quake struck at 8:24 am off Petropavlovsk on Russia’s remote Kamchatka peninsula and was one

of the 10 biggest recorded, according to the USGS. Russian authorities said a tsunami hit and flooded the port town of SeveroKurilsk, while local media said one of between three and four metres high was recorded in the Elizovsky district of Kamchatka.

A video posted on Russian social media appeared to show buildings in the town submerged in seawater. Authorities said the population of around 2,000 people was evacuated.

Several people were injured in Russia by the quake, state media reported, but none of them seriously.

“The walls were shaking,” an Elizovsky resident told state media Zvezda.

“It’s good that we packed a suitcase, there was one with water and clothes near the door. We quickly grabbed it and ran

Thailand accuses Cambodia of ‘flagrant violation’ of truce

BANGKOK – Thailand accused Cambodia on Wednesday of a “flagrant violation” of a truce deal to end cross-border fighting, saying Cambodian troops launched an overnight attack on the frontier.

The nations agreed a ceasefire starting Tuesday after five days of clashes killed at least 43 on both sides, as a long-standing dispute over contested border temples boiled over into open combat on their 800-kilometer frontier.

But Thailand’s foreign ministry said its troops in Sisaket province “came under attack by small arms fire and grenade assaults launched by Cambodian forces” in an offensive which continued until Wednesday morning.

“This represents a flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement,” said a foreign ministry statement.

Thai government spokesman Jirayu Huangsab also reported overnight clashes but said in a statement “the Thai side maintained control of the situation” and “general conditions along the border are reported to be normal” from 8:00 am (0100 GMT).

Cambodia has previously denied breaking the truce, designed to end fighting which has seen the two countries evacuate a total of more than 300,000 people from the border region.

An AFP journalist on the Cambodian side who heard a steady drumbeat of artillery fire since fighting began last Thursday reported hearing no blasts between the start of the truce and Wednesday morning.

The armistice got off to a shaky start in the early hours of Tuesday, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of continuing attacks in “a clear attempt to undermine mutual trust” -- before peace generally prevailed. AFP

out... It was very scary,” she said. Officials from countries with a Pacific coastline in North and South America -including the United States, Mexico and Ecuador -- issued warnings to avoid affected beaches.

In Japan, people evacuated by car or on foot to higher ground -- including in Hokkaido, where a first wave measuring 30 centimetres was observed.

There were no injuries or damage reported in Japan as of midday. .

In Hawaii, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said residents and the thousands of visitors should get to safety on upper floors of buildings or on higher ground.

“People should not, and I will say it one more time, should not, as we have seen in the past, stay around the shoreline or risk their lives just to see what a tsunami looks like,” governor Josh Green said.

“It is not a regular wave. It will actually kill you if you get hit by a tsunami,” Green said.

Wednesday’s quake was the strongest since 1952 in the Kamchatka region, the regional seismic monitoring service said, warnings of aftershocks of up to 7.5 magnitude. The epicenter of the earthquake is roughly the same as the massive 9.0 temblor that year which resulted in a destructive, Pacific-wide tsunami, according to the USGS.

At least six aftershocks have further rattled the region, including one of 6.9 magnitude and another listed at 6.3.

The US Tsunami Warning Centers said waves exceeding three metres above the tide level were possible along some coasts of Ecuador, northwestern Hawaiian islands and Russia. AFP

and India is set to launch Wednesday, designed to track subtle changes in Earth’s land and ice surfaces and help predict both natural and human-caused hazards. Dubbed NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), the pickup trucksized spacecraft is scheduled to lift off at 5:40 pm from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on India’s southeastern coast, riding an ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle rocket. Highly anticipated by scientists, the mission has also been hailed as a milestone in growing US-India cooperation between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Our planet surface undergoes constant and meaningful change,” Karen St Germain, director of NASA’s Earth Science division, told reporters.

“Some change happens slowly. Some happens abruptly. Some changes are large, while some are subtle.” By picking up on tiny changes in the vertical movement of the Earth’s surface -- as little as one centimeter (0.4 inches) -- scientists will be able to detect the precusors for natural and human-caused disasters, from earthquakes, landsides and volcanoes to aging infrastructure like dams and bridges.

“We’ll see land substance and swelling, movement, deformation and melting of mountain glaciers and ice sheets covering both Greenland and Antarctica, and of course, we’ll see wildfires,” added St Germain, calling NISAR “the most sophisticated radar we’ve ever built.” Equipped with a 12-meter dish that will unfold in space, NISAR will record nearly all of Earth’s land and ice twice every 12 days from an altitude of 747 kilometers. As it orbits, the satellite will continuously transmit microwaves and receive echoes from the surface. AFP

Zverev makes winning Toronto return after a month off court

TORONTO—Alexander Zverev

made a storming return after a month away from tennis on Tuesday, with the top seed pounding out a 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 win over Adam Walton to reach the third round of the ATP Toronto Masters.

The German top seed, who lost in the Wimbledon first round, has spent the last weeks dealing with mental burnout and also made a trip to Rafael Nadal’s Mallorca academy for consultations and perhaps some career advice during his time away.

The ATP world number three came from 4-1 down in the opening set tiebreaker and did not face a break point until he found himself down 0-40 as he tried to serve out victory leading a set and 5-3.

Though he lost that game, the German immediately broke back, with his Australian opponent double-faulting on a Zverev match point.

His victory included a massive 52shot rally, with the triumph putting Zverev on 499 wins for his career.

“Sometimes it’s just about winning,” Zverev said. “It was not the prettiest match, though.”

The 2017 champion in Canada will now play Italian Matteo Arnaldi, who defeated qualifier Tristan Schoolkate 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Third-seeded Lorenzo Musetti and number five Holger Rune both eased into action with comfortable straight set wins. The pair began after byes and wasted little time in advancing into the third round, with Musetti hammering Australian qualifier James Duckworth 7-5, 6-1. Rune dispatched big hitter Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6 (9/7), 6-3. AFP

Top seed Gauff whips Collins to advance at Canadian Open

MONTREAL—World number two Coco Gauff battled into the third round of the WTA Canadian Open on Tuesday by outlasting US compatriot Danielle Collins 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7/2).

Gauff won the last six points of the match to capture her opener in her first hardcourt tune-up event on the road to the US Open, which starts on August 24.

Top seed Gauff, the reigning French Open champion who also won the 2023 US Open, advanced to a third-round Montreal match against fifth-ranked Veronika Kudermetova, who eliminated Serbian Olga Danilovic 6-4, 6-2.

“It was a frustrating match for me just because I felt like I was practicing well and then I don’t think I transferred it,” Gauff said.

Former NBA cager Morris arrested on fraud charge

“But hopefully I got my bad match of the tournament out of the way and I can come back stronger in the next round.”

The 21-year-old Gauff, seeking her 11th career WTA title, fired 23 double faults against three aces, but closed out the match with an ace after two hours and 55 minutes.

“It was a tough battle out there,” Gauff said. “Making serves in the court was the toughest challenge. Maybe if I cut that in half it could be a quicker match for me. I thought I was playing well, except for that part of my game.”

Gauff converted nine of 16 break

chances in her first victory since capturing the title at Roland Garros.

“For me to break her as many times as I did, there are some positives to take from today,” Gauff said.

Collins and Gauff exchanged breaks in the first four games before Gauff held and then broke again for a 4-2 lead then held again.

But serving for the set, Gauff swatted a crosscourt forehand wide to surrender a break and Collins held to 5-5, only for Gauff to hold then break at love to take the first set in 53 minutes on the fifth of 13 Collins double faults.

After trading four breaks in the first six games, Collins broke at love to 4-3 and held twice to force a third set.

