Manila Standard - 2025 August 5 - Tuesday

House appeals SC impeach rule

Kiko warns of ‘constitutional war of attrition’

By Maricel V. Cruz, Ram Superable and Pot Chavez

THE House of Representatives formally lodged a motion for reconsideration on the recent Supreme Court resolution that rejected the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte as unconstitutional.

The filing of the motion for reconsideration came as Senator Francis Pangilinan called on the High Court to issue a status quo ante order and hold oral arguments to avoid a “constitutional war of attrition” amid appeals from various legal groups, including the Philippine Constitution Association.

“This is not an act of defiance. It is an act of duty,” said Speaker Martin Romualdez, reaffirming the exclusive constitutional mandate of the Lower House to initiate impeachment proceedings.

“We do not challenge the authority of the Court. We seek only to preserve the rightful role of the House – the voice of the people –in the process of accountability,” Romualdez added.

Philconsa, through former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, asked the Supreme Court to revisit its decision, especially its broader implications for the separation of powers.

By Charles Dantes, Othel V. Campos, and Ram Superable

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is recommending an increase in tariffs on imported rice and a temporary suspension of all rice importation to shield local farmers from price shocks and market disruptions, Malacañang said Monday.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said the DA’s recommendation aims to protect local producers from the impact of declining farmgate prices and the influx of cheap imported rice.

“The Department of Agriculture is

recommending an increase in tariff on imported rice and to temporarily halt all importation to protect local farmers,” Gomez said in a statement. He added that the matter will be discussed by the Cabinet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the sidelines of his state visit to India. The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) welcomed the DA’s proposal, saying the move is long overdue. FFF national manager Raul

By Charles Dantes and Rex Espiritu

PRESIDENT Marcos flew on Monday for his five-day official visit to India with a view to deeper strategic cooperation with one of Asia’s largest democracies, particularly in defense, trade, maritime security, and technology. Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. foresees more military exercises with India following the recent conduct of a joint maritime exercise

between the two nations.

In a speech delivered at Villamor Air Base before boarding his plane, Marcos said the trip was upon the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that it marks the culmination of a year-long celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and India.

“It is with high expectations and much anticipation that I leave for New Delhi,” the President said. Marcos highlighted the longstanding cultural ties between the two nations,

THE National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Monday bared the suspension of 12 police officers pending investigation into their alleged complicity in the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts or sabungeros. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) disclosed that new possible human remains were retrieved over the weekend at

By Maricel V. Cruz, Charles Dantes and Vito Barcelo

NOT even allies would be spared in the crackdown on corrupt officials involved in substandard or “ghost” flood-control projects, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in his BBM Podcast aired yesterday.

The President also signaled that investigations will not be limited to floodcontrol projects, citing a World Bank estimate that 20 percent of the country’s annual budget is lost to corruption.

“It (investigation) has to be evenly applied. We can’t audit only one area. Whoever was complicit in this kind of work, I’m sorry,” he said.

Mr. Marcos confirmed the government had allocated P980.2 billion for flood control over the past three years, but lamented the lack of progress on the ground.

“I’m sorry. You’re no longer my ally if that (involved in corruption) is what you’re doing. I don’t want you as an ally,” he said.

“Someone should be held accountable for the hardships our fellow countrymen are going through. Our people have to be told who is responsible and

PROTEST. Representatives of Tindig Pilipinas, NAGKAISA! Labor Coalition, Kalipunan ng Kilusang Masa, civil society organizations and sectoral groups held a press conference yesterday at UP Hotel in Quezon City to discuss the implications of the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. They also urged the Senate

IN NEW DELHI. President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are welcomed by MoS Pbitra Margherita in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. India and the Philippines are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. The visit is expected to further strengthen relations between the two countries. Ministry of External Affairs. Government of India.

Bella Canete

Budget hearings set for Sept. 1

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives is looking at September 1 as the start of formal deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget, with initial preparations already underway despite the slightly delayed calendar.

“Our target for our DBCC (Development Budget Coordination Committee) briefing shall be September 1,” said Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing, who chairs the House Committee on Appropriations.

Suansing noted that while the submission of the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to Congress is tentatively expected by August 13, several intermediary steps still need to take place before the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) is formally filed.

She explained that although the budget hearings this year may begin later than in previous cycles, the committee has already lined up preliminary activities.

Suansing said the slight shift is due to the congressional calendar, since the regular session of Congress had yet to

convene when the NEP calendar was being finalized.

Despite the timing, the Novo Ecijano solon assured that the committee is confident of meeting its deadline.

As in previous years, the appropriations committee is planning to hold simultaneous budget hearings to hasten the process.

This strategy of parallel deliberations allows the committee to cover more ground within a tight legislative window, particularly during a first regular session when time is often constrained by other priority measures.

Suansing said the House will continue engaging in early consultations even before the DBCC briefing.

These early activities are part of what she described as a “People’s Budget Re -

view,” aimed at gathering broader input from stakeholders and experts.

Suansing also acknowledged the heavy workload expected in the coming weeks.

“We will get the budget done on time.

loss in farmers’ income in the first half of 2025.

The group attributed the decline to the “uncontrolled entry” of cheap imported rice following Executive Order No. 62, which slashed import tariffs to 15 percent in July 2024, and the rollout of the government’s subsidized P20-per-kilo rice program.

Montemayor also raised concern over reports that a DA-affiliated government corporation imported rice from India despite legal provisions mandating that buffer stocks must be sourced exclusively from local farmers.

He said that while raising tariffs could help stabilize farmgate prices, it would not necessarily lead to higher retail prices if authorities crack down on profiteering. He added that trading margins have risen from P13 to over P20 per kilo despite declining global rice prices.

To expedite the tariff increase, the FFF proposed invoking the Safeguard Measures Act (Republic Act No. 8800), which authorizes the DA to impose provisional safeguard duties when surging imports harm local producers.

The group warned that amending tariffs through an Executive Order would take longer, as it requires consultations and can only be issued when Congress is in recess, likely by October. The FFF also acknowledged that while the Rice Tariffication Law now allows the President to temporarily ban imports, doing so may raise concerns at the World Trade Organization (WTO), which opposes quantitative import restrictions.

Meanwhile, Senators Risa Hontiveros and Francis Pangilinan filed a joint resolution seeking to revoke the President’s authority to adjust rice import tariffs and restore them to previous levels. The resolution seeks to repeal EO 62, which cut tariffs from 35 to 15 percent and triggered a surge in rice imports.

The senators said the flood of cheap grain has devastated Filipino farmers, whose palay prices fell from P24.90 per kilo in 2024 to just P16.90 in June 2025—well below average production costs.

Invoking Section 1608(f) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the resolution would restore the 35 percent tariff on both in-quota and out-quota rice imports. “The plight of Filipino farmers is urgent and demands decisive legislative action to ensure they receive a fair return for their produce,” the resolution stated.

It also directs congressional committees to immediately convene and assess the state of the rice industry and formulate legislation establishing sustainable and protective import tariffs.

The resolution will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

“By doing so, all parties including the Senate, the House and the Supreme Court as well as the Legal community can each take pause, take a few steps back and prevent the nation’s fall into a spiraling abyss of a ‘constitutional war of attrition,’” Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan warned that without careful deliberation, the Supreme Court decision could escalate into a constitutional conflict among the executive, legislative and judicial branches.

Philconsa’s four-page statement questioned the court’s authority to dictate procedures to Congress in an impeachment process, saying such moves must be examined rigorously.

The group argued that altering the boundaries of constitutional powers, even slightly, poses serious risks to legal and political stability.

Romualdez said the appeal was filed to correct factual misreadings and retroactive procedural burdens imposed by the Supreme Court, which he said would undermine both the Constitution and the people’s right to demand accountability from high officials.

“Let us be clear: The Constitution says: ‘The House of Representatives shall have the exclusive power to initiate all cases of impeachment.’ That power is not shared. Not subject to pre-approval. And not conditional,” the Speaker said.

He said the House acted within the 10-session-day limit provided in the Constitution when it transmitted the fourth impeachment complaint on February 5, 2025.

“The House transmitted the fourth impeachment complaint – filed and signed by 215 Members – to the Senate. Only after this transmittal did we archive the earlier three complaints. That sequence matters. It proves there was only one valid initiation, not four,” he said.

“Even the Court’s own precedent – Francisco v. House – supports this: Only one impeachment can be initiated, and that initiation begins with a one-third endorsement or a referral. That is exactly what the House did,” Romualdez added.

He also addressed the due process issue raised by the High Court when it said the Vice President was not allowed an opportunity to respond.

“Nowhere in the Constitution is that required before transmittal. In fact, in all past

public funds are not wasted or misused.

“It’s really the job of Congress to craft the budget. But it’s our job to provide the plan and request funding... so that the people’s money doesn’t get lost, wasted, or stolen,” he said.

The President expressed concern about changes in past budgets, particularly the removal of funds for foreign-assisted projects and the insertion of funding for unapproved items. “We’re borrowing money just so these people can steal from it. That’s too much,” he said.

When asked whether he was ready to reenact the current budget if Congress submits a version misaligned with the NEP, Mr. Marcos responded: “Oh, yes… I made New Year’s Day the hard deadline. I’m sure we will find a way.”

His warning comes as Congress prepares to deliberate on the 2026 NEP sub-

mitted by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). In his fourth State of the Nation Address, the President also vowed to hold accountable those behind failed or non-existent flood control projects flagged in audit reports.

Meanwhile, newly appointed Senate Committee on Finance chair Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday said the 2026 national budget will be an “education budget” and mark a “golden age of transparency.” He warned against a reenacted budget, saying it would eliminate capital outlays and slow down the economy.

Gatchalian said the Senate panel will ensure that the administration’s education priorities are reflected in the budget and announced a suite of transparency measures, including requiring the DBM to upload all budget documents—not just the NEP and General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“This is part of the golden age of transparency we’re aiming for, so the

Marcos said both countries share democratic ideals and a commitment to a rulesbased international order.

tracing Philippine influences in language, folklore, and traditions back to pre-colonial exchanges with Indian civilization.

“This visit to India will cap a year-long commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations,” the Chief Executive said.

“Our bilateral relations have seen stable and comprehensive growth, extending across public and private sectors.”

With India being the world’s most populous democracy and the Philippines the oldest constitutional democracy in Asia,

He underscored shared interests in maritime security, seafarer welfare, and upholding international law, notably the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“Our geostrategic positions as coastal states that border the busiest international trade routes in the Indo-Pacific region provide a credible foundation for active and growing maritime cooperation,” President Marcos said.

He also announced that the Philippines has granted visa-free privileges to Indian travelers in a bid to boost tourism and en-

House Committee on Appropriations chairperson and Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing. House of Representatives

And we will make sure that this is very strongly deliberated on,” she said, expressing full confidence that the House will complete its task before the end of the year despite the looming

impeachments, the trial and the right to be heard take place in the Senate,” he said.

“To invent new rules now, and apply them retroactively, is not just unfair. It is constitutionally suspect.”

“We filed this Motion for Reconsideration not to provoke, but to protect. Not to assert supremacy, but to restore balance… Because if impeachments can be blocked by misunderstood facts, or rules made after the fact, then accountability is not upheld: it is denied,” he added. PhilConsa earlier 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.

“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,” Philconsa 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,” the group added.

public can trace the budget from start to finish,” Gatchalian said, noting that many intermediary documents are currently unavailable online. He also called for uploading Budget Preparation Form 2011, which shows agency-level budget requests before DBM approval.

The senator criticized the House of Representatives for transmitting the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) in printed form only, which is not searchable or accessible to the public. He will ask the House to submit digital versions and include detailed agency breakdowns, particularly from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Gatchalian said the Senate will upload its committee reports, Senate versions, and bicameral conference committee reports to ensure transparency. He also supports publishing a matrix comparing House and Senate budget versions to highlight changes, even if not all sponsors of amendments can be identified.

hance cultural and economic exchanges.

The President is leading a high-level delegation to New Delhi and Bengaluru, including several Cabinet members, to pursue business and investment partnerships, especially in the fields of information technology, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and agriculture.

“I want this visit to bring concrete benefits to the people, such as more affordable medicine, greater connectivity, and food security,” he said.

Marcos also highlighted the importance of maximizing trade and investment opportunities with India, now the world’s fourthlargest economy, and affirmed his administration’s goal of converting diplomatic

somebody has to answer for their suffering,” Mr. Marcos added. Senator Erwin Tulfo over the weekend said the President has fired an undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways. Tulfo, however, declined to name the official, whom he described as “the richest undersecretary in the world.”

