Manila Standard - 2025 December 3 - Wednesday

AFP flags 252 ‘ghost’ projects

COA seeks tighter safeguards thru GPS-based geotagging of gov’t infra

By Rex Espiritu

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines said it has so far identified 252 “ghost projects” during its nationwide inspection of government-funded flood control infrastructure, military spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said on Tuesday.

Padilla said the ongoing inspections stemmed from the directive of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which tasked the AFP and the Philippine National Police

ICI livestream begins; Sandro, Pulong invited to next hearings

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Independent Commission for Infrastructure began livestreaming its proceedings for the first time yesterday, with Laguna 4th District Rep. Benjamin Agarao Jr. and officials from the Land Bank of the Philippines appearing before the body.

The ICI released two weeks ago the guidelines for the livestream, which states that all proceedings will be streamed live on YouTube except when a resource person requests for an executive session or if the information to be discussed must be kept confidential for national defense or security reasons, among others.

In yesterday’s said hearing, Agarao refuted claims he received any money as “commission” from the

Palace: No to reenacted 2026 budget, urges Congress to act fast

By Charles Dantes and Ram Superable

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday urged lawmakers to speed up the 2026 national budget, saying President Ferdi-

nand Marcos Jr. wants to avoid a reenacted 2025 spending plan that has hampered program implementation for government agencies. Senate leaders however, gave assurance that the government will not oper-

ate under a re-enacted budget next year. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro issued the call after Senator Sherwin Gatchalian his colleagues that they might be running out of time to finalize the budget, raising

THE Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday formally commissioned its most advanced warship, significantly enhancing the country’s capability to patrol and safeguard its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“This warship will add to the capital ships of the PN that are capable of patrolling all the way up to our EEZ and even beyond,” PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo.

Trinidad was referring to the guided-missile frigate BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), commissioned during ceremonies at Naval Operating Base Subic, Zambales. “It will be the most mod ern warship that we will have,” he added.

The ship arrived from South Korea on Sept. 8, 2025, and shares the same specifications as its sister ship, BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06), which was commissioned in May. Both ships were procured from HD Hyundai Heavy

File ethics complaint vs. absentee Bato—Sotto

By Ram Superable and Pot Chavez

SENATE President Vicente Sotto III said Tuesday that citizens who want to hold Senator Ronald dela Rosa accountable for his repeated absences should file an ethics complaint.

“If we have fellow citizens who want to ask or want to hold a legislator ac-

countable, they should file an ethics complaint. That is the best remedy for us to discuss it,” Sotto suggested. Despite his statement, Sotto clarified that the “no work, no pay” rule does not apply to senators, including Dela Rosa, who has missed sessions since November 11. He also questioned why the Senate is being criticized for a two-to three-week ab -

sence when representatives from the House have missed sessions without similar scrutiny. Sotto confirmed that Dela Rosa has not personally communicated with him but noted that the senator’s office remains operational and will not face budget cuts due to his absence. Meanwhile, Senate President Pro

the possibility of adopting the existing General Appropriations Act if deliberationed extend into next year. “Speed up the work. The study should be sped up,” Castro said in a

Ex-general, solon among 200 facing Sept. 21 raps

By Katrina Manubay

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed criminal charges against some 200 individuals, including a retired general, a congressman, and several businessmen over violent incidents that broke out during the anti-corruption rallies on Sept. 21. In a press briefing on Monday, Dec. 1, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that other cases are being tried in court.

By Angelica Villanueva

Kim appeared yesterday before the Office of the Assistant City Prosecutor in Quezon City with legal counsels Xylene Dolor and Archernar Gregana, submitting her sworn statement along with supporting documents and evidence. “Today, nag-file si Kim ng criminal case against Lakambini Chiu. We

LIVE @ ICI. Laguna 4th District Rep. Benjamin Agarao, Jr. (right) answers questions from the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) led by Chairman Andres Reyes Jr., Commissioner Rogelio Singson, and Special Adviser Rodolfo Azurin Jr. during the panel’s first livestreamed public hearing aired via YouTube on December 2, 2025. ICI

Fewer Pinoys marry due to hard times

FEWER Filipinos are choosing to marry as economic pressures, shifting priorities, and changing social attitudes continue to redefine traditional family structures in the country, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) said Tuesday.

In an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, CPD Information Management and Communications Division Chief Mylin Mirasol Quiray said data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed a 10.2 percent drop in registered marriages in 2024, reflecting a pattern observed over the past decades. She said many Filipinos now prioritize financial stability and personal goals before entering formal unions.

“Marami talagang Pilipino ngayon ang inuuna ang kanilang economic well-being bago magpakasal (Many Filipinos today prioritize their economic well-being before getting married),”

she said.

Quiray added that CPD studies show co-

habitation is increasingly viewed as a practical next step in committed relationships.

She said some couples choose to live together after pregnancy, while others avoid marriage due to perceived high costs and numerous requirements.

“Mahal daw magpakasal (They say getting married is expensive),” she said, explaining that civil weddings are affordable but the added “frills” create the impression that marriage must come with costly celebrations.

She said negative narratives about marriage — often seen on social media

— also discourage younger Filipinos.

“Nahahadlangan sila dahil nakikita nila sa social media na mahirap ang proseso at madalas nagkakahiwalay (They are discouraged by what they see on social media about marital difficulties and separations),” she said.

According to the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey, the share of unmarried but cohabiting Filipinos increased from 5 percent in 1993 to 19 percent in 2022.

Out-of-wedlock births have also become more common, with more than 840,000 births recorded outside formal unions compared to about 640,000 births within marriage.

“Mas marami nang ipinapanganak na wala sa formal marriage set-up (More children are now born outside a formal marriage set-up),” Quiray said.

Despite the downward trend, cultural traditions still play a role.

PSA data show that February, June,

continue until we finish what the ICI tasked us to do,” she said.

and December remain the most popular months for weddings.

“February dahil Valentine’s Day, June dahil ‘June bride,’ at December dahil mas maraming pera ang tao (February because of Valentine’s Day, June for the ‘June bride’ tradition, and December because people have more resources),” she said.

But Quiray underscored the need to protect women and children in cohabitation arrangements.

She said fewer marriages contribute to demographic shifts, such as delayed childbearing, declining fertility, and the country’s slower population growth rate of 0.80 percent, now below replacement level.

Many young Filipinos, she said, now prioritize careers or even prefer pets over children.

“Economic well-being talaga ang priority (Economic well-being is truly the priority),” she added.

Pay 13th month on time DOLE

By Vito Barcelo

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday urged private employers to release the mandated 13thmonth pay on time, saying this will help ease the financial needs of Filipino workers during the holiday season.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma issued Labor Advisory No. 16, Series of 2025, reiterating President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure timely benefits for employees. DOLE stressed that employers must release the 13th-month pay on or before December 24, 2025. No exemptions or deferred payments will be allowed.

“The 13th-month pay is a statutory right of workers. Employers must ensure timely and full compliance, as this benefit is crucial in supporting Filipino families during the holiday season,” Laguesma said in a statement.

flood control projects linked to contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya in his district.

The lawmaker also denied any affiliation with the couple.

“I don’t know what the Discaya couple’s motives are. I can’t say anything because I’m not the sitting congressman at that time,” Agarao said.

“As a matter of fact, I was even surprised as to why I was implicated here. During 2022–2025, I was not a sitting congressman,” he added.

The Discayas earlier identified Agarao as one of the lawmakers who allegedly received kickbacks from their projects.

Following Agarao’s testimony, the ICI panel proceeded to question officials from the Land Bank of the Philippines, including its President and CEO Ma. Lynette Ortiz, First Vice President Cesar Cabañes, and Senior Vice President Marilou Villafranca.

As this developed, House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos and Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte will appear as resource persons in ICI hearings this week, along with Bulacan 1st District Rep. Danilo Domingo and Benguet Rep. Eric Yap.

Rep. Marcos earlier expressed his willingness to appear before the ICI to clear his name after former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co linked him to allegedly anomalous insertions in the 2025 budget.

“Regardless of position and who you are, no one is above the law. Given that I have nothing to hide, I hereby submit myself for investigation by the ICI at their earliest convenience,” the presidential son said in a letter to the ICI dated Nov. 26.

During a House committee on infrastructure in September, former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary for Planning, Maria Catalina Cabral, claimed Duterte’s district received a total of P51 billion in flood control projects at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Duterte denied any wrongdoing, but ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio yesterday asked the ICI to look into allegedly anomalous flood control projects in Davao City worth at least P4.4 billion.

“We think these projects have red flags or possible anomalies, spanning from 2019 to 2022, and involving at least 80 contracts,” Tinio said.

to help vet a total of 30,000 projects flagged for verification.

“There were 30,000 projects that were deemed for the AFP and the PNP collectively to inspect. From these 30,000 projects, the AFP has inspected 10,000 projects,” she said.

“It turned out that 252 of these are ghost projects, from 2016 to present,” she added.

Padilla said the ghost projects were “scattered all over the Philippines.”

“We will not stop here. We will

press briefing.

“The President does not like the re-enacted budget, we know that. As much as possible, let’s speed things up,” he added.

Castro said the Palace is closely monitoring the timeline in both chambers of Congress, noting that delays in passing the 2026 budget could stall new infrastructure projects, social programs, and planned adjustments in key departments.

She added that the administration was ready to coordinate with legislators to secure timely approval.

“Time is passing slowly. I hope we can speed things up,” she said.

The Senate is currently tackling

The Department of Finance earlier disclosed that economic losses from corruption in flood control projects may have averaged P118.5 billion annually from 2023 to 2025.

The DOF said this was equivalent to 95,000 to 266,000 jobs that could have benefited Filipinos.

As this developed, the Commission on Audit said it is working on a new policy that will require mandatory GPS-based geotagging for all government infrastructure projects to eliminate ghost projects.

“The public has repeatedly demand-

agency budgets as it races to meet its own deadline before the bicameral talks with the House begin.

Concerns over a re-enacted spending plan have resurfaced due to the tight timeline for final approval of the national budget.

“All is well. No re-enacted budget,” said Senate President Vicente Sotto III before the start of budget deliberations at the plenary.

E arlier, Senate Finance Committee chairman Gatchalian noted that the spending bill will reach the President’s desk only by Dec. 29, a few days before year-end which leaves little room for delay in the final stages of the budget process.

Sotto sought to ease fears by saying they intend to complete their work without allowing a re-enacted

eral attempts were made to settle the matter internally.

filed a criminal complaint for qualified theft. That’s all we can share for now,” Dolor shared.

While the specific business was not disclosed, Dolor acknowledged that supporters could “identify the business ventures she shared with Miss Lakambini Chiu.”

Rumors of a rift between the Chiu siblings surfaced months earlier, with fans speculating that the complaint involves Kim’s bag business.

According to Dolor, the complaint covers the current fiscal year, noting that Lakambini was part of the business management. She added that sev-

“[Kim] reached out and the lawyers reached out also. But ‘yun nga po, it has also been a statement of Miss Kim na it has been a very difficult decision for her to do this,” Dolor added.

Kim was joined by her sister Twinkle and brother-in-law during the filing.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, when asked how she was coping, the actress kept mum from the issue and just said “Sobrang bigat.”

In a statement, Kim said the move was made in the interest of transparency, accountability, and protecting her company and its employees.

“I have made the difficult decision to file a legal case for qualified theft against my sister, Lakambini Chiu, in relation

ed tighter safeguards against the misuse of funds, and this policy is our direct response. Geotagging will ensure that when the government pays for a project, we know exactly where it is, when it was done, and what was actually built,” COA chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba said.

Once in effect, the new policy would require government agencies and contractors to submit geotagged photos of ongoing infrastructure projects.

“Let this be clear, the proper use of taxpayer funds is non-negotiable and we will hold projects accountable to deliver measurable benefits for every Filipino community,” Cordoba added.

budget scenario.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson likewise dismissed the possibility and stressed that the chamber remains on track to finish its legislative tasks.

Lacson said the Senate aims to conclude debates on individual amendments and secure second reading approval by Tuesday.

“The re-enacted budget is unlikely, and we will not allow it unless a strong storm prevents us from holding the bicameral conference,” he said.

The veteran lawmaker added that the chamber could pass the national budget on third reading by Friday.

Once both chambers pass their respective versions, the bicameral conference committee will meet next week to reconcile differences.

to serious financial discrepancies discovered within my business operations. This decision did not come easily. It is one of the most painful steps I have ever taken in my life,” said Kim.

“Unfortunately, substantial amounts connected to my business assets were found missing. These discoveries forced me to take formal action to protect not just my company, but also the livelihoods of the people who work with me and the integrity of everything I have built,” she added.

The “It’s Showtime” host also requested privacy as her family faces “a very difficult chapter” and expressed hope that “clarity and fairness will prevail through the proper legal channels.”

Under the advisory, all rank-andfile employees in the private sector are entitled to the benefit regardless of position, employment status, or wage payment method, as long as they have worked for at least one month during the year.

This includes piece-rate workers, employees receiving fixed wages plus commissions, those with multiple employers, and workers who resigned, were terminated, or were on maternity leave with salary differential.

The 13th-month pay should be at least one-twelfth of an employee’s total basic salary earned within the calendar year. Basic salary covers earnings for services rendered but excludes allowances and other monetary benefits unless considered part of basic pay under company rules or collective agreements.

For piece-rate workers, the amount is computed based on total production earnings divided by 12. For employees receiving fixed wages plus commissions, the computation applies only to the fixed wage, in line with Supreme Court rulings.

The department said its regional and field offices will monitor compliance through regular inspections and enforcement activities to protect workers’ rights.

Tempore Panfilo Lacson jokingly told Dela Rosa to hide well if he does not intend to surrender, following a lighthearted exchange between the two. Lacson said the conversation took place in a group chat with all senators, where he casually checked on Dela Rosa’s wellbeing.

Dela Rosa replied jokingly that he would try to break Lacson’s record in hiding. The Department of Justice, however, maintains that it has not yet received any copy of the warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court. Lacson added that Dela Rosa’s repeated absences could be subject to sanctions under existing rules, noting that under Senate rules, extended ab-

sences may lead to penalties. Meanwhile, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said Tuesday that Dela Rosa’s absences may constitute disorderly behavior. In a radio interview, he explained that the Senate Committee on Ethics may take up the matter, stressing that absence without sufficient reason is inappropriate for any elected official.

He noted that the 1987 Constitution empowers both chambers of Congress to punish members for disorderly behavior, with Supreme Court rulings supporting the same authority. However, he added that defining such acts is left to Congress’ discretion.

Macalintal also argued that it would be discriminatory to exempt senators from the “no work, no pay” rule, saying ordinary clerks are not afforded the same leniency.

Industries (HHI) for PHP 28 billion under a 2021 contract.

Trinidad said more warships are expected in the coming years, including six offshore patrol vessels, two of which are undergoing sea trials in South Korea, and two landing dock platforms being built by PT PAL of Indonesia. Procurement for two more frigates is also under discussion.

