Manila Standard - 2025 August 8 - Friday

(Story on A4)

GDP GROWTH RISES TO 5.5 PERCENT

By Othel V. Campos

House: Fight for truth not yet over

By Maricel V. Cruz, Ram Superable, Vince Lopez and Katrina Manubay

THE leadership of the House of Representatives vowed to continue the fight for truth and accountability even as it lambasted the killing and "rushed burial" by the Senate of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Speaker Martin Romualdez underscored the Supreme Court ruling junking the Articles of Impeachment as unconstitutional is not yet final.

"On Aug. 5, the House of Representatives filed a motion for reconsideration. The court found our arguments serious enough to require the respondents, including the Vice President, to submit their comment," he said.

By Pot Chavez, Maricel Cruz

Marcos pushes back vs. China’s WPS narrative

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 5.5 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Thursday.

This is faster than the 5.4-percent growth in the first quarter.

THE National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Thursday said it is looking into the possible involvement of several police generals in the disappearance and alleged execution of cockfighting enthusiasts collectively known as the ‘‘missing sabungeros.’’ At a press conference in Quezon City, Napolcom Vice Chairperson

“With this performance, we maintain our place among the fastestgrowing economies in emerging Asia, behind Vietnam’s 8.0 percent growth, but ahead of China’s 5.2 percent and Indonesia’s 5.1 percent. While our

Data showed that all major economic sectors—agriculture, forestry, and fishing; industry and services— posted year-on-year upticks in the second quarter of 2025 with 7.0 percent, 2.1 percent, and 6.9 percent, respectively.

By Vince Lopez and Pot Chavez

File photo dated July 27, 2016 shows President Duterte during a National Security Council meeting attended by four former presidents including (from left) Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Fidel V. Ramos and Benigno Aquino III. Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque says Malacanang is inclined to ask the four ex-presidents to attend a meeting

BANGALORE WELCOME. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos arrive at Kempegowda

Airport in Bangalore, India on Thursday, August 7, 2025. The President's visit to Bangalore, tagged as the ‘Silicon Valley of

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House...

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"The case is active," Romualdez added.

He also fired back at senators who accused the House of being driven by politics in pursuing Duterte's impeachment.

"Let’s be clear: The filing of the complaint was not rushed. What was rushed—remarkably—was its burial," he said.

"This was never about political maneuvering. It was about accountability—pananagutan—anchored on verified facts and sworn documents."

"Yet we have been met with personal attacks, sweeping accusations, and a narrative that seeks to reduce a solemn constitutional duty into mere power play. That’s not just unfair—it is dangerous. It undermines public trust in the very tools of democratic checks and balances," Romualdez added.

Nineteen senators voted to archive the complaint, while four opposed the motion and one abstained.

Romualdez said the Senate action to archive the impeachment case was tantamount to killing it.

Napolcom...

From A1 and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the probe goes beyond the testimony of accused-turned-whistleblower Julie ‘‘Dondon’’ Patidongan, also known as ‘‘Totoy.’’

‘‘Let’s just say that 18 were charged by Totoy, 12 were charged by our legal service, but Napolcom’s investigation is ongoing. We still have a few more names that haven’t been made public and we are pursuing these,’’ Calinisan said. He noted that this follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to dig deeper into the case, especially regarding police involvement.

‘‘No stone unturned. The President’s instruction is simple”investigate properly. There are no sacred cows. We’re not afraid of anyone, regardless of rank. We have generals under investigation,’’ he added.

Marcos...

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Manila’s growing security ties with countries like the United States and India make it a mere proxy.

‘‘That would imply we don’t have our own agency, that we’re just bystanders told what to do. That is certainly not the case,’’ Mr. Marcos said.

‘‘It serves the narrative that we are acting as a puppet state to the United States or its allies. But a little reading and discussion will quickly show that’s simply not true.’’

President Marcos stressed that the Philippines’ actions are driven not by foreign interests but by a constitutional duty to protect its territory and people.

‘‘What we do in the Philippines is because it is our duty as officials, leaders, and citizens to defend our country,’’ he said.

He added that strategic partnerships with nations like India, the U.S., Australia, South Korea, and Japan are based on shared values and a mutual interest in preserving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

‘‘Who are we to turn down such assistance and help?’’ he said.

The remark comes amid heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where Philippine vessels have repeatedly clashed with Chinese coast guard and militia ships. Beijing continues to assert sweeping claims over nearly the entire South China Sea via its so-called ‘‘nine-dash

GDP...

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growth is slower than India’s projected 6.5-percent expansion, we are expected to outpace Malaysia’s 4.3 percent and Thailand’s 2.4 percent,” Department of Economy, Planning and Development

Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said. He said the Philippine economy remained strong, steady, and resilient, deemed a testament to the soundness of national economic foundations.

“The government is intensifying the rollout of programs and projects that bring quality public services, especially in education, health, food security, and digital and physical connectivity closer to the people,” he said.

“The economic team is focused on enabling more Filipinos to participate fully and productively in our economy by making essential goods more affordable, supporting the creation of highquality jobs, and keeping our growth engines running efficiently,” Balisacan said. The main contributors to the second

"This moment will be remembered. And when it is, we hope it will be said: That the House stood its ground. That we honored our constitutional duty. That we acted not for ourselves, but for the Filipino people," he said.

"We do not rise against the Senate. We rise for the Republic," the Speaker added.

Vice President Sara Duterte, for her part, celebrated with her legal team following the Senate's decision.

Davao City councilor Luna Acosta posted photos of the celebration on Facebook Thursday.

“Thanksgiving celebration with VP Sara Duterte, the legal team and the petitioners who pushed for the dismissal of the impeachment against VP Sara. Ngiting tagumpay," Acosta said.

“We still have to file a comment to the Motion for Reconsideration filed by the House of Representatives, but we are confident in our legal arguments and believe that due process and the rule of law remain supreme above all. Para sa bayan!” she added.

As this developed, Senate President Francis Escudero criticized former justices who questioned the High Court's decision rejecting the Articles of Impeachment.

Patidongan earlier implicated former NCRPO chief Lt. Gen. Jonnel Estomo (retired) and other active police officers. Estomo has denied any involvement and accused Patidongan of defamation.

‘‘I categorically deny my involvement. I will present evidence to clear my name. There is no sufficient evidence linking me to the case,’’ Estomo said in a statement. ’’Only the truth” not the words of others’ should prevail in the search for justice.’’

Estomo said he is ready to face any inquiry and has instructed his lawyers to prepare criminal charges against Patidongan for ‘‘malicious and baseless accusations.’’

Earlier this week, Napolcom imposed a 90-day preventive suspension on 12 active police officers named by Patidongan, including Col. Jacinto Malinao Jr., former Batangas provincial police director. Malinao is facing administrative

line,’’ recently revised to a ‘‘ten-dash line,’’ overlapping with the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s expansive claims and affirming Manila’s sovereign rights over features like Ayungin Shoal and Scarborough Shoal. China has rejected the ruling and intensified its presence in the area, including using water cannons and blocking resupply missions.

Mr. Marcos’ administration has taken a firmer stance than its predecessor, filing diplomatic protests and strengthening security ties with like-minded countries to uphold international law and deter aggression.

Asked if the repeated near-collisions at sea could escalate into a broader conflict, Mr. Marcos said war is unlikely but miscalculations are a serious concern.

‘‘That is what we’re worried about,’’ he said. ‘‘mistake’’ someone pushes the wrong button, navigation fails’and suddenly it’s a shooting war.

That’s what we want to avoid.’’

He emphasized that close coordination with allies and open communication channels, including with China, are critical to reducing escalation risks.

President Marcos also said the Philippines would inevitably be affected by any military conflict between China and the United States over Taiwan, citing the country’s geographic proximity and the presence of thousands of Filipino workers on the island.

quarter growth were wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles accounting for 5.1 percent; public administration and defense; compulsory social security, 12.8 percent; and financial and insurance activities, 5.6 percent.

Household final consumption expenditure grew 5.5 percent in the second quarter of 2025. All other major expenditure items also posted year-on-year growths from April to June.

Government final consumption expenditure rose 8.7 percent; gross capital formation, 0.6 percent; exports of goods and services, 4.4 percent; and imports of goods and services, 2.9 percent.

The gross national income grew 8.2 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025 as net primary income from the rest of the world increased 32.8 percent during the period.

The Makati Business Club (MBC) noted the significant increase in the share of agriculture in the economy.

“Agriculture is one of MBC’s core advocacies. MBC collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners to bring the

"I was part of the Congress that attempted to impeach former Chief Justice Hilario Davide. Why did I say attempted? Because we were stopped by the Supreme Court. The SC issued an injunction and a temporary restraining order," Escudero said.

Escudero said retired SC justices Conchita Carpio-Morales, Antonio Carpio, and Adolfo Azcuna and former chief justices Reynato Puno and Artemio Panganiban all voted in 2003 that the second impeachment complaint against Davide was barred under the one-year ban rule.

"Where are all those who are complaining now and are questioning the Supreme Court’s decision? The justices who are questioning it now voted in favor of it back then," he added.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, on the other hand, said the issues surrounding the impeachment case should be resolved.

"We shouldn’t move on yet. There are important issues that still need to be resolved. There are lessons we need to learn from it. And through that learning, we will hold those accountable," she said.

At the House, lawmakers expressed deep concern over the Senate’s move to archive the impeachment complaint,

charges of grave misconduct, grave neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer. Napolcom clarified that the suspension is not a penalty but a procedural step to protect the integrity of the probe.

The suspended officers include Lt. Col. Ryan Jay Orapa, Maj. Mark Philip Almedilla, Executive Master Sergeants Aaron Ezrah Cabillan and Arturo dela Cruz Jr., Senior Master Sergeants Joey Encarnacion, Mark Anthony Manrique, and Anderson Abary, Master Sgt. Renan Fulgencio, Staff Sergeants Alfredo Andres and Edmon Muñoz, and Cpl. Angel Joseph Martin.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking assistance from the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Japanese government in analyzing bones recently found in Taal Lake.

In a Thursday briefing, DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said the department has formally requested help from

Semiconductor...

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It comes with the United States and China locked in a high-stakes race to develop the high-end semiconductors used to power artificial intelligence systems.

"We'll be putting a tariff of approximately 100 percent on chips and semiconductors, but if you're building in the United States... there's no charge," Trump said.

He did not give a timetable for the new levy, which he has repeatedly threatened in the past, to be enacted.

SEIPI president Dan Lachica described the potential move as “devastating,” particularly for export-driven economies like the Philippines.

“Seventy percent of the Philippines’ exports are semiconductors. Last year alone, that amounted to $30 billion, with around 15 percent of those shipments bound for the United States,” Lachica said Thursday.

Industry stakeholders fear that the proposed tariff could severely disrupt trade flows, hurt investor confidence, and stall ongoing supply chain cooperation with US partners.

The US President's surprise move comes at a time when the Philippines is making headway in strengthening its global position in the semicon-

business community’s resources and expertise into agricultural development. We also congratulate the President’s economic team, especially the Department of Agriculture. By driving private sector involvement and championing modern, scalable, and inclusive models, MBC aims to foster a food-secure future built on farmer prosperity and consumer benefit,” the MBC said in a statement.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) expressed confidence in the country’s economic momentum despite second quarter growth falling slightly short of government targets, citing stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Reacting to the 5.5 percent GDP growth recorded in the second quarter of 2025, PCCI president Enunina Mangio said the business community remains optimistic that the Philippines can still meet its goals.

“Even if we were not able to hit our target in this quarter, I think with our collective effort, we can reach the

calling it a “dangerous precedent” that weakens the constitutional process of accountability.

“The Senate’s action sends the wrong message: that accountability may be set aside. That should never be the case in a democracy governed by laws,” House Committee on Human Rights chairman Bienvenido Abante Jr. said.

Abante warned public officials may now be emboldened to ignore questions of propriety or legality—especially if they enjoy political popularity or are seen as future contenders for higher office.

“The impeachment process is not about 2028. It is about whether public funds were used during a time when no legal mandate had yet been conferred to an office. That is a clear question of constitutional integrity—not political ambition,” he said.

Abante also took issue with how some senators appeared to dismiss the complaint as politically motivated without addressing the substance of the allegations.

“Impeachment is not a political circus. It is a constitutional mechanism designed to hold high officials accountable. When we reduce it to mere political noise, we erode the very institutions we swore to uphold,” he said.

UP due to the limited forensic capacity of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

‘‘While the PNP is ideally positioned because they were on the scene, they have admitted limitations in capability. So, we’ve asked help from the UP Forensic Pathology and Anthropology departments, and the Japanese government,’’ Clavano said.

The arrangement is being finalized after Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla sent a formal request to UP. Clavano said the goal is to streamline the custody and analysis of the remains.

‘‘We’ll be giving a timeline to UP to help determine how long the individuals have been dead,’’ he added.

The DOJ is also preparing an inventory of the recovered items’ including bones, hair, and clothing alongside reports and photographs from the Philippine Coast Guard. Authorities believe the materials will be crucial in resolving the case.

ductor and electronics value chain.

In an earlier statement, SEIPI welcomed the 19 percent countryspecific tariff rate, one of the lowest in the region, as a key factor enhancing the Philippines’ attractiveness for foreign direct investments.

Arisa Liu, senior semiconductor researcher at the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, said it would impact the "strategic direction of global semiconductor companies."

"Since the United States is the world's largest player in AI and related high-performance computing, this will have a relatively greater impact on companies involved in advanced processes," she said.

"The highest-end semiconductors will be excluded," Alicia GarciaHerrero, chief economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis, told AFP.

But "this kills producers of lowend chips", including those based in Malaysia or China, she warned.

On Thursday, shares in Taiwan's TSMC — world's largest contract maker of chips, which counts Nvidia and Apple among its clients — soared nearly five percent after the government said the company would not be affected.

