Manila Standard - 2025 August 4 - Monday

PRIVATE SCHOOL MENTORS GET RAISE IN ANNUAL STIPENDS

By

Revisit impeach ruling—Puno

Philconsa:

SC decision upends balance of powers

By Rio N. Araja

THE Philippine Constitution Association

(PhilConsa) has issued a powerful and urgent appeal for the Supreme Court (SC) to reconsider its July 25 decision on the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte, warning that the ruling threatens to “upend the delicate balance of powers enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.”

In a four-page statement signed by PhilConsa chairman, former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, the group said the ruling must be re-examined for potential violations of core constitutional principles, including the separation of powers and the exclusive authority of the House of Representatives to initiate impeachment proceedings.

“Decisions of the Supreme Court that rearrange the articles of the principle of separation of power, redefine the limits of power of government or change the calculus of the balance of power between and among the three

POPE Leo XIV presided over a final mass in Rome for over one million young people on Sunday, the culmination of a youth pilgrimage that has drawn Catholics from across the world.

“Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less,” Pope Leo told the young people during his homily.

The week-long pilgrimage ending Sunday, a highlight of the Jubilee holy year, was an enormous undertaking for the Vatican, with a half a million young pilgrims in Rome for most of the week.

On Saturday night, before a twilight vigil led by the pope, organizers had confirmed the attendance of 800,000 people in the vast, open-air space on

By Ram Superable

THE Department of Health yesterday raised an alert over a potential surge in leptospirosis cases following intense monsoon rains and successive tropical storms that inundated parts of the country in recent weeks.

“There have been 3,037 cases of leptospirosis recorded from January 1 to July 19, 2025. Of this number, 1,114 were reported starting June 8, or one week after PAGASA officially declared the start of the rainy season on June 2,” the health agency said.

By Rio N. Araja

HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez has resubmitted a bill seeking to grant a monthly hazard pay to public prosecutors exposed to life-threatening risks in the performance of their duties.

House Bill No. 2664 proposes a ₱5,000 monthly hazard pay for prosecutors handling dangerous assignments such as inquest proceedings, preliminary investigations, and prosecutions involving terrorism, illegal drugs, graft and corruption, money laundering, and other high-risk offenses.

Romualdez, who is also president of the Philippine Constitution Association, highlighted the indispensable role of public prosecutors in upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens, while also pointing out the serious threats they face, including a growing number of attacks in recent years.

It identified East Avenue Medical Center, Sta. Ana Hospital, and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute as having the most admissions related to the disease.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted through direct contact with the urine of infected animals such as rats and pigs, or through floodwaters contaminated with their waste.

Symptoms of the disease include fever, chills, body aches, headaches, and eye redness, which typically appear between two days and

of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), to prohibit street parking.

In a statement, the Lawyers for Commuters’ Safety and Protection (LCSP)

viewed the proposal as “a step in the right direction,” while stressing longterm reforms must be considered.

“LCSP supports the DILG and MMDA’s initiative to ban street parking, particularly along main roads… We urge the government to take bold, systemic steps to address traffic congestion while ensuring the safety and convenience of all commuters,” the statement read.

The group recommended mandatory proof of parking, noting that “a law

Vito Barcelo

YOUTH JUBILEE. Catholic faithful

XIV, who leads

mass at

Vergata for the Jubilee of Young People in

Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Funds ready for effective flood control

By Pot Chavez and Rex Espiritu

BUDGET Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has assured the public that adequate funding will be allocated to effective flood control programs, following widespread flooding that recently submerged many communities during heavy rains.

During the first Special Program Convergence Budgeting Steering Committee (PCB-SC) meeting on Friday, Pangandaman emphasized that the funds allocated “should not be imaginary or left idle,” adding that they must be “functional, felt, and truly helpful” to citizens.

The meeting was held in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration against corrupt practices during his fourth State of the Nation Address

(SONA).

“We do not want a repeat of what happened during the past storms when most areas in the country turned into swimming pools due to the deep floods, and some cars ended up like submarines. This caused a lot of inconvenience to our fellow Filipinos,” Pangandaman said.

The reported death toll due to the effects of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and tropical cyclones Cris-

ing, Dante, and Emong has reached 38, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Sunday.

Of this number, three deaths were confirmed while 35 are still for validation.

Those injured numbered 33 — with 24 already validated and nine still for validation.

Meanwhile, the total number of missing persons is eight — four confirmed and four still for validation.

The number of people affected by these weather disturbances has reached 2,365,343 families or 8,592,630 individuals.

Of this, 24,771 families or 91,906 individuals are staying inside 839 evacuation centers, while 32,320 families or 123,624 individuals are staying outside evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, head of the Metro Manila Council (MMC), said on Sunday that the drainage system in the National Capital Region needs reassessment to address the ongoing flooding situation.

“The drainage system in Metro Manila is old. We need to study our drainage system and craft a master plan that can handle our population, current volume of rain, climate, and problems with garbage,” Zamora said.

Citing Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Zamora noted that one person generates around one kilo of trash per day.

He said this amounts to 15 million kilos of trash daily in Metro Manila, which often ends up in rivers, creeks, and drainage systems, causing blockages that lead to severe flooding.

PBBM warns non-performing gov’t officials

By Vince Lopez

“In the performance of their functions, they are assigned to investigate and prosecute cases involving national security, dangerous drugs, terrorism, and notorious criminals,” he said. “As a consequence of their duties and exposure to hazardous situations, many prosecutors have received death threats, and a number of them have been killed in the line of duty.”

The Speaker is joined by Tingog party-list Representatives Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre as coauthors of the bill.

They noted that prosecutors are often the targets of threats and violence, with at least 13 killed in the line of duty over the past decade while handling sensitive and high-profile cases.

“Given the precarious nature of their work, prosecutors are thereby exposed to risks and perils to their lives,” their statement read.

The bill covers prosecutors from the Department of Justice’s National Prosecution Service who are assigned to high-risk areas or cases, including those involving national security, transnational crimes, and environmental offenses.

Prosecutors stationed in conflict zones, calamity areas, or isolated assignments are also covered.

The proposed hazard pay will be tax-exempt and will not diminish any existing benefits.

The measure directs the DOJ and the Department of Budget and Management to issue implementing rules within 60 days of enactment.

Funding for the initial implementation will come from the DOJ’s current budget, with future appropriations to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

“This bill reaffirms the State’s duty to maintain peace and order, protect life, liberty and property, and promote the general welfare,” the Speaker pointed out.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

yesterday warned government officials they would be held responsible for failing to provide proper aid to Filipinos.

In the third episode of the BBM

Podcast, the President insisted that he will not hesitate to punish anyone, whether they are allies or not.

“They have to be told of who is responsible and somebody has to answer for their sufferings,” he added.

Mr. Marcos told Ivan Mayrina of GMA news that he is sorry for

every political ally who fails to deliver proper aid to Filipinos in need of whatever services they are asking for.

“I’m very sorry for them, You are not my ally anymore if you are doing things as such, I don’t want you to be our ally,” the President replied.

under the Teachers’ Salary Subsidy (TSS) was approved by the State Assistance Council (SAC), the policy-making body that oversees the program.

In a statement on Sunday, Angara said the increase is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), where he reiterated his administration’s push for equity and quality in education.

He explained that the move seeks to support and recognize the vital contributions of private school teachers to the country’s education system. The P6,000 increase to the teachers’ subsidy, equivalent to a 33% raise, was approved by the SAC last July 31.

In June last year, the President signed into law a similar measure intended for public school teachers, authorizing an increase in their annual teaching allowance.

Republic Act No. 11997 or the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act” sets an initial teaching allowance of P5,000 per teacher for SY 2024-2025, followed by P10,000 for SY 2025-2026 and every year thereafter. The chief executive said the law’s enactment was a significant milestone for the education sector as it provides substantial support for teachers, “so they can concentrate on teaching.”

“I think we’re all familiar with the situation when a teacher finds themselves in financial straits. then sometimes, they’re distracted and spend their time trying to increase the support that they can provide their families, and to the detriment of the actual teaching,” Mr. Marcos earlier said.

four weeks after exposure. If untreated, leptospirosis can lead to severe complications, including liver, kidney, lung, or heart failure.

The DOH advised individuals experiencing symptoms to seek immediate

branches of our government demand their strictest scrutiny, for the slightest of error can bring about a tyrannicide that will incinerate our Constitution,” the statement read.

PhilConsa, the country’s oldest and most respected nonpartisan organization dedicated to the defense and promotion of the Constitution, noted that the SC ruled without the benefit of facts established by a trial court or reviewed by the Court of Appeals, relying instead on “dubious” and unverified reports.

“Hearsay evidence is forbidden in the search for truth for it denies due process to the prejudiced party. We therefore urge the Supreme Court to review the salient facts it relied upon in its Decision to make sure the facts speak the truth, for only a decision based on indubitable facts can stand time and its vicissitudes,” it stressed.

PhilConsa also raised alarm over the SC’s imposition of seven new rules for the House in handling impeachment cases, saying it violates the constitutional provision granting the legislative chamber exclusive authority to initiate impeachment.

“With due respect, we express grave concern on the imposition of these new seven rules, written by the Supreme Court itself for the House to comply with,” it said.

“We submit that it violates Arti -

cle XI (3) of the Constitution that provides: ‘The House of Representatives shall have the exclusive power to initiate all cases of impeachment,’” it added.

PhilConsa said House members, as elected officials, are accountable to the people — not to the SC — and warned that allowing the judiciary to evaluate “sufficiency of evidence” and “reasonableness of time” infringes on legislative independence.

“The Rules made by the Court, which gifted itself the power to determine the sufficiency of evidence and the reasonableness of time given to all members of the House to reach an independent decision, cannot but raise eyebrows,” it said.

“It tilted the balance of power in its favor. It runs counter to the advice that in interpreting the Constitution, the role of justices is to serve strictly as umpires. They should not act as pitchers or batters in favor of any party,” PhilConsa added.

The association also opposed the requirement that due process be given to a respondent during the House’s political initiation of an impeachment case, arguing that the proper venue for such legal guarantees is the trial in the Senate.

“The right of respondent to due process should be invoked in the Senate Impeachment Court when respondent goes to trial,” PhilConsa asserted.

“The trial stage is the legal component of the impeachment process. The familiar learning is that the right to be

heard is satisfied when respondent is heard before any judgment is handed down. It need not necessarily be accorded before or at the start of the judicial proceedings,” it argued.

The new SC rules effectively undermine the constitutional authority of the House and must be revisited, PhilConsa pointed out.

“In fine, the new rules written by the Court for the House to follow will render nugatory the exclusive power of the House to initiate all impeachment cases. We beg the Court to revisit the constitutionality of the new rules it wrote for the House,” the group said.

PhilConsa also warned against judicial overreach and urged respect for constitutional boundaries.

“Our Constitution is based on democracy and not on the monocracy of any branch of government. It will endure only if we are able to preserve the pristine principles of separation of power, checks and balances, accountability of officials, a public office is a public trust and the sovereignty of the people from whom all powers of government emanate,” it said.

“There ought to be no reckless tinkering of the balance of power, for any erroneous micro movement will have macro consequences on our fragile democracy. We call on the Supreme Court to avoid the political thicket, where there are too many unknowns and unknowables,” it noted.

During the ceremonial signing, Angara emphasized the critical role of private educators in the country’s learning ecosystem.

“There is still a significant gap in the situation of our private school teachers compared to those in public schools. But today, we are taking a decisive step to narrow that gap and uplift the private education system alongside the public,” Angara noted. According to the education secretary, the message of Mr. Marcos’ most recent SONA was unmistakable: education is his top priority.

“And we have always adhered to the idea that education is a shared mission,” he added.

should be passed requiring individuals to secure a designated parking space before being allowed to purchase or register a vehicle.”

In this case, it will discourage indiscriminate parking and promote responsible vehicle ownership.

The DILG) and the MMDA suggested a partial parking ban on public streets in the National Capital Region (NCR).

DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla said the agency proposed to ban street parking in the region between 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“The law says that public streets are not for private enterprise. And we consider parking a private enterprise. A private car on a public street,” Remulla said.

Rome’s eastern outskirts, and on Sunday the Vatican said that number had grown to one million people.

Most of those attending slept on the ground overnight in tents, in sleeping bags or mats in anticipation of Sunday’s mass.

In his homily, the first American pope and former missionary encouraged the gathered youth to “spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith to everyone you meet!”

The Vatican has sought to high -

medical attention and obtain a prescription before taking doxycycline, the antibiotic used for treatment.

Meanwhile, Quezon City reported a sharp rise in cases, prompting local officials to sound the alarm over what they described as an emerging public health threat.

“Leptospirosis can be deadly, so it should never be taken lightly. The Quezon City Government is ready to help

light pilgrims who managed to travel to Rome from war-torn regions, with Leo saying Sunday the Church and world’s youth were with them in solidarity.

“We are closer than ever to young people who suffer the most serious evils which are caused by other human beings,” he said in his Angelus, speaking in English.

“We are with the young people of Gaza. We are with the young people of Ukraine, with those of every land bloodied by war,” said the pontiff, 69.

“My young brothers and sisters, you are the sign that a different world is possible, a world of fraternity and friend-

every QCitizen, from providing free medicine to ensuring full recovery,” said city Mayor Joy Belmonte.

Data from the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division showed that the city logged 43 new infections between July 24 and 30, surpassing the epidemic threshold.