“This will bring the total to 10 more warships that we are waiting for,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PN reported increased monitoring activity amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

A total of 19 People’s Liberation

Army Navy (PLAN) vessels were monitored in the WPS) throughout November, the Navy said Tuesday.

“Monitored also was a total of 19 different PLAN warships across various maritime zones of the country,” Trinidad said in a statement, noting that this reflects the Navy’s “continuous maritime domain awareness, presence operations, and commitment to safeguarding territory, sovereignty, and sovereign rights.”

Last week, the Navy reported 30 China Coast Guard (CCG) and PLAN ships in key WPS features as of Nov. 24, including six PLAN warships in Bajo de Masinloc, Ayungin Shoal, and Escoda Shoal, and 24 CCG ships in these areas and Pag-asa Island.

Trinidad said the Navy monitored 14,972 vessels across the archipelago last month—12,450 foreign and 2,522

being tried,” Nartatez said. He added that the complaints included violations of Batas Pambansa No. 880 (rules on public assembly), arson, physical injuries, and inciting to sedition, but he did not provide a complete breakdown of the cases.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II declined to identify the respondents.

“There is a congressman. There is a retired high-ranking general among those charged. There are businessmen. Our investigation is continuing,” he said.

“In fact, we are just waiting for them to commit another mistake, but apparently, they know that some personalities have been summoned. They have realized that they can criticize the government, but not play with the law of the land,” he added. Earlier, the CIDG confirmed that it had filed two criminal complaints against Cavite Rep. Francisco Barzaga over the violent incidents that occurred during the protests on Sept. 21 and Oct.12.

domestic. Of these, 13,190 ships responded to radio challenges, while 1,781 did not.

Most vessels were observed in the northern part of the country (6,898), followed by the southern (5,120), western (2,259), and eastern (695) regions.

“The AFP remains resolute in upholding international law, protecting national interests, and sustaining a credible and disciplined presence across all key maritime areas,” Trinidad added.

Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, overlapping with areas claimed by the Philippines and neighboring Southeast Asian countries. The West Philippine Sea encompasses waters west of the Philippine archipelago, including areas around the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc. Rex Espiritu

Filipinos affected by Hong Kong fire located–Consulate

By Katrina Manubay

THE Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong confirmed that the last two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) listed for verification were already in the Philippines when the Tai Po fire broke out, noting that all Filipinos who likely worked at the Wang Fuk Court complex are now accounted for.

In its latest update on Tuesday, December 2, the consulate said that 92 Filipinos are marked safe.

“The Consulate General has confirmed that of all the Filipino nationals concerned, 92 are safe and accounted for and 1 is injured and remains hospitalized. Sadly, one Filipino has been confirmed to have lost her life due to the tragic disaster,” it said.

The consulate also pledged to continue on-the-ground operations to check the welfare of affected OFWs and extend necessary assistance.

On November 30, the consulate confirmed the death of Maryan Pascual Esteban, an OFW who was previously reported missing.

It added that 29-year-old OFW Rhodora “Jackie” Alcaraz was recuperating in the intensive care unit due to severe smoke inhalation sustained during the fire.

At least 151 people were killed by the blaze, with more than 40 still reported missing, making it one of the deadliest fires in the city’s history.

VP says P500 not enough for Noche Buena

By Katrina Manubay

VICE President Sara Duterte pushed back against the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) claim that P500 is enough for a family’s Noche Buena, emphasizing that it has long been clear that such an amount can no longer cover holiday meal needs.

Speaking to supporters in The Hague, Netherlands on Tuesday, December 2 (December 1 Central European Time), Duterte refuted DTI Secretary Cristina Roque’s assertion that a P500 Noche Buena is feasible this year, but only for a family of four and with a pared-down menu.

“It is not true that Noche Buena can fit into 500 pesos. It has been a long time since 500 pesos were enough for a family’s Noche Buena. In fact, the ones we give out at Christmas are now around 2,100. That includes spaghetti and the salad pack,” she said. When asked about her conversation with her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, during her visit to the International Criminal Court, she said their discussion on politics “went well.”

“Today is a good day. We had a good talk about politics. There was a little talk about family, but mostly about politics and what’s happening,” she added.

She said the former president did not bring up the ICC’s recent denial of his interim release bid, noting that “he didn’t mention it.” On November 28, the ICC Appeals Chamber denied the Defense’s request for Mr. Duterte’s interim release, citing the risk that he could evade justice or disrupt pre-trial proceedings due to his extensive network of supporters.

Palace: Marcos family open to lifestyle check

By Charles Dantes M

ALACAÑANG said it is open to a possible lifestyle check on the Marcos family following corruption allegations, adding that no rule bars such a probe.

“There’s nothing prohibiting a lifestyle check for anyone,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said when asked if the Palace would allow such an inquiry on the family and Ilocos Norte First District Representative Sandro Marcos.

Castro also responded to a Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) report showing the younger Marcos’ district as among the top beneficiaries of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ alloca-

ble funds from 2023 to 2025.

She confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has read the report but declined to speak on behalf of his son.

She noted that the congressman had volunteered to face an investigation by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

“He said he will go to the ICI himself so he can be investigated. He just needs to be given a date so the proper schedule can be set,” Castro said. Asked for the President’s reaction

to the funding issue, Castro said Mr. Marcos trusts his son to address the matter directly.

“The President knows Congressman Sandro Marcos understands what he is doing and knows how to respond,” she said.

The Marcos family’s name is being linked to alleged corruption in government projects, including the “ghost” flood control projects scandal.

Former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co previously said President Marcos ordered the multibillion-peso insertions in the 2025 national budget.

The resigned lawmaker also accused First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and her brother Martin Araneta of alleged involvement in the manipulation of rice and onion prices in the market.

Aquino seeks party-list system overhaul

By Ram Superable

SENATOR Bam Aquino on Tuesday announced that he filed a bill seeking sweeping reforms to the party list system to ensure that only genuine representatives of marginalized and underrepresented groups gain seats in Congress.

The proposal aims to curb corruption and prevent political dynasties or private interests from exploiting a mechanism originally designed to broaden democratic participation.

“It is a step toward a more inclusive, accountable, and meaningful democracy and the kind of government the Filipino people deserve,” Aquino said.

Senate Bill 1559, known as the Party List Reform Act, outlines structural fixes intended to restore public trust and strengthen the sys -

tem’s integrity. The measure highlights concerns raised by watchdog organizations about the growing influence of entrenched political families and corporate groups in party list contests.

A 2025 study by Kontra Daya found that 86 of 156 accredited party list groups in that year’s elections had ties to political clans or large companies.

The same study reported that 40 of the 63 groups proclaimed during the May 19 canvassing for the Twentieth Congress were linked to established power blocs. Through the bill, the Commission on Elections will hold public evidentiary hearings to verify whether organizations truly represent the sectors they claim to serve. These are intended to confirm both the legitimacy of the groups and the authenticity of their nominees.

IN BRIEF

CIDG personnel face raps on missing P13.4m

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday relieved six Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) personnel and placed them under restrictive custody for allegedly stealing money seized in a Bataan operation. Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla said eight officers were identified in the alleged cover-up and pilferage of cash taken during an October 2024 raid on a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators hub in Bagac, Bataan.

CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said officers had seized ₱141 million in the operation, but only ₱128 million remained when the court later ordered the money returned. The missing amount was discovered on Nov. 20, 2025, when the CIDG returned the funds and investigators found the rest had been replaced with fake “boodle” money. Vince Lopez Nartatez orders review of disability discharge

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered a review of disability discharge policies to ensure fair and updated support for officers injured in the line of duty.

He said the move is part of efforts to strengthen internal reforms, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for uniformed services to reassess disability rules after a viral case involving a blinded Army captain.

Nartatez tasked the PNP Health Service and Directorate for Personnel and Records Management to audit current procedures and identify outdated provisions and gaps.

He said the PNP will also coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and security agencies to harmonize disability ratings, medical standards, and benefit computations. Vince Lopez DSWD, foodpanda hold early holiday event

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and foodpanda Philippines hosted an early holiday celebration for Walang Gutom Kitchen beneficiaries in Pasay City on Dec. 1. Speaking for DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Undersecretary Edu Punay thanked foodpanda for its continued donations that help prepare nutritious meals for families served by the program.

Beneficiaries received a special meal prepared as part of foodpanda’s “Pasko na, We Gatchu” Christmas initiative, which the agency said brings meaningful holiday support to vulnerable households.

Foodpanda managing director Daniel Jaramillo praised the partnership, saying it shows how the private sector and government can work together effectively to address hunger. Maricel V. Cruz

HANDCUFFED. BJMP personnel escort handcuffed DPWH-4B maintenance division chief Juliet Calvo after she pleads not guilty before the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City on December 2, in connection with a P289-million substandard flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. Manny Palmero

FOR THE HOLIDAY FEAST. Noche Buena staples like hotdogs and noodles are sold at Paco Public Market in Manila on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, as Malacañang backs the DTI’s claim that P500 is enough for a holiday meal despite public criticism. Norman Cruz

WELCOME HOME, QUEEN. Miss Universe 3rd Runner-Up Ahtisa

IN BRIEF

Applications for Shari’ah Bar exams now open—SC

THE filing of applications for the 2026 Shari’ah Special Bar Examinations is now open, the Supreme Court (SC) announced.

In its Special Shari’ah Bar Bulletin No. 2 dated Dec. 1, SC Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul Inting extended greetings to all aspiring Shari’ah lawyers.

“The path to serving justice under the Shari’ah legal system is noble, purposeful, and transformative— not only for you, but for the communities you will one day serve. As we open the application period, may this serve as a gentle reminder to ready yourselves for the journey ahead. This undertaking remains part of the Court’s continued commitment to strengthening and advancing the Shari’ah legal system in our country,”Inting said.

He said he is eager to welcome future Shari’ah lawyers, reminding them to embrace the responsibility that comes with the profession.

Pot Chavez

Taguig kicks off ‘Xmas by the Lake’ festivities

THE Taguig City government has launched its fourth year of “Christmas by the Lake” festivities with the inauguration of the Taguig Lakeshore Carnival at TLC Park in Barangay Lower Bicutan.

On Saturday, Mayor Laarni Cayetano led the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas centerpiece tree and the illumination of the lakeside holiday village, joined by city officials, barangay leaders, and community representatives.

“To all of you, welcome, and God bless us all. Let’s all welcome Christmas with gratitude to the Lord. May the Lord bless our Probinsyudad,” Cayetano said during the launch.

Guests entering the Taguig Lakeshore Carnival are welcomed by a grand, festive archway that leads into a vibrant carnival village filled with playful and colorful displays.

A moving carousel centerpiece serves as the heart of the park, surrounded by life-sized character cutouts and interactive installations designed for memorable photo opportunities. The area also features charming Western-style booths, Christmas-themed light displays, a towering holiday tree by the lakeside, and designated viewing spots where visitors can enjoy the illuminated waterscape. Joel E. Zurbano

JNHS Batch 1987 set to hold reunion, Dec. 6

THE Dr. Juan G. Nolasco High School Class of 1987 will hold its reunion and holiday celebration dubbed “JNHS B-87 Yearend Get Together 2025,” on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Bal and Luzing’s Events and Party Place in Tondo, Manila.

Members of Batch 87 are encouraged to reconnect with former classmates and reflect on their school experiences while enjoying a festive environment filled with music, food, and laughter.

The event is being led and organized by Joann Dy-Suriaga, Ramil Correa, Vilma BautistaPador, and Mhe Ann MalubayVivas.

Attendees can look forward to engaging activities and a chance to win exciting prizes throughout the night. With live entertainment planned, everyone is sure to create new memories while cherishing the old ones.

LTFRB set to hand out special permits for buses

By Rio N. Araja

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is finalizing review of all applications for special permits for passenger buses ahead of the expected surge of travelers for the long Christmas and New Year holidays.

LTFRB chief Vigor Mendoza II said this process aims to ensure that only units that passed the road worthiness inspections will be given the special permits to ensure passenger comfort and safety at all times.

“It doesn’t matter that there are too many passenger buses that are given special permits rather than too few, since it’s unfortunate for our countrymen to get stranded at bus terminals because there are no buses,” he pointed out.

“We expect more people to travel in the (coming) days because school breaks are about to start and they are going home to the provinces. Others will definitely be going to Manila and other cities for vacations, too, so we must all prepare for this,” Mendoza said.

The LTFRB chief emphasized that the objective to provide more passenger buses should not compro -

mise the safety and comfort of the passengers.

The application for special permits was open Nov. 10 to 21, covering 1,413 units for 116 routes across the country. The special permits are valid from Dec. 15 to Jan.16, 2026.

The number of applications for this year is higher compared to past years—1,003 applications in 2024 and 1,174 in 2023.

Mendoza said this reflects the expected increase in the number of passengers and as such, both the LTFRB and private transport firms should work together for the common goal of road safety. He said the LTFRB will closely coordinate with other concerned government agencies to ensure the safety and security of the commuters.

Isko sued for firing brgy league prexy

By Pot Chavez

FORMER Manila ex-officio coun-

cilor Leilani Lacuna on Tuesday filed criminal and administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso and other city officials over her alleged illegal removal as president of the Liga ng mga Barangay in the city.

“I filed a case against some Manila officials for illegally dismissing me. This did not go through due process, I am ex-officio of the Manila city council because I am the legitimate league president in Manila. They dismissed me, and this is what I am fighting for now,” Lacuna told reporters in Filipino.

She recalled that last month, a general assembly was held but the former league officials were not informed.

“In the general assembly they

held, we were dismissed from our positions. There they said that all positions in the league were vacant. In reality, no one can dismiss us because the Manila league is under the national league in the Philippines. We have by-laws to follow and we follow laws on dismissal and holding elections, and changing the next president,” she explained.

Cited as respondents in the complaints were Domagoso, Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, 5th District councilor Jaybee Hizon, former Barangay Bureau officer-in-charge Joel Par, and the newly-elected officers of the league led by its new president, Enriqueta Platon. Lacuna also lodged criminal complaints for alleged violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, usurpation of official functions under the Revised Penal Code (RPC).

By Joel E. Zurbano

TWO government agencies are undertaking a thorough investigation to determine the potential link between a car dealer suspected of having sold luxury vehicles to the contractor couple Pacifico and Cesarah Discaya, and a Chinese national who was recently arrested in Makati City.

Land Transportation Office (LTO) Markus Lacanilao announced that the agency, supported by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), is investigating a possible connection between a Chinese national identified by his alias ‘Cheng’ and Frebel Enterprises, the car dealer that allegedly supplied luxury vehicles to the Discayas. The foreigner is said to own the luxury car showroom in Makati City which was raided by the Customs in February of this year. He is suspected of being part of a syndicate involved in the smuggling of luxury vehicles into the country.