For his part, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan on Monday categorically denied social media claims that six lawmakers cornered P800 billion worth of flood control projects, calling the allegation “preposterous” during a House briefing on the DPWH’s infrastructure programs.

Appearing before the House Committee on Public Accounts, Bonoan said the DPWH had no record to support the widely circulated claim made by a political blogger, as Senior Deputy Speaker David Suarez strongly condemned the post and warned against the spread of such disinformation.

“To me, it’s a little preposterous, actually, to have something like this—P800 billion for six members of Congress,” Bonoan said. Suarez raised the issue, pointing to a Facebook post circulating online that accused unnamed congressmen of manipulating flood control budgets for personal or political gain.

Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. then asked Bonoan to state on the record whether such an allocation existed.

“What I’m saying is that we don’t have any specific record of this kind of allocation for the six congressmen that has been put into this [post],” Bonoan replied.

The Napolcom earlier filed charges of grave misconduct, irregularities in the performance of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer against the 12 law enforcers.. Napolcom director for monitoring and investigation service (IMIS) Edman Pares said the administrative complaints were basically founded on the affidavit of whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” and other complainants.

The 12 policemen were also cited as respondents in a summary dismissal case initiated by the Napolcom. Alongside the skeletal remains, the searchers also recovered personal items, including a jacket, slippers, a necklace, and other belongings.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the human remains will undergo DNA testing and will be cross-matched with the profiles of the missing sabungeros and other reported missing persons. Under Napolcom rules, preventive suspension may be imposed if there is prima facie evidence to back up the charges, or if there is proof of intimidation, coercion, or tampering of evidence by the respondent.

Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said suspension may be imposed if the accusation is serious and the evidence of guilt is strong. In the same token, suspension may be ordered if there is evidence to show that the respondent resorted to harassment, intimidation, coercion or unduly influencing the complainant or witnesses into withdrawing or retracting their testimonies against the respondent, or tampering with the evidence.

Patidongan maintained that about a dozen policemen were directly involved in the abduction and killing of the missing sabungeros, and received substantial amounts of money from so-called gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang.

vision into actionable partnerships.

“There is much potential for cooperation with India that will mutually benefit our peoples,” he said.

“We intend to chart a plan of cooperation across a broad spectrum of shared interests,” he added.

The visit is expected to pave the way for enhanced economic collaboration and strategic alignment between Manila and New Delhi amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific area.

In an interview, Brawner said the activity went smoothly, with no “untoward incidents” reported during the joint maritime operation — despite the possibility of interference from other parties.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

“The

Snake slithers into Villamor, bites airman

By Rex Espiritu

of Russian oil.

No more gov’t deals for officials’ kin—Chiz

By Ram Superable

SENATE President Francis Escudero on Monday sought to strengthen the country’s anti-corruption efforts through a new measure that would bar public officials and their relatives up to the fourth civil degree from participating in government contracts.

“This measure affirms our shared commitment to the President’s call for clean governance. It’s time we close the gaps that allow undue influence to persist in public contracts,” he said.

Senate Bill No. 783 aims to rein-

force the Philippines’ procurement safeguards and prevent conflicts of interest in state transactions.

Escudero’s measure builds on the recently passed Republic Act No. 12009, or the New Government Pro -

curement Act, and seeks to close remaining loopholes that allow questionable deals to persist.

“This bill is a response to persistent irregularities and corruption in government contracts,” the Senate leader said in the explanatory note.

Under SB 783, the disqualification will apply to contracts involving infrastructure, supplies, joint ventures, and public-private partnerships.

However, transactions classified as highly technical, proprietary, or confidential will be exempted from the ban.

Despite existing rules, the senator noted that favoritism and political

interference continue to affect transparency and fairness in the procurement process.

“By extending disqualification to a broader circle of relatives, we aim to restore public trust and ensure that procurement processes are truly merit-based,” he said.

The bill also clarifies the term “public official,” which includes individuals in policy-making, supervisory, or managerial positions, whether in career or non-career service.

Military and uniformed personnel are also covered under the measure, regardless of their rank or assignment.

To ensure uniform enforcement, the bill directs the Government Procurement Policy Board, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Public-Private Partnership Center, and the Governance Commission for GOCCs to issue implementing rules within 60 days of effectivity.

The measure will be referred to the appropriate Senate committee for further deliberation.

“SB 783 marks a strategic step in our broader push for institutional resilience, transparency, and systemic reform,” Escudero concluded.

DSWD, Senate panel eye 4Ps improvements

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is in talks with the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development to revisit and amend the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) law.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the goal is to strengthen the program’s long-term impact in breaking the cycle of poverty.

In a recent meeting with Senator Erwin Tulfo, committee chair, Gatchalian proposed the inclusion of aftercare and livelihood programs to help 4Ps beneficiaries transition out of the program without falling back into poverty. He cited tools like the Sustainable Livelihood Program as part of the support mechanism.

The two officials also agreed on the need to balance social welfare with development goals, shifting the culture from mendicancy to empowerment. Gatchalian said the longterm objective is to help families seize economic opportunities on their own.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier directed the DSWD to amend the 4Ps law, calling for program exit criteria based on actual living conditions instead of the fixed seven-year term currently mandated by Republic Act No. 11310. Maricel V. Cruz

LTO suspends 11 NAIA drivers for overcharging

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has placed the licenses of 11 taxi and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers under a 90-day preventive suspension following complaints of overcharging passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said the drivers were caught in a joint operation with the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, targeting those involved in snubbing, overcharging, and illegal contracting. He warned the agency will continue cracking down on abusive drivers.

Initial findings revealed that the drivers charged between P200 and P700 for short trips between NAIA Terminals 1 and 3—amounts significantly higher than the usual fare. The drivers are now facing administrative action.

Show-cause orders have been issued requiring the drivers to explain why their licenses should not be revoked for being unfit to operate motor vehicles. Mendoza said the violations harm the reputation of compliant taxi and TNVS drivers. Rio N. Araja

LGU honors PhotoCon 2025 winners in Bataan

BATAAN Governor Joet Garcia and Vice Governor Cris Garcia led the awarding of the Pamilyang Bataeño PhotoCon 2025 winners during a ceremony held on July 30 at SM City Bataan. In the professional category, Eider John S. Silva (Simula sa Wakas), John Bricks G. Galang (A Coastal Haven of Seafood and Smiles), and Javier Regner H. Saniano (Mga Ilaw ng Balanga) were named top winners. For the non-professional category, winners included Charles Maverick G. Olojan (Where Light Refuses to Fade), Noah S. Rea (Bataeño sa Dugo, Pag-asa ng Kanyang Puso), and Bryan Christian D. Escudero (Mending the Day). Over 400 entries were submitted for this year’s contest. Governor Garcia praised the participants, highlighting the creativity and talent of local photographers in capturing Bataan’s culture and communities. Also present at the event were provincial officials and representatives from partner organizations, including AboitizPower, Penelco, SM City Bataan, and Puntabelle Resort and Farm Adventure, who were thanked by organizers for their support.

MMDA, LGUs team up on cleanup of 11 esteros

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is coordinating with local government units to finish the cleanup effort in 11 esteros as part of its long-term commitment to improving urban waterway management in the National Capital Region.

The cleanup operations cover the Estero de Magdalena in Manila, Antipolo Canal in Rizal, Estero de Tripa de Gallina in Pasay City, Calatagan Creek in Makati City, the Navotas River, Catmon-Sucol Creek in Malabon City, Tumana Creek in Marikina City, Buli Creek in Pasig City, Talayan Creek in Quezon City, and the Hagonoy Pumping Station (Retarding Pond) and MayaPinagsama Creek, both in Taguig City.

targeted for completion within the third quarter of the year.

“Our initiatives play a vital role in flood mitigation. We need to intensify these efforts of declogging our drainage laterals, dredging of open waterways, desilting of drainage mains, and removal of accumulated solid waste with the help of our stakeholders,” he emphasized.

He added that beyond the initial interventions, the MMDA will continually return to these sites for regular maintenance.

By Pot Chavez

(MTPB),

of

the

impounding of vehicles should the project still proceed.

Aside from the incomplete work clearances and permits, he stressed that the DPWH does not have a finalized traffic management plan for the bridge rehabilitation, which is set to last until December 15, 2025. For its part, the DPWH, through its North Manila District Engineering Office, announced that starting August 9, it plans to begin full-deck replacement and structural improvements on the bridge.

It also intends to close the southbound lanes while temporarily converting the northbound lanes into a two-way route. Since returning to office, the mayor has reminded both public and private sectors to inform the city government of any construction projects. “Of course, we welcome your projects, but the manner in which they are delivered can be improved,” Domagoso said.

These are part of the 23 identified esteros that have been prioritized for immediate intervention due to significant siltation, heavy accumulation of solid waste, poor flow conditions, and their susceptibility to recurrent flooding. These areas were also selected based on their impact on surrounding communities and proximity to flood-prone zones.

Over the weekend, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. launched the MMDA Bayanihan sa Estero Program, which aims to intensify efforts in cleaning and maintaining drainage infrastructures in Metro Manila.

MMDA chairman Don Artes said initial operations have already commenced, with the cleanup and rehabilitation activities of all 23 priority esteros

Artes stressed that new MMDAowned equipment will be used for desilting, and that public discipline is essential in reducing waterway clogging caused by indiscriminate garbage disposal.

By Maricel V. Cruz

CONGRESSMEN from Camarines Sur on Monday urged the government and housing authorities to use precast concrete and other leading-edge construction techniques in building affordable homes to close the eight-million housing gap.

In House Bill 2511, the Bicolano legislators led by CamSur Reps. Migz Villafuerte and Luigi Villafuerte proposed the “National Precast and Industrialized Construction Promotion Act” to help address delays, high costs, and the massive backlog in housing.

The bill is also authored by CamSur Rep. Tsuyoshi Anthony Horibata and Rep. Terry Ridon of the Bicol Saro party-list.

“The adoption of modern solutions

in the construction industry such as the use of precast concrete and other industrialized construction techniques … offer faster, more efficient and potentially more sustainable, eco-friendly building solutions, especially to address the country’s enormous housing backlog that stood at 8.25 million homes or units as of March 2025,” the authors said in the bill’s explanatory note. Rep. Migz Villafuerte said the bill promotes cost-efficient methods by streamlining construction through prefabricated components. Luigi Villafuerte said that the adoption of precast and prefabrication methods will “reduce construction-related carbon emissions and minimize on-site waste that shall be aligned with green building standards globally.”

By Vince Lopez

FOUR Chinese nationals have been arrested for the alleged kidnapping of their compatriot on August 2 in Parañaque City, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said on Monday.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Torre said the rescue stemmed from a 911 call, which alerted the Parañaque City Police Station. The Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) later took over the case. The four suspects were apprehended on August 2 at a resort and casino in Parañaque.

Initial investigation showed that the 30-year-old male victim had asked a money-lending group to send P150,000 to China for his mother’s medical expenses. After giving an initial P100,000, the suspects convinced him to accompany them to a casino under the pretense of completing the transfer.

En route, the suspects handcuffed the victim, threatened him with a firearm, and demanded more money. He was physically harmed and forced to transfer about $50,000 from his crypto wallet. He later borrowed a phone and contacted a friend, who alerted authorities.

“What they usually do is take the initial amount first... ‘Oh, we’ll exchange this somewhere else because your money is too large, so come with us, or go to our place where the exchange rate is higher.’ Along the way, they restrain the victim,” AKG Director BGen. Glicerio Cansilao told reporters.

The suspects are now detained at the AKG office in Camp Crame and face charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Torre said the group used money exchange as cover and are believed to be former POGO workers. The Bureau of Immigration and PAOCC are coordinating in tracking similar cases.

OPINION

Graft and corruption

WHY is there so much graft and corruption in government, a problem that doesn’t seem to end, despite the fact that the people have been crying out for an end to graft and corruption?

In the first place, Santa Banana, while graft and corruption are mostly in government offices where the heads were either elected or appointed by Malacanang.

The reason for this, my gulay, is that some people run for public office, not because they truly want to serve the people, but to end up as millionaires or multimillionaires.

Take the case of a simple mayor running for public office. In Metro Manila, for instance, it takes about 5Million to 10Million pesos to run for mayor,except those who are already multimillionaires.

A neophyte cannot afford that much to spend for running as mayor.

Either he has some benefactors or contributors or that he is being supported by some people with ulterior motives behind them to get contracts or services or to control some aspects of government.

