Manila Standard - 2025 August 26 - Tuesday

By Joel E. Zurbano

DPWH Batangas exec nabbed for bribe try

By Pot Chavez, Maricel Cruz and Ram Superable

ADISTRICT

engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways was arrested over the weekend after attempting to bribe neophyte lawmaker Leandro Leviste P3.1 million in exchange for stopping the House probe on anomalous flood control projects.

Senate subpoenas

By Dexter

By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz

PRESIDENT Marcos

project, which President Marcos dismissed as "useless" during his inspection on Sunday. Bonoan said that he will brief the President on the original design of

“As Filipinos,

By Maricel V. Cruz

the Kennon Road rockshed, which was intended to span 250 meters to fully cover the hazardous section prone to landslides.

BACOLOD lone district Rep. Albee

Benitez urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to place under the whistleblower program employees from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) who wish to testify on anomalous flood control projects in the country. In a statement he posted on social media, the lawmaker called on the DOJ to ‘‘protect under the mantle of the whistleblower program those officials and employees of the DPWH, along with other persons with key information, who wish to stand as witnesses

By Ram Superable and Othel Campos

SEN. Risa Hontiveros yesterday warned of national security risks after the arrest of a businessman accused of posing as a Filipino citizen and joining the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Auxiliary. Authorities identified the businessman as Joseph Sy, chair of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc., who was detained by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for allegedly using falsified Philippine identity documents. "This is like Alice Guo Part 2: pretending to be Filipino, with a fake passport and fake IDs. It seems there

against the massive, corrupt conspiracy that is at work.’’ He said the justice department must be proactive in seeking out witnesses crucial to building strong cases instead of waiting for them to “step forward if we want to try, convict, and imprison

See PUBLIC Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan on Monday defended the Kennon Road rockshed

Emma Tiglao Miss Grand Philippines 2025

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025

Senate issues subpoenas to top contractors

By Ram Superable

SENATE President Francis Escudero on Monday signed subpoenas for several contractors who failed to attend the initial hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on alleged corruption in flood control projects.

The move came after Blue Ribbon Committee chair Senator Rodante Marcoleta confirmed that the inquiry will resume on Sept. 1 to examine questionable transactions in infrastructure spending. The subpoenaed contractors include Luisito R. Tiqui, president of

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Leviste said he will file a case against Calalo today before the Office of Provincial Prosecutor.

“We should not tolerate any corruption in DPWH. We should demand projects at better quality and lower cost, and obligate contractors to correct any deficiencies immediately without additional cost to the government,” Leviste said.

In a separate interview with Manila Standard, Calalo said he will just let his lawyer handle the case.

DPWH said Calalo will be placed under preventive suspension, adding that the allegations against him “are deeply concerning.”

“As public servants, we at the DPWH do not condone any form of misconduct. We fully support the ongo-

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Highways,” the League of Cities of the Philippines said in a statement yesterday.

Mr. Marcos, during Sunday’s inspection of a “rock netting” in Benguet province, noted that during his tenure as governor of Ilocos Norte, completed projects underwent acceptance and evaluation by local officials.

"The standard operating procedure (SOP) previously was that before a project was handed over to the local government, it had to be accepted by them first. This is a practice we intend to reinstate," the President said.

“In my experience in local government, we check and inspect government projects every single day. Not just once in a while, every single day

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The project, estimated at PHP498 million, had to be scaled down to 151 meters due to budget limitations, leaving parts of the slope unprotected.

"I will report to the President on the current status of the rockshed, the challenges brought by the reduced scope, and the real story behind the project," he said.

Meanwhile, Tuba, Benguet Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan asserted that the newly completed P264-million rockshed is not totally useless noting that the structure paved the way for the immediate clearing of fallen soil and rocks from the fractured mountain slope instead of the roadline sustaining substantial road cuts.

In an interview, Bonoan assured that the Kennon Road rockshed remains effective in shielding motorists from falling rocks.

He also ordered immediate repairs on nearby structures weakened by recent landslides caused by a series of weather disturbances last month.

The DPWH chief visited Tuba to inspect the riverbed below the rockshed and to assess how to better safeguard the structure.

During the inspection, Bonoan stressed that the rockshed remains in-

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platform and ample protection for revealing the truth.

‘‘This is the best time for them to come out with the truth,’’ he added. Benitez also said that while the fight to bring to justice those involved in endangering the public will be long and hard, ‘‘it is something that we cannot set aside if we wish to change things for the better’’ to have public infrastructure that takes no shortcuts and does not jeopardize life and safety, to have government processes that are free from corrupt practices, and to put fear in the hearts of those who would corrupt the system for material gain.’’ The solon has repeatedly called for accountability over

L.R. Tiqui Builders Inc.; Cezarah C. Discaya, president of Alpha and Omega General Contractor & Development Corporation; Lawrence R. Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc.; Edgar S. Acosta, president of HiTone Construction & Development Corporation; Marjorie O. Samidan, authorized managing officer of MG Samidan Construction; Romeo C. Miranda, president and authorized managing officer of Royal Crown Monarch Construction & Supplies Corp.;

Ma. Roma Angeline D. Rimando, president of St. Timothy Construction Corporation; Aderma Angelie D. Alcazar, president and CEO of Sunwest Inc.; Eumir S. Villanueva, president of Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc.; and Mark Allan V. Arevalo, general manager of Wawao Builders. The committee is investigating allegations of overpricing, substandard implementation, and possible collusion in government-funded flood control projects. Its inquiry aims to determine accountability not only of

ing investigation by the proper authorities and stand firm in our commitment to transparency and integrity in public service…We firmly believe that those found to have engaged in any wrongdoing must face the full consequences of their actions in accordance with the law,” the department said.

Batangas police director Col. Geovanny Emerick Sibalo said Calalo was caught in the act offering the bribe money to Leviste.

"We received information about an ongoing attempt to bribe the congressman. We proceeded to the area and caught the person in the act of attempting to bribe Rep. Leviste," said Sibalo in a radio interview yesterday.

"This is not the usual entrapment operation...We responded based on reliable information and they (policemen) caught him in the area,” he added. As this developed, Senator Panfilo

we walk around and go around to hear reports from ordinary people — not just from officials,” Mr. Marcos added.

San Juan Mayor and LCP president Francis Zamora said the reinstatement of the policy serves as a clear indication of the President’s increasing confidence in the capability of LGUs as partners of the national government in nation-building.

He said this policy change will facilitate more efficient and effective project execution, optimal resource utilization, and ultimately, improved public service delivery.

"We assure our national government agencies that you can count on the cities’ support—as a source of local knowledge, as a facilitator of stakeholder consultations, and as a force multiplier in monitoring government-funded projects," Zamora said.

tact and continues to serve its purpose. He assured the public that no funds had gone to waste.

Sal-ongan, in an interview with reporters, pointed out that the 150-meter rockshed built along the landslideprone area of Kennon Road prevented huge debris from inflicting heavy damages to the road leading to road cuts that would take several months to restore that is why residents of communities along the main road have actually benefitted from its construction regardless of questions on the way it was planned, programmed and implemented.

She claimed that the municipal officials and the people living in the communities know best about the benefits of the rockshed because it paved the way for falling debris from the fractured mountain slope to be directed to the river bed instead of directly impacting into the pavement that could have resulted in much bigger damages on the road.

Further, she added that maintenance personnel of the public works department and contractors had easier means of clearing the accumulated debris compared to the time when the rockshed was not yet constructed as it took time for them to restore road cuts to the prejudice of the residents in various communities along the road.

the failed flood control projects, and recently asked DPWH Sec. Manuel Bonoan to assume responsibility for the failure of the program and step down from the Cabinet.

Meanwhile, Senator Erwin Tulfo on Monday urged the DOJ to file charges against contractors, DPWH officials, and politicians allegedly involved in ghost and substandard flood control projects. Tulfo, vice chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, said that recent disclosures by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Senator Panfilo Lacson provided enough basis to prosecute those behind the questionable projects.

‘‘If a shoplifter who steals less than a hundred pesos is immediately jailed, then the same should apply to those who stole trillions of pesos from government projects,” he said.

Lacson said the failed bribery attempt on Leviste reflects how corruption has turned government officials into couriers for powerful contractors and funders.

“(This) reinforces my theory that some DPWH officials, at least at the district engineering level, have already been relegated to being 'legmen' and worse, 'bagmen' of some 'powerful contractors' or 'funders' responsible for the insertions in the budget," Lacson said.

Lacson cited the need for a “surgical solution” to systemic corruption in the DPWH instead of simple reassignment of personnel.

"For the past 15 years, this corruption worsened because those involved saw how easy it was to get away. As I said, it was a piece of cake for them, so they went all-out on corruption…They should find out who is/are behind his bribe offer," he said.

“Somebody more powerful must be

"We share your vision of better serving our people. Our unwavering commitment is to pursue responsible government spending that not only creates lasting impact but also strengthens public trust and confidence," he added.

Earlier, close to 50 mayors have asked President Marcos to unmask, prosecute, and if proven guilty, jail the politicians, government officials and contractors who lined their pockets from substandard or even “ghost” flood-control deals.

The Mayors for Good Governance – led by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, and Isabela City Mayor Sitti Hataman, said corruption in floodcontrol projects has become “more alarming, pervasive, and systematic.”

“The Filipino people have waited

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following her dramatic 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11) upset of no. 14 seed Clara Tauson in the first round on Sunday (early Monday in Manila) in New York.

“I’m always in the mood for more history. This match is one for the books, for me,” said Eala, as she awaits who her next foe will be in the second round.

In advancing to the second round, Eala takes on the winner of the contest between Spain's Cristina Buçsa and American qualifier Claire Liu.

With her feat, Eala secured her first Grand Slam main-draw win, making history as the first Filipino to do so in the US Open.

"I'm super over the moon with what I was able to do today, especially coming back in the third," Eala said. "It's a very special win for me."

Eala's breakthrough comes at the end of a season where she had already served notice of her talent.

She took down Australian Open champion Madison Keys and former world number one Iga Swiatek during a giant-killing run to the semi-finals of the Miami Open in March.

But Sunday's triumph on the

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On the other hand, Vice President Sara Duterte paid tribute to national and modern-day heroes in her “Araw ng mga Bayani” post on her social media accounts.

For his part, Senate President Francis Escudero said the sacrifice of the country’s heroes “remind us that patriotism isn’t just about courage, but about standing up to put the welfare of the masses first.”

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez meanwhile urged the people to continue fighting corruption, injustice, and indifference, warning that tolerating these ills would betray the memory of Filipino heroes whose sacrifices won

private companies but also of government officials who approved and monitored the projects.

Lawmakers earlier raised concerns that certain contractors repeatedly secured contracts despite questionable track records. They are expected to press the subpoenaed individuals on procurement processes, project quality, and the use of public funds. The Blue Ribbon Committee has emphasized that non-compliance with Senate subpoenas may result in contempt charges.

behind this whole scheme because the amount involved is huge – P3.6 billion approved under the 2025 General Appropriations Act,” Lacson added.

The senator also expressed disappointment over Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan’s statement dismissing the corruption in Bulacan flood control projects as “an isolated case.”

“In my talks with some DPWH officials, both past and present, I didn’t hear any scathingly bad words about Sec. Bonoan. But for him to claim that Bulacan is an isolated case, he doesn’t strike me as a good, effective leader of his department. What a waste,” he said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last week blew his top over a P55.7-million flood control project in Baliwag, Bulacan that he described as a “ghost project,” noting that the government had fully paid for the contract even though not a single meter of work was built.

long enough. Families have suffered unrelenting floods and landslides. Transparency is no longer optional, but a duty we owe to every Filipino,” the local officials said.

“Our position is clear: Full transparency and genuine accountability now. Those who have stolen public funds must face the full force of the law. Once proven guilty, politicians and bureaucrats must not only be removed from office, but also prosecuted and jailed.”

Magalong earlier said at least 67 lawmakers were involved in floodcontrol projects, with some getting kickbacks as much as 30 to 40 percent of the budget. Over the weekend, Senator Panfilo Lacson said some members of the Upper Chamber may also be tied to the controversy surrounding anomalous and “ghost” flood control projects.

Grandstand court at Flushing Meadows catapulted the youngster -- who won the US Open girls title in 2022 -- into the history books. "I'm so blessed to be the first to do this," Eala said. "I take so much pride in representing my country. It makes what I do bigger than myself, and it adds meaning to what I do."

Eala collapsed to the court after her victory, later revealing that past experiences had helped her dig deep to clinch the tiebreak.

"I was just so over the moon, and it was just such a rush of emotions," she said.

"I think so many factors made the match so special. I've been on the losing side of these tight tiebreaks before, so to be on the winning side, it's very memorable."

Eala said she plans to take the same never-say-die mentality into the remainder of the tournament.

"The key for my upcoming match is just to come in with the same mentality, same fight," she said. "Right now I'm just focused on recovering."

Eala's win came on the same day that another player from Southeast Asia, Indonesia's Janice Tjen, scored another upset to send 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova crashing out. With AFP

the country’s freedom. The President said defending freedom requires vigilance against corruption and dishonesty.

"Therefore, we should not ignore small deceptions. Because if we repeatedly let them pass, they gradually destroy our society without us realizing it," he said.

Mr. Marcos urged Filipinos to be discerning, expose wrongdoing, and stand for what is right even when it is difficult.

The ceremony was attended by Cabinet members, lawmakers, local officials, members of the armed services, police, coast guard, diplomats and veterans.

The President also paid tribute to Teresa Magbanua, known as the "Visayan Joan of Arc," who left her profession as a teacher in Iloilo in 1898 to join the fight for independence.

Samar gov explains money dance scene

SAMAR Governor Sharee Ann Tan denied she participated in a ‘lavish dinner’ party, where she was filmed throwing cash around while dancing. Her office explained this was part of a traditional Filipino custom popular among Waray people called ‘kuratsa’ also known as the ‘money dance.’

In a statement released on Monday, the provincial government claimed the videos that went viral on social media were “misleading” as the gathering was never connected with any public-funded projects or programs.

“It was taken during the Hermano Night of the Catbalogan City Fiesta, a community celebration where the traditional kuratsa dance was performed,” the Office of the Governor of Samar clarified.