During his initial week as LTO chief, Lacanilao disclosed that they had already impounded luxury vehicles, including a Ferrari 458, a Lamborghini Urus, and a Lamborghini Huracán purportedly owned by the Discaya couple.

“All of them had one importer, Frebel, which was the same importer for the Discayas that were registered with the National Capital Region (NCR),” Lacanilao remarked.

In a prior Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, Mrs. Duscaya allegedly identified Frebel Enterprises as one of their car dealers.

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will deploy one of its major vessels to next year’s Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise, marking the first time it will join the world’s largest international maritime drills with its own ship. PCG commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan said the PCG will be the only foreign coast guard participating in the biennial U.S.-hosted exercise.

“We will be sending one of our ships to RIMPAC to demonstrate that the Philippines is not just a bystander,” Gavan said at the sidelines of a West Philippine Sea (WPS) forum conducted by the think tank Stratbase.

“We will be the first and the only foreign coast guard (at the RIMPAC),” Gavan said.

Security expert Chester Cabalza said the PCG’s participation marks “ASEAN’s first coast guard and the most active white ships in the region” demonstrates its “primordial role in regional security amid rising tension in the Indo-Pacific.”

“PCG’s white ships will also demonstrate its active role in maintaining the international maritime rules-based norm in the context of the ongoing disputes in the South China Sea,” said Cabalza, president of the

FIGHT FOR FREEDOM MARCHES ON. Members of the Amihan National Federation of Peasant Women and Free Amanda Echanis Movement stage a protest in front of the Department of Justice in Manila to demand the release of peasant women organizer, writer and student leader Amanda Echanis ‘who has been languishing in jail for five years now.’ Norman Cruz

PARTNERSHIP FOR BETTER HEALTHCARE DELIVERY. Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and Philippine Pharma Procurement Inc. president and chief executive Maria Blanca Kim Lokin sign a memorandum of agreement to implement the Botika at Bakuna para sa Mamamayan Pharmacy Program and improve healthcare delivery system for the city residents. Andrew Rabulan

OPINION

Sandro Marcos vows to cooperate in ICI probe

HOUSE Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos has done the right thing in declaring his willingness to submit to an investigation by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) after he was tagged by former Ako Bicol Partylist representative Elizaldy Co as among those who made project insertions in previous budgets.

Co had publicly accused the young Marcos of having ordered massive “budget insertions,” that is, adding projects/allocations into the national budgets under his name totaling over ₱50 billion across the 2023–2025 budgets.

He claimed the insertions amounted to:

₱9.636 billion in 2023, ₱20.174 billion in 2024, and ₱21.127 billion in 2025.

The resigned congressman who has already fled the country to parts unknown also alleged that contractors paid in advance in exchange for securing government contracts under those insertions.

In his letter to ICI Chairman Andres Reyes, Marcos said he accorded “full respect” to the work of the ICI and its efforts to uncover the truth behind the ongoing investigation of flood control projects.

“Let me state this clearly and without hesitation: I am willing to appear before the Commission at any time. I welcome the opportunity to shed light on any matter that may assist your review. I stand ready to cooperate, answer questions, and provide any clarification needed to move this investigation forward,” Marcos said.

In a subsequent post accompanying the letter, Marcos reiterated that he was submitting himself to the ICI investigation given that he has nothing to hide.

Marcos has denied the allegations.

He described them “as fantastical as they are false.”

He also described Co a “criminal … evading justice,” not a “journalist or truth crusader,” accusing him of using the allegations to destabilize the government and escape his own legal problems.

Marcos argued that Co’s statements are not genuine revelations but politically-motivated attempts to bring down his father’s administration.

The accusations against Sandro Marcos by Zaldy Co are very recent. Co first implicated him publicly on Nov. 25, 2025. Thus, this is still a developing story, not a settled or adjudicated case.

Co’s allegations build on his earlier claims against the President and other lawmakers, widening the scope of the corruption scandal tied to alleged floodcontrol and infrastructure-project abuses.

But Sandro’s immediate and strong denial, plus his willingness to cooperate with the ICI, shows he is being transparent and

really wants to face the ICI investigation so he can clear his name.

The involvement of ICI and possibly other oversight bodies marks the beginning of formal scrutiny.

What will matter is whether Co’s allegations can be backed with documentary or testimonial evidence, such as budget records, contracts, and audit trails, not just public accusations.

Co’s claim—that the President ordered massive insertions—does not align with how the budget process is supposed to work.

Ex-Rep. Elizaldy Co’s allegations amount to hearsay

Budget proposals come from the executive branch; by the time of the bicameral conference, revisions and insertions involve both the House and Senate.

The scenario described by Co—the president personally ordering insertions via congressmen—is therefore quite illogical.

Because of this disconnect, many experts and commentators say Co’s allegations, while serious, are for now more political narrative than concrete proof.

As one put it: the now-six-part video “can only have a political impact for now—not a legal one.”

Then there are doubts about timeline, documentation, and lack of corroborating names and evidence.

What should be pointed out is that in Co’s list of allegedly inserted projects, the public documents do not specify which lawmaker actually sponsored them.

This is a key detail required to ascribe responsibility.

It should also be emphasized that Co’s narrative contains inconsistencies and misleading statements, as well as questionable timing, for instance, the alleged delivery of briefcases even before the bicameral process started.

Co’s allegations amount to hearsay.

The former chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations has not offered any independent, verified documentary evidence that support his wild claims.

He should be compelled to return to the country from his hiding place abroad so he can be made accountable for baseless allegations made online that tarnish individual reputations and taint the image of Congress as a whole. (Email: ernhil@ yahoo.com)

The dilemma of performative politics

THESE days, the word performative has become a familiar description of how many politicians operate. And it’s not hard to see why. When virality becomes the measure of success, and when public service is judged by how well it trends on social media, we end up reducing governance into a spectacle. Leadership becomes more about capturing moments than building movements. It becomes more about image than impact. And slowly but surely, the essence of politics—as service, as stewardship, as sacrifice—is emptied out.

But here’s the inconvenient truth: performative politics is not politics. It is entertainment, wrapped in the language of public service. And that’s a dangerous thing. Because when we treat politics like a show, the real problems—poverty, injustice, inequality—are left backstage, ignored and unresolved.

Performative politics creates the illusion of action, while real lives continue to suffer from inaction. The applause may be loud, but the results are hollow. Take, for example, the recent controversy surrounding flood control projects. We’ve seen photos, posts, and pronouncements.

We’ve heard the dramatic claims and angry counterclaims.

But beneath all that noise, what has really changed?

Who has taken responsibility?

Where are the reforms that ensure this won’t happen again?

The sad reality is that outrage, no matter how loud, does not automatically lead to transformation. If we want real change, we must go beyond performance. We must push for structured and sustained action.

And that starts with three simple but powerful words: dare, decide, and deepen.

Each one points to a clear path forward—challenging leaders to act with courage, make wise choices, and take responsibility for lasting change.

Leadership becomes more about capturing moments than building movements

They serve as a call to shift our focus from appearances to action, from noise to solutions, and from performance to real public service.

First, we must dare to break the script. Performative politics thrives on routine: the viral videos, the press statements, the carefully staged events. But real leadership isn’t scripted.

It demands the courage to ask uncomfortable questions, to challenge even one’s own allies, to speak the truth even when it’s risky. To dare is to step away from what is easy or expected and move toward what truly matters. It’s choosing conscience over convenience, and action

The 500-peso challenge

NOCHE buena fare is quite standard for many Filipino households: ham, bread, cheese, a pasta dish. For dessert, fruit or macaroni salad. Upgrades are made depending on the family’s financial capacity, household size, or the importance it attaches to holiday food.

This year the Department of Trade and Industry insists it is possible for a family of four to make do with P500 for Christmas dinner. DTI Secretary Cristina Roque says that using her agency’s price guide, a sample basket containing four dishes and pandesal could be had for that amount.

Of course. Anything is possible –including boiling macaroni, mixing it with mayonnaise, and calling it a salad.

Social media users flooded the internet with angry reactions. Yes, life is difficult and it is a challenge to make ends meet. But lecturing Filipinos, so weary with their daily struggles, on how they should be content with spar-

over applause.

Leaders who have the courage to do this may not always be celebrated—but they are the ones who make a real difference.

Second, we must decide to make politics real again.

Real politics is messy, difficult, and often thankless.

It requires hard decisions, careful planning, and the patience to see reforms through. And yet, it is the only kind of politics that truly matters.

The flood control failures we now see are not the result of one or two bad actors. They are the result of years of shortcuts and compromises—of decisions made for short-term gain rather than long-term good.

If we want to fix what’s broken, we must decide, as public servants and as citizens, to reject the quick fix and invest in real solutions. That means embracing good govern-

tan food on the most festive season of the year is downright condescending.

Filipinos deserve better

Do those officials mean Filipinos do not deserve anything better? Are they consigning us to eternal beholdenness to officials who thrive on giving “ayuda” to their constituents in an attempt to win their votes...err, hearts? The 500-peso exhortation takes on an even more insulting meaning when viewed against the dizzying amounts

ance, honest budgeting, meaningful consultation, and principled legislation. It means choosing competence over clout, service over showmanship.

Finally, we must deepen our sense of accountability.

Performative politics flourishes where standards are shallow.

If we continue to celebrate politicians for being “visible” rather than being effective, we reward mediocrity. We must go beyond surface-level expectations. We must ask: Are policies working? Are communities truly empowered? Are systems being reformed? Accountability means more than exposing corruption. It also means cultivating a culture of integrity, transparency, and responsibility. But this isn’t just the job of government. Citizens, too, must deepen their engagement. We must pay attention, ask questions, and insist that our leaders be more than just performers. When people

of money pocketed by officials involved in flood control and other infrastructure corruption. Projects that run by the millions and billions translate into conspicuously opulent lifestyles of a few. Likely for these people, 500 pesos is negligible, loose change. The contrast is infuriating. Could more sensitive and forwardlooking language have delivered the message better? Words like, “things are difficult now, but we are working hard to attract more investments, create more jobs, and improve people’s economic prospects.” Or, “we’ll crack down on the corrupt no matter the political color or affiliation. We’ll go where the evidence takes us.” Or, “we will make sure that our reforms translate into a narrower gap in income across the population. Filipinos can very well tide themselves through a holiday. But the people also know they deserve better – to have a better meal to share with their loved ones, but more importantly to have a government that works to achieve justice, equity, and inclusive progress.

are informed and involved, politics begins to grow roots again. So yes, the outrage we feel today is valid.

But it must be more than just a reaction. It must become a response—a focused, collective, and constructive response. Because outrage alone cannot change a nation. But action can.

Let us use this moment not to cancel one another, but to challenge one another to do better. Let us move past finger-pointing and move toward reform. Let us refuse to be entertained by politics, and instead, be engaged by it. Politics must never be reduced to a stage. It must be reclaimed as a space of real, honest, difficult work.

Our country deserves nothing less. So let us dare to lead differently, decide to govern wisely, and deepen our role as citizens. The future of our democracy depends on it.

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in horizontal format about World AIDS Day, particularly with the case of the Philippines. The cartoon has the image of a giant pedestal that spells out ‘HIV/AIDS’ and on top of it is a gargoyle labeled ‘Stigma.’ On top of the gargoyle is a corpulent dragon labeled ‘Ignorance.’

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Admiral ‘ordered’ alleged drug boat hit

HK leader says independent body to probe fire

HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s leader said Tuesday an independent committee will investigate the cause of the city’s deadliest fire in decades, after authorities found substandard building materials had accelerated the blaze, which killed 151 people last week.

The fire engulfed seven residential towers under construction on the northern fringes of Hong Kong, displacing thousands of people and fueling public demands for accountability.

Hong Kong’s anti-corruption watchdog and police, running a joint investigation, have arrested 14 people, 13 of them on suspicion of manslaughter.

In a preliminary survey, officials found that the netting used on exterior scaffolding fell short of fire-resistance standards and failed to stop flames from spreading.

“I will establish an independent committee to conduct a comprehensive and in-depth review to reform the building work system and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future,” city leader John Lee said at a press conference. The committee will be led by a judge to ensure the independence and credibility, he said. AFP

IN BRIEF

Pope holds Beirut mass, visits site of port blast

BEIRUT – More than 120,000 people were expected to attend Pope Leo XIV’s mass in Beirut Tuesday, the final day of his Lebanon visit and a chance to pay his respects at the site of the huge 2020 port explosion.

The pontiff arrived from Turkey on Sunday on his inaugural visit abroad as pope and brought a message of hope, particularly to young people in Lebanon, whose faith in their beleaguered country has dwindled.

His visit brought a welcome distraction to a land still reeling from a war with Israel last year, with many fearing a renewal of hostilities.

Yasmine Chidiac, who was hoping to catch sight of Pope Leo on Monday, said the trip “has brought a smile back to our faces.” More than 120,000 people have registered to attend the mass near Beirut’s waterfront.

From Monday evening, authorities will prohibit access to large parts of central Beirut where the mass is taking place, and will set up checkpoints. AFP

Brazilian teen mauled to death by lioness

RIO DE JANEIRO – A Brazilian teenager was mauled to death by a lioness in full view of zoo visitors after scaling a sixmeter wall and safety fencing and shimmying down a tree into the enclosure, authorities said.

Gerson de Melo Machado, 19, struggled with severe mental health issues and dreamed of being a lion tamer, according to those who knew him.

The municipal government of the northeastern coastal city of Joao Pessoa said Machado had “deliberately invaded the lioness’s enclosure” at the Arruda Camara Zoobotanical Park on Sunday morning.

Viral videos of the attack showed the lioness, Leona, lying next to the glass separating her from visitors, who gasped in shock as the teen climbed down a tree. The lioness made a beeline for the tree, pulling Machado down to the ground. Bushes were seen shaking, and the teen stood up one more time before disappearing from view. AFP

White House gets shrunk Xmas display

WASHINGTON, DC – US First Lady Melania Trump unveiled this year’s White House Christmas decorations on Monday -- in a reduced space after President Donald Trump demolished part of the historic building for a new ballroom.

The 55-year-old’s theme for the season was “Home is Where the Heart Is,” despite the fact that she spends relatively little time in Washington, preferring New York and Florida.

Decorations featured a giant Lego portrait of her 79-year-old husband, a huge gingerbread White House, thousands of decorative butterflies, and more than 50 Christmas trees in the first holiday season of the president’s second term.

“Home is not merely a physical space; rather, it is the warmth and comfort I carry within, regardless of my surroundings,” Melania Trump said in a statement released by the White House. AFP

US envoy to meet Putin on ending Ukraine war

MOSCOW – US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin were expected to hold talks in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss the Trump administration’s controversial proposal to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting comes after Washington said it was feeling confident about the plan, following talks with Ukrainian negotiators in Florida.

“I think the administration feels very optimistic,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday. Meanwhile Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was seeking support from European allies, who fear that the

US plan -- drafted without input from Kyiv or Europe -- reads like a wishlist for Moscow.

