By Ram Superable
SENATE President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday said more than P180 billion in public funds may have been wasted on flood control projects that never existed since 2016.
Singson quits as ICI commissioner—Reyes
By Joel Zurbano and Maricel Cruz
FORMER P ublic Works chief
Rogelio Singson has resigned from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure effective December 15, ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr. said in a statement yesterday.
"He mentioned the very intense and stressful ICI work has taken its toll on his aging body,” Reyes said, adding that Singson was “not used to this kind of life.”
Reyes said Singson could extend his stay with the ICI until December 31.
In a message to Politiko, Singson said he was “winding up” his work at the ICI because “they would need lawyers for the next step.”
“I am just with the ICI hearing,” Singson said.
Earlier, Jing Paras, a former adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, claimed Singson opted to resign because he was “not pleased with the ICI.”
“He told me in front of a former congressman. We bumped into a restaurant in Rockwell. Even Babes Singson does not want the ICI,” Paras said.
For his part, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said Singson’s resignation was a serious setback to its fact-finding work, particularly as the former Public Works chief had insider access, institutional memory, and deep understanding of the goings-on in the department.
By Joel E. Zurbano and Ram Superable
By Charles Dantes and Rex Espiritu
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday announced a multi-
year increase in the base pay and allowances of military and uniformed personnel (MUP). The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed
By Katrina Manubay
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Sultanate of Oman announced that nine Filipino seafarers of the ill-fated M/V Eternity C, held hostage by the Houthis in the Red Sea, will be released and will be transferred from Sana’a, Yemen, to Muscat, Oman. In a statement released on Tuesday evening, December 3, the DFA explained that the release resulted from Oman's efforts and its cooperation with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. “The release was the outcome of
By Ram Superable
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"The President should appoint a replacement with the same level of expertise and integrity as Sec. Singson, as domain knowledge on infrastructure planning, budgeting, and implementation is indispensable to the ICI’s mandate," Ridon said.
At the same time, Ridon said the ICI should avoid any indication of due process overreach, which seemed apparent in its joint referral with the DPWH against alleged congressmen–
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Reyes said the ICI recommendation was based on the testimony of former Public Works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.
Revilla’s spokesperson and lawyer Maria Carissa Guinto said her client did not receive any subpoena or copy of a complaint related to the new case recommendations issued by the ICI. She said Revilla was never asked to explain the allegations after the commission included his name in the flood control scam probe despite his
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‘‘What Senator Bato is asking for is the assurance that if there is a warrant of arrest, he will first be able to go to our courts,†he said.
‘‘The one at fault is not Sen. Bato.
I’m not saying what he’s doing is right.
contractors, or what Andres described as “congtractors.”
"We have noted that the ICI joined the referral to the Ombudsman even though these alleged congressmen–contractors had not yet been invited by the ICI for deliberative proceedings,” he said.
"The ICI should also adopt strict rules on the availment of executive sessions by invited resource persons. Only matters involving national security or legitimate state secrets should qualify as allowable grounds for executive sessions, to ensure that the public’s right to know and the de-
willingness to participate.
“He was never asked to explain. He was never given an opportunity to defend himself. From the beginning, our client made himself fully available to the ICI and openly welcomed their inquiry,” she said in a statement.
“He is deeply disappointed to have been denied such a fundamental right, though he still holds trust and faith in the system,” Guinto added.
She described the accusations as relying on statements from individuals whose credibility is questionable and whose motives are driven by selfpreservation.
“The assertions of those whose
mands of accountability are not unduly curtailed,” Ridon added.
The ICI is facing two petitions questioning its constitutionality before the Supreme Court.
Paras is one of the petitioners, while the other one is high school teacher John Barry Tayam, who cited conflict of interest as the ICI, created by the executive branch of government, will investigate the DPWH which is also under the executive branch.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., however, previously expressed confidence that the government was “on
conduct reflects a deliberate pattern of moral bankruptcy are suspect at best, and should not, in any manner, be construed as drawing our client into the web they themselves engineered,” she said.
Guinto said Revilla intends to respond comprehensively once the Office of the Ombudsman provides a proper venue to present his side.
“He will not only address these malicious accusations but will dispel the false narrative comprehensively,” she said.