Collins served for the match leading 6-5 in the final set only for Gauff

to break with a backhand crosscourt winner to force a tiebreaker. Gauff fell behind 2-1 but landed an mis-hit lob winner and never dropped another point, Collins hitting a forehand long, double faulting and netting a backhand to 5-2 before Gauff blasted a service winner and ace to end matters. Ito ousts Paolini The day’s biggest shocker saw Japanese qualifier Aoi Ito stun Italian seventh seed Jasmine Paolini 2-6, 7-5,

Basilan stuns Pampanga; Nueva Ecija rips Bataan

MIAMI—Former NBA player Marcus Morris has been arrested on a felony fraud charge after being accused of bouncing two checks worth a com bined $265,000 at Las Vegas casinos, according to multiple reports Tuesday. Las Vegas television station KLAS and celebrity website TMZ reported that Morris got $150,000 from Wynn Hotel and Casino in June 2024 and also wrote checks for $115,000 to the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in May of last year. Morris, who has appeared as a guest analyst on ESPN, was arrested Sunday at an airport in Florida on a warrant from Nevada and will be extradited to Las Vegas, according to Clark County court records seen by KLAS.

The 35-year-old American faces one charge of drawing and passing a check without sufficient funds with intent to defraud more than $1,200 and a theft charge for $100,000 or more. While he did not play last season, Morris spent 13 seasons in the NBA from 2011-2024 with Houston, Phoenix, Detroit, Boston, New York, the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia and Cleveland.

He had career averages of 12.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists a game.

Markief Morris, the twin brother of Marcus who played for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, posted on X about the situation, saying: "The wording is crazy. Damn for that amount of money they'll embarrass you in the airport with your family." "They got y'all really thinking bro did some fraud... They could have came to the crib for all that." AFP

BASILAN Starhorse leaned on the free throw accuracy of Enzo Navarro in the last minute to stun Pampanga, 89-82, on Tuesday in Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Navarro canned eight charities in that span as the Portmasters quashed the Giant Lanterns’ final rally and raised their record to 10-9 in the roundrobin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.

Basilan’s show of force overshadowed Nueva Ecija’s 94-78 drubbing of Bataan earlier that gave the Rice Vanguards a 19-1 slate and a share of the lead with the San Juan Knights and the Abra Solid North Weavers.

Basilan’s Jervy Cruz delivered 19 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists to clinch best player honors over Emman Calo, with 22 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks, and Navarro, who finished with 14 points, highlighted by a perfect 9 of 9 from the stripe, 8 assists and 2 rebounds.

Enzo Joson also shone with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists for the Portmasters, who converted 19 of 22 free throws for an impressive 86.4 percent, against the Giant Lanterns, who sank only 21 of 40 attempts for a mediocre 52.5 percent.

Pampanga, the reigning back-to-

By Peter Atencio

THE Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball is doing fine with adjustments done in the absence of three key players.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio said this with Gilas getting for action in the coming FIBA Asia Cup 2025 on August 6 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Even with big men JuneMar Fajardo, Kai Sotto and Calvin Oftana not around, Gilas Pilipinas showed its depth when they scored a come-from-behind 10398 win over the visiting Macau Black Bears on Monday night.

“In the first half, they we were rusty a bit. But they focused in the second, played defense and played tough. You could see the potential of this team,” said Panlilio.

The 6’10” Fajardo is just resting and will be around to anchor the national team’s frontcourt when they play their first game against Taiwan.

On the other hand, the 7’3” Sotto, who was present during the Macau friendly with Fajardo, will continue recovering from the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear he suffered in January in the Japan B.League.

Oftana, TNT’s prolific forward, will take more time re -

back champion, dropped to 15-6 despite ruling the boards, 61-33. Larry Muyang grabbed 22 rebounds on top of 17 points and 2 steals for the Giant Lanterns, who made only 27 of 76 field goal attempts for 35 percent. Pampanga also got 17 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals from John Lloyd Clemente and 11 points plus 4 rebounds from Jhan Mchale Nermal.

Jhaymo Eguilos bunched all of his 8 points in the homestretch to push Pampanga within 79-84, with only 12.5 seconds left.

Nueva Ecija’s Jaycee Marcelino posted 20 points and 4 assists to clinch best player honors over Will McAloney, with 15 points and 6 rebounds, and Rob Celiz, with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. The Rice Vanguards surged ahead, 83-63, midway through the fourth quarter and pulled down the Risers to 7-14 despite Yves Sazon’s 19 points and Alfred Flores’ 10 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.

Quezon City Galeries Taipan trounced Bacolod, 85-73, in the opener to improve to 6-14.

John Edcel Rojas paced the Taipans with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists; followed by Dave Bernabe with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks; and Nino Ibanez with 12 points and 2 assists.

cover from the sprain in both his ankles, which he suffered during the just concluded PBA Philippine Cup finals against San Miguel Beer.

“Kai, Junemar and Calvin are not even playing. But it’s a great in my view,” added Panlilio. Gilas will have a lean roster made up of RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, Rhenz Abando, Zavier Lucero, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, CJ Perez, Carl Tamayo, Dwight Ramos, Justin Brownlee and AJ Edu. Kevin Quiambao will be around to fill up a slot in the middle, in the absence of Fajardo and Sotto.

Coco Gauff of the United States plays a forehand against Danielle Collins of the United States during their second-round match on Day 3 of the WTA 1000 National Bank Open at IGA Stadium in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. AFP

Marcus Morris

Jervy Cruz of Basilan

SBP president Al Panlilio

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Team SD Worx - Protime’s Dutch rider Lorena

celebrates as she crosses the nish line to win the 3rd stage (out of 9) of the fourth edition of the

Wiebes claims Tour de France stage as Vos stays ahead

POITIERS, France—Dutch cyclist

Lorena Wiebes won the fourth stage of the women’s Tour de France on Tuesday, outpacing her compatriot and yellow jersey-holder Marianne Vos at the end of a bunch sprint.

Just as in the previous day’s stage, the SD Worx team sprinter once again beat the overall leader by a wheel to claim her second consecutive stage victory.

“On the final straight it was a big chaos and I was really fighting for position,” said Wiebes, 26.

“It’s really nice to win again and it’s really nice to finish it off for the girls after their hard work at the end again.”

Ireland’s Lara Gillespie completed the podium at the end of a stage which was thankfully much cleaner than Monday’s in Angers, when several riders found themselves caught up in a mass crash.

The main victim of that crash, Dutch rider Demi Vollering, appeared apprehensive at the start in Saumur on Tuesday.

Wong honored as flag bearer for PH at World Games 2025

By Randy Caluag

PHILIPPINE wushu star Agatha F. Wong will proudly carry the nation’s colors as one of Team Philippines’ flag bearers at the World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China -- a recognition that holds a special meaning for the 27-year-old athlete and her sport.

Wong expressed her deep gratitude for the honor, emphasizing how rare this moment is both for her personally and her sports wushu in the Philippines.

“It’s so dear to my heart because wushu isn’t a well-known sport in the country, and to be chosen as

a flagbearer feels like such a big step—not just for me, but for my federation and my teammates,” Wong said in an interview by Radyo Pilipinas 2.

A five-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist and two-time World Wushu Championships silver medalist, Wong has long been a trailblazer for her discipline. Her selection as flag bearer shines a spotlight on wushu and offers hope that it will gain greater recognition nationwide.

“Hopefully, this is one step closer to giving my sport the exposure it deserves,” added Wong, who is balancing her athletic career, while pursuing a medical degree at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Inc.

Wong’s appointment as flag bearer not only celebrates her personal achievements but also symbolizes a milestone for wushu, marking its growing presence on the international stage under the Philippine flag.

Wong holds in the Philippine ag

PH grouped with Australia, Korea, Iran in AFC Asian Cup

By Peter Atencio

THE Philippine national women’s football team, now ranked no. 41 in the world, was bracketed in Group A of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup 2026, according to the drawing of lots and official groupings done last Tuesday at the Sydney Town Hall in Australia.

The Filipinas will be with host nation and World Cup regular Australia, AFC Cup 2022 runner-up South Korea and Iran.