As of July 30, the city has tallied 178 leptospirosis cases for 2025, which is nearly 23 percent higher than the total recorded from January to July last year.

The death toll in Quezon City has climbed to 23 this year, a 12 percent increase compared to the 18 deaths reported during the same period in 2024.

From July 17 to 30, Quezon City recorded 67 cases, pushing the city beyond weekly epidemic benchmarks during the same period.

ship where conflicts are not resolved with weapons but with dialogue.”

Catholic ‘Woodstock’

The colorful event under sunny skies was accompanied by music from a choir, and about 450 bishops and 700 priests, all in green robes. A towering cross dominated the massive golden arch covering the stage where the pope led mass.

The young pilgrims—hailing from 146 different countries, according to the Vatican—have filled Rome’s streets since Monday, chanting, singing and waving flags of their countries.

The festive atmosphere reached its peak Saturday ahead of an evening vigil presid-

ed over by Leo, with Italian broadcaster Rai dubbing it a Catholic “Woodstock.”

Hundreds of thousands of youths camped out at the dusty venue, strumming guitars or singing, others snoozing, as music blasted from the stage where a series of religious bands entertained the crowds.

Leo was greeted with deafening screams and applause after his arrival by helicopter Saturday as he toured the grounds in his popemobile, with many people running to catch a better glimpse of the new American pope.

At over 500,000 square meters (125 acres), the grounds were the size of around 70 football fields.

“So we will now designate them as no parking zones especially on the streets which affect Metro Manila traffic. It’s a modification of what we have now,” he added. On the other hand, MMDA chairperson Romando Artes suggested implementing the ban on side street parking only during rush hours, covering 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

British student Andy Hewellyn had parked himself in front of a huge video screen—a prime spot, as he could not even see the stage far away.

“I’m so happy to be here, even if I’m a bit far from the pope. I knew what to expect!” he told Agence France Presse (AFP).

“The main thing is that we’re all together.”

The youth pilgrimage came about three months after the start of Leo’s papacy and 25 years after former pope John Paul II organised the last such youth gathering in Rome.

It was announced by former Pope Francis during World Youth Day in Lisbon in 2023.

MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 2025

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF

Lacson flags scammer using ex-rep’s name

SENATOR Panfilo Lacson on Sunday warned the public against donation scams targeting disaster-stricken communities across the country.

Lacson revealed that a scammer had falsely claimed to be former Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Sato while seeking financial support to rebuild an alleged orphanage damaged by a typhoon. The individual reportedly posed as Sato and attempted to solicit donations via Viber, using the former lawmaker’s name and photo in the profile.

“This person, misrepresenting himself as ex-Cong Nene Sato, contacted the wrong guy when he asked me for financial support ... I have his real identity, even his photo on his SSS ID,” the senator said.

Screenshots shared by Lacson showed the scammer providing a GCash number, claiming it was for a “donation drive” to assist the orphanage.

He is now coordinating with authorities to ensure the scammer is tracked down and held accountable, and renewed his call for vigilance, particularly from individuals who may be moved to donate during times of crisis. Ram Superable

Phil. Marines completes Zamboanga maritime drills

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 (MBLT-1), in coordination with the Naval Special Operations Unit-6 (NAVSOU-6), successfully conducted a simulation exercise on Maritime Interdiction Operations.

This exercise marked the culmination of the Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) training held along the coastal waters of Barangay Rio Hondo, Zamboanga City. The drill showcased the effective application of VBSS techniques, a vital capability for countering smuggling and other illegal maritime activities. The simulation was based on a scenario involving a commercial vessel suspected of transporting smuggled goods and contraband from abroad.

PDP to Senate: Appoint Ethics Committee chair

THE Partido Demokratiko ng Pilipino (PDP) is requesting the Senate to fill the vacant position of Ethics Committee chairperson to “preserve the dignity, integrity, and reputation” of the institution.

They made the remark following the latest caucus of senators in the 20th Congress but noted the position remained vacant. In a statement on Sunday, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, PDP spokesman on impeachment matters, said they respectfully request the position be filled at the earliest convenience.

“While we realize that there are more pressing and important concerns at the moment before the Senate, we believe it is also quite essential that there are mechanisms in place to preserve the dignity, integrity, and reputation of the Senate in light of certain conduct on the part of some members thereof,” the statement read. Pot Chavez

Comelec optimistic on BSKE, cites good voter feedback

By Vito Barcelo

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said that despite an impending law that will postpone the village elections originally set for December, there has been a strong response from citizens regarding voter registration across multiple locations throughout the country.

Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia said this indicates a high level of engagement and interest in the electoral process, even with the uncertainty surrounding the next election schedule.

“This positive result on the initial day of voter registration clearly demonstrates the Filipino people’s readiness to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections and to engage actively in the

democratic process,” Garcia said.

The Comelec observed a large number of new registrants on the first two days of the 10-day registration period for the next election, officially called the 2025 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

“We are optimistic about achieving our goal of one million new voters within 10 days,” Garcia said, expressing hope that at least 50% of the registrations would come from individuals aged 15 to 17, the majority of whom are first-time voters.

The Comelec has not yet published the registration figures; however, it has indicated its objective to register one million new voters during the current registration

campaign from August 1 to August 10.

“Had we not pushed for voter registration for at least 10 days, it is likely that we would not have had any citizens aged 15 to 17 eligible to cast their votes. This situation could have led to a complete lack of participation in the Sangguniang Kabataan elections,” he added. Garcia expressed confidence that there are no problems, even if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. decides to implement another law that postpones the elections for the village and youth councils. The Comelec chief emphasized that the registrations collected during the ongoing registration period will remain valid and recognized, regardless of any changes to the election schedule.

Bangsamoro bill to provide income trust for LGUs

By Nash B. Maulana

PARLIAMENTARY Bill 355 will further institutionalize the Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership (SEAL) for local executives of cities, municipalities, and provinces in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Member of Parliament Naguib Sinarimbo said the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA) Committee on Local Governance took up BTA Parliamentary Bill 355 to amend the BARMM Local

Governance Code and cover a provision of endowment fund in the form of an investible trust.

Speaker Pangalian Balindong also directed the same committee to review policies on the utilization of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) in response to the Local Government Committee Report of the House of Representatives.

It can be recalled that the House Committee on Local Government has probed the complaint of Lanao del Sur Governor Bombit Adiong on alleged misuse of the LGSF.

Cops nab Japanese ‘Luffy’ gang member in Taguig

By Vito Barcelo

A JAPANESE national who is a ranking member of the notorious Luffy gang, a prominent organized crime group in Japan, was apprehended by immigration authorities collaborating with Japanese police during a synchronized operation in Taguig last Friday, August 1. Arrested was Kensuke Kudo, 28, a Japanese national wanted in Tokyo for his involvement in a massive fraud operation. Kudo was apprehended pursuant to existing immigration warrants and derogatory records.

The Tokyo Summary Court issued a warrant of arrest against Kudo in January for theft in violation of the Japanese Penal Code. Reports from Japanese authorities revealed that Kudo and his accomplices posed as law enforcement officers to deceive elderly victims into surrendering their ATM cards and personal information. The group then allegedly used the stolen data to withdraw large sums of money without authorization.

“The arrest of Kudo is a major step forward in dismantling foreign criminal syndicates exploiting Philippine territory,” said Bureau of Immigration Com-

missioner Joel Anthony Viado. “President Marcos has made it clear: the Philippines will not be a safe haven for fugitives. We are acting on that directive with resolve,” Viado added. Kudo is reportedly among the remaining active members of the “Luffy” syndicate—a Japan-based criminal network that operated from the Philippines and is believed to have amassed over ¥1 billion through theft, fraud, and related cybercrimes.

A series of joint operations between Philippine and Japanese authorities has already dismantled much of the organization.

On the SEAL measure, Sinarimbo said a BTA partnership with the Mindanao State University (MSU) will guide the BTA Parliament’s Local Government Committee in crafting relevant policies that are Sharia-compliant.

The conventional banking system also provides investment venues or platforms for trust fund investments: The Union Bank, for instance, has its Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF), which the bank defines as “an open-ended pooled trust fund denominated in pesos or any acceptable currency. It is operated and administered by a trust entity and made

available by participation.”

Sinarimbo said only the income generated by the Sharia-compliant trust investment will be spent for the awarding of SEAL-winning local officials from the annual assessment of the BARMM’s Ministry of Local Government (MILG). He said an endowment fund will be managed by the BARMM Regional Treasury Office. The Treasury Office, he said, guided by MSU academics, will formulate trust and endowment management policies on investible funds which will generate income to support an institutionalized SEAL Program.

Army identifies 3 of 8 slain rebels in N. Samar clash

By Ronald O. Reyes

THE Philippine Army has identified three of the eight rebels who were killed in a recent back-to-back gunfight with government forces in the hinterlands of Barangay San Isidro, Las Navas, Northern Samar.

Major Jefferson Mariano, spokesperson of the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division based in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar, said the slain rebels were identified through the revelation of a former rebel member.

“The personalities were identified as Richard Jumadiao alias Joban, Communist-Leader, Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) Laysan, of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC); alias Berbon, Vice Squad Leader, Independent Squad, Regional Guerilla Unit

(RGU); and Jinky Senobio alias Sinag, member of Squad 1, RGU, EVRPC,” Mariano said in a statement to the media.

“Jumadiao and his group had been linked to multiple cases of atrocities in Northern Samar. These include a series of ambuscades, extortions, and radicalization of civilians, jeopardizing government projects and initiatives to bring peace and sustainable development in the region,” he added.

A concerned citizen was able to tip off military personnel that an armed group was allegedly extorting and threatening farmers at the said location, which led to the launching of the operation.

Army personnel also recovered 10 firearms, including a K3 light machine gun (LMG), during the two back-to-back gun battles on July 31, 2025.

BOMB PROBE. Authorities from the MPD Explosives and Ordnance Division (EOD) continue their investigation following an explosion that injured four people at the corner of Tayuman and Dagupan Streets in Tondo, Manila on Sunday afternoon. Norman Cruz

MARINE DRILLS. Members of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 (MBLT1), in coordination with Naval Special Operations Unit-6 (NAVSOU-6), conducts a simulation exercise on Maritime Interdiction Operations along the coastal waters of Barangay Rio Hondo, Zamboanga City. Lino Santos

NEW PARK IN NOVALICHES. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte inspects the ongoing construction of Buenamar Plaza in Barangay Novaliches Proper on Saturday. The massive plaza is now 70% complete and is expected to be finished by November. Lino Santos

OPINION

Good cop, bad cop

NOW the pieces fall into place. Over merienda with a senator in late February, I surmised that Chiz Escudero knew his politics when he decided not to convene the impeachment court “forthwith.” The enemies of Inday Sara know that if trial were to commence in the middle of the campaign, the dice would eventually be loaded in favor of acquittal, I said then.

Look, I continued, the Dutertes have an electoral fortress in Mindanao. That is 24 percent of the vote. They have strong emotional ties with the Bisaya, and Cebu, Bohol, parts of Negros and Leyte put together is 10 percent of the vote.

A senatorial candidate, more so a reelectionist, will not want to lose in a third of the national vote, I calculated.

Seven re-electionists will most likely vote for acquittal. Add Robinhood, Jinggoy, Mark Villar, Zubiri, Alan, and it’s game over for the HoR’s impeachment.

So the wily Chiz steps up to the plate, and plays “bad cop.” We will not start trial until after the elections when the Alyansa with it’s sure winners trump the unknowns of Duterte.

And all the Duterte haters -- yellows, pinks, commies, socialists, civil society ek-ekers, even traditional media pounced on Chiz.

But Chiz the whiz kid held the Duterte haters at bay, and initial surveys showed the Alyansa candidates would win against the virtual unknowns Davao managed to cobble.

Then Malacanang spoiled the best laid plan of bad cop.

Hatched in the middle of last year when the Uniteam cracked, with government quietly collaborating with the ICC prosecutor who was in hot water due to alleged sexual offenses, the former president was shanghaied by presidential plane to Den Haag mid-March.

The timing was so bad. The tide turned. Now Duterte’s “who they” candidates gained currency and locked-in onethird of the vote.

By mid-April, the signs of a meltdown were clear. The president’s sister ditched his coalition totally in favor of her friend Sara. The Nacionalista Villars hedged their bets. The yellow-pink candidates chose to be aloof in the fight of the reds and greens.

At one point, just to ensure the numbers to convict would be there, funds from mysterious and heretofore anti-pink sources found its way to two non-Alyansa candidates who were “sure” to vote for conviction.

By the skin of their teeth, the Alyansa managed to salvage five of its own. Two were likely to do as it bid, but three who won cannot be dictated upon.

Bad cop comes to the rescue once more. When the Senate finally convened as an impeachment court, his courtiers

did another Houdini act: they “remanded” the articles to the HoR, and asked their “lower” counterparts to explain certain “kinks” in their procedures.

Those questions were earlier brought by the lawyers of the embattled vicepresident before the highest tribunal. But the tribunal decided to let the elections pass before promulgating its decision, knowing what it writes would affect the elections.

Bad cop is really good at this kind of game.

The bad cop is relieved. Either the good cop realized at the last moment that he needed to move, or seeing that the numbers would fail to convict anyway, he decided not to move

He calculated that the Supreme Court would have to make a decision sooner than later, for he could not keep dribbling the impeachment ball forever, and every lawyer in town was looking at the “gods of Faura” to break the impasse.

But how about the good cop? He had just one new appointee in the Court, two appointees of PNoy, and a dozen by his immediate predecessor who was now in the confines of the ICC, unable to influence any official.