Taiwan is a global powerhouse in semiconductor manufacturing, with more than half of the world's chips and nearly all of the high-end ones made there.

government target,” Mangio said in an interview Thursday. She adverted to President Marcos’ recent State of the Nation Address which she described as “very sincere” in its intent to curb corruption and support key development areas like education and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Mangio added that the strengthened alignment between the government and business sector has been a key to improving investor confidence.

“The government and the business sectors are working together this time to address all issues affecting our investors. And because of that, we’re looking forward to more investors in the coming months and the coming years,” she said.

The 5.5-percent second quarter GDP growth was a modest pickup from the 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025, though still slower than the 5.9 percent recorded in Q2 2024.

While it slightly exceeded some analyst forecasts, it remains below the lower end of the government’s target range.

Next...

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But if there is one silver lining for pro-impeachment groups in the Senate’s move Wednesday evening, it is that the impeachment complaint against the Vice President has effectively been preserved by the Senate’s decision to have it archived.

“It’s dead but it’s not really buried. In effect, because it is in the archive it can still be revived should the SC reverse its decision,” Senator Imee Marcos said during a press forum yesterday.

The Supreme Court earlier unanimously junked the Articles of Impeachment as unconstitutional, saying these violated the one-year bar on multiple impeachment proceedings.

“We are just following the law and the Supreme Court,” the senator added.

For constitutionalist and Ateneo Policy Center senior research fellow Michael Yusingco, there is still hope as impeachment is not the only avenue to hold public officials accountable.

"Bringing the plunder case to the Ombudsman is absolutely necessary. This is a heinous crime, and its perpetuator must be punished accordingly. Therefore, civil society must ensure that the person appointed to the post must be more capable and devoted to the mandate of the constitution," Yusingco said.

At the House of Representatives, Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno acknowledged the possibility of refiling the impeachment complaint next year.

“Should all avenues be really closed to pursue the impeachment trial for now, the last resort, of course, is to file again by February 2026," he said in a television interview.

Diokno said it would have been more prudent for the Senate to wait until the Supreme Court resolves the pending motion for reconsideration filed by the House of Representatives.

"Instead, the Senate hammered another nail on the coffin of accountability," he said.

"We reiterate our call for the Supreme Court to reconsider its Decision. Even the highest officials must be held accountable for wrongdoings against the Filipino people," Diokno added.

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The Department of Health (DOH) issued the warning against the improper use of the antibiotics amid rising incidence of leptospirosis — a bacterial disease often contracted through bacteria-laden floodwaters, which can be deadly if untreated.

On another front, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said a low pressure area (LPA) spotted 2,760 kilometers east of Northern Luzon has a fair chance of evolving into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.

Doxycycline is commonly recommended for high-risk individuals such as first responders or residents wading through contaminated water. With climate-related diseases on the rise, the health department said it remains committed to balancing rapid response with long-term medical safety.

Herbosa explained that medical professionals follow a risk-based system to determine whether a patient is low, moderate, or high risk before prescribing the drug.

"It's very important, this is an antibiotic and it needs a doctor's prescription," he said.

"If you take antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription, you could develop antimicrobial resistance. The leptospira bacteria will become stronger, and the antibiotic will no longer work," Herbosa said.

The health chief added that dosage and duration depend on a proper medical assessment, which cannot be substituted by self-medication. Meanwhile, the LPA is expected to generate cloudy skies with scattered to widespread rains and thunderstorms over Cagayan Valley, the Cordillera Administrative Region and Aurora province.

The LPA which is still outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) has a high chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, PAGASA said. It is expected to cross Luzon between Thursday evening and Friday. Cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms are forecast over Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Northern Samar.

Romualdez lauds inclusion of OFWs in expanded 4PH

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Martin Romualdez on Thursday welcomed the inclusion of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as beneficiaries under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

This was in response to the announcement of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) that OFWs may now qualify for socialized housing units under the expanded 4PH regardless of their monthly income.

“This latest move shows that the President is sincere in his mission to give back to our OFWs, who have sacrificed so much for their families and for the country. By including them in this housing initiative, we are not only addressing a basic need—we are also acknowledging their immense contribution to the nation,” Romualdez said.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling earlier explained that the expanded 4PH now covers OFWs, in line with the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’ directive to ensure that the government’s flagship housing initiative benefits more Filipinos, especially those working hard abroad to support their loved ones.

“As of 2023, there are about 2.16 million OFWs across the globe who work tirelessly to send remittances home— contributions that not only support their families but also bolster the Philippine economy,” said Romualdez.

“Many of them do not have their own house and continue to dream of building a home for their family. Through the Expanded 4PH, we are getting closer to fulfilling this dream,” he added.

OPPORTUNITIES. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is welcomed by Indian business leaders at the Philippines-India Business Forum held at the Taj West End in Bengaluru, India, on August 7, 2025. The forum brought together Filipino and Indian business leaders from various sectors, including information technology and business process management (IT-BPM), digital services, telecommunications, infrastructure, manufacturing, and healthcare, to explore investment opportunities and strengthen bilateral economic cooperation. PPA Pool

Chinese ships show ‘very unusual’ moves off Batanes

By Rex Espiritu

THREE China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were recently detected near the waters off Batanes, following a pattern described by a maritime expert as “very unusual.”

According to Ray Powell, director of the SeaLight project that monitors Chinese maritime activity in the West Philippine Sea, CCG vessels with hull numbers 3301 and 3304 were seen traversing the Bashi Channel as of 7:44 a.m. on Thursday.

A third ship with hull number 4304 was also observed patrolling roughly 70 nautical miles northwest of Batanes.

“I almost never see the CCG near Batanes, and this is the first time I’ve seen any pass through the Bashi Channel in my years of monitoring,” Powell, program head of Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, told the Inquirer.

“Very unusual track for CCG—not clear where they’re headed,” he added. Powell said that while the activities of

three CCG ships were technically legal, their purpose remained suspicious.

“The transit of CCG 3301 and 3304 is highly unusual but legal under international law (so far),” Powell said.

“Meanwhile, CCG 4304 specifically has been loitering … within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone since last night, which is also legal but aggressive—I would classify it as an intrusive patrol,” he added.

The Bashi Channel, a strategic maritime passage between Batanes’ Mavulis Island and Taiwan’s Orchid Island, serves as a critical link between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

New tourism

pact

a ‘milestone’ in PH-India relations

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines and India have renewed their commitment to strengthening tourism ties with the ceremonial exchange of the Implementation Program on Tourism Cooperation for 2025 to 2028, held August 5 as part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s state visit to India.

President Marcos and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi witnessed the exchange between Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and India’s Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita. Frasco said the agreement is a milestone for the Marcos administration’s tourism diplomacy and a key step toward increasing Indian tourist arrivals to the Philippines.

“India and the Philippines share a centuries-old friendship built on cultural understanding, warmth, and respect. Through this Implementation Program, we reaffirm our commitment to unlock the full potential of our tourism linkages, from policy exchange and capacity building to investment promotion and cultural tourism,” Frasco said. The signed program seeks to deepen cooperation through mutual tourism development and expanded people-to-people exchanges. It was among several bilateral agreements formalized during the Philippine delegation’s official visit.

Most Pinoys support sex education

SEVENTY-THREE (73%) percent of Filipinos are in favor of teaching concepts of sexuality, sexual health, and family planning in schools in an age-appropriate and culturally sensitive manner to help students make responsible and informed choices, a Pulse Asia survey conducted in the last week of March 2025 showed.

This is also against the background of the rising cases of adolescent pregnancy, particularly among girls aged 10–14 and even younger, which have been increasing in recent years, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

More alarmingly, government data shows that most girls, especially in the 10-14 age bracket, were sired by men much older than them, revealing a sexual abuse or statutory rape dimension.

“We should not underestimate the

IN BRIEF

La Union pushes swift recovery after P6.5B Emong damage

SAN FERNANDO, La Union—The provincial government of La Union is now focused on recovery and rehabilitation after Typhoon Emong left two people dead and caused ₱6.5 billion in damages across multiple sectors. Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega said local governments and various public and private groups have launched early recovery efforts, including relief distribution, road clearing, and power restoration. “We are doing our best to expedite operations and provide for our constituents,” he said.

According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, 487,284 individuals or 156,109 families were affected. A man from Caba drowned, and a 12-year-old boy died after a mango tree fell on their home.

Damage to infrastructure reached ₱6 billion, while tourism losses were estimated at ₱215 million. The agriculture sector suffered ₱276 million in losses, while damage to livestock was pegged at ₱23.5 million. Around 44,000 houses were also damaged. Dave Leprozo Jr.

BCDA accelerates Poro Point seaport upgrade with PPP aid

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is fast-tracking the modernization of the San Fernando International Seaport in Poro Point, La Union, with assistance from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center. The project secured provisional funding of ₱74.9 million through the Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF). BCDA and PPP Center will jointly hire consultants to conduct feasibility studies, market assessments, legal structuring, and PPP transaction support.

BCDA President Joshua Bingcang said the upgrade will transform the facility into a modern, containerized seaport to better connect Northern Luzon to global trade. “This will anchor regional industries to more competitive supply chains,” he said.

The redevelopment includes quay and yard cranes, digital freight systems, expanded storage, and improved road and future rail links. Environmental and gender safeguards will also be integrated into the planning and design.

DMW-7 extends P1.5M aid to OFWs in Central Visayas

CEBU CITY—The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)-Region VII continues to deliver financial and reintegration aid to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families across Central Visayas.

On August 5, DMW-7 distributed ₱1.085 million in Bohol, and on August 4, ₱460,000 in Mandaue City. A repatriated OFW from Turkey also received assistance for her documentary requirements to access livelihood programs.

DMW-7’s Lutchel Taniza said ₱975,000 of the Bohol assistance went to 14 OFWs under the AKSYON Fund, while ₱110,000 was granted through the Livelihood Program for OFW Reintegration (LPOR). In Mandaue, ₱350,000 went to five OFWs under AKSYON, and ₱110,000 under LPOR.

In July, Regional Director Jhoaden Lucero handed financial aid to two OFWs in Negros Oriental. One was a victim of a balikbayan box scam; the other was a next of kin of a recently deceased seafarer. Minerva Newman

GIFTS FOR KOBE. Viral K9 ‘Kobe,’ along with his handler, goes to the National Police Commission head office in Quezon City on Thursday, August 7, to personally receive sacks of dog food donated by private individuals who get in touch after seeing Kobe’s photo online. Manny Palmero

importance Filipinos place on children receiving accurate information to help protect themselves from abuse, unwanted and early pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections such as HIV,” said Au Quilala, Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), the advocacy organization which commissioned the Pulse Asia survey in support of human development policymaking. The survey comes as teen pregnancy prevention legislation is being derailed and reproductive health rights are under attack from disinformation campaigns,

including false claims that CSE promotes childhood masturbation.

These occur against the backdrop of rising adolescent pregnancy rates, especially among girls aged 10–14, often linked to sexual abuse.

Quilala emphasized that sexuality education should also support parents and teachers.

She called on lawmakers to pass the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Bill, which will support students and strengthen access to reproductive health services, complementing existing laws on statutory rape, child protection, and reproductive health.

HPG issues 15k traffic citations in busts

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine National PoliceHighway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) bolstered its nationwide crackdown on carnapping and traffic violations, issuing more than 15,000 tickets and seizing over 1,500 motorcycles during a weeklong operation.

In a statement, HPG Director

BGen. William Segun said HPG units nationwide arrested seven wanted persons for carnapping, recovered 25 stolen motor vehicles and nine motorcycles, and impounded 293 vehicles and 1,503 motorcycles.

He said these results came from intensified efforts by the Regional Highway Patrol Units (RHPUs) and the Special Operations Division (SOD), which conducted checkpoints and enforcement activities. RHPU 4A led in impoundments, while RHPU NCR recorded the highest number of citations.

Operations also led to the implementation of 11 search warrants, 1,477 violations of Presidential Decree No. 96 (unauthorized use of sirens and blinkers), and 248 violations of Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code (unauthorized use of government uniforms or insignia).

Segun stressed the HPG’s commitment to maintaining road safety and expressed appreciation for the personnel involved. He vowed to sustain high-impact operations and support the broader mission of peace and order.

TUCP calls on Congress to prioritize P200 wage hike

By Vito Barcelo

THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) on Thursday called on Congress to immediately start hearings and swiftly pass the P200 legislated wage hike, citing a June 2025 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing that 49% of Filipino families consider themselves poor. In a statement, the labor group said nearly half of

Filipino families openly acknowledging their poverty should serve as a wake-up call to lawmakers.

“We trust that the House Committee on Labor and Employment, led by Chairperson Jolo Revilla, will urgently tackle, approve, and transmit the P200 wage hike to the plenary,” said TUCP Party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza, noting that the measure was already approved on third reading during the 19th Congress.

Mendoza echoed President Marcos’ 2025 SONA, stating that positive economic indicators mean little if Filipinos are still burdened by poverty.

Despite low inflation and falling unemployment, he said, self-rated poverty remains high. He urged the House supermajority to prioritize the wage hike, calling it the top demand of the working class and essential for inclusive growth.

How Sibato islanders earned their first million

SILAY CITY—In the island barangay of Sibato, a transformation is taking place.

Thanks to seaweed farming, savings, and DA-BFAR support, the Sibato Islanders Fisherfolks Association (SIFA) has earned over ₱1.2 million in gross income. In 2024, SIFA members began producing 167 bottles of seaweed pickles and 2,583 packs of seaweed chips, earning ₱42,600.

Their main harvest, 42.7 metric tons of dried seaweed, brought in nearly ₱989,000. They also caught over two tons of fish, adding ₱189,000 in earnings.

SIFA’s 44 members, supported by DA-BFAR’s SAAD Phase II Program, received farming tools and training that helped expand their aquaculture capacity and improve livelihoods. The group also joined the FishForever Savings Club, a savings initiative by Rare Philippines.

‘YAKAP HAKAB.’ The Taguig City government organizes a program dubbed ‘One Breastfeeding Philippines: Yakap Hakab’ to promote the health and well-being of mothers and their children in time for the celebration of World Breastfeeding Week.