“It is in no way a display of luxury or wealth, but a practice deeply embedded in our way of celebrating faith and togetherness,” the office added, noting that the tradition is often featured in weddings, fiestas, or other types of social gatherings.

The video quickly sparked online attention as people have been criticizing the role that government officials play in allowing certain individuals and businesses to thrive in alleged corrupt practices at the expense of better public services.

The Office of the Governor of Samar did not offer an apology in its statement and simply acknowledged the “sentiments of our people regarding broader issues in governance.”

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are still loopholes in the process of granting our nationality," Hontiveros said, comparing Sy’s case to that of the former Bamban mayor whose nationality remains under scrutiny after allegations she concealed her Chinese citizenship.

"Although the PCG Auxiliary is voluntary and non-government, it is alarming to think that Sy gained access to people and events where national security may have been discussed," she added.

Two business groups, however, have called for the immediate release of Sy, who was taken into custody by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on August 21, 2025, and remains under detention.

The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) and the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) stressed that Sy is a Filipino citizen, a fact affirmed in two separate rulings by the BI itself.

“It is disturbing and contradictory that the same agency that recognized his citizenship is now the source of his unlawful arrest and detention,” the groups said.

PNIA said the continued detention of Sy on mere suspicion of being an alien, without legal basis and outside the BI’s jurisdiction, is a grave injustice and a violation of due process.

COMP likewise emphasized that Sy’s detention undermines constitutional rights and erodes investor confidence at a time when the Philippines is seeking to position itself as a reliable global supplier of critical minerals.

The groups noted Sy’s track record as a staunch advocate of responsible and sustainable mining, advancing environmental stewardship, supporting host communities, and strengthening the Philippines’ standing as a competitive and ethical mining jurisdiction.

“This incident sends the wrong signal to the business and investment community, weakening government efforts to boost investor trust in the mining industry,” they said.

Pinoys see China as a destabilizer

By Katrina Manubay

MOST Filipinos (74 percent) perceive China as the greatest threat to the Philippines, surpassing Russia and North Korea with 4 percent each, based on the latest survey conducted by OCTA Research.

In its Tugon ng Masa survey, results showed that Filipinos dislike China due to its aggressive acts in the West Philippine Sea. Across central areas, 64 percent to 76 percent of respondents expressed this view, with Metro Manila participants showing the strongest sentiment.

Filipinos rescued from scam hub, slavery ring in Cambodia

By Vito Barcelo

TWENTY-FOUR Filipinos

who were forced to work in a scam hub and later sold as slaves in Cambodia have returned to the Philippines after being rescued by Cambodian police, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Monday.

They arrived on August 23 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 via a Philippine Airlines flight from Phnom Penh. The victims, composed of nine males and 14 females, were rescued with the help of the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia.

The group recounted how they were recruited through social media with promises of $1,500 monthly salaries as customer service representatives. Instead, they received only about $300 and were forced to work as romance scammers in catfishing syndicates targeting European men.

Victims also revealed they were subjected to physical and verbal abuse, including punishments such as squatting exercises for failing to meet quotas. Several said they were later sold to other companies, likening their ordeal to modern-day slavery.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado warned aspiring overseas workers not to fall for illegal recruitment schemes, saying traffickers increasingly use social media and messaging apps to lure victims. He added that the bureau is investigating possible collusion of certain personnel with recruiters.

Aside from maritime disputes, 13 percent of Filipinos are concerned about the influx of smuggled goods harming local industries. Nine percent cited the increase in criminal cases involving Chinese nationals, while eight percent worried about competition from Chinese workers

affecting jobs and livelihoods.

The survey also revealed that 76 percent of adult Filipinos fully support the government’s efforts to assert sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. Support is highest in the National Capital Region (86 percent) and Mindanao (21 percent), while undecided responses were more common in Balance Luzon (25 percent) and the Visayas (21 percent).

OCTA Research noted that the results may reflect alignment between highly urbanized and peripheral regions, as well as varying levels of awareness, local priorities, or concerns about the economic and security implications of maritime disputes. The face-toface survey was conducted from July 12 to 17, 2025, with 1,200 respondents nationwide and a ±3 percent margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level.

‘NO’ TO HARASSMENT

The group Filipino Do Not Yield stages a lightning protest in front of the Chinese Consulate in Makati City on Monday, August 25, denouncing the dangerous maneuvers of Chinese Coast Guard vessels in Bajo de Masinloc and the continued harassment of Filipino fishermen.

Danny Pata

IN BRIEF

emphasizing close coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Philippine National

lice (PNP), and local stakeholders. AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing that the military’s role will focus on supporting the PNP, which has primary responsibility for election security.

The AFP’s tasks include providing perimeter defense, transporting ballots, setting up checkpoints, and deploying rapid response teams. A Joint Operations Center has also been established to strengthen coordination with Comelec, PNP, and other agencies.

Padilla confirmed that certain areas in BARMM have been identified as high-risk, based on historical data and current threat assessments. She assured that sufficient security measures and personnel have been deployed in those areas.

She stressed that election security is a “community effort” and said the AFP is working with local government units, peace committees, and leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to help ensure peaceful polls. Rex Espiritu

DFA aids 3 Filipinos in New York bus crash

THE Philippine Consulate General in New York said it is assisting three Filipino nationals who were involved in a recent bus incident.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said all passengers have been identified and their next-of-kin notified. No Filipinos were among the fatalities. The three Filipino tourists, who are based in Qatar, have been discharged from the hospital and cleared to travel. A consulate representative will meet them to assess their needs until their scheduled departure.

Authorities confirmed the accident happened on Friday, August 22, about 25 miles east of Buffalo. The tourists were returning to New York City after visiting Niagara Falls. Reports said the bus carried 54 passengers, including Filipino, Indian, and Chinese nationals. Ma. Katrina Mikaela Manubay

Teodoro: PH-Aussie pact is not an MDT

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Sunday clarified that the planned defense agreement between the Philippines and Australia is not a Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), but a formalization of existing areas of cooperation.

Teodoro made the statement in Palawan following the joint Exercise ALON Combined Joint Forcible Entry Operation (CJFEO), which showcased integrated air, sea, and land drills between Filipino and Australian troops.

He explained that both countries are working toward a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or a Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) that would codify their ongoing military collaboration.

“A Mutual Defense Treaty is an entirely different thing,” Teodoro stressed, saying the pact should not be compared to the 1951 MDT between the Philippines and the United States.

The Philippines and Australia signed a statement of intent last Friday to pursue a Defense Cooperation Agreement, which is expected to be finalized by 2026. Rex Espiritu

Oil companies set to increase fuel prices today

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE country’s oil companies will implement an increase of up to P0.70 per liter effective 6 a.m. Tuesday to reflect higher global oil prices.

Separate advisories showed that gasoline prices will go up by P0.70 per liter, diesel by P0.50, and kerosene by

P0.30. Seaoil Philippines, Jetti Petroleum, and Cleanfuel were the first to announce adjustments, with other firms expected to follow.

“These adjustments reflect the movement in refined fuel prices, freight, and market premiums in the international market,” Jetti Petroleum said in its advisory.

Jetti president Leo Bellas said geopolitical tensions, particularly uncertainty over the Ukraine-Russia peace talks, have raised prices amid concerns that tighter Western sanctions could disrupt supply. Elevated freight and premium levels, as well as demand optimism from falling U.S. crude inventories, also contributed.

Energy official Rodela Romero said world oil prices rose last week due to stronger refinery demand and the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. On Aug. 19, firms implemented a mixed adjustment, with gasoline rising by P0.60 while diesel and kerosene prices rolled back by P0.80 to P0.90 per liter.

PH joins other countries in global call for Gaza ceasefire

By Ma. Katrina Mikaela Manubay

THE Philippines has joined the urgent call to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed deep concern over Israel’s planned full military takeover of Gaza, saying it severely restricts access to life-saving aid such as food and water, while also causing large-scale displacement.

“The Philippines therefore strongly calls on Israel to heed the ceasefire proposal as a crucial step to protect civilians and revive the path to peace,” the DFA said.

The agency stressed that the worsening crisis aggravates an already dire humanitarian situation and undermines peace efforts in the Middle East. Reports last week indicated that Hamas had accepted a ceasefire proposal without requesting amendments, which would include the release of half of the remaining hostages.

As of May, more than 6,000 Palestinians had been killed in Israeli attacks, according to Gaza health authorities. In June, the Philippines was among 148 countries that voted for a United Nations resolution demanding an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent” ceasefire in Gaza.

SPOLARIUM. People view Filipino artist Juan Luna’s iconic painting Spoliarium at the National Museum in Manila on Monday, August 25, 2025, during National Heroes Day. Danny Pata

‘Konektadong Pinoy’ law draws support from lawmakers

IN BRIEF

Fire partially damages PNP-General Hospital

THE operations of the Philippine National Police-General Hospital (PNPGH) inside Camp Crame were quickly restored to normal after fire damaged some portions of the facility on Sunday night. Based on the PNP report, the fire started around 10:20 p.m. Sunday located between the Specialty Ward and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) After the blaze, there was an explosion in the area which was immediately responded to by the Base Fire Section Emergency Team and the Bureau of Fire Protection of Quezon City. The BFP raised first alarm at around 10:43pm and the fire was declared out at 11:21 p.m. Vince Lopez

Cop sacked for illegal use of service firearm

A POLICEMAN was relieved from his post following a viral video showing him using his service firearm to start a boat race during the town’s fiesta celebration in Northern Samar.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said aside from the policeman, the chief of police of Lavezares, Northern Samar was also sacked.

In a special order signed by Northern Samar Police Provincial Office Director, Col. Sonnie Omengan dated Aug. 24, police Master Sergeant Jimmy Florano was reassigned to the Provincial Headquarters, Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit following the incident. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) stressed that firearms are issued strictly for legitimate law enforcement operations and must never be used for ceremonial, symbolic, or non-operational purposes without explicit clearance and proper authority. Vince Lopez

Jeepney driver in road accident loses license

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the license of a jeepney driver who supposedly ran over a person in Carriedo, Manila.

“The investigation that will be conducted by the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division will shed light on that incident and will give the driver the opportunity to explain what happened in the spirit of due process,” LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said. The video of the incident went viral, he said. The passenger jeepney has already been placed under alarm tp prevent any and all transactions while the case is under investigation. Rio N. Araja

By Ram Superable and Maricel V. Cruz

SENATE President Francis Escudero on Monday praised the enactment of the “Konektadong Pinoy” law, which he said marks a major step in closing the digital divide in the Philippines.

With the Konektadong Pinoy Act now in place, National Unity Party (NUP) president and former Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte sees a “major leap forward” in the Marcos administration’s goal of bridging the digital divide by connecting all of the country’s nearly 11,000 remote and underserved barangays and slash internet connectivity costs by half by 2028.

“The Philippines has one of the highest internet connectivity costs in the world considering the speeds it offers to consumers,” Escudero lamented.

The new law aims to address poor connectivity, high costs, and a lack of infrastructure that have long hampered access to reliable internet services, especially in remote and underserved areas.

“More than bringing down the rates, the Konektadong Pinoy Act is about providing greater access to information and markets to Filipinos who live far from the cities and in remote areas,” the senate chief added.

The measure, also known as the Open Access in Data Transmission Act, is one of the priority bills of the Marcos administration.

The measure has gained support from a broad range of stakeholders, including local and foreign businesses of various sizes, who see it as a boost to the government’s digitalization goals.

By removing the need for legislative franchises, the law lowers barriers for smaller companies to join the market and expands opportunities for competition.

A co-author of what is otherwise known as the “Open Access in Data Transmission Act” that was introduced in the 19th Congress, Villafuerte said the enactment of this “open access policy” measure marks “a major leap forward in the government’s ambitious goal on the Marcos watch to deliver inclusive, high-quality and yet affordable Internet access across the country, including the so-called last-mile communities, in step with its priority agenda of accelerated digital transformation.”

Villafuerte said this “universal or open access” measure will put the country’s digital transformation on the fast track at such a speed that will help the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) meet the President’s mission for this agency to “fix the connectivity problem once and for all.”

The measure lapsed into law on Aug. 24, 2025. Greater competition alone, Villafuerte said, can close the digital divide and upgrade the currently poor Internet service delivery, which he traced to the current duopoly and underinvestment in digital infrastructure.

Phil. Army celebrates National Heroes Day with bloodletting

By Rex Espiritu

THOUSANDS of Philippine Army troops across the country marked National Heroes’ Day with a different act of valor — donating blood to save lives.

On Aug. 23, simultaneous bloodletting activities were held in Army camps nationwide, generating thousands of blood bags for communities and hospitals. The initiative was part of the Army-wide commemoration of National Heroes’ Day 2025. Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete led the flagship activity in Fort Bonifacio, where he lauded the soldiers and reservists for embodying heroism through selfless service. The Army reported a total of 3,015 blood bags collected from its personnel, reservists, civilians, stakeholders, and other uniformed services. “During the activity, Nafarrete conveyed

the Philippine Army’s continuous engagement with stakeholders to provide lifesaving support to the communities including the conduct of voluntary blood donations.” Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said. In Maguindanao del Norte, the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division collected 216 bags or 97,200 cc of blood during its drive at Camp Siongco. The effort was spearheaded by the Camp Siongco Station Hospital in partnership with the Red Cross Cotabato–Maguindanao Chapter. Maj. Gen. Donald Gumiran, commander of the 6ID and Joint Task Force Central, praised the troops for extending their heroism beyond the battlefield. “By donating blood, they are saving lives and strengthening communities. This act of service embodies the same courage and patriotism of our forefathers who fought for freedom,” he said.

MMDA files raps against arrogant lady driver

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday advised motorists to remain calm when approached by enforcers in the course of doing their jobs directing traffic.

MMDA chairman Romando Artes issued advisory following an incident that occurred near La Salle Green Hills on Ortigas Avenue in Mandaluyong City,

“They

Quezon City with its representatives and the female driver on August 28.

The company was also directed to provide a written explanation as to why it should not face penalties for permitting an impolite individual to operate the motor vehicle.

The arrogant driver now faces charges of traffic obstruction and being unfit to drive a motor vehicle.