Did he, or his trusted lieutenant try to convince some justices? Only he could tilt the balance, if he had a mind to. Convincing the magistrates was above the pay grade of the bad cop.

But what happened?

On the eve of his fourth SONA, 13 justices voted along with the ponente, a PNoy appointee who declared the HoRmanufactured articles of impeachment as void ab initio, citing the one-year ban and the lack of proper disposition of three previous complaints frozen by the HoR’s unauthorized high clerk.

Even the newest justice, appointed just about a month ago, concurred with the ponente even if he could understandably have reason to abstain.

The bad cop is relieved. Either the good cop realized at the last moment that he needed to move, or seeing that the numbers would fail to convict anyway, he decided not to move.

Did he not after all, keep maintaining a hands-off stance, even saying he was against impeachment?

Accountability is a pillar of

climate resilience

THE month of July brought a grim reminder of the climate crisis we can no longer ignore.

Four typhoons struck the Philippines in rapid succession, causing severe flooding that uprooted families, destroyed livelihoods, and exposed the dangerous gaps in our disaster preparedness.

The country is bracing for more storms before the year ends, and the question we must ask is: Are we truly ready?

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address acknowledged the urgency of disaster preparedness and climate action.

He called out corruption in substandard flood control projects and committed to building more evacuation centers, reinforcing transparency, and enforcing discipline in waste management. These are encouraging signals—but words must be matched with action. Climate change disasters will not wait for our bureaucracy to catch up.

The International Court of Justice recently issued a landmark opinion defining climate change as an existential threat and a violation of the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. It underscores that inaction is not just

neglect—it is a legally wrongful act.

Filipino communities know this firsthand. Every delay in taking climate action increases their vulnerability, and the consequences are counted in lost lives, damaged homes, and shattered livelihoods.

Filipinos are increasingly aware of this.

We don’t suffer from a lack of policies or plans – we suffer from poor execution because of the lack of accountability

A Pulse Asia survey in June showed that infrastructure and flood control were top concerns citizens hoped the President would address in his SONA.

The public is no longer satisfied with rhetoric—they expect proof that their

EDITORIAL

Mission and influence

POPE Leo XIV last week held a mass at St. Peter’s Basilica dedicated to the young and digitally savvy members of the faithful, during the Vatican’s Jubilee of Youth. The Catholic leader called on them to create content for those “who need to know the Lord,” reported Agence France-Presse.

The influencers captured highlights of the social media summit on their smartphones.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, now assigned to the Vatican, also told the young people that they were not only influencers but missionaries.

At a time when technology has pervaded every aspect of everyday life, the Church’s acknowledgment of the power of the internet signals a significant shift. Traditional minds have simplistically portrayed technology as a social and spiritual ill.

To be sure, technology is never altogether good, either. Then and now, it has been a powerful force that can do

concerns are being acted on.

Similarly, a May 2025 Social Weather Stations survey revealed a growing optimism in national efforts toward climate resilience, but also a demand for more visible, accessible disaster relief systems. This trust must be honored with tangible, sustained action.

We don’t suffer from a lack of policies or plans – we suffer from poor execution because of the lack of accountability.

The President’s vow to prosecute those behind defective or ghost flood control projects is long overdue. Communities devastated by floods don’t need more investigations; they need functioning dikes, pumping stations, efficient drainage systems, and habitable evacuation centers.

They need assurance that every peso earmarked for disaster resilience actually builds it.

We must go beyond emergency response and into long-term climate adaptation.

The President’s renewed focus on flood control must be tied to a broader climate-smart infrastructure plan – one that integrates green design, circular economy practices, and risk mapping.

This also means investing in naturebased solutions like reforestation and watershed rehabilitation, not just pouring concrete.

What’s at stake is not just disaster miti-

much good – or much harm.

Besides social media, disinformation and artificial intelligence are aspects of technology that inspire much

Technology is a powerful force that can do much good — or much harm

ethical and moral debate, not only among the Catholic faithful. Generations that are growing up in a world

gation but national development. Without climate resilience, we cannot sustain inclusive growth. Floods don’t just cause temporary inconvenience— they derail education, devastate crops, and grind to a halt the commerce and daily survival of flood-stricken communities.

Business continuity hinges on resilient infrastructure, while investor confidence hinges on predictable, well-managed risk.

The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Risks Report ranked extreme weather as the second-most severe shortterm global risk, just behind misinformation.

Over the long term, environmental risks dominate the landscape – pointing to a worsening trend unless governments pivot decisively toward climate leadership. In our region, the United Nations names climate inaction as the top threat – it underscores just how exposed we are – and how critical our actions will be in shaping the outcome.

To meet this challenge, the Philippine government must lead by example. It must ensure that climate resilience is not just a buzzword in speeches but a nonnegotiable priority in national and local budgets.

Only infrastructure projects included in the National Expenditure Program should proceed, as the President de-

driven by the internet will naturally have different exposures and facilities that are different from those possessed by their elders.

Different – not better, not worse.

The pitfalls are many. We have learned about too many instances of security breaches, fraud, identity theft, exploitation, and many other sinister activities that are taking place online. There is ignorance, hypocrisy, prejudice, and acrimony even against people we don’t even know. But the potential for greater benefit in all fields imaginable is immense, as we know well and as we practice them in our own spheres.

Outside, then, of religion, there are countless opportunities for the digitally inclined to do more good in the world. Whatever belief we subscribe to, if any at all, may the temptations offered by a digitally-driven environment be held in check by the potential it offers to individuals, families, communities, institutions, and nations to do better -- be better -- than they currently are.

clared—but more importantly, oversight must be relentless, and communities must be involved in both planning and monitoring.

At the same time, we need a whole-ofsociety approach.

Businesses, civil society, academic institutions, and local leaders must align their efforts toward climate resilience and sustainability goals.

Private sector innovation can accelerate green infrastructure, while grassroots participation can ensure that solutions are context-specific and inclusive.

CitizenWatch Philippines and our partners in the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship are committed to promoting these cross-sectoral collaborations.

We believe that environmental protection and economic growth are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, resilience is a prerequisite for progress.

The devastation we’ve seen this year should not just provoke sympathy – it should provoke accountability and action.

Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is already reshaping our lives, landscapes, and prospects as a nation. And while we welcome the President’s promises, we must measure leadership not by its rhetoric, but by its results. The time to act was yesterday. The next best time is now.

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in a horizontal format reminiscent of a woodcut from the German expressionist era of a harassed Filipino man holding in front of him at arm’s length a mobile phone with

pistol emerging from the smartphone screen. The gun, labeled ‘online lenders,’ is pointing squarely between the eyes of the Filipino, who looks scared and is sweating bullets.

Crackdown leaves migrants on brink of homelessness

BUENA PARK – When her husband was arrested in an immigration raid near Los Angeles last month, Martha was abruptly separated from the father of her two daughters. But she also lost the salary that allowed her to keep a roof over their heads.

“He’s the pillar of the family... he was the only one working,” said the undocumented woman, using a pseudonym for fear of reprisals.

“He’s no longer here to help us, to support me and my daughters.”

Los Angeles, where one-third of residents are immigrants -- and several hundred thousand people are undocumented -- has been destabilized by intensifying Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids under the Trump administration.

Since returning to power, US President Donald Trump has delivered on promises to launch a wide-ranging deportation drive, targeting undocumented migrants but also ensnaring many others in its net.

After her husband’s arrest, 39-yearold Martha has joined the ranks of people barely managing to avoid ending up on the streets of Los Angeles County -- a region with prohibitively high housing prices, and the largest number of homeless people in the United States outside New York.

Her 700-square-foot apartment in Buena Park, a suburb of the California metropolis, costs $2,050 per month. After her husband’s arrest, she urgently found a minimum-wage night job in a factory to cover their most pressing needs.

Former Fox News host confirmed as top prosecutor

WASHINGTON, DC—The US Senate on Saturday (Sunday Manila time) confirmed former television personality and judge Jeanine Pirro to a key US judiciary post, making her the latest Donald Trump-nominated Fox News host to join the government.

Pirro was confirmed to become the US Attorney for the District of Columbia in a 50-45 vote, as Trump urged the Republican-led Senate to work through the weekend to approve his nominations over six months after he returned to the White House.

Pirro was named to the position in an interim capacity by Trump —who has made a habit of filling powerful government posts with right-wing television network hosts and hardline loyalists—in May.

The brash 74-year-old former district attorney of New York’s Westchester County was previously described by Trump as being “in a class by herself.”

She made a name for herself hosting weekend television show “Judge Jeanine Pirro” (2008-2011) and then Fox News Channel’s “Justice with Judge Jeanine,” which ran for 11 years.

She was a co-host of Fox News’s show “The Five” until she assumed

It pays just enough to keep them afloat, but has left Martha unable to cover a range of obligations.

“I have to pay car insurance, phone, rent, and their expenses,” she said, pointing to her six- and seven-yearold daughters, who need school supplies for the new academic year.

“That’s a lot of expenses.”

How long can she keep up this punishing schedule, which allows her barely three hours of sleep on returning from the factory before having to wake and look after her daughters?

“I couldn’t tell you,” she said, staring blankly into space.

Los Angeles has seen some of the worst of the ICE raids. Squads of masked agents have targeted hardware stores, car washes and bus stops, arresting more than 2,200 people in June.

About 60 percent of these had no prior criminal records, according to internal ICE documents analyzed by AFP.

Trump’s anti-immigration offensive is taking an added toll on Latino workers, who were already among the worst-affected victims of the region’s housing crisis, said Andrea Gonzalez, deputy director of the CLEAN Carwash Workers Center, a labor rights non-profit. AFP

‘HORRIFYING

ACTS.’ Families of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 2023 demonstrate in Tel Aviv’s ‘Hostage’ square during US envoy Steve Witkoff’s visit during the weekend. Witkoff met the anguished families as fears for the captives’ survival mounted almost 22 months into the war. The meeting came one day after Witkoff visited a USbacked aid station in Gaza to inspect efforts to get food into the devastated Palestinian territory. AFP

BREWING STORM. In this file

photo, a man is detained as clashes break out after US Customs and Border Protection officers attempted to raid a store in Bell, just south of Los Angeles, California, on June 20, 2025. A US appeals court has upheld an order blocking immigration agents from carrying out patrols in California that led to indiscriminate detentions without reasonable grounds to suspect people of being undocumented. The ruling denies the federal government’s appeal to overturn a temporary July order to halt the ‘roving patrols’ in Los Angeles that immigration rights groups have described as illegally using racial profiling. AFP

US envoy meets Israeli hostage families in Tel Aviv, gets pleas

TEL AVIV—US envoy Steve Witkoff met anguished relatives of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza on Saturday, as fears for the captives’ survival mounted almost 22 months into the war sparked by Hamas’s October 2023 attack.

Witkoff was greeted with some applause and pleas for assistance from hundreds of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv, before going into a closed meeting with the families.

Videos shared online showed him arriving to meet the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, as families chanted “Bring them home!” and “We need your help.”

The meeting came one day after Witkoff visited a US-backed aid station in Gaza to inspect efforts to get food into the devastated Palestinian territory.

“The war needs to end,” Yotam Cohen, brother of 21-year-old hostage Nimrod Cohen, told AFP.

“The Israeli government will not end it willingly. It has refused to do so,” he added.

“The Israeli government must be stopped. For our sakes, for our soldiers’ sakes, for our hostages’ sakes, for our sons and for the future generations of everybody in the Middle East.”

Of the 251 hostages taken during the Hamas attack, 49 are still being held in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead.

After the meeting, the Forum released a statement saying Witkoff had given them a personal commitment that he and US President Donald Trump would work to return the remaining hostages.

Hamas attempted to maintain pressure on the families, on Friday releasing a video of one of the hostages— 24-year-old Evyatar David—for the second time in two days, showing him looking emaciated in a tunnel.AFP

Assange joins pro-Palestinian protest on Harbor Bridge

SYDNEY—Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters including WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange marched across the Sydney Harbor Bridge on Sunday, closing the world famous landmark. Assange, who returned to Australia last year after his release from a highsecurity British prison, was pictured surrounded by family and marching alongside former Australian foreign minister and New South Wales premier Bob Carr.

cally recognize a Palestinian state as international concern and criticism have grown over malnutrition in Gaza.

Australia has called for an end to the war in Gaza but has so far stopped short of a decision to recognize a Palestinian state.

But in a joint statement with more than a dozen other nations on Tuesday it expressed the “willingness or the positive consideration... to recognize the state of Palestine as an essential step towards the two-State solution”.

The pro-Palestinian crowd braved heavy winds and rain to march across

Young

Dormant Russia volcano erupts after 450 years

MOSCOW—A volcano erupted for the first time in 450 years in Russia’s eastern Kamchatka region, the nation’s emergency authority said Sunday, days after one of the strongest earthquakes on record hit the region. Pictures released by Russian state media show a towering plume of ash spewing from the Krasheninnikov volcano, which last erupted in 1550, according to the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program. The plume is estimated to have reached an altitude of 6,000 meters, Kamchatka’s Ministry of Emergency Situations said in a post on Telegram.

“The plume is spreading eastward from the volcano toward the Pacific Ocean. There are no populated areas along its path, and no ashfall has been recorded in

Chaos, gangs, gunfire: Gaza aid fails PARIS—The

the bridge, chanting “ceasefire now” and “free Palestine”. New South Wales police said it had deployed hundreds of extra staff across Sydney for the march.