OPINION

Impeachment case: It’s not over yet

WITH the Senate having archived the Articles of Impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, is the case already dead in the water?

No, not at all.

It’s now up to the Supreme Court to answer the Motion for Reconsideration of the House of Representatives and decide whether the Senate trial can still proceed.

The 61-page Motion, filed through the Office of the Solicitor General on Aug. 4, seeks the reversal of the high court’s ruling and urged justices not to abandon their duty of judicial review.

It asked Congress, as a co-equal branch, be allowed to perform its Constitutional duties, where the exclusive power of impeachment lies with the House of Representatives.

Duterte faces allegations of graft and corruption over confidential funds, betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes, including bribery and conspiracy to commit murder.

The motion described impeachment as “primarily a political process.”

While the process has legal facets, it is fundamentally governed by what is the “highest legal rule of all” – the Constitution.

“But the political nature of it, its immediate connection to the public, its choice of the direct representatives of the people as its duty-bearers, even the framers’ own conscious decisions to move the process away from judicialization, cannot be denied,” the motion said.

The House argued the first three complaints were not left “unacted upon,” terminated or dismissed when Congress archived them right before the congressional break.

Even if the high court assumes a dismissal took place, the House said the first three complaints were archived only after the fourth was endorsed and adopted by the plenary and not before.

“The fourth impeachment complaint could not have been barred by the archival, termination, or dismissal of the first three impeachment complaints, because while the latter were undergoing the process of inclusion and referral, the fourth impeachment complaint was completed,” the motion read.

In other words, the lawmakers said, the Supreme Court’s position that the fourth verified complaint was barred due to the earlier archival of three others is grounded on a factual error.

“It is rather the fourth impeachment complaint which barred all other impeachment complaints from being initiated.”

The House emphasized the one-year rule is inapplicable in this case.

The Supreme Court’s own definition in Francisco vs. House of Representatives is that that impeachment is initiated either upon referral of a filed complaint

to the committee or through a direct filing by at least one-third of the House.

“To reckon it from a complaint’s so called ‘dismissal’ would be to defeat the purpose of the 1-year bar, and to frustrate the spirit of Article XI,” the motion read.

The motion also distinguished Article 11, which governs accountability of public officials, from Article 3, which the Supreme Court cited to protect citizens from government overreach.

Will the Supreme Court act favorably on the House Motion for Reconsideration, and overturn its July 25 ruling?

The high court ruled that VP Duterte was denied the chance to be heard on the impeachment articles before they were transmitted to the Senate.

“The House categorically rejects the due process rules which the assailed Decision lays down for carrying out impeachment proceedings under Article XI, Section 3 (4),” the House argued, stressing how it has “unduly interfered” with the House’s own prerogatives to conduct impeachment proceedings.

The Constitution, the chamber stressed, does not require a hearing after the filing of a complaint backed by at least one-third of the House membership.

What it states is the transmittal and immediate start of a trial in the Senate.

Section 3 (4), Article 11. “In case the verified complaint or resolution of impeachment is filed by at least one-third of all the Members of the House, the same shall constitute the Articles of Impeachment, and trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed.”

The House motion defends the Constitutionality of its impeachment case against VP Duterte while arguing that proper judicial review should have addressed factual issues through oral arguments before making a ruling.

While the Senate has voted to set aside the VP’s impeachment trial while waiting for the decision of the High Tribunal on the House Motion for Reconsideration, Sara Duterte is not out of the woods at all, as she can still face another impeachment case by Feb. 6 next year.

The question now is this: Will the Supreme Court act favorably on the House Motion for Reconsideration, and overturn its July 25 ruling?

We really hope so, and unite the nation in upholding the letter and spirit of our fundamental law. (Email: ernhil@yahoo. com)

The new one-year bar rule

THE recent Supreme Court decision on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte significantly reinterprets the one-year bar rule under Article XI, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution. This bar protects impeachable officials from harassment through repeated or frivolous complaints.

It ensures that impeachment is used responsibly—not as a political weapon.

In its decision penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the Court ruled that the fourth complaint against Duterte was barred because three earlier complaints, though archived and never referred to the Committee on Justice, were deemed “initiated” and “terminated” on Feb. 5, 2025—the same day the fourth complaint was filed.

This marks a sharp departure from the landmark Francisco v. House of Representatives (2003), where the Court held that impeachment is “initiated” only when the complaint is either referred to the Committee on Justice or directly endorsed by one-third of House members.

Mere filing was not enough.

Under Francisco, the first three complaints against Duterte—none of which were referred—should not have triggered the bar.

The fourth complaint, endorsed by 215 members, should have been the only

valid initiation. But the Court’s new ruling suggests even archived or dismissed complaints, regardless of merit or House action, can block future complaints for a full year.

If accountability is to have meaning, all branches of government must rise above self-interest and partisanship

This raises a dangerous implication: weak or tactical filings, even those never acted on, could be weaponized to preempt legitimate impeachment proceedings.

In effect, technicalities now have the power to insulate public officials from accountability.

The Court has turned a shield into a sword—protecting not the Constitution, but incumbents.

The ruling also departs from Gutierrez v. House, where the Court clarified that the bar applies only after a complaint is

EDITORIAL

Will parking ban solve Metro traffic gridlock?

CAN we ever solve the traffic situation in Metro Manila that’s been described as “Carmageddon,” “abominable” and “horrible,” among other unflattering terms?

One culprit identified by both the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Department of the Interior and Local Government is illegal parking. This, they are one in saying, is a big reason why streets become congested with vehicles unable to move faster or remain forever at a standstill.

Both agencies have jointly proposed a series of measures to reduce traffic ingestion and improve traffic flow in Metro Manila, with a major focus on regulating street parking.

The DILG proposal is to ban parking on public roads from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

The MMDA proposal, on the other hand, is to restrict parking during rush hours.

In the morning, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and in the evening, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This aligns with MMDA’s expanded number coding scheme.

The two agencies are said to be in talks to come up with a plan that will

properly initiated. Yet in Duterte’s case, initiation was deemed to have occurred without any referral or committee action, diluting the procedural safeguard of formal House involvement.

This decision has drawn sharp criticism. 1Sambayan, in a statement, accused the Court of misappreciating the timeline of events on Feb. 5, 2025.

They assert the first three complaints were archived before the fourth was transmitted to the Senate at 4:57 PM. Since the House adjourned at 7:15 PM, 1Sambayan argues the fourth complaint was timely filed and validly initiated, and that the Court’s sequencing was factually flawed.

If correct, this undermines the entire legal basis for the Court’s ruling.

It would mean the bar was never triggered when the fourth complaint was filed—making its dismissal a miscar-

The contemplated no-parking on public roads policy... should be part of a long-term solution to traffic congestion particularly in Metro Manila

What is likely to be the end-product of their meetings is a unified timebased parking restrictions based on road classification and local flexibility. Major roads and Mabuhay Lanes

riage of both fact and law. The Court must confront this challenge head-on to preserve its credibility. Still, beyond the legal reasoning, this controversy reveals systemic dysfunction.

First, the complainants behind the initial three complaints should have coordinated and filed a single, unified case. That failure created unnecessary vulnerability. If a new complaint is to be filed next year—likely on Feb. 6, 2026—it must be unified, strategically sound, and legally airtight.

Second, the Speaker of the House must stop delaying action on complaints for political expediency.

Impeachment is a Constitutional duty, not a partisan game.

Third, the Senate should have acted immediately upon receiving the Articles of Impeachment. A prompt trial could

could be designated as permanent noparking zones while secondary and tertiary roads may allow one-side parking or nighttime parking, depending on traffic flow.

Each local government unit will submit its own list of roads for exemptions.

The Technical Working Group (TWG) composed of MMDA, DILG, and Metro Manila mayors will be tasked with mapping out no-parking zones; drawing up a list of permitted parking areas; and drafting implementation guidelines. Meanwhile, the Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection supports the proposed ban as a step toward safer and more efficient roads. They also recommend a proof-ofparking law that would require vehicle owners to show they have a parking space before buying or registering a car. They likewise advocate for public transport reforms to reduce reliance on private vehicles.

The contemplated no-parking on public roads policy, in whatever form it is likely to take, should be part of a long-term solution to traffic congestion particularly in Metro Manila and other highly urbanized cities that should include an expanded rail transport system.

have been concluded before the 19th Congress ended. Delay opened the door for judicial intervention. Finally, the Supreme Court could have allowed the trial to proceed and applied its new interpretation prospectively. That would have balanced the Constitutional intent of accountability with legal clarity and fairness to all parties. This case reflects a perfect storm of bad governance: disunity among complainants, delay in the House, inaction by the Senate, and rigid formalism by the Court. Together, they have rendered the impeachment process ineffective—precisely when the public needed it most.

The Constitutional check of impeachment must not be gutted by technicalities. If accountability is to have meaning, all branches of government must rise above self-interest and partisanship.

Trump likely to meet Putin ‘very soon’

WASHINGTON, DC – Donald Trump said he could meet with Vladimir Putin “very soon,” following what the US president described as highly productive talks in Moscow between his special envoy and the Russian leader.

The potential summit was discussed in a call between Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy that, according to a senior source in Kyiv, included NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the leaders of Britain, Germany and Finland.

“There’s a good chance that there will be a meeting very soon,” Trump told reporters Wednesday at the White House, when asked when he would meet the Ukrainian and Russian leaders.

He gave no indication where the meeting with Putin might take place. It would be the first US-Russia leadership summit since former president Joe Biden met with his counterpart in Geneva in June 2021.

The New York Times and CNN, citing people familiar with the plan, said Trump plans to sit down with Putin as early as next week, and then wants a three-way meeting with the Russian leader and Zelenskyy.

“It seems that Russia is now more inclined to agree to a ceasefire; the pressure on them is working. But the main thing is that they do not deceive us or the United States in the details,” Zelenskyy

IN BRIEF Arrest warrant sought for ex-first lady Kim

Thai prosecutors indict 23 over bldg. collapse

BANGKOK – Thai prosecutors indicted 23 people and firms on Thursday, in a case linked to the deadly collapse of a Bangkok high-rise in an earthquake.

The 30-story tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on March 28, killing thousands in Thailand’s wartorn neighbor.

The tower, meant to house the state audit office, was the only building in Bangkok to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers. The speed and suddenness with which it fell prompted a legal probe.

Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General said a case has been submitted to a criminal court, with a decision expected in a matter of months.

“Investigators agreed to indict 23 individuals and legal entities over professional misconduct and forged documents,” it said in a statement. The indictment included 16 individuals and seven firms, and also listed the names of people representing some of the accused companies, which include an architectural firm and a Chinese construction business. AFP

Japanese population sees record drop

TOKYO – The population of Japanese nationals fell by a record amount -- more than 900,000 people -- in 2024, official data showed, as the country battles to reverse its perennially low birth rates.

While many developed countries are struggling with low birth rates, the problem is particularly acute in Japan where the population has been declining for years.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has called the situation a “quiet emergency”, pledging family-friendly measures like more flexible working hours and free day care to try and reverse the trend.

Last year, the number of Japanese fell by 908,574, or 0.75 percent, to 120.65 million.

The decline -- for a 16th straight year -was the largest drop since the survey began in 1968, the internal affairs ministry said Wednesday.

Foreign resident totals, however, were at their highest since records began in 2013. There were 3.67 million foreigners as of January 1, 2025, representing nearly three percent of the whole population in Japan, which was more than 124.3 million as of that date. AFP

United Airlines flights grounded in US

LOS ANGELES

– Thousands of US air passengers were facing delays Wednesday after United Airlines halted many departures in the wake of a systemwide problem.

So-called “mainline flights” — those moving between major hubs — were grounded for over an hour before engineers were able to get things up and running again.

“We are working with customers to get them to their destinations after a technology disruption on Wednesday evening,” the airline said in a statement.

“The underlying technology issue has been resolved, and, while we expect residual delays, our team is working to restore our normal operations.” The Federal Aviation Administration, which regulates flight in the United States, had issued ground stops at several major airports.

“We’re aware United experienced a technology issue disrupting their operations. Some delays may continue as they work through the recovery process,” the FAA said in a statement. AFP

SEOUL – South Korean prosecutors on Thursday requested an arrest warrant for former first lady Kim Keon Hee, a day after questioning her over a litany of allegations, including bribery and stock manipulation.

The move comes as former president Yoon Suk Yeol remains in detention over his declaration of martial law in December, which briefly suspended civilian rule before being overturned by parliament.

“We requested an arrest warrant for Kim at 1:21 p.m. (0421 GMT),” special prosecutor Oh Jung-hee said at a press briefing.

The charges include violations of capital market and financial investment laws, as well as political funds laws, she added.

Myanmar’s named figurehead president ex-general dies

YANGON – Myanmar’s military-appointed figurehead president -- suspended from service since last year due to declining health -- died on Thursday, a junta statement said.

Former general Myint Swe was named Myanmar’s acting president in 2021, when the military deposed the democratic government of Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup, sparking a many-sided civil war.

The coup handed supreme power to armed forces chief Min Aung Hlaing, who last July also took over Myint Swe’s ceremonial role as “acting president” as he suffered the effects of Parkinson’s disease.

“President U Myint Swe passed away at 8:28 am this morning,” said a junta statement, adding the 74-year-old had died in a hospital in the capital Naypyidaw.

“It is hereby announced that the funeral of Pro Tem President U Myint Swe will be held as a state funeral.”

State media said on Wednesday he was experiencing “weight loss, loss of appetite, fever and a decline in cognitive function” and had been admitted to intensive care. AFP

If granted, the warrant would mark the first time in South Korean history that a former president and first lady were both arrested.

An attempt to bring former president Yoon in for questioning on Thursday over the allegations against his wife failed due to “the suspect’s fierce resistance and concerns about potential injury”, Oh said without elaborating.

A similarly unsuccessful attempt last week saw Yoon resist by lying on his cell floor in his underwear.

The request came swiftly after the 52-year-old underwent hours-long questioning the day before.