That is why there is so much graft and corruption in government. It is because public executives want to make money or they run just for other purposes, like becoming popular or for people to remember their names.

That is why in my years as a journalist

I found out the reason why some people run for public office. It is either to make money, as I said, or to help, not the people, but themselves and their relatives.

It is for this reason why I am glad that Senate President Francis Escudero has filed a bill which would ban public executives and their relatives within the fourth degree of consanguinity from being involved in government contracts and services.

This bill might not entirely erase graft and corruption, but it will help minimize its commission.

A mayor can easily make a lot of money while in office. For every road to be constructed and bridge that has to be built and any government building to be erected within his jurisdiction, he makes lots of money by getting percentages.

That is the reason many roads , bridges and other public infrastructure have not been completed or that they have not been continued because of graft and corruption. And the reason for this, Santa Banana, is that, if a mayor gets elected, the people who voted for him expect something in return.

It is for this reason why the bill of Senate President Francis Escudero would help a lot to minimize the commission of graft and corruption.

I am not talking only of mayors. I am

talking about governors or any public official appointed to an office.

People expect a lot in return for voting for them.

It is a vicious cycle because of poverty.

By banning all public officials and their relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity from getting involved in contracts and services would minimize a lot about the cycle of graft and corruption.

That is why they depend on political dynasties for their existence

In the final analysis, I do not expect,in my experience as a journalist for over seven decades, that graft and corruption, with the kind of government we have, will ever end, unlike for instance in a communist run government which has no election at all.

I am not saying here in this column, Santa Banana, that our kind of democracy is less beneficial for the country than a communist form of government. T ake for instance Vietnam, which is still under communist rule. In a survey conducted, Vietnam has become the most progressive South East Asian country because of the difference between a democracy and a communist run form of government.

In the higher echelon of government, like congressmen, there are a thousand and one ways of making money. It is for this reason that while the constitution bans the existence of political dynasties, they continue proliferating in the country.

One reason of course is that the people who will vote against the constitutional ban are either members of that dynasty themselves.

It is for this reason why I have advocated the bill banning members of political dynasties running for public office or being appointed in government.

Graft and corruption is of course embedded in every democracy, especially the Philippines where the people suffer from extreme poverty.

That is why they depend on political dynasties for their existence.

Graft and corruption? We have to live with it, but we can minimize it through the bill that will be passed by the Senate banning all govt executives and their kin up to the fourth degree of consanguinity from being involved in government contracts and services.

Romualdez’s quiet rebellion

IN A country fatigued by political theater and rhetorical excess, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez did something unusual last week: he offered not just promises, but purpose.

“This House must not be a refuge of privilege,” he declared in his July 29 address. “It must be the pillar of the everyday Filipino.”

That’s not a typical line from a political insider – especially not one who hails from one of the most prominent families in Philippine politics.

But in this address, Romualdez sounded less like a dynasty’s caretaker and more like a reformer trying to redeem the institution he leads.

The heart of his agenda lies in three ambitious proposals: food security, universal healthcare, and budget transparency. None are easy lifts. All carry the weight of history – and past failures.

But Romualdez is betting that boldness, backed by institutional know-how, can succeed where past reforms collapsed.

Feeding a hungry Republic

The proposed Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment (RICE) Act is a direct response to the country’s most visceral problem: hunger.

The plan tackles smuggling, hoarding, and price manipulation – practices that have distorted the market and hollowed out farmer incomes.

Alongside this, Romualdez aims to institutionalize the Walang Gutom Program through monthly electronic food credits under the 2026 budget.

It’s a daring mix of economic modernization and digital welfare.

The challenge, of course, will be execution.

Past agricultural policies failed due to weak enforcement and elite capture.

Romualdez must ensure that the digital food credit system doesn’t become another leaky pipeline for corruption or exclusion.

In a system too often defined by inertia, Romualdez is making a risky bet: that change can come not from revolution, but from responsibility

Still, his framing is clear: food is not charity; it is a right. “In a land of hardworking farmers,” he said, “no Filipino should go hungry.” That moral clarity is hard to ignore. Health without fear

Romualdez’s call for zero billing in government hospitals is perhaps the boldest promise in the speech – and the most contentious.

Critics will ask where the money will come from. PhilHealth, already running a deficit, cannot shoulder universal coverage without major fiscal surgery.

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Parrying off persistent poverty

QUITE a complex issue, poverty is in this country of 117 million people, despite periods of economic growth.

Scholars say poverty persists due to a fusion of factors, including low and inconsistent economic growth, weak job creation, and income inequality.

There are also historical factors, like past economic policies and the influence of powerful elites, which have obstructed development and perpetuated poverty.

Poverty, as it applies to the Philippines, is the state where individuals or families lack the income to meet their basic needs, including food, health, education, housing, and other essential amenities, as determined by the National Economic and Development Authority.

This threshold is used to identify those whose income falls below the poverty line, the minimum income a family needs to afford basic food and non-food needs.

In the first semester of 2023, a family of five needed at least P13,873 per month to meet these needs, which translates to roughly P92.49 per person per day, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

In March this year, a Social Weather

Yet Romualdez is not blind to these realities.

He couples his promise with a plan to modernize rural health facilities, deploy more health workers, and expand access to essential medicine.

He seems to understand that universality means nothing if it doesn’t reach the far-flung barangay or the urban slum.

He’s also hinting at smart financing: leveraging sin taxes, streamlining procurement, and tying subsidies to performance. These aren’t fully fleshed-out mechanisms – but they’re more than just applause lines.

They’re signs that Romualdez wants to move from aspirational slogans to implementable solutions.

A budget people can believe in Where Romualdez may make his deepest institutional mark is in budget reform.

His proposal to open bicameral conferences to civil society observers and

Stations survey indicated that 52 percent of Filipino families considered themselves poor, 12 percent considered themselves borderline and 36 percent did not consider themselves poor.

The inability to meet basic human needs like housing, clean water, food, and medical care defines poverty

What indeed is poverty? Essentially, it refers to lacking enough resources to provide the necessities of life – food, clean water, shelter and clothing. But in today’s world, that can be extended to include access to health care, education and even transportation.

Anti-poverty specialists have repeatedly said this state of destitution is a socioeconomic condition where

televise budget debates is a radical shift from the opacity of Philippine fiscal politics.

He’s not just promising transparency; he’s building scaffolding for it – realtime reporting of government projects, mandatory contractor standards, and a national infrastructure audit framework.

In a country where “pork” has long warped public trust, this is more than cosmetic reform. It’s an attempt to rewire Congress itself.

Skeptics point to Romualdez’s role in previous budget controversies. That’s fair. But it’s also what makes this pivot so meaningful. Sometimes, the best reformers are those who know where the bones are buried – and decide to dig them up anyway. A leader for the moment Romualdez is no outsider. But perhaps that’s his greatest strength.

individuals, families, or communities cannot achieve a minimum standard of living due to insufficient financial resources and essentials.

The inability to meet basic human needs like housing, clean water, food, and medical care defines this condition.

We are elated, as perhaps many Filipinos are, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has made it his priority to achieve poverty reduction in the Philippines significantly, by putting the right gear to a 25-year long-term vision initiated in 2015.

This vision, as a guide for development planning, is supported by the Manila-based Asian Development Bank, aims to ensure a prosperous Philippines where no one is poor by 2040. All future Philippine development plans to be crafted and implemented until 2040 will be anchored on Ambisyon Natin 2040. This will ensure the sustainability and consistency of government strategies, policies, programs and projects across political administrations.

Recently, the Philippines has completed more than 2,778 farm-tomarket roads, water and sanitation systems, health stations, school buildings, rural electrification and other infrastructure projects.

He knows the gears of the institution he seeks to fix. He has the coalition, the timing, and – if this speech is to be believed – the will. His vision borrows smartly from international best practices: Thailand’s universal healthcare, South Korea’s openbudget platform, Brazil’s conditional food credits. But what distinguishes him is not imitation – it’s adaptation. He’s trying to translate global models into the messy, hopeful language of Filipino democracy.

Yes, the risks are real: budget constraints, entrenched interests, public cynicism. But so is the opportunity – to reclaim governance as a tool for justice, not patronage.

In a system too often defined by inertia, Romualdez is making a risky bet: that change can come not from revolution, but from responsibility. And that, in itself, is a quiet kind of courage.

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TUESDAY AUGUST 5, 2025

Netanyahu asks Red Cross for help

JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross on Sunday for help aiding hostages in Gaza, as outrage built at videos showing two of them emaciated.

The premier’s office said he spoke to the ICRC coordinator for the region, Julien Lerisson, and “requested his involvement in providing food to our hostages and... immediate medical treatment”.

The ICRC said in a statement it was “appalled by the harrowing videos” and reiterated its “call to be granted access to the hostages”.

In response, Hamas’s armed wing said

it would allow the agency access to the hostages but only if “humanitarian corridors” for food and aid were opened “across all areas of the Gaza Strip”.

The Al-Qassam Brigades said it did “not intentionally starve” the hostages, but they would not receive any special food privileges “amid the crime of starvation and siege” in Gaza.

Over recent days, Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad have released three videos

showing two hostages seized during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the ongoing war.

The images of Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David, both of whom appeared weak and malnourished, have fuelled renewed calls in Israel for a truce and hostage release deal.

A statement from Netanyahu’s office on Saturday said he had spoken with the families of the two hostages and “expressed profound shock over the materials distributed by the terror organizations”.

Netanyahu “told the families that the efforts to return all our hostages are ongoing”, the statement added.

Earlier in the day, tens of thousands of people had rallied in the coastal hub of Tel Aviv to call on Netanyahu’s govern-

ment to secure the release of the remaining captives. There was particular outrage in Israel over images of David, who appeared to be digging what he said in the staged video was his own grave.

The videos make references to the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where UN-mandated experts have warned a “famine is unfolding”.

An emergency session on the “dire situation of the hostages” will be convened by the UN Security Council on Tuesday, Israel’s UN ambassador said Sunday in a post on X.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the images “are appalling and expose the barbarity of Hamas”, calling for the release of “all hostages... immediately and unconditionally.” AFP

68 dead, dozens missing after migrant boat sinks off Yemen

DUBAI – A shipwreck off Yemen has killed at least 68 people, the UN’s migration agency said Monday, with dozens still missing after the boat carrying mostly Ethiopians sank.

The International Organization for Migration’s country chief of mission, Abdusattor Esoev, told AFP that “as of last night, 68 people aboard the boat were killed, but only 12 out of 157 have been rescued so far. The fate of the missing is still unknown.”

On Sunday, two security sources in southern Yemen’s Abyan province -- a frequent destination for migrant smuggling boats -- gave a preliminary toll of 27 killed in the shipwreck.

Despite the war that has ravaged Yemen since 2014, the impoverished country has remained a key transit point for irregular migration, in particular from Ethiopia which itself has been roiled by ethnic conflict.

Each yeah, thousands brave the socalled “Eastern Route” from Djibouti to Yemen across the Red Sea, in the hope of eventually reaching oil-rich Gulf countries.

The vessel that sank off the coast of Yemen’s Abyan was carrying mostly Ethiopian migrants, according to the province’s security directorate.

It said on Sunday that security forces were conducting operations to recover a “significant” number of bodies.

Last month, at least eight people died after smugglers had forced migrants to disembark from a boat in the Red Sea, according to the UN’s migration agency.

UNITED NATIONS, New York – The UN Security Council will hold an emergency session on the hostages in Gaza, Israel’s ambassador said Sunday, as outrage built over their fate in the war-torn enclave, where experts say a famine is unfolding.

Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, posted the announcement on social media amid anger over videos showing two of the hostages held by Palestinian militant group Hamas emaciated.

Danon said that the Council “will convene this coming Tuesday for a special emergency session on the dire situation of the hostages in Gaza.”

EMACIATED, DESPERATE. A demonstrator lights a smoke flare during an anti-government protest calling for action to secure the release of Israeli hostages held captive in the Gaza Strip by Palestinian militants since the Oct. 7, 2024 attacks, outside the Israeli Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on Aug. 2, 2025. In New York, the UN Security Council will hold an emergency session on the hostages in Gaza, Israel’s ambassador said Monday, as outrage built over their fate in the war-torn enclave, where experts say a famine is unfolding. AFP

Witkoff to travel to Russia in coming week, says Trump

WASHINGTON, DC – Donald Trump confirmed Sunday (Monday Manila time) his special envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Russia in the coming week, ahead of a deadline the US president has set for imposing fresh sanctions on Moscow. Speaking to reporters, Trump also said that two nuclear submarines he deployed following an online row with former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev were now “in the region.” Trump has not said whether he meant nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines. He also did not elaborate on the exact deployment locations, which are

kept secret by the US military.