Australia is the highest-ranked squad in their bracket at no. 15, with South Korea at no. 21 and Iran at no. 68.

The Filipinas are considered solid contenders following their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup participation in New Zealand.

Back then, former coach Allen Stajcic coached the Filipinas to a finals’ Coach Mark Torcaso gives instructions to the Philippine national women’s football team.

appearance in the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship.

Bunched in Group B are reigning champion China, North Korea, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan, while Group C will have third-placer Japan, Vietnam, India, and Chinese Taipei.

Stajcic’s replacement Mark Torcaso was at the draw with other head coaches of the qualified teams.

The Filipinas will be back in the tournament, backed by experience for having joined the qualifiers in the 2018 edition in Jordan and the 2022 tournament in India.

The tournament will prepare the Filipinas for the 2026 edition, to be held in Perth, Australia.

The Filipinas officially secured their spot in the tournament when they swept the qualifiers held in Cambodia, posting a perfect 3-0 record against Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and the host nation.

Dungca sizzles in JPGT Riviera debut; Edocs dominate

SILANG, Cavite—Ronee Dungca slowed down after a sizzling start but remained unchallenged, cruising to a commanding seven-shot triumph in the girls’ 7-10 division in her debut on the ICTSI Junior PGT Series at the Riviera Golf and Country Club.

Dungca closed with an 80 despite a shaky 43 on the back nine of the Couples course, completing a wireto-wire victory with a 36-hole total of 153. Her solid opening-round 73 all but locked up the title, giving her a nine-stroke cushion that proved insurmountable.

While her eight-over-par final round fell short of her personal goal of 67, it was more than enough to secure the win on another blustery day.

Tyra Garingalao, who carded a 78 for a 160 total, settled for second, while

Penelope Sy and Ziyu Liu struggled in the wind, finishing with 85-172 and 91-175, respectively.

“I feel good, happy. I feel a lot of things,” said Dungca, a 9-year-old student from OB Montessori in Angeles, Pampanga. “But what I liked most was meeting new people and not getting a bad score.”

Focused until the final hole, Dungca stressed the importance of continued practice, especially on her putting and short game. She birdied the opening hole for the second straight day, but dropped four strokes over the next 10 holes and closed with fiveover over the last four.

Still, her steadier play stood out as the swirling winds made precision club selection and distance control critical.

If Dungca sweeps the final two

legs at Pradera Verde and Pinewoods, she could tally a maximum of 45 points and still crack the Top 4 to qualify for the Finals set Oct. 7-10 at The Country Club.

“Yes, I will play at Pradera Verde and Pinewoods,” she said, underscoring her intent to make a strong push for a spot in the championship of the series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Only the Top 4 in the seven-leg Luzon series will advance to the Finals, where they will face the top performers from the Visayas-Mindanao series in a Ryder Cup-style showdown.

In the boys’ youngest division, Zoji Edoc stamped his class with a dominant 12-shot victory, securing his place in the Finals with a two-day total of 155 after a closing 76.

But the overall favourite for the Tour finished in the peloton in the same time as Wiebes.

Vollering sits sixth overall, 25sec behind leader Vos and 13sec behind second-placed Wiebes.

Tuesday’s stage was led by Franziska Koch of Germany and Brazilian Ana Vitoria Magalhaes, after they made a break just over an hour into the day’s racing. They were caught 3km from the finish line by the SD Worx team, who catapulted Wiebes to her 16th victory this season and the 109th of her career.

“She’s (Wiebes) just the best sprinter in the world, she’s a phenomenon in the sprint and every time she shows it again,” said veteran Vos.

“It’s nice to keep the yellow on such a day. You know it’s going to be tough,” added the 38-year-old.

Wednesday will be the longest stage of the 2025 edition with its 165.8km run between Chasseneuil-du-Poitou/ Futuroscope and Gueret, complete with a slog to the finish featuring three climbs inside the final 35km. AFP

THE IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu, set to unfold on Aug. 10 at Mactan Newtown in Cebu, is more than just a test of endurance – it’s a celebration of community, inclusivity and culture.

The 2GO Reyna Bulakna Run on Aug. 8, for instance, shines a spotlight on local heritage and women’s empowerment. Inspired by the legendary local heroine Reyna Bulakna, the 5km fun run – open to all genders and ages 5 and up – serves as a symbolic and literal journey of unity and strength, amplifying community engagement through sport. Youth development takes center stage with the RLC Residences IRONKIDS on Aug. 9, , a fun and formative race tailored for children aged 6 to 15. Featuring swim-run and kids’ run-only categories, it aims to foster a love for triathlon while instilling discipline, confidence and healthy habits – laying the foundation for the next generation of Filipino champions. Meanwhile, the Sunrise Sprint, also slated on Aug. 10, offers newcomers and recreational athletes a welcoming introduction to multisport racing. With its shorter 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run course, it broadens access and nurtures inclusivity in the triathlon community.

These companion events transform the IRONMAN 70.3 LapuLapu, presented by Megaworld and Mactan Newtown, into a weekend festival that blends elite competition with grassroots participation and cultural pride. The main event, organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., showcases the classic IRONMAN 70.3 format – a 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21km run, winding through Lapu-Lapu’s scenic and challenging terrain. It’s

Wiebes

Women’s Tour de France cycling race from La Gacilly to Angers, western France. AFP

Agatha

Ronee Dungca Manny Marcelo

PH stocks fall, peso closes at 57.58 vs. US dollar

By Jenniffer B. Austria

LOCAL shares dipped Wednesday amid sluggish trading, as investors remained on the sidelines due to global uncertainties, including the approaching Aug. 1 tariff negotiations deadline with the U.S.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index fell 7.19 points, or 0.11 percent, to 6,318.23. The broader all-shares index declined 3.49 points, or 0.09 percent, to 3,776.59.

The peso also depreciated further against the U.S. dollar, closing at 57.58 Wednesday from 57.31 Tuesday. The index traded in a narrow range between 6,305.51 and 6,333.02.

Analysts said investors are currently digesting corporate earnings reports while anticipating the U.S. Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions.

“Investors are waiting for clues on the Fed’s policy outlook in their upcoming meeting this week,” said Japhet Tantiangco, research head at Philstocks Financial Inc.

Four of six indices closed lower, led by financials, which dropped 0.59 percent, and holding firms, down 0.33 percent. Mining and oil decreased by 0.13 percent, and services by 0.11 percent.

Conversely, property rose 14.17 percent and industrial gained 0.29 percent. Value turnover reached P4.56 billion.

26% exports growth cut June trade deficit

PHILIPPINE merchandise exports

surged 26.1 percent year-on-year in June 2025, leading to a smaller trade deficit for the month, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Wednesday.

Total external trade in goods reached $18 billion, a 16.3-percent increase from $15.47 billion recorded in June 2024. Imports accounted for 61.0 percent of the total external trade, while exports made up the remaining 39.0 percent.

The balance of trade in goods (BoTG) narrowed by 8.8 percent from a year earlier to $3.95 billion in June.

Export sales in June amounted to $7.02 billion, up from $5.57 billion in the same month last year.

Electronic products saw the highest annual increase in export value, rising by $897.38 million. This was followed by other mineral products, which increased by $238.98 million, and machinery and transport equipment, up $127.66 million.

For the first six months of 2025, exports reached $41.24 billion, a 13.2-percent increase from $36.44 billion a year ago.

Top export commodities in June were electronic products: $3.89 billion (55.4 percent of total exports); other mineral products, $491.03 million; and other manufactured goods, $361.14 million.

The United States was the top export destination, receiving $1.21 billion in goods, representing 17.3 percent of the total exports in June 2025. Other key export partners included Hong Kong: $1.07 billion (15.2 percent; Japan: $974.80 million (13.9 percent); China: $733.99 million (10.5 percent); and Singapore: $311.96 million (4.4 percent)

Malampaya contractor tax part of gov’t profit share–SC

By Pot Chavez

THE Supreme Court has ruled that the government’s share of profits from the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project includes the income taxes of its private contractors.