As this developed, the ICI said it is also recommending that Senators Francis Escudero and Mark Villar, as
safe legal grounds” where the ICI’s constitutionality was concerned.
“Well, you know, it (filing of petitions vs. ICI) is not exactly a surprise. The ICI is an entirely new entity that didn't exist before, that we are only now completely defining. So, there will be questions as to its legality, its constitutionality,” Mr. Marcos said in an interview in South Korea last month.
“I was sure somebody would have an idea that maybe it's unconstitutional or that it's unlawful. We'll just have to answer those allegations and we'll see how the Supreme Court decides,” he added.
well as former senators Nancy Binay and Grace Poe, be referred to the Office of the Ombudsman for further investigative review and case build-up. The commission said it is also submitting new evidence, in addition to previous referrals, which may lead to more charges against former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan, former DPWH undersecretaries Catalina Cabral and Bernardo, former congressman Zaldy Co, Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana, former DPWH district engineer Henry Alcantara, and former DPWH assistant district engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza.
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Lacson and Senate finance committee chair Sherwin Gatchalian reviewed roughly 10,000 projects and found more than 600 to be ghost or nonexistent. Extrapolating that rate to about 30,000 flood control projects implemented over the past nine years, the senators estimate losses could reach P180 billion or higher.
‘‘Imagine, we likely lost P180 billion to ghost projects, and we have not yet started counting our losses to substandard projects,’’ the veteran lawmaker lamented.
He noted that these discoveries overshadow the smaller number of anomalies initially probed by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
Investigators uncovered patterns of manipulated procurement, falsified inspections, and coordinated schemes enabling contractors and officials to profit from ghost and substandard projects. Lacson nevertheless assured that the committee remains ready to support the Department of Justice, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure should new evidence surface.
The senator said the Senate has also begun addressing the root causes of irregularities by pushing for greater transparency in deliberations on the 2026 budget.
‘‘What I’m saying is that we, the Philippine government and the Senate, are falling short,’’ Cayetano lamented.
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administration’s recognition of their sacrifices.
According to the President, the government will raise the base pay of all MUP under the Department of National Defense (DND), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority.
The salary hikes will be implemented in three tranches on January 1 of 2026, 2027, and 2028.
The President also announced an increase in subsistence allowance, which will be set at P350 per day starting Jan. 1, 2026.
In a message addressing the troops, the Command-in-Chief said the past year brought a series of calamities, strong typhoons, consecutive earthquakes, volcanic unrest, and widespread flooding, where soldiers, police, and other uniformed services served as the “reliable backbone” of government response.
“Amid all this, our military and
He pointed to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest by Interpol earlier this year on an ICC warrant for crimes against humanity, noting Duterte was immediately flown to the Netherlands without any judicial review from Philippine courts.
The minority leader also criticized Senate leadership and the administration for failing to safeguard Dela Rosa’s legal rights.
uniformed personnel have remained a steadfast pillar of the nation,” Marcos said.
“Just wages and adequate support, this is what the nation offers our defenders,” he added.
In a statement, AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the President’s order underscores the government’s appreciation for the men and women in uniform who “dedicate their lives to protecting our people and safeguarding our sovereignty.”
“We welcome the President’s directive to increase the base pay of AFP personnel and other members of the uniformed services. This gesture reflects the administration’s recognition of the sacrifices made by our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines,” Padilla said.
She added that the pay hike is expected to boost the morale of the troops and further strengthen their resolve to serve with professionalism and integrity.
“This support will not only uplift the morale of our troops but also strengthen our commitment to perform our duties with professionalism, integrity, and faithful service to the nation,” she said.
He argued that the Senate should protect every Filipino’s rights including those of Dela Rosa and rejected the idea that local courts have no authority in such international proceedings.
‘‘I’m a lawyer, I haven’t seen any treaty or law that allows someone to be simply taken away. Even in our treaties, there are crimes here and crimes there,’’ Cayetano said.
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The senator likened such punishment to expelling a student for circumstances beyond their control, calling it illogical.
‘‘This is a case where the Senate itself, the leadership, all of us should stand up for a senator and ask whether he is receiving the legal protection that every Filipino deserves,’’ Cayetano said.
He further argued that filing an ethics case against Dela Rosa under these circumstances would be unjustified.