The nuclear saber-rattling came against the backdrop of a deadline set by Trump at the end of next week for Russia to take steps towards ending the Ukraine war or face unspecified new sanctions.

The Republican leader said Witkoff would visit “I think next week, Wednesday or Thursday.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has already met Witkoff multiple times in Moscow, before Trump’s efforts to mend ties with the Kremlin came to a grinding halt.

When reporters asked what Witkoff’s

message would be to Moscow, and if there was anything Russia could do to avoid the sanctions, Trump replied: “Yeah, get a deal where people stop getting killed.” Trump has previously threatened that new measures could mean “secondary tariffs” targeting Russia’s remaining trade partners, such as China and India. This would further stifle Russia, but would risk significant international disruption. Despite the pressure from Washington, Russia has continued its onslaught against its pro-Western neighbor. AFP

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while it colonized the Korean peninsula. AFP

80 years on, Korean survivors of atomic bombs still suffer

HAPCHEON, South Korea – Bae Kyungmi was five years old when the Americans dropped “Little Boy”, the atomic bomb that flattened Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Like thousands of other ethnic Koreans working in the city at the time, her family kept the horror a secret. Many feared the stigma from doing menial work for colonial ruler Japan, and false rumours that radiation sickness was contagious. Bae recalls hearing planes overhead while she was playing at her home in Hiroshima on that day. Within minutes, she was buried in rubble.

“I told my mom in Japanese, ‘Mom! There are airplanes!’” Bae, now 85, told AFP. She passed out shortly after. Her home collapsed on top of her, but the debris shielded her from the burns that killed tens of thousands of people -- including her aunt and uncle. After the family moved back to Korea, they did not speak of their experience. “I never told my husband that I was in Hiroshima and a victim of the bombing,” Bae said.

then, people often said you had married the wrong person if he or she was an atomic bombing survivor.” AFP

The videos make references to the calamitous humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where UN-mandated experts have warned a “famine is unfolding.” Israel has heavily restricted the entry of aid into Gaza, while UN agencies, humanitarian groups and analysts say that much of what Israel does allow in is looted or diverted in chaotic circumstances. Many desperate Palestinians are left to risk their lives seeking what aid is distributed through controlled channels. Earlier Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross to get food to the hostages. In response, Hamas’s armed wing said that it would allow the agency access to the hostages but only if “humanitarian corridors” for food and aid were opened “across all areas of the Gaza Strip.”

The Al-Qassam Brigades said it did “not intentionally starve” the hostages, but they would not receive any special food privileges “amid the crime of starvation and siege” in Gaza. AFP

Taiwan torrential rain kills 4 over past week

TAIPEI – Storms dumped more than two meters of rain in parts of Taiwan over the past week, killing four people and triggering floods and landslides in central and southern areas, authorities said Monday. Torrential rain has lashed swathes of the island since July 28, forcing several thousand people to seek shelter, damaging roads, and shuttering offices.

Maolin, a mountainous district in southern Taiwan, recorded 2.8 meters of rain since July 28, Central Weather Administration forecaster Li Ming-siang told AFP. That’s more than Taiwan’s annual rainfall of 2.1 meters last year, according to the agency’s data. The unusually heavy downpours were caused by a low-pressure system and strong southwesterly winds, Li said.

“The southwesterly winds have brought heavy moisture from the South China Sea to Taiwan,” Li said. Li said southwesterly winds were normally brought by typhoons affecting the island and seasonal rain in May and June. AFP

Trial of concert attack suspects begins

MOSCOW – The trial opens in Moscow on Monday of 19 people accused of involvement in an attack on a Moscow concert hall last year that killed 149 people. Armed men stormed the Crocus City Hall music venue on March 22 last year, opening fire and then setting the building alight in what was one of the deadliest attacks in Russia’s history. Hundreds of people were injured. The Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility.

The four suspected attackers, all from Tajikistan -- an ex-Soviet republic in Central Asia -- and another 15 people accused of being accomplices were expected to go on trial. The first three hearings were to take place on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, according to a Moscow court website. The attack shocked Russia,

NZ ex-top cop charged over child abuse material

WELLINGTON – New Zealand’s former deputy police commissioner lost the right to anonymity Monday after he was charged with possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material.

Jevon McSkimming was arrested in June and charged with eight counts of possessing objectionable material, but the courts had prevented media from reporting his name or other details of the case. Appearing in Wellington District Court on Monday, McSkimming opted not to seek an extension of the suppression order. His lawyer, Letizea Ord, told Judge Tim Black “there is not a further application in respect of name suppression. It’s accepted that it can lapse today”. He is yet to enter a plea. Asked as he left court if he had a message for the public, McSkimming said: “No”. The 52-year-old is alleged to have possessed child exploitation and bestiality material between specific dates. AFP

INDELIBLE STIGMA. This photo taken on June 28, 2025 shows people praying as they visit

Memorial Cenotaph at the Peace Memorial Park in the city of Hiroshima, Hiroshima prefecture. Some 740,000 people were killed or injured in the twin bombings of Hiroshima and Nakasaki which ended World War II -- and more than 10 percent of the victims were Korean, data suggests, the result of huge flows of people to Japan

Never-say-never solons refile FOI bill

By Maricel V. Cruz

AGROUP of lawmakers on Monday refiled a measure seeking to implement the people’s right to information and the constitutional policies of full public disclosure as well as honesty in public service.

The legislators led by House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal party-list Leila de Lima filed House Bill 2897, or the “People’s Freedom of Information Act of 2025, aiming to “finally legislate the people’s freedom of information to adequately address the vulnerabilities and problems that arise from lack of transparency and access to information.” De Lima’s co-authors are Reps. Edgar Erice (2nd District, Caloocan City), Adrian Michael Amatong (3rd District, Zamboanga del Norte), Arlene Bag-ao (Lone District, Dinagat Islands), Jaime Fresnedi (Lone District, Muntinlupa City), Cielo Krisel Lagman (1st District, Albay), and Alfonso Umali Jr. (2nd District, Oriental Mindoro).

“Current inconsistencies and lack of mandatory disclosure highlight the need for a legislated Freeedom of Information (FOI) policy. Ang panukalang ito ay isang makapangyarihang sandata laban sa katiwalian, disimpormasyon, at kawalan ng katapatan at pananagutan sa pamahalaan (This proposal is a powerful weapon against corruption, disinformation, and lack of honesty and accountability in government),” De Lima said.

To date, no FOI measure has been enacted, despite numerous attempts since the 8th Congress, when then-Rep. Raul Roco filed the first FOI bill.

Similar bills were filed in succeeding Congresses, but none of them prospered.

Army to probe death of recruit after induction

THE Philippine Army has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the death of one of its newest recruits following an induction ceremony in Maguindanao del Sur on July 30, 2025.

The fallen soldier, identified as Pvt. Charlie Patigayon, 22, of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, reportedly collapsed after the traditional reception ceremony at the 6th Infantry Battalion (6IB) headquarters in Datu Piang.

Patigayon was among several new recruits welcomed by senior military personnel into the command.

Military officials from the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) launched an investigation to determine the circumstances behind Patigayon’s sudden demise.

Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the Philippine Army “upholds a zero-tolerance policy against any practices that endanger the safety and well-being of its personnel,” in strict adherence to the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.

“The individuals involved in the incident have been immediately relieved of their duties and are currently under investigation,” Dema-ala noted.

Navy to purchase 1,900 rounds of 76-mm ammos

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippine Navy eyes the purchase of 1,900 rounds of ammunition worth P218.8 million for the 76-mm guns of its modern warships.

According to a bid bulletin posted on the Navy’s official website, the submission and opening of bid envelopes will be held 9 a.m. on Aug. 7 at the bids and swards committee office located at Naval Station Jose Francisco in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The winning bidder 400 calendar days from receipt of the Notice to

Proceed to deliver the ammos technically described as High-Explosive Point Detonating ammunition.

Funding for the ammunition procurement project has been allocated under the General Appropriations Act 2025 through the maintenance and other operating expenses clause of the budgetary measure.

“Bid opening shall be conducted via blended/VTC (video teleconference). Bidders may physically attend the opening and evaluation of bidding documents or through VTC via Zoom application,” the Navy post stated.

Pre-bid conference for the project

was held last July 24.

The 76mm gun serves as the primary main gun system for all of the Navy’s major war vessels, including the Jacinto-class patrol vessels, Gregorio del Pilar-class offshore patrol ships, Conrado Yap-class corvette, Jose Rizal-class guided missile frigates, and the Miguel Malvar-class frigates currently being delivered.

This versatile weapon system is known for its high rate of fire, compatibility with various specialized ammunition types, and compact design—making it suitable even for smaller naval platforms.

Zambo Sur town to have bridge soon

A LONG delayed bridge project finally broke ground in the remote municipality of Pisomponga, Zamboanga del Sur to ultimately put closure to the local villagers’ persistent woes over in rugged terrain and seasonal flooding.

The P60-million project, funded under the national government’s PAMANA (PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn) Program, was announced just weeks after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the need for immediate government action in his 2025 State of the Nation Address. The initiative gained national attention following viral images of schoolchildren wading through a waist-deep river to reach Pisompongan Integrated School.

“These images captured a painful

reality: that most children in remote communities face danger and uncertainty just to get education,” said Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. during the groundbreaking ceremony.

For decades, residents of Pisompongan and neighboring barangays—Piwan, Balonai, Pili, and Dakayakan—risked their lives crossing rivers to access schools, markets, and health centers.

During the rainy season, swollen waters completely isolate these villages. Nonetheless, the people showed extraordinary resilience. Teachers continued to hold classes, parents carried children across rivers, and farmers transported livestock and farm produce through the floods.

IN BRIEF

OCD pays tribute to emergency workers

THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) wrapped up this year’s National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) with an awarding ceremony recognizing the country’s top emergency responders and resilience advocates.

Held at the Seda Hotel in Quezon City, the event highlighted the 2nd Rescuelympics and the 3rd Dangal Bantayog ng Katatagan, both aimed at honoring individuals, local governments, and response teams that have shown exceptional commitment to disaster preparedness and risk reduction.

Defense Undersecretary Pablo Lorenzo, representing Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., served as guest of honor and keynote speaker. Rex Espiritu Two-day food summit unfolds in Cebu City THE Cebu Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI) has launched a two-day agri-business exhibition at the provincial capitol complex meant to strengthen local agriculture and food systems through innovation, collaboration, and market linkages.

Dubbed “Agri’Konek Food Summit 2025,” the event gathers together hundreds of agrifood innovators, farmers, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), policymakers, and industry leaders from across the Visayas region.

With the theme, “Building a Safe, Secure, and Sustainable Food for All Filipinos,” the Aug. 4-5 summit focuses on food security, innovation, and sustainability. Minerva Newman Gov bans all mining ops in Lanao del Sur

ALL mining activities in Lanao del Sur will have to stop effective Sept. 1 this year. This developed as Gov. Mamintal Alonto Adiong, Jr. signed Executive Order No. 008, Series of 2025 directing all large-scale and small-scale mining operations in the province to cease-and-desist effective Sept. 1. Local historians said Lanao is known for its rich deposits of iron ore. Colonial Spanish forces as early as the 17th century built paths for horse-drawn carts and a bridge in what is now Lumbaca Unayan town in Lanao del Sur to access mining settlements around the lake. Adiong said all mining operations in the province will have to be audited for compliance with international standards, including operations on mining concessions approved by the national government. Nash B. Maulana

Chairman George Erwin Garcia

A BRIDGE TOO FAR NO MORE. The villagers of the remote town of Pisompongan in Zamboanga del Sur need no longer cross a dangerous river to gain access to the market, schools, and other basic facilities, with a P60-million bridge that breaks ground in their community, the realization of a long-cherished, shared dream among themselves. Army photo

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Bike stage holds key to IRONMAN Lapu-Lapu glory

WHILE excellence across all three disciplines is vital, it’s the demanding bike stage that could ultimately determine the champions in the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu presented by Megaworld, which fires off this Sunday (Aug. 10) at Mactan Newtown in Cebu.

The 90-kilometer bike leg, coursing through the iconic Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), will serve not only as a test of speed and stamina but also of mental focus and strategy. Spanning 8.9 kilometers, the four-lane CCLEX, the country’s longest and tallest bridge, offers breathtaking views but unforgiving conditions.