In a decision penned by Associate Justice Japar B. Dimaampao, the high court’s en banc held that while contractors are still liable for income tax, the government pays it on their behalf as part of its share. The court clarified that this tax assumption is not a tax exemption. As a result, the Supreme Court

lifted charges for unpaid income taxes against Shell Exploration B.V., PNOC Exploration Corporation and Chevron Malampaya LLC.

The court cited the Oil Exploration and Development Act, which states that income taxes paid by or on behalf of contractors are included in the government’s guaranteed 60% share of net proceeds from petroleum

operations. The law further provides that the government assumes and pays contractors’ income taxes to encourage private investment in petroleum exploration.

Presidential Decrees 1206 and 1459 also confirm that the government’s share includes all taxes.

The court stressed that the government must honor its contractual obligations, particularly when terms are clearly stated in voluntarily entered agreements.

In a dissenting opinion, Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen argued that Presidential Decree 87 does not expressly state that the government’s share includes income taxes.

By Othel V. Campos

THE Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) on Wednesday warned that the convergence of environmental, digital, and social changes poses serious threats to workers, businesses, and national development.

“Global institutions are now calling for public-private sector initiatives to address the interconnected challenges,”

ECOP president Sergio Ortiz-Luis said at the 46th National Conference of Employers.

“Global warming and climate change have increased the severity of weather

disturbances. Technological developments, particularly in AI, might soon outcompete humans in most tasks, putting workers’ jobs at risk more than ever,” he said.

ECOP adopted a set of resolutions during the conference, urging a multisectoral response to the sweeping impacts of climate change, technological disruption and demographic shifts, collectively termed the “triple transition.”

The conference, held at the Manila Hotel from July 29 to 30, convened Filipino business leaders and stakeholders under the theme “Leading Transitions for a Sustainable Future.”

The resolutions said the govern-

REVOLUT, the UK-based financial technology firm, opened its second Global Tech Hub in Asia in the Philippines, an investment largely attributed to ongoing discussions led by Finance Secretary Ralph Recto.

The new tech hub is a direct result of Recto’s investor engagements in London in October 2024, Davos in January 2025, and Manila, which have positioned the Philippines as a growing hub for global technology and financial innovation.

“I thank Revolut for being a wonderful partner in this endeavor,” Recto said. “The tech hub in Manila is not just an investment; it’s a commitment to the Filipino people.”

ment should take the lead in shaping a sustainable future by addressing the adverse effects of environmental degradation, digital disruption and population shifts through an “all-of-society approach.”

ECOP resolved that the government and its agencies should work collaboratively with businesses, industry associations, nongovernment organizations, workers and their associations, the academe, and other social partners to develop and implement appropriate policies, strategies and programs to address the challenges brought about by the green, digital, and social transitions.

He said the hub “will generate high-quality jobs, expand our digital capabilities, and empower Filipinos with cutting-edge financial tools. This is a clear product of our global roadshows turning investment pledges into reality.”

The Manila tech hub is Revolut’s second in Asia, following its first in India, launched in 2021. Revolut operates in major Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand, and was the most downloaded financial application in Europe in 2024. The Manila hub is expected to anchor its expansion in Southeast Asia. Darwin G. Amojelar

P488.5-b

Cost of Metro Manila subway

33 kilometers

Length of subway project

2032

New completion target date

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) is accelerating construction of the P488.5-billion Metro Manila Subway Project, despite delays primarily caused by right-of-way issues.

“No, we’re not on track. The subway is very delayed,” Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon told reporters on the sidelines of the 2025 PostSONA Forum in San Juan City.

Dizon said the full completion of the Metro Manila Subway Project is now projected for 2032, a delay from the initial 2028 target.

“But we will push for 2028. We will push for two, three stations. From Valenzuela, Quirino, and hopefully also North Avenue,” he said.

In response to a presidential order to expedite flagship infrastructure projects, Dizon has partnered with Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto to address right-of-way problems concerning the subway’s Ortigas Station.

During an inspection Wednesday morning, Dizon stated that Ortigas Station is the only remaining right-ofway issue for the subway.

“Today we came together here to find a solution. Hopefully, after a few weeks, we will finally start construction,” Dizon said.

Sotto thanked the DOTr and affirmed the local government’s readiness to assist in expediting the project.

“We in the Pasig LGU, are also looking forward to the subway, so we will also do our best to help. We see that everything is already operational, and the remaining problems are being fixed,” Sotto said.

Billed as the Philippines’ “Crown Jewel” of mass transit, the 33-kilometer, 17-station Metro Manila Subway will cut across eight cities, stretching from Valenzuela City to FTI-Bicutan in Parañaque City, with a spur line to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

Once operational, the underground railway system aims to cut travel time between Quezon City and NAIA in Pasay City from the current one hour and 10 minutes to just 35 minutes and can service up to 370,000 passengers daily.

EXPO. Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto Rubiano (third from right) and Joseph Ang (fourth from left), chairman of Wolrdbex Services International, use electronic gadgets to open the World of Consumer Electronics Expo at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on July 30, 2025. The expo will run until Aug. 2, 2025. Joseph Muego

Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto address right of way issues for the Metro Manila Subway’s Ortigas Station to accelerate the flagship infrastructure project.

PH, Chile seek to sign trade deal by end-2025

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines and Chile aim to conclude negotiations on their first Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of the year, a trade official said Wednesday.

Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty said the Philippines is “on track” to finalize the CEPA, with the next round of negotiations scheduled for the first week of October in Manila.

“This will be a big milestone for the Philippines as this will be our first

GMA

Network’s first-half profit trebled to P2b

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GMA Network Inc., the Philippines’ leading broadcast company, said Wednesday its net income in the first half of 2025 surged more than threefold year-on-year to P2 billion on higher election-related advertising revenue.

The company’s consolidated revenues reached P10.1 billion, up from P7.8 billion recorded in the same period last year.

Advertising revenue rose to P9.3 billion, driven by election-related placements during the May midterm polls, alongside higher revenues from production services and other sources. Operating expenses (OPEX) increased 6 percent to P7.6 billion on higher cash and non-cash production costs, as well as general and administrative expenses.

The strong revenue growth enabled the company to deliver P3.8 billion in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the period ending June 2025, a 91-percent increase from the previous year.

The network’s robust performance was complemented by its continued dominance of nationwide ratings in the first half of 2025, according to Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

GMA Integrated News reaffirmed its leadership as the country’s most credible and top news source. Its comprehensive “Eleksyon 2025: The GMA Integrated News Coverage” earned the highest viewership on-air and online compared to competitors.

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with a Latin American country,” Gepty said.

He said the agreement would expand the Philippines’ free trade agreement (FTA) network and support the diversification of markets, creating new opportunities for businesses and investors.

The CEPA covers a wide range of areas beyond traditional trade in goods, including intellectual property, competition, services, investment, financial services, digital trade, customs procedures and trade facilitation.

“This is a comprehensive agreement. We’re aiming for high-level commitments, especially on digital trade, where rules and disciplines are still evolving,” Gepty said.

He said intellectual property is one of the Philippines’ “offensive interests,” citing the country’s strength in IP rights and its desire to ensure protection and enforcement in partner jurisdictions.

Competition policy is also a critical component, Gepty said, stressing the need to maintain a level playing field and promote fair trade practices.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MANILA Electric Company (Meralco) teamed up with Vietnamese firms V-Green Global Charging Station Development Corp. and Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (Green GSM) to develop low-carbon mobility solutions, including electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure systems, across Metro Manila and other major cities.

Meralco, V-Green, Vietnam’s leading electric vehicle charging infrastructure provider, and Green GSM, a ride-hailing service provider, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the Philippines’ transition towards cleaner and sustainable transportation.