Mehreen Faruqi, the New South Wales senator for the left-wing Greens party, told the crowd gathered at central Sydney’s Lang Park that the march would “make history”.

She called for the “harshest sanctions on Israel”, accusing its forces of “massacring” Gazans, and criticised New South Wales premier Chris Minns for saying the protest should not go ahead. AFP

Catholics give rock star welcome to Pope Leo at vigil

ROME—Hundreds of thousands of young faithful feted Pope Leo XIV like a rock star Saturday at an openair prayer vigil outside Rome, after the head of the Catholic Church made a dramatic entrance by helicopter.

Pilgrims began crying and cheering when the white military helicopter descended over the sprawling, openair site in Rome’s eastern outskirts; Organisers said as more than 800,000 young pilgrims from 146 countries around the world had assembled there as part of a “Jubilee of Youth”—and perhaps as many as a million.

Smiling broadly from his popemo-

bile, the first American pope waved to throngs of young, screaming pilgrims lining his route, many of them running for a better vantage point.

They had already spent the day in the hot sun listening to music, praying and talking with fellow Catholics.

“The pope is here!” announced an excited voice over the public address, to thunderous applause and cheers from the crowd.

But the tenor of the event soon became more solemn and contemplative as the pope took to the stage, carrying a large wood cross.

“Dear young people, after walking, praying and sharing these days of

grace of the Jubilee dedicated to you, we now gather together in the light of the advancing evening to keep vigil together,” Leo, 69, told them.

In the crowd was French pilgrim Julie Mortier, 18, whose voice was hoarse from singing and screaming for hours.

“We’re too happy to be here! Seeing the pope, that’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!” she croaked happily to AFP.

Event organizers said people had continued to arrive during the vigil and that it was possible that attendance numbers had reached one million. AFP

Romualdez lauds SSS on 3-year hike in 3.8m retirees’ pensions

IN BRIEF

Bike-riding gunmen kill PNP-HPG officer

A MEMBER of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) was reported shot dead by riding-in-tandem robbers who fled with the victim’s necklace and service firearm Friday night in Makati City.

The fatalitywas identified as Lt. Dexter Montes Pascua, of Barangay San Isidro, Makati City and assigned to HPG Region 4-A.

Initial investigation showed that the victim was washing his car on a curb the when the attackers drove up and opened fire at point-blank range.

Pascua tried to draw his gun, but was felled by several more shots. He was taken to the hospital but expired while undergoing treatment. Vince Lopez

LTO plays catch-up on license plates backlog

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the National Capital Region (NCR) has officially launched Operation: Oplan Palit Plaka in its La Loma, Quezon City district office.

LTO NCR director Roque Verzosa III said the initiative aims to issue actual license plates to motorcycles registered in 2017 or earlier that still do not have officially assigned plate numbers indicated on their certificate of registration.

These motorcycles usually continue to use their MV (motor vehicle) file numbers as temporary plates.

Pablito Pandi, LTO-NCR plate section chief, said a total of 228 plates had already been issued during on-site inspections. Rio N. Araja

Solon, partner roll out mobile soup kitchen

PAMPANGA First District Rep.

Carmelo Lazatin Jr. has rolled out a mobile soup kitchen to deliver hot meals to evacuees in Barangay Tabun, Mabalacat City.

Lazatin’s Mobile Soup Kitchen program was launched last July 24 in cooperation with Red Pillars Foundation.

It was the congressman’s first initiative under his comprehensive nutrition program for his legislative district. Through this partnership, Lazatin aims to address undernourishment in the with a three-month support program for malnourished children. Butch Gunio

By Rio N. Araja

S

PEAKER Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Sunday lauded the Social Security System (SSS) for approving a structured three-year increase in pensions for its 3.8 million retirees without raising contributions from members.

Romualdez described the new SSS initiative as a major step toward a more inclusive and responsive social insurance system under the Marcos administration.

“The multi-year adjustments for SSS pensions are long overdue, but nonetheless a welcome and necessary development for members who have dutifully paid their contributions over the years,” the Speaker said.

“This decision reflects President Marcos’ vision for a social insurance system that genuinely works for the people, especially our elderly who deserve dignity and support after years of contributing to our nation’s economy,” he added.

The adjustment addresses long-

standing clamor by pensioners, many of whom are retirees from the private sector, professionals, and informal workers who have struggled to make ends meet on meager monthly pensions, Romualdez said.

“It can be said that the old pension rates were a disservice to our elderly Filipinos. The directive of the President to raise these pensions is only the beginning of broader reforms that aim to make the SSS more compassionate, inclusive, and attuned to the realities faced by our retirees,” he noted.

Under Social Security Commission Resolution No. 340 of 2025, retirement and disability pensioners will receive a 10-percent annual increase in their

monthly pension, effective September 2025, and continuing through 2027. Meanwhile, surviving pensioners will see a five percent annual hike over the same period. By 2027, the cumulative increases mean the minimum retirement pension will rise from P2,200 to P2,928.20, while the average disability pension will increase from P4,963.70 to P6,606.68. The maximum retirement pension will grow from P22,137.25 to P29,464.68.

For survivor pensioners, the minimum pension will increase from P2,000 to P2,315.25, while the maximum pension will go up from P20,200 to P23,834.03. These increases are authorized under Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018, which empowers the SSC to adjust pension benefits based on prevailing economic conditions.

SSS president and chief executive Robert Joseph de Claro explained that the increases were the result of a comprehensive actuarial review guided by Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, ensuring that the adjustments are both “rational and sustainable” without endangering the system’s long-term viability.

DAR says over 1m farmers now enjoy better lives

OVER one million farmer-beneficiaries nationwide are now experiencing improved quality of life through the government’s Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development Sustainability Program that offers infrastructure development, training, livelihood, access to markets and financing.

Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado Estrella III reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to support agrarian reform beneficiaries even after land distribution.

DAR had fast tracked issuance of land titles and condonation of debts through the distribution of certificates of land ownership award, electronic titles and certificates of condonation with release of mortgage.

“We were able to deliver a wide range of support services. In addition to our collaboration with Agriculture \ Secretary Francisco Laurel and the construction of farm-to-market roads, we are also providing irrigation projects. Not only that, we are also distributing farm machineries and equipment. In fact, because of our continued support, many agrarian reform cooperatives are now thriving,” Estrella said.

As of last May 31, DAR, in collaboration with the National Irrigation Administration, has completed 213 irrigation projects across the country. Of these projects, 167 are fully operational, while 46 are ongoing, with a combined cost of P3.032 billion. These systems currently irrigate 9,897.58 hectares of land, improving agricultural productivity for 8,443 ARBs. DAR has also completed 340 farmto-market roads covering 281.946 kilometers and benefiting 84,361 ARBs to improve mobility and access to essential services.

DND chief cites ‘shared values’ in PH-US ties

By Rex Espiritu

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. has underscored the shared values in the long-standing Philippines–United States alliance during a joint humanitarian simulation exercise held at Clark Air Base in Pampanga. “Our partnership is premised on a fundamental value, the irreplaceable worth we place on every human life. That is very valuable to both of us. We respect each other, we respect human lives, and we are here to preserve that fundamental value,” Teodoro said. Teodoro, along with US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., witnessed the joint simulation exercise focusing on the delivery of family food packs (FFPs) to flood-affected communities.

The event showcased how food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are loaded and airlifted using U.S. military aircraft, including the MV-22 Osprey, emphasizing the vital role of coordination and logistics in humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations. The activity also served as an assessment platform to identify improvements for future joint HADR missions. Carlson reaffirmed the continued support of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), which has been working closely with the AFP to deliver relief to areas hit by successive monsoons.

To date, 4,800 food packs have been distributed, including to remote locations as far as the Batanes Islands.

By Minerva Newman

CEBU City – Cebu province is set to replicate Baguio City’s healthcare metrics and real-time disease tracking mechanism as a result of a knowledge-sharing agreement between the two cities.

Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro and Piso Health Consultant Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan met with Baguio City health officials on Thursday (July 31) to set off a two-day training session with the delegation including Dr. Donnabel Panes, Baguio City’s epidemiologist, and members of the Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians (PSPHP), Dr. James de la Cruz, Dr. Juan Bernardo Lava and Dr. Miguel Tristan Rebalde.

The learning sessions covered Baguio’s tracking system that provides instant, granular data, enabling offi-

cials to pinpoint disease cases such as dengue down to specific households in real time.

Catalan said the setup can transform Cebu’s healthcare system, notably retrospective review and prospective planning, by optimizing the allocation of resources and manpower.

“This ensures that our decisions are evidence-based, not guesswork. We’ll know exactly where and when to deploy resources. With 16 hospitals to manage, optimizing resource allocation and improving emergency responses are crucial in health management and efficient service,” she said.

Catalan noted that Dr. Panes is a pioneer in real-time disease surveillance and evidence-based health governance prominent for her transformative work in public health monitoring.

MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

The Los Angeles Lakers announce Luka’s Doncic contract extension during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California. AFP

Doncic

LOS ANGELES—Luka Doncic has signed a new long-term contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, the club announced on Saturday, in a deal reportedly worth $165 million over three years.

The Slovenian star, who joined the Lakers in a jaw-dropping trade earlier this year, will remain with the Lakers for the next three years through to 2028.

“Today is a monumental moment for our franchise. Luka Doncic’s future is with the Los Angeles Lakers,” Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said in a statement.

“Luka is one of the game’s most transcendent players, and his on-court dominance and passion is without compare,” Pelinka added.

Doncic, 26, expressed delight at the deal, saying he hoped to lead the Lakers back to the summit of the NBA.

“I’m really grateful to the Lakers organization, my teammates and the fans for welcoming me and my family with so much support and kindness since day one,” said Doncic.

“This is an amazing organization, and I truly believe in what we’re building together. I’m going to keep working as hard as I can to bring another championship to Los Angeles and to make Laker Nation proud. This is just the beginning.

Doncic joined the Lakers in February from the Dallas Mavericks in a trade deal that sent shockwaves around the league.

Gilas repeats vs. Jordan 5, but Cone says team ‘not there yet’ SPORTS

By Peter Atencio

GILAS Pilipinas needs to be a sharper team.

National coach Tim Cone said this after his wards beat Jordan, 75-61, in their their friendly match early Sunday at the Al Ahli Sports Club in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

“I don’t’ think we’re there yet, but I think these games will go a long way in helping us where we want to get to,” said Cone.

The Filipinos showcased a disciplined and cohesive effort throughout the contest, building an 11-point lead by halftime (40-29) and

ICTSI Caliraya Springs set to re-ignite tour

THE postponement of the weatherdisrupted ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge only fueled the competitive fire among the country’s top golfers, who are now brimming with anticipation to return to the fairways and resume their chase for glory.

After weeks of waiting, recalibrating and bracing through harsh weather conditions that gripped Metro Manila and nearby provinces, the men and ladies of the Philippine Golf Tour are more than ready to shake off the rust and swing back into contention as the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship gets going tomorrow (Tuesday, Aug. 5) in Cavinti, Laguna. With their momentum stalled since the Forest Hills stop last June, the pros have spent the delay productively – refining their swings, tightening their short games and sharpening their mental edge in anticipation of the next battle.

The unexpected lull may have tested their patience, but it only heightened their hunger to compete and prove themselves on the demanding Caliraya Springs Golf Club course.

For many, the layoff has created a bottleneck of competitive energy –now set to burst in what promises to be a riveting showdown in Laguna’s cool highlands. Rain or shine, these seasoned and rising stars are eager to make their mark and remind fans why they belong among the country’s golfing elite.

Guido van der Valk, who ended a long title drought with a one-stroke escape over Keanu Jahns and Angelo Que at Forest Hills, hopes to ride a wave of confidence into the P2 million championship, now serving as the fourth leg of this year’s Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) sponsored by ICTSI, following the postponement of the Valley stop.

expertly managing Jordan’s attempts to mount a comeback.

Timely three-pointers in the payoff period from Scottie Thompson, Calvin Oftana, Dwight Ramos, and Kevin Quiambao proved instrumental in keeping the Falcons at bay.

Oftana’s return to action after sitting out the previous friendly against the Macau Black Bears was a welcome sight, signaling his readiness for the upcoming Asia Cup.

This victory over world No. 35

Jordan marks the second consecutive win for Gilas in their recent friendly matches, following a hard-fought 103-98 comeback triumph against the Macau Black Bears last Monday.

The encounter with Jordan was the first between the two teams since their gold-medal game in the

Aguilar, and naturalized player Justin Brownlee. TNT champion import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson did not play for Jordan.

“I’m just looking for a measurement of where we are in terms of preparedness,” Cone told the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. “I think that is really the key, just seeing how prepared we are.”

Cone emphasized that while winning is always a positive, the focus was more on the quality of their play and execution rather than merely the scoreline.

“We were really looking at just the quality of our play, the quality of our execution, allowing the guys to make basketball plays and playing the heck out of the defense,” he added.

He started 28 games to end the regular season, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.6 steals. Under his previous contract, Doncic could have become a free agent in 2026 but has now committed to the Lakers long-term.

Doncic was offloaded by the Mavericks in a deal that sent the Lakers’ Anthony Davis in the opposite direction.

Mavericks’ concerns about Doncic’s physical conditioning were reportedly one of the reasons why the club felt willing to part company with the Slovenian, widely regarded as a generational talent.