“I sincerely apologise for causing trouble despite being a person of no impor-

tance,” Kim said as she arrived at the prosecutors’ office on Wednesday. She denied the allegations during questioning, according to local media reports. Controversy has long surrounded Kim, with lingering questions about her alleged role in stock manipulation.

A video filmed in 2022 showing her accepting a Dior handbag from a selfproclaimed fan reignited public criticism.

She is also accused of interfering in the nomination process for MPs in Yoon’s party, a violation of election laws.

Yoon, as president, vetoed three special investigation bills passed by the opposition-controlled parliament that sought to probe the allegations against Kim, with the last veto issued in late November. AFP

DATING. Patrick and Cathy, both 58 years old, walk to the Wandflue peak, Bernese Alps, above Jaun of the Canton of Fribourg, on Aug. 3, 2025. Cathy Rotzetter and Patrick found each other eight months ago: through a message left on a Swiss mountaintop. Following the brain-child of Thibaud Monney, a 29-year-old avid hiker who started in 2023 as ‘a joke’ placing dedicated ‘Tinder’ notebooks on mountaintops, creating an analogue alternative, with a Swiss twist: ‘Mountain Tinder’ AFP

Patrick Star, ‘Drag Queen’ crab: Robot mission charms Argentines

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

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

The awed conversations between scientists leading the expedition and the explanations they give to viewers allow the public a rare insight into the hidden wonders of marine biology.

In one instance, the camera on the SuBastian underwater robot shows a weird-looking, little white animal.

One of the scientists on the team can be heard asking her colleagues, “Do we want it?”

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

“Oh, I love these little creatures,” says one user. “I’m obsessed!” comments another. “Don’t take the little one away!” pleads a third.

When the live stream began it exceeded one million views per day, before it also began to be broadcast on television.

“There are cold-water corals with the same colors as those in the Caribbean. How can that be? At a depth of 3,000 meters!” Pablo Penchaszadeh, a marine biologist and painter who is on board the expedition as an artist, told AFP. AFP

said on Wednesday evening. Trump’s phone call with Zelenskyy came after US envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian leadership in Moscow earlier in the day for talks described by the Kremlin as “productive” -- with Trump’s deadline looming to impose fresh sanctions over Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“Great progress was made!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that afterward he had briefed some European allies.

“Everyone agrees this War must come to a close, and we will work towards that in the days and weeks to come,” he said. Minutes later, however, a senior US official said that “secondary sanctions” were still expected to be implemented in two days’ time.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Witkoff was returning with a ceasefire proposal from Moscow that would have to be discussed with Ukraine and Washington’s European allies. He also cast caution on the timeline for a Trump-Putin meeting, saying there was “a lot of work ahead,” adding it could be “weeks maybe.” AFP

India to offer gun licenses in border areas

NEW DELHI – India’s Assam state, bordering Muslim-majority Bangladesh, is to issue gun licenses to “indigenous” residents, its Hindu nationalist leader has announced, a move raising concerns among the state’s Muslims. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has previously warned that the Assamese-speaking population “face the threat of attacks from the Bangladesh side, and even in their own villages”.

The northeastern state of around 31 million people is riven by multiple ethnic, linguistic and religious fault-lines, and was troubled by several bloody clashes in past decades.

Muslims make up roughly 35 percent of the population, most of them Bengali speaking, according to the most recent national census in 2011, with the rest largely Hindus.

Sarma announced on Wednesday the introduction of a website “where indigenous people, who perceive a threat to their lives and reside in sensitive areas, can apply for arms licenses”. India has otherwise strict gun control laws, and critics and opposition leaders condemned the move.

“This will lead to gang violence and crimes based on personal vendettas,” said opposition Congress lawmaker Gaurav Gogoi on social media platform X.

“This is not governance, this is a dangerous step backwards towards lawlessness.”

Sarma is from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party.

The move is part of a wider populist campaign by Sarma’s BJP government backing the majority Assamesespeaking people, including large-scale eviction drives against what he has called “illegal foreigners or doubtful citizens”.

It is widely seen as targeting Muslims speaking Bengali -- the main language in neighboring Bangladesh.

But many ethnic Bengalis are Indian citizens, with roots in Assam long before the region that is now Bangladesh was carved out at the bloody end of British imperial rule in 1947. AFP

THE WORLD IS WATCHING. This combination of pictures created on May 25, 2025 shows Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left) on Sept. 26, 2024 in Washington, DC, US President Donald Trump (center) in Washington, DC, on April 7, 2025 and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin (right) in Kazan on Oct. 24, 2024. Trump said Thursday, Manila time, he could meet with Putin ‘very soon,’ following what the US President described as highly productive talks in Moscow between his special envoy and the Russian leader. AFP

LESSONS FROM ROBOT. Screen grab taken from a handout video released by the Schmidt Ocean Institute and recorded by the ROV SuBastian while being commanded from the

Argentina. AFP

MOUNTAIN

AIRBORNE FIREFIGHTERS.

three helicopters to help put out a blaze that burned down some 100 homes in Tondo, Manila on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

IN BRIEF

PAF choppers help put out Tondo blaze

sorties , with the

II doing 33 water drop missions. The Sokol and Black Hawk staged three sorties apiece.

“These coordinated efforts were carried out in close collaboration with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and other government agencies to contain and suppress the fastspreading fire, which has displaced hundreds of families,” PAF spokesperson Col. Consuelo Castillo said. Rex Espiritu

BuCor o ers its lands for sports facilities dev’t

‘P20-rice reaches 115k workers’

By Vito Barcelo

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said more than 115,000 minimum wage workers benefitted from the P20-a kilo rice of the government as a flagship initiative of President Marcos.

After nearly a month after its initial launch, the “P20 Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na for Minimum Wage Earners” program has reached more than 100,000 minimum wage earners and disadvantaged workers, the DOLE reported.

Data from the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns showed that as of last July 31, a total of 115,827 minimum wage earners across 398 estab-

House probe eyed on GSIS investment in online gaming

By Maricel V. Cruz

HOUSE of Representatives Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio on Thursday called for an immediate congressional investigation into the Government Service Insurance System’s (GSIS) alleged P1.45-billion investment in an online gambling platform, describing it as a betrayal of public trust and a reckless gamble with government workers’ retirement funds.

“This is not just poor investment judgment—this is a moral outrage,” Tinio said in response to revelations about GSIS investments in Alternergy Holdings Corp. and other companies with gambling operations.

The lawmaker expressed alarm over the P251.37-million losses suffered by the GSIS on these questionable investments. He said the funds used came the hard-earned contributions of teachers and other government workers who continued to struggle with low wages.

“They gambled with GSIS funds. Bet on questionable stocks and lost. Who benefitted? Meanwhile, the pensions and benefits of GSIS members are affected,” Tinio said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“Teachers sacrifice portions of their already meager salaries for their GSIS contributions, trusting that their money will be invested wisely and ethically. Instead, we find out that GSIS is funding an industry that destroys families and communities through gambling addiction,” he added.

The party-list lawmaker also questioned the process behind these investments, noting that Alternergy’s market capitalization was reportedly below the P15 billion minimum required by GSIS policy for investible companies, while the shares were not even listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) at the time of purchase.

“How did it happen that this investment was approved even though it did not follow GSIS’s own policy? This reeks of corruption and gross negligence. Our teachers deserve answers,” Tinio said.

lishments have been able to buy rice at P20 per kilogram under the subsidy program.

Among the program’s beneficiaries were employees of a clothing and lifestyle brand in Pasay City, where both workers and management expressed appreciation for the government initiative.

“We have proven that we can afford twenty pesos per kilo of rice without causing losses to our

farmers,” President Marcos said, citing the program’s success in Pangasinan, Cavite, Occidental Mindoro, Cebu, Bacolod, Guimaras, Siquijor, [and] Davao del Sur.

Originally intended for vulnerable sectors, such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, and 4Ps beneficiaries, the rice program was expanded to include minimum wage earners through the convergence of the DOLE and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the shared goal of DOLE and the DA was to expand the program’s reach and ensure its long-term viability.

We want more people to benefit. We want to ensure that sustainability is there. The ultimate dream and goal of the DA and DOLE is to reach all those who need assistance, strengthen their ability to purchase the products of our farmers,” Laguesma said.

COMMUNITY WATER FILTER. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is setting up 28 additional water

ltration systems for the bene t of small island-communities in various parts of the country, scheduled for completion by end2025. These projects aim to show that even with minimal funding, we can signi cantly improve access to clean and safe water in our most isolated communities, DENR chief Raphael Lotilla said.

THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has offered some of its lands as potential sites for regional sports complexes, training centers, athlete villages, and multi-sport facilities.

BuCor director general Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. extended the offer to the Philippine Sports Commission in line with the pronouncement of President Marcos in his fourth State of the Nation Address highlighting the vital role of sports in national development, youth empowerment, and public health.

In a letter dated July 31 to PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio, Catapang said BuCor lands in Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro; the Leyte Regional Prison in Abuyog, Leyte; the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in Dujali, Davao del Norte; the Zamboanga Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur; and the Masungi property in Tanay, Rizal could help fill the need for regional sports facilities.

Catapang expressed BuCor’s support for the PSC’s mission of serving as the prime catalyst and advocate for the propagation of Philippine sports and that aforesaid properties represent a nationwide spread that can be maximized in contributing to PSC’s vision of a unified sports program aimed at enhancing the quality of life of the Filipinos, instilling national pride, and attaining international prestige through excellence in sports.

Navy probes 2 divers’ death in Sarangani

THE Philippine Navy on Thursday said it will look into the death of its two personnel while on wellness break or furlough.

“A formal investigation is underway to determine the actual cause and details of the accident, as well as to enable us to further improve protocols, especially on safety,” Philippine Navy spokesman Capt. John Percie Alcos said.

The victims reportedly died while doing recreational diving off Barangay Mindupok, Maitum, Sarangani province on Monday, Aug. 4.

“We are confirming the death of our two men who were conducting recreational diving during their off-duty hours. One was on a mental wellness break, or otherwise known as rest and recreation, while the other one is on authorized absence,” Alcos said. Rex Espiritu

DENR to install 28 more barangay water filtration systems

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to install 28 more water filtration systems to isolated small-island barangays nationwide, scheduled for completion end-2025.

“In 2024, we launched six water

filtration systems for freshwater and saline water sources in remote island barangays nationwide. This year, we are expanding that with 28 more, consisting of 18 for freshwater and 10 for saline water,” Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.

“These projects aim to show that even with minimal funding, we can

Comelec mulls resuming voters’ list-up in October

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) plans to resume the national voter registration in October, expecting a possible postponement of this year’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Comelec chairman George Garcia said in case the BSKE is postponed from Dec. 1 to November 2026, the Comelec will open registration again this October, after the Bangsamoro Parliamentary elections.

He said the October registration will enable more Filipinos to participate in the upcoming elections.

Malacañang has notified the Comelec that President Marcos is expected to sign the proposed

measure on Aug, 12, extending the terms of current village officials for one more year.

The Comelec is carrying out a national voter registration process until Aug.10 in relation to the December BSKE. Rather than extend the registration period, Garcia said they would simply continue until it is confirmed that the BSKE would be deferred anew.

“A law that has been enacted still requires a period for publication. Following that, it will become effective. Once it is in effect, it can be challenged in the Supreme Court. We will need to observe what steps the SC will take if someone contests that law,” Garcia said. VitoBarcelo

significantly improve access to clean and safe water in our most isolated communities,” he added. Barangays with existing freshwater sources use filtration systems to ensure that water is safe for human consumption. Desalination plants are also specifically being targeted at small-island

villages that rely on seawater to be converted into potable water through the desalination process. According to Lotilla, the DENR initiative is aligned with President Marcos’ directive for expanded water provision programs under the government’s Integrated Water Resource Management Policy.

FREE LEGAL AID. The O ce of Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, in partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP-Manila), on Thursday opened a legal aid o ce to assist free of charge Manila residents involved in court cases.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst.

Editor

Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO,

Lua braces for fierce IIT challenge

CAVINTI, Laguna—Julia Lua returns to action as the marked player when the ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour resumes with Round 2 of the ladies division at Caliraya Springs Golf Club tomorrow (Saturday, Aug. 9), armed with a streak of confidenceboosting wins and a game that continues to mature with every round.

The La Salle-1 standout has proven to be the most consistent performer in the early stretch of the pioneering campus-based tour, dominating the Sherwood Hills launch before clinching the Round 1 individual title with an 84 at Royal Northwoods Golf Club, Inc. in Bulacan last month.

That back-to-back run has installed the 19-year-old shotmaker as the player to beat on a course known for exposing even the slightest weakness.

But her path to another triumph won’t be easy. Standing in her way is a determined field led by UP-1’s Adrienne Manhit, who finished just behind Lua in Royal Northwoods and is keen to avenge that near-miss. Known for her steady ball-striking and competitive fire, Manhit is expected to push Lua to the limit on Caliraya’s rolling terrain, where uneven lies, elevated greens and swirling winds pose a serious test.

Also primed for a breakthrough are CSB’s Natasha Bantug, UP’s Katrisse Datoc and Lua’s own La Salle teammates Janine Yusay and Margarita Bautista, along with Enderun Colleges’ Kristyanna Herrera and Mapua’s Rane Cabling. Each player brings a different dimension to the field – length, short-game finesse, or course management – adding intrigue to an expected tight leaderboard chase.

While Lua’s eyes are fixed on sustaining her dominance in the individual race, she’s equally focused on leading La Salle-1 to the team title after falling just short to Ateneo-I in Round 1. With UP-1 also in the mix and looking to climb from a third-place team finish, Round 2 could well determine the shifting balance of power in the team standings. The threeto-play, two-tocount format demands depth and resiliency, often putting pressure on a team’s third player to deliver under pressure. It’s a format that rewards consistency but also leaves room for surprise standouts to change the tide.