By Rex Espiritu

THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has recognized 21 private sector partners for their contributions to the government’s peace and development initiatives under the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program. In an event dubbed “Pamanahan” held on Aug. 19 at the Centro de Turismo Intramuros, OPAPRU officials led by Peace Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. expressed gratitude to corporations and organizations that have supported peace projects in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities.

Galvez highlighted how private sector partnerships have transformed former conflict areas into “zones of peace and development,” stressing that sustainable peace requires “greater synergy, adequate resources, and relentless commitment” among stakeholders.

“To all our PAMANA peace partners, the milestones we have achieved over the years are all because of you. Our deepest gratitude to all of you,” he said, noting that the program aims not only to sustain existing partnerships but also to expand its network.

Among those recognized were SM Supermalls, Globe Telecom, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Ayala Malls, Maynilad Water Services, and the Pusong Ride Guardian Emergency Network. Their initiatives have ranged from staging nationwide “Run for Peace” events and concerts to awareness campaigns promoting peace and unity.

SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Government Services Royston Cabuñag said PAMANA’s vision resonates with SM’s own nation-building goals. “Through PAMANA’s communitydriven projects and infrastructure development, we truly are building the physical infrastructure of peace,” he said.

OPINION

Pangilinan’s water bill: Solving floods or fueling bureaucratic bloat?

THE Philippines is drowning—not just in floodwaters but in a cesspool of corruption and bureaucratic failure.

Congressional probes into the Department of Public Works and Highways have exposed ₱545 billion squandered on “ghost projects” and political insertions, with Bulacan as ground zero for phantom dikes and padded contracts.

Enter Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan’s Senate Bill 225, the National Water Resources Management Act, promising a Department of Water Resources to unify the nation’s fractured water governance, streamline flood control, and deliver irrigation and potable water.

It’s a seductive pitch, but in a country where political will vanishes faster than a summer stream, this bill risks being a mirage—or worse, a repackaged scam.

Let’s dissect whether it’s a genuine fix or just another dam disaster.

Bureaucratic Bloat or Bold Consolidation?

Pangilinan’s DWR aims to end the “sangay-sangay” chaos of water governance, where agencies like the DENR’s Water Resources Management Office, National Water Resources Board, and DPWH trip over each other.

A Bureau of Flood Control and Drainage within DWR would set standards, plan projects, and coordinate with DPWH and local government units.

Centralization could align planning with river basin realities, cutting redundant studies and stopping fiascos like Bulacan’s ghost dikes, existing only in budgets and bank accounts.

But creating a new department doesn’t guarantee consolidation.

The WRMO, a 2023 Marcos Jr. creation, already claims to “harmonize” water efforts.

Without explicit language to abolish WRMO or clarify NWRB’s fate, DWR could just layer more bureaucracy atop the mess.

The bill’s silence on transition logistics—staff transfers, budget shifts, sunset clauses—is a red flag. Will WRMO staff just get new DWR badges?

Will NWRB’s regulatory powers be gutted? Philippine reorgs often birth new fiefdoms without slaying old ones. The DWR needs a machete to clear the clutter, not a paintbrush for a fresh logo.

Anti-Corruption: Real Reform or Hollow Theater?

DPWH’s flood control scandals—billions lost to non-existent projects, 20-50 percent kickbacks, and politically connected contractors—expose a rotten procurement system.

Pangilinan’s DWR envisions technical standards and basin-wide plans to curb “ghost project” culture by locking projects into scientific priorities, not pork barrel whims. It’s a compelling idea: a technocratic shield against insertions. Yet the bill lacks enforceable transparency.

Where’s the mandate for a public, realtime data portal with project maps, costs, and contractor names? Where’s the requirement to name budget proponents slipping ₱500 million “flood control” items into the budget? Without these, DWR risks being a shiny shell for old scams.

The Commission on Audit is probing DPWH, but the bill doesn’t ensure COA’s real-time data access. Vague “coordination” with DPWH and LGUs sounds like fluff, not accountability.

—“—

It’s a seductive pitch, but in a country where political will vanishes faster than a summer stream, this bill risks being a mirage—or worse, a repackaged scam

If master plans aren’t legally binding, politicians can still funnel cash to pet projects.

Corruption thrives on opacity; without radical transparency, DWR might centralize graft, not end it.

Regulator vs. Operator: Checks or Chaos?

Merging standard-setting, planning, and implementation under DWR invites a glaring conflict.

NWRB currently regulates water rights and standards with quasi-judicial powers—a vital check. If absorbed into DWR without independence, you get a regulator marking its own homework.

DWR approving its own designs or permits is a recipe for capture, like the Philippine Ports Authority’s cozy dual role as port operator and regulator.

An independent Water Regulatory Commission with fixed-term commissioners and a separate budget is essential to enforce standards and penalize violations.

Without it, DWR becomes player and referee, undermining accountability.

Implementation Abyss: Manila’s Grip or Local Power?

Flooding is hyper-local—clogged esteros, silted rivers.

Yet SB 225 leans on a Manila-centric DWR.

Basin-wide plans sound good but flop without empowering LGUs, who handle drainage maintenance. The bill’s “technical assistance” is vague—where’s the funding for desilting or training?

LGUs are cash-strapped; devolution hasn’t delivered fiscal muscle. Centralizing project approval without boosting local capacity will choke progress.

The truth China fears: The West Philippine Sea is ours

By Jose Antonio Goitia

FOR too long, the narrative of the West Philippine Sea has been a political game, a series of headlines and legal jargon.

The documentary “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea” is a powerful and necessary reminder this isn’t just about borders or laws.

It’s about us—the Filipino people, about our fathers who go out to sea, our mothers who wait for them to come home, and our children whose future is shaped by this struggle.

China is trying to stop this film because it exposes their lies; it shows their brazen abuse of our fishermen, treating them as if their lives and livelihoods don’t matter.

It shines a light on the aggression and harassment they inflict, not in some distant, abstract place, but right here in our own seas that legally and historically belong to us.

We have the law on our side. The 2016 Hague Tribunal ruling was clear: the West Philippine Sea is ours. China’s nine-dash line is a fabrication with no legal basis. But China ignored the law, ignored decency, and consistently ig-

nored the dignity of Filipinos who depend on these waters. They harass our people, steal our resources, and act as if friendship is a license to trample on us.

—“—

China is trying to stop this film because it exposes their lies for all the world to see

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro condemned this gross and brazen aggression. He spoke of China’s growing presence near Ayungin Shoal—their coast guard ships, their fast boats, their maritime militia, even their drones and heavy weapons—all used to intimidate our grounded BRP Sierra Madre.

We’ve all seen the news and the images of Chinese vessels using water cannons and engaging in dangerous maneuvers and collisions with our boats.

“Food Delivery” captures this real-

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EDITORIAL

Culprits

WE HAVE heard a “very angry” and visibly incensed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during an inspection this month of a multimillion peso flood control project in Baliwag City in Bulacan.

The 67-year-old President has been known to be unflappable, but what manifestly got his goat during the ocular inspection for regulatory compliance was the reported completion in June of a flood control project, only to be jabbed by by an abandoned construction site.

Read the President’s lips: “There’s nothing there, not even a single hollow block or cement. There was no equipment. Everything there is a ghost project. There is clearly no work that has been done.”

The President was inspecting a river wall project at Purok 4, Barangay Piel, in Baliwag.

We see in these developments the domino effect, a chain reaction that occurs after one event sets off a series of related, or connected events, with similarly situated flood control projects in other areas.

The office of Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste also confirmed on Monday the filing of a case today against Public Works and Highways Batangas 1st District Engineer Abelardo Calalo at the Office of the Batangas Provincial Prosecutor.

Elsewhere, in the first hearing of the

ity beautifully, shows the courage of our fishermen and our men in uniform, and the heartbreak of the families waiting at home.

It gives a face to the human toll of this geopolitical game. That’s why it’s so important to not only watch it but to share it, talk about it, and teach it in our schools.

This film can be a spark in every Filipino heart, a powerful statement to the world: “This is our sea. These are our stories. We deserve respect, not repression.” Claims of secret deals or “gentleman’s agreements” with China are nothing more than propaganda meant to muddy the waters. The truth is simple: no such agreement ever existed. We will not give up an inch of our sovereignty under false pretenses.

But this isn’t just about laws and borders. This is about real people. Imagine a father who has nothing left to bring home

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada identified Wawao Builders and SYMS Contractor as one of 15 contractors of the Dept. of Public Works and Highways included by President Marcos in the list of holders of anomalous flood control deals.

—“—

We hope our officials will be able to shift gear from just these public hearings and, if they have the goods on any culprit, to throw the book at any perpetrator

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan who was at the Senate hearing confirmed the report, saying that of the more than P9 billion worth of projects awarded to Wawao Builders nationwide, 85 amounting to P5.97 billion were in Bulacan, with some appearing

because foreign vessels drove him away from waters that are rightfully his.

Imagine a child asking why her father can’t fish anymore. Imagine families going hungry because a powerful neighbor decided to take what is not theirs. That is the human face of this conflict, and that is what this film captures so powerfully. Our fishermen are not just numbers. They are our brothers, our friends, our neighbors. Their pain is our pain. Their fight our fight. China knows the power of truth, which is why they spend billions on propaganda. This film breaks their wall of lies and makes sure the world finally sees.

This is more than just entertainment. When you watch this documentary, you are standing with our people. You are defending our sovereignty. You are saying to the world: the Philippines is not for sale, and our seas are

to be non-existent.. DPWH records showed Wawao Builders is owned by Mark Allan Arevalo, while SYMS Construction is a sole proprietorship owned by Sally Nicolas Santos.

From 2022 to 2025, Wawao reportedly completed 58 flood control projects worth P4.2 billion, while SYMS delivered 16 projects totaling P931.2 million. Estrada pressed DPWH to hold accountable those behind the anomalies, and Bonoan gave assurances charges would be filed.

“Anybody who is involved in the implementation of that kind of project has to be answerable,” he told senators. We hope our officials will be able to shift gear from just these public hearings and, if they have the goods on any culprit, to throw the book at any perpetrator. Did not the President say he was thinking resolutely about lining up economic sabotage cases against contractors who left a wall of ghost projects?

The President has vowed to run after them, while asking in the process where the money intended for the flood control projects had gone.

President Marcos, in a Facebook post later, announced he had ordered the blacklisting of SYMS Construction Trading, adding it will be charged with violating Republic Act 3019 or the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act, and malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents. The people are watching.

not for the taking. Every Filipino family, school, and community must spread this film and keep the conversation alive. The more we speak, the less they can silence us. The more the world knows, the harder it becomes for China to pretend. This is our cry for dignity. Our fight for justice. This is the truth of a small nation standing up against a giant that pretends to be a friend but acts like a traitor. China may have the ships and the weapons. We we have the truth.

(The author is Chairman Emeritus of civic-oriented organizations: Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya, People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms, Liga Independencia Pilipinas), and Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement, through which he continues to advance the causes of sovereignty, reform, and the dignity of the Filipino people.)

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flood and not having to wade through it. The embroidery on the Barong Tagalog spells out ‘Impunity’ on one,

Trump seeks to expand Nat’l Guard plans

WASHINGTON, DC – Donald Trump threatened to deploy National Guard troops Sunday Monday Manila time) to yet another Democratic stronghold, the Maryland city of Baltimore, as the US president seeks to expand his crackdown on crime and immigration.

The Republican’s latest online rant about an “out of control, crime-ridden” city comes as Democratic state leaders -- including Maryland Governor Wes Moore -- line up to berate Trump on a high-profile political stage.

Trump this month deployed the National Guard to the streets of Washington, in a widely criticized show of force the president said amounts to a federal takeover of US capital policing. The Guard began carrying weapons in Washington on Sunday, the military said. Previously, their weapons were available if needed but kept in the armory.

In June Trump controversially ordered nearly 5,000 troops to Los Angeles -- ostensibly to quell protests against immigration enforcement raids -- triggering ferocious opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom, widely seen as a potential 2028 presidential hopeful. And US media is reporting that the Trump administration also is planning an unprecedented deployment of thousands of National Guard personnel to Chicago, the country’s third-largest city, prompting vocal pushback from Demo-

IN BRIEF

the future of the blue helmet peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon that has faced US and Israeli opposition.

The Council will vote on a Frenchdrafted compromise that would keep the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), deployed in 1978 to separate Israel and Lebanon, in place for one more year while it prepares to withdraw.

In the latest draft text seen by AFP, the Council would signal “its intention to work on a withdrawal of UNIFIL with the aim of making the Lebanese Government the sole provider of security in southern Lebanon.” Under a truce that ended a recent war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, Beirut’s army has been deploying in south Lebanon and dismantling the militant group’s infrastructure there. Lebanon has been grappling with the thorny issue of disarming Hezbollah, with the cabinet this month tasking the army with developing a plan to do so by the end of the year. The Iran-backed militant group has pushed back. AFP

TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s poll ratings have rebounded a month after disastrous election results left his premiership hanging by a thread, a clutch of surveys showed Monday.

Ishiba took the helm of the long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) last year and has since lost his majority in both houses of parliament, most recently in upper chamber elections in July.

But the self-confessed defense policy “geek” and maker of model ships has defied calls to resign from within the party, which has governed Japan almost nonstop since the 1950s.

According to one poll by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily published Monday, the approval rating for Ishiba’s cabinet was 39 percent, a record 17 points higher than after the July 20 vote.

More respondents (50 percent) now think Ishiba should remain than resign (42 percent), the questionnaire showed, a reversal from July, when 54 percent said he should go and 35 percent stay. AFP

Iran to hold nuke talks with European powers

TEHRAN – Nuclear talks scheduled for Tuesday between Iran and Britain, France and Germany will be held in Geneva, Iranian state media reported. “On Tuesday, Iran and the three European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, along with the European Union, will hold a new round of talks at the level of deputy foreign ministers in Geneva,” state television said on Monday.

The meeting will be the second since Iran’s 12-day war with Israel in midJune, during which the United States carried out strikes against Tehran’s nuclear facilities. The previous round of talks was held in Istanbul on July 25.

Indonesia, US allies launch joint drills

JAKARTA – Indonesia and the United States launched joint military drills on Monday that will last more than a week, joining allies from 11 countries in exercises aimed at ensuring stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

The annual “Super Garuda Shield” drills will take place in the capital Jakarta and several locations on the western island of Sumatra and the Riau archipelago until September 4.