Contenders are expected to face strong crosswinds and temperature fluctuations on its exposed expanse, making it a technical and tactical battleground in the heart of the race.

“It’s not uncommon for athletes to encounter gusty winds at the top of the bridge, and that can make or break their race. For safety and performance reasons, we strongly discourage the use of disc wheels,” said race director Julian Valencia.

The bike leg’s significance isn’t just about the distance or the scenery – it’s a critical turning point. The strong can break away. The cautious can conserve. And the faltering may see their podium dreams slip away. Whether it’s a seasoned pro or a driven age-grouper, the outcome of the CCLEX ride could define their race.

While the 1.9-km swim in open water sets the tone and the 21-km closing run challenges the final reserves of grit and endurance – especially under Cebu’s sweltering conditions – it’s often on the saddle where the biggest moves happen.

Just ask South African Henri Schoeman. In last year’s race, he seized control in the swim but created decisive separation on the bike, opening up a gap of over two minutes on New Zealand’s Sam Osborne and carrying that lead all the way to the finish line in a wire-to-wire triumph. This year, with Schoeman not returning, Osborne be comes the man to beat in the men’s pro division.

13-year-old Canete strikes again, dominates Indonesian Drift Series

By Ramon D. Boado

MANDALA KRIDA STADIUM,

Yogyakarta—

Bella Canete of Akuma Drift Team has completed a flawless first half of the 2025 drift season, securing her third consecutive double victory in both the Indonesian Drift Series (IDS) New Gen Category and the Women’s Drift Challenge (WDC ProAm).

The high-stakes Round 3 event, held at Mandala Krida Stadium in Yogyakarta, mirrored her dominant performances in Rounds 1 and 2, marking a rare and historic three-peat in both championships. Behind the wheel of her Yakult-

position in the WDC ProAm division with an impressive 92.83-point run. It was a clear statement that she remained the one to beat. In the IDS New Gen Category, where male and female drivers compete in a mixed field, Bella entered as the seventh seed out of nineteen. Her path through the Top 16 bracket was nothing short of thrilling. She eliminated priva-

teer Karina A. in the opening round, then faced a major setback in the Top 8 against second seed Ade Juliano of AWT x Hofmeister. A screw inside her differential snapped mid-run, threatening to end her weekend.

Remarkably, despite the mechanical failure, Bella was still able to deliver a stellar run that kept her in contention. Thanks to the quick response of Artworks Motorsports, who replaced the entire differential in just four minutes, she returned to the grid for the semifinal without missing a beat.

Back in fighting form, she delivered a near-flawless performance against Rezky Audrey of Bride IDN in the Top 4, then went on to defeat fifth seed Naufal Yudanar of Fanchi Motorsports in the final round, earning her third straight IDS championship title.

In the WDC ProAm finals, Bella

continued her lead, taking down some of the top female talents in the field. Ari Santi Dewi of Victor Garage finished second, followed by Zenetta Salsabila of Zetta Racing Team in third and Lyn Sha’are of Rizqy Motorsports in fourth. With this third consecutive round of double victories, Canete is not only dominating the 2025 drift season, she is also cementing her place in history as the youngest drifter in Southeast Asia to achieve a triple championship sweep. At just 13 years old, she is redefining what’s possible on the Indonesian and regional motorsport stage. What began as a bold campaign in Round 1 has now become her defining moment in Southeast Asian drifting. Bella’s mix of technical precision, fearless driving and calm under pressure, even in the face of mechanical adversity, has made her the standout name in her category.

Wide-open ICTSI Caliraya Springs showdown unfolds

CAVINTI, Laguna – With no clear favorite and conditions ripe for sur prises, the Philippine Golf Tour re sumes today (Tuesday, Aug. 5) with the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Cham pionship in a test of form, focus and fortitude where anyone could break through.

The P2 million event has turned into a much-anticipated clash fol lowing the postponement of the weather-hit Valley Golf Challenge three weeks ago. Top local pros and international regulars alike are looking to make up for lost ground, none more eager than former PGA Tour campaigner Justin Quiban. With limited appearances on the Philippine Golf Tour due to international commitments, Justin Quiban is making every start count. The 29-year-old is all-in at Caliraya, aiming for both a win and redemption after a tied-for-10th finish at Forest Hills last June.

“The break helped – I needed the rest and used it to fine-tune my swing and mindset,” said Quiban, who last won the PGT in late 2023 via a fourhole playoff over Marvin Dumandan. He led early at Forest Hills but faded in the middle rounds.

Still, he sees value in the experience.

“I’ve been itching to compete again, so there’s that extra edge,” he added. “Just trying to find rhythm and see where my game is – no expectations, just play.” Quiban, however, is far from alone in his quest.

Athletes arrive in batches for Chengdu World Games

By Randy Caluag

VETERAN long jumper Janry Ubas once again proved why he remains one of the Philippines’ most dependable track and field athletes, spearheading the country’s medal haul at the XXXIV Qosanov Memorial in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Competing against a strong international field, the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games champion soared to a distance of 7.53 meters, clinching the silver medal in the men’s long jump. Ubas finished just behind India’s Sreeshankar, who took gold with 7.94 meters, while Azerbaijan’s Nazim Babayev settled for bronze at 7.48 meters.

For Ubas, the podium finish reinforces his status as a cornerstone of Philippine athletics, showcasing his consistency on the global stage and his determination to push beyond regional dominance. His performance also set the tone for the national team, inspiring fellow Filipino athletes to deliver solid results throughout the competition.

WORLD champions, a mix of grizzled veterans and rising stars and the strong Philippine delegation is ready to rock the Chengdu World Games firing off Thursday (August 7) in the Chinbese megacity bracing for the arrival of thousands of athletes from Hopes are high for the 47 Filipinos vying for glory in the 11day tournament for non-Olympic sports with the second batch of representatives flying in Tuesday (August 5) from Manila and The men’s floorball team arrived in the Chinese city Sunday to get a feel of the Xindu Xiangcheng Sports Centre—the sprawling competition venue shaped like a lotus leaf from above —with its first preliminary game set against Latvia at 9 a.m. on Thursday.

Cable wakeboard sensation Raph Trinidad departs for Tianfu—the main transport hub for international arrivals—early Tuesday along with wushu athletes Agatha Wong and Jones Inso aboard Air China.

The Philippine Olympic Committee, headed by president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, named Trinidad and Wong as the country’s flag bearers in the parade of athletes during the opening ceremony.

“I am deeply grateful for the incredible honor and opportunity to showcase to the world that Filipinos have the talent and spirit to excel in wakeboarding,” said Trinidad, who trained at the Deca Wakepark Clark in Pampanga to prepare for the Chengdu games.

“While I can’t predict the outcome, one thing is certain — I will give my absolute best. This is for my family, for everyone, and for the wakeboarding community,” added the accomplished 23-year-

Ubas leads PH medal haul in Kazakhstan tourney

old athlete. Eric Ordonez of wake surfing leaves from Hong Kong for a short flight to the mainland in the afternoon. Trinidad and Ordonez will try to qualify for the semifinals on August 8 at the Sancha Lake Taohuadao Arena, while Wong and Inso plunge into action in the taolu event on the same day at the HiTech Zone Sports Gymnasium. The biggest arrival comes on Wednesday with the 12-man dragon boat team, muay thai star Rudzma Abubakar, and the duathlon team led by Kim Mangrobang all entering the Athletes’ Village dubbed the “Chengdu Home” and serviceable for 7,000 participants. The star-studded batch of billiards world champions Rubilen Amit and Chezka Centeno, 10-ball specialist Jeff de Luna, and Asian Games medalists Annie Ramirez and Kaila Napolis of jiu-jitsu follow on Friday.

The Philippines ended the tournament with a total of five medals. Hussein Loraña secured a silver medal in the men’s 800 meters after clocking 1:52.69, just behind Iran’s Ali Amirian, who crossed the finish line in 1:52.09. Bernalyn Bejoy, a five-time national champion, added another silver in the women’s 800 meters with a time of 2:12.27, narrowly missing the gold to Uzbekistan’s Irina Levina, who posted 2:12.07. In the relay events, the men’s 4x100m team composed of Kharis Pantonial, Anfernee Lopena, Clinton Bautista, and Ronne Malipay managed a third-place finish with 41.06 seconds. The mixed 4x400m relay squad, made up of Pantonial, Bejoy, Susan Ramadan, and Loraña, capped the country’s campaign with another bronze medal, clocking 3:29.92. The Philippine team aims to build momentum ahead of upcoming major international competitions, including the Asian Games and future World Athletics events.

Bella Canete steers her trusted BMW E36 to victory. Inset shows Canete at the podium.

Janry Ubas (second from left) with fellow podium finishers.

Justin Quibang

Agatha Wong

DA wants coconut trust fund law amended to save industry

By Othel V. Campos

percent capacity, and the country’s 60 oil mills run significantly below their combined capacity of 3.7 million metric tons due to declining farm output.

Coconut processing plants

The move aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to revitalize the country’s top agricultural export sector, he said.

Number of oil mills in PH

“We must revise the law to focus the trust fund’s resources on the most critical needs, particularly replanting,” Tiu-Laurel said Monday.

produce less than half the yield of younger trees, which typically yield 80 to 100 nuts annually. While methods like salt fertilization can temporarily increase output, replanting is considered the only sustainable long-term solution.

The industry annually exports an average of $2 billion in coconut products, including crude and refined oil, desiccated coconut, copra meal and coconut water, derived from an estimated 14 billion to 15 billion nuts per year.

Tiu Laurel said improving farm yield would enable the Philippines to better capitalize on growing global demand, especially in Europe.

3.6m hectares

“Many of our coconut trees are senile. If we don’t replace them now, we risk losing the future of the industry,” he said. Coconut trees over 50 years old

The Philippines is the world’s second-largest coconut producer, with about 3 million farmers cultivating 3.6 million hectares.

Despite this, the sector remains underproductive. Only 134 processing plants operate nationwide, many at 50

In 2024, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) planted 8.6 million seedlings, exceeding its 8.5 million target and quadrupling the twoyear average, despite the El Niño phenomenon.

Size of coconutplanting areas

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SMPH said in a disclosure to the stock exchange consolidated revenues rose 5 percent in the sixmonth period to P68 billion from P64.7 billion a year ago. Rental income from malls, offices, hospitality and MICE contributed 60 percent of the total, while real estate sales accounted for 29 percent.

The remaining 11 percent came from cinema ticket sales, food and beverage, amusement and related offerings.

First-half EBITDA rose 10 percent to P41.6 billion from P37.9 billion, while operating income increased 11 percent to P34.4 billion from P31.1 billion.

“The redevelopment and new attractions at our flagship Mall of Asia drove strong foot traffic and tenant sales,” said SMPH president Jeffrey Lim.

“Robust consumer activity and improving business confidence also lifted contributions across our portfolio,” said Lim. Malls also accounted for the largest share of earnings at 69 percent, contributing P17 billion. This was 14-percent higher than a year ago, driven by new openings, higher foot traffic and strong occupancy.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Monday it extended the maintenance contract of Sumitomo Corp for Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) for another year to ensure the railway line’s continued smooth operation.

“We renewed it, I think for one year, or until next year so that there are no problems in maintaining the MRT-3 system,” DOTr Secretary

Vince Dizon said. The DOTr, Sumitomo and Oriental Consultants Global signed a P7.38billion extended contract in May 2023 for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the line until July 2025.

The new contract’s scope was expanded to include extending rail lines and installing signals to the common station, which is shared with other lines.

It also covers expanding the pocket track necessary for increasing the

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) are supporting the development of the $800 million Luzon International Container Terminal (LICT) in Bauan, Batangas of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. which is expected to accelerate regional economic growth and job creation in Cavite-LagunaRizal and Quezon (Calarbarzon).

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said the world-class container terminal in Bauan, Batangas may be the future site of an industrial zone in the province.

“This Luzon International Container Terminal, by 2028, it will be the second biggest container terminal

in the country. It is very important especially in the Calabarzon area because it is the industrial capital of the Philippines,” Dizon said.

“When this port is built, factories will definitely be built next to the port. That means jobs. That means big profits,” he said.

The transport chief allayed concerns that the port would cause heavy traffic in Bauan, explaining that it could even decongest vessel traffic in Manila and Batangas ports.

“We will have an access road from here to the terminal straight to the Star Tollway. That will be a wide road where our trucks can fit and will not disturb the people of Bauan,” he said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

number of railcars in a train from three to four, in addition to main line maintenance.