Filipinos increasingly see insurance as a necessity, industry study shows

MORE than half of Filipinos now view life insurance as a necessity, according to a landmark study released by the Philippine Life Insurance Association (PLIA) on July 29, 2025 during its 75th anniversary celebration.

The study, titled “Philippine Understanding of Life Security & Envisioned Goals (PULSE) 2024” and conducted by NielsenIQ, found that nine in 10 respondents believe life insurance is important, while six in 10 consider it an essential part of financial planning.

PLIA PULSE 2024 is the first largescale consumer study of its kind in the Philippines, offering insight into how Filipinos think, feel and decide when it comes to life insurance.

The online survey, conducted from October to November 2024, targeted individuals aged 21 to 60 who had re-

cently purchased or were considering life insurance.

The research showed that risk protection remains a core concern for Filipino families and highlighted the growing influence of both traditional and digital channels in the insurance purchasing journey.

While face-to-face interactions are still valued, digital platforms are increasingly shaping consumer choices, especially among younger, tech-savvy users. Many respondents said they prefer easy-to-understand resources, such as video tutorials and webinars, to help them navigate insurance options. Despite high awareness, key challenges remain. Respondents cited a lack of trust in digital platforms, concerns about data security and the reliability of online claims processing as major barriers to adoption. Othel V. Campos

“This partnership brings together our collective strength in infrastructure, technology, and experience that will redefine our cities and our communities,” Meralco chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan said.

“Together, we intend to reframe the way we think about energy, transport, and sustainability,” said Pangilinan.

“We are committed to helping build this ecosystem – one that is future-ready, inclusive and grounded in service. We want Filipinos to experience the future of transport, not just in Metro Manila, but across the archipelago,” he said.

The collaboration will involve identifying and evaluating sites for

It increased by P1.78 trillion over the past 12 months from P15.48 trillion recorded in June 2024, data from the Treasury showed.

The figure also reflected a 2.1-percent or P348 billion increase from P16.92 trillion logged in May 2025, driven by strong investor demand for government securities.

Data showed that the government continues to prioritize domestic borrowings, which made up 69.2 percent of the total debt portfolio at end-June.

External obligations accounted for the remaining 30.8 percent. This aligns with the government’s aim to boost the local capital market, reduce foreign exchange risks and build investor confidence in Philippine-issued securities.

Total domestic debt reached P11.95 trillion as of end-June, a 1.4-percent increase from May. It climbed 13 percent from P10.57

CONVERGE’S AWARDS.

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. takes home two major accolades in the ASEAN Corporate Governance Awards 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, having ranked among the Top 5 publicly listed companies (PLCs) in the Philippines and securing a place among the Top 50 PLCs in ASEAN. Attending the awarding ceremony are (from left) Converge head of investor relations and acting head of treasury Owen Kieffer Ocampo, corporate sustainability officer and corporate compliance and data protection officer Laurice Esteban-Tuason and Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Francis Lim.

EV charging stations and electric taxi hubs, supporting the efficient and sustainable rollout of charging networks, exploring opportunities to scale up electric vehicle adoption and engaging in technical cooperation and knowledge exchange on EV technologies and system design.

“This partnership with Meralco marks a key milestone in V-Green’s mission to accelerate the green mobility revolution in Southeast Asia,” said Nguyen Thanh Duong, V-Green chief executive.

“By combining our expertise in EV charging infrastructure with Meralco’s strong local presence, we aim to rapidly deploy a reliable and accessible charging network across the Philippines,” he said.

up 3.5 percent from the previous month and 8.3 percent from a year ago.

Meanwhile, national government-guaranteed obligations remained stable, posting a marginal 0.4-percent increase to P345.11 billion from the previous month.

A year-to-date decline of P4.33 billion since end-2024 underscores ongoing efforts to manage contingent liabilities while supporting essential sectors, the BTr said.

“The national government’s prudent debt management approach reflects the Marcos Jr. administration’s commitment to safeguarding fiscal sustainability, supporting inclusive growth, and ensuring all borrowed funds contribute to building a stronger economy for the Filipino people,” the BTr said.

IN BRIEF

FFCCCII lauds President’s ‘candid’ SONA

Traditional Tibetan medicine targets Philippine market

DR. DORJE Gongbu, a famous traditional Tibetan medicine doctor known for his groundbreaking herbal remedies, is seeking local partners in the Philippines to distribute his natural health care products.

With a firm belief in the healing power of nature, Dr. Dorje aims to bring relief to Filipino patients suffering from chronic conditions through safe, plant-based treatments rooted in centuries-old Tibetan medical practices.

Born and raised on the QinghaiTibet Plateau- a high-altitude region known for its pristine, pollution-free environment- Dr. Dorje has spent decades researching and developing treatments using native herbs.

According to him, the unique geographical conditions of the plateau produce plants rich in medicinal compounds, some of which have potent anti-inflammatory and painrelieving properties.

After years of intensive research and clinical experience, Dr. Dorje has developed three flagship health care products designed to address common and persistent health issues.

The Diabetic Foot Syndrome Cream is a topical solution that promotes faster healing of foot wounds in diabetic patients, a crucial need in the Philippines where diabetes is increasingly prevalent.

The Herbal Anti-Impotence Pills are a plant-based supplement formulated to support male reproductive health, made from foodgrade botanical ingredients with no harmful side effects.

Meanwhile, the Tibetan Burn Cream serves as a reliable first-aid remedy for burns, helping to relieve pain, prevent infection, and speed up recovery—making it an essential item for every household.

Dr. Dorje said that Tibetan medicine has a long history and is part of traditional Chinese medicine. Made mainly from plant extracts, these herbal remedies are best classified as health care products. He is concerned that many people in the Philippines suffer from diabetes and lack effective treatment.

He said he is willing to share his expertise, work with local partners, properly register his products with the FDA and help improve the health of the Filipino people. Michael Wong Ho

THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) commended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his “exceptional candor” in his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) regarding systemic governance challenges.

The business group said Marcos’s forthright acknowledgment of governmental shortcomings, particularly his condemnation of excessive political corruption, resonated profoundly with the business community and the Filipino people.

“This corruption is not merely a

moral failing; it is a primary driver of our country’s entrenched poverty, deepens social inequities, and critically undermines our national economy,” FFCCCII president Victor Lim said in a statement.

“It manifests in perceived massive wastages, fuels perennial fiscal and budget deficits, and necessitates unsustainable borrowing – diverting resources desperately needed for genuine national development,” he said.

Lim said the FFCCCII “strongly endorses” the President’s focus on bolstering essential social services and uplifting the quality of education as foundational pillars for inclusive progress. He added that the FFCCCII offers its “vigorous and unequivocal support” for Marcos’s commitment to combat corruption, especially “ghost projects,” which he called “a direct and unconscionable theft from the Filipino people.”

The FFCCCII also called for

rigorous, systemic, periodic, and transparent audits and performance reviews across all government agencies and projects, saying it “demands more than recognition; it requires political will, national unity and decisive action.”

The group urged the administration and lawmakers to enact profound, systemic anti-corruption reforms.

“We need strengthened institutions, unimpeded transparency, robust accountability mechanisms, certainty of punishments and unwavering enforcement of the rule of law,” the FFCCCII said.

“Only through such fundamental systemic reforms can we restore public trust, ensure efficient use of public funds, unlock sustainable economic growth and genuinely uplift the lives of all Filipinos,” it said.

The FFCCCII expressed its readiness to support the administration in the critical endeavor for the future of the nation.

Business groups provide relief to typhoon victims

By Michael Wong Ho

AFTER several strong typhoons hit the Philippines and caused severe flooding, the Federation of FilipinoChinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), led by its [resident Victor Lim held an emergency meeting with the members of Filipino At Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation on July 23 , 2025 to discuss the flood situation and plan

quick relief efforts.

All attendees agreed to collaborate with local government units and begin distributing essential goods without delay.