More than 4,100 Indonesian and 1,300

American troops will take part, joined by participants from Australia, Japan, Singapore, France, New Zealand, Britain and other nations.

The US and some allies such as Australia have expressed growing concern about China’s increasing assertiveness in the Pacific, but Washington has previously said such drills are not aimed at Beijing.

Samuel Paparo, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, said this year’s exercises were “the largest Super Garuda Shield ever”, adding that they would help participating nations boost deterrence, without elaborating.

“It represents deterring anyone that would hope to change the facts on the

It comes after Iran suspended cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog following the war with Israel, with Tehran pointing to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s failure to condemn Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear facilities.

The unprecedented bombing by Israel and the retaliation by Iran during the 12day war derailed Tehran’s nuclear negotiations with Washington.

The European trio have threatened to trigger a “snapback mechanism” under the 2015 nuclear deal which would reimpose UN sanctions that were lifted under the agreement, unless Iran agrees to curb its uranium enrichment and restore coop-

crats there.

As for Baltimore, “if Wes Moore needs help, like Gavin Newscum did in L.A., I will send in the ‘troops,’ which is being done in nearby DC, and quickly clean up the Crime,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, using a derogatory nickname.

Trump’s feud with Moore appeared to escalate dramatically this week, with the governor assailing Trump’s provocative suggestion of deploying troops in Maryland and Trump calling Moore “nasty” and threatening to revoke federal funds to help fix a collapsed bridge.

On Sunday, Moore told CNN he had invited Trump to walk the streets of Baltimore with him so the governor could counter “this blissful ignorance, these tropes and these 1980 scare tactics” used by the president.

“Hey Donald, we can get you a golf cart if that makes things easier,” Moore needled the 79-year-old Trump on X. Trump for his part said he would “much prefer that he clean up this Crime disaster before I go there for a ‘walk,’” as he cited Moore’s “very bad” record on crime. AFP

eration with IAEA inspectors. Iran disputes the legality of invoking the clause, accusing the Europeans of not honouring their commitments under the accord.

Britain, France and Germany, along with China, Russia, and the United States, reached an agreement with Iran in 2015 under a deal formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA.

The deal provided Iran with sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program to guarantee that Tehran could not develop a nuclear weapon — something it has always denied wanting to do. AFP

Sept. 4 in the capital and at several locations on the western island of Sumatra and the Riau archipelago. AFP

ground using violence with the collective determination of all participants to uphold the principles of sovereignty,” Paparo said at Monday’s opening ceremony.

“We do this by getting better every day across all domains... so if the unforgiving hour comes when we need each other as partners, we pick up the phone and we begin operating from a basis of deep trust.”

The program includes staff exercises, cyber defense drills, and a live-fire event, the Indonesian military said.

Countries including India, Papua New Guinea and East Timor also sent observers for the exercise.

Indonesia maintains a neutral foreign policy and tries to keep good relations with Washington and Beijing, walking the diplomatic tightrope in the superpower rivalry. AFP

More than 325,500 residents in

coastal provinces have been slated for evacuation to schools and public buildings converted into temporary shelters, authorities said.

The waterfront city of Vinh was deluged overnight, its streets largely deserted by morning with most shops and restaurants closed as residents and business owners sandbagged their property entrances.

By dawn nearly 30,000 people had been evacuated from the region, as 16,000 military personnel were mobilized.

Two domestic airports were shut and all fishing boats in the typhoon’s path have been called back to harbour.

“I have never heard of a typhoon of this big scale coming to our city,” said 66-year-old Le Manh Tung at a Vinh indoor sports stadium, where evacuated families dined on a simple breakfast of sticky rice.

“I am a bit scared, but then we have to accept it because it’s nature -- we cannot do anything,” he told AFP, among only a few dozen people camped out at the evacuation site on Monday morning.

The typhoon is expected to make landfall around 3:00 pm packing winds around 139 kilometers per hour (86 miles per hour), Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said.

“Rain will continue today and tomorrow, and with that huge rainfall risks for floodings and flash floods on rivers are very high,” director Mai Van Khiem said.

Scientists say human-caused climate change is driving more intense and unpredictable weather patterns that can make destructive floods and storms more likely, particularly in the tropics. AFP

Australian mushroom meal survivor says ‘half alive’ after wife’s killing

MELBOURNE – The only guest to survive a toxic mushroom lunch with Australian murderer Erin Patterson said Monday he feels “half alive” without his wife -- one of the killer’s three poisoning victims. Pastor Ian Wilkinson wept in court as he spoke of the loss of his wife Heather after she ate a beef Wellington dish laced with death cap mushrooms -- the world’s deadliest fungi. Patterson, 50, was convicted in July of triple murder for serving the poisonous

Patterson,

With

CHICAGO NEXT? National Guard Members patrol 14th Street, working alongside Washington DC Metro police and the FBI on Monday in Washington, DC. An increased presence of law enforcement has been seen throughout the nation’s capital since US President Donald Trump ordered in federal officers and the US National Guard. Trump this month deployed the National Guard to the streets of Washington, in a widely criticized show of force the president said amounts to a federal takeover of US capital policing. AFP

JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE. Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Samuel Paparo (3rd left) and Indonesian Armed Forces Deputy Commander General Tandyo Budi Revita (3rd right ) attend the opening ceremony of the Super Garuda Shield 2025 at the Naval Command and Staff College in Jakarta on Monday to mark the start of the annual joint military drills involving 13 nations, which will run until

ATENEO 1-2 IN COLLEGE

GOLF. Monique Mendoza (third from right) shows off her two gold medals as she leads the celebration of Ateneo’s impressive 1-2 finish in the rain-soaked ICTSI Eastridge Intercollegiate Tournament held over the weekend at the Eastridge Golf Club in Angono, Rizal.

Ateneo-1, anchored by Mendoza who also clinched the individual title, emerged as overall champion, while Ateneo-2, fronted by Pradera Verde leg winner Shane Tan, secured runner-up finish. Also in photo are Ateneo-1 teammates Simi Tinio and Andrea Joson, along with Annika

and

of Ateneo-2.

By Randy M. Caluag

THE Philippines made a pair of podium finishes at the Siol International Mountainbike Challenge Cup, as Simon Peter Servillon struck gold and teammate Alden Comeros clinched silver in the Men’s Elite Downhill category of the prestigious competition.

Servillon of Canfield Bike and Bike Boy PH delivered a stellar performance on the challenging 980-meter downhill course, clocking an impressive 1 minute and 55.9 seconds. Servillon outpaced 15 other elite riders and finished two seconds ahead of Malaysian contender Tengku Mansor, who settled for silver.

Completing the podium for the Philippines, Comeros of Dartmoon PH secured the bronze medal, finishing just 2.7 seconds behind Servillon. Fellow Filipino riders Gabriel Amigo III (Team Hattons) narrowly missed the podium in fourth place, while

Gold-bronze feat for PH MTB squad in Malaysia

Steve Velayo and Hugh De Lansig placed 9th and 11th, respectively, showing depth in the Philippine downhill lineup. Meanwhile, in the Women’s Elite Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) division, the 18.3-kilometer race was dominated by Indonesia’s Bella Dewi, who showcased endurance and technical skill to claim the top spot. Yui Ishida of Japan earned silver, while Deena Nor Effandy of Malaysia took bronze.

The Philippines’ representatives, Shagne Yaoyao and Nicole Quiñones, put up a strong fight but fell short of the podium, finishing 4th and 5th in a highly competitive field.

The Siol International Mountainbike Challenge Cup is one of the region’s premier MTB events, attracting top riders from across Asia to test their speed, skill, and stamina on technical trails and rugged terrain.

Bulaga, 15, youngest member of PH’s SEAG swim team

KYLA Louise Bulaga etched her name in Philippine swimming history as the youngest member of the national team bound for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games set this December in Bangkok, Thailand.

The 15-year-old protégé of Olympian Ryan Paolo Arabejo (2008) from the La Union Bullsharks Swim Club clinched a silver medal in the girls’ 400m individual medley at the 2025 Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) National Tryouts, which wrapped up Sunday at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Center in Malate, Manila.

Bulaga clocked 5:11.84 to finish behind veteran campaigner Xiandi Chua of FTW Royals Club, who touched in 5:05.61. Both surpassed the qualifying standard of 5:13.05 to earn slots for the Bangkok Games.

“Masayang-masaya po at very proud. Dati po pinapanood ko lang ‘yung mga langoy nila ate Xiandi (Chua), ngayon nakasabayan ko siya tapos silver medal

pa ako. Very grateful ako sa mga suporta, specially sa parents ko at kay coach Ryan,” said Bulaga, who earlier ruled the

400m freestyle but missed the qualifying mark despite a 4:45.74 finish.

“With only one event for the SEA

Games, talagang magko-concentrate ako sa training namin,” added the Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy standout.

For her part, Chua secured berths in five events, including her signature 200m backstroke, where she is the defending champion and record-holder. She clocked 2:17.10 to qualify, though well off her SEA Games’ record of 2:13.20.

“Yey, bad swim, really. Need to focus more,” admitted the Melbourne-trained Chua, who is set to return to Australia to resume training at Nunawading. She also qualified in the 100m freestyle (56.95), 100m backstroke (1:03.07) and 200m IM (2:18.38).

Olympic relay silver medalist Kayla Noelle Sanchez also looms as one of the country’s biggest hopes after qualifying in six events: 100m freestyle (55.00), 50m back (29.00), 200m free (2:01.41), 50m butterfly (27.46), 100m back (1:02.38) and 50m free (25.38).

“I’m very proud representing the Philippines. It’s a dream come true

4 PH shooters miss cutoff in Asian shooting

By Peter Atencio

FILIPINO shooters Amparo Acuna, Franchette Quiroz, Enrique Enriquez and Paul Bryan Rosario missed the finals’ cutfoff in the ongoing 16th Asian Shooting Championships in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.

The 28-year-old Acuna landed 47th out 54 places in the women’s 10-meter air rifle event, with her score of 616.7 points during the qualification phase.

Only the top eight advanced to the finals.

Indian Olympian Elavenil Valarivan continued her impressive form by clinching the gold medal in the event with an Asian record score of 253.6 in the final round.

The victory was Valarican’s second consecutive individual medal at the continental event, following her silver-medal feat at the 2024 Asian Championships in Jakarta.

Peng Xin Lu of China had good score of 253.6 for the silver, while Kwon Eunji of Korea tallied 231.2 for the bronze.

Quiroz landed 34th spot with a 563 during the qualification and also missed the finals’ cutoff.

Ma Qian Ke of China made 243.2 in the finals for the gold, while Yang Jin of Korea (241.6) and Bhaker Manu (219.7) of India claimed the silver and bronze, respectively. Enriquez was 26th in the men’s shotgun skeet event with an average of 113, while Rosario was in 34th spot with 110.

India’s Anant Naruka captured the gold with his finals’ total of 57, while Mansour Alrashidi of Kuwait collected 56 for the silver. Ali AlIshaq of Qatar bagged the bronze with 43 points.

Philippine batters settle for 4th place

repulsed Japan, 3-0, for the gold medal. The Filipino batters still made it to the medal round after bowing to Chinese Taipei, 0-10. South Korea started the first inning with a run from Park Jahyeon, whose grounder allowed An Geonwon to advance to the homeplate. In the second inning, Ban Hyul’s single to the middle sent in Lee Syeojun. Peter Atencio

and I’ll try my very best to give the country gold medals in the biennial meet,” said the 24-year-old Sanchez, who won silver for Canada in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Mexican boxer Chavez Jr. released from prison pending trial

MEXICO CITY—Mexican box-

er Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. was released from custody Sunday while awaiting trial for alleged links to drug cartels, according to his legal team.

Chavez Jr., 39, son of boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez, was deported from the United States on Monday and appeared before a federal judge in the northwestern state of Sonora on Saturday.

“He will be released immediately as ordered by the judge,” lawyer Ruben Fernando Benitez told reporters.

Benitez later confirmed in brief messages to reporters that Chavez Jr. had been released from prison by noon Sunday.

The attorney general’s office did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.

Chavez faces charges of “organized crime” without a leadership role, and for allegedly participating in the “clandestine introduction of weapons into Mexico,” the lawyer said.

Benitez said “very strict measures,” including a travel ban, were imposed, but added that Chavez would comply.

During the court hearing, the attorney general’s office requested three additional months to gather evidence, according to local media.

The next hearing is set for November 24.

US authorities arrested Chavez

in July for being in the United States illegally. They also said he was wanted in Mexico for alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, one of six Mexican drug trafficking groups designated as terrorist organizations by the United States.

After Chavez’s deportation, Mexican authorities transferred him to a prison in Hermosillo, the capital of Sonora state.

Chavez’s arrest in July came days after his lopsided loss to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a cruiserweight bout before a sellout crowd in California.

If convicted, Chavez could face four to eight years in prison, his lawyer said. AFP

Jalbuena

Tatiana Ong

Simon Peter Servillon and Alden Comeros flash the no. 1 sign. Jay Cheng/SIMBC

Kyla Louise Bulaga

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Stallion Laguna to compete in Champions League prelims

By Peter Atencio

THE Chandler McDaniel-led Stal-

lion Laguna FC is set to make history when it joins the preliminary stage of the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League this week.

This will mark the club’s first appearance in Asia’s premier women’s club competition.

In representing the Philippines, Stallion Laguna is bracketed with three clubs in Group A of the preliminary round.

They will first meet Khovd Western (Mongolia) on Tuesday, the Strykers FC (Guam) on August 28, and ISPE WFC (Myanmar) on August 31 at Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon, Myanmar.

All matches are important, with the top team from the group qualify for the Group Stage in November, 2025.

Their continental appearance is a significant milestone for Stallion Laguna’s women’s program.

Coached by Ernie Nierras and Clint McDaniel, the squad is composed of experienced campaigners and rising young talents eager to test themselves at the continental level.

“The team arrived here early to acclimatize, know the culture, enjoy the food, and enjoy the hospitality of Myanmar,” said Nierras, with the team already in Myanmar for a week.