Pinoy triathletes eye shot at Worlds in

IRONMAN 70.3

AS the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu presented by Megaworld unfolds this Sunday (Aug. 10) in the heart of Mactan, Cebu, a powerful mix of grit, talent and determination will be on full display. But beyond the pursuit of top honors across multiple age categories lies a far greater prize – a rare opportunity for Filipino triathletes to compete on the sport’s grandest stage – the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France.

The event, staged at the world-class Mactan Newtown racecourse, offers 35 qualifying slots each for men and women in the age-group division, reaffirming IRONMAN’s global commitment to gender equality in sports. These coveted berths provide local athletes not only a shot at international prestige but a life-changing experience of racing alongside the world’s best in one of the most iconic and scenic triathlon destinations.

Nice, set to host the championship for the second time since 2019, boasts a demanding yet breathtaking course along the French Riviera – making qualification a dream for any aspiring triathlete. For many Filipino age-groupers, earning a slot represents not just athletic achievement but a milestone of personal triumph, a culmination of sacrifice, discipline and years of hard training.

For details on slot allocations and qualifications: www.ironman.com/races/im703-world-championship-2026.

Meanwhile, the big racing weekend begins today (Friday, Aug. 8) with the 2GO Reyna Bulakna Run, a 5km fun run celebrating women empowerment and Lapu-Lapu’s rich history. With the international triathlon calendar rapidly filling up, the Lapu-Lapu leg has grown in stature as a gateway for Filipino athletes to step onto the world stage. As the event marks a new decade of IRONMAN

Superal rises from injury woes to win

CAVINTI, Laguna—Princess Superal clawed her way back to the top with the grit of a champion and the fire of someone who never stopped believing.

After four long years of waiting, working and wondering if her game would ever return to its former brilliance, the former US Girls’ Junior champion finally broke through, edging Sarah Ababa in a nerve-wracking sudden-death playoff to capture the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship crown in dramatic fashion here Thursday.

“It feels great. I’m so happy,” said Superal, finally letting the emotions of a long title drought melt away.

“This year, naramdaman ko talaga na nag-i-improve na ang laro ko. I’ve been waiting for this moment –and deep down, I knew I could win again.”

Coming into the final round tied with Ababa and Chihiro Ikeda, Superal played with calm precision, parring the first 13 holes before draining a birdie on the 14th to stay within striking distance as Ababa wrested solo control early with a solid frontside 34.

A bogey on No. 15 momentarily halted Superal’s charge, but she held steady with three straight pars to finish with a closing 72 and a 54-hole total of four-under 212.

It was a score that didn’t seem enough at first –not with Ababa holding a two-shot cushion with two holes to play. But as the pressure mounted, the

Davaoeña faltered, dropping shots on Nos. 17 and 18 to finish with an evenpar round and fall into a playoff with a suddenly resurgent Superal.

“I just tried to stay consistent and focused on my game,” said Superal. “I knew there was still a chance if I just kept believing.”

On their return to the par-4 18th for the playoff, both players found the fairway but came up short of the green. From 12 yards out, Superal summoned the short-game magic that once helped her conquer some of the biggest names in women’s golf – including three former major champions en route to the inaugural Asia Pacific Cup title – and clipped a delicate chip to within four feet.

She made the par.

Ababa, some 20 yards from the hole, couldn’t convert her long-range par bid, handing Superal the championship and the top purse of P125,000.

It was a sweet moment for the 26-year-old, who has quietly fought through years of injury and doubt. Once the country’s most promising young star, Superal had spent the last few seasons trying to rediscover the game that once made her a household name in local golf circles.

Pacquiao clears drug test, seeks bigger fights ahead

By Randy M. Caluag

MANNY Pacquiao’s return to the ring may have ended in a draw, but he walked away with more than just a moral victory — he proved he still hits hard, fights clean, and belongs among boxing’s elite.

The 46-year-old Filipino legend showed flashes of his old brilliance in his comeback bout against World Boxing Council welterweight champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas, and any lingering questions about his conditioning was put to rest when WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán confirmed that both Pacquiao and Barrios tested negative for performance-enhancing drugs.

“Just received from @Vada_Testing the final notification of testing

PH

By Peter Atencio

performed on @MannyPacquiao and Mario Barrios for their fight, and all negative,” Sulaimán posted on X.

He also thanked Premier Boxing Champions and Al Haymon for ensuring the bout adhered to the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program.

The news is a welcome development for Pacquiao, who now has the green light to pursue even bigger fights, including potential matchups against younger, high-profile opponents like Gervonta Davis or

Rolando “Rolly” Romero.

During his prime, Pacquiao was accused by several opponents of using performance-enhancing drugs, with critics arguing that a boxer who started in the light flyweight

division couldn’t possibly remain competitive at higher weights like middleweight without external help. Against Barrios — at age 46 — Pacquiao was still remarkably competitive.

Despite the official result, a split draw, Pacquiao made a compelling case that he’s still a force to be reckoned with. One judge scored it 115113 for Barrios, while the other two had it even at 114-114.

“I thought I won the fight,” Pacquiao said after the fight. “It was close. He’s a tough opponent. I tried to finish strong, but he kept coming.” Pacquiao’s return was anything but disappointing. From his trademark power punches to his clean bill of health, the performance sent a clear message that he is far from done. Both Pacquiao and Barrios have expressed interest in a rematch

bracketed with Malaysia, Tajikistan, Syria

THE Philippines has been bracketed in Group

A with Malaysia, Tajikistan and Syria in the coming qualification matches of the 2026 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup

This will be the second time that the Philippine Football Federation will send a squad to the tournament, which will have its 10th edition.

Officials confirmed the status of the Philippines in the coming event from a livestreamed draw of lots, held Thursday in Kuala Lumpur.

The Filipinas will fight to gain entry into the main draw during a series of single-round qualification matches to be held between October 9 to 17.

The tournament proper will be held in China from April 30 to May 17 2026.

For the first time, 12 teams will be selected to compete in the tournament.

The top four teams of the tournament will qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco as the AFC representatives.

North Korea is the defending champion.

Meanwhile, Iran and Lebanon is in Group B, with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, while Indonesia and Myanmar in Group C with Mongolia and Macau. Vietnam was put in Group D with Hong Kong and Guam, while Australia, Singapore and Northern Marianas are in Group E. Thailand, Nepal and Turkmenistan will clash in Group F. India is with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyztan in Group G, while Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei will slug it out with Jordan in Group H.

HOKA Rocket X 3 popular among world’s top triathletes

IT won’t be surprising if the HOKA Rocket X 3, especially built for speed, stability and comfort, will be among the shoes used by some of the top triathletes from all over the world competing in the Ironman 70.3 LapuLapu City Cebu on Sunday.

After all, the Rocket series made by the leading global running shoe company has proven to be a popular choice by some of the elite campaigners in the grueling ultra marathon, among them Swiss 10-time women’s world Ironman champion

Daniela Ryf.

At 36 years old, Ryf wore the Rocket X3 prototype pair of shoes in the final leg of the swim-bike run event, boosting her to fifth overall in the 2023 edition in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, according to the respected Triathlete website.

“Wearing a pair of HOKA Rocket X3 prototype shoes—which included a new supercritical foam midsole package and a Rocket X2 upper—she moved up during the first half of the run (1:28:52 split) before slowing slightly over the second half (1:33:19),” the Triathlete report said.

On the other hand, the Ironman World Championship staged in the picturesque city of Nice, France last year saw six entries of

the top 25 use the running wear, including British veteran Nikki Bartlett, who wore the HOKA Carbon Rocket 2 in springing to fifth place overall.

“Bartlett wore a pair of greenand-yellow HOKA Carbon Rocket 2s, a carbon-plated super shoe with a dual-density PEBA-based foam midsole that produces a bouncy, explosive, and forward-propelling sensation in each stride,” the Triathlete reported.

Given that the third and final stage – a 21.1-kilometer run - of the Ironman 70.3 more often than not separates the contenders from the also-rans, having shoes that can provide an added edge in speed and explosiveness could spell the difference, which is why the Rocket X 3 fits the bill.

A review by independent and influential trade magazine 365 Rider (https://magazine.365rider.com/

en/Review-of-the-Hoka-RocketX-3--ideal-for-racing-with-stability) noted that the shoe meets these requirements.

“HOKA Rocket X 3 arrives with

a clear mission: convert the energy of each stride into real, explosive progress,” the article noted.

“With a redesign focused on competitive performance, this shoe takes a leap forward from its predecessor by incorporating an updated carbon plate, dual-density PEBA foam and a grippy sole designed to offer confidence in every support,” it added.

“The core of the Rocket X 3 is a dual-density PEBA midsole, a material that is becoming more and more common in super sneakers due to its incredible ability to absorb and return energy,” the review pointed out.

“This version uses a perfectly calibrated combination: a softer layer at the base for comfort and a firmer layer on top that channels forward momentum.”

The report acknowledged that

“the Rocket X 3 isn’t a shoe for everything. It demands pace, technique, and purpose, but rewards you with stability, lightness, and energy efficiency,” which is just right for triathletes ”who need a model stable due to fatigue but at the same time speed.” Local runners were able to check out the sneakers during a clinic of HOKA Run Club at the UP Diliman track and field oval over the weekend.

Manny Pacquiao

Princess Superal nally breaks through, edging Sarah Ababa in a nerve-wracking sudden-death playo to capture the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship crown in dramatic fashion. Manny Marcelo

Julia Lua

Daniela Ryf

2.2%

Manufacturing growth in June

3.4% 76.6%

Manufacturing growth in May

Factory capacity utilization rate

eased to 2.2% in June

THE Philippine manufacturing sector posted a slower growth in June 2025, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Data from the PSA showed that the volume of production index (VoPI) recorded a slower year-onyear increase of 2.2 percent in June, compared to 3.4 percent in May 2025. In June 2024, the VoPI for manufacturing rose 3.8 percent.

The top three industry divisions contributing to the overall year-onyear growth rate of VoPI were food products; transport equipment; and computer, electronic and optical products.

For manufacture of food products, the annual growth rate of VoPI climbed to 26.3 percent in June 2025 from 15.5 percent in May 2025. Meanwhile, the value of production index (VaPI) registered a slower annual increase of 1.8 percent in June 2025 from 3.1 percent in May 2025. In June 2024, the VaPI saw an annual increase of 3.6 percent.

The volume of net sales index (VoNSI) registered a slower annual increase of 5.9 percent in June 2025 relative to its annual increment of 6.5 percent in May 2025, while the value of net sales index registered a slower year-on-year increase of 5.4 percent in June 2025 from 6.1 percent in May 2025.

Based on responding establishments, the average capacity utilization rate for the manufacturing in June 2025 was reported at 76.6 percent, lower than 77.0 percent in May 2025, but higher than 74.9 percent in June 2024.

All industry divisions reported capacity utilization rates of more than 60.0 percent during the month.

Filipino exporters hopeful on reduction of US tariffs

By Othel V. Campos

THE business sector remains optimistic that the United States will further ease tariffs on Philippine exports amid the strong and enduring alliance between the two countries.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president

Enunina Mangio said in an interview on the sidelines of the Metro Manila Business Conference 2025 that the business community remains optimistic that ongoing negotiations will lead to reduced US tariff rates for Philippine goods.

“For me, it’s not final yet. Tariff provisions keep changing, but I believe they will go down. We’ve already given so much to the US government. Now it’s time they offer us the same level of consideration,” she said.

She said that while the Philippines is still working on a formal free trade agreement with the US, it has long acted in good faith as a strategic partner and friend, granting the US access and trade advantages across various sectors.

“We are allies. We are not enemies. Our friendship has already reached this level. Surely, that should merit preferential treatment. Let them look at us now as a future partner worthy of fair trade parity,” she said.

Mangio said other ASEAN countries like Cambodia have already secured lower tariffs, and it is only

The

“Our exporters are serious and committed, but we need to improve our logistics infrastructure to become more competitive. At the end of the day, the Americans are the end-users. If

remain high, they’re the ones who will pay more,” Mangio said.

PCCI

By Thony Rose Lesaca

By Jenniffer B. Austria

the BSP said. “The BSP remains committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and inclusive digital finance ecosystem for all Filipinos,” it said.

STATE-RUN Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said Thursday it recorded P53.5 billion in investments in the first seven months of 2025, reflecting a 64-percent increase from the same period last year. The investments are expected to generate about 7,000 new jobs across BCDA-managed economic zones, particularly in New Clark City and Camp John Hay.

“These numbers represent opportunities for thousands of Filipinos and signal the private sector’s trust in our vision of building resilient, smart, and inclusive cities,” BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang said in a statement.

Major investors include Science Park of the Philippines, Sta. Clara International-Saekyung Realty and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for projects in New Clark City. Ayala Land, Stern Real Estate and Amare La Cucina are among the companies investing in Camp John Hay. The BCDA said the growth supports the Marcos Jr. administration’s socioeconomic agenda, which focuses on job creation, regional development and improving the investment climate.

“As we drive progress in Central and Northern Luzon, we are proving that government-led development can attract private capital, unlock economic potential, and transform entire regions,” Bingcang said.

BCDA is a government agency responsible for converting former military bases and properties into economic hubs.

LOCAL shares declined Thursday as investors digested the second-quarter GDP (gross domestic product) report. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index slipped by 5.96 points, or 0.09 percent, to close at 6,364.69. The broader all shares index dipped 3.90 points, or 0.10 percent, to 3,776.06.

The peso, however, strengthened to P56.97 versus the US dollar from 57.475.

“Economic growth came in at 5.5 percent, posting a marginal improvement from the prior quarter’s 5.4 percent and slower than the same period last year,” said Japhet Tantiangco, research head at Philstocks Financial Inc. Tantiangco added that investors also grew cautious after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 100 percent tariff on semiconductor and chip imports, with the exception of firms producing in the U.S. Four of the six sectoral indexes ended in the red. The services sector rose 2.05 percent, and the financial sector gained 0.62 percent. The industrial sector declined 1.53 percent, followed by holding firms, which fell 1.38 percent. Property and mining and oil also went down by 0.24 percent and 0.01 percent, respectively.