But Ukraine’s negotiator Rustem Umerov said “significant progress” had been achieved in the Florida talks, even though more work was needed on “challenging” issues.

Zelenskyy arrived in Ireland Monday night for an in-person briefing from Umerov after talks in Paris with President Emmanuel Macron. He was greeted on the tarmac by Prime Minister Micheal Martin, who posted on social media “Our support for the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and democracy remains unwavering.”

More than three-and-a-half years into Russia’s large-scale offensive in Ukraine, an AFP analysis of data from the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) showed that the Russian army last month made its biggest advance in Ukraine since November 2024.

The situation for Kyiv has been further complicated by a corruption scandal that has rocked Zelenskyy’s inner circle and forced the dismissal last week of his top negotiator and chief of staff, Andriy Yermak.

“We are expecting a conversation with the president of the United States on key issues that are quite challenging,” Zelenskyy said in Paris. AFP

VR headsets take war-scarred kids to world away from Gaza

AL-ZAWAYDA, Palestinian Territories

– Children scarred by the war in Gaza are undergoing a therapy program using virtual reality headsets that transport the youngsters to a world far away from the destruction around them.

The VR therapy is aimed at improving the children’s psychological well-being, with operators saying it can achieve results more quickly than traditional therapy sessions.

Inside a white tent pitched on a sandy patch of ground in Al-Zawayda, in central Gaza, excited chatter swelled as five boys roamed around a virtual world.

The youngsters, one in a wheelchair and the others on plastic seats, turned their heads, exploring the new surroundings inside their goggles: a land of green gardens, tranquil beaches and safe cities.

One boy reached out and clapped his hands together, as if swatting a fly. Another, smiling, with his hand held up in front of his face, reached out to touch the scenery.

One said a dog was running towards

him, and beckoned to it, calling out:

“Come! Come!”

“I see birds,” the boy in the wheelchair told an operator, looking around.

One of the operators delicately put the blue TechMed Gaza headset on 15-yearold Salah Abu Rukab, who sustained a head injury during the war, asking if he could see the VR properly as he adjusted the buckles.

“We feel comfortable in it, we enjoy it, and through it we enter a garden, we enter spaces with animals and similar experiences,” the teenager told AFP.

Asked by the operator what he saw, he replied: “It’s all trees. Nothing but trees, grass and flowers.”

Mental health supervisor Abdalla Abu Shamale explained there was more to the VR headsets than simply escape.

“Through programmers, we are able to design games with therapeutic, preventive and developmental goals that help prepare the child or enable them to

and manage their life more effectively,” he told AFP. AFP

WASHINGTON, DC – A US admiral acting under the authority of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a “double-tap” military operation that targeted survivors of an initial attack on an alleged drug smuggling boat, the White House said Monday (Tuesday, Manila time).

The legality of the Trump administration’s deadly strikes against suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Pacific has already been questioned, and reports of the follow-up attack on survivors have triggered further accusations of a possible war crime.

A total of 11 people were killed in the two strikes in early September, the first in a months-long military campaign that has so far left more than 80 dead.

President Donald Trump’s administration insists it is effectively at war with alleged “narco-terrorists,” and the White House said Admiral Frank Bradley, who currently leads US Special Operations Command, had acted legally and properly in ordering the second strike on the survivors.

Bradley “worked well within his authority and the law directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told journalists.

Hegseth “authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes,” she said. With pressure mounting on the Pentagon chief, Hegseth appeared to stress the decision was Bradley’s.

“I stand by him and the combat decisions he has made -- on the September 2 mission and all others since,” he posted Monday evening on X, calling Bradley “an American hero.” Democrats pounced, with Senator Chris Murphy accusing Hegseth of “passing the buck.” AFP

‘We chose it’ – PKK fighters cherish life in mountains

lives.

The group formally renounced its armed struggle. Thirty of its fighters even burned their weapons in a symbolic move, although many fighters based in Qandil carried rifles during AFP’s visit. AFP

Donald Trump’s

SCARRED CHILDREN.

Bulldogs, Maroons eye Final 4 semis slots

TOP-RANKED National University and defending champion University of the Philippines face tough battles despite twice-tobeat advantages against De La Salle and University of Santo Tomas, respectively, in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Final Four at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today (Wednesday).

The Bulldogs may have defeated the Green Archers in the eliminations, but the Final Four is a different stage—everything resets at 1:30 p.m. Back in the Final Four after missing out last year, NU head coach Jeff Napa knows the twiceto-beat edge is a reward for finishing in the top two, not a guarantee of a Finals berth.

“Hindi naman namin iniisip kung ano naaachieve namin ngayon ‘eh. Ang importante kasi namin ay yung performance pa rin namin at the highest level. Bonus kung ano yung naachieve namin ngayon, pero kung hindi kami maglalaro at our level na gusto namin, balewala ‘yan,” said Napa.

“Natutunan ko na rin nung time na ‘yon na nagkaroon ng twice-to-beat, tapos nabalewala yung lintik na twice-to-beat na ‘yon if I recall. So there’s no assurance and there’s no guarantee kahit may twice-to-beat ka na makakaabot ka sa Finals or sa championship,” Napa added, recalling NU’s loss to the Growling Tigers in the UAAP Season 76 Final Four despite being the No. 1 team.

“Ang importante sa amin is how we perform pa rin, how we approach the game pa rin, and how we level up our game pa rin. ‘Yon yung pinakaimportant sa amin. Kung magawa ‘man namin talaga iyon, ibibigay talaga sa amin ng basketball gods kung ano yung para sa amin talaga.” NU aims to secure its first Finals appearance since ending a 60-year championship drought in Season 75 (2014) when they take on De La Salle at 1:30 p.m.

The Green Archers, the last team to qualify for the Final Four, acknowledged their underdog status.

FEU, Santo Tomas advance to girls’ volleyball semifinals

FAR Eastern University–

Diliman and University of Santo Tomas clinched the last two slots in the UAAP Season 88 High School Girls’ Volleyball Final Four after dispatching De La Salle Santiago Zobel School and University of the East in contrasting sweeps on Monday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.

The Lady Baby Tamaraws had to fend off the Junior Lady Spikers in the first two sets before Aleah Devosora sparked a third-set rout to secure a 25–21, 25–18, 25–7 win and book their semifinals berth. The Junior Golden Tigresses, meanwhile, held the Junior Lady Warriors to single digits in all

three frames for a commanding 25–4, 25–5, 25–8 victory.

FEU-D, which wrapped up the eliminations at 9–5, will face second-seeded Adamson University (13–1), which holds a twice-tobeat advantage. UST (8–6) will need back-to-back wins over National University–Nazareth School (13–1) to reach the best-of-three Finals.

Both semifinal matches are scheduled for Saturday, December 6 at the Blue Eagle Gym. If necessary, the do-or-die games will be held on Monday, December 8 at the same Katipunan venue.

“Ito, sobrang saya namin, kasi nga ang sinabi ko sa mga bata, sa mga players ko, ang target muna namin is makapasok sa Final Four, and nakuha naman namin,” said FEU-D head coach Joanne Bunag. “Number three kami ngayon; and ito, ise-celebrate muna namin pero bukas trabaho na naman kami for semifinals.”

Devosora scored most of her 14 points in the third set as FEU-D capitalized on DLSZ’s

passing and defensive lapses, breaking a 2–2 deadlock into a 20–6 cushion. Outside hitter Aislinn Alemaña briefly stopped the bleeding with a middle hit to make it 7–22, but Alexa Amana quickly restored order with a kill. Bernadine Boston then denied Alemaña’s next swing to end the match after one hour and four minutes.

Nigerian reinforcement MJ Udeagbala led FEU-D with 16 points built on 12 attacks and four blocks, while Devosora added 13 spikes and an ace. Joeyana Bongo came close to a double-double with nine points and seven digs. Alemaña finished with 11 points and six excellent receptions for DLSZ, but reigning Best Libero Angel Cenizal was limited to just eight digs. The Junior Lady Spikers ended their season at 7–7, settling for fifth. UST, meanwhile, fielded all 16 players in its 47-minute domination of UE, with all non-liberos contributing to the scoring.

Spain, Argentina storm into Futsal World Cup semis

Quezon seeks South crown against Binan

QUEZON Province tries to retain its South crown when it tackles Binan Tatak Gel at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Game Four of the 747. LIVE presents MPBL 2025 Season Division Finals at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Powered by LJay Gonzales, the Quezon Huskers bested the Lagunenses, 6656, in Game Three on Monday to lead the best-of-five series, 2-1, and move within a win of a second straight National Finals appearance.

Gonzales posted 26 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals to clinch best player honors over Gab Banal, who had 11 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, and Judel Fuentes, whose 7-point cluster in the fourth quarter decided the outcome for the Huskers.

The Huskers won Game One, 57-55, at the Quezon Convention Center, but got stunned by the Lagunenses, 68-65, at the Lucena Convention Center.

Quezon’s other key players are Will Gozum, Ximone Sandagon and Alfrancis Tamsi.

Binan, which yielded its homecourt advantage as the Alonte Sports Arena was previously reserved for a company function, while the airconditioning system of the Laguna Sports Complex in Santa Cruz is undergoing repair, hopes to equalize and force the Game Five decider.

POWERHOUSES Spain and Argentina played true form and roared to the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup semifinals with emphatic victories over separate rivals Monday night at the PhilSports Arena. Spain, the unbeaten Group B topnotcher, hammered out a 6-1 beating of Group A second seed Morocco behind the scintillating four-goal rampage of Irene Cordoba. For their part, the Group A ruler Argentines outclassed Group B runner-up Colombia, 4-1, led by Lucia Rossi’s brace.

The semifinal stage of the 16-nation meet backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Football Federation is set on Friday with Spain taking on the winner of the Last-

8 duel between Brazil and Japan and Argentina facing either Portugal or Italy.

On their way to the semis, Cordoba carved her name in World Cup record books. With her strikes at the 14th and 29th seconds, the Spain pivot produced the two fastest goals in the tournament and earned the distinction as the first to score twice in the opening minute.

“I’m proud of the team and really happy to reach the semi-finals. That was our goal from the beginning. We know it’s not easy,” said Cordoba, who made it a hat trick at the 86th second and added a fourth at the 21st minute.

“I’m very happy, you don’t score four goals at a World Cup every day. Now I have to keep this mo-

Cignal announces multi-year

CIGNAL has officially extended their broadcast partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to deliver the most live NBA games and original programming in the Philippines across free-toair, pay television and over-the-top streaming. Through this multiyear extension, national freeto-air channels ONE Sports and RPTV and premium TV channel NBA TV Philippines, a localized version of NBA TV, the league’s dedicated 24/7 channel, will provide fans in the Philippines with access to select regular season, playoff and Conference Finals games, and NBA All-Star. Cignal will also deliver the NBA Finals every season, alternating between delayed and live coverage, beginning with a delayed broadcast in 2026.

Over-the-top streaming service Pilipinas Live – a leading local sports streaming app in the country – will serve as Cignal’s leading platform for NBA coverage. NBA games and programming on ONE Sports, RPTV and NBA TV Philippines will be available to Pilipinas Live paid subscribers, which include “The Association” – a weeknight primetime “basketball-cast” celebrating the game, players and the culture of the NBA – and “NBA HYPE” – a locally produced wraparound show featuring local sports

mentum going,” she said. Marta Lopez-Pardo (34th minute) and Irene Samper (37th minute) rounded out scoring for World No. 2 La Roja. Nadia Laftah (13th) scored the lone goal for the No. 31 Atlas Lionesses. Meanwhile, Rossi fired two fine strikes (fifth and ninth) between Carina Nunez’ goal to give world No. 6 Argentina a 3-0 running start against the No. 8 Colombians. Laura Bustos pushed Colombia one back in the 12th minute but Silvina Nava restored a three-goal cushion for La Albiceleste with a crafty 28-minute volley.

personalities offering in-depth analysis on the latest NBA news. Additionally, Cignal will serve as the Official Broadcaster in the Philippines for the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, the NBA’s regional high-school basketball tournament that features boys’ and girls’ teams from across Asia-Pacific.

“Cignal is a trusted partner who shares our commitment to engaging fans and making the NBA more accessible to a nationwide audience,” said NBA Asia Head of Content Partnerships and DTC Kelly Cooke. “We look forward to building on our media partnership and tapping into Cignal’s expertise in Philippine sports and entertainment to further connect with the passionate local basketball community.”

“Our broadcast partnership with the NBA further solidifies Cignal’s status as the leading sports content provider in our country,” said MediaQuest Holdings and Cignal President & CEO Jane Jimenez-Basas. “Our platforms across free-to-air, pay TV, social media and Pilipinas Live are there for every Filipino basketball fan to get the NBA content they need, whenever and wherever they want. We are grateful to the NBA and are confident that our enduring partnership with them will continue well into the future.”

The FEU Lady Baby Tamaraws celebrate their 25–21, 25–18, 25–7 victory over the Junior Lady Spikers.

Booters from Spain rejouce after their 6-1 hammering of Group A second seed Morocco.

NBA games and programming on ONE Sports, RPTV and NBA TV Philippines will be available to Pilipinas Live paid subscribers

LJay Gonzales of the Quezon Huskers.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Retired Aguilar to miss Gilas’ camaraderie

AS Japeth Aguilar retires, he leaves Gilas Pilipinas behind on a winning note, cherishing the memories that he had with the Philippine national men’s basketball team after playing 82 matches.

The 38-year-old Aguilar’s final game came after Team Philippines won a masterful 95-71 smashing of Guam on Monday night in Window 1 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers at the Blue Eagle gym in Quezon City. His presence yielded three points for himself as he tried to help control the boards with one of the team’s new player, another big man in Quentin Millora-Brown.

Gilas went on to post a two-game sweep of Guam, which they earlier beat, 82-46, on Friday at the Calvo Fieldhouse in Guam.

“Ang dami kong memories. ‘Yung samahan, ‘yung training camps, at iyung process and progress to build the team,” said Aguilar of the things he will miss with Gilas.

In Aguilar’s departure, the 6’10” Millora-Brown will take his place as an backup to slotmen Kevin Quiambao and Kai Sotto, who returns to injury in February.

Gilas played before a big hometown crowd which showed up at the Ateneo de Manila campus, and they provided inspiration for Gilas to demolish Guam that night.

Gilas coach Tim Cone said they weren’t 100 percent when they played. Peter Atencio

Jordan in court as NASCAR anti-trust case begins

MIAMI—NBA legend Michael Jordan appeared in a North Carolina court room on Monday as his federal anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR got under way with jury selection. The case -- which analysts say could have far-reaching implications for NASCAR if Jordan is successful -- accuses the most popular US auto racing circuit of monopolistic practices that stifle competition. NBA icon Jordan, who is a co-owner of the 23XI Racing team in NASCAR’s Cup Series, lodged the suit with Front Row Motorsports last year after refusing to sign new NASCAR charters. The suit accuses NASCAR and the racing circuit’s chief executive Jim France of operating without transparency, stifling competition, and controlling the sport in ways that unfairly benefit them at the expense of team owners, drivers, sponsors, partners and fans.