McDaniel is captain of the team, the roster of which includes goalie Olivia McDaniel, a veteran of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The rest of the lineup includes Kaya Hawkinson, Isabella Villaflor, Claire Lubetaniakirara Ogawa, Mia Bookhard, Arantxa Del Mundo, Mckenna Davidson, Yanzie Yalong, Mikayla Simons, Alyssa Jane Ube, Isabella Pasion, Charisa Marie Lemoran, Regine Rasonable, Rhea Chan, Ariana Robles, Jenna Merrill, Malia Cerdon, Pau San Buenaventura, Nia Fountain and Lovely Fernandez.

“I feel a tremendous amount of pride to have been a part of that. Winning is a habit and one that our girls have trained and worked hard towards,” said Chandler McDan iel.

PSA

IT’S an all-basketball presentation for the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday (Aug. 26) as the weekly session resumes at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy leads the special guest in the 10:30 a.m. public sports program as she talks a bout the compact schedule of the federation for the remaining months of the year, including preparations for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

Gilas Pilipinas men’s team coach to the SEA Games Norman Black has also been invited to the session.

The first part of the Forum meanwhile, will have Ian Navarroza of Fiberkinetics discussing about how proper courts reduce injuries among basketball players.

The program is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/ PhilippineSportswritersAssociation, and presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app Arena Plus.

Long-time PSA partner Radyo Pilipinas 2 also airs the session on a delayed basis, and shares it on its official Facebook page Radyo Pilipinas 2 sports.

FIVB worlds make strong statement in Laoag City

LAOAG City showed its strong support for the upcoming 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship during the recent “Set Na Natin ‘To Trophy and Mascot Tour.”

The event, held last Saturday at the new SM City-Laoag, featured Cignal HD Spikers players Josh Umandal, JM Ronquillo, and Vince Malinao. The tour, which began at SM Seaside Cebu two weeks ago and will conclude at SM Downtown Cagayan de Oro this coming Saturday, also included a mini-tournament at Dap-Ayan Park. The team Block Builders, led by MVP John Paul Lorenzo, took home the championship title after defeating three other Ilocos Norte teams: North Western University, Laoag Men’s Team, and Pasuquin.

of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and Asian Volleyball Confederation. The world championship kick off with the Philippines-Tunisia match at 6 p.m. on September 12 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena followed by a first-of-kind opening ceremony featuring K-Pop group BOYNEXTDOOR.

“We are very thankful to the City of Laoag and the Province of Ilocos Norte for the warm welcome and enthusiastic support for the world championships,” said Ramon “Tats” Suzara, president

The 32-nation world championship is scheduled until September 28 and tickets are available at official website https://www.philippineswch2025.com/. PNVF Charter Member Faivo Bartolome, who also heads the Ilocos Norte volleyball association, and his

fellow Ilocos Norte Provincial Sports Consultant Joseph Co helped organized the event graced by Laoag City Vice Mayor Carlos Fariñas. Joining the event where official mascots KidLat and Hataw also regaled the crown were Senior Tourism Operations Officer Bon Derryl Pugal representing Department of Tourism OIC-Regional Director Evangeline Dadat and Senior Tourism Operations Officer, as well as SM City Laoag’s Engr. Gian Carlo Quiaoit and Assistant Mall Manager and Laoag City Volleyball Grassroots player Shainnah Althea Gubac and coach Joshua Manzanas.

Sabalenka, Djokovic advance in US Open; Medvedev out

NEW YORK—Aryna Sabalenka launched the defence of her US Open crown with victory Sunday while Novak Djokovic made a successful start to his latest bid for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title —but a raging Daniil Medvedev exited.

World number one Sabalenka, bidding to become the first woman to claim back-to-back US Open titles since Serena Williams completed a hat-trick of wins in 2014, was made to work hard en route to a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova.

Masarova, ranked 108th in the world, pushed Sabalenka out of her comfort zone with a gutsy performance on the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center’s main Arthur Ashe Stadium showcourt.

“Happy to get this win and happy to be in the second round. I feel like I didn’t start my best in the first games, but then I found my rhythm,” said Sabalenka, who will face unseeded Russian Polina Kudermetova.

While Sabalenka advanced safely, Danish 14th seed Clara Tauson tumbled out to Alexandra Eala.

Eala, 20, became the first player from the Philippines to win a Grand Slam singles match with a thrilling 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13/11) win, battling back from a 5-1 deficit in the final set.

“I’m super over the moon with what I was able to do today, especially coming back in the third,” Eala said.

“It’s a very special win for me.”

Another player from Southeast Asia—Indonesia’s Janice Tjen—also bagged an upset, ousting Russian

24th seed Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

“I feel proud to be able to do this for my country,” said Tjen, the first Indonesian since Angelique Widjaja in 2004 to reach th e main draw of a Grand Slam singles event. Tjen, ranked 149th in the world, will face Britain’s Emma Raducanu in the second round.

- Djokovic off the markRaducanu, who made history at Flushing Meadows in 2021 by becoming the first qualifier to lift a Grand Slam title, clinched her first US Open match win since that memorable triumph with a 6-1, 6-2 drubbing of Japan’s Ena Shibahara.

“I wanted to win a match here really bad,” said Raducanu.

“It’s been four years and it’s a very special tournament for me.”

With men’s defending champion Jannik Sinner and rival Carlos Alcaraz not opening their campaigns until Monday and Tuesday, all eyes were on the veteran Serbian star Djokovic in Sunday’s night session on Ashe.

The 38-year-old showed flashes of brilliance in a 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 win against his unseeded 19-year-old American opponent Learner Tien. Djokovic raced through the first set but was then forced to save a set point in the second after Tien grew in confidence.

A lengthy medical timeout to treat what looked like a blister on his right foot helped revive Djokovic and he pulled away to wrap up victory in 2hr 25min. AFP

Adamson hopes to sustain Shakey’s Super League gain

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu—Its

mission accomplished for Adamson University after a sweeping conquest of the 2025 Shakey’s Su-

per League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg here.

But for skipper Shaina Nitura and the rest of the Lady Falcons, their

arduous buildup for the UAAP wars has only just begun.

The young but very talented Adamson captured its breakthrough crown after winning all three of its matches in the short roundrobin format tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.

“Very grateful and thankful kasi binigyan kami ng opportunity ni God at binigay Niya ng championship sa amin. Siguro, iti-take namin ‘to para mag-improve pa kami as a team kasi hindi naman dito nagtatapos yung journey namin,” said Nitura after the Lady Falcons gave Ateneo de Manila University a 2515, 26-24, 25-14, drubbing Sunday in the final playdate of the three-day contest on Sunday at the Mandaue Sports Complex.

Nitura dropped 23 points, including Adamson’s last six

points of the match, to finally deliver the school to the top podium after a runner-up finish in the 2023 edition.

“Start pa lang ‘to and preparation talaga namin ‘to for UAAP,” said the Best Player of the Cebu Leg.

“If mayroon pang opportunities na darating na ibibigay ni God, we’re just gonna grab it and kukunin namin lahat ng experiences,” added the Alas Pilipinas member.

Adamson started its campaign in the Visayas stop of the three-leg tournament with a four-set win over second-placer University of San Carlos befo re sweeping University of Southern Philippines Foundation. The Lady Falcons’ emphatic victory over the Blue Eagles gave Adamson faithful something to look forward to ahead of UAAP Season 88. The San M arcelinobased squad has missed the Final Four the last two seasons.

Laoag City Vice Mayor Laoag City Vice Mayor Carlos Fariñas (brown polo) and PNVF Charter Member Faivo Bartolome (seated right), with Cignal HD Spikers Josh

Umandal, JM Ronquillo and Vince Malinao and members of the group Ist.One are joined by mascots KidLat and Hataw at the SM City-Laoag. PNVF Photo

Aryna Sabalenka celebrates a point against Rebeka Masarova of Switzerland during their Women’s Singles First Round match on Day 1 of the 2025 US Open in New York City. AFP

The Adamson Lady Falcons playfully pose for the camera after winning

the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg. Roman Prospero

San Miguel’s power unit posted 356% profit growth in first half

By Alena Mae S. Flores

$5.87 billion

for most of its customers, including those with Manila Electric Co., as well as additional margins from ancillary services and the reserves market through its battery energy storage facilities.

Foreign debt service burden

$2.65 billion

SMGP said in its financial statements to the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. that despite lower revenues in the six-month period, other income amounted to P21.654 billion, up from P3.776 billion a year ago.

Principal payment burden

Corporation following the completion of the Chromite Gas Holdings Inc. (CGHI) transaction.

Consolidated revenues in the first semester amounted to P80.147 billion, down by 19 percent from P98.944 billion recognized in the same period last year.

It said foreign exchange loss recognized during the period was lower compared to last year due to the appreciation of the Philippine peso against the US dollar.

The company attributed the decline to divestment and resulting deconsolidation of SPPC, owner of the 1,278-megawatt Ilijan natural gas power plant.

$3.22 billion

SMGP said the surge was driven by the revaluation gain recognized from the dilution of equity interests in South Premiere Power Corp., Excellent Energy Resources Inc. and Ilijan Primeline Industrial Estate

SMGP said the deconsolidation’s impact was mitigated by improved margins from contracted capacities with fuel passthrough arrangements

The lower revenues also reflected a downward adjustment in fuel tariffs to bilateral customers as coal fuel prices went down by 21 percent during the period.

Interest payment burden

By Thony Rose Lesaca

Interest payments dipped slightly by 1.23 percent to $3.22 billion from $3.26 billion. The increase in debt servicing comes as the country’s total foreign debt climbed 14 percent to $146.74 billion as of end-March 2025. The foreign borrowings were equivalent to 31.5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 27.8 percent of its gross national income (GNI).

The ratio of the country’s external debt service burden to GNI dropped to 2.5 percent in the first quarter from 2.7 percent a year earlier. The ratio to GDP also fell to 2.8 percent from 3.1 percent.

The BSP said the debt service burden includes principal and interest payments on long-term loans, but excludes prepayments and the principal of short-term liabilities.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), attributed the higher external debt and servicing to wider budget deficits, which prompted the government to seek more external borrowings.

He said the higher external debt in recent years also helps diversify the country’s borrowing sources and provides greater liquidity for global bond markets.

Ricafort said the government has been reducing the share of foreign borrowings in favor of a larger domestic borrowing share. This strategy, he said, helps manage foreign exchange risks associated with external debt.

COURTESY MEETING.

Department of Finance

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said Monday it is reviewing decades-old rules on fines against real estate firms and practitioners to increase penalties to better protect homebuyers and law-abiding developers.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon

Aliling said the move is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push for more proactive government. He has tasked Senior Undersecretary Sharon Faith Paquiz to lead the

in expanding investments in key sectors such as infrastructure, education, agriculture and health.

THE Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) said Monday the new law aimed at improving internet access would boost the country’s digital economy and help bridge the digital divide.

The Konektadong Pinoy (KP) Act, which lapse into law, is designed to increase market competition, promote infrastructure sharing and ensure a more efficient use of radio frequency spectrum, the DEPDev said in a statement.

“Reliable and affordable internet means more students, especially those in remote areas of the country, can gain access to online learning resources,” DEPDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said.

review of previous laws and government penalties.

“We need to revisit our laws and policies to ensure relevance and responsiveness in the present times,” Aliling said.

“We cannot be tied to outdated policies and to better serve the public,” he said.

The DHSUD is reviewing the implementing rules and regulations, guidelines, administrative fines and penalties on Presidential Decree 957

of 1976 and Batas Pambansa 220, along with the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992.

“This is to protect the interests of all our stakeholders—homebuyers and the decent developers who diligently follow the laws and policies,” Aliling said.

Paquiz said the review, led by the DHSUD’s Housing and Real Estate Development and Regulation Bureau, would assess whether current fines and penalties are still relevant to the state of

the housing and real estate industry. “Initially, we have already identified some provisions that need to be updated and amended,” Paquiz said. “For those that we can immediately revise within our authority, we will do so as soon as possible,” Paquiz said. Among the proposals is the imposition of stiffer administrative penalties and fines against developers and real estate practitioners who sell projects without the necessary registration and licenses.

The legislation will deliver wider coverage and faster internet speeds, which will make “digitalization a stronger engine of productivity and inclusive growth,” according to the DEPDev. The agency said stronger digital infrastructure would also enhance resilience during natural disasters.

DEPDev said it had championed the measure, producing a policy note on the telecommunications sector in 2024 and recommending its inclusion in the government’s legislative agenda.

He said small businesses would be able to reach broader markets and clinics could deliver telehealth services, while farmers and fisherfolk could get timely market and weather information.

ERC asks Meralco, First Gas to explain impact of power contract extension

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) asked First Gas Power Corp. and Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to explain the impact of their proposed contract extension to consumers.

Meralco’s 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for the 1,000-megawatt (MW) Santa Rita natural gas plant in Batangas, owned by First Gas,was supposed to expire on Aug. 17, 2025. “Meralco and FGPC are hereby directed to submit an explanation

DigiPlus to expand customer support team to assist 40m users

DIGIPLUS Interactive Corp., a leading online gaming firm in the Philippines, said Monday it is expanding its customer support team to provide 24/7 assistance to its more than 40 million registered users.

The company, which operates popular platforms like BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone, said in a statement it is steadily growing its customer service operations to ensure timely help with account management, technical troubleshooting and fraud prevention.

DigiPlus reported a net income of P8.4 billion in the first half of 2025, a 61-percent increase from the same period last year. Revenues surged 47 percent to P47.78 billion.

The company has not yet commented on the impact of a recent Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas order for e-wallets like GCash and Maya to remove links to online gaming firms amid the

government’s consumer protection campaign.

DigiPlus said its customer support team has grown to more than 300 members, with plans to reach 450 by year-end.

“The strengthening of our customer service operations plays a vital role in making certain that every player’s concern is addressed swiftly and effectively,” said Carlos Pio Feliciano, the company’s customer service director.

The most common player concerns involve withdrawals, “Know Your Customer” (KYC) processes, game fairness, deposits and account registration. The company said its team handles nearly a million transactions per month.

Feliciano said the company provides continuous learning modules to its representatives to ensure they “stay up-to-date with the latest platform updates, tools, and industry trends.”

NLEX Corp.’s first-half income hit

By Darwin G. Amojelar

NLEX Corp. said its net income grew by 31 percent in the first half of 2025 to P7.3 billion, up from P5.5 billion during the same period last year.

The company, which operates the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), attributed the increase to higher traffic volumes and toll adjustments.