Dizon earlier said the privatization of MRT-3’s operations and maintenance (O&M) would proceed despite the extension of Sumitomo’s contract. The agency tapped the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to facilitate the MRT-3’s privatization. The government operates MRT-3, while the Metro Rail Transit Corp (MRTC), owned by Metro Rail Transit

Holdings II Inc. led by businessman Robert John Sobrepeña, is responsible for the design and construction of the EDSA rail transit system.

Dizon had asked Sumitomo to expedite the testing of unused Dalian light rail vehicles (LRVs) to expand the rail system’s capacity.

He said six more Dalian train cars are expected to be operational before the end of the year, with the remaining 42 train cars on track for deployment next year.

in PH

By Thony Rose Lesaca

Terminal (LICT) in Bauan, Batangas is expected to

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025

Peso rebounds to 57.29 a dollar, stocks rise ahead of GDP report

SHARE prices rose Monday as investors turned optimistic ahead of the release of key inflation and economic growth data.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) traded in the red for most of the morning session before closing in the green, rising 45.52 points, or 0.67 percent, to 6,348.65.

The broader all-shares index also climbed 14.93 points, or 0.40 percent, to 3,766.60.

The peso also strengthened to 57.29 against the U.S. dollar on Monday, from 58.145 on Friday.

“Investors are awaiting GDP and inflation data, which could prompt them to take a firmer position,” said Luis Limlingan, head of sales for

Regina Capital Development Corp. Limlingan added that investors also looked for bargains after last week’s market slump.

The property index led all sectors, rising 2.8 percent after SM Prime Holdings Inc. reported record firsthalf net income. Mining and oil also went up 2.31 percent, and financial by 1.49 percent.

Holding firms declined 0.56 percent, while industrial and services also went down 0.37 percent and 0.07 percent, respectively.

Value turnover reached P5.04 billion.

Market breadth was positive as gainers outnumbered decliners 100 to 91, while 61 stocks were unchanged. Jenniffer B.Austria

Semirara’s income drops 33% on lower coal, power prices

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SEMIRARA Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) reported a 33 percent drop in net income to P4.1 billion in the second quarter of 2025, down from P6.1 billion in the same period last year, mainly attributed to lower coal and electricity prices.

First-half net income also fell 33 percent to P8.4 billion, compared with P12.6 billion in 2024.

“While energy prices eased, we ramped up coal production and boosted power generation,” said Maria Cristina Gotianun, SMPC president, chief operating officer

PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK, Mortgagee,

Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court and/or his duly authorized Deputy Sheriff hereby announces that on September 11, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Office of the CIerk of Court & EX-Officio Sheriff, Regional Trial Court, Hall of Justice Bldg.,

and chief sustainability officer.

“By keeping our costs under control and operating more efficiently, we were able to cushion the impact of weaker prices.”

Average coal prices declined as global indices softened. During the second quarter, the Newcastle Index dropped 26

LIKE its predecessors, the 1987 Constitution requires the President of the Philippines to deliver, before Congress, at the start of every Congressional session, a State of the Nation Address (SONA). In 2025 President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. complied with that Constitutional requirement on July 28.

Given that it is supposed to provide a perceptive, comprehensive and accurate picture of the state of the nation, the Chief Executive’s SONA is regarded with a high degree of expectancy by the people of this country. They expected President Marcos to deliver a once-a-year address that would bespeak vision, a national strategy, an overall framework for progress during the second half of the Marcos Presidency.

The Filipino people were sorely disappointed on July 28. In what was undoubtedly the least consequential of his four SONAs, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. chose to devote his 80-minute address to a discussion not of the Filipino forest but of the trees in that forest.

BBM - the initials by which President Marcos is widely known - spoke to the Filipino people about the corruption associated with flood control projects, about the deficit in the number of classrooms, about the expansion in the coverage by the Universal Health Care Program (Philhealth) and about the impending return of the Love Buses of yore, among other governmentaloperations matters. In short, he discussed trees, not a forest.

This is not to say that the President should not discuss, in his SONA, the accomplishments of his administration. The present administration, like its predecessors, has a right to remind the Filipino people of what it has accomplished. But such reminding should be done selectively; only the government’s major accomplishments and breakthroughs should be included. The recital of accomplishments should not resemble the reading of a laundry list.

FUSION CX

SHAW. Fusion CX, a global customer experience (CX) services provider, launches a new delivery center at 500 Shaw Boulevard in Metro Manila. The facility is capable of housing 836 seats, and blends modern infrastructure with a peoplefirst approach. It houses over 500 CX professionals and is designed for rapid scale as client needs grow.

percent year-on-year to $100.50, while the Indonesian Coal Index 4 fell 16 percent to $46.40.

Average spot electricity prices in the LuzonVisayas grid fell 42 percent, from P6.91 per kilowatt-hour to P4.04 per kilowatt-hour.

Despite the price decline, SMPC increased coal production 8 percent to 5.6 million metric tons in the second quarter, while shipments held steady at 4.6 million metric tons.

The average selling price for Semirara coal declined 20 percent to P2,223 per metric ton, due to a greater share of lowergrade coal and lower global prices.

On the power side, total sales rose 17 percent to 1,435 gigawatt-hours, driven by higher plant availability. Electricity prices, however, dropped 19 percent to P4.51 per kilowatt-hour, reflecting increased supply in the market.

As of the end of June, 38 percent of SMPC’s 840-megawatt total dependable capacity was contracted. After accounting for periodic station service, 435.60 megawatts were available for spot market sales.

Looking ahead, Gotianun said the company expects prices to remain stable.

“Our focus is on ramping up coal production toward our 18 million metric ton target and optimizing our generation mix to maximize contracted capacity,” she said.

SMPC is the largest and most modern coal producer in the Philippines. It is a vertically integrated power generation company that runs on its own fuel.

SONA should be about the forest, not the trees

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. chose to devote his 80-minute address to a discussion not of the Filipino forest but of the trees in that forest.

A SONA is a very special address. That is why it is a once-ayear speech delivered to the elected representatives of the Filipino people assembled in joint session. The framers of the Constitution could very well have dispensed with the annual-address duty of the Chief Executive; after all, the President communicates with the people constantly the course of a year, through press conferences and speeches before specific groups. But the framers wanted the President to face the Filipino people once a year, in a grand setting, and say to them “My countrymen, this is where our country is today”. Unfortunately, the President’s message is diluted or lost altogether when many other operational details – Love Buses, Philhealth benefits, flood control projects, computers for teachers, etcs. –are thrown at the Filipino people along with more consequential information. They get lost in the forest among all the trees.

The making of a SONA is the collective work of staff members of numerous government offices – Cabinet departments, agencies and corporations – who send to Malacañang materials regarding their offices’ operations during the

preceding year. These materials are then joined together to form the body of the SONA. The President’s speechwriters and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) then collate the materials and convert them into a speech fit for the President to deliver as a SONA. The big challenge for the speechwriters and the PCO folk is to provide a unifying theme for the SONA and prevent it from sounding like a laundry-list-like recitation of government activities during the preceding year.

The Filipino people look to every year’s SONA for a vision of what they can expect in the years immediately ahead, not a businessas-usual discourse by the Chief Executive. They want to know, for instance, whether the Philippines will finally achieve middle-middleincome status in 2026 and what measures the government intends to take to ensure that that elusive goal is attained.

In line with the foregoing discussion, State of the Nation Address is a misnomer. The President’s annual speech to Congress is more appropriately called the State and Prospects of the Nation Address. (llagasjessa@yahoo.com)

AYALA’S AWARD. Ayala Corp. is recognized as one of the top 50 publicly-listed companies in the ASEAN region and among the

Acosta, Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Francis Edralin Lim, Ayala Corp. assistant corporate secretary and corporate secretarial services head Carmela Austria; and SEC Commissioner McJill Bryant Fernandez.

Unilever PH’s

Cavite factory taps solar power

By Othel V. Campos

UNILEVER Philippines announced Monday a major sustainability milestone with the installation of solar photovoltaic panels at its 7.5-hectare factory in General Trias, Cavite, delivering on its commitment to decarbonize operations and drive long-term climate action.

Inaugurated in June 2025, the 1,211-kilowatt solar system is expected to generate 1,847 megawatt-hours annually, powering the factory’s savory and dressings production lines as well as its utilities building.

“This initiative builds on our long-standing use of renewable energy for our factories, offices, and facilities,” said Arvind Sunderrajan, Unilever Foods head of supply chain for the Philippines and Greater Asia.

“We are building from strength to strength in our operations and sustainability commitments.”

The company said solar generation offers a strong commercial case, reducing energy costs, eliminating transmission losses and offering long-term price stability. Projected savings will be reinvested into further operational efficiencies.

One of Unilever’s largest food manufacturing hubs globally, the Cavite facility produces popular brands such as Lady’s Choice mayonnaise and sandwich spreads, and Knorr sinigang and bouillon cubes. It also packs salad dressings, meal-maker powders and institutional formats.

The solar installation complements the facility’s existing geothermal energy supply, helping move Unilever closer to its 2030 goal of achieving 100 percent operational emissions reduction based on a 2015 baseline.

BUDGET MEETING. Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman (4th from left), together with Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan (3rd from left), led the first Special Program Convergence Budgeting Steering Committee (PCB-SC) meeting focused on flood mitigation and water security. Held on August 1, 2025, the meeting called for a unified masterplan to address Metro Manila’s recurring flood problem and other climate-related water issues.

Public HEI enrolment saw faster growth in 10 years

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE share of private higher education institutions (HEIs) in total enrolment declined from 79 percent in 2009 to 72 percent in 2019, according to a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

Data in the study showed that enrollment in public HEIs grew by 4 percent per year within the reference period. Meanwhile, enrollment in private HEIs only saw a 0.8 percent growth rate.

Experts found that this decline was one of the unintended consequences of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (RA 10931) on private colleges and institutions, and its impact on the country’s economy.

“Close to 200 private HEIs have already closed down, and about 53 percent of institutions in the country enroll fewer than 1,000 students,” said University of Makati (UMak) president Elyxzur Ramos during the study’s presentation on July 17.

This presented a growing imbalance, risking the financial viability of private HEIs despite the free tuition law’s mandate to make education more accessible.

Local universities and colleges (LUCs) were also found to be vulnerable to political cycles, where the support for LUCs might vanish depending on whether the new incoming administration’s priorities align with the previous administration.

Aboitiz Construction to create 200 jobs

ABOITIZ Construction is set to create nearly 200 local jobs through its latest infrastructure project in LIMA Estate, reinforcing its role in driving inclusive economic growth in Batangas. The 100-hectare Phase 4 development began earlier this year and is scheduled for completion within 16 months for site development and 18 months for the flyover, employing 195 workers at its peak.

“By helping the expansion of LIMA Estate we are not only supporting business growth but also creating more opportunities for local communities,” said Ramez Sidhom, Aboitiz Construction chief operating officer, as the company approaches its 50th

founding anniversary. As part of its Great Transformation 2025 strategy, Aboitiz Construction is integrating advanced technologies into the project to boost construction efficiency and quality, further reinforcing its mission to build for businesses to prosper and communities to thrive. To date, Aboitiz Construction has developed 217.5 hectares within LIMA Estate, including Meadow Village and the 70-hectare Biz Hub, Batangas’ first master-planned business district. The estate, located in Lipa and Malvar, spans more than 1,000 hectares and hosts 250 locators employing more than 75,000 workers. Othel V. Campos

Over 1.1m GSIS members tap P942-b Ginhawa loans

MORE than 1.1 million government employees have borrowed P942.43 billion from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) since 2020 through its Ginhawa loans, the state pension fund said Monday. The loans, formerly known as the Multi-Purpose Loan (MPL) programs, offer streamlined processes and competitive rates.

GSIS launched the MPL in 2020, replacing the Consolidated Loan Program with faster processing and better terms. The five-year total is now approaching P1 trillion, reflecting strong demand for affordable credit.

Alabat Wind gets ERC nod for grid hook-up

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved Alabat Wind Power Corp.’s (AWPC), a unit of Alternergy Holdings Corp., application to connect its P7-billion 64-megawatt Alabat wind power project in Quezon province to the Luzon grid.

The ERC greenlit AWPC’s P1.8billion plan to develop and own a dedicated point-to-point transmission facility, the regulator said in its decision.

The project involves installing a substation at the wind farm site and a 37-kilometer transmission system from Barangay Villa Norte in Alabat to Barangay Hondagua in Lopez, Quezon.

It will connect to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) existing 69-kilowatt Gumaca-Tagkawayan-Lopez transmission line in Lopez, Quezon, via a switching station.