However Doncic has looked noticeably slimmer in recent photos and videos, the product of a gruelling off-season physical regimen that appears to have yielded impressive results. AFP

Global stars converge in Cebu for explosive IRONMAN 70.3 weekend

SAM Osborne returns to Philippine shores not just seeking redemption – but gunning for domination – as he spearheads a deep international pro field in the highly anticipated IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu presented by Megaworld unfolding on Aug. 10 at Mactan Newtown, Cebu.

The New Zealand star, who placed second to Henri Schoeman in last year’s edition, is poised to go all the way this time with the defending champion opting out of the race. A consistent performer across all three disciplines, Osborne is expected to shine on the grueling course – 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21km run – set against the scenic yet punishing terrain of Lapu-Lapu City.

“The key is to manage the heat, control the effort, and stay cool under pressure,” said the seasoned 13-year pro, eyeing his first Philippine endurance crown.

But a stacked field awaits him in this clash of titans.

Australian Caleb Noble, who finished fourth last year, is back with renewed focus and hunger. Known for his power in the swim and run, Noble is eager to finally reach the top of the podium, saying the key to success is showing up sharp in all three segments.

THE SMART/MVPSF Philippine team struck for 20 medals – 2 golds, 5 silvers and 13 bronzes – in another successful campaign in the recent 2025 Asian Junior, Cadet Taekwondo Championships in Kuching, Malaysia. Dondy Santillan Jr. and the troika of Jaynazh Angelo Jamias, Clint Harron Magracia and Xian Gabriel Gamata produced two of the country’s shining moments after reigning supreme in their respective categories in the event that gathered close to 1,300 rising stars from 44 countries across the continent.

Crafty and resolute, Santillan triumphed in Kyorugi’s -37kg category (sparring) while Jamias, Magracua and Gamata put on a near-flawless performance to top poomsae’s recognized cadet team competition. Backed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and MILO, the PH bets struck heavily in

Also in the mix is Calvin Amos, another Australian standout who took fifth in 2023. A meticulous planner and firm believer in preparation, the 2022 pro debutant follows the mantra: “Trust the training and enjoy the ride.” Amos’ steady rise in the pro ranks makes him a legitimate threat to the title.

Joining them are fellow Aussies Brett Clifford, Josh Ferris, Tomasso Puccini and Nicholas Free, along with New Zealand’s Mike Phillips, rounding out an elite cast that guarantees fireworks on race day.

With such a loaded international field, this year’s edition promises not just a test of stamina, strategy and mental fortitude – but a thrilling battle for supremacy over a world-class course.

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

The IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu has firmly established itself as the standard of half-distance triathlon in the Philippines, and this year’s edition is set to raise the bar even higher.

While the spotlight shines on the professional showdown, the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu weekend is also a vibrant celebration of sport and community.

poomsae by accounting for 14 medals in the week-long event. Winning silver medals in Kyorugi were Jose Marti Omayan (Cadet Malew -61kg) and Jian Axl Khloe Liya (Cadet Male -53), while delivering bronze medals were Chuck Aeron Alariao (-63kg), Ryzza Anne Shyreen Cadilena

(-42kg) and World Junior veteran Rhiyanne Agatha Shay Cadilena (-46kg). In poomsae, the silver medallists were Clarissa Louise Gallego in the Cadet Female recognized individual and the tandems of Adrian Joseph Gajasan III and Austine Zulaika Macaraeg (freestyle mixed) and Dean Darnet

Venerable and Juliana Mykhail Can-

delaria (freestyle mixed pair junior). Apart from winning a team gold, Jamias also took a bronze in the recognized individual cadet, while Clint Harron Magracia and Joniya Yua Ysabelle Obiacoro also clinched a bronze in the recognized mixed pair cadet. Obiacoro and Gallego later teammed up with Chezka Nicolette Luzadas to likewise grabbed bronze in the recognized team cadet. Venerable, Macaraeg, Candelaria and Julianna Martha Uy also emerged as the other multi-medalists from the 44-player PH team. Also winning bronze were the duo of Alfonzo Gabriel Tormon and Casey De Leon (recognized mixed pair junior), the team of Uy and De Leon and Acey Kiana Oglayon (recognized team junior) and so were Caleb Angelo Calde, Jose Lucas Llarena and Marcus Jared Maquiraya (recognized junior).

19th Hangzhou Asian Games. Seven players from Gilas’ Asiad lineup are still around, namely June Mar Fajardo, Thompson, Oftana, CJ Perez, Chris Newsome, Japeth

Members of the SMART/MVPSF Philippine taekwondo team that took part in the

recent 2025 Asian Junior, Cadet Taekwondo Championships in Kuching, Malaysia pose with Grandmaster Sung Chon Hong and PTA Secretary-General Rock Samson (Standing 11th and 12th from left). The Nationals won 20 medals, including 2 golds.

Tim Cone

Sam Osborne

DOTr plans to bid out delayed common rail station by yearend

P2.8 billion

Previous cost of the Common Station

13,700 sq. m.

Size of the concourse area

500,000

Passengers to be served

By Darwin G.Amojelar

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) plans to solicit bids for the long-delayed Unified Grand Central Station, also known as the Common Station, by the end of the year, with a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

“We’re still reviewing the available modes. What we really want to explore is the PPP mode. I don’t want a repeat of what happened with the BF contract,” DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said, referring to a previously canceled agreement.

“Now, we’re carefully studying the options through the rail team. We’re looking closely at PPP. We’re open to any of the modes, but for us, PPP is the safest — so we can avoid issues,”

he said.

While the agency’s default preference is a solicited bid, Dizon noted he could not prevent unsolicited proposals.

The Common Station is targeted for completion by 2027. “That’s the goal. But we need to get things in order this year,” Dizon said.

The DOTr recently canceled the contract of BF Corp. and Foresight Development and Surveying Co.

(BFC-FDSC), founded by the late Marikina Mayor Bayani Fernando, for the project due to excessive construction delays.

This followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives to accelerate the station’s completion, which has been ongoing since 2009.

The P2.8-billion Common Station features a 13,700-square-meter concourse area designed to connect the LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7 and the upcoming Metro Manila Subway lines.

The project has faced delays since 2009. Former DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade resolved a dispute over its location, leading to a groundbreaking in September 2017. Once operational, the Common Station is expected to serve about 500,000 passengers daily.

B2

B3

DOE welcomes Supreme Court’s tax ruling on Malampaya gas PH retailers ‘cautiously optimistic’ for 2nd half on holiday spending

B4

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE)

lauded the Supreme Court’s ruling that the government’s 60-percent share from the Malampaya Natural Gas Project includes the income taxes of its private contractors. It said the decision promotes investment stability in the country.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said over the weekend that the high court’s ruling would encourage further investment in the country’s petroleum and gas exploration sector.

“We’re happy that the issue has been resolved because it gives stability and security to the exploration of our investors. So it will encourage more,” Garin said, adding that the clarity provided by the decision would attract more investors.

The landmark decision overturned previous rulings by the Commission on Audit (COA), which had held contractors Shell Exploration B.V., PNOC Exploration Corporation and Chevron Malampaya LLC liable for failing to remit P53.14 billion in income taxes to the government from 2002 to 2009. The Supreme Court’s ruling absolves the contractors of the liability.

The high tribunal upheld a provision of the Oil Exploration and Development Act (Presidential Decree No. 87), which states that income taxes paid by or on behalf of the contractors are included in the government’s 60-percent share of net proceeds from petroleum operations.

The ruling said that while contractors are still liable for income tax, the government pays it on their behalf as part of its share in the project’s income, a provision designed to encourage private investment in petroleum exploration.

The ruling also respected an earlier arbitral award from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), which upheld the validity of the tax assumption provision in the Service Contract.

The Supreme Court said the COA committed grave abuse of discretion when it declared that the Malampaya project contractors should be held liable for their failure to remit the income taxes. The decision, penned by Associate Justice Japar Dimaampao, overturned the COA’s April 6, 2015 decision and Jan. 24, 2018 resolution.

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine retail sector remains

“cautiously optimistic” for the second half of 2025, on resilient holiday spending and anticipated stronger government action to address weatherrelated disruptions, according to the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA).

“We’re a little bit cautious but optimistic. With Filipinos, Christmas is never canceled. That cultural consistency in spending behavior keeps retailers going,” said Alice Liu,

president of the PRA.

She noted, however, that severe weather events, such as heavy rains and flooding, continue to weigh on consumer demand and mobility.

Liu, speaking at the recent 31st National Retail Conference and Expo (NCRE) in Pasay City, highlighted recent flooding as a key concern, which has diverted household income toward recovery efforts instead of discretionary purchases.

“When people’s homes are damaged, money that could have

to communities affected by the heavy rains due to recent tropical cyclones and enhanced southwest monsoon.

been spent on other goods goes into repairs and rebuilding,” Liu said.

“We’re hopeful that with the latest SONA [State of the Nation Address] and the President’s directive for LGUs [Local Government Units] to step up flood control, there will be real improvements. That could free up more disposable income for consumers,” she said.

Despite these challenges, Liu said retailers experienced a relatively strong first half, partly boosted by increased cash flow during the preelection period. The PRA is maintaining its fullyear revenue growth outlook of 10 percent to 15 percent, aligning with the industry’s continued rebound following contractions in 2022 and 2023.

“2025 is shaping up to be a good take-off year. We’ve come a long way since the slump, and momentum is building,” Liu said, adding that individual companies are focused on hitting their own growth targets ahead of the peak season.

DOE prepares to launch new power capacity market to boost grid stability

THE Department of Energy (DOE) said it will release a new policy establishing a capacity market aimed at strengthening resource adequacy and enhancing grid reliability.

The capacity market will serve as a platform for trading reliable power generation capacity to meet target capacity margins, based on the loss of load expectation (LOLE). LOLE quantifies the likelihood that a power system will fail to meet demand due to insufficient generation or transmission capacity.

“Capacity market is a concept that capacities shall be made available at an indicated period in the market through an auction. This will be anchored on ‘loss of load expectation’ to prevent any potential supply insufficiency,”

DOE Undersecretary Mario Marasigan said. Marasigan said the capacity market is designed for the energy market, not as a reserve. “The loss of load expectation can be forecasted based on demand and available supply capacity, all parameters included and considered, e.g. preventive maintenance, deration, etc.,” he said. The DOE said it had initiated focus group discussions for the draft policy. “Depends on the readiness and acceptance of the stakeholders so no definite target but hopefully within the year,” Marasigan said when asked about the policy’s release date. The department said these industry discussions underscore its “transparent and inclusive policymaking approach,” ensuring the capacity market’s development reflects the needs of both the industry and the public. Feedback gathered will be crucial in refining the draft policy before its finalization and implementation. Alena Mae S. Flores

PH manufacturing sector showed muted output, orders growth in July

THE start of the second half of 2025 showed a relatively subdued performance for Filipino manufacturing, with output and new orders continuing to rise but at modest and historically muted rates. Growth in hiring and purchasing activity also lost momentum, according to the S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing PMI.

The PMI rose to 50.9 in July from 50.7 in June, signaling a modest improvement and returning growth momentum, the strongest since April.

Sentiment on the year-ahead outlook improved to a four-month high, driven by hopes of increased production.

Maryam Baluch, an economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said that while signaling further improvement across the Filipino manufacturing sector, PMI data from the opening month of the third quarter still painted a picture of a muted overall performance.

“Output and new orders continued to rise, but paces of expansion remained historically subdued. Purchasing and

employment also rose at slower rates, reflecting underlying caution among manufacturers,” Baluch said.

“Inflationary pressures were notably muted, providing a silver lining to the otherwise cautious landscape. At the same time, optimism regarding future production levels surged to a four-month high, as firms strategically prepared for anticipated demand. While challenges remain, growing positive sentiment hints at a more hopeful outlook for the sector,” Baluch said.

Production levels rose for a second consecutive month, with the seasonally adjusted index reaching a three-month high.

This was spurred by an increase in incoming orders and partly by a renewed rise in finished goods inventories. These inventories were accumulated in anticipation of future sales, particularly due to front-loading orders from the US ahead of impending tariff hikes, resulting in the strongest expansion of postproduction inventories in eight months.

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) and allied groups raise P10 million in emergency aid for typhoon-hit communities across the Philippines.

Shown are FFCCCII president Victor Lim (left), Pilipino at Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation officers and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno (right) at Manila City Hall for donation of 10,000 bags of rice for typhoon victims on July 31, 2025. The donation is part of the P10 million worth of relief goods the business group provided for recent typhoon flood victims in Metro Manila and various provinces.

RELIEF ASSISTANCE. More than 10,000 storm-hit beneficiaries receive assistance from Prime Infra through its relief operations in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga and Rizal. Prime Infra, through its corporate social arm, Prime Infra Foundation, provided urgent relief assistance

PH stocks poised for gains on bargain hunting, key economic data release

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE share prices are

expected to move higher this week due to continued bargain hunting after stocks reached oversold levels last week.

All eyes will be on the release of key economic data, including the July inflation rate and second-quarter gross domestic product (GDP), scheduled for release on Aug. 5 and Aug. 7, respectively.

“We expect the index to trade within the 6,200 to 6,500 level range this week,” said Wendy Estacio-Cruz, research head at Unicapital Inc.

Estacio-Cruz noted that several investors have shifted back to undervalued Philippine equities after stocks were beaten down for the past several trading sessions.

Analysts said investors are

anticipating the release of the July inflation rate as this could provide an indication about local monetary authorities’ next policy decision.

Investors are also awaiting the release of the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) rebalancing, which is expected this week.