Toll revenues climbed 19 percent to P14.6 billion for the first half of 2025.

“This was mainly due to an increase in average vehicular traffic

volume and toll rate adjustments implemented in March 2025 on NLEX,” the company said.

The NLEX Connector also showed an “upward traffic trend, aided by ongoing promotional initiatives encouraging road usage.”

As of June 30, average daily traffic for NLEX reached 356,392 daily

vehicle entries, a 1 percent increase from 2024 figures.

Average daily traffic on SCTEX reached 84,081 daily vehicle entries, a 3 percent increase from the same period last year. The NLEX Connector recorded an average of 20,467 daily vehicle entries in the first half of 2025.

The largest expense item was the revenue share paid to government partners, followed by amortization.

The revenue share of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) was P1.3 billion, which represents 50 percent of the toll revenues from SCTEX. The Phil-

WHAT will happen to the economy of this country after the end of the Marcos administration in 2028?

The answer to this question depends on two interconnected events, namely: (1) the filing of error-free Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Duterte by the House of Representatives with the Senate after February 5, 2026; and (2) the handing down of a judgment of acquittal or conviction after a “forthwith” trial of the Vice President by the Senate, which would be constituted as an impeachment court. A judgement of conviction will remove Sara Duterte from office and disqualify her from running in the 2028 Presidential election.

The Senate thus bears a very heavy responsibility of determining whether the Philippine economy will or will not be managed after June 30, 2028 by a government headed by Sara Duterte. Under normal circumstances, this should pose no problem: the senators simply look and evaluate the evidence supporting the Articles of Impeachment and then let their

conscience lead them to the verdict that is legally proper and just.

But the present national circumstances are not normal. Ten members of the 20th Congress’s Senate – Alan Peter Cayetano, J.V. Ejercito, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Sherwin Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, Loren Legarda, Robinhood Padilla, Joel Villanueva and Juan Miguel Zubiri – are up for re-election in 2028.

To be sure of being among the Magic 12 winners, a senatorial candidate needs to score well in Mindanao, which is the bailiwick of the Duterte political clan. The 2025 senatorial election demonstrated the impact of Dueterte-forces support on a candidate’s chances of winning, with six Duterte-backed candidates making among the Magic 12.

The $64 question is whether the 2028 reelectionist senators will allow thoughts of Duterista votes to affect their judgements as judges in Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. Stated succinctly, will they go for the Mindanao votes or for accountability?

The evidence against the Vice-President,

ippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC) fee, the government’s share of NLEX revenues, also increased 18 percent. The PNCC fee is distributed with 90 percent going to the national government and 10 percent to PNCC. Repairs and maintenance costs declined 12 percent compared to the same period last year, primarily due to having sufficient spare parts for fixed operating equipment.

The NLEX, which serves as the main infrastructure backbone connecting Metro Manila to central and northern Luzon, spans approximately 105 kilometers (598 lane-kilometers)

and serviced an average of 350,599 vehicles per day at the end of 2024. NLEX Corp. has operated the NLEX since February 2005 after completing the rehabilitation of the toll road under Phase I of the NLEX Concession.

The SCTEX is a 91-kilometer (362 lane-kilometer) expressway that stretches from Subic-Tipo to La Paz, Tarlac. It connects the special economic zones in Subic and Clark, Olongapo City, to Tarlac City. The BCDA completed the SCTEX in 2008 using official development assistance financing from the Japan Bank of International Cooperation.

Concrete Stone secures deal to supply tetrapods to NAC unit Dinapigue Mining

PRECAST materials manufacturer Concrete Stone Corp. (CSC) said Monday it won a contract to supply concrete tetrapods to Dinapigue Mining Corp. (DMC), a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC).

The tetrapods will be used for a port facility at NAC’s nickel mine in Isabela.

The contract, valued at PP22 million, covers the supply of 750 concrete tetrapods.

“This is just the beginning of a productive partnership between CSC and DMC,” said Alfredo Comendador Jr., president of CSC.

The company said it aims to

The other re-electionist senators are likely, for political-survival or personal reasons, to place re-election before accountability.

especially the evidence relating to her use of Department of Education and Office of the Vice-President confidential funds, is very strong, but for a few Senators the lure of those Dutertista votes may prove to be irresistible.

The ten 2028 re-electionist senators may be divided simply, into those who are likely to be faithful to the oaths that they will take as Senators-judges and those who are likely to put re-election before accountability. Who among the re-electionist senators are likely to be faithful to the oath that they will take as senators-judges?

expand its market as demand for precast and modular construction grows in line with national infrastructure and housing initiatives.

“Our technology gives CSC the scale and efficiency to address the country’s rising demand for resilient and reliable infrastructure,” Comendador said. CSC is expected to become a subsidiary of Asiabest Group International Inc. (ABG) by 2026. The integration will give CSC access to capital markets for expansion. The DMC contract demonstrates the company’s ability to service industrial projects.

Risa Hontiveros is a person of great professional and personal integrity. She will judge the Vice-President on the basis of the evidence presented by the House of Representatives.

Sherwin Gatchalian has posted a record as a sensible and level headed senator. He, too, is likely to judge Sara Duterte on the basis of the evidence.

Loren Legarda, who was Fernando Poe Jr.’s running mate in the 2004 presidential election, is likely to place accountability before re-election.

J.V Ejercito, likewise, is likely to judge Sara Duterte on the basis of the evidence presented in support of the Articles of Impeachment.

The other re-electionist senators are likely, for political-survival or personal reasons, to place re-election before accountability.

The day that they do so will be a very sad day for the principle of accountability of public officers so hopefully enshrined in Article XI of the 1987 Constitution.

(llagasjessa@yahoo.com)

Customer service representatives at the DigiPlus Merville studio assist players with their needs and questions across

gaming platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone.

Concrete Stone Corp. delivers tetrapods to Dinapigue Mining Corp.

COURTESY VISIT.

Department of Science and Technology Region I (DOST I) holds a courtesy visit to Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, attended by DOST I regional director Teresita Tabaog and DOST Ilocos Norte provincial director Brian Rasco. The province of Ilocos Norte is hosting the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration on Nov. 17–21, 2025, at the Laoag Centennial Arena.

PEZA seeks LGU collaboration to expand ecozone network

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is urging local government units to work with the agency to develop new economic zones to boost regional growth and attract investments.

PEZA director general Tereso Panga said the agency is engaging with newly elected and “forward-thinking” mayors who have expressed interest in hosting ecozones.

Among those are Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, Los Baños City Mayor Neil Nocon, San Pablo City Mayor Najie Gapangada, Libon Mayor Mac

THE Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has pitched its ecozone to Indonesian businesses as a strategic gateway to East Asia and the U.S. West Coast.

On Saturday, APECO hosted its first APECO Business Forum in Pasay City with a delegation from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN).

APECO president and chief executive Gil Taway IV said the location in Casiguran, Aurora, gives Indonesian exporters a direct and cost-efficient entry point to Northeast Asia and the U.S. West Coast.

“Your nearest gateway facing Japan, Korea and the United States West Coast is in APECO,” Taway said. “Our ecozone sits at the heart of the Indo-Pacific Corridor, reducing both cost and time in moving goods to these key markets.”

Taway said the ecozone can provide an alternative maritime route amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and global trade disruptions, offering access with the advantage of stronger supply chains to the northern Pacific and diversified export routes.

He cited the complementary strengths of the two countries, with Indonesia providing minerals and agricultural resources and Aurora offering fisheries, coconut plantations and direct access to the Pacific.

Opportunities include cold storage, canning, halal food processing and coconut-based products for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. APECO is also being positioned for renewable energy projects such as solar, tidal and wind farms, and as a hub for defense and logistics in support of the Philippines’ modernization program.

“Together, we can open new markets, create jobs, and write a new chapter in Indonesia-Philippine relations,” Taway said. “APECO is your new gateway to the Pacific.”

Created in 2007, APECO has faced controversies over stalled projects, governance disputes and land issues. Taway, who took office in October 2023, acknowledged the setbacks but framed them as “the starting point for change.” Othel V. Campos

Sayson, Pamplona Mayor Dennis Imperial, Oroquieta City Mayor Lemuel Acosta, Silang City Mayor Ted Carranza, Leganes Mayor Junjun Jaen, Victoria Mayor Rex Villa Agustin, Pagudpud City Mayor Ralph Benemerito, Digos City Mayor Josef Cagas, and San Andres Mayor Ralph Lim.

“These new host LGUs are welcome additions to PEZA’s network of 427 operating ecozones nationwide,” Panga said.

PEZA teams recently conducted due diligence and consultations for proposed ecozones in San Andres, Quezon, Pamplona, Camarines Sur, and Libon, Albay. The planned zones, strategically located along the Bicol and Bondoc Peninsulas, will benefit from port connectivity via San Andres, Pasacao, and Pantao ports, which are expected to facilitate the movement of goods and stimulate commerce and tourism.

Panga said hosting ecozones has been a proven driver of local progress, with cities and municipalities that host such facilities showing higher gross domestic product growth and investments than those that do not. According to the latest Philippine Statistics Authority data, almost all of the country’s top-performing LGUs in terms of investment generation host ecozones.

“To maximize these gains, we urge LGUs to adopt an investment code and integrity pledge, pursue digital transformation, and develop their human resources, infrastructure and local supply chains,” Panga said.

DA to launch digital center for rice supply monitoring

THE Department of Agriculture will soft-launch its Command Center in November, a digital platform designed to provide data-driven management of the country’s food supply chain, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced Monday.

“When I accepted this Cabinet portfolio, my thinking was ‘produce, produce, produce.’ Nearly two years into the job, I’ve realized that an equally important mantra is ‘manage, manage, manage,’” Tiu Laurel said.

Powered by trade data from the Bureau of Plant Industry’s Osiris system, the Command Center will initially focus on the rice value chain. The system will consolidate data on production, imports, stock levels, product types, movements, wholesale and retail prices, consumption, post-harvest infrastructure, utilization, irrigation, spoilage and global market trends.

“The DA already has most of this data, but they are scattered across different agencies. We must bring them together and make market sense of them, plus gather what we still lack so we can deploy our limited resources more efficiently and productively,” Tiu Laurel said.

In April and May, rice imports reached 970,000 metric tons, far exceeding the country’s average monthly consumption of 320,000 metric tons. The oversupply drove down the price of unhusked rice and prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to suspend rice importation for two months beginning Sept. 1.

The DA expects sharper supply and demand forecasting from the Command Center, combined with the restoration of regulatory powers to the DA and National Food Authority through amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law, to strengthen buffers against price shocks while improving farmer incomes.

The model will eventually be expanded to other sectors such as high-value crops, livestock, poultry and fisheries, along with a central registry of food facilities and warehouses with real-time stock levels. This is in line with President Marcos’ vision of modernized agriculture and a food-secure Philippines.

DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology (DOST) Northern Mindanao is celebrating the success of Heaven’s Bakehaus, an Iligan City bakery that has grown from a small business into a nationally recognized company.

Heaven’s Bakehaus, owned and managed by Marc Claro and his wife Roly Ann, started in 2012 with a capital of P5,000 and a team of three. It has since become a livelihood platform for out-of-school youth, working students, single mothers, people with disabilities, and senior citizens. Their signature “Piaya de Iligan” has become a symbol of local pride and opportunity.

With support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), Heaven’s Bakehaus secured its Food and Drug Administration license to operate, boosted sales, extended product shelf life and diversified its offerings with DOST-FNRI technologies. The company received assistance in September 2016 for Phase I and March 2022 for Phase II.

In 2023, Heaven’s Bakehaus won the national SETUP PRAISE Award and the Most Agile Enterprise award. This year, it reached a greater milestone, winning the Presidential Awards for Outstanding MSMEs (Micro Enterprise Category) at Malacañan Palace on Aug. 18. Organized by the MSMED Council, the award honors businesses that show excellence, resilience, ingenuity and meaningful contributions to community and industry growth.

Today, Heaven’s Bakehaus continues to support other small businesses through its souvenir center, which carries other DOSTassisted brands such as Dackie’s Food Products, Pepay’s Food Products and Margeurie’s House of Goodies.

BUSWAY STATION. Shown is the design plan for the rehabilitation of the Bagong Barrio Station of the EDSA Busway, in response to the President’s directive to give commuters a more accessible and convenient ride.

Tanduay’s first-half profit surged 91% on higher sales

TANDUAY Distillers Inc., the liquor and spirits unit of LT Group Inc., reported a 91-percent surge in first-half profit on the back of higher selling prices and a sharp drop in costs.

The company’s net income reached P1.36 billion in the first six months of 2025, up from P712 million a year earlier, the company said in a statement Monday.

Revenue rose 4 percent to P15.25 billion, while the company kept costs of sales steady at P12.62 billion, boosting its gross profit margin to 17 percent from 14 percent.

Asian markets rally on US rate cut hopes

HONG KONG—Asian markets

kicked off the week with a rally on Monday, tracking gains made by Wall Street on Friday after the US central bank chief suggested coming interest rate cuts.

Investors weighing the prospects of a September reduction had been closely eyeing the speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at an annual symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

“The balance of risks appears to be shifting,” Powell said, noting a slump in employment even as inflation remains above target.

He added that the “unusual” situation “may warrant adjusting our policy stance”. Wall Street stocks surged following Powell’s speech, rebounding from a tech sell-off earlier in the week. European markets also ticked upwards after the speech.

During the first trading sessions in major Asian markets following the comments, stocks made notable gains. Tokyo rose almost half a percent on the day, while Hong Kong finished up 1.9 percent, boosted by a surge in Chinese tech giant Alibaba. Shanghai, Seoul and Taipei also rose. Sydney finished marginally higher.

“By hinting that the Fed could cut even without pristine inflation numbers, (Powell) transformed caution into conviction,” Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management wrote in a note Monday. AFP

Tanduay also reduced operating expenses by nearly 17 percent to P886 million, largely due to less spending on advertising and promotions.

“This milestone reflects the strength of the Tanduay brand and the loyalty of our consumers across the country,”

Tanduay president and chief executive Lucio Tan III said.

The strong performance helped the company increase its nationwide market share for distilled spirits to 38 percent from 33 percent a year ago, with market dominance in the central and southern

regions of the Philippines.