The foundation donated 1,000 relief packs- each containing 5 kilograms of rice and a batch of essential medicines- to families in Manila’s 3rd District on July 26, 2025.

Manila City Councilor Jeff Lau received the donations on behalf of

the affected residents.

That same morning, the foundation extended its outreach to La Union province, donating 2,000 sacks of rice (each sack weighing 5 kilograms) and a batch of medicines to families in the province’s first and second districts.

Zeng Shu Ren, former vice mayor of Aringay, La Union and FFCCCII director for the Northwest Luzon District, received the donations on behalf of the local communities.

Bacolod chamber vows to sustain role in economy

By Julie Ann Lope

THE Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. held its 2025-2027 officers induction ceremony term on July 19, 2025 at

was elected as the

CFBCI donates over 300 chairs to PLM

THE Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc. (CFBCI) donated over 300 new chairs to the Justo Albert Auditorium of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) on July 16, 2025. The donation marks the group’s support for PLM’s 60th anniversary and aims to enhance the university’s learning facilities. The auditorium is a key facility within the university that serves as a venue for academic, cultural, and institutional events.

CFBCI president Samuel Lee Uy said the donation, though modest in scale, carries a lasting and meaningful impact.

He said the support aims to help the university create a more dignified and conducive environment for learning.

new president of the organization.

Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran delivered a message of support and appreciation for the Chamber’s ongoing contributions to the city’s economic and social development. A delegation from the Federation

He said the partnership with PLM reflects CFBCI’s ongoing commitment to community development and the empowerment of future generations.

PLM president Domingo Reyes Jr., who led the university delegation, expressed sincere appreciation for the donation.

He acknowledged that the partnership with CFBCI goes beyond formal cooperation, describing it as a reflection of genuine friendship and shared purpose.

The donation is part of CFBCI’s ongoing education advocacy, which includes the Pagharap sa Pangarap College Scholarship Program. Launched in 2009, the program provides financial support to underprivileged students

of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), led by its president Victor Lim, was also present during the event.

Lim expressed his warm congratulations to the newly-inducted officers.

He said that the Bacolod FilipinoChinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. is a strong and influential association in the city, and for many years has consistently supported FFCCCII’s various business, civil society, and social welfare projects.

Lim said that the FFCCCII is committed to attracting foreign investments, particularly in the infrastructure, mining, agriculture and industrial sectors.

At the same time, it aims to attract more foreign tourists and coordinate with the government on various nation-building projects, he said.

Lim expressed hope that chamber members would treat workers with compassion- like brothers- and work to strengthen harmony between both nations.

in public universities in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.

FFCCCII president Victor Lim, vice president Antonio Cosing and several staff were present at the event. Lim cited the organization’s commitment to support the Filipino people in times of need. The FFCCCII and its affiliated foundations continue to work closely with government units and partner organizations to extend assistance to disaster-stricken areas nationwide.

Domingo Lee, FFCCCII pillar, passes away at age 90

Ambassador Domingo Y. Lee

THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) mourns the passing of its honorary president, Ambassador Domingo Lee on July 26 at the age of 90. Lee was a prominent industrialist, seasoned diplomat and generous philanthropist whose lifelong service helped shape the Filipino-Chinese community and Philippine society at large.

Born on Nov. 15, 1934, Lee served as president of FFCCCII from 1987 to 1991, guiding the federation with strong leadership, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to unity and progress. His service and influence extended far beyond his term, ultimately earning him the esteemed position of honorary president. In the public sector, he was appointed Ambassador at Large for the Asia-Pacific Region under President Corazon Aquino from 1986 to 1987.

He also played a key role in several state visits, leading economic and goodwill missions that helped bolster Philippine ties with Asian neighbors and global partners. Julie Ann Lope

The Filipino At Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation donates 1,000 relief packs to families in La Union on July 26, 2025

Citadines Bacolod. Zhen Guo Ren

The Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. holds its 20252027 officers induction ceremony term on July 19, 2025 at Citadines Bacolod.

The Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI) donates over 300 chairs to the Justo Albert Auditorium of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM).

FFCCCII president Victor Lim

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE

WANG, Editor

ANGELICA

VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

CIGNAL marked its 16th anniversary with a bold new look and a renewed focus on expanding its digital platforms, reinforcing its role as a multimedia leader delivering stories that resonate with Filipinos across screens and formats.

Once known primarily for its pay-TV service, Cignal has steadily grown into a multimedia company with a wide range of offerings.

“We will continue to innovate and deliver the best content for our beloved subscribers across all our platforms,” said Jane JimenezBasas , president and CEO of Cignal TV Inc. “These are exciting times for us at Cignal, and for the people we serve, especially in more years to come.”

The company’s digital push is led by Cignal Play, an app that gives subscribers access to live and on-demand content, including original vertical-form microdramas produced by Cignal Originals and its content partners. It was one of the first platforms in

Cignal shaking things up with new logo, expanded digital reach

the country to deliver linear TV straight to mobile devices. For sports fans, Pilipinas Live offers comprehensive coverage of top local and global sporting events, including the NBA, PBA, and UAAP. The platform features high-quality broadcasts, game previews, highlights, and exclusive content. Pilipinas

Live Shorts gives fans a closer look at their favorite athletes, while interactive tools like multi-channel viewing and in-game polls create a dynamic, community-driven viewing experience.

Adding to its lineup, Cignal Super was recently launched as the Philippines’ first streaming aggregator. The platform brings together content from multiple providers — including HBO Max, Viu, Lionsgate Play, Hallmark+, Curiosity Stream,

SHOWBIZ

Fuse+, Cignal Play, and Pilipinas Live — under one subscription and login. It offers easy access to blockbuster films, hit series, live television, sports, and documentaries.

Cignal’s direct-to-home satellite service continues to serve as a key platform, ensuring access to quality programming across the country.

Through its strategic partnership with PLDT, Cignal has taken content delivery a step further by delivering a vast selection of premium local and international content nationwide via IP/ fiber.

“Our new logo conveys our continuing evolution,” said Jane Jimenez-Basas, President and CEO of Cignal TV Inc. “We will continue

Miguel Escueta froths up new track

IT’S not unusual to hear an artist’s hiatus described as a breakaway from the busy life of a celebrity. So it’s quite special that Miguel Escueta—who, for a time, was a regular on a Sunday noon TV show and signed with a major record label—did something rarely done by a singersongwriter who walked away from it all: he kept himself busy putting up a coffee company.

“Summer Dream” is a return to songwriting after a self-imposed retirement from music. “It felt natural, necessary—like reconnecting with a piece,” the onetime host of GMA-7’s now-defunct Party Pilipinas said in a press release that meaningfully stresses his creative journey from full-time recording artist to hands-on coffee guru-CEO of a corporation running several espresso bars.

By Jasper Valdez

MARVEL Studios’ The Fantastic

Four: First Steps, directed by Matt Shakman, delivers on spectacle and warmth but falls a little short on impact.

The film had its special advance screening on July 22 at SM Megamall’s IMAX Theater, giving Filipino fans an early look at Marvel’s reboot of its iconic superhero family. Rather than retelling the team’s origin, the film jumps right in—with Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) already operating as established heroes and global defenders.

a quiet intensity and depth to the film, and her scenes are among the most visually striking.

Another standout is Sue Storm, who’s portrayed with more depth and grit this time around. As a mother, she’s fiercely protective of her son Franklin—you can feel the lengths she’s willing to go for him.

She’s no longer just the quiet one in the background; she takes charge. And for once, her powers get the spotlight, showing just how strong and capable she is—something that past versions didn’t quite pull off.

Where the film does succeed is in capturing the humanity and family dynamic at the core of the Fantastic Four. The chemistry between the characters, particularly between Ben and Johnny, stands out.

Shakman, known for his work on WandaVision, brings a distinct retrofuturistic style to the film, blending modern effects with an aesthetic that feels like a nod to the Silver Age comic era.