Investors are anticipating the inclusion of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., which is expected to replace Bloomberry Resorts Corp. However, due to recent volatile trading of DigiPlus, there are indications that the company may not be included.

Last week, the 30-company PSEi fell 1.67 points to close at 6,306.16, while the broader all shares index dropped 1.19 percent to 3,751.67.

Average daily value traded declined to P6.3 billion from the previous week’s average of P6.85 billion. Foreign investors turned sellers, with outflows at P468.4 million.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MERALCO PowerGen Corp. (MGen), the power generation arm of Manila Electric Co., aims to double its net saleable and attributable power capacity over the next five years through growth projects in the Philippines and Singapore.

MGen president Emmanuel Rubio said over the weekend the company’s net saleable capacity from its diverse energy portfolio stood at 5,068 megawatts (MW) as of July 2025, with an attributable capacity of 2,559 MW.

“MGen expects to double its capacity by having 10,346 MW of net saleable capacity and 5,288 MW attributable capacity by 2030 through its growth projects such as the MTerra Solar Project,

Atimonan One Energy Project, Toledo Expansion, EERI’s Unit 4, and PLP’s CCGT hydrogenready power plant,” Rubio said.

This figure excludes the proposed MTerra Solar project 2.

Rubio added that the company is poised to exceed its original attributable capacity target of 1,500 MW ahead of its 2030 timeline as the MTerra solar project nears completion.

“With Phase 1 on track

for completion by early 2026 and Phase 2 targeted the following year, MGen is set to exceed its 1,500 MW attributable energy capacity goal by 2027, three years ahead of the original 2030 timeline,” he said. Backed by the strong performance of its growing power generation portfolio, MGen’s consolidated core net income contribution to Meralco increased by 52 percent in the first semester.

This was driven by higher revenues from its participation in the reserve market, investment in Chromite Gas Holdings Inc., the commissioning of a new 100-MW plant in Singapore, and improved plant availability across its portfolio.

MGen delivered a total of 12,644 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy during the six-month period, a 66 percent increase year-on-year. It also achieved over 8.9 million safe manhours for the first half of 2025.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GLOBE Telecom Inc. is prioritizing network expansion in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) to bridge the digital divide across the Philippines, aiming to provide more Filipinos with access to vital connectivity. The Ayala-led telecommunications company announced its mobile network now covers 96.13 percent of the Philippine population. Based on the 2020 population tally, this means more than 106 million people can rely on mobile signals for calls, internet access and daily communication.

Despite this, about 4.2 million Filipinos still remain outside coverage areas. These individuals reside in remote towns situated on sparsely inhabited islands, mountainous regions or places where difficult terrain and a lack of basic infrastructure like electricity have hindered the establishment of digital infrastructure. Reaching these communities presents a significant challenge.

“There is still much work to be done to bring quality connectivity to every Filipino. Globe remains fully committed to making it happen,” said Joel Agustin, senior vice president for Network Planning and Engineering. With continuous network builds, Globe expects to

PAGCOR DONATION. Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) community relations and services department senior manager Joaquin Abejar turns over to Barangay Chairman Eduardo Agapito the relief packages for affected families in Brgy. Igulot, Bocaue, Bulacan during the recent onslaught of storms in the country.

HARD ROCK MEALS. Hard Rock Cafe Manila team, composed of (from left) Rhayme Lumag, spot officer; Raecel Ko, kitchen manager; Jamille Ferrer, sales and marketing manager; Clintbrian Peck, director of operations; Marjorie Hardiolin, general manager and Hovy Quimson, line

BUSINESS

NAIA cuts overnight parking rates for passengers by 50%

THE Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is reducing its overnight parking rates for verified passengers and legitimate airport users following an upgrade to its parking system.

The move, announced by airport operator New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), aims to alleviate the burden of increased parking fees implemented earlier this year when the automated parking system was fully deployed.

Under the new scheme, verified passengers will receive a 50-percent discount on the standard overnight rate. This allows NAIA to manage parking more efficiently and ensure

accessibility for airport users.

To avail of the reduced rate, travelers should park and keep their ticket upon entering the parking facility; bring both their parking ticket and boarding pass on their trip; present both at the validation counter upon their return; and pay half the standard overnight rate.

NNIC earlier raised the standard overnight fee from P300 to P1,200. This means that the new overnight rate would be P600.

NNIC said the improved system aims to keep parking slots available and convenient for airport users, enhancing the overall traveler experience.

FAILURE ANALYSIS HUB. SEM-Calaca Power Corp. officer-in-charge operations manager Lean Depusoy, UP Engineering Research and Development Foundation Inc. president Angelito Bermudo, Semirara Mining and Power Corp. president, COO and CSO Maria Cristina Gotianun, UP Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II, UP Diliman College of Engineering Dean Maria Antonia Tanchuling and UP Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering chairperson Mitch-Irene Kate Oyales sign a memorandum of agreement on July 17 to launch the country’s first academe-based Failure Analysis (FA) Hub.

Business delegation joining Marcos on India state visit

By Othel V. Campos

THE Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines (FOBAP) will join a high-level business delegation accompanying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on his state visit to India from Aug. 4 to 8, 2025.

The mission is part of the Philippine government’s strategic push to deepen trade and investment ties with India, one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.

In a formal letter to FOBAP president Robert Young, the Department of Trade and Industry outlined plans for the delegation’s engagements in New Delhi and Bangalore.

The goal is to open new channels for partnerships, investments and market access for Philippine companies.

FOBAP’s inclusion reflects the administration’s intent to maximize high-level diplomatic visits as a platform for concrete economic gains.

The mission is expected to strengthen the Philippines’ export footprint and investment presence in the Indian market, seen as a key frontier for future growth.

EDC eyes 90-MW geothermal expansion

By Alena Mae S. Flores

LOPEZ-LED Energy Development Corp. is planning a 90-megawatt geothermal expansion in its Sorsogon concession area, aligning with the government’s ambition to become the country’s largest geothermal producer.

The expansion comes after EDC, the renewable energy subsidiary of First Gen, inaugurated its 22-megawatt, P7-billion Tanawon Geothermal Power Plant on Friday.

“Here in the Bac-Man area, we are looking at another 50 MW. We’re exploring another 40 MW, so hopefully, about 90 MW more of geothermal capacity,” said Jerome Cainglet, EDC president and chief operating officer.

Cainglet said the expansion would require investments of $6 million per megawatt and take about five to six years to develop.

The Sorsogon area currently has an existing capacity of 190 MW, including the newly inaugurated Tanawon project.

“Crucially, Tanawon (and Palayan-Bayan, for that matter) helps address our country’s major concern over energy security as it will deliver additional, reliable, 24/7 baseload renewable energy to the country. Plants like this reduce our country’s reliance on imported fuels,” said Francis Giles Puno, First Gen

president. “This is why we, at First Gen, will strive to do more of these kinds of renewable energy projects to specifically highlight the wonders of sustainably harnessing the earth’s heat through geothermal energy.”

Located in the Bicol region’s Bacon-Manito (Bac-Man) geothermal facility, Tanawon reflects EDC’s dedication, technical expertise and perseverance in sustainably harnessing the country’s rich indigenous geothermal resources.

Geothermal energy is considered a key pillar of the National Renewable Energy Program, which aims to increase the share of renewables in the country’s energy mix to 50 percent by 2040.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin expressed hope the Philippines can still become the largest geothermal producer in the world by encouraging more geothermal development such as the Tanawon project.

The Philippines is currently the third-largest geothermal producer worldwide, behind Indonesia (second) and the U.S. (first). The Philippines ranked second in 2015 before sliding to third in recent years. Garin, however, noted that geothermal development carries significant risks that need to be addressed.

“The risk is very high so we are trying to study how we can reduce the risk by up to 50%, de-risk it,” she said. The Department of Energy is working with the Asian Development Bank on a geothermal de-risking program, which they hope to roll out next year.

Balik Probinsya: Reclaiming our provinces with passion and innovation

GREEN LIGHT

Brian Rasco

THERE was a time when leaving the province meant progress. The well-worn path from the margins to Metro Manila was considered the golden route to better pay, broader networks, and greater recognition. For many young professionals—especially those from the North like myself—it was almost a rite of passage. You had to leave home to be somebody.

I followed that path. As a civil engineer with a heart for public service, I ventured into the Metro, gained expertise in transportation engineering and development management, joined key networks, and participated in ambitious urban projects through initiatives and programs of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). But the longer I stayed, the more I questioned the kind of development I was contributing to. I realized that the very engine of progress I once admired had its own cracks—and we must be honest in learning from them.

Eventually, I chose to come home and joined the staff of the Provincial Science and Technology Office of Ilocos Norte (DOST Ilocos Norte). An opportunity I had quietly hoped for had finally opened, and it was time to bring my knowledge, values, and leadership home—to serve the communities that shaped me, and to translate science and technology into real solutions for local development. It was not an escape from the Metro’s chaos, but a return for a purpose.

Balik Probinsya: A Homecoming with a Plan

This personal journey mirrors the very intent of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program (BP2) institutionalized through Executive Order 114 s.2020 — a flagship program of the government that aims to decongest urban centers by encouraging people to return to their home provinces. Launched in 2020, BP2 was designed to offer long-term support to returning residents—such as livelihood packages, housing, education, and job matching—all while strengthening the regional economies to absorb the influx.

At its core, the program addresses a structural imbalance: the decades-long concentration of opportunity, infrastructure, and services in Metro Manila, leaving the provinces underdeveloped. Overpopulation, urban poverty, traffic gridlocks, and informal settlements are just symptoms of a deeper national misalignment. The BP2 program dares to ask a bold question: What if progress didn’t mean leaving home?

The most meaningful form of leadership is the kind that uplifts the very people who raised you.

But for Balik Probinsya to truly succeed, it must be more than relocation logistics—it must be a cultural shift. Those who come home must come with a mission. We must bring with us the discipline, innovation, and lessons we’ve acquired—and avoid repeating the mistakes we witnessed. What Not to Bring Back Metro Manila is a symbol of ambition, but also of unchecked sprawl, misplaced priorities, and short-term wins. Traffic management plans made without humanscale thinking, infrastructure that forgot the pedestrian, and developments that neglected community values— these are not templates we should copy. We must build smarter, not bigger. Development is not just about highways and high-rises—it is about systems that work, services that reach, and spaces that respect both nature and culture. That is the lesson we must carry home: that progress without values leads to inequality; that planning without people, especially those in the middle income and lower, leads to failure.

The Leveling of the Playing Field

In recent years, standardizations and reforms have created more level ground between the urban and rural areas. Government salary grades now provide comparable compensation whether you’re working in Quezon City or in Vigan. Digital infrastructure allows professionals in Pagudpud or Santiago City to access the same webinars, e-learning platforms, and professional communities once exclusive to Manilabased workers.

Programs like DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Communities, iSTART, and the Balik Scientist Program are paving the way for innovation to thrive beyond the capital. And more importantly, provincial leadership—from Ilocos Norte to South Cotabato—is championing the return of their own people, not just as workers, but as co-creators of the future. Coming Full Circle: From Learning to Leading Every benchmarking trip, every innovation fair, every academic pursuit should end with one question: How will this help my people at home? That is the essence of genuine development. Learning is not complete until it has transformed something in your own community. My passion lies in engineering smarter cities and systems. I’ve seen how solutions are designed in the Metro—but I’ve also seen how they fail when

divorced from local realities. In coming home, I do not bring blueprints. I bring insights. I bring humility. I bring the will to listen and co-create.

The Evolving Filipino Ideal

In the past, success was measured by distance from home. The farther you went, the more successful you were presumed to be. Today, that narrative is changing. More Filipinos now see value in proximity to purpose. There is dignity in staying, and there is honor in returning. Young professionals are slowly realizing that their contribution to nation-building is not tied to location, but to intention.

Our ideals, once shaped by colonial aspirations and cosmopolitan envy, are returning to the basics: family, community, environment, and legacy. We are beginning to embrace that “Kalians first” is not parochialism—it is patriotism.

A Message to the Next Generation

To those who are now on the same path I once walked—those who dream of working in high places and building impressive things—let me say this: go ahead and explore. Learn all you can but always leave room for a return.

You will come to realize, as I did, that the most meaningful form of leadership is the kind that uplifts the very people who raised you. The progress we strive for is not meant for personal gain alone – it is for our kailians, for the generations yet to come, and for the enduring sense of home that binds us to our roots.

The Metro gave me skills. But home gave me purpose. And now, I choose to build where my heart beats stronger.

Brian U. Rasco is currently taking his doctorate in Business Administration at De La Salle University. He is also the Director of the Provincial Science and Technology Office in Ilocos Norte (DOST Ilocos Norte), the operational arm of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the province that champions science and technology-based solutions for local development. His research interests include transportation engineering, technology development and transfer, lean management, technology business incubation and startup formation. He can be reached at brian_rasco@dlsu.edu.ph.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

ISRAELI AGRITECH. Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan joins “Israeli Agritech for a Food‑Secure Tomorrow Business Forum” held on July 30, 2025 at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City. The event brought together agritech firms to showcase innovations aimed at enhancing food security, climate resilience, and rural development.

FOBAP president Robert Young

DA signs circular to boost farm, fishery investments

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) signed a new joint memorandum circular (JMC) to fast-track strategic investments, particularly in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the JMC bolsters the operational framework of the Investment Facilitation Network (INFA-Net) and incorporates Executive Order No. 18, Series of 2023.