Tanduay’s results contributed to its parent company’s overall performance. LT Group reported a 17 percent increase in first-half attributable net income to P14.97 billion.

The company, founded in 1854, has been named the world’s number-one rum brand by volume for eight consecutive years, according to Drinks International magazine.

Tanduay products are sold in several countries, including the United States, China, Canada and Australia.

Jenniffer B. Austria

By Jenniffer B. Austria

The SEC’s Financing and Lending Companies Division (FinLend) issued separate cease and desist orders on Aug. 15, directing Cash Konek, Pesosuki, Yescom Lending—Quick Cash Loan, Peso101— Fast Loans PH, Peso Cow—Mabilis Pera Loan, Swiftloan: Loan App Philippines, and Pera Loan: Fast Cash PH to immediately stop their activities.

The order also covers the companies’ owners, operators, promoters, representatives, agents and any individuals acting on their behalf. The firms should stop all lending activities, both online and offline, until they are properly registered with the commission, it said.

According to the SEC, these platforms violated SEC Memorandum Circular No. 19, Series of 2019, which requires lending and financing companies to disclose all online lending platforms they operate and SEC Memorandum Circular No. 10, Series of 2021, which placed a mor-

THE Philippines aims to become a “tourism powerhouse” in Asia by focusing on heritage and culture, according to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

The goal is part of the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, which also emphasizes sustainability, inclusivity and resilience.

“Under the National Tourism Development Plan, we seek to provide interventions to strengthen tourism not just for the present but for future

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc. urged the government to draft clear rules that ensure an even playing field for all telecommunications companies, following the enactment of the Konektadong Pinoy bill.

“With the Konektadong Pinoy bill now lapsed into law, we are going to work closely with the government to ensure its proper implementation. At Converge, we have always pushed to ensure that every Filipino has access to world-class connectivity. This also means protecting consumers and supporting a fair and competitive market,” Dennis Anthony Uy, chief executive and co-founder of

Converge, said in a statement.

“As mentioned previously, I personally support Konektadong Pinoy because I believe that the more players we have in the industry, the better it will be for consumers. Competition gives people real choice. It’s not just ‘take it or leave it’,” he said.

Uy said it is very important to ensure that the right regulatory frameworks are in place, in this case the implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

“The last thing we want is for consumers to suffer from substandard offers. We need strong, clear, and enforceable rules that guarantee an equal playing field,” he said.

generations,” Frasco told students and faculty at Mater Dei College in Tubigon, Bohol on Aug. 22, 2025. Frasco cited infrastructure initiatives aimed at boosting the sector, including the construction of more than 700 kilometers of tourism roads nationwide in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). She also cited the rollout of tourist rest areas (TRAs) and the recent privatization of the Bohol Airport to expand connectivity. She said that in 2024, tourism con-

tributed P3.86 trillion, or nearly 9 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and supported 6.75 million jobs. She also detailed flagship programs aimed at empowering local communities, including the Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC) for local government-led projects; the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) for cultural tours; the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) training for tourism workers; and the Tourist Assistance Call Center (TACC).

atorium on the registration of new OLPs as of Nov. 5, 2021.

The SEC cited Republic Act No. 11765, also known as the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, as the legal basis for the orders. This law allows the SEC to take enforcement action against financial service providers that do not comply with regulations.

FinLend warned that operating unregistered and undisclosed OLPs violates regulatory oversight and exposes the public to risks such as abusive collection practices, excessive interest rates, and data privacy violations.

“In light of the [companies’] continued unauthorized operation of [their OLPs], the Commission finds it necessary to issue [these CDOs] in order to prevent further harm or prejudice to the public, and to safeguard the integrity of the regulatory framework governing lending companies,” the SEC orders said.

IN BRIEF

EDUCATORS CONFAB. Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman (fourth from left) joins the Quezon Educators’ Research Convention (QERC) on Aug. 16 to 17, 2025, at the Quezon Capitol Compound in Lucena City. Pangandaman shared an overview of government programs that prioritize growth and welfare. Source: DBM’s Facebook page

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco engages more than 750 tourism and hospitality students and faculty of Mater Dei College in Tubigon, Bohol on Aug. 22, 2025. Source: DOT’s Facebook page

families in the Philippines.

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

DENR, UNDP seek to ban toxic chemicals

HK scientist tries to save endangered cockatoos

HONG KONG—Above the teeming shopping streets of Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay district, a fight to save one of the world’s most endangered species is unfolding high in the branches of a decades-old cotton tree.

Nestled among its sprawling boughs is a nest box designed for the yellow-crested cockatoo, of which only 1,200 to 2,000 remain in the world.

Although the birds are native to East Timor and Indonesia, onetenth of those left are found in Hong Kong—one of the “largest cohesive remaining wild populations” globally, according to Astrid Andersson, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hong Kong. Their future now hangs in the balance, due to habitat loss and, some suspect, a black market for the rare birds.

The cockatoos’ numbers have stagnated, with far fewer juveniles than when Andersson began

monitoring almost 10 years ago.

The birds don’t make their own nests but depend on natural cavities in trees—about 80 percent of which have vanished in recent years, because of typhoon damage and government pruning.

The nest boxes set up by Andersson are an attempt to rectify this, designed to resemble the hollows sought out by the birds.

She plans to place about 50 around the city.

“Without the nest boxes, I believe that the cockatoos will have fewer and fewer opportunities to increase or replace individuals that die in their population,” she said.

The boxes will also allow observation of their reproductive behavior, which has never been comprehensively studied.

The cockatoos’ existence in Hong Kong has been “a very positive story about human-wildlife coexistence,” said Andersson.

The population in Hong Kong is

Cacao farming, once long a driver of reforestation, can be eco-friendly

Second of 3 parts

The work also has implications far beyond Central Africa. The Congo basin is a vast warehouse of carbon; its swamps alone store around 29 billion tons of the planet-warming element—about three years’ worth of global greenhouse gas emissions.

“The Congo Basin is an ecosystem with planetary importance,” says George Akwah, a program management officer with UNEP. “Protecting it is vital for safeguarding biodiversity, countering climate change and improving the lives of millions.”

The Congo Basin houses the Earth’s second-largest contiguous block of tropical rainforest after the Amazon. This ecosystem sustains tens of millions of people and, according to a study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is a haven for one in five living species. But it’s facing increasing threats.

The expansion of farming and mining has led to widespread deforestation.

Nearly 19,000 square kilometers of forests were “disturbed” annually between 2015 and 2020, according to a study by the Central Africa Forest Commission, a research organization.

Indigenous communities, who have been safeguarding rainforests for generations, have often suffered the most from this deforestation, says Akwah.

There are fears that if the loss continues, it could impoverish millions, threaten some of Africa’s most iconic animals and hamper the basin’s ability to both store and absorb carbon.

That’s why UNEP launched the effort to support sustainable development across the countries of the Congo Basin. Launched four years ago, it’s formally known as the Congo Basin Landscapes Initiative.

The work is designed in part to support the implementation of the KunmingMontreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a landmark 2022 agreement to protect and restore the natural world. A key goal of that agreement is making farming more sustainable and re-enforcing the land rights of Indigenous Peoples. (To be continued) UNEP News

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) launched a landmark project that seeks to eliminate hazardous chemicals and promote green manufacturing.

The DENR through its Environmental Management Bureau with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) initiated the “Reduction of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Unintentional POPs (UPOPs) through Integrated Sound Management of Chemicals” project last week.

The project marks a critical milestone in the country’s continued implementation of its commitments under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, which the Philippines ratified in 2004.

an introduced one, with one urban legend recounting they originated from an aviary set free by the British governor of Hong Kong before surrendering to the Japanese in 1941.

There is no evidence to support that story, however—the modern flock’s ancestors are in fact believed to be escaped pets.

Hong Kong’s urban parks, full of mature trees bearing fruit, nuts and other food, became a “sanctuary” for them, Andersson said.

The cockatoos are now part of the city’s fabric, their loud squawks echoing through the sky at nightfall.

Perched on streetlights, they sit calmly observing the humming traffic along city flyovers.

Many people don’t realize they are looking at an endangered species in their neighborhood.

“We genuinely thought they were just like an average parakeet,” resident Erfan, who lives near a flyover, told AFP. AFP

POPs are some of the most hazardous chemicals ever produced, known for their persistence in the environment, ability to bioaccumulate and serious threats to human health and ecosystems.

Despite global efforts to phase them out, many of these toxic substances continue to be present in industrial processes, waste streams and everyday consumer products.

The inception workshop convened key stakeholders from national government agencies, industry, civil society, development finance institutions and the international development community.

The activity serves as the formal start of the project implementation, and as a platform to introduce the project’s objectives, strategy and planned outcomes.

The POPs and UPOPs Project seeks to eliminate 192.5 tons of industrial POPs from critical value chains, particularly in manufacturing industries that are still using hazardous substances.

SM Prime Holdings Corp., the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and ARISE Philippines are joining forces to launch the first-ever Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX) on August 29–30, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center Aura, Taguig City.

With the theme Innovation for Environmental Stewardship,” SUSTEX 2025 aims to catalyze transformative change in business practices by showcasing groundbreaking technologies and scalable solutions that advance climate resilience, waste reduction, and circularity across industries.

Featuring over 50 exhibitors, the expo will highlight advancements in waste management and recycling, energy and water efficiency, electric vehicles, carbon reduction, air quality improvement, and disaster resilience.

These include polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and shortchain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Pentafluoro octane sulphonates and their derivatives (PFOS) and Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD).

The project aims to promote the adoption of Green Chemistry principles in Philippine industries and support the establishment of an innovative financing mechanism known as FREE-ME—short for Financing the Roadmap for the Environmental Enhancement of Manufacturing Enterprises. The mechanism is designed to help enterprises, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), gain access to green financing to adopt safer alternatives and cleaner technologies.

DENR Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna said “the project supports the Philippines’ implementation of the Stockholm Convention ... to reduce and eliminate hazardous substances known for their toxicity, persistence, and transboundary impacts. Another major component of the project is to support the government in designing and piloting the country’s first Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR), which will strengthen national capacity to track chemical use and toxic emissions in key industrial facilities.

UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran stressed the urgency of transitioning to a toxic-free, lowcarbon and circular economy.

UNDP Philippines News

to shape solutions, forge stronger partnerships and drive change at the scale this moment demands.”

It will serve as a hub for cross-sector dialogue, policy alignment and public-private collaboration, bringing together industry leaders, government agencies, MSMEs, tenant partners, sustainability advocates, diplomats and students.

“We believe innovation is central to achieving a lowcarbon, circular, and resilient future,” said Mr. Hans T. Sy, chairman of the executive committee, of SM Prime. “Through SUSTEX, we aim to move beyond dialogue–

PH, UAE plant trees in La Mesa THE

was also part of the 51st anniversary celebration of bilateral relations between the Philippines and the UAE. CCC vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje said the tree-growing activity was a symbol of shared climate responsibility.

“This initiative is our joint responsibility to address climate change and protect our planet, reinforcing the importance of sustainable development of our bilateral cooperation. This will leave a lasting legacy of environmental stewardship for generations to come,” he said.

UAE Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Mohamed Obaid Salem Al Qattam Alzaabi likened the partnership to the resilience of the Narra tree. “Like the Narra tree, a symbol of

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. said in a statement that SUSTEX 2025 reflects the agency’s unwavering commitment to harnessing science, technology, and innovation (STI) to build a more sustainable and resilient future, which is aligned with DOST’s fourth strategic pillar of institutionalizing sustainability.

“Through collaboration with industries, government, academe, and communities, we aim to accelerate solutions that will help transform the Philippine’s business landscape into a true champion of circular economy and climate action. At the heart of these efforts is our goal to empower every Filipino to become a victor, not a victim, in the face of disasters and climate challenges,” said Solidum.

SUSTEX also aligns with SM’s Waste-Free Future campaign and the company’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by encouraging the private sector’s role in addressing the climate crisis.

Attendees can expect interactive exhibits, expert-led forums, and solution-driven conversations that aim to drive greener business decisions and empower changemakers across all sectors.

“As we plant this tree today,

A worker checks cacao beans from local cooperatives for moisture content and quality. UNEP/Will Swanson

This picture taken on July 30, 2025 shows several yellow-crested cockatoos resting atop a light pole in the Sai Ying Pun neighbourhood in Hong Kong. AFP

SM Seaside City Cebu

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA,

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

The

by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, rose to fame in the mid-1990s as part of the Britpop movement before a public split in 2009. Their reunion tour, one of the most anticipated in recent years, has sold out shows across multiple continents.

Fans lined up outside Rogers Stadium hours before the concert. Some said the show marked the fulfillment of a decades-long dream.

“Seeing them live has been a life-long dream because I thought they would never reunite,” said Thunder Penir, who brought a Canadian flag to the venue.

Amanda Ferraro, who wore a shirt from the band’s 2006 Canadian tour, said Oasis’ music has been a constant in her life. “All the songs really got me through a lot of things: my parents’ divorce, milestones,” said Ferraro, 38.

Another fan, Shanon Simon, said the tour’s appeal lies partly in nostalgia. “It’s going to shows and not having phones up,” she said.

Tickets for the North American tour reportedly sold out within an hour of release. The group has already performed in the United Kingdom and Ireland and will continue to the United States, Japan, Australia, and Brazil.

Oasis is scheduled to play a second night in Toronto on Monday before heading to Chicago for a Thursday show. AFP

KOREAN boy group

NTX marked its first visit to the Philippines by filming at the National Museum of Fine Arts and performing before fans at Robinsons Galleria on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Composed of main vocalists Hyeongjin and Yunhyeok, vocalist and main dancer Xiha, vocalist and rapper Changhun, lead vocalist Hojun, main producer, main rapper, and sub-vocalist Rawhyun, vocalist and main producer Eunho, and rapper, lead dancer, and youngest member Seungwon, the eightmember group described the museum shoot as a rare opportunity they will never forget. Once the home of the Philippine Senate, the building now houses priceless works, including Juan Luna’s Spoliarium.

“We shot the music video at the National Museum. I heard that they usually don’t give permission to film there. We were the first to shoot, so it’s really such an honor. It was really good to film there,” Yunhyeok said in an exclusive interview with Manila Standard Entertainment.