The teams accuse NASCAR of anticompetitive practices including buying most of the top racetracks exclusive to NASCAR races, imposing exclusivity deals on NASCAR-sanctioned tracks, acquiring stock car competitor Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), preventing teams from participating in other stock car races and forcing teams to buy their parts from singlesource suppliers chosen by NASCAR.

“No other major professional sport in North America is run by a single family that enriches themselves through these kinds of unchecked monopolistic practices,” 23XI and Front Row said in a statement announcing the lawsuit last year.

Jordan’s 23XI and Front Row were the only two NASCAR teams out of 15 who did not sign the new charters at the heart of the dispute.

“Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track,” Jordan added. AFP

Eala, Bagunas named Team PH flag-bearers in Thailand SEAG

PHILIPPINE

Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol”

Tolentino has selected two of the nation’s most recognizable and influential athletes— tennis star Alexandra Eala and volleyball stalwart Bryan Bagunas—to serve as flag bearers for Team Philippines.

The duo will lead the Philippine delegation during the parade of athletes at the opening ceremony of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday, December 9.

“Popularity aside, Alex and Bryan have made impacts in the global sports community and that makes them the best choice to carry the flag in the SEA Games,” Tolentino stated on Tuesday. The Philippines is fielding close to 1,700 athletes in the SEA Games that programmed 574 events in 50 sports

and which will now be played in two main hubs—Bangkok and Chonburi—after Songkhla was written off because of massive flooding. Eala’s rise in tennis has been close to phenomenal—she’s now the highest-ranked Filipina in Philippine tennis history in the Women’s Tennis Association, having been the first

Filipina to get past the first round of the US Open. Bagunas, on the other hand, was the main man of the Alas Pilipinas Men’s Team in the FIVB World Championship last September, spearheading a history victory— over many-time African champion Egypt—in an FIVB competition and was instrumental in that “win that got away” against another Asian powerhouse, Iran. Tolentino said that the choice for flag-bearer or flag-bearers have always been an important task of the POC and athlete or athletes who have the most impact and inspirational appeal not only to national athletes but to the Filipino youth gain the most premium in the selection.

“It’s about the inspirational appeal, the motivation and hard-work that reaps accomplishment that make an athlete or athletes the best choice for the chore,” Tolentino said.

Blu Girls’ goal in SEA Games: No less than gold

THE hopes and expectations are high for the Philippine women’s softball team, also known as the Blu Girls, when they try to defend the gold medal in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

But coach Ana Santiago, who’s in her fifth SEA Games, said the goal remains the same for the Blu Girls, who last won the gold in the Manila hosting of the biennial meet in 2019.

“Even if there was no softball in the last two SEA Games (Hanoi and Cambodia), ‘yung hunger to win hindi naman nawala. Nothing less than the gold ang goal natin,” Santiago said during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The Blu Girls are a force to reckon with in the SEA Games, and are once again expected to figure in the battle for the gold. Since 1979, they have won 11 gold medals in the biennial event.

“That’s why we are so happy na nakabalik sa SEA Games and softball. Our team is ready. Alam namin kung ano ang goal,” added Santiago,

who was joined in the forum by team captain Charlotte Sales (third base) and outfielder Roma Cruz, who is also the team’s biggest hitter. Sales and Cruz are both first-timers in the SEA Games but expressed their readiness to perform along with the 14

other members of the team, including three Fil-Americans and two remnants of the 2019 team.

“Malaking bagay ‘yung training camp namin (in Taiwan). Nakatulong sa teamwork, communication and ‘yung samahan,” said Sales in

Knights force do-or-die game with Altas; Lions also stay alive

By Peter Atencio

AN outrebounded Letran Knights still moved closer to a finals’ seat on Tuesday in the 101st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.

Jimboy Estrada’s timely baskets in the final minutes got them there.

And his shots fell through as the Knights weathered repeated comebacks of the University of Perpetual Help Altas, 77-73, in Game 1 of their best-of-three semifinals series at the Araneta Coliseum.

“The most important thing is mental toughness. The Perps had a run. But unfortunately for them, nandu’n pa rin kam i,” said Knights’ coach Allen Ricardo.

As the Altas came back from a

19-point deficit, but Estrada canned in a triple and a charity in the last 13.6 seconds to give the Knights enough cushion to post their fifth straight win, with their 77-71 spread.

Earlier, Patrick Sleat still got away with five important points in the last quarter, with his two charities keeping the Altas within range, 70-75.

“We needed to limit the shots of Sleat. He’s one of their go-to guys,” added Ricardo.

Meanwhile, Agjanti Miller delivered 29 points for the San Beda Red Lions stayed alive an d waylaid the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 91-72, at their start of their own semis series.

Miller struck with seven points in third period in towing the Red Lions to a decisive 65-53 edge.

The Blazers, who got 18 points from Ian Torres, will seek to tie the series in Game 2 on Friday. Estrada and Jonathan Manalili went on to lead with 15 points apiece for the Knights, who are on their first semifinals appearance, since their last one in 2022 during the Final Four era.

The Altas, with an unstoppable Sleat making a game-high 21 points, dominated the boards with 49 total rebounds, off the Knights’ 35. John Abis shot 20 points and also controlled the boards with Shawn Orgo with nine and 11 rebounds for the Altas. On the other hand, Letran drew strength from big man Kevin Santos’ six points and 10 re-

the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.

In the last Asian Cup in China last July, Cruz bagged the Most Homeruns award with five and helped the Blu Girls qualify for the 2026 Asian Games with a fourth-place finish.

“Kahit first time ko sa SEA Games, gusto ko din ipakita na kaya ko makipagsabayan,” said Cruz.

The Blu Girls defeated Indonesia for the gold in 2019 but Santiago sees Singapore as perhaps the biggest threat this time.

The Blu Girls will take on the Singaporeans in their first game on Dec. 15, followed by Malaysia on Dec. 16 and a double-header against Thailand and Indonesia on Dec. 17. The gold medal match is set Dec. 20.

“Sa tingin ko ngayon Singapore ang kalaban. Grabe ang preparation nila. They went to Australia, Japan and Taiwan,” added Santiago.

Sports o cials with members of the Philippine delegation to the SEA Games during the team’s sendo party.

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio checked in on the Blu Girls during the PSA Forum.

Alexandra Eala

Bryan Bagunas

Japeth Aguilar

Letran’s Jonathan Manalili

Gov’t plans to reduce export target amid weak global demand

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine government is set to release lower export targets under the revised Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP), acknowledging that original projections are no longer attainable due to weaker global demand and persistent geopolitical tensions.

The updated figures, scheduled for launch on Dec.4, 2025 during the National Export Congress, reflect more realistic expectations compared to the initial projections, which were drafted coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The revised targets will be significantly lower—around half of

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) tops the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) performance evaluation award, highlighting the agency’s superlative performance score of more than 100 percent for 2024. Receiving the award on behalf of PCSO is general-manager Melquiades Robles.

the original numbers, according to Exports Marketing Bureau (EMB) director Bianca Sykimte.

Despite the downward recalibration, Sykimte said the Philippines remains on track to meet the revised goals for 2025. The country’s export performance is currently in line with the expectations of the revised plan.

Philippine Exporters Confederation (PhilExport) president Sergio OrtizLuis Jr. noted that the shift to the revised PEDP is sensible because there is “no way to meet the original targets.”

He said the country may close the year at around $113 billion in exports, and projects modest expansion for next year, citing a 7-percent growth target as “good enough,” although he believes a double-digit increase is unlikely.

Merchandise exports grew 14-percent from January to October. However, services exports saw a slight decline of less than 1 percentage point, primarily due to weaker transport services.

Shipments to the United States remain elevated as of October, having jumped by about 10 percent due to front-loading ahead of new US tariffs,

DOLE reinforces support for sugarcane workers with 511K SAP release

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Cagayan has released a total of PHP511,000 in maternity and death benefits to sugarcane workers and their families under its Social Amelioration Program (SAP), reinforcing the government’s commitment to social protection in the agricultural sector. In line with President Marcos’ directive, DOLE is tightening the implementation of the Sugar Amelioration Program by mandating direct Social Amelioration Bonus (SAB) payments from planters and millers to workers, enforcing strict deadlines, and improving fund handling by District Tripartite Councils (DTC). The DOLE, in accordance with Republic Act No. 6982 or the Sugar Amelioration Act of 1991, is tasked with

ensuring that sugar industry workers receive mandated financial assistance and social welfare benefits aimed at improving their quality of life. These include maternity and death assistance, socio-economic projects, cash bonuses, and skills development programs, funded through a lien collected from the sale of raw sugar.

Beneficiaries include workers and farmers affiliated with the Cagayan Robina Sugar Milling Company (CARSUMCO), operating in the municipalities of Piat, Solana, and Rizal. From February to September 1, 2025, the DOLE Cagayan Field Office (CFO) facilitated the release of P8,000 in maternity benefits to 49 recipients, while nine bereaved families received P14,000 each in death claims.

although normalization is expected in the next few months.

The EMB official also noted the sustained strength in merchandise exports, with the Philippines averaging around $7.2 billion in the past five months, a figure historically above the usual $5 billion to $6 billion range.

Diversification is taking hold, with only China, Thailand and South Korea posting declines among the top 10 markets.

The European Union remains a key target for expansion in electronics coconut products and creative industries. Electronics and services are expected to remain the main drivers of growth, while agricultural exports such as coconut oil may see only mild gains due to tariff disadvantages versus competitors.

$113 billion 7% 14% Export target in 2025

growth target in 2025 10-month merchandise exports growth

named top-performing GOCC, receives multiple awards

THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Monday topped the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) performance evaluation award, highlighting the agency’s superlative performance score of more than 100 percent for 2024.

PCSO, at the awards ceremony for Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) organized by GCG at in Paranaque City, surpassed other top-ranking GOCCs recognized for exemplary performance, demonstrating the agency’s drive toward accountability, good governance and improved citizencentered service delivery.

The GCG awarded PCSO with the best performance rating at 100.63 percent, besting other GOCCs which also received their awards.

These GOCCs which also received awards are Mactan-Cebu Airport Authority at second place with a score of 100.16 percent and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. at third place with 99.92 percent. Other GOCCS that also received awards are Clark International Airport Corp., Landbank of the Philippines, Landbank Countryside Development Foundation Inc., Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office, National Tobacco Administration and Social Security System. The scoring is based on PCSO’s commitment to operational excellence, transparency and delivering impactful public service to Filipinos nationwide.

DEMONSTRATING the Marcos administration’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive economy, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. 8 (DOLE-RO8) awarded over PHP 4.2 million in grants to 12 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Eastern Visayas through its Adjustment Measures Program (AMP).

AMP supports MSMEs through funding business projects that can improve their workers’ skills and adapt to economic disruptions and emerging employment and business opportunities.

The awarding ceremony highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to empower local businesses and reinforce community livelihoods amid economic challenges.

The grants were formally turned over by DOLE-RO8 Assistant Regional Director Atty. Joan N. Noya-Nidua, joined by Atty. Cecilio I. Baleña, DOLEAMP Regional Focal Person, and other regional officials. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed with each beneficiary enterprise, formalizing their participation in the program. In her remarks, Atty. Noya-Nidua emphasized AMP’s role in enhancing enterprise competitiveness and sustaining employment, aligning with the Bagong Pilipinas agenda’s focus on agile governance and economic resilience.

“Through this program, we aim to improve the competitiveness of our local enterprises so they remain viable and relevant amidst economic

INDIA’S MINISTER COURTESY CALL ON DOLE. (Seated): Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma (third from right) and India Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship H.E. Jayant Chaudhary (third from left) discuss possible collaboration opportunities in skills development between the Philippines and India during the latter’s courtesy call on DOLE on October 21 at the DOLE Central Office in Intramuros, Manila. Secretary Laguesma also shared the Department’s labor policies and skills program initiatives aimed to address job skills mismatch and improve the competencies of the Filipino workforce. Also in attendance were Undersecretary

challenges,” she stated. Recipients include DJ Printing Services and Sports Apparel (Biliran), Pasar Employees Multipurpose Cooperative, Juanito Eco Farm School for Practical Agriculture, For U Leather Products, and Balay Ni Tatay Farm (Leyte), as well as Bontoc Multipurpose Cooperative and Gawisan Abaca Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (Southern Leyte). In Samar, Francine’s Grill, MLS Food Processing, Shirley Food Processing, Super Jed Food Processing, and the Northern Samar Fishermen Cooperative also received funding.

Beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation for the support, noting its direct impact on operations and workforce stability.

SWEET WORK, FAIR PAY. The Department of Labor and Employment Cagayan Field Office formally handed over SAP benefits to sugarcane workers and their families. Photos by RO

Shaping brighter future for Ilocos Norte children

PSE index closes flat, stalls below 6,000 mark

By Jenniffer B. Austria

“The

“Expectations of a tempered inflation last November and a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas policy rate this December fueled positive sentiment,” he added.

The services sector led gainers, increasing by 1.95 percent, while property climbed 0.02 percent. The mining and oil index, on the other hand, shed 1.44 percent, while financials declined by 0.96 percent.

Trading was lethargic with value turnover at P4.71 billion. Foreign investors were net sellers with outflows at P179.48 million.

International Container Terminal Services Inc. was the day’s top index gainer, up 3.2 percent to P565. The company reported that its unit ICTSI Brazil opened a new logistics and industrial center.

On the other hand, Alliance Global Group Inc. declined by 3.9 percent to P6.90.

SMC power unit scraps $300-m securities offer

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SAN Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp., the power arm of San Miguel Corp., has decided to terminate its planned exchange offer and the issuance of up to $300 million in senior perpetual capital securities due to prevailing market conditions.

SMGP disclosed to the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. that it made the announcement with the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Ltd., dated Dec. 1, 2025.

The company approved last week an offer and issuance of up to $300 million in senior perpetual capital securities.

It also approved an offer to exchange any and all of their existing securities, issued in January 2020 and listed on the SGX-ST, for an equal principal amount of new U.S. dollardenominated securities.

The board also approved the listing of the exchanged new securities and any additional new securities on the

SGX-ST.

“Accordingly, as stated in the aforementioned announcement, any existing securities offered for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer, and tendered for purchase pursuant to the tender offer on or before the expiration deadline, will not be accepted by the corporation, will be unblocked in the relevant account in the relevant clearing system and returned to the relevant securityholder, as soon as practicable,” the company said.

SMGP said it remains committed to redeeming the existing securities on the step-up date of such existing securities and expects to make the relevant announcements in due course.

Jollibee Group lawyer named among Asia’s best

THE Jollibee Group celebrates another employee milestone as Vera Marie Bautista-King, general counsel for corporate & commercial global, EMEAA, and legal business partner for global and the Philippines, continues to earn recognition from some of Asia’s most prestigious legal publications.