Value turnover reached P5.66 billion, lower than the year-to-date average of P5.83 billion. Foreign investors were net buyers with inflows of P153.38 million.

International Container Terminal Services Inc. was the day’s top gainer, rising 2.07 percent to P494. Monde Nissin Corp. was the main index laggard, declining 9.81 percent to P7.17. Jenniffer B. Austria

Megaworld to open 7 new hotels in 5 years

these areas.

THE Board of Investments (BOI) announced the signing of the solar floaters supply agreement for the 1,300-megawatt Laguna Lake Floating Solar Project on July 22, 2025 at the Brittany Hotel, Bonifacio Global City.

The deal brings together SunAsia Energy Inc., BlueSolar Holdings Inc., Sungrow FPV Sci. & Tech. Co. Ltd. and Taison Industrial Corp. Under the agreement, Taison will locally manufacture and deploy 75,000 solar floaters to support an initial 50-MW rollout through the country’s first green factory dedicated to renewable energy infrastructure.

The initiative, endorsed by the BOI under its Green Lane initiative (pursuant to Executive Order No. 18), is the largest planned floating solar facility in the Philippines. It introduces innovative floating solar technology and revitalizes domestic manufacturing by leveraging local expertise in large-scale blow molding for infrastructure-grade components.

The BOI expressed its full support for the initiative, which it said aligns with national efforts to increase renewable energy capacity, strengthen local supply chains, and attract strategic investments that foster inclusive and innovation-driven growth.

The agency also recognized the project’s contribution to job creation, skills development, and sustainability-led industrial transformation.

Othel V. Campos

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. through its hospitality arm Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, is set to open seven new hotels across the country by 2030 as part of its expansion plan to reach 9,000 accommodation room keys within the next five years.

The new developments will add over 2,500 rooms to the company’s growing portfolio and will be located in key tourism and business destinations nationwide.

The planned hotels include the 554-room Chancellor Hotel in Boracay Newcoast; the 404-room Belmont Hotel Iloilo in Iloilo Business Park; the 300-room The Kingsford in The Upper East Bacolod; the 304-room Savoy Hotel Palawan and the 313room Paragua Sands in Paragua Coastown, San Vicente, Palawan; the 373room Savoy Capital Town in Capital Town, San Fernando, Pampanga; and the 339-room ArcoVia Hotel in ArcoVia City, Pasig City. These projects will rise across Megaworld’s integrated township developments, supporting both local tourism and economic growth in

The company now operates 13 hotels with about 6,000 rooms in Metro Manila, Tagaytay, Cebu and Boracay.

“The inclusion of international hotels in our portfolio will further cement our position as the largest hotel operator in the country for both local and international hotels. Through this expansion program, we aim to continue to further grow and strengthen our contribution to the Philippine tourism industry,” said Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, president and chief executive of Megaworld.

The company is also teaming up with global hospitality brand Accor to rebrand several of its existing hotels, further strengthening its presence in the international hotel market.

MONDE Nissin Corp., a maker of instant noodles and biscuits, reported a 7.2 percent decline in core net income for shareholders in the first half of 2025, falling to P4.7 billion from P5.1 billion in the same period last year.

In the second quarter, core net income dropped by 18.5 percent to P1.8 billion, down from P2.2 billion ast year.

The company attributed the decline to lower gross profit margins in its Asia-Pacific Branded Food and Beverage segment and a foreign exchange loss in the second quarter.

Reported net income for the first half, however, rose 7.8 percent to P4.4 billion. For the second quarter, reported net income jumped 174.8 percent to P1.7 billion, compared to P611 million last year.

The company said this was driven by a significantly lower non-cash loss of P15 million on the fair value of the Meat Alternative guaranty asset, which was a P1.5 billion loss last year. Sales from the Asia-Pacific branded food business grew 4.6 percent in the

CEBU Landmasters Inc. (CLI), a property developer in the Visayas and Mindanao regions of the Philippines, is raising P3 billion through a sustainability-linked notes facility.

The company said in a disclosure that the notes have a tenor of seven and 10 years and are being sold to institutional buyers, including BPI Asset Management and Trust Corp., the Social Security System (SSS), and Sun Life Investment Management Corp.

CLI plans to use the proceeds for real estate development and general corporate purposes,

first half to 34.9 billion pesos and 5 percent in the second quarter, driven by volume growth in biscuits and culinary products.

The domestic business grew 5.3 percent for the first half, with secondquarter growth at 6.4 percent.

“Our APAC BFB business delivered modest topline growth in the second quarter, driven by volume growth in biscuits and culinary, and so far, this quarter, we have experienced good growth across all our APAC BFB domestic categories with

aligning with its sustainability framework. BPI Capital Corp. was the sole arranger and bookrunner for the transaction. BPI Asset Management and Trust Corp. served as the facility agent and paying agent. Since its 2017 listing on the Philippine Stock Exchange, CLI has utilized various financial instruments, including its first bond offering in 2022 and preferred shares listing in 2024.

Earlier this year, the company also raised P3 billion from its first sustainability-linked bonds, which

P1-b benefits to community

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ATIMONAN One Energy Inc.’s planned 1,200-megawatt ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plant is projected to provide significant benefits to the local community, with an estimated annual economic contribution of more than 1 billion pesos. This includes revenue from real property taxes and funding for community development initiatives. The plant is expected to generate enough power for at least 5 million households or the energy needs of approximately 1,000 hospitals.

The project is also expected to create as many as 6,000 jobs during construction and around 300 long-term positions once the plant is operational. The new power source will account for about 7 percent of Luzon’s total energy demand, playing a crucial role in strengthening the country’s energy security and potentially lowering electricity costs by P12 billion annually.

“We are not just building a power plant — we are helping build communities,” said Lino Bernardo, chief operating officer of Meralco PowerGen Corp.’s thermal arm, MGEN, which is the parent company of A1E.

“We are committed to making sure the people of Quezon are the first to benefit from the opportunities this project will create. That means investing in their training, hiring locally and working with government partners like TESDA to build lasting skills that go beyond construction.”

MGEN executives recently met with Quezon Gov. Helen Tan, highlighting their intention to begin construction and prioritize hiring workers from within the province.

July being the best month of the year so far,” said Henry Soesanto, Monde Nissin’s chief executive.

“While we have experienced pressure on our Q2 gross margin, we have implemented a range of pricing and cost-saving initiatives addressing this,” he added. “We expect gross margin will improve in the second half of the year compared to the first half; however, full-year gross margin is expected to be lower than last year, reflecting ongoing input cost pressures.” Jenniffer B. Austria

were listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp.

As part of its sustainability efforts, CLI last month launched its first solar-integrated residential development, Casa Mira Homes GenSan. The 21-hectare project offers 1,218 solar-ready units. Some models include built-in 2.2-kilowatt panels that can store up to 5 kilowatt-hours, potentially cutting monthly household energy costs by an estimated

BUSINESS

99-MW South Cotabato solar project starts construction

By Alena Mae S. Flores

APOLAKI Seven Inc. and German firm ib vogt GmbH broke ground Thursday on the 99-megawatt Tantangan Solar Project in South Cotabato, a move that officials say will provide cleaner, more sustainable energy for Mindanao.

“Today, we do more than break ground on a state-of-the-art solar facility — we celebrate a vital step toward our national energy aspirations

under the National Renewable Energy Program,” Department of Energy Undersecretary Mylene Capongcol said during the ceremony. “This project

contributes meaningfully to our goal of increasing the renewable energy share in our power mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.”

The solar initiative is expected to reduce carbon emissions while providing clean, reliable energy to more than 82,000 homes.

The project will generate more than 150,000 megawatt-hours of clean electricity annually, which is estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 66,000 metric tons per year.

The facility is expected to provide

wide-ranging benefits to Mindanao, including less reliance on imported fossil fuels, strengthened energy security and increased employment.

The first phase of the project, a 40-megawatt portion, was awarded under the Green Energy Auction Program 2 (GEA-2) and is scheduled for completion by Dec. 31, 2026.

This initial phase will mark a significant step towards realizing the project’s full potential and delivering its promised benefits to the people of Mindanao.

PWS Pampanga cleanup drive strengthens waste management efforts

PRIME Waste Solutions (PWS) Pampanga and Prime Infra Foundation held a cleanup drive on Aug. 1 in Barangay Planas, Porac, Pampanga, to promote responsible waste management.

A total of 129 volunteers participated, including representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-MENRO), PWS Pampanga, Prime Infra Foundation, the Barangay Planas Council, Planas National High School, and members of the community.

According to DENR-MENRO, volunteers collected about 1,000 kilograms of waste from the

creek near the barangay hall and high school.

Bernadette Tan, Prime Infra Foundation’s programs and operations head, noted that cleanups are often challenging for communities, especially after typhoons.

Barangay Planas Captain Alfer Nacu said cleanup drives help keep the community clean, which is crucial during the rainy season to prevent the spread of dengue fever.

He thanked all participants, including PWS Pampanga, and expressed hope that the initiative would continue.

“I hope these joint cleanup drives of ours

continue so we can keep our barangay clean,” Nacu said.

Manila Standard TODAY

Francis Hernandez from DENR-MENRO in Porac emphasized that proper waste disposal is a basic obligation for everyone and highlighted the importance of “segregation at source” to reduce the volume of waste.

“Thank you so much po sa Prime Waste Solutions,” Hernandez said.

“We are looking for such sectors or private companies — partners who help us in our work to protect our environment. Thank you very much for your initiatives like this cleanup drive.”

NEWLY-INSTALLED Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairman Francis Saturnino Juan vowed the commission will help resolve the power supply situation in Siquijor.

“That is one of the first things the commission will discuss under my terms because there is urgency about it,” Juan said during a turnover ceremony at the ERC office in Ortigas.

“We will study what is the best way to protect the interests of the consumers of Siquijor.” Juan takes over for Monalisa Dimalanta, who resigned effective Aug. 8, 2025. Dimalanta said during the ceremony

DMCI’s income fell 27% to P4b in second quarter

CALATAGAN. Ortigas Land launches Costa Calatagan, a 45-hectare mixeduse leisure estate located along a 424-meter beachfront in Calatagan, Batangas. Shown is the clubhouse of the leisure estate.

to meaningful value for our stakeholders in the long run,” said DMCI Holdings chairman and chief executive Isidro Consunji. Coal mining and power generation unit Semirara Mining and Power Corp. contributed P2.3 billion to total earnings in the second quarter of the year, down 32 percent from P3.4 billion, as soft energy market conditions drove down selling prices.

Record-high second-quarter coal shipments and power sales partially mitigated the impact.

DMCI Homes contributed P678 million, an 8-percent decline from P737 million due to higher operating and finance costs.

Maynilad Water Services Inc. grew its contribution by 33 percent to P973 million, from P732 million, driven by higher average effective tariff and prudent cost management.

DMCI Power delivered P374 million, up 5 percent from P355 million, on higher energy sales and the addition of new bunker-fired and wind power capacities in Palawan and Antique, respectively. Meanwhile, DMCI Mining returned to profitability with a net income of P344 million, from P43million net loss a year earlier. Jenniffer B. Austria

that the power plants of SIPCOR, which supplies power to the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative Inc. (PROSIELCO), are still not fully operational. The ERC held a public hearing last month to formalize its investigation into the power situation in the province. According to Dimalanta, the ERC is set to receive the technical team’s report on SIPCOR’s power plants. This will enable the ERC, under Juan, to act on a show-cause order issued against SIPCOR. The ERC, in its recommended action on the Siquijor power situation, directed

SIPCOR and PROSIELCO to comply with their obligations under the original power supply agreement, which was approved on Dec. 17, 2012. That agreement included a clause stating that in the event of downtime, SIPCOR must provide replacement power from a backup supply. The commission also resolved to issue a separate order directing SIPCOR, PROSIELCO and the National Power Corp. (NPC) to fulfill their responsibilities under relevant laws and regulations, including ensuring payments to suppliers are validated and crosschecked against ERC-approved contracts. Alena Mae S. Flores

Prime Waste Solutions (PWS) Pampanga and Prime Infra Foundation holds a cleanup drive in Barangay Planas, Porac, Pampanga on Aug. 1, 2025. About 1,000 kilograms of waste were collected from the said activity joined by Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, Barangay Planas Council, Planas National High School and members of the community

By Darwin G. Amojelar

DEPARTMENT of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said the government is committed to universal healthcare, citing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Zero Balance Billing policy for Department of Health (DOH) hospitals and the aggressive expansion of benefit packages by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

“The government is committed to maximizing its resources to ensure that no Filipino is denied healthcare because of the rising costs of medical

treatment,” Recto said. He said this commitment was the “overarching message” of President Marcos and a central theme of his

most recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“The marching orders of the President have always been clear. ‘Wala dapat natutulog na pondo habang may mga Pilipinong may sakit.’ We hope PhilHealth continues to expand its benefit packages, especially now that it has more than enough in its war chest to make a real difference,” Recto said.

Recto said PhilHealth is implementing the most significant expansion of benefit packages in the history of the Universal Health Care program.

“Our goal has always been to make every hard-earned peso of the Filipino

taxpayer count—for the people, for their families, and for their health,” he said.

Among PhilHealth’s latest expanded benefits for Filipinos are the increased package rate for breast cancer patients, which rose from P100,000 to P1.4 million or a 1,300-percent jump to cover all stages of the illness.

For dialysis patients, the President revealed in his SONA that sessions and medications are now free for an entire year. Before, benefits for Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) were only P270,000, but the government has extended this by 370 percent, covering from P25,000 up to P1,269,000.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

By Thony Rose Lesaca

TOTAL agricultural trade in the Philippines grew 8.5 percent to $2.18 billion in June 2025 from a year ago on the back of higher exports, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Wednesday.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that agricultural imports had the largest share of 67.0 percent or $1.46 billion to the total agricultural trade, while exports accounted for the remaining 33.0 percent valued at $721.09 million.

This brought down the total balance of trade to a deficit of $742.38 million in June.