The project, which delivers high-speed satellite internet to the so-called “last mile schools” stands as one of the most technically demanding and transparently executed education connectivity initiatives in the country.
It is also seen as solidifying Data Lake’s position as the Philippines’ most capable national-scale satellite deployment operator.
Data Lake deployed enterprise-grade infrastructure Starlink High-Performance kits, gigabit routers, Omada access points, and structured cabling across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in record time, the firm said in a statement.
This includes a rapid sprint where 39 PISA-assessment schools were activated within 17 days, demonstrating Data Lake’s unmatched field engineering capability and cross-island logistics network.
The impact has been immediate: 93.4 percent of teachers report satisfaction with the new connectivity, 88.7 percent now have seamless access to online learning platforms, and overall school connectivity satisfaction improved by 66.2 percent, the statement read.
Schools that previously struggled with unstable or nonexistent internet can now conduct virtual classes, access DepEd resources, join division-wide online meetings, and support digital assessments with ease, it added.
As part of its commitment to accountability, Data Lake delivered 100 percent Commission on Audit-compliant documentation, full installation evidence, speed-test validation, and relocation audits ensuring transparency and long-term sustainability.
The project also turned many rural campuses into community digital hubs, supporting parent communication, LGU coordination, and disaster response.
With nationwide deployment capabilities, world-class engineering standards, and a proven track record across education, enterprise, government, and disaster resilience, Data Lake reinforces its role as the country’s leading provider of highperformance satellite connectivity raising the benchmark for what large-scale, last-mile digital inclusion can achieve, Data Lake said.
Among the initiatives are livestreaming the amendment period and publicly posting all senators proposed changes to prevent hidden allocations or pork barrel insertions.
In recent sessions, Gatchalian read each amendment aloud on the floor to ensure clarity and eliminate opportunities for secret modifications.
He will decide which amendments to approve or reject in consultation with the Senate Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office, which will thoroughly evaluate each proposal.
‘‘We entrust Gatchalian to decide which amendments to accept or reject. We will support him should the matter come to a vote on the floor,’’ said Lacson. Senate and House leaders also agreed to streamline bicameral conference committee discussions, limiting the focus to provisions that differ between the two chambers’ budget versions.
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efforts of Oman, in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro personally discussed the plight of the Filipinos with her Omani counterpart, Foreign Minister Sayed Badr bin Hamad El-Busaidi, during a bilateral meeting in July, and again raised the matter during a phone call in November,” the statement added. The statement also noted that the Philippine Embassy in Muscat and the Migrant Workers Office in Muscat will coordinate arrangements for the safe and immediate return of the Filipino seafarers to the Philippines. The Philippines expressed its sincerest gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman for its assistance.
Earlier reports indicated that the M/V Eternity C sank in the Red Sea following repeated attacks from Yemenbased Houthi militants using sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades.
WELCOME GUEST President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. welcomes Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank Group, during his courtesy call yesterday in Malacanang. Revoli Cortez
LPA enters PH, may become TD ‘Wilma’
By Rio N. Araja
A LOW pressure area east (LPA) of the country entered the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday afternoon.
As of 2 p.m. yesterday, the LPA was located 1,105 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the system may develop into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours and will be named “Wilma.”
The weather disturbance is forecast to intensify up to tropical storm strength while crossing the Philippine Sea.
The strong surge of the northeast monsoon will inhibit further intensification and steer it southwestward, the weather bureau said.
Wilma is likely to make landfall over the Eastern Visayas-Bicol area on Saturday or Sunday, then move across Southern Luzon and the Visayas through Monday or Tuesday.
On Thursday, Wilma’s trough may start affecting Bicol and Eastern Visayas.
The storm is expected to bring heavy to intense rains, especially along its track. Enhanced shear line rains will also affect the eastern sections of Northern and Central Luzon.
Widespread and serious flooding and landslides are possible in many areas, the agency warned.
IN BRIEF
Marcos cuts property tax for IPPs
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reduced the real property taxes (RPT) imposed on independent power producers for 2025, warning that steep local tax assessments risk triggering financial instability for state power agencies and disrupting electricity supply.
Executive Order 106, signed Nov. 28, slashes all RPT liabilities, including special levies under the Special Education Fund, on power generation facilities of IPPs operating under buildoperate-transfer schemes and similar
contracts with government-owned or -controlled corporations.