Set in an alternate-universe timeline (Earth-828), First Steps leans into that vintage charm, making it visually stand out from recent MCU offerings.

But style alone doesn’t carry the film. For all its polish and heart, the story feels a bit sanitized and predictable at times.

Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson), who looms over the plot as its cosmic villain, doesn’t quite live up to his mythic presence. His threat feels muted—more setup than payoff.

One highlight, however, is the introduction of Silver Surfer – ShallaBal (Julia Garner), a fresh take on the classic character. Her presence brings

The one he co-founded, Frank & Dean, is now an established brand, as he returns to recording with a song that essentially captures the mood of his entrepreneurial success.

Miguel’s new single, “Summer Dream,” made its way into digital stores a couple of weeks back and, by all means, reignited the excitement of old fans while sparking interest among listeners unfamiliar with his previous work. It’s a calming, middle-of-the-road piece anchored on a tapestry of modern sounds properly stitched together, and a vibrant vocal delivery innate to the singer. A keyboard riff holds the fort, while an exhilarating, monumental

which, if you

Miguel Escueta is re-embracing the showbiz spotlight “from espresso back to expression,” as his team cleverly puts it. The stylish espresso bars operate under a brand name inspired by legendary singers Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin—two of its celebrated founder’s favorite acts. Frank & Dean Coffee, co-founded by Miguel, has grown into a thriving brand. Its flagship café sits in the Five/NEO building in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, and it serves select Unilever and GCash locations. It also supplies top-tier clients like Wells Fargo, P&G, and Lazada. The company roasts its beans and pasteurizes its bottled coffee line to meet the demands of a fast-growing market.

Their banter, often reduced to meanspirited bickering in past versions, is more grounded here—closer to the teasing you’d hear between siblings. It makes the movie feel more grounded and relatable. That tone sets the stage for a film that’s less about saving the world and more about how a family of heroes learns to move forward together. The message lands. Even when the plot doesn’t hit hard, the characters still resonate.

All in all, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a decent introduction to Marvel’s first family. It entertains, lays down the groundwork for the team’s role in the MCU’s future, and offers refreshing visuals.

But if Marvel’s goal is to reignite fan excitement in its universe, it may need a little more boldness in the steps to come.

versions lays the to fort, shift comes in the final minute. be satisfied that you waited for the song’s climax— listen close enough, you knew was coming. music.

Miguel clearly has a thing for the word “dream.” It shows up in both Frank & Dean’s popular Dream Latte and in the title of his new single, “Summer Dream.”

Backed by Liga Artist Group, Big House Records, and designer Pat Soriano, Miguel’s return to music is a continuation of the strong discography he built with songs like “Sleeping While the World’s Awake,” “Handa,” “Isipin,” and “Falling Away.”

building in pandemic, even forgot lines As get

He calls it “a reawakening of musical expression that never truly left.” While growing his business during the pandemic, Miguel never lost touch with his creative side. His return to songwriting came naturally, even therapeutic. “I forgot how therapeutic writing music can be,” he said.

“Summer Dream” is his first single in seven years. It carries lines like “You got me on a string / You pull me right back in” and “Take my hand / ’Cause I’ve got no other plans,” which hint at the healing power of music. He teamed up again with longtime collaborators: producer Juni Devecais, engineer Mikel Miller, lead guitarist Mateo Escueta, and bassist Paula Castillo Miguel has come a long way from his early 20s, when he began releasing songs and landed international publishing deals. Despite stepping away from performing and recording, he’s kept his emotive vocal timbre and artistic sensibility. He used his time off wisely, building a brand that resonates with movers and doers— people like him. And as the world shifted, so did his creative energy. The result was a seamless return to Now a devoted husband and father, Miguel credits his wife Laia and daughter Callie for inspiring him daily. “They’re a big part of who I am and what I do today,” he said.

Cignal TV Inc. president and CEO Jane Jimenez-Basas

From left: Joseph Quinn, Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the Fantastic Four

Miguel drops his latest single, ‘Summer Dream,’ marking his return to songwriting and recording after seven years

Julia Garner plays the role of Silver Surfer/Shalla-Bal

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

from

Top execs tee off for a cause at 100 Presidents Golf Cup

By Nickie Wang

MORE than a hundred business leaders, including CEOs and C-level executives from various industries, recently gathered for a day of golf, networking, and fundraising.

By Angelica Villanueva

FROM deadly shootouts to headlinemaking police raids, Colonel Hansel Marantan has long been a familiar— and often controversial—name in Philippine law enforcement. Now, his life story is heading to the big screen through Sa Likod ng Tsapa, a new documentary film that offers a closer look at the man behind the badge.

Set for nationwide release on Aug. 13, the docu-film is written and directed by journalist Editha Caduaya and produced entirely by the Davao-based outfit POP Moviehouse and Newsline Philippines. Distributed by Solar Pictures, the project is said to be a rare regional documentary to secure a national theatrical run.

Sa Likod ng Tsapa covers six major police operations led by Marantan, many of which were approved by the Office of the President. Among them is the controversial 2013 Atimonan shootout, for which he was recently acquitted, and a 2023 raid during his time as CIDG chief involving

competition and purpose-driven conversations.

The event raised funds for Operation Smile Philippines, which provides cleft surgeries for children, and the Blockchain Council of the Philippines, which advocates for blockchain education and development.

Alongside the tournament, a raffle featured prizes from corporate sponsors, including home appliances

Controversial law enforcer’s story told in new documentary

fugitive Congressman Arnulfo Teves, the alleged mastermind in the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo

“This movie is produced in Davao.

The production crew is 100 percent Davao. We traveled from Mindanao to Visayas to Luzon,” said Caduaya.

At first, the journalist only planned to do a short news documentary. But as she learned more about Marantan’s career—and the many issues and emotions that came with it—the story grew into a full-length film.

Marantan, who just stepped down as Davao City Police Office chief, said he agreed to share his story because he saw the filmmaker’s commitment.

“I saw the sincerity of [Caduaya]. The person is passionate enough, aggressive enough to bring out the best in you, the truth in you,” he shared, describing how Caduaya would call him in the early hours of the morning just to clarify details.

The film’s poster carries the tagline TBR—Truth, Betrayal, Redemption— which Marantan said captures what he’s

been through, not just as a police officer but also as a person whose actions have often been misunderstood.

Colonel Mario Mayames Marantan’s longtime friend and a member of the producing team, described him as someone very different from his public image.

“He is my brother—a brother who will never leave you. We’ve been through good times and bad together.

Everyone I know understands what kind of heart he has. Look at who he truly is, not just what you see in the media,” said Mayames.

He also added that the film shows how police officers’ families quietly suffer in the background.

“People don’t see the suffering of the family. The ones who suffer the most— financially and emotionally—are our families,” he continued.

Philippine National Police Chief General Nicolas Torre III is encouraging the public to watch the film. He said it highlights “the discipline, excellence, and relentless commitment” of police officers to protect lives and keep peace in communities.

Sa Likod ng Tsapa challenges viewers to consider the human stories within the police force and the moral cost of duty. It opens in cinemas nationwide on Aug. 13.

“We’re honored to be part of an event that not only brings together business leaders but also supports meaningful causes,” said Cherish Ong-Chua, Hanabishi’s vice president for finance and marketing. Hanabishi joined other corporate supporters in making the gathering a success by contributing some of its best-selling products for the raffle draw. The 100 Presidents Golf Cup highlighted the power of corporate collaboration not just for business, but for creating positive impact through shared efforts and communityfocused initiatives.

Australia to ban under-16s from YouTube

AUSTRALIA will use landmark social media laws to ban children under 16 from video-streaming site YouTube, a top minister said Wednesday, stressing the need to shield them from “predatory algorithms”.

Communications Minister Anika Wells said four-in-ten Australian children had reported viewing harmful content on YouTube, one of the most visited websites in the world.