Agricultural exports increased by 24.7 percent in June, while agricultural imports rose 1.9 percent.

Cereals accounted for the highest value of imports in June, contributing $273.09 million to the total value of agricultural imports.

Malaysia was the country’s lead trading partner for exports among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), while Netherlands led as a major trading partner in the European Union (EU). Vietnam was the leading supplier of agricultural products to the Philippines among other ASEAN countries.

IN BRIEF

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said Thursday it filed criminal complaints against 23 corporations, 56 corporate officers and 17 certified public accountants for alleged tax evasion.

The cases, filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ), are part of a broader crackdown on the use of “ghost receipts”—fraudulent documents used to create the appearance of legitimate business expenses to lower tax payments.

The BIR said the scheme has resulted in P1.41 billion in lost taxes.

“We have filed another set of criminal cases against those who use ghost receipts, all of whom are involved in

the use of ghost receipts to evade taxes, said BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. in a statement.

The criminal complaints allege multiple violations, including tax evasion, failure to supply accurate information, perjury and false reporting. The accused corporations span various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, food, electronics and retail.

According to the BIR, these companies obtained suspicious purchase receipts from “ghost corporations” that exist only on paper without actual business operations or assets.

The bureau noted that it has already

secured victories in similar cases. The DOJ earlier issued resolutions against several companies including Redington Corp., Decarish Supertrade Inc., Buildforce Trading Inc., Crazykitchen Foodtrade Corp., Everpacific Inc., Unimaker Enterprise Inc., E.D. Buenviaje Builders Inc., Equator Energy Corp., Total Metal Corp., Gammon Resources Inc., Limhuaco Metal Industrial Inc., CHK Steel Inc., Infinity Dynamic Systems and Solutions Inc., Synergy Sales International Corp., Hilmarc’s Construction Corp., Crystal Merchandising Corp., Systech Lighting and Controls Inc. and VoltTeas Five Inc.

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Thursday its gross international reserves (GIR) slightly dropped to $105.7 billion in July 2025 from the $106.0 billion in June.

This was due to lower global gold prices and reduced foreign currency deposits of the national government with the central bank to service external debt obligations, it said in a statement. Net international reserves also decreased to $105.7 billion as of endJuly from $106.0 billion in the previous month. Foreign reserves consist of for-

eign-denominated securities, foreign exchange and other assets including gold, which help finance a country’s imports and foreign debt obligations, stabilize currency and buffer against external economic shocks. The BSP said the latest GIR level provides a “robust external liquidity buffer” that can finance 7.2 months worth of imports of goods, services payments, and primary income.

“Moreover, it covers about 3.4 times the country’s short-term external debt

business forum, with the participation of

of

and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. The event is attended by Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola and

such as the Director General of the Ministry of Economy and Industry, Moti Gamish, senior officials of the Philippine government and senior representatives from the local business market.

LANDBANK SCHOLARSHIP. Land Bank of the Philippines and the University of the Philippines (UP) sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide employee-funded scholarships, faculty development grants and campus-wide digital banking services. Leading the signing ceremony on Aug. 1, 2025 at UP Diliman in Quezon City are UP president Angelo Jimenez (seated, fourth from left) and LandBank executive vice president Leila Martin (fifth from left).

Topline investing P150m in Boracay ticketing system

TOPLINE Hi Tech and Synergy

Corp., a subsidiary of Topline Equity Corp., has invested P150 million to roll out a new Unified Automated Ticketing System (UATS) at Boracay’s entry and exit ports.

“We began our port automation journey with Pier 88, the first smart port in Central Visayas. With LezzGo, and through the discussions facilitated by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, we are bringing improved efficiency and convenience to Boracay by transforming its main ports into smart ports,” Eugene Erik Lim, president and chief execute of Topline Hi Tech said.

“Beyond innovation, we are also directing a portion of our collected convenience fees to support Boracay’s civil society groups in

MOVE IT brings social protection closer to riders

MOVE IT is strengthening its commitment to providing viable livelihoods and social protection for its rider-partners as it becomes the first motorcycle taxi platform in the Philippines to subsidize Pag-IBIG Monthly Savings for top-performing riders.

The program marks a landmark step toward making statesponsored welfare programs more accessible to platform workers in the country’s rapidly expanding mobility sector.

The program covers high-achieving riders in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro, identified through strict metrics on service quality, safety performance, and productivity.

It gives qualified MOVE IT riderpartners access to Pag-IBIG Fund’s full range of financial services — from affordable home financing and short-term loans to its high-yield MP2 savings program — giving thousands of platform workers a pathway to long-term security.

To avail of the subsidy, drivers must have their Pag-IBIG Membership ID (MID) number linked to their MOVE IT profiles. Qualified riders can then apply through a dedicated portal within their driver app, which will cross-reference their performance records and uploaded Pag-IBIG Fund membership details.

“In our ongoing conversations with our community leaders and riderpartners, the message is clear: more than just a fair income, it is important for them to have the freedom and ability to choose the type of social protection that fits their needs and dreams,” Wayne Jacinto, MOVE IT general manager said.

To make social protection more accessible for both two-wheel and four-wheel drivers, MOVE IT and Grab have designated satellite-office spaces for SSS, PhilHealth, and PagIBIG Fund at the Asenso Center in Marikina — a hub for onboarding and training programs for current and aspiring driver-partners. The partnership with the agencies also covers ‘Social Protection 101’ courses geared at empowering platform workers to voluntarily contribute to long-term financial security and planning.

coordination with the Provincial Government. This is our way of supporting sustainable tourism by empowering communities handin-hand with improved tourist experience,” he added.

Developed in close consultation with local government and tourism stakeholders, LezzGo integrates the terminal fee, environmental fee, boat fare, and passenger manifest in a single QR-coded digital transaction.

The system significantly reduces processing time from the previous 30 to 40 minutes to just around 10 to 15 minutes, enabling orderly and seamless travel to Boracay. With the integration of digital passenger manifests, LezzGo promotes advanced safety monitoring and traceable boarding records.

Topline Hi Tech’s LezzGo fully

chief financial officer; Aklan

Miraflores; Judilyn Quiachon, Tourism Assistant Secretary for regional coordination and convergence; Eugene Erik Lim, president and chief executive officer; and Brigitte Carmel Lim, senior vice president.

automates the ticketing and fee collection at the main ports of Caticlan and Cagban, while it operates partially in Tabon and Tambisaan, which serve as alternate ports depending on weather conditions.

The project is exclusively focused on ticket automation and fee collection, with the operational management of terminals remaining under the respective local government units.

The company expects the platform to process over 10,000 passengers daily at the main ports, up from the current 5,000 to 6,000 passengers under manual operations, increasing the ports’ capacity to accommodate more tourists. The LezzGo platform initially operates as a web-based registration system where tourists can input trip details, pay required fees, and

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the Davao Public Transport Modernization Program in Davao City is on track for partial operations by 2027, transforming Mindanao’s public transport landscape.

Mark Steven Pastor, DOTr

Undersecretary for road transport and infrastructure, said over DOTr’s Sakay Na! radio program on Radyo Pilipinas that the civil works for the project began three weeks ago.

“This project will really change the transportation landscape in Davao,” he said.

The high-quality bus-based transportation system will have a core service lane connecting major commercial centers, nine feeder routes, eight routes to inner urban

generate a QR code for ticket issuance.

LezzGo’s web system runs on any smart devices (computer, laptop, tablet and smart phone). A dedicated LezzGo mobile application is scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2026.

Further enhancing the accessibility of tourists to LezzGo, the Company has also earmarked P50 million for the deployment of automated ticketing kiosks, which are expected to be operational within the same period.

“What makes this project even more valuable is how it strengthens the entire Topline ecosystem. Our experience here enables knowledge transfer that enhances the backend systems of our other business units, including Light Fuels, a subsidiary of our listed arm, Top Line Business Development Corp., which like LezzGo serves consumers directly. This is a step forward on how we continue to integrate technology across our group’s operations,” Lim said.

Modern transport systems to transform Davao, Cebu to

Worth P73.4 billion, the Davao Bus will likewise complement the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), utilizing modern buses compliant with PUVMP standards. The DPTMP will also utilize 386 electric buses, 531 regular and 188 mini-buses.

areas and links between outer rural areas and terminals in Davao City, Panabo City and Davao del Norte.

Inspired by the EDSA Busway, the DPTMP is a similar bus rapid transit system separated from normal road traffic in most of its stretch by concrete barriers on the innermost lane.

Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the 672-kilometer DPTMP will create a network of efficient PUV operations across Metro Davao and nearby communities.

Cavite govt, MPT South bring back

THE Provincial Government of Cavite and MPT South, the company behind the CALAX and CAVITEX expressways, have relaunched the Cavite Tourism Passport. The new version of the passport features more engaging mechanics to encourage locals and tourists to explore the province.

In partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) CALABARZON and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), this year’s edition features over 100 DOTaccredited establishments across

MOVE

The project will carry about 800,000 passengers per day.

The agency will also construct about 1,000 bus stops along bus corridors with shelters to protect passengers from the weather and construct five bus depots and three bus terminals, and establish a bus driving school.

Meanwhile, Pastor said that the Cebu Bus Transit Phase 1 will be partially operational in September to further ease congestion in the province.

Cavite Tourism Passport

Cavite, categorized into Staycation, Adventure, Food, and Heritage destinations.

So, what’s new? A point-based system that gamifies the journey. Instead of simply collecting stamps, travelers will now earn points as they visit each accredited spot. To qualify for exclusive rewards, you must complete all four categories and reach at least 700 points between August 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.

As a bonus, attending local festivals also earns you extra points, making it the perfect excuse to

experience Cavite’s rich culture firsthand. So, whether you’re craving a bowl of authentic pancit pusit in Cavite, planning a nature escape in Maragondon, or looking to time your trip with a town fiesta, there’s something for every kind of traveler.

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

The construction for the Cebu Capitol station will follow, after finalizing its detailed engineering design to make it a median station from the previous curbside configuration.

Phases 2A and 3A of the BRT which are composed of 13 stations and 62 bus stops will be completed before the President’s term ends in 2028. Darwin G. Amojelar

“This initiative reflects our commitment to building more than roads—we’re helping connect people to stories, culture, and communities,” Arlette V. Capistrano, vice president for Communication and Stakeholder Management at MPT South said. New

supports regional tourism with ‘Explore Asean’ SNAP! campaign

MOVE, Asean’s homegrown online travel agency (OTA) platform, launched its “Explore Asean” SNAP! (Flight + Hotel) campaign in celebration of the upcoming ASEAN Day. The announcement was made during the ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) and Related Meetings held today in Boracay, Philippines.

The campaign offers bundled flight and hotel deals, designed to

encourage more seamless, affordable, and accessible travel across Southeast Asia. In the spirit of ASEAN Day, “Explore Asean” invites travellers to discover the region’s vibrant cultures, hidden gems, and unique experiences through the MOVE app. Travellers can also enjoy P 720 off their SNAP! bookings by using the promo code SNAPNOW on the app. As an OTA born in Asean and for Asean, MOVE connects travellers to over 700 airlines, one million hotels, airport transfers, travel insurance, and even concerts and sport events— all through one mobile-first app designed for the new generation of Asean travellers. Representing MOVE at the meeting was Dana Tan, Head of Growth Partnerships, who shared the deeper meaning of the campaign. “It reflects our active commitment to making travel more inclusive, more affordable, and more meaningful for everyone in the region. And at MOVE, our goal is simple: to enable everyone to Travel More for Less.” She continued, “Explore Asean isn’t just about offering deals, it’s about opening doors for ASEAN citizens to discover more of what our amazing region has to offer. Asean is not just a collection of countries, but a connected future waiting to happen.”

Department of Tourism, Provincial Government of Aklan, Municipal Government of Malay, and Topline Hi Tech lead the ribbon cutting ceremony and blessing of LezzGo Boracay, marking the official launch of Boracay’s smart port ticketing system.From left: Phoebe Zelie Areño, Tourism Region VI assistant regional director; laywer Constance Marie Lim, first vice president and

Governor Jose Enrique

Cavite Tourism Passport

Mark Steven Pastor, DOTr Undersecretary for road transport and infrastructure

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

JASMINE Omay took on the challenge and responsibility of wearing the crown and sash of Universal Woman Philippines 2025 after her designation as the country’s representative in the 3rd edition of the Universal Woman 2025 pageant, replacing Sophia Bianca Santos. The international competition will be held on Aug. 11 in Jaipur, India. Santos, who is only 20, could not meet the age eligibility required to compete in Universal Woman 2025, where contestants must be between 25 and 45 years old. The 27-year-old Omay and Santos competed in Miss World Philippines 2024, where they won first and second princess, respectively. Santos will instead compete in the Miss Elite World 2025 pageant in Egypt, as announced by Universal Woman Philippines national director and AVL Pageant Circle president Arnold Vegafria

A model and event host, Omay is a graduate in Business Administration and Management, and completed a private pilot license course at OMNI Airline Training Academy in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, as part of her prizes for

Are Pinoy viewers ready for AI-powered films?

Filmmaker Raymond Red weighs in on challenges and potential of emerging tool

By Jasper Valdez

THE 6th CINEGOMA Film Festival may soon open its doors to AIgenerated content as organizers explore the possibility of launching a special category dedicated to the controversial technology.

At the press launch held July 30 at Sine Pop in Cubao, awardwinning filmmaker and festival creative consultant Raymond Red confirmed that discussions are underway on how to handle AI’s growing presence in filmmaking.

While still in the early planning stages, Red said the idea is gaining traction as the landscape of cinema continues to evolve.

“It’s a very sensitive subject,” Red said during the panel.”Even Hollywood is brought to its knees because of AI. But it’s not something we can avoid—it’s inevitable. What’s important is how we use the tool.”

Known for his advocacy for short film and education, Red emphasized that the festival’s approach to an AI category would focus less on technical polish and more on concept.