Under the order, liabilities for 2025 and all previous years up to that period will be recomputed using a lower assessment level of 15% of the fair market value of
Negros prisoners, families conduct protest fast
AS THE world marks the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners, families and friends of political detainees and persons deprived of liberty staged a protest Wednesday in front of the BJMP-NIR in Negros. They demanded swift action from Regional Director JCSUPT Brendan Fulgencio on what they described as worsening jail conditions.
At the same time, political prisoners and some detainees at the Negros Occidental District Jail-Male Dormitory launched a protest fast against alleged cruel and degrading treatment under Warden JSUPT Crisyrel Awe. Human rights groups reported excessive restrictions, collective punishments, denial of good conduct time allowances, harmful sun exposure schedules, and lack of food and medical supplies.
They also cited the death of detainee Warlito Turbela in November and the alleged illegal solitary confinement of political prisoner Lorenzo “Tisoy” Perolino, which a Bacolod court ruled violated his rights. Edwin Ombion
DA rolls out P20 per kilo rice program in Dipolog City
THE Department of Agriculture launched the “Benteng Bigas” or P20 rice program in Dipolog City on Nov. 28, expanding President Marcos’ initiative to provide affordable rice to poor families.
The program offers P20-per-kilo rice to beneficiaries in Dapitan, Dipolog, and 25 Zamboanga del Norte towns, prioritizing indigent households, seniors, PWDs, solo parents, farmers, fisherfolk, and minimum wage workers.
The National Food Authority buys palay directly from farmers, mills it, and distributes subsidized rice to KADIWA outlets, integrating local producers into the supply chain.
A new digital registry system is being rolled out to identify eligible beneficiaries and support a 10-kilogram monthly allocation per household.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the initiative now operates in more than 424 sites nationwide and aims to reach 15 million families by June 2028. Othel V. Campos
Competition body orders dawn raids in flood probe
THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) authorized the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a dawn raid as part of a probe into suspected bid-rigging in government flood control projects.
The operation was executed through a judicial inspection order allowing PCC agents to secure information linked to possible violations of the Philippine Competition Act. Targets included premises in Bonifacio Global City associated with Sunwest Inc., Eco Leisure and Hospitality Holding Co. Inc., and Zaldy Co.
The PCC said dawn raids are a globally recognized enforcement tool for uncovering complex anti-competitive conduct such as cartel behavior. Othel V. Campos
KAHAWA SUG. Local officials and stakeholders attend a brand development workshop to strengthen the Sulu coffee industry by highlighting the rich heritage and culture behind Kahawa Sug or Sulu Coffee.
property, machinery, and equipment, depreciated by 2% annually.
Any payments already made above the recalculated amount will be credited to future tax obligations. All interest and penalties on deficiency payments are also condoned.
The move follows disputes between IPPs and local government units, many of which have asserted that the companies are not entitled to the tax privileges granted to GOCCs engaged in power generation. Some LGUs have threatened to auction off IPP assets to enforce collection.
While IPPs remain liable for RPT, the order notes that a substantial portion of the taxes has been contractually assumed by the National Power Corp. and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp., liabilities ultimately backed by the national government.
The Department of Finance warned that enforcing the higher assessments, some pegged at up to 80%, could burden state power firms with massive obligations, derail fiscal consolidation efforts, destabilize energy prices, and risk cross-defaults.
PrimeWater grilled in Senate over poor service quality
By Ram Superable
SENATOR Raffy Tulfo on Wednesday pressed for urgent reforms in the delivery of water services as complaints against several providers, particularly PrimeWater, continue to rise.
Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, opened a hearing by citing the steady stream of grievances from households experiencing unreliable or insufficient water supply.
“Since our first hearing, the complaints we received have only increased. We have heard of cases being filed and of joint venture agreements
already being terminated, but in many areas, the water situation still has not changed,” he said.
“I hope that before Christmas, the water supply for our millions of citizens is already fixed,” he added.
After conducting a survey following revelations in a September hearing, Tulfo reported that among PrimeWater’s 75 JVAs, 70 districts responded and 61 expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s performance.
Most of these districts also signaled their intention to end their partnership with the provider due to persistent service issues.