“This JMC is a significant step forward in our commitment to making it easier for investors to do business in the Philippines’ agri-fishery sector,” Tiu-Laurel said.

“With improved coordination and more efficient systems in place, we

Security Bank, Mitsubishi launch auto financing joint venture in PH

SECURITY Bank Corp. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. launched their joint venture, Mitsubishi Motors Finance Philippines Inc. (MMFP), a nationwide auto financing platform to strengthen their presence in the rapidly growing Philippine automotive market.

MMFP’s financing services, initially piloted in five dealerships in April 2025, are now available across all 67 Mitsubishi Motors dealerships nationwide.

The full-scale launch supports Mitsubishi Motors’ “Challenge 2025” midterm business strategy, which identifies the ASEAN region, particularly the Philippines, as a core growth market.

“For us, this is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with Mitsubishi Motors and, more importantly, expand our footprint in the auto finance market,” Security Bank president and chief executive Sanjiv Vohra said at a joint press briefing.

Auto loans have been a strong performer for Security Bank, with a 52-percent year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2025, continuing a positive trend from 2024. The bank anticipates continued growth in the second half of the year, partly driven by MMFP’s targeted support for Mitsubishi vehicle buyers.

“As a joint venture between Mitsubishi Motors and Security Bank, MMFP brings together market leadership and financial expertise to offer accessible, reliable financing,” said MMFP president and chief executive Satoshi Nakano. Othel V. Campos

are creating an environment that attracts investment and drives inclusive rural development,” he said.

The circular formalizes “Green Lanes for Strategic Investments,” a government-wide initiative to expedite permits, licenses and other requirements for major investment projects.

Under the circular, the DA will play a key role in facilitating projects related to agribusiness, farm mechanization, food security and rural infrastructure.

BILLS PAYMENT.

A dedicated INFA-Net focal unit, led by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) in coordination with the Policy Research Service (PRS), will oversee implementation and compliance within the department.

The initiative supports the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, reinforcing the need to enhance public service and strengthen investor confidence.

The JMC is expected to create a more transparent and investor-friendly climate, particularly in underserved rural areas.

The DA expects the measure to spur new investments, modernize agricultural and fisheries practices and boost productivity and income for farmers and fisherfolk.

IN BRIEF

one-stop digital marketplace designed specifically for OFWs, offering services like bills payment, mobile top-ups, e-vouchers for services, and even sending gifts and essentials to loved ones in the Philippines.

PH named ‘giving nation’ in World Giving Report, ranks 24th in donation

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE Philippines was recognized as a

“giving nation” in the World Giving Report 2025, with a higher percentage of Filipinos donating money and contributing their income to causes or to make a difference.

The country ranked 24th out of 101 countries based on the proportion of income Filipinos donate. Meanwhile, the Philippines ranked 44th based on Filipinos’

perception of generosity.

“The Philippines ranks higher than the global and continent averages on the perceptions of their own generosity and the country’s generosity,” the report said.

It noted this suggests Filipinos’ willingness to allocate more money to charity despite other financial obligations.

The report showed that 1.46 percent of Filipinos’ income was donated by any means in 2024,

PLDT explores wireless fiber alternative with Radisys trials

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PLDT Inc. and its wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. tested Radisys Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology, a potential alternative to fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) in areas where fiber rollout is difficult. The initiative, spearheaded by PLDT’s Network Strategy and Architecture team, is the latest effort to improve internet coverage and customer experience in the Philippines. Radisys FWA’s point-to-multipoint technology functions like a cell site, using a single base node to connect to specialized remote radio nodes at cus-

tomer premises. This allows PLDT to deliver “fiber-like” speeds wirelessly.

During tests, PLDT achieved download speeds of 945Mbps and upload speeds of 929Mbps. Services such as video streaming, internet Browse, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram were successfully tested.

This Proof of Concept (POC) follows PLDT’s 2023 test of 50G Passive Optical Network (PON) technology, which can provide 50Gbps service when needed.

“Fixed wireless access using Radisys technology has already been deployed successfully in large markets like India. We saw a strong opportu-

nity to adopt and tailor this proven solution for the Philippine setting, especially in areas where laying down fiber remains a challenge,” said Radames Zalameda, vice president and head of Wireless Network Strategy and Architecture.

“This point-to-multipoint solution offers a simpler, faster way to deploy high-speed connectivity—without the need for extensive civil works. It delivers fiber-like speeds over the air, making it an ideal option in hardto-reach or underserved areas,” said Lennart Olaivar, assistant vice president and head of wireless network strategy and transformation office.

higher than both the global and continental averages.

Reasons cited for this included Filipinos’ perception of caring about a cause and making a difference (77 percent), setting an example for others (46 percent) and supporting local communities (39 percent), among others.

“While Filipinos share the top reason with global and continent counterparts, ‘I want to set an example’ and ‘I want to support

my local community’ are far more important,” the report noted.

“This reflects the strong Filipino orientation toward localism. As the Philippines is characterized by diverse cultures, languages, and histories in different localities/regions, Filipinos often feel a strong sense of identity and belonging tied to their own communities. This deep-rooted connection fosters a natural tendency to give to their own localities first,” it said.

CITIGLOBAL Realty and Development, Inc., a real estate developer specializing in affordable, incomegenerating leisure properties, is aiming for a significant share of the Tagaytay market with its P6.5-billion Tagaytay Clifton Resort Suites project.

The master-planned vertical development is designed to complement the popular tourist city and its surrounding communities.

Nestled beside Tagaytay Fontaine Villas, CitiGlobal’s initial 98-unit development, Clifton is envisioned as a premier mid-rise residential and hospitality destination.

It will feature eight towers ranging from 8 to 12 stories, offering 1,830 units in studio, one-bedroom and penthouse configurations. Forty-eight percent of the units have already been sold, indicating strong investor interest.

“Current occupancy rates in Metro Tagaytay hotels

range between 50-60 percent on average, making it a lucrative environment for short-term rental investments,” said CitiGlobal chief executive Beth To. “CitiGlobal is 100-percent committed, through Clifton, to drive Tagaytay’s further economic growth as we aspire to showcase the beauty of the Philippines,” said To.

Most unit owners view Clifton as an investment, designed for both value appreciation and income generation. To maximize returns, a dedicated condotel corporation will manage units enrolled for shortterm stays, ensuring seamless operations and optimal occupancy for paying guests.

“Owners who participate in this program will benefit from revenue-sharing opportunities and

Tagaytay Clifton Resort Suites features a design rooted in sustainability and wellbeing, allowing the community to stay connected with nature while enjoying modern, thoughtfully-updated spaces.

PRA BOARD. Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez officiates the oath taking of the new set of Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) board of directors at the opening of the two-day 31st National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) 2025 with the theme ‘Retail Game Changers’ at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

REAL ESTATE

AFTER several quarters of sluggish performance, the residential market is finding its footing once again on the back of improving vacancy rates for secondary market, fewer back-outs, strong demand for upscale and luxury condominiums and increase in launches.

All these positive signs are happening alongside with improving overall macroeconomic conditions.

“The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia,” said Joey Bondoc, Head of Research at Colliers Philippines. “We saw some gloomy weather over the past few days, but there’s nothing gloomy about the Philippine economy.”

With GDP growing 5.4 percent in the first quarter and remittances reaching nearly $3 billion per month, Colliers sees a stable economic foundation supporting renewed activity in the property sector.

Residential launches slowing —but take-up is stabilizing

While new residential launches in Metro Manila have significantly declined, take-up performance is showing signs of life, especially in higher-end segments.

From 2017 to 2019, the market was absorbing around 54,000 pre-selling condominium units annually due to strong demand from Philippine Online Gaming Operators. But between 2022 and 2024, that figure dropped significantly to just 18,000 units per year.

Despite the slowdown, positive net take-up is now being recorded, particularly in the mid-income (P3.2 million to P12 million), luxury (P20 million+), and ultra-luxury (P100 million+) segments.

“We are recording positive takeup, meaning the take-up of these condos is greater than the back-outs,” Bondoc said.

Colliers sees bright spots in PH residential market

Moxy Hotel to open in Makati with Filipino Komiks twist

AYALA Land Hospitality (ALH)

is bringing Marriott International’s Moxy Hotels brand to the Philippines for the first time, with a new property set to rise within Circuit Makati.

The upcoming Moxy Circuit Makati will offer more than just stylish accommodations as it promises a distinctly Filipino experience through interiors inspired by local comic book art. The 260-room hotel will be located within Circuit Makati, a 21-hectare mixed-use district known for its arts, entertainment, and lifestyle offerings. The area was once home to the historic Sta. Ana racetrack and has since transformed into one of Makati’s most vibrant creative hubs.

“Moxy Hotels is celebrated worldwide for its playful, high-energy vibe that makes travel feel exciting and different,” said Kevin Iranzo, Director of Hotel DevelopmentPhilippines, Marriott International.

“It’s the perfect fit for dynamic urban destinations filled with culture and entertainment. We’re truly excited to

bring Moxy Hotels to the Philippines and especially in Circuit Makati.”

Art Meets Hospitality

True to Moxy’s fun and youthful identity, the hotel will feature interiors designed in collaboration with Filipino comic book artists.

“We are excited to design something truly lifestyle-driven, while beginning to tell the story of a different kind of art form, an ode to the illustrators and komiks artists who have long shaped a powerful visual narrative in the Philippines,” said Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, ALH creative director.

“Moxy is set to be our guests’ backstage pass to the city’s creative pulse. From design to service touchpoints, every stay is thoughtfully curated to reflect the spirit of the neighborhood and the moments that matter, always with a dash of fun and a sense of adventure.”

Guests can expect social check-ins at Bar Moxy, where they’ll receive a room key and a signature welcome drink, along with communal spaces

like lounges, co-working areas, and event venues. The hotel will also have a fitness center and a pool to round out the experience.

Strategic Growth for ALH

ALH’s expansion strategy

The new hotel supports ALH’s long-term expansion strategy, announced earlier this year, to double its room inventory to 8,000 by 2030. The company is aiming to redefine Filipino hospitality by focusing on design, culture, and community.

“Our vision remains steadfast: to bring Filipino hospitality to the global stage by crafting experiences that connect guests more deeply with each place and its culture,” said George Aquino, ALH president and chief executive.

“With Moxy Hotels, we offer travelers a playful and vibrant hotel experience. We’re excited to collaborate with Marriott to create what we believe will set a new benchmark for authentic, dynamic, and imaginative urban destinations.”

According to Bondoc, the number of back-outs fell by 25 percent quarteron-quarter from 4,800 units in Q1 to 3,600 units in Q2 2025. This signals that more buyers are committing and fewer are backing out.

High-end projects

As the condominium market continues to face oversupply problem, particularly to the affordable to midmarket segments, proper developers are becoming more strategic by focusing on the segments with the strongest performance.

Bondoc noted that high-end projects such Ayala Land Premier, Alveo Land, Robinsons Land Corp. in central business districts in Metro Manila are all performing exceptionally well.

Other developers like SM Prime, Megaworld, and Rockwell Land are also doubling down on luxury, with strong take-up not just in Metro Manila, but in Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, and Cagayan de Oro.

“It’s pretty understandable why developers are launching the ultra-

luxury—more than ₱100 million per unit,” Bondoc said. “Only 10% of unsold inventory falls into that category, yet it’s what’s performing best.”

Flexible promos

Helping drive the recent momentum are promos currently being offers by developers such as rent-to-own, 120-month payment terms, and deep spot cash discounts.

“These promos are working,” Bondoc emphasized. “The extended down payment terms are effective. Developers should continue implementing this innovative, creative promo.”

Growth outside Metro Manila also remains strong

Take-up in cities like Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo remains robust, with average take-up rates between 84 percent to 91 percent for vertical developments.

In the house-and-lot and lot-only market, provinces like Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas and Laguna show consistently high absorption rates. Jenniffer B. Austria

Robinsons Sta. Rosa opens new SSS branch

ROBINSONS Land Corporation (RLC) Lingkod Pinoy Center, Robinsons Malls’ convenience hub for government services, recently inaugurated the Social Security System (SSS) branch located at the 3rd level of Robinsons Sta. Rosa. Operating hours is from Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The new SSS branch is set to primarily cater to the residents of Sta. Rosa and the nearby cities of Cabuyao, Calamba, Biñan, San Pedro, and Carmona. The branch has the capacity to service around 1, 500 walk-in members and process more than 7,000 transactions every day. Services included are processing of Death, Disability and Funeral Claims, Pension Loan Program, Annual Confirmation of Pensioner, UMID ID Capture/Releasing of UMID, Submission/Release of E-1 and E-4, Releasing of Educational and Calamity Loan Checks, Employer Transactions: Posting, Contribution

Payments, Loan Payments, Data Amendments and Request Assistance. The inauguration ceremony was led by SSS president and chief executive officer Robert Joseph M. De Claro, alongside top SSS executives and local government leaders represented by Sta. Rosa Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas and Laguna Vice Governor lawyer JM Carait III. Representing

The agreement was signed by (from left) George Aquino, president and chief executive officer of Ayala Land Hospitality; Mariana Zobel de Ayala, senior vice president of

Corporation, together with local government officials at the inauguration of the new SSS Sta. Rosa Branch at Robinsons Sta. Rosa. From left: SSS vice president for Luzon South 1 division engineer Edwin S. Igharas; SSS senior vice president for Luzon operations group lawyer Antonio S.