“This is another significant milestone achieved, bringing us closer to completing the Alabat wind power Project,” AWPC president Gerry Magbanua said, thanking the ERC and NGCP for their continued support.

The Alabat wind project will feature eight wind turbines, each with an 8-MW capacity. Manufactured by Envision Energy, each turbine has three 90-meterlong blades, resulting in a total wingspan of 182 meters.

Ginhawa Flex supports recurring expenses like tuition, medical bills or business capital. Ginhawa Max helps members transfer high-interest private debts to GSIS.

Interest rates for Ginhawa loans range from 6 percent to 7 percent annually with flexible repayment terms. Ginhawa Max eliminates service fees, potentially saving members thousands compared to commercial lenders.

“Nearly P1 trillion in disbursements reflect the real financial needs of government employees and their families,” said GSIS officer-in-charge

Juliet Bautista.

Nemen San Jose, a municipal councilor in Teresa, Rizal, used a Ginhawa Flex loan to expand his livelihood.

“Because of MPL Flex, I was able to buy a lot which I turned into a piggery that now has 27 pigs. I also bought a vehicle for my car rental business. That’s where I now get my children’s allowances and expenses,” he said.

“MPL Flex is good because the interest is only six percent per annum. Other lenders I borrowed from charged up to 60 percent per annum. The difference is huge,” he said.

PSBank readies bond offering to raise at least P2b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

HILIPPINE Savings Bank, the thrift banking arm of the Metrobank Group, plans to raise at least P2 billion from the issuance of peso-denominated fixed-rate bonds.

The proposed issuance will have an initial size of P2.0 billion, with an option to upsize, the bank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday.

The bonds will be issued under its P40-billion bond program. This will be the third tranche under the program, following a P6.3-billion issuance in July 2019 and P4.65 billion in February 2020.

The bonds will have a two-year tenor and a fixed interest rate of 5.875 percent per annum.

The offer period will run from Aug. 4 to 8, subject to adjustments by the bank and its arrangers.

The minimum investment is P100,000, with additional increments in multiples of P10,000.

“Net proceeds will provide the bank with access to long-term funding to support its expansion initiatives and further diversify its funding sources,” PSBank said.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PLDT Inc. and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. said they are supporting the government’s digitalization efforts by working with key agencies to remove barriers to infrastructure development and improve nationwide access to digital services.

PLDT and Smart said they are deepening their collaboration with government stakeholders, particularly the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for more efficient public service delivery through digital transformation, highlighted in his recent State of the

JG Summit, Filinvest submit offer for Davao, Siargao, Bicol airports

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Monday it received the first bundled unsolicited proposal for the modernization and expansion of major regional airports in Davao, Siargao and Bicol.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the DOTr to upgrade airport facilities nationwide to ensure connectivity across the archipelago.

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said modernizing the Davao, Siargao and Bicol Airports is expected to boost tourism and increase business presence in these areas.

“Our airports are a priority, the President said. We have received a

proposal from the group led by the Gokongwei group, JG Summit and the Filinvest Group. This is the first bundled airport unsolicited proposal that we have received since we took over the DOTr earlier this year,” Dizon said.

Dizon said the unsolicited proposal for the three airports would undergo thorough assessment, review, and negotiation under Republic Act No. 11966, also known as the PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) Code.

“The message of our President is that we are not just focused on Metro Manila; the government is also addressing the needs of other provinces in our country,” he said.

Nation Address (SONA),

PLDT representatives met with ARTA to discuss policy reforms aimed at streamlining permitting and addressing regulatory bottlenecks to accelerate network rollout, especially in underserved areas.

These efforts also reflect the group’s active participation in the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), where it champions regulatory reforms to hasten the expansion of digital connectivity across the country, including geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

“We at PLDT believe that meaningful collaboration with agencies like ARTA is crucial to

breaking down long-standing barriers to connectivity,” said Butch Jimenez, PLDT chief operating officer and company representative to the PSAC.

“By working together to advance clear, enabling policies, we can fast-track digital infrastructure rollout, particularly in GIDAs and underserved communities, and ensure more Filipinos benefit from the country’s digital transformation,” he said.

ARTA Undersecretary Gerald Divinagracia said public-private collaboration plays a vital role in advancing digital infrastructure as the backbone of good governance and inclusive economic growth.

The lender appointed First Metro Investment Corp. and ING Bank N.V. Manila branch as arrangers for the offering. Selling agents include PSBank, First Metro, ING and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. The bonds are expected to be issued and listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. (PDEx) on Aug. 18, 2025.

The bank maintained its issuer credit rating of PRS Aaa (corp.), with a stable outlook, from Philippine Rating Services Corporation (PhilRatings) in July 2025.

A company rated PRS Aaa (corp.) has a very strong capacity to meet its financial commitments relative to that of other Philippine corporates, while a stable outlook is assigned when a rating is likely to be maintained or to remain unchanged in the next 12 months. PSBank operates a network of 250 branches and more than 500 ATMs across the country.

IN BRIEF

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

Globe obtains another recognition for its renewable energy initiatives

GLOBE Telecom Inc.’s decarbonization initiatives are impressing its global peers, with its renewable energy efforts pushing the company closer to its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.

Globe has once again been recognized by the global trade association for the telecoms industry, the GSMA, in its 2025 report, “Mobile Net Zero: State of the Industry on Climate Action,” for the company’s ongoing leadership on climate action.

GSMA is a major international organization representing over 1,000 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem. The annual GSMA report tracks developments toward the mobile industry’s collective goal of net-zero GHG emissions.

“Globe’s inclusion in the GSMA report shows how our ongoing efforts support long-term resilience and growth through environmental and climate action. We remain committed to contributing best practices globally as we strive to green our network further.” said Yoly Crisanto, chief sustainability and corporate communications officer.

It marks the third time Globe’s sustainability initiatives have been featured as case studies, and the fifth straight year the company has been included in the annual climate progress assessment by GSMA.

“Our findings show the mobile industry isn’t greenwashing or greenwishing—it’s green

Heat waves put older persons at high risk, warns UNEP

Conclusion

THE report recommends making cities pollution-free, resilient and accessible spaces with expansive vegetation. Key strategies include better urban planning, communitybased disaster risk management and improved access to climate information for older populations.

Earlier this year, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a new resolution to develop an “international legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons,” a possible path to add safety to those most exposed to climate change.

Zombie microbes

Beyond the risks to older persons, the report also warns of ancient microbes awakening. Should global temperatures rise more than 2˚C above pre-industrial levels, this would significantly reduce the cryosphere in mass, which includes glaciers, seasonal snow, ice sheets and shelves, sea ice, seasonally frozen ground and permafrost.

Cryospheric regions are home to 670 million people as well as to billions more who live in areas with water originating from those frozen areas.

Dormant fungi, bacteria and viruses in these frozen regions could reactivate, raising the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

To slow down the decline of the cryosphere, the Frontiers 2025 Report recommends cutting greenhouse gas emissions―including black carbon emissions from diesel engines, open-field agricultural burning, and wildfires―and limiting tourism in fragile frozen regions.

The report also recommends

accelerating scientific research into the diversity of cryospheric microorganisms that will not survive the cryosphere’s decline.

Return of banned chemicals

The report also identifies risks from the remobilization of chemicals that were banned and phased-out decades ago. Floods can bring such chemicals to the surface, after having accumulated in sediment over centuries.

As floodwaters stir up sediment and debris, toxic chemicals may be released and re-enter urban areas or food systems.

The report lists effective measures to reduce this growing risk: traditional control measures like polders, dikes and retention basins, improved drainage systems, naturebased solutions (e.g., sponge-city approaches), regular monitoring of pollutants in diverse locations and products, and economic impact studies about this type of pollution.

Risk of aging dams

Another emerging threat the Frontiers 2025 Report addresses is the risk of aging dams. Alongside many benefits, dams can harm indigenous and fishing-dependent communities, as well as degrade ecosystems.

Removal of large, older dams that have become unsafe, obsolete or economically unviable is increasingly happening in Europe and North America.

The report highlights potential benefits of the removal of dams and barriers in restoring natural river connectivity for biodiversity and ecosystems. Reversing river fragmentation and restoring natural processes support the implementation of the UN’s principles for ecosystemrestoration initiatives. UNEP News

acting,” said Steven Moore, head of Climate Action at the GSMA.

“Emissions are trending in the right direction, but the pace of progress must now double. But to sustain this progress, we need broader support: better access to renewables, more policy certainty, and stronger collaboration across the ecosystem,” he added.

Globe’s efforts support the company’s decarbonization goals and have helped increase its share of electricity consumption sourced from renewables from 14 percent in 2021 to 24 percent in 2024.

Globe’s sustainability efforts are aligned with its validated near-term and net-zero GHG emissions reduction targets under the ScienceBased Targets initiative (SBTi), a globally recognized framework for corporate climate goals.

The report features Globe’s two-pronged approach to renewable energy: deploying solar solutions in off-grid communities and securing electricity from the two main Philippine grids for the company’s key facilities through power purchase agreements (PPAs) with retail electricity suppliers.

The Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI), in partnership with Good Neighbors International Philippines (GNIP), hands a boat trailer to Barangays Sicmil and Sioron in Gigmoto, Catanduanes. Attending the turnover ceremony are representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bureau of Fire Protection Gigmoto, local barangay captains, a municipal councilor and GNIP national and local officers.

THE Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI), in partnership with Good Neighbors International Philippines (GNIP), formally turned over a boat trailer to the coastal barangays of Sicmil and Sioron in Gigmoto, Catanduanes.

The ceremonial turnover brought together officials from the local government of Gigmoto, representatives from GNIP, and officers from MBFI.

The boat trailer helps protect the community’s main source of livelihood by allowing fishermen to secure their boats in advance of severe weather, reducing potential damage during natural disasters.

Designed to secure boats ahead of severe weather, the boat trailer provides a practical solution to protect

Two of 3 parts

By Dr. Selva Ramachandran UNDP Resident Representative

LGUs can improve their economic environment through plans, programs and investments in sustainable tourism, agriculture and fisheries and biodiversity-friendly enterprises that benefit communities.

Recognizing this as an opportunity, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)―through its Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) Project― has been working with LGUs since 2016 to mainstream biodiversity in local plans and programs, ensuring a stable flow of financing for conservation through good local governance.

BIOFIN is a global initiative launched by UNDP in 2012 to address the significant challenge of financing biodiversity conservation, now being implemented across 133 countries. It is supported by the European Commission and the governments of Germany,

vital fishing assets, helping mitigate the impact of natural disasters on the community’s primary source of income.

The donation will directly benefit 123 fisherfolks whose livelihood remains at risk due to frequent typhoons and storm surges in the region. Catanduanes, situated along the typhoon belt, is one of the most disasterprone provinces in the Philippines. By enabling the safe evacuation of boats to higher ground, this intervention strengthens community preparedness and resilience in the face of recurring climate hazards.

The initiative marks the first approved grant under MBFI’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Switzerland, Norway, Belgium, Flanders, UK, Canada and France. In the Philippines, UNDP, through BIOFIN, is working to ensure sustainable economic growth while conserving precious natural resources by supporting LGUs in formulating

DENR chief calls for unity in the fight for climate justice

ENVIRONMENT

Secretary Raphael PM Lotilla welcomed the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), affirming the legal obligations of all states to address climate change and protect vulnerable ecosystems.

Fresh from hosting the 6th Board Meeting of the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FrLD), Lotilla stressed the importance of unity in the fight for climate justice.

“The Fund was created not just as a financial mechanism, but as a testament of solidarity with those who share this burden. Together, we must amplify our voices and actions, ensuring that no nation faces the ravages of climate change alone,” he said.

FrLD, established after COP27, is a global initiative aimed at assisting developing countries in addressing the adverse effects of climate change. The Fund’s pilot phase, called the Barbados Implementation Modalities (BIM), is focused on providing initial financial support through grants to developing countries.

The phase will involve developing funding criteria, a call for proposals and support for initial projects, with the first funding commitments expected in early 2026.

In a speech delivered on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 9 at the opening of the FrLD meeting in Cebu City, Lotilla said the Philippines endures the harshest blows of the climate crisis yearly.

“From destructive typhoons to rising sea levels threatening coastal communities, the nation’s struggles mirror those of other vulnerable nations,” he said. DENR News

Metrobank assists Catanduanes coastal communities

(DRRM) Priorities under the foundation’s Health, Education, Livelihood, and Disaster Preparedness (H.E.L.D.) thrusts.