“We want kids to know who they are before platforms assume who they are,” Wells said in a statement.

“There’s a place for social media, but there’s not a place for predatory algorithms targeting children.”

Australia announced last year it was drafting laws that will ban children from social media sites such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram until they turn 16.

The government had previously indicated YouTube would be exempt, given its widespread use in classrooms.

“Young people under the age of 16 will not be able to have accounts on YouTube,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters on Wednesday. “They will also not be able to have accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X, among other platforms.

“We want Australian parents and families to know that we have got their back.”

Albanese said the age limit may not be implemented perfectly -much like existing restrictions on alcohol -- but it was still the right thing to do.

A spokesman for YouTube said Wednesday’s announcement was a jarring U-turn from the government.

“Our position remains clear: YouTube is a video sharing platform with a library of free, high-quality content, increasingly viewed on TV screens,” the company said in a statement.

“It’s not social media.”

On paper, the ban is one of the strictest in the world. AFP

A raffle winner poses with his Hanabishi microwave oven prize alongside event sponsors and executives

Col. Hansel Marantan shares insights about his law enforcement career and the making of ‘Sa Likod ng Tsapa’

Director Editha Caduaya (second from right) joins Col. Hansel Marantan (second from left) at the media launch of ‘Sa Likod ng Tsapa’

Hanabishi.

C4 LIFE

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Where wellness feels like home

By Angelica Villanueva

NOW living in the United States with her husband and children, Ella VillanuevaManalang , better known as Ella V., one of the members of the early 2000s girl group Viva Hotbabes , has found a new rhythm in life. Between raising a family and working as a licensed esthetician in California, her focus has shifted from the spotlight to self-care, balance, and healing.

In an interview, Ella shared that same passion has come full circle with the opening of Aura Wellness & Spa, her first beauty and wellness venture in the Philippines. Located at The Pinnacle Plaza in Cainta, Rizal, just a few meters from Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, the spa is a collaboration with her sister Paula Villanueva, who now serves as the business’s CEO.

“This is one of the biggest projects I’ve done with my sister. We support each other fully, and this is something that came from both of our passions. She’s into nails, and I’m into skincare and holistic therapy,” Ella said.

While Ella may be miles away from home, her expertise is front and center at Aura. As a licensed esthetician, she has long used Esthemax Hydrojelly Masks in her practice in the U.S.—a professionalgrade product from Korea known for its electrolyte-infused, skin-soothing benefits. She now exclusively distributes the brand in the Philippines through Aura, offering it both in treatments and retail kits.

“These masks are amazing for posttreatment care, even after lasers. We have a retail set in a box, it includes the complete set, with a bowl and spatula, for clients who want to use it at home,” she continued.

Aura Wellness & Spa offers a full menu of services including massage, facial treatments, nail care, eyelash extensions, and eyebrow tinting. But what sets it apart, Ella said, is the cozy and calming environment built around human touch and genuine care.

“I believe in investing in people, not just

By Jasper Valdez

CHARO Santos-Concio and Dingdong Dantes shared their thoughts on living healthy and aging gracefully during a special screening of their new film Only We Know, hosted by mWell at the Podium Directors Club.

The event also served as the launch of mWell’s I Am Well campaign and the introduction of the mWell Ring, a wearable wellness device that tracks activity and health metrics. Both stars were among the first to use the new device.

Dantes emphasized the importance of proactive wellness, especially with health concerns becoming more common.

“When you talk about wellness nowadays, it’s really important. There are so many illnesses happening left

Ella Villanueva-Manalang brings her U.S. skincare experience to the Philippines with a holistic approach centered on real human touch

machines. We’re not a laser clinic. We’re a space for real, hands-on relaxation and rejuvenation,” Ella added.

With her sister running operations locally, Ella focuses on marketing, product research, and long-term strategy, including plans to franchise the spa and establish a training academy for aspiring estheticians.

“As someone who studied and trained in the U.S., I want to share that knowledge here. It’s not just about extraction or pampering. It’s about elevating the craft—

non-invasive, deeply relaxing techniques that empower both the client and the therapist,” she explained.

For Ella, Aura Wellness & Spa is more than a business. It’s the physical manifestation of her journey—from an entertainer to a wellness advocate, from a U.S.-based working mom to an entrepreneur reconnecting with her roots.

“This is me giving back to the people I love, to the industry I care about, and to the country I will always call home,” she said.

The opening also served as a mini reunion of the Viva Hotbabes, with Ella’s fellow members Maui Taylor, Katya Santos, Andrea Del Rosario, Jaycee Parker, Sheree Bautista, and Zara Lopez joining her in celebrating the milestone.

“Earlier, I felt I was about to cry. It felt so surreal, like, is this really happening? Seeing everyone again, especially Katya and Jaycee, with who I’ve remained close, meant so much,” Ella stated.

Aura Wellness & Spa is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. at The Pinnacle Plaza, Marikina-Infanta Highway, Cainta, Rizal. For appointments, call 0917-183-4142.

JAPANESE skincare brand Hada Labo opened its first popup event in the Philippines with the launch of the MochiMochi Hydration Lab, held at Mitsukoshi BGC Mall. The multi-sensory exhibit, open until Aug. 3, introduces the brand’s Hydrating Lotion to Filipino consumers through interactive installations focused on skincare education and product trials. The event is inspired by the Japanese beauty concept of “mochi skin,” which emphasizes hydration and a soft, supple appearance.

At the center of the exhibit is Hada Labo’s Hydrating Lotion, formulated with five types of hyaluronic acid designed to deliver moisture, minimize fine lines, and support the skin’s barrier. According to the brand, the lotion is free of fragrance, alcohol, colorants, and mineral oil, and is suitable for sensitive skin.

Visitors can participate in three interactive stations: an educational wall explaining the functions of hyaluronic acid, a molecule-sorting game that simulates skin absorption, and a moisture test that allows guests to try the lotion and receive product recommendations from brand representatives.

On wellness and aging gracefully

‘Only We Know’ stars advocate health awareness at f ilm screening

and right, so it’s really good for us to be proactive about our overall wellbeing,” he said.

Santos-Concio echoed the sentiment, saying that wellness is key to happiness.

“We have to track our activities every day and live a healthy life. And a healthy life means a happy life,” she said.

The veteran actress also shared her experience working alongside Dantes in Only We Know, calling it a privilege.

“Can you imagine, at this stage of

my life, I became Dingdong’s leading lady? What an honor and what a privilege,” Santos-Concio said, drawing cheers from the crowd.

mWell Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Gary Dujali said the I Am Well campaign aims to make wellness accessible to more Filipinos through affordable digital tools.

“This is how you democratize healthcare and bring it closer to the people who need it the most,” Dujali said. He also highlighted the mWellness Score feature, which provides users

Attendees who complete all activities receive free samples and promotional items. Additional merchandise from Hada Labo and Skin Aqua is available for purchase onsite. Those who meet a minimum spend can also participate in a gacha machine activity offering limitededition products.

The BGC pop-up is the first in a planned series of activations across the country. Hada Labo said it will announce future events on its social media channels.

stars said they hope the film will inspire viewers to embrace life and relationships.

“We hope that you will enjoy the movie just as much as we had a wonderful time filming it,” SantosConcio said.

with a daily snapshot of their overall health.

“It’s AI-powered and holistic—you get a wellness score

Only We Know leads Dingdong Dantes and Charo Santos-Concio joins mWell executives in launching the I Am Well campaign and unveiling the new mWell Ring

Charo Santos-Concio (left) and Dingdong Dantes lead a special screening of their new film ‘Only We Know’ while advocating proactive wellness and graceful aging

Hada Labo’s Mochi-Mochi Hydration Lab pop-up lets guests experience Japanese-style hydration through interactive skincare activities

From left: Sisters Ella Villanueva-Manalang and Paula Villanueva team up to open Aura Wellness & Spa in Cainta, blending expertise in skincare and nail care