“Many want to withdraw, but most do not have the capability—lacking funds, lacking personnel, and still facing confusion about the legal process,” he said.
Tulfo said his committee is coordinating with the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel, local water districts, and other agencies to explore short-term interventions.
Possible measures include temporary takeover of operations by local districts, enforcement of performance bonds, mutual termination of JVAs, arbitration proceedings, catch-up plans, and arrangements with alternative providers.
By Maricel V. Cruz
THE House of Representatives on Wednesday unanimously passed on third and final reading House Bill 87, which aims to ensure Filipinos get the full value of their paid internet services despite arbitrary expiration periods.
A total of 222 House members voted for the bill.
HB 87, or the Roll-Over Internet bill, mandates internet service providers to convert all unused and accumulated data of users into rebates that consumers may use for payment and other purposes, effectively extending the expiration period of purchased data.
Authors Cavite Reps. Ramon Jolo Revilla III and Lani Mercado-Revilla, along with Agimat Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla, said the bill seeks to correct the “fundamentally unfair” situation where subscribers lose unused data within a set period. “For postpaid users, this often means forfeit-
ing paid but unused megabytes or gigabytes. For prepaid subscribers, it means repurchasing similar data promos just to maintain connection— often without maximizing their previous allocations,” they stated in the bill’s explanatory note. They added that the measure “strengthens digital inclusion, especially for students, remote workers, small business owners, and families who are now more reliant than ever on online platforms.”
Under the bill, unused data from promo packages shall be rolled over and accumulated until the end of the year, provided the subscriber renews the subscription immediately after the offer expires. Unused data lasting a year may also be converted into rebates for use in the succeeding year.
Subscribers who fail to renew
is
XMAS LIGHTING. Santa Rosa Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas (second left), her mother Ofie Arcillas (second right), and city officials lead a festive Christmas lighting ceremony at the City Plaza, as families gather to enjoy the bright holiday display open nightly to the community. Roy Tomandao
DAR to waive P1.79-b ARB loans
By Rio N. Araja
THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is set to deliver one of the most extensive agrarian reform interventions in the Negros Island Region as it distributes thousands of land titles and wipes out nearly P1.79 billion in unpaid land amortizations.
Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III will spearhead the event and also distribute 7,798 land titles covering 5,524 hectares to 4,788 agrarian reform
PCSO donates PTVs to Metro Manila LGUs
By Joel E. Zurbano
ALL 17 local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila each received one ambulance-type Patient Transport Vehicle (PTV) from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to improve emergency medical response capabilities throughout the National Capital Region. During a ceremony at the Metro Manila Council (MMC) meeting, PCSO general manager Melquiades Robles handed over the keys of the PTVs to various local chief executives in attendance.
This initiative fulfils President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to equip all cities, provinces, and municipalities with PTVs as part of the Medical Transport Vehicular Donation Program (MTVDP), a vital government strategy aimed at strengthening universal access to emergency medical care, Robles said.
“Metro Manila is the heart of our nation, home to millions of Filipinos. While we have major hospitals and healthcare facilities here, we are also aware that traffic, distance, and accessibility pose significant challenges. These Patient Transport Vehicles will help bridge that gap, ensuring that assistance can arrive swiftly during emergencies,” he noted.
beneficiaries across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
He will also turn over P73.6 million worth of support services on Wednes-
day at the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Coliseum and Cultural Center.
At least 15,000 certificates of condonation with release of mortgage to 13,822 farmer-beneficiaries, clearing P1.79 billion in decades-old unpaid obligations in Negros Oriental.
DAR will also strengthen agricultural productivity with the turnover of P67.6 million worth of farm machinery, equipment and agricultural inputs to 71 agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB) organizations in the region.
The agency will distribute P6 million in relief assistance to 5,913
individuals, including 5,675 agrarian reform beneficiaries as well as 238 DAR personnel affected by the devastation brought by typhoons “Tino” and “Uwan.”
The DAR chief said there will be 5,000 expected participants.
“Aside from providing support to our ARBs, our employees will also receive essential relief packages, including blankets, pails, slippers, flashlights, towels, coffee, sugar, and detergents— to help them recover and regain stability after the calamity,” he said in a statement.