The project reflects MBFI’s strategic direction in strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities, particularly those facing recurring climate-related risks.

“The Metrobank Foundation recognizes the critical importance of proactive preparedness in reducing disaster-related losses,” said Grace Bautista, Resource Development Manager of Good Neighbors International Philippines. “Through this project, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting solutions that build safer and more resilient communities.”

Environment Secretary Raphael PM Lotilla

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Shticks

Joseph Peter Gonzales

How perfume helps Barbie Forteza master tough roles

BARBIE Forteza shared her secret technique for delivering effective characterization when working on multiple projects simultaneously, such as the hit soap opera Pulang Araw and the currently showing horror flick P77

“I use different perfumes for different projects,” she said. “It depends on my character. Like for P77, I used Éclat d’Arpège by Lanvin. The one with a wood note is one of my favorite scents.

“I like the smell of wood or trees. It simply helps me a lot in internalizing my role. It’s like there’s so much character in that particular scent.”

It’s not common for an actor to use perfume as a technique for bringing a character to life.

“I know! But I discovered it when I did the soap Maging Sino Ka Man opposite David (Licauco). Usually, my perfumes are sweet or fresh-scented. If you remember, in that show, I played a male character.

“When I started the role, I had difficulty. I was using a sweet-scented perfume. I was playing the role of a man, and what I smelled was a lady. So that’s when I started exploring other scents.”

Does it help with her characterization?

“Oh, yes it does! Like in that case, at least I didn’t smell anything feminine!”

Interestingly, does she really like perfumes in real life?

“Of course, and nice-smelling people as well!”

Speaking of David, how did she feel headlining a project like P77 without her perennial screen partner?

“I can say it’s fulfilling, knowing all the effort the cast put in just to make it a must-see. I was confident that the outcome would be great—especially now when there’s a challenge in bringing audiences back to theaters.

“I think that’s the strength of our offering. Horror is a more special experience when you watch it in movie houses, since you get to share the scare and everything with other viewers. It’s nice to be part of that experience!”

The award-winning actress admitted that among all the genres she excels in, she finds horror the most difficult.

“That’s right! My last horror project was the potboiler The Road in 2011. It’s a fact that when you’re not doing a certain genre that often, it becomes difficult. The challenge is there. So with P77, it’s pressuring and challenging, but at the same time fulfilling as an artist,” Barbie said.

‘The Fantastic Four’ stretches lead in box office race

By Angelica Villanueva

M

Y high school best friend, Melanie, and I almost didn’t make it to the EVM Convention Center last Aug. 2. It was Saturday, and the traffic situation was terrible, as usual. With the doors set to close at 3:00 p.m., we found ourselves rushing and racing against time.

By the time we arrived, the crowd was already buzzing with excitement. Fans were holding up their banners and lightsticks, eagerly waiting for South Korean actor Lee Do-hyun . And when he finally walked out for his Re Do Hyun in Manila fan meeting, the audience, including us, erupted with cheers and applause.

In fact, it wasn’t just another stop on Dohyun’s Asia fan meeting tour. It was the final one.

“Because it’s the last stop, right now is the most memorable moment,” he said,

SHOWBIZ

Lee Do-hyun ends Asia tour with ‘lots of love’ from Manila fans

drawing loud cheers from the crowd. From that point on, the energy never dipped.

Throughout the program, he spoke to his fans as if he were a friend, discussing his journey and inspirations. During one segment, he had the opportunity to read some messages from his fans. One read, “We want to see you healthy, happy, and creative for a very, very long time.”

“I’ll also cheer for all of you. Probably, seeing me act is my way of cheering and giving back the support to you. So I’ll do my best to cheer more for you by acting more,” he responded with a smile.

He also shared that he originally wanted to become an athlete, but his parents were against it.

“While I was thinking about what I wanted to do, I was watching a movie, and I really fell in love. So I enrolled myself in an acting school and continued my studies in college. That’s how I became an actor,” Do-

hyun said.

When asked about his signature scent, he laughed and admitted, “I like the baby powder scent. Baby powder and soap. Fresh, clean scent.” That answer alone sent his fans into delighted giggles. Later in the program, he talked about what he hopes people remember about him as an actor.

“Whenever you think of me, I hope I can give you a smile on your faces,” he answered.

One of the most fun and memorable moments of the evening came when he rallied the audience for a chant, trying to say the “walang uuwi” phrase as perfectly as he could.

“I’m not going to end this today. Don’t think of going home, okay?” Dohyun said.

The event also included unreleased photos, playful Q&A segments, and musical performances. I loved how he made an effort to sing English songs, including “Piano Man” by Billy Joel and “Feeling Good” by Michael Bublé . He said singing these songs was meaningful to him and was carefully chosen for his Filipino fans.

As the program neared its end, Dohyun left fans with a few heartfelt words: “When I think of you, I also think of Manila. Every time I hear about Manila, I’ll be smiling like that,” he stated.

The encore was a fitting end to a night that was fun, sincere, and unforgettable for us fans and, it seemed, for Do-hyun as well. Lee

THE Fantastic Four: First Steps, Disney’s debut of the rebooted Marvel Comics franchise, continued to outperform the competition for a second straight weekend at the North American box office, industry estimates showed Sunday. Actor-of-the-moment Pedro Pascal Vanessa Kirby, Emmywinner Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn star as the titular team of superheroes, who must save a retro-futuristic world from the evil Galactus.

The film pulled in an estimated $40 million in the Fridaythrough-Sunday period, a 66 percent drop from the prior weekend, for a two-week global total of $368 million. Universal’s family-friendly animation sequel The Bad Guys

Barbie Forteza uses different perfumes for different projects, depending on the character she is portraying

Korean actor Lee Do-hyun treats his Filipino fans with performances like ‘Feeling Good’ and ‘Piano Man’

Do-hyun is known for his notable roles in K-dramas

‘Hotel Del Luna,’‘The Glory,’ and ‘18 Again’

The author, together with her friend, poses for a photo with Lee Do-hyun’s posters

From left: ‘The Fantastic Four’ cast members Joseph Quinn, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach

Do-hyun gets to have a taste of a local fast food chain product

By Nickie Wang

FUTURE interior designers from across the Philippines gathered for SIKLAB 2025, a weeklong event promoting sustainability, design thinking, and business awareness as part of the Philippine Interior Design Celebration (PIDC).

Young CEO Kryzl Jorge gives back in a big way

Organized by the Guild of Rising Interior Designers (GRID), the official organization of the Interior Design Program at De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), SIKLAB 2025 brought together students from various academic institutions to foster collaboration, innovation, and industry engagement.

Held at the Benilde Design + Arts Campus, this year’s event carried the theme “Minding the Gap – Closing the Space Between Creativity and Business,” urging students to explore interior design beyond aesthetics by incorporating business strategies into their creative process.

The event opened with a curated exhibition that showcased both physical and digital works. These included manual renderings, best thesis boards, and virtual walkthroughs of innovative design projects. A series of floral installations added visual flair, while a WORLDBEX-inspired display introduced attendees to sustainable solutions, advanced materials, and the latest in design technologies.

An interactive roundtable discussion guided attendees through the interior design licensure process and career pathways after graduation.

Among the speakers were IDr. Hanna Chua, who shared practical survival tips based on her own experience in the field, and IDr. Mike Suqui, who emphasized the importance of professional longevity and a commitment to

The opening exhibition showcases student design projects centered on innovation and environmental consciousness

Interior design students promote sustainability in weeklong gathering

FRENCH luxury brand Longchamp has launched its first beach club at Bagno Felice 1 in Forte dei Marmi, transforming the historic private beach into a branded seaside destination featuring the label’s signature green aesthetic.

Located in one of Tuscany’s most popular coastal resorts, the redesigned space includes green-themed beach cabins, umbrellas, linens, and personalized details such as cabin keys and backgammon boards. The club will host a series of beachside events, including live music and a bar serving a custom green cocktail inspired by the brand’s signature color.

The project introduces Longchamp’s new beach club concept, with plans to expand to other destinations.

A limited-edition Le Pliage Monde Forte dei Marmi bag will also be available exclusively at the nearby Longchamp store on Via Giovanni Montauti. The beach club is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. until the end of September.

design

and sustainability lead Fred Telarma, presented the company’s Likas-Kaya campaign and smart design initiatives. They also led a rapid prototyping workshop that served as the kickoff for the Balik-Likha Smart Design Competition,

challenging students to develop practical and inventive design solutions.

SIKLAB 2025 was mounted under the mentorship of IDr. Candice Arboleda, with the exhibit team headed by IDr. Kathrina Germino Participating student organizations included the Advanced Auxiliary of Interior Studies from Enderun Colleges, Mapua Mide Coterie from Mapua University, Society of Interior Design Students from Philippine Women’s University, UP Design Core from the University of the Philippines, Interior Design Innovators from the University of Santo Tomas, and the Integrated Students of Interior Design Education from the University of San Carlos Cebu.

The event was also attended by students from the University of San Agustin Iloilo, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, SoFA Design Institute, Batangas State University, and Technological Institute of the Philippines.

A NEWLY launched

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Will Ashley embodied sleek elegance in a minimalist black ensemble from SACASAS, styled with an open collar and subtle accessories that highlighted his easygoing charm.

By Angelica Villanueva and Jasper Valdez

TCelebrities who owned the blue carpet at this year’s GMA Gala

HE GMA Gala 2025 blue carpet served as a celebration of individuality and personal expression, where designer gowns and tailored suits became bold fashion statements.

From sculptural silhouettes and artistic detailing to unexpected hues, this year’s best dressed list showcased current trends alongside each wearer’s unique flair.

Charlie Flemming brought flair and fantasy with a bold butterfly ball gown by Mak Tumang, its vivid orange and yellow tones giving the illusion of movement as she glided down the carpet.

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

WHO says minimalist style can’t stand out?

If there’s one thing the London-based fashion label COS knows how to do, it’s deliver minimalism with a modern bite, and this September, the cult favorite returns to New York Fashion Week for the fourth year in a row. The brand is joining the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s (CFDA) official calendar with its Autumn/Winter 2025 collection.

In the ever-buzzing Big Apple, COS’s runway return brings fashion and a deep connection to the city that never sleeps.

“It’s such a dynamic city with so much personality, a constant source of inspiration for our collections, from music to art,” said COS design director Karin Gustafsson. “We’re honored to return once again this September.”

The show is set for Sunday, Sept. 14 (Monday, Sept. 15 in Manila) in true 2025 fashion, and it will stream live on COS’s website, YouTube, and Instagram.

Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA, made it official: “COS has brought a distinctive perspective to NYFW. Its continued

Content creator and actor Esnyr Ranollo

an unexpected statement in a sculpted ice-blue look by Manny

, pairing whimsy with sharp tailoring to expand the boundaries of menswear.

Etrata embraced local inspiration in a white gown with rose-shaped red shawls on both arms, custom-made by Rian Fernandez, which combined soft elegance with striking volume.

your capsule wardrobe, COS is speaking your language quietly, stylishly, and with purpose.

As a sneak peek of the runway look, COS released a series of images featuring the upcoming collection. The visuals were brought to life by stylist Jane How, fashion photographer Carlijn Jacobs, hair artist Olivier Schawalder, and makeup expert Lynsey Alexander — all respected names that point to COS’s growing presence in the fashion world.

The brand’s mix of experimental silhouettes, refined tailoring, and focus on quality materials has secured its standing among design insiders and sharp dressers alike.

More details on the collection are still under wraps, but one thing’s for sure: if previous seasons are anything to go by, COS will once again prove that fashion’s future can still be rooted in restraint.

Vince Maristela embraced a timeless silhouette with a mandarin-collared black suit by Neric Beltran, polished with just the right amount of texture and detail.

David Licauco, named Best Dressed Male, stood out in a dusty rose tuxedo by Anthony Ramirez, showing how lighter tones can carry as much presence on the carpet as traditional black.

Fashion muse Heart Evangelista stayed true to her artistic sensibility in a painterly long-sleeved dress by Schiaparelli, paired with a quirky face-shaped purse that added a playful twist.

Kyline Alcantara awarded Best Dressed Female, turned heads in a heavily embellished gown from Annie’s Ibiza, featuring cathedral-style beading and glass-like patterns that echoed stained glass windows.

made

Halasan

Nico Waje introduced a youthful and structured vibe with his military-inspired black suit by Ian Manila, complete with gold accents and a brooch.

Wearing a red beaded gown with feathered details and a daring slit, Kira Balinger showcased classic glam with a modern edge. Her gown was designed by Russell Cordero

Shuvee