Bautista-King was included in Asian Legal Business (ALB) Asia’s 40 Under 40 list of outstanding lawyers throughout Asia, the only Filipino in-house lawyer to have this distinction.

Previously, she was a finalist in both the In-House Lawyer of the Year and Woman Lawyer of the Year categories at the recent ALB Philippine Law Awards. In 2023, she was among the four senior legal leaders of the Jollibee Group recognized by Legal 500 as one of the top General Counsels in the country in its inaugural GC Powerlist Philippines. These underscore her growing influence and leadership in the regional legal community.

NEXGEN Energy Corp.’s wind development arm, Airstream Renewables Corp., secured three onshore wind energy service contracts (WESC) from the Department of Energy (DOE) for 1.7 gigawatts (GW) in potential capacity and representing prospective investments of $2.5 billion.

NexGen said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Monday the DOE issued the WESC and corresponding certificates of registration for the 600-megawatt (MW) Pangasinan Onshore Wind Power Project, the 600-MW Samar Onshore Wind Power Project and the 500MW Nueva Ecija Onshore Wind Power Project.

“Securing 1.7 GW of new wind energy service contracts represents a major step forward in NexGen Energy’s growth strategy and materially strengthens our development pipeline,” said NexGen president Eric Roxas.

“These three new onshore wind

Bautista-King has been with the Jollibee Group for eight years, steadily rising through the ranks from manager to her current leadership role, where she leads key pillars that include Corporate & Commercial (covering Governance, Capital Markets & Securities, and M&A), EMEAA, Franchising and Ethics (Governance). Her work has been instrumental in several of the company’s landmark initiatives, including the acquisition of Compose Coffee in South Korea— recognized as the Best M&A Transaction in Korea (2024)—and the issuance of the Jollibee Food Corporation’s $300 million senior unsecured guaranteed bond, marking the company’s return to the global bond market in 2025. She has also contributed to advancing the Jollibee Group’s ambition to be a franchisor of choice in the global QSR industry through the development of new policies and processes, EMEAA’s market expansion and bringing foreign franchised brands to the Philippines.

projects—Pangasinan, Samar, and Nueva Ecija—position Airstream Renewables as one of the most competitive large-scale wind developers in the country,” he said. Roxas said the projects “represent around $2.5 billion in prospective investment and lay the foundation for long-term, stable value creation for our stakeholders.” He also expressed appreciation for the DOE’s continued confidence.

The 600-MW Pangasinan Onshore Wind Project covers 13,770 hectares. It will utilize an 8-kilometer 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line to connect to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’

CEBU-BASED fuel retailer Top Line Business Development Corp. (TOP) plans to raise fresh capital next year to fund direct fuel importation, expand its depot infrastructure and grow its retail network.

TOP shareholders on Dec. 2, 2025 authorized the company to pursue various capital-raising activities, including a private placement, a follow-on offering or debt issuance. The shareholders also approved the reclassification of 800 million unissued common shares into preferred shares.

“Our growth trajectory is clear and compelling. The issuance of preferred shares provides investors with steady returns through fixed dividends and allows us to strengthen our balance sheet and accelerate our vertical integration strategy,” said TOP chairman, president and chief executive Eugene Erik Lim.

The proceeds from the planned preferred share issuance will support the company’s move into direct fuel importation through its subsidiary, Topline Logistics and Development Corp.

TOP expects the shift to improve pricing, enhance supply stability, increase margins, and boost efficiency across its fuel businesses.

The capital infusion will also fund the expansion of depot infrastructure and storage capacity to accommodate higher import volumes. The fundraising will also support the growth of its retail fuel arm, Light Fuels Corp., as it broadens its network across the Visayas region.

“These initiatives aim to enhance operational efficiency, reduce landed cost and overall operating costs, and improve our profitability and ultimately creating greater long-term value for our shareholders,” Lim said.

“We are confident that this direction places Top Line in a stronger strategic position, one that allows us to integrate vertically, capture more value from the supply chain, and deliver higher margins and more resilient income streams,” he said.

Jenniffer B. Austria

230kV Labrador Substation.

The 600-MW Samar Onshore Wind Project spans 16,929 hectares. This will connect via a 7-km. 138kV transmission line to the NGCP 138kV Victoria Substation. The 500-MW Nueva Ecija Onshore Wind Project covers 9,234 hectares and will be connected via a 15-km 230kV line to the NGCP 230kV Sampaloc Substation. NexGen, formerly Just Solar Corp., was established on June 7, 2017 to be the wind and solar power development company of Pure Energy Holdings Corp. (PEHC), which is led by businessman Dexter Tiu. Alena Mae

Flores

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

S.

NMSME SUMMIT. Over 2,000 nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises attend the TindaNow Mindanao Summit 2025- a day of digital financial literacy, learning about GCash for Business, and the new GCash Pera Outlet Plus. Recognizing the vital role of sari-sari stores and local enterprises: GCash, Department of Trade and Industry, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Tagum City come together at TindaNow Mindanao Summit 2025 to celebrate and empower the backbone of the economy.

KFC LA UNION. KFC Philippines opens its fifth store in the Province of La Union, located on the Lower Ground Floor of SM City La Union, Brgy. Biday, San Fernando City. Leading the ribbon-cutting rites are (from left) KFC Philippines vice president for Business Development Jun Cruz; SM Malls president Steven Tan; KFC operations manager for North Luzon Upper Sherwin Santos; and KFC senior manager of Mall Management Department Rachelle Saguid.

BUSINESS

PRA targets P1.3-b revenue in 2026, cites sustained growth from retirees

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) is targeting P1.3 billion in revenues in 2026, supported by sustained growth in application fees, bank interest and annual charges from foreign retirees.

PRA administrative and finance services department manager Philip John Moreno said the agency’s proposed budget for 2026 is P762 million, including P135 million for marketing. He said the PRA has consistently invested in year-round promotional campaigns and has been outperforming its revenue targets.

DOJ indicts Fergus executives for illegal investment solicitation

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted two top officers of Cebubased Fergus, Inc. for allegedly soliciting investments from the public without the necessary licenses.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said the DOJ upheld its findings and found prima facie evidence to charge Fergus president Jefferson Acas Jr. and corporate secretary and chief finance officer Rosemarie Mayorga with violating Sections 8, 26 and 28 of Republic Act (RA) 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code (SRC), in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

State prosecutors also recommended filing criminal charges against Acas and Mayorga for violating Section 11, in relation to Section 3(f), of RA 11765, or the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act (FCPA), also in relation to Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The case stemmed from a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) probe initiated after a request from Padlan Salvador & Associates on behalf of Australian clients who claimed they were defrauded by the company.

The NBI later sought assistance from the SEC, which determined that Fergus was offering securities in the form of investment contracts through an automated trading software.

“Our revenues have exceeded P1 billion every year since 2024,” Moreno said, noting that collections for 2025 have already approached P1 billion as of the third quarter. The agency expects to end the year at over P1 billion. Moreno said about one-third of PRA revenues come from application fees, now at $1,600 for principal applicants

and dependents. Another one-third comes from management fees and interest earned from retiree visa deposits held by government banks, while the rest is generated from annual dues of existing SRRV holders.

Retirees currently maintain roughly $20 billion in visa deposits with the Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank.

He explained income typically accounts for around half of total revenues, with 50 percent of earnings remitted as dividends to the national government.

PRA general manager Roberto Zozobrado said the agency has no plans to lower the $30,000 visa deposit, despite suggestions that a reduced amount

might attract more retirees. He said lawmakers reviewing the agency’s budget last year had in fact questioned whether the amount was too low.

“They even suggested increasing it,” he said, adding that the PRA prefers to avoid pricing itself too high compared with regional competitors. Malaysia, for instance, requires deposits of around $200,000 under its retirement program.

Zozobrado said the PRA will prioritize Germany, France, Spain and broader markets in Europe and North America for next year’s promotions.

The agency has shifted its approach by joining only senior-focused expos, which he said have delivered stronger leads than general travel fairs.

KNOWLEDGE SESSION. The Board of Investments (BOI), in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), gathers sectoral champions from the BOI and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for a knowledge session on just transition. The session equipped participants with insights to support

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025

Grab ramps up carpooling amid holiday supply crunch

By Darwin G. Amojelar

remain a demand hotspot amid surging arrivals; while also coordinating with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the LTFRB to ensure the availability of ride-hailing options this season.

“This holiday season will be a challenge, as in previous years. We are facing a slew of macroeconomic factors, from an uptick in holiday demand that challenges the supply of vehicles to the traffic conditions of the metro,” Ronaldo Roda, Grab Philippines managing director, said.

Government agencies agree to raise price cap on socialized housing

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Department of Economy Planning and Development (DEPDEV) have agreed to update the price ceiling for socialized housing, covering both house and lot packages and condominiums.

The move, formalized through the signing of Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) 2025-001, aims to invigorate the nationwide rollout of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s flagship Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

The circular hikes the maximum selling price for a socialized house and lot package to P950,000 and condominium units to P1.8 million. It also sets a bigger minimum area for socialized housing, from the previous 22 square meters to 24 square meters.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said the updated ceiling was done following consultations with private developers and deliberations between the two agencies.

“This JMC will lead to higherquality, better-designed, and more spacious socialized housing units for

Regulators consult stakeholders on waste-to-energy legislation

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) hopes to get strong stakeholder support for the proposed Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Bill, a critical piece of legislation aimed at addressing both solid waste management and energy production.

The DOE, in collaboration with the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO), recently hosted a multi-stakeholder forum at the Marco Polo Hotel in Pasig City, bringing together national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations (CSOs), academic institutions, project developers, private sector representatives and environmental organizations to discuss key elements of the proposed WTE Bill.

Discussions revolved around several crucial areas, including environmental accountability, regulation and monitoring mechanisms, technological readiness and the adequacy of feedstock for energy generation.

“Our collective goal is not to find a simple compromise, but to achieve a comprehensive understanding, one that integrates robust scientific evidence, learns from the successes and failures of international best practices and respects the unique realities of Philippine communities, particularly the fate of our informal waste workers,” said Undersecretary Rowena Christina Guevara.

The proposed WTE Bill seeks to establish facilities that will simultaneously help manage residual solid waste and contribute to the country’s energy mix by utilizing waste as a feedstock for energy production.

The bill aims to significantly reduce reliance on sanitary landfills (SLFs) by prioritizing waste-to-energy facilities for appropriate residual waste streams, thereby reducing environmental pollution while providing an additional source of power.

Undersecretary Mylene Capongcol lauded the diversity of stakeholders involved in the discussions, calling the forum part of an ongoing process to build a broad base of evidencebased recommendations.

“This forum is part of a continuous consultation process. We aim to generate evidence-based recommendations that can guide legislators in crafting workable solutions. Solid waste management is not just about waste reduction; it’s about capitalizing on waste’s potential to generate additional power for the country,” said Capongcol.

our homebuyers,” he said.

“It will also encourage our private partners to build more projects,” he said.

The revision complies with Republic Act 11201, which requires DHSUD and the National Economic and Development Authority (now DepDev) to jointly review and adjust the maximum selling price of socialized housing units periodically, but not more than once every two years, to keep pace with current economic conditions.

Aliling said the updated ceiling will lead to better quality, more appealing

and larger socialized housing units for buyers. He also said it would provide motivation for private partners to develop more projects, leading to greater choice and more competitive selling prices for consumers.

Aliling said that based on President Marcos Jr.’s directive for more decent and dignified housing, the JMC would result in higher quality, more aesthetically pleasing and larger socialized housing units for homebuyers.

This will also serve as a motivation for private partners to develop more projects, he said.

IPOPHL extends GreenTech program to boost disaster-resilient innovation

THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has extended its Green Technology Incentive (GreenTech) program to encourage Filipino innovators to fast-track the development of eco-friendly and disaster-resilient technologies following a wave of deadly natural calamities.

Acting Director General Nathaniel Arevalo urged inventors, creators and social enterprises to accelerate work on green solutions that can bolster disaster preparedness and environmental sustainability.

“We need innovations that can reduce our vulnerabilities and enhance our resilience against the increasing environmental crisis. Government, industry and the innovation community must work together to develop technologies that protect lives, empower communities and ensure a

resilient future for the Philippines,” Arevalo said.

IPOPHL extended the GreenTech program through memorandum circular 2025-026 issued in November, providing fee waivers and faster processing for qualified patent, utility model and industrial design applications for sustainable or eco-friendly technologies that improve environmental quality or contribute to renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation or lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The agency’s call also coincided with the 2025 Socially Relevant Technologies (SRT) contest held last week. With the theme “Sustainable Urban Development and Green Solutions,” the 6th SRT Contest showcased and recognized practical, high-impact technologies that address pressing social and environmental concerns.

Stakeholders’ Congress.

BSP considers new rules on payment system disruptions

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has proposed new rules requiring participants in the Peso RealTime Gross Settlement (RTGS) Payment System to immediately report cyberattacks and other disruptive incidents, introducing alternative settlement mechanisms to ensure continuous transaction processing. Under a draft circular, participants should officially communicate to the central bank any incidents that remain unresolved within two hours of occurrence. To maintain continuous settlements during such disruptions, banks and other financial institutions have several options. They may enter into bilateral netting arrangements with their counterparties, provided they have a formal agreement in place beforehand. Alternatively, institutions can designate a paying agent to execute their transactions through the PhilPaSS plus system. Financial market infrastructures (FMIs) and clearing switch operators (CSOs) can also apply for multilateral netting arrangements with their participants, which results in a single net position for each participant. The BSP’s business continuity plan (BCP) offers further options. If a participant cannot connect or send payment messages despite the PhilPaSS plus being operational, they can upload transactions at the nearest BSP facility. If the participant cannot reach the BSP facility for valid reasons, they have the on-behalf uploading option.

Maharlika Fund eyes major investments

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MAHARLIKA I nvestment Corp. (MIC), which runs the Philippines’ first sovereign wealth fund, is preparing to make significant investments within the next six months, focusing on nation-building sectors while assuring the public of multiple layers of oversight to allay corruption concerns.

MIC vice president for investments

Kheed Ng said the agency has a “robust” pipeline of deals that the public could expect to see realized soon.

J.P. Morgan shuts down unit Aumni

AMERICAN bank J.P. Morgan

announced Tuesday that it is discontinuing Aumni’s services worldwide, affecting operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, India and the Philippines.

The decision, which comes just over two years after the acquisition, affects Aumni’s operations worldwide.

The bank said in a statement the shutdown resulted from a regular review of the firm’s products and client offerings.

The discontinuation of Aumni’s services is expected to impact about 250 employees in the Philippines, representing about 1 percent of J.P. Morgan’s total 25,000-strong workforce in the country.

The US-based banking giant said in a statement it remains committed to the Philippines, which it continues to view as a critical hub for its global operations.