IN BRIEF
Police official denies part in missing P13m
THE former chief of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s (PNPCIDG)-Anti Organized Crime Unit has denied his alleged involvement on the missing P13.4 million which was part of the P141million seized and made as evidence for the operation against a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub in Bagac, Bataan on October 20, 2024. Lt. Col. Jose Joey Arandia, in a message to reporters, belied his alleged complicity in the controversy.
“Let me be clear that I am not involved with them, the people accused of stealing, the custodian of the P13.5 million is different wherein the six CIDG personnel were involved,” he said.
“All of the evidence are all complete and all accounted for,” he added. Vince Lopez
Governor creates body to oversee infra projects
TO ADDRESS the compelling need to establish a Comprehensive Provincial Infrastructure Master Plan (CPIMP) in Bulacan, Gov. Daniel Fernando ordered the creation of the Provincial Infrastructure Coordinating Council (PICC).
He underscored the crucial participation of all local government units, from barangays to national government agencies, in achieving a “unified and transparent infrastructure planning process.”
“Bulacan cannot afford questionable infrastructure projects. Through this (PICC), we ensure that every infrastructure project in the province is grounded on real needs, validated data, and fully transparent because the Bulakenyos deserve visible, functional, and accountable projects,” Fernando said.
Under his directive, each barangay in Bulacan shall prepare or update its Barangay Infrastructure Master Plan, covering drainage, flood control, road networks, and other public works, and submit it to its respective city or municipality. Rex Espiritu
Davao regional police bares anti-drug gains
DAVAO Region police chief Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete has reported their major gains in anti-illegal drug campaign for the month of November 2025, confiscating more than P31 million worth of shabu and marijuana.. Throughout the month, the Region 11 police force conducted 313 anti-illegal drug operations, consisting of 206 buy-bust operations, service of 49 warrants of arrest and 16 search warrants in addition to normal police work. These efforts successfully led to the arrest of 77 high-value targets and 292 suspected drug pushers.. The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) emerged as the top-performing unit with a total of ₱16.4 million worth of illegal drugs seized and 190 arrests. Vince Lopez
DMW reveals some 800 jobs await Filipino workers in Finland
By Vito Barcelo
FINLAND is offering some 800 job opportunities for Filipino workers ranging from welders, machinists, factory workers, restaurant staff, and cleaners. This was disclosed during the launch on Wednesday of the Philippine-Finland Friendship Week celebration at the De -
partment of Migrant Workers (DMW) headquarters in Mandaluyong City.
DMW Undersecretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay cited Finland’s growing demand for skilled foreign workers as it faces an aging population and a projected need for 1.37 million new employees by 2040.
Tutay said Manila and Helsinki are
BOC prioritizes delivery of b’bayan boxes
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has committed to hasten the release of delayed balikbayan boxes in time for the Christmas season.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno assured the public that the agency is working diligently to ensure that balikbayan boxes reach recipients before Christmas, aligning with the government’s push for improved public service delivery during the holidays.
The assurance was made during a meeting with Finance Secretary Frederick Go and other concerned government agencies.
Go directed Customs officials to immediately implement measures that would accelerate processing and delivery, noting the sentimental and economic value these packages carry for millions of Filipino households.
He emphasized that clearing the backlog of balikbayan boxes is a “top priority,” stressing the importance of ensuring that families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) receive their much-awaited holiday packages without further delay.
Nepomuceno said the agency has been intensifying its enforcement operations, enhancing transparency measures, and improving digital systems to support faster and more efficient cargo processing.
He said these reforms are part of the BOC’s broader modernization drive, aimed at providing a more service-oriented and accountable Customs administration.
On the other hand, Go reaffirmed the Department of Finance’s full support for the BOC’s reform agenda, recognizing its crucial role as a trillion-peso revenue generator. Vito Barcelo
finalizing a new bilateral labor agreement that will ensure ethical recruitment, equal pay, and full labor rights for Filipino workers.
Tutay said a detailed cooperation framework will soon be signed to help boost Finland’s healthcare, information technology, service, and retail sectors while providing more employment op-
portunities for overseas Filipino workers. She added that more. than 16,000 Filipinos are currently in Finland, about 11,500 of them deployed only last year.
Finnish Ambassador to the Philippines Saija Nurminen said Filipino workers are popular in Finland for their adaptability, resilience, and strong work ethic.