“It was such an honor to perform and do our music video shoot in that area. We don’t know if it could be repeated. It might be our first and last time, so we really did our best during the shoot,” Eunho added.

He also shared that they respected the strict rules inside the venue, such as restrictions on food and drinks, because of the building’s historical and cultural value.

The visit was also a long-awaited chance for NTX to see its Filipino fans, known as NTFULS, face-to-face.

“So nervous, but I think it’s a really good chance. We definitely think it’s going to be a very fun time tomorrow. And to all the fans who have really waited for us to finally be here, we’re not nervous, but we’re more excited to finally showcase our talent to our Filipino fans,” explained Rawhyun.

The members also admitted they had heard a lot about the Philippines before arriving, particularly its sweet mangoes.

“I was really looking forward to trying the mangoes. They were very delicious,” Changhun shared.

During the K-pop group’s mall show, NTX performed a set that included its hit song “OVER N OVER ”, which has become a fan favorite across different countries.

Written by Rawhyun and produced in collaboration with YG Entertainment, the upbeat track was created to lift spirits and break away from daily routine.

The group said the song has been a reliable way to connect with audiences.

Korean boy group NTX finds inspiration, connection in first PH visit

OVER N OVER ” has been totally a crowd favorite. Wherever we go, the staff have been singing along with us, dancing, and chatting with us. So definitely, this will be a very special song dedicated to the Filipino NTFULs,” Seungwon explained.

Meanwhile, Xiha said their current release marks a shift in their musical identity, offering what they called a “different color” compared to their past albums. With tracks from the Over Track album designed to encourage fan interaction, the group said the experience of hearing audiences sing and dance along has inspired them to keep that energy alive in their future projects.

Now in their fifth year, the members reflected on how their bond has strengthened since their debut.

“At first, of course, we were all from different areas. It was an awkward gathering, just having one goal of wanting to be an idol,” Hyeongjin shared.

“But as time passed, we realized we needed unity to give the best of our talents. For five years, we actually spent time together in one room, building a brotherhood. And now, I think I’m very confident in our teamwork, and our chemistry has been amazing,” he added.

“Well, we do have a lot of good songs on all our albums. But of course, I think

Miss Grand Philippines 2025

By Jasper Valdez

finale Sunday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The 29-year-old beauty queen, who previously represented the

Philippines at Miss Intercontinental 2019, received the crown from reigning Miss Grand International CJ Opiaza . Tiglao also won the Best in Swimsuit award earlier in the evening. In the final Q&A, she was asked how she would sell peace to world

“Seeing that become a very good point of connection with our fans, that would basically be our concept for our next albums as well, or something we look forward to in that genre,” he continued.

Looking ahead, the members want their shows to always reflect their strength in live performance.

“We want to show more of us enjoying ourselves on stage with our fans. We also want to create a stage where fans can have fun but also feel empathy and comfort. That’s the color of NTX’s stage performance in the future,” Hojun stated.

leaders if it were packaged as a product. Tiglao stressed the importance of “constant dialogue” over “quantity of time,” saying this would help reduce divisions in politics, power, and property. Tiglao will compete at Miss Grand International 2025 in Bangkok this October as the Philippines aims for its second crown in the global pageant. The evening also named other titleholders who will represent the country

EMMA Tiglao of Pampanga was named Miss Grand Philippines 2025 at the pageant’s grand

BRITISH rock band Oasis launched the North American leg of its long-awaited reunion tour in Toronto on Sunday, drawing thousands of fans eager to see the group perform together for the first time since 2008.

band, fronted

abroad: Margarette Briton of Bicolandia (1st Runner-Up), Beatriz Angela Ocampo of Rizal Province (2nd Runner-Up), Nikki Buenafe of Quezon City (Face of Beauty International 2025), Michelle Arceo of Taguig City (Miss Tourism World Philippines 2025), Beatriz Mclelland of Aklan (Reina Hispanoamericana 2026), and Anita Rose of Zambales (Miss Asia Pacific International 2025).

Miss Grand Philippines 2025 Emma Tiglao will represent the Philippines in Bangkok this October

The eight-member Korean boy group NTX visits the Philippines for the first time to perform and connect with Filipino fans

Oasis opens its North American reunion tour in Toronto, thrilling fans with their first concert together since 2008

Oasis kicks off North American tour in Toronto

NTX marks its first Philippine visit with a performance at

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

BEAUTYCON

2025 is set to be one of the year’s biggest celebritypacked events, with some of the Philippines’ most popular stars headlining the four-day beauty showcase at SMX Convention Center Manila from Aug. 28 to 31.

The event, organized by Watsons, SM Beauty, and LOOK At Me, will turn Function Rooms 1-5 of SMX into a massive beauty playground featuring over 160 brands. Beauty zones will cover premium beauty, cosmetics and fragrances, men’s grooming, skincare, and personal care.

Visitors will also see the Philippine debut of soughtafter brands like Chuchu Beauty, Lucky Beauty, Numbuzin, Torriden, &honey, 8 The Thalasso, Fino, Wakemake, Cologram, and BringGreen.

Beyond shopping, Beautycon 2025 offers fans a chance to see these stars in person through meet-and-greets, live talks, and brand segments. “As the leading beauty and personal care retailer, we’re excited for our Watsons Club, SMAC,

and LOOK At Me members to experience an even bigger Beautycon this year. Last year was already remarkable, but this year, it’s all about going big and enjoying the exclusive perks of being a loyal customer,” said Sharon Decapia SAVP for Marketing, PR, and Sustainability at Watsons Philippines. Members of Watsons Club, SMAC, and LOOK At Me get free admission by presenting their membership QR codes or SMAC cards at registration.

Beautycon 2025 runs from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Aug. 28 and from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Aug. 29 to 31. For updates and announcements, follow @watsonsph, @ smbeauty, and @lookatme on social media.

Heart Evangelista Bernardo , and Gumabao will appear for Fresh, while Nadine Lustre will represent Luxe Fragrances. Anne Curtis joins the lineup for BLK, Gabbi Garcia for QuickFX, Sarah Lahbati for Hada Labo, and Janine Gutierrez for Nivea. Dr. Vicki Belo, Hayden Kho Geronimo will highlight Belo Essentials, with Heussaff for Cetaphil, Mateo for Hairfix, Ortega for Skintific, Brillantes for Lucky Beauty, and Max Collins for Ready Set Glow.

Box-Office Queen Kathryn Bernardo joins the Beautycon 2025 lineup for Fresh

Beautycon 2025 goes big with

Demon Hunters’ slays box office

NETFLIX’S monster animated hit

KPop Demon Hunters ruled the North American box office with a special singalong event, raking in $18 million in a first victory in theaters for the streaming giant, industry estimates showed Sunday.

Netflix refuses to report ticket sales data, so the amount is based on projections from rival studios and exhibitors, but it is a huge showing for the famously cinema-averse streamer, whose film has already topped music charts and smashed viewing records.

Released in June, KPop Demon Hunters is already Netflix’s mostwatched animated offering.

The weekend singalongs at theaters in five countries were expected to draw legions of fans ready to watch the tale of a Kpop girl group that protects the world from demons with their music—and belt out the movie’s catchy bangers.

Buzzy horror film Weapons which topped the box office for the last two weeks—will likely be the official winner again this week, given Netflix’s refusal to release official

figures.

The Warner Bros. movie—which tells the story of the mysterious disappearance of a group of children from the same school class—made

$15.6 million from Friday to Sunday, Exhibitor Relations reported.

In third place was Disney’s Freakier Friday starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2003 body-swapping family film, at $9.2 million.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Disney’s reboot of the Marvel Comics franchise, held in fourth place at $5.9 million.

And in fifth place was Universal’s family-friendly animation sequel The Bad Guys 2, about a squad of goofy animal criminals actually doing good in their rebranded lives, earning $5.1 million.

Rounding out the top 10 were Nobody 2 with $3.7 million, Superman with $3.4 million, Honey Don’t with $3.0 million, The Naked Gun with $2.95 million, and Jurassic World: Rebirth with $2.1 million. AFP

Evangelista, Kathryn Bernardo, Anne Curtis

Kyle Echarri shuts down Piolo Pascual rumors

KYLE Echarri has set the record straight on the rumor linking him with Piolo Pascual calling it baseless. He said Piolo has been like a brother to him and a mentor over the past two years.

“I’ve been asked so many times. Personally, I know who I am. Piolo is like a brother to me. He’s been mentoring me for the past two years.”

The 22-year-old actor-singer shared that Pascual supported him during one of the most difficult moments of his life—the loss of his sister Isabella to a brain tumor in 2023. While filming The Ride, an upcoming father-son film, only a few people knew about his situation, and Piolo was one of them. Kyle credited him for helping him get through emotionally demanding scenes despite his personal struggles.

“He helped me through those emotionally charged scenes, which were hard to do for someone like me who was going through something,” he said, and added that he wants to put an end to the speculations surrounding him and the 48-year-old actor. “What people think about us is wrong. Actually, I never really have to answer what they say. It’s easy for them to just say something.”

Kyle described their relationship as that of brothers and best friends, strengthened further when they reunited in the Kapamilya soap Pamilya Sagrado last year.

“Whatever people think, it’s up to them. I can’t control what runs in their minds,” the young actor added. As for romance, Kyle said he’s currently single and focused on himself, his family, and friends. He believes in taking his time when it comes to relationships and prioritizing inner peace.

* * *

KRIS Bernal is officially back in show business after signing with GMA Sparkle, a move she described as both humbling and meaningful. Returning to the network where she started her career as a StarStruck alum in 2006, she said the comeback feels like coming home.

“It’s simply good to be back. A lot of memories and flashbacks, really,” she enthused.

After stepping away from the spotlight to focus

motherhood, Kris admitted she

Korean singer EJAE penned the film’s songs, including hit track ‘Golden,’ and voices heroine Rumi in ‘KPop Demon Hunters’

Evangelista brings her timeless style to Beautycon 2025, representing Fresh as one of the showcase’s biggest star ambassadors

Singer-actor Kyle Echarri (left) sets the record straight, saying Piolo Pascual has been like a brother and mentor for the past two years

Actress-host Anne Curtis headlines

Beautycon 2025 with her brand BLK

A second Disney Store is coming to Manila –here’s what to expect

THERE’S something about walking into a Disney Store—the music, the colors, the shelves lined with characters you’ve loved since childhood. For Filipinos in the north of Metro Manila, that magic is about to get a little closer.

On Sept. 6, SM North EDSA’s The Block will officially open its doors to the second Disney Store in the Philippines, less than a year after the brand’s Southeast Asia debut at SM Mall of Asia. For those who queued for hours at MOA last year, you’ll know why this is big news.

What to expect? Think exclusive collections straight from Disney Store Japan—yes, the adorable pocket-sized Urupocha-chan and the Cherry Blossom series will finally be within reach. Add to that fan-favorite Disney Parks merchandise (ear headbands, anyone?) and unique pieces like Stitch in Denim, and you’ve got a treasure trove for collectors and casual fans alike.

What’s more, the store promises to be an experience in itself. Expect immersive screens, picture-perfect spots, and life-sized nods to Stitch, Rapunzel, and Iron Man—making their first official appearances in a Disney Store in the country.

“We’re incredibly delighted to bring this to SM North EDSA,” says Rose Marie Dylim, president of International Toy World Inc., the company behind Disney Store by SM. “The response to our first store was overwhelming— this is for

How a small-town seller built a trusted brand online

BEFORE live selling dominated social media and before e-commerce became part of daily life in the Philippines, a woman from General Santos City quietly built one of the most trusted names in online health and beauty. She doesn’t appear on every livestream, nor does she front her brand with flashy campaigns. Yet in the country’s biggest e-commerce platforms, Kristine Andaya’s name carries weight.

“I had no business background—so every day, I learned about e-commerce from my manager at Lazada,” said Andaya, founder of Kanna Health and Beauty.

Starting from GenSan was not easy. Logistics were limited, and online selling was still in its infancy. But with persistence and support from Lazada, Andaya was able to grow her business.

“I was able to focus on selling, I got to save up, and I established my business,” she said.

Andaya’s path to entrepreneurship was not a straightforward one. A nursing graduate from Ateneo de Davao, she belonged to the pioneering 2005 batch that rode the global nursing boom.

“I became a nurse because it was trending at that time,” she recalled. “Ninety percent of our batch went abroad. I stayed.”

Her entrepreneurial streak, however, was evident early on. Growing up with an OFW mother and separated parents, she felt a strong push to succeed. She married young, at 21, to businessman Robert Andaya, determined to build a stable family life.

“I started with a beauty salon, then a small grocery and a pharmacy,” she said. “But medicines didn’t sell fast enough, and

they expired. I also tried ukay-ukay, sold fruits, vegetables, even smoked fish.”

The turning point came in 2014 when she tried selling supplements through Lazada. At the time, the platform was still focused on electronics. Seeing potential in its health and beauty category, Andaya signed up despite the lack of logistics in her area.

“There was no pick-up point, no drop-off point,” she said. “I used Lazada fulfillment. I left my stocks in their warehouse in Laguna. I just handled the back-end from GenSan.”

With a starting capital of P2,800, Andaya built Kanna Beauty into a thriving business. By 2019, she moved operations to Manila, running everything from a cramped 22-square-meter condo in Pasig. Today, she operates out of a 900-square-meter facility in Quezon City with 14 employees.

Her pharmacy degree helps her ensure product quality, particularly for supplements, which remain her core business.

“The market is not yet saturated,” she said. “Find the right niche.” Kanna Beauty now sells on Lazada, Shopee, TikTok, and Zalora. Lazada sends Andaya to China and Singapore to learn sustainability practices in e-commerce. Her network of more than 300,000 affiliate marketers includes individuals who earn hundreds of thousands of pesos weekly promoting her products.

Among her top-sellers is Ohayo, a Japan-made glutathione supplement. “It’s effective because it has a higher milligram of glutathione with good boosters,” she said, noting that they sell up to 10,000 bottles daily. Despite the scale of her business, Andaya avoids celebrity endorsements. “I’d rather give the income and commission to the ones promoting our products,” she said.

Her goal now is to expand Kanna Beauty further and apply strategies she learned from Alibaba’s headquarters in China, where she represented the Philippines alongside other Southeast Asian markets earlier this year.

Wang Nickie Wang