Aumni, founded in 2018, specialized in providing investment analytics software to the venture capital industry, analyzing private market data, managing venture documents and monitoring portfolio company performance.

The said it is working to find alternative positions within the firm for a number of the impacted employees.

“In the next six months you can expect some deals to come through that the public will be quite happy with,” Ng said, adding that these investments are expected to support

nation-building.

MIC chief legal officer Paul Salanga said the agency is committed to prudence and oversight. “We are very prudent we are very careful because we are very mindful that this is public funds that we are investing,” Salanga told reporters.

He said any investment should contribute to national development.

“It’s quite important that there is a national development impact. It’s not just a matter of returns,” he said.

The fund’s investments generally cover infrastructure, energy, mining, climate, social infrastructure such as

PROJECT BAYANI. The Philippine Digital Asset Exchange (PDAX) launches Project Bayani, an initiative aimed at accelerating digital asset adoption and financial innovation in the Philippines. Attending the launch in Manila on Nov. 27, 2025 are (from left) Justine Gaverza, innovation counsel for the Securities and Exchange Commission; Luis Buenaventura, assistant vice president and head of cryptocurrencies for GCash; Nichel Gaba, founder and CEO of PDAX; Sharon Almanza, National Treasurer; Kate Wang, manager at Onigiri Capital; Jan Evangelista, bank officer for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP); Jeannette Zagala, senior vice president at UnionBank; and Mark Visda, assistant vice president and head of capital markets development for the Philippine Stock Exchange.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GLOBE Telecom Inc. has teamed up with Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) to trial Silent Network Authentication (SNA), a nextgeneration verification method aimed at strengthening digital banking security and user experience by reducing scams associated with OneTime Passwords (OTPs).

The initiative is a key part of Globe’s G Verify portfolio, which leverages real-time network intelligence and secure Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to provide networkpowered verification and anti-fraud solutions.

SNA is a groundbreaking innovation that allows for instant user authentication without the need for codes or SMS verification, offering a more frictionless and secure transaction process.

Globe and BPI, both part of the Ayala Group, are jointly testing this real-time, network-level identity verification, which confirms a user’s authenticity, eliminates manual steps, and reduces exposure to fraud.

The successful completion of the technical validation saw BPI’s test application interface directly with Globe’s Network Exposure Platform (NEP) to provide real-time, networklevel authentication, ensuring the

healthcare, digital infrastructure and agriculture.

Ng said the MIC’s investments are typically private, which heightens the need for careful review.

“Our investments are all private. It’s not the stock market where you can buy and sell. This is one where, if your money is tied to a bad investment, you can’t exit,” he said.

“So for us making sure that we do the proper due diligence take our time make sure we go through everything... before we make an investment,” said Ng.

While the fund has considered investing in companies planning an initial public offering (IPO), Ng said this could be challenging.

“We’ve looked at some IPOs. A bit difficult because management’s so busy talking to all the investors so it’s hard for us to gain access to the level of diligence that we need to be able to invest. But we look at them yes,” he said.

MIC president and chief executive Rafael Consing earlier said the agency’s investments are subject to strict due diligence and guided by a long-term development perspective.

Maharlika fund, partners seek to end Palawan power outages

Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) has teamed up with the National Electrification Administration (NEA), the provincial government of Palawan and the Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO) to modernize power distribution infrastructure and address perennial brownouts in the island province, a key tourist destination. The four-way memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed on Tuesday by NEA administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, Palawan Governor Amy Roa Alvarez, MIC president and chief executive Rafael Jose Consing Jr. and PALECO general-manager Rez Contrivida.

The deal is a significant step toward stabilizing Palawan’s energy supply, which the national government hopes will improve public services and fuel sustainable economic growth. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, who witnessed the signing, directed the parties to complete the infrastructure assessment and implement necessary measures before June 2028. “I’m hoping or expecting that we finish the implementation and it’s up and running by June 2028. I think you’re up to the challenge,” Garin said. MIC’s role involves assessing PALECO’s current power infrastructure to determine costefficient improvement strategies. MIC may then invest in modernization projects based on the study’s results. MIC chief legal officer Paul Salanga emphasized the fund’s interest.

Alena Mae S. Flores

device user is the real account owner.

The pilot reflects both companies’ shared commitment to nationbuilding through safer, more seamless digital experiences for every Filipino.

“Security and simplicity should always go together,” said KD Dizon, vice president and head of Globe Business.

“Our collaboration with BPI allows us to validate Silent Network Authentication in real-world banking environments, giving Filipinos the confidence to transact safely,” said Dizon.

BPI chief technology officer Alex Seminiano cited the bank’s clientcentric approach to digital security.

“At BPI, protecting our clients is central to how we design digital experiences. We constantly seek to uphold the integrity of every customer transaction,” said Seminiano.

“Through this POC, we are testing an advanced authentication approach that fortifies security while staying completely frictionless. This shows our commitment to ensuring clients are at the center of what we do,” he said.

The proof of concept (POC) affirms SNA’s technical viability and adherence to GSMA and CAMARA standards, reinforcing Globe’s commitment to digital trust and advancing the Philippines’ digital economy.

DIGITALIZATION TIE-UP. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recognizes outstanding financial education advocates and seals a digitalization partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) during the ‘Financial Education (Fin-Ed)

Leading the event at the BSP head office in Manila on Nov. 18, 2025 are (from left) DICT Undersecretary Faye Condez-De Sagon, BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda and BSP managing director Charina De Vera.

COMMUNITY

SPOTLIGHT

Empowering families members about autism

By Tet Defensor

PARENTS and siblings who wish to effectively engage with children on the autism spectrum are welcome to join the Homepowerment program organized by the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP).

Established in 1987, ASP is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of persons on the autism spectrum disorder. The members envision a society where Filipinos on the spectrum become the best of their potential -- self-reliant, independent, productive, and socially accepted citizens of an Autism-OK Philippines.

The Homepowerment program aims to equip family members and caregivers with the proper knowledge and skills so they can provide quality care to children on the autism spectrum. The program started in 2018, “out of necessity’ according to special education teacher Cecilia Sicam, one of the founders of ASP. Back then, there were no learning tools and very few practitioners who could guide family members.

“We wanted to help families by training parents on proper intervention, something they could do at home,” she said. The strategies and tools that are taught in the program are very practical and ideal for those who care for chil-

dren aged eight years old and below.”

The training is for six months and includes online occupational, speech assessment, and therapy sessions. The program rides on the influential role of the family as the initial agent of socialization. From birth, foundational learning and development are from parents and siblings. The program further strengthens this bond, with tools specifically created for family members.

“It is contextualized for the home, ”shares ASP Spokesperson Mona Magno-Velez, who was also part of the ideation team. Children on the autism spectrum spend more time at home, and therefore, it is important that everyone in the household is aware of basic intervention strategies. And while the internet can offer several learning apps for this purpose, Mona emphasized that the tools need to be properly administered by a professional educator.

In 2018, the pilot program was done onsite and was held on weekends with trainers conducting actual home visits to monitor the progress. When the pan-

XYNGULAR Philippines, an international health and wellness Company and trusted global wellness brand based in the USA, successfully concluded its twoday back-to-back Xyngfest events on November 13 and 14 at Novotel Manila, Quezon City. The festivities were graced by Oliver Dibblee, Company President, and Russ Cowley, Vice President of Global Sales, who flew in from the company’s headquarters in Utah to join Filipino brand partners and members nationwide.

Day 1 featured a high-impact business conference centered on strategies for sustainable growth, leadership development, and expansion opportunities for brand partners.

Day 2, the Recognition and Celebration, was the most anticipated event of the year. The grand ballroom was filled with energetic and enthusiastic attendees celebrating the company’s achievements and honoring the outstanding business builders who have strengthened the Xyngular community in the Philippines.

Six business categories were highlighted and given to top performers dur-

E-bike users appeal: Dedicated lanes instead of ban

By Lyschelle Joy Armijo

MANY e-bike and e-trike users are appealing for dedicated lanes on main roads, similar to bicycle lanes, instead of facing an outright ban. They argue that such lanes would allow them to commute safely and legally, without disrupting traffic or risking impoundment. For many, e-bikes are not just a convenience but a practical commuting option and, in some cases, a vital source of livelihood.

ing the recognition: Inception Volume and Customer Count – Catherine Jennifer Catibog Business Partner Count – Erlinda Cequeña-Angeles

Quick Start – Rosario and Roberto Barrales

Manager Duplication – Ma. Theresa Del Rosario

Top Newcomer – Lerio and Adoracion Celeste

Recognition remains a cornerstone of all Xyngfest events. Both local and international corporate leaders, as well as distinguished field leaders, shared valuable insights that inspired and motivated brand partners to deepen their involvement and expand their networks with purpose. In her opening message, Beth M. Añana, Xyngular Philippines General Manager, showcased the company’s recent milestones, including strong enrollment momentum, improved business processes, and the positive lifestyle experiences enjoyed by brand partners. She emphasized the Philippines’ continued position as a high-potential market for growth.

demic happened, the training shifted online. A blessing in disguise, according to the organizers because now they can reach families as far as Tuguegarao, Zamboanga, Malaybalay and other faraway places, where professional help may not be readily available. The program is open to all ASL members and are held every Saturday.

As with all the activities with ASP, participants have access to support groups that can guide them throughout their journey.

“We know that each case is unique. We have an active group chat where parents can ask for help from those who may have encountered the same problem in the past. What’s nice about this group, is that we have parents who

Magno-Veluz or ‘Mighty Magulang’ online, is ASP’s national spokesperson.

Several commuters have voiced mixed reactions following the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announcement restricting electric bicycles and tricycles from using main roads and national highways. The policy, originally set to take effect on December 1, 2025, has now been moved to January 2, 2026, to give e-bike users a more considerate timeframe to comply with the rules. Authorities warn that violators may face impoundment and fines.

Authorities say the restriction is driven by safety and regulatory concerns. Many recent accidents involved e-bikes and e-trikes, often operated by riders without a valid license, registration, or adequate knowledge of traffic rules. Officials also noted that LEVs are significantly slower than motor vehicles, which can disrupt traffic flow and increase collision risks on busy roads.

The policy has ignited debate, particularly on social media. Some commuters support the ban for safety reasons, while others insist that LEVs deserve regulation rather than prohibition.

“Wala kaming pambayad sa four‑wheel na sasakyan. ₱80,000 lang yung e-bike namin, malaking tulong sa pang-araw-araw naming biyahe kasi nakakapunta kami kahit saan. Tapos biglang ipagbabawal sa main road? Ano ’yon — itatambak na lang?” shared a commuter online.

have been part of the 2018 program and they are just as happy to share their experiences,” Cecilia Sicam said. The program is free-of-charge and is open to all ASL members. Interested parties can visit the official website. Aside from Homepowerment ASL also has several programs and activities like Autism Works which provides employment and AutisMall a virtual marketplace that sells items created and developed by individuals with autism. Support Group sessions are held monthly for parents, siblings, and other family members. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences as they can draw strength and insight from others facing similar challenges.

Sea salt plays key role in Metro Manila air pollution

By Danika Geronimo Ateneo de Manila University Research Communications

TAKING advantage of the worldwide shutdown of human activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study co-authored by Ateneo de Manila University – Manila Observatory and University of Arizona researchers revealed surprising insights into how the naturally-occurring components of sea salt— sodium and chloride—combine with Metro Manila air and contribute to the city’s pollution.

This new research points to sea salt particles in the air (aerosols) as an important, chemically-reactive contributor to air quality when their components interact with the already polluted city air, particularly in Metro Manila. The researchers showed that sea salt particles and urban pollution do not simply mix when they meet in the atmosphere; pollutants chemically react with and transform the sea salt particles, with potentially negative effects on the air we breathe.

The researchers examined the chemical composition of city air in both daytime and nighttime, pre-lockdown and post-lockdown. They gathered aerosol samples over continuous 48-hour intervals and found that the concentrations of chloride and sodium actually increased post-lockdown. Metro Manila’s heavy pollution before the lockdown was found to be very potent at stripping away the chloride component of sea salt in the air–a process called “chloride depletion.” After lockdown, the reduced pollution al-

lowed more naturally-occurring sea salt components to persist: when emissions from vehicles and industries dropped, the air became less acidic and therefore less able to deplete airborne chloride.

The researchers’ findings offer potential implications for human health, climate, and urban policymaking by highlighting the complicated dynamics of urban pollution. They recommend further studies to measure gas emissions and weather conditions together, and in greater detail, towards more effective, evidence-based government interventions.

Grace Betito, Paola Angela Bañaga, Rachel A. Braun, Maria Obiminda Cambaliza, Melliza Templonuevo Cruz, Alexander B. MacDonald, James Ber-

“Dapat lang mawala na yang mga e-bike na ’yan sa daan. Nagiging sanhi lang ng aksidente, at wala silang proper accountability. Minsan nga bata lang ang nagmamaneho niyan,” commented another user.

Many advocate for protected or dedicated lanes for e-bikes and e-trikes. They argue that such infrastructure, alongside proper rider education and vehicle standards, could improve safety without restricting mobility. Current policies allow LEVs to use bike lanes if specifications are met, and the Department of Transportation has committed to expanding protected bike lanes nationwide. However, the network is incomplete, leaving many commuters with few safe options. Meanwhile, MMDA regulations ban LEVs from national, radial, and circumferential roads, with penalties including fines and impoundment. This has created confusion, as riders wonder which roads they can legally use.

nard Simpas, Connor Stahl, and Armin Sorooshian published their

Xyngular PH team with US Executives.

Researchers from the Manila Observatory at the Ateneo de Manila University have co-authored new research that highlights the complexities of air quality in coastal cities, particularly Metro Manila. Veida Isabelle Bongco

Mona

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025

DECEMBER 3, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA Writer Writer

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Sue Ramirez sits down with host Paulo Abrera to discuss how she was chosen as Ginebra’s ‘Street Siren’

SHOWBIZ

By Jasper Valdez

ACTRESS Sue Ramirez stands out for who she is as much as for how she looks. Crowned the 2026 Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl, she used the launch to celebrate her voice and her story as an empowered woman.

Unveiled as the new face of the iconic calendar on Nov. 26 at Manila Diamond Hotel, Ramirez kept the focus on what the title represents to her.

“It feels very empowering,” she said. “Being a calendar girl is not just about being sexy. It’s about owning your power, your voice, and your story. Being called the siren feels like a badge of honor—this is Sue, strong, feminine, and unapologetically me. Fearless.”

However, her confidence didn’t develop overnight. Ramirez shared that she’s worked for years to fully embrace her identity and show up as the woman she is today. The calendar became the platform where she wanted that growth to be seen.

“I’ve worked with GSM Blue since 2018… but this time the responsibility is really much bigger,” she said.