PH, FINLAND FRIENDSHIP. The Department of Migrant Workers plays host to the observance of the Philippines-Finland Friendship Week, marked by Helsinki’s offer of some 800 job opportunities for Filipino workers.
FEMALE SPECIAL FORCES. The Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) of the Philippine Army marks a milestone by conferring
OPINION
Erice makes sense
IN AN emotional speech two weeks ago that got the dander of a colleague who has made a habit of being “sip-sip” to the powers that be, Rep. Egay Erice of KalooKan, after laying the predicate on the true state of this benighted land, appealed “to the sense of patriotism of everyone. Let us save this country first”. Recognizing that the slow wheels of justice will take time to convict, if ever, the “big fishes” who have plundered the public till, using as accomplices contractors out to make a slim profit and DPWH personnel out to take a cut from the “proponents” who are legislators and even officials of the executive department, Erice proposed landmark legislation that could meanwhile stem the rot in the system.
While many now realize that the 1987 Constitution needs to be revised because it has, perhaps unwittingly, fostered a legal framework that promoted the present benighted political landscape since its ratification 38 years ago, Erice makes sense in proposing legislative reforms that are doable.
Doable, if his fellow legislators can only rise above self, and for once, mercifully --- just once --- think of the nation’s plight and the future of the next generations.
We cannot trust this administration to push for constitutional revision, by whatever mode, be it a constitutional convention that will be easily manipulated by the dynasts and oligarchs who rule us, or by a constituent assembly of the same dynasts, not even by faked peoples’ initiative.
Not now; not yet. When the “Uniteam” won in 2022, they could have ushered in genuine constitutional reforms.
That initial burst of trust is lost. Only a new government can usher constitutional change which we sorely need.
“Power and wealth are recycled, not redistributed. Positions are inherited, not earned.”, Erice decries.
Erice has the moral gravitas to call for the dissolution of dynasties. In a city forever ruled by dynasts since the fifties, this former assistant of Virgilio Robles who together with Doc Antonio Martinez dared defy the Marcos dictatorship, has abstained from foisting his own dynasty in Kalookan.
He enjoins Congress to NOW pass a strong anti-political dynasty law to implement Article II, Sec. 26 of the 1987 Constitution which the appointed framers hastily neglected to incorporate into the fundamental law.
To further reform the system, Erice wants a stop to the “balimbing” syndrome, first began in 1963 by then Pres. Diosdado Macapagal when a Nacionalista-controlled House led by Speaker Jose Bayani Laurel Jr. scrutinized his budget proposals.
That turncoatism in our aberrant political culture has grown roots, despite EDSA People Power, when it flourished further due to the stupidity of a multiparty system in a presidential form of government foisted by the Cory Constitution.
Erice further calls for the enactment of a Campaign Finance Reform Law to level the electoral playing field.
Due to a lack of meaningful campaign finance rules, candidates for high office rely on oligarchs and the nouveau riche contractors, thus becoming toadies and protectors of the business interests of the same.
The lack of doable and effective campaign finance laws also give impetus to the perpetuation of dynasties, first on the local level and into the national, where politics has morphed from public service into family business.
Even if I hold ICI’s three commissioners in high esteem, I have this sinking feeling that they are just being used by this government for optics rather than criminal prosecution
I will no longer delve into Egay’s echo of others who want to empower the ICI in its efforts to investigate and help prosecute the plunderers in the infrastructure corruption chain.
Even if I hold its three commissioners in high esteem, I have this sinking feeling that they are just being used by this government for optics rather than criminal prosecution.
Egay Erice’s call for an anti-dynasty law, for an end to political turncoatism and reforms in campaign financing are all doable, necessary and urgent.
It will also bridge the gap between genuine systemic reforms while cases are being built-up against the predators whose fate await the slow grind of justice.
But will his colleagues, which include cong-tractors, vassals of corporate interests who “own” political parties, and mindless party-lists controlled by the rich, rise above self, and in the spirit of remorse over complicity in the moral abyss government has plunged itself into, now wear the sackcloth of penitence and abjure from their sins of omission and commission? ***
If it is a sign of things to come, the suspension of the legislature’s meowmeow, Kiko Barzaga by an overwhelming vote save for five, shows that this House of Representatives remains slavish to this administration.
Congress is supposed to uphold freedom of expression, which is both human