Governor Atty. JM Carait III; Santa Rosa City Vice Mayor Arnold B. Arcillas; chief of staff lawyer Jonathan Gary Jimenez; and SSS executive vice president Ernesto D. Francisco, Jr

MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

Writer

JASPER VALDEZ,

IN true showbiz fashion, the buzz began days ahead of the GMA Gala 2025.

Online timelines turned into red-carpet prep diaries as young stars shared date proposals and glam team sneak peeks, giving fans a glimpse of what to expect at the year’s biggest entertainment event. From Facebook to TikTok and even X and Instagram, the talk of the town was what everyone would wear and, more importantly, who they’d show up with. By the time the actual night rolled around, social media was ablaze. And it hasn’t stopped since.

Held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, the annual black-tie affair gathered the biggest names in Philippine showbiz for a night that proved the Kapuso brand is still a powerhouse—this year made more meaningful by the network’s 75th anniversary and Sparkle GMA Artist Center’s 30th. We caught up with one of the network’s prized stars, Dingdong Dantes, who turned 45 on the night of the gala. Dressed in a deep green coat and black trousers, he shared his wish for the night— not for himself, but for the network.

“More than my birthday, we’re celebrating GMA’s 75th. I hope the network will have more years to come,” he said. “From our values and programs to the camaraderie among talents, solid pa rin.”

And the celebration wasn’t just for show.

Afew days before the main event, GMAexecutives, talents, and partners gathered at Okura Manila for a pre-gala reception, where a donation of P2 million was handed over to the GMA Kapuso Foundation to aid victims of recent typhoons and monsoon floods. The donation was made by GMA Network and Sparkle, turned over by Attorney Annette Gozon-Valdes and Joy Marcelo to GMAKF EVP and COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog. BingoPlus Foundation also pitched in with P500,000.

The gala served as a reminder that beyond the glamour and red-carpet spectacle, it was also a night dedicated to making a difference. While the spotlight shone on designer gowns and star-studded arrivals, the heart of the event lay in its commitment to giving back. It was a celebration with substance, proving that showbiz and social responsibility can go hand in hand.

In his keynote, GMA president Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr. looked back on the network’s journey from a small radio station in 1950 to a multimedia leader that has endured and evolved through decades of change.

“We gather to celebrate a legacy built on excellence, integrity, and service,” he said. “For 75 years, GMA has brought truth through journalism, hope through teleseryes, pride through world-class entertainment.”

But beyond the programs and ratings, Duavit emphasized that the real strength of the network lies in its people: “To the men and women of GMA, both in front of and behind the cameras—kayo ang puso ng GMA.”

After 75 years, the GMA Gala showed that being “Kapuso” is a legacy in itself. And if that night was any indication, the next chapter of Philippine television is only beginning, with even bigger things on the horizon.

People are talking about GMA Gala 2025

Alden Richards (rightmost) introduces the pillars of GMA—the Gozon, Duavit, and Jimenez families—during the gala program proper

Celebrity couple Dingdong Dantes (left) and Marian Rivera exude blue carpet royalty in velvet green and intricate lace

Dennis Trillo (right) and Jennylyn Mercado strike a picture-perfect pose in classic black and soft tulle Ruru Madrid (right) and Bianca Umali serve coordinated glam in structured neutrals and metallics

‘PBB Celebrity Collab’ big winners Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca win Couple of the Night at the 2025 GMA Gala

‘PBB Celebrity Collab’ housemates Dustin Yu and Bianca Manalo make a striking pair at the 2025 GMA Gala

From left: The hosts of ‘It’s Showtime’ Ryan Bang, Jhong Hilario, Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Ogie Alcasid, Darren Espanto, and Cianne Dominguez make a surprise appearance at the gala

Barbie Forteza commands the blue carpet in an edgy, blood-red vinyl ensemble David Licauco makes a suave statement in a rose-toned tuxedo at this year’s GMA Gala

Charlie Fleming attends this year’s GMA Gala in a striking, bold orange gown adorned with butterflies

‘PBB Celebrity Collab’ housemate Shuvee Etrata stuns in a glittering white strapless gown with dramatic rose-like red shawl draped across both arms

Winona Marie Venzon beams with pride after being named Female Young Star of the Night

Alcantara takes the

award in a

sculptural gown with intricate patterns Heart Evangelista returns to the gala spotlight in a fashion-forward couture ensemble from Schiaparelli

SHOWBIZ

By Nickie Wang

NEWCOMER girl group VVINK has officially joined the Philippine pop music scene, debuting with a group single titled “Tulala” along with solo releases from each member.

Launched by FlipMusic Productions, the fivemember act (pronounced “wink”) performed for the first time nearly two weeks ago at Club Hype in Quezon City. The group is composed of Angelika, Jean, Ayaka, Odri, and Marie, aged 17 to 22.

Before their official debut, each member was introduced individually through VVINK: The Pre-Debut Album, a rollout that included two solo songs per artist. FlipMusic’s chief operating officer, Bojam de Belen, said the move was in line with their long-standing support for solo performers and an effort to highlight the members’ individual journeys.

FlipMusic CEO Jeli Mateo explained that the group’s name stands for “two victories,” one ”for overcoming past challenges and another for what they are working toward. “They’ve competed in many contests and came close to winning,” Mateo said. “It took time before they finally got that big break.”

Some members had already made contributions to the P-pop scene prior to joining the group. Angelika co-wrote “Pantropiko,” a track performed by BINI , while Marie has songwriting credits for Calista ’s “Alas Doce.”

VVINK’s debut single, “Tulala,” is a laidback track that reflects the confusion and thrill of falling in love. More original material is in the works, with songs such as “Tatlong Hiling,” “Ikaw Lang ang Kulang,” “Alamin, and “Tatlong Emosyon” scheduled for release through mid-2026. Before stepping into the spotlight, the group underwent two years of training in vocals and dance, all conducted locally. Mateo said this was part of FlipMusic’s commitment to nurturing Filipino talent and building opportunities at home.

While the group has drawn comparisons to established P-pop acts like BINI, FlipMusic hopes VVINK will find its path in the growing industry. “Let’s give them a fair shot,” de Belen said. “They’re hungry and eager to learn.”

Angelika serves as the group’s leader and is known for her emotionally driven lyrics. Jean, the main vocalist, is recognized for her ability to move listeners through melody. Ayaka, the

P-pop newcomer introduces fresh sound in debut with ‘Tulala’

James Reid signs with Korean agency behind Ji Chang-wook

By Jasper Valdez

JAMES Reid has signed with South Korea’s Spring Company, becoming the first Filipino artist to join the talent agency behind Hallyu star Ji Chang-wook

The announcement was made by Reid’s own label, Careless Music, on Saturday, along with photos of the 32-year-old actor and singer during a meeting with representatives of the Korean agency.

“James Reid signs with Korea’s @spring.company_official—the first Filipino artist to join their roster,” Careless wrote in a social media post. Spring Company represents several South Korean stars, including Ji Changwook, known for dramas such as The K2, Backstreet Rookie, Lovestruck in the City, The Worst of Evil, and Welcome to Samdal-ri Reid rose to fame through Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Clash 2010 and gained further recognition with hit projects like On the Wings of Love, Till I Met You, Diary ng Panget, and Never Not Love You

He also leads Careless Music, an independent label that champions both local and global collaborations.

Wedding bells for Bea Alonzo and businessman Vincent Co?

By Angelica Villanueva

ACTRESS Bea Alonzo has confirmed she’s in a relationship with businessman Vincent Co

In an interview with GMA at the GMA Gala 2025, Bea ended months of speculation fueled by public sightings.

“Yes, he is [my boyfriend]. But I like to keep things private. Wala naman ako tinatago,” Bea said.

The actress explained that while she understands the public’s curiosity, she chooses to keep her love life lowkey.

“I think the most beautiful things are the ones that are kept private. I just want to protect our space and our peace,” she added.

Before Bea’s confirmation, fans had spotted the two looking cozy at her Bash Manila event earlier this year. They were also seen together at Puregold’s Appreciation Night, the grocery chain owned by Vincent’s family. Also at the annual GMA Gala, netizens were quick to point out that Bea was wearing a diamond ring in her glamour shots, suggesting she might be engaged, albeit “private” and with no official announcement.

Vincent Co is the only son of Lucio and Susan Co, the couple behind the Puregold empire.

Move over ‘Big Brother’: Underwater robot live stream captivates audience

A robot explores the dark, cold, deep sea floor of the South Atlantic, transmitting images of vibrant coral and fish never seen before as scientists give live commentary via YouTube. And Argentines can’t get enough of it.

The ArgentineAmerican scientific mission is exploring the Mar del Plata canyon, a submarine gorge which plunges nearly 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) deep, off the coast of the seaside resort of the same name.

The awed conversations between scientists leading the expedition and the explanations they give to viewers allow the public a rare insight into the

hidden wonders of marine biology.

In one instance, the camera on the SuBastian underwater robot shows a weird-looking, little white animal. One of the scientists on the team can be heard asking her colleagues, “Do we want it?”

“Yes, yes, we want it!” reply dozens of messages in the live stream chat before the image shows the suction device being activated to suck up the specimen for study.

“Oh, I love these little creatures,” says one user. “I’m obsessed!” comments another.

“Don’t take the little one away!” pleads a third.

The live stream began a week ago and has exceeded one million views per day since Thursday, when it also began to be broadcast on television. AFP

Rising P-pop girl group VVINK is composed of (from left) Angelika, Odri, Ayaka, Mariel, and Jean

group’s main rapper and youngest member, brings energy and brightness. Odri, the main

dancer, delivers strong performances with a soulful voice, while Mariel, the group’s allrounder, is known for her confident stage presence.

James Reid (left) is the first Filipino to sign under South Korean talent agency Spring Company

Viewers

C4 LIFE

MONDAY, AUGUST 4,

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

JAPAN sweltered through its hottest July since records began in 1898, the weather agency has reported, warning of further “severe heat” in the month ahead.

Heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent around the world due to human-caused climate change, scientists say, and Japan is no exception.

The average temperature in July rose by a record 2.89°C compared to the 1991–2020 average for the month, the Japan Meteorological Agency said on Friday. It was the third consecutive year of recordbreaking average temperatures for July, the agency added.

On July 30, Japan experienced its highest recorded temperature, reaching 41.2°C in the western region of Hyogo.

“The next month is expected to continue to bring severe heat throughout the country,” the weather agency said.

Precipitation in July was low across wide areas of Japan, with northern regions facing the Sea of Japan experiencing record-low rainfall, it added.

The rainy season ended about three weeks earlier than usual in western regions of Japan, marking another record.

Experts warn that Japan’s beloved cherry trees are blooming earlier due to the warmer climate, or, in some cases, not fully blossoming because autumns and winters are no longer cold enough to trigger flowering.

The famous snowcap of Mount Fuji was absent for the longest recorded period last year, not appearing until early November, compared to the average appearance in early October. AFP

Luxury bayfront hotels in Manila nominated at 2025 World Travel Awards

By Nickie Wang

TWO properties under SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) have been nominated at the 2025 World Travel Awards, with Conrad Manila and Lanson Place Mall of Asia earning recognition in multiple categories.

Conrad Manila, SMHCC’s flagship luxury hotel, is nominated in three categories: Philippines’ Leading Conference Hotel, Philippines’ Leading Hotel, and Philippines’ Leading Hotel Suite. The hotel has consistently earned accolades, having been named the Philippines’ Leading Conference Hotel for six consecutive years.

Lanson Place Mall of Asia, a new addition to SMHCC’s portfolio, is a contender for the Philippines’ Leading Hotel Residences category. Located by the bay, the property caters to business and extended-stay travelers and is designed as a contemporary urban retreat.

artist, abstract expressionist Coeli Manese

Right after the ceremonial ribboncutting, I proceeded to take a closer look at each of the dozen or so mixed

SMHCC said the nominations reflect its service culture of “We Go Beyond,” emphasizing personalized experiences and Filipino hospitality. The company said its properties are committed to understanding and anticipating guests’ needs to create purposeful and immersive stays.

Voting for the World Travel Awards is open through Aug. 31 via https://www. worldtravelawards.com/

SMHCC is the hospitality arm of SM Prime

Holdings Inc. Its portfolio includes 10 hotel properties with more than 2,600 rooms and over 42,000 square meters of leasable convention space. These include Taal Vista Hotel, Pico Sands Hotel, Conrad Manila, Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Radisson Blu Cebu, and five Park Inn by Radisson properties located in Clark, Davao, Iloilo, North EDSA, and Bacolod. SMHCC also manages SMX Convention Centers and trade halls.

More information is available at https:// smhotels.com.ph/

media works by the artist, beautifully displayed in the hotel’s Gallery C. I immediately mentally chose the standout, the best one from my point of view, which was done in acrylic and gouache on canvas. So I asked the artist to pose beside it (a photo is shown on this page), after which I went closer to take a look at the title of the masterpiece. Lo and behold, the title described exactly what I did: “I Chose You.”

A chat with the good-looking and young artist revealed that her collection of art pieces has three themes: Eternal Light, symbolizing an enduring presence beyond what is visible; Inner Illumination, reflecting the quiet force of insight and personal transformation; and Resilient Hope, portraying faith’s quiet triumph over adversity. Her use of mixed media and color further strengthens this narrative, as each hue is a symbol. Payne’s Grey stands for wisdom and growth, Turquoise for healing and renewal, and Burnt Sienna for humility and devotion.

APART from this unique title for an art exhibit, the 36th edition of Conrad Manila’s highly acclaimed Of Art and Wine series, I have an interesting story to tell about one of the beautiful masterpieces by the