“It’s the basketball team and the whole Ginebra San Miguel family that I’ll be bringing to everybody. So when I found out, I gave myself a pat on the back and told myself, ‘Wow, girl, I made it! It’s my time to shine.’” Ramirez lit up while talking about the concept of the “Street Siren,” which highlights different sides of modern femininity through six distinct layouts—athletic, playful, sultry, casual, bold, and free. Instead of leaning on fantasy or unattainable glamour, the shoots were made to reflect real Filipino settings. To her, that grounded approach helped her express her identity without filters.

“Months of planning, fittings, and preparing… and then finally you see it come together as a whole. It’s even more beautiful than how you imagined it,” she said. “Everyone was supportive, energetic, and excited—it felt like we were a group of friends working together. That’s why the photos looked natural and effortless— because I genuinely had fun. I really felt empowered.”

And while the role demanded confidence from her, Ramirez shared that she has a steady support system behind the scenes. Without going into detail, she acknowledged her boyfriend, Dominic Roque, for giving her space to grow and succeed.

“He doesn’t interfere with the things I want to do, and he’s genuinely supportive of me,” she said.

For Ramirez, the role means more than appearing on walls across the country next year. It’s a reminder that confidence is a journey, and femininity doesn’t need to fit anyone’s mold.

“I want to inspire people, especially women, to just reach for their dreams,” she said. “After all the hard work and growth I’ve gone through, I’m here—I reached it. I really prayed for this and manifested

this. I claimed it.”

At 29, Ramirez said she’s entering a phase where she’s ready to take on roles—onscreen and in real life— that mean something to her. She ended the night with a message that summed up the woman she is presenting to the world: someone who knows her worth and doesn’t shrink from it.

“I’m ready to do anything,” she said. “This is me.”

Sue Ramirez feels empowered as calendar girl

By Angelica Villanueva

WATSONS Playlist 2025: All the Feels delivered on its promise of emotional connection, transforming the Smart Araneta Coliseum into a space where music became a shared heartbeat.

The concert featured a range of activities, various music styles, and several collaborations, reflecting Watsons’ message that music can help people feel better. Thousands of fans filled the Big Dome, ready to enjoy music together.

The evening began with a series of performances from chart-topper Zac Tabudlo, who opened his setlist with “Nangangamba,” “Habambuhay,” and his latest single, “For You.” He continued to serenade the audience with his hits “Pa’no” and “Binibini.” Rising OPM band Hey June! made its Araneta debut and delivered fan favorites like “Just A Hit,” “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” and “Orasan,” followed by “Asan Ang Gana Ko,” “Panahon,” and viral hit “Lasik.” Pop-rock band The Juans kept the energy going with hits “Gusto Kita,” “Ako Na Lang,” and “Ngiti.” The emotions ran high as the four-member act performed “Ano Ba Talaga Tayo?,” “Hatid,” and “Hindi Tayo

The

members RJ, Carl, Japs, and Chael keep the arena energized with their signature pop-rock tunes

Pwede” on the Big Dome stage. Singer-songwriter Agustin serenaded the crowd with his love songs “Tibok,” “Minamahal,” and “Dito Sa’kin.” He continued to connect with the audience through “Pag-ibig ng Ikaw at Ako” and “Dalangin.” The evening’s first collaborative performance came after Earl’s

solo set, when he joined The Juans and Hey June! onstage. The trio delivered a cover of the Bee Gees classic “How Deep Is Your Love,” filling the Araneta Coliseum with warm, nostalgic energy before transitioning into “Atin Ang Mundo,” an original song by The Juans. The performance added an upbeat and lively touch that had the crowd singing along.

After the first collaboration, folk-pop collective Ben&Ben treated the audience with performances of “Could Be Something” and “Paninindigan Kita,” then delivered a powerful performance and message with “Kapangyarihan.” The nine-member act concluded its setlist with “Saranggola,” “Araw-Araw,” and “Ride Home.” OPM icon Rico Blanco took the spotlight, entertaining the crowd with his classic hits including “Antukin,” “Elesi,” “Umaaraw, Umuuan,” “’Wag Mong Aminin,” “Balisong,” “Sa’yong-sayo,” and “Paalam.” He capped his setlist with all-time favorites “Kisapmata” and “You’ll Be Safe Here.” Saving the best for last, the event concluded with a highly anticipated collaboration between Rico Blanco and Ben&Ben, performing live together for the first time with Blanco’s song “Your Universe.”

The Juans, Earl Agustin, and Hey June! together on stage at the third Watsons Playlist concert

Juans

Ben&Ben turns the Big Dome into a shared emotional space with a powerful live set at Watsons Playlist 2025

June! marks

Araneta debut with

performance that wins over the crowd Earl Agustin captivates the audience with a heartfelt set at this year’s Watsons Playlist concert

Sue Ramirez performs at the Ginebra San Miguel 2026 Calendar Girl launch while celebrating her story as an empowered woman

Sue Ramirez embraces her title as the 2026 Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl with confidence, saying the role represents her growth and identity

New voices join the ranks of Filipino literary greats

A“RE you here to receive an award?”

Medical practitioner and children’s book author Dr. Luis Gatmaitan asked as we exchanged greetings at the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature ceremony.

I wish I were. But the truth is, I hadn’t submitted anything to the Palanca—unbelievable, according to friends both in and out of the writing community.

I know I’m capable of writing, but I have so many concerns swirling in my head. What should I write about? Which story is worth telling? And how do I even begin when every idea feels either too small, too overwhelming, or somehow not “Palanca-worthy” enough?

Sometimes the blank page isn’t just empty; it’s intimidating. So, I end up hesitating, overthinking, second-guessing myself before I even put down the first sentence.

Submitting to the Palanca takes courage, discipline, and faith in one’s voice. Writing feels like laying a piece of your soul on the page— your wounds, joys, questions, and quiet longings. Sending that work to a prestigious award means letting others hold that part of you, and I’m not sure I’m ready to share something that raw just yet. For now, I’m celebrating the Palanca moment of dear friends who dared to put their hearts on paper. Award-winning filmmaker-playwright Dustin Celestino earned three prizes this year: third prize

for A.NI.MAL in Dulang Ganap ang Haba—soon to become a film and a 2026 Cinemalaya finalist; second prize for Elehiya in Dulang May Isang Yugto, set for the 2026 Virgin Labfest; and first prize for Fidelity in the Full-Length Play category.

2026 is shaping up to be a big year for Dustin and his partner, Janel Gutierrez-Celestino. Watching them build their careers together has always felt like witnessing a true partnership in life and art.

Another favorite couple, Arjanmar Rebeta and Khaye Medina-Rebeta, is also heading into a full year. Arjanmar’s Mga Kalapating Matayog ang Lipad won third prize in Dulang Pampelikula and will soon take on new life through their community-based filmmaking project, Sayaw nin mga Salampati (The Dance of the Pigeons).

I was also thrilled to see John Bryan Balolong whose children’s short story Captain Crayon and the Doodle Pirates won first prize in the Short Story for Children category. I’ve known Tatay Bryan, as we fondly called him back then, since my college days. He was one of the peer facilitators who made my freshman year so much easier to navigate. Now an educator, it’s heartwarming to see him continue to inspire young readers through his writing.

Of course, there’s Sir Rody Vera , whose work as a writer and playwright I’ve always admired. His work, Watsonville , won second prize in the Dulaang Pampelikula.

Host Wendell Capili joked that many people were asking Rody why he still participates even

Landmark Book Chronicles Life and Art of Juvenal Sansó

FUNDACION Sansó has released Sansó: Prized and Personal , a 464page volume documenting the life and work of Philippine artist Juvenal Sansó, a Presidential Medal of Merit awardee. The book features more than 600 full-color images of Sansó’s artworks, many published for the first time, providing a comprehensive visual archive of his career. In addition to the artworks, the volume includes a decade’s worth of rare interviews with Sansó conducted by cultural figures Ray Albano, Cid Reyes, Ambeth Ocampo, and Thelma Sioson San Juan . The conversations offer insight into Sansó’s creative philosophy, artistic evolution, and personal experiences.

Art historian Reuben Ramas-Cañete , Ph.D., with Matthew Lopez contributes a detailed timeline of Sansó’s life and work, covering his

as a Hall of Famer. Rody quipped that he keeps joining because he has so many “cats to feed”—a funny reminder of his humility and tireless dedication.

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“Seventy-five years of a hallowed tradition can only spur the Filipino writers to be as courageous in determining new ways to chart inventive paths for the attainment of literary fulfillment and authenticity,” said Carlos Palanca Foundation Inc. vice president Criselda “Dang” Cecilio-Palanca She continued: “While we had often contended with mostly gradual global developments and managed to keep pace with elements that we imagined we would encounter only at a future time, we recognize that that future has come quicker than anticipated, pressing us on to accomplish new feats of agility and resolve. We realize that we cannot afford to stay

FRENCH artist JR, who made his way from tagging graffiti on the street to being one of the most recognizable figures on the country’s art scene, has told AFP how he plans to turn the oldest bridge in Paris into an “immersive cave” for his latest project.

Once hailed as the “French Banksy” after the secretive British street artist, JR has become famous for outsize projects, having already transformed the Palais Garnier Paris opera to look like a cave and mounted a painting that made the famous Louvre pyramid seem to disappear.

Now he intends to create a 120-meter

“cave” along the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge over the Seine in Paris, that anyone will be free to walk through.

“You will be completely lost in terms of your sense of direction and reference points in relation to the outside world,” JR, whose real name is Jean Rene, told AFP in a recent interview at his studio in Paris.

early formation, European phases, Black Period, Brittany landscapes, and late-career achievements. Reflections from nine collectors, including former Senate President Miguel Zubiri, Pepper Teehankee, Eliot and Cherry Maguan, Raffy Simpao, Jack Teotico, Jeffrey V. Dayrit Jr., and Marlon and Marissa Sanchez , highlight the enduring appeal and technical mastery of Sansó’s art.

“SANSÓ: Prized and Personal reveals Sansó through multiple perspectives: the artist, scholars,

“It’s going to be a monumental project, but this is a city that knows how to welcome monumental projects,” he said, hailing how Paris handled last year’s Olympic Games. He said the project, which will open next June after two years of work, was an homage to an earlier work by artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude

The France-based couple wrapped the same bridge in woven fabric in 1985.

“The task is made easier for me because I’m following in their footsteps,” he said. Easier in terms of construction, but also in terms of administration.

While Christo and Jeanne-Claude battled for 10 years to make their project a reality in the face of political reluctance, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo welcomed JR’s plan, calling it a “gift” to Paris. Cars and buses will be banned from the bridge during the installation’s run between June 6 and 28. AFP

and collectors,” said Fundacion Sansó director Ricky Francisco “It celebrates not just his legacy, but the community surrounding it.”

The book was completed shortly after Sansó’s passing on March 28, 2025, and coincides with an exhibition, Prized and Personal: The Legacy , running from Nov. 26 to Dec. 4, 2025, at Art Lounge Manila-Podium.

Pre-orders for the book are available through Fundacion Sansó’s Instagram account @fundacionsansomuseumshop.

Arjanmar Rebeta receives

Kalapating Matayog ang Lipad,’ which will soon take

life through the couple’s community-based filmmaking project ‘Sayaw nin mga Salampati’

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

THE Austrian Embassy’s decision to bring the Innsbruck Nature Film Festival to Manila felt like an invitation to slow down and look closely. The festival officially opened Dec. 1 at SM Mall of Asia Cinema 1, in partnership with SM and the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and the choice of film for its Manila debut set the tone.

The 45-minute documentary Wild Innsbruck (Austria, 2019), directed by Patrick Centurioni served as the audience’s first window into a city that sits where alpine wilderness slips into urban life. Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, lies inside Austria’s largest nature reserve, the Karwendel Nature Park. That geography makes it a place where modernity and wildlife share the same air, and sometimes the same paths.

The film moves through this landscape with an easy patience. Stoats dash through man-made snow corridors. Amphibians survive in artificial reservoirs. Chamois, ibex, ptarmigans, and other alpine species find their own ways to adapt as tourism grows, cities expand, and climate challenges reshape habits. What emerges is a portrait of coexistence—fragile, but real.

he said, helps broaden global discussions on climate and environmental protection. It also underscores the Philippines’ own role in these conversations as a biodiversity hotspot facing the sharp edge of climate-related threats. The program included the Filipino documentary “Iyo Ang Dagat,” directed by Sally Snow and produced by the Large Marine Vertebrate Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE). Brieger said local voices are vital to environmental storytelling, stressing that stewardship begins at home, not only at international gatherings like COP30.

He added that older generations must accept responsibility for the pollution that younger people now have to confront, urging youth to

Manila gets its first look at Innsbruck’s wild heart

viewers to consider what it means for wilderness to exist within sight of office buildings and what responsibilities come with that. For Manila audiences, the idea of a city living that close to nature feels distant, but the film’s reminders about resilience and shared space land just the same.

“demand change and lead the way toward a better future.”

Festival organizers shared their view of the INFF as a place where art and culture can help connect people and sharpen conversations about climate, conservation, and sustainable development. Founded 24 years ago, the festival now welcomes thousands of visitors and hundreds of filmmakers annually.

The Manila audience witnessed this mission through Wild Innsbruck, which examines how people and wildlife intersect along the borders of Innsbruck and the nearby Karwendel Nature Park, one of Europe’s largest protected areas. The film follows encounters between tourists, athletes, and native species and suggests that coexistence depends on a mindset rooted in unity.

The documentary plays like a quiet nudge. It asks THE Sunshine Place

The sessions, led by watercolor instructor Jen

A panel discussion followed the screening, giving viewers a chance to dig deeper into the themes of conservation, culture, and the push and pull between urban life and the environment. It marked the start of a festival built around films that explore the beauty and risks surrounding the natural world.

This is the first time Austria has brought the Innsbruck Nature Film Festival (INFF) to Manila. Austrian Ambassador Johann Brieger said the event was an opportunity to show a different side of Austria—far removed from The Sound of Music. Innsbruck, he noted, is “as breathtaking and as culturally rich” as Salzburg but rooted in its closeness to nature.

Brieger described the INFF, founded in 2002, as one of Europe’s leading platforms for films on ecology, sustainability, and the planet’s shifting landscapes. The festival gathers hundreds of filmmakers each year, along with researchers, activists, and audiences who come to learn, question, and recognize what’s at stake.

Bringing the festival to Manila,

Austrian Ambassador Johann Brieger highlights Innsbruck’s natural beauty and cultural richness

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Artists rally for the environment in Pintô’s biggest exhibit yet

practices. Homage to Gaia runs through Dec. 28 and is open to the public.

Watercolor Community will hold a holiday-themed workshop this month as part of its ongoing masterclass series.

‘Omnia sunt Unum (All Things are One)’ by Sonny Burgos ‘Gaia I’ by Maria Pureza Escaño

Mother’ by Reymar Gacutan

Rebirth

Gaia’ by Jonet Carpio

Very Wang Nickie Wang

A panel discussion after the screening explored conservation, culture, and

The INFF connects people through art and culture, sparking conversations about climate, conservation, and sustainable development