“You can’t really judge those films based on acting or cinematography—it would be unfair,” he said. “What we should be recognizing is the prompting skill and the idea behind it. There’s still a human mind behind that.”

The AI category, if approved, would be the first of its kind in a local film festival. Festival founder and RK Rubber Enterprise CEO Xavier Cortez echoed Red’s sentiment, saying the inclusion is part of CINEGOMA’s forward-thinking mindset.

“Technology keeps changing, and we want the festival to grow with it,” Cortez said. “Even if we started as a rubber factory, that doesn’t mean our story ends there.”

CINEGOMA, a portmanteau of cinema and goma (rubber), started in 2019 as an internal film training project for RK Rubber employees. It has since evolved into a public short film festival that highlights Filipino grit and resilience, open to students, professionals, and even first-time storytellers with no film background. Red, who joined the festival earlier this year as creative consultant, said the shift toward inclusivity and experimentation in short filmmaking is necessary to keep the art form alive.

“People say the film industry is struggling—and it is—but cinema as an art is still very much alive,” Red said. “Even TikTok and YouTube are part of what we now consider the new cinema.” With the theme “May Kuwento Ang Bawat Laban,” this year’s CINEGOMA Film Festival calls on aspiring storytellers to submit original short films running 10 to 15 minutes, covering any subject except political or religious content.

To join, participants must follow all official RK Rubber social media pages. Cash prizes await the winners, with the 2025 edition set to open for entries later this year. The registration deadline is Aug. 15.

PH bet Jasmine Omay eyes back-to-back win at Universal Woman pageant

winning Miss Midori Clark 2018. Omay supports the CURE Foundation, Inc., a Cebu-based nonprofit organization that provides aftercare shelter for survivors of online exploitation, offering them a safe space to heal and recover from trauma and abuse.

“It is my pride to embody the grace, strength, and power of a Universal Woman. Join me as I embrace this journey to show the power of a Filipina who dreams, leads, and inspires,” said Omay, who will compete against forty-two contestants from around the world and aims for a back-to-back win to succeed compatriot and reigning Universal Woman Maria Gigante

The stage knows no borders for these Kapuso stars

By Jasper Valdez

GMA Network’s

Sparkle World Tour is once again going places, with a renewed mission to bring joy and a sense of home to overseas Filipinos.

At a media conference held on July 31 in Quezon City, veteran comedienne Ai-Ai delas Alas and actor Ruru Madrid spoke about the emotional weight of performing for kababayans abroad, especially those who’ve been away from the Philippines for years.

Network—to thank those who, even after 75 years, continue watching from abroad,” she told Manila Standard Entertainment

“Now we’re bringing happiness to them so they won’t miss their families, whom they haven’t seen in a long time.”

For Ruru, this year’s stop in Canada will be his third Sparkle World Tour, having joined previous legs. He said it’s always a humbling experience to connect with fellow Filipinos far from home.

“It feels great because we want to show them that they’re not forgotten. They’re also the ones who inspire us to keep working hard,” he said.

Fresh off winning Best Supporting Actor at The 8th EDDYS, Ruru said he’s excited to perform again for fans who continue to support him from abroad.

Ai-Ai also shared how lifestyle changes, like switching to an organic, gluten-free diet and keeping a regular workout routine, have helped her keep up with the demands of touring.

“I’m stronger now. The things I couldn’t do in my 30s, I can do [them] now,” she said with a laugh.

The Sparkle World Tour is part of GMA’s ongoing push to connect with global audiences through GMA Pinoy TV and live international events. Apart from Toronto and Calgary in Canada, no other 2025 stops have been officially announced.

Other Sparkle artists joining the tour include Kyline Alcantara, Jessica Villarubin, Boobay, and Pepita Curtis.

Ai-Ai, who has performed in past international shows, shared how deeply moved she gets when performing abroad.

“Especially during Christmas, you see Filipinos tearing up while you sing a Christmas song,” she said. “It’s really touching. I love that feeling of being able to reach them even from far away.”

She noted how Filipino fans overseas rarely get to see local artists in person, unlike in the Philippines, where celebrities are often spotted in malls or events.

“They don’t see you every day. There’s a different kind of impact when you can hug and shake hands with them in person,” she said, adding that being able to represent the Philippines abroad is something she takes to heart.

Ai-Ai also described the tour as GMA’s way of giving back to its global audience.

“This is also a way for GMA—not just GMA Pinoy TV but the entire GMA

“The energy they give back to us is incredible. When you return to the Philippines, you feel recharged and ready to work again,”

Beauty queen Jasmine Omay

CINEGOMA Festival creative consultant Raymond Red (left) and founder Xavier Cortez confirm plans to include an AI-generated film category in this year’s edition

Comedy queen Ai-Ai delas Alas

From left: Kapuso stars Jessica Villarubin, Boobay, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Ruru Madrid, and Pepita Curtis gear up to reconnect with overseas Filipinos through the Sparkle World Tour

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Jericho Rosales, Maris Racal

urge support for Filipino stories on the big screen

By Angelica Villanueva

JERICHO Rosales and Maris Racal called on Filipinos to rediscover the experience of watching local films in cinemas, saying it’s a powerful way to support both culture and the hardworking people behind the industry.

The two appeared as ambassadors at the grand media launch of the Maya Black Credit Card on Wednesday, Aug. 6, joining actress Julia Barretto for the brand’s debut campaign.

Both Jericho and Maris took the opportunity to also draw attention to the state of Philippine cinema.

Fresh from the international success of the critically acclaimed film Sunshine, Maris reflected on how the film’s global journey, from Toronto to Berlin, demonstrated the strength of Filipino storytelling.

“We actually premiered last year at Toronto International Film Festival. The film traveled internationally, and it hopped from one continent to another. And then, we won, actually, in Berlin. So, we’re very, very grateful. This goes to show that Filipino stories are very, very wellcelebrated,” the actress said.

For Maris, the next step is bringing that global momentum back home.

“The only way to go international is to go local. To love our own roots, our art, and our stories. We’re still promoting,

doing the best that we can so that a lot of Filipinos can watch it,” she added, thanking local viewers who have already supported Sunshine in theaters.

The film’s run in Philippine cinemas has also sparked conversation about the role of quality, marketing, and pricing in bringing audiences back to local theaters.

“Sunshine opened a conversation that people can come back to the cinemas—with the right marketing, the right pricing, and the right quality,” Maris continued.

Jericho, whose historical film Quezon is set to premiere later this year, agreed

By Nickie Wang

IT WAS a full house at the SMX Convention Center Manila as the Easy Brand Food and Beverage Fair 2025 returned on July 27 with bigger crowds, more innovation, and star power to match. Now in its third year, the one-day event drew more than 8,000 attendees, nearly double its expected turnout, bringing together food entrepreneurs, culinary professionals, and industry

showcasing all our products,” said Easy Brand founder and president Mark Wang. “With Easy, you don’t need to spend big to get quality.”

New product launches were a major draw. Visitors got a first look (and taste) at Easy Whipmate, a non-dairy cream for whipping and baking; Easy Signature Coffee Beans featuring blends from Atok and Tublay; Yuzu Flavored Syrup; Coffee Jelly; and EasyPro Cheese Sauce.

Celebrity guest Matteo Guidicelli, a food entrepreneur himself, headlined the event alongside Chef Boy Logro , who brought his trademark energy to the floor. Also joining were Easy Brand chefs Zhe Jacinto, CJ Dy, and Bam Piencenaves

“Easy is a trusted Filipino brand. It’s affordable and high quality— something every food business needs,” Guidicelli said.

“You’ll never go wrong with Easy Pro,” added Logro, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to make the most of accessible tools and training.

with that sentiment.

“We need to bring back that old culture. I know we’re used to staying at home now, but watching a film in a cinema is different. It’s about more than just the movie. It’s about the culture,” Jericho echoed.

He also emphasized that supporting local films means supporting a whole ecosystem.

“If you watch movies, you’re supporting culture—stories like Sunshine, stories about our athletes,

that captivated the audience with its excitement

our youth, the issues Filipinos face today, or history, like Manuel Quezon. You’re supporting people in our industry who are working more than 12 hours a day, especially the people behind the camera,” the actor explained.

Jericho also highlighted the emotional power of cinema in a digital age.

“I just like the feeling of cinema. Because most kids, I know a lot of kids feel alone. Even though we have social media and stuff. And being in the cinema makes you feel like, the spirit and the comforting feeling of cinema is so alive. It’s nice. It’s a great feeling,” he added.

Both actors said their efforts go beyond promoting individual projects.

“We’re not just inviting people to watch our films. We’re trying to bring back the culture of watching Filipino films. We do have spending power, we just need to know where to spend it,” Jericho continued.

Maris and Jericho were speaking at the launch event hosted by Maya, where they were unveiled as the faces of the new Maya Black Credit Card, which positions itself as a premium offering for a generation that values experiences.

Crowd-favorite competitions lit up the stage, including the Easy Culinary Cup, the Spirited Conversations beverage showdown, and the Sparkle and Shine Cake Creation Contest (Season 5). New this year: Whipmate to Perfection , a cream-based battle that had audiences cheering. Workshops and talks also tackled trending topics like sustainability, food innovation, and practical tips for small business growth— especially in cloud kitchens and mobile food setups.

Following its strong turnout in Manila, organizers confirmed that a Cebu leg of the fair is already in the works for 2026, aiming to bring Easy Brand’s hands-on approach to more entrepreneurs across the Philippines.

Early registration for the next run is encouraged, as slots are limited. For updates, visit facebook.com/ EasyBrandPH.

Digital bank Maya taps Jericho Rosales (left) and Maris Racal as its newest ambassadors

Jericho Rosales is set to portray former President Manuel L. Quezon in an upcoming biopic

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8,

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

ENGINEERING students from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) and Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) got a hands-on look at emerging communication technologies during a recent visit to the PLDT and Smart Technolab in Makati.

The Technolab, which serves as a testing ground for solutions not yet commercially available, showcased advanced tools and systems, including Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN), network disaggregation, cloudification, automation, extended reality, Wi-Fi sensing, and Internet of Things applications. “PLDT and Smart welcome the opportunity to share nextgen technologies with aspiring engineers. Not only do they learn about advancements in communications, but they also gain valuable knowledge from real-world experiences of our engineers,” said Radames Vittorio Zalameda, vice president and head of Wireless Network Strategy and Architecture at Smart.

For PLM, the visit builds on its involvement in the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP), an industry-academe initiative that connects students with realworld applications through Smart’s network and infrastructure. The visit also included a brief cybersecurity session aimed at educating students on how to avoid phishing and online scams under PLDT and Smart’s #BeCyberSmart campaign.

PLDT and Smart’s Technolab outreach is part of the group’s broader push to support inclusive, quality education and innovation in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on education and industry.

By Nickie Wang

ANNA Mae Yu Lamentillo walked across the stage of the Peacock Theatre on July 24, receiving her Master of Science in Cities from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She hopes the degree will help her contribute to reshaping how cities like Metro Manila are designed.

Filipino scholar applies global perspective to urban challenges

A public servant and an opinion columnist, Lamentillo is a Karay-a scholar and longtime policy advocate. She focused her research on how the widely discussed 15-minute city model could be adapted for the Philippine capital. Her study proposes a phased approach to development that takes into account Metro Manila’s informal settlements, dense urban centers, and sprawling suburbs.

“Inclusion is not optional; it’s essential,” she said. “Urban planning must consider the lived experiences of people— elders, persons with disabilities, single mothers, and children. Technocratic solutions alone won’t work.”

Her proposal highlights contextsensitive strategies that prioritize accessibility and climate resilience, such as sponge cities and permeable pavements—ideas she believes are overdue for serious consideration in Philippine urban policy.

Lamentillo’s wide-ranging academic background demonstrates her systems-based approach to public service. She earned a law degree from the University of the Philippines in 2020, completed executive education at Harvard Kennedy School in 2018, and graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines Los Baños with a degree in development communication. She is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in Major Programme Management at the University of Oxford.

She also leads NightOwl AI, a tech initiative that uses machine learning to help preserve endangered and morphologically complex languages.

A WISH is often the quiet hope that keeps us going. It could be something deeply personal, like healing, or something simple and sweet, like a day of peace or laughter. These longings, spoken or silent, help shape our choices, guide our moods, and pull us through the hardest seasons in life.

And when a wish is granted—whether by God, fate, or the Higher Being you believe in—it feels like the universe leaning in to say, “I see you.” It’s a blessing, no doubt. But perhaps an even greater blessing is to become a channel for someone else’s miracle.

This is the heart of Make-A-Wish® Philippines. For 25 years, the organization has granted life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses, giving them strength, joy, and something to fight for.

Now, in celebration of this milestone, the foundation is inviting the public to join two special fundraising initiatives that blend purpose with passion: Swing for Wishes and Create for Wishes.

Swing for wishes: Golf for a cause

Launching for the first time this year, Swing for Wishes is a charity golf tournament that invites players to turn their love for the sport into something far more meaningful. Proceeds from the event will go directly to helping fulfill the wishes of children who are

facing life-threatening medical conditions. Create for wishes: Art with heart If swinging a golf club isn’t your style, how about painting,

of Make-A-Wish Philippines, put it best: “With the dedication and support of golfing communities, local artistic communities, Wishmakers, and our partners, we hope to create more

sculpting, or flower arranging? Create for Wishes, another signature project for the 25th anniversary, invites the community to attend themed art workshops that directly support the foundation’s wishgranting mission. These workshops are reminders that art, in its many forms, can heal, connect, and give meaning—especially when shared in the spirit of generosity.

Wishes that heal Aleah Ortiz,

Executive Director

LSE Cities, where she completed her recent degree, is an internationally recognized center for urban research and policy. For Lamentillo, the academic journey is a continuation of her efforts to bring inclusive, evidence-based solutions to the challenges of urban life—starting with Metro Manila. degree,

Kate Adajar

A student from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila tests extended reality tools during a tour of the PLDT and Smart Technolab in Makati

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo receives her diploma during the July 24 graduation ceremony at the Peacock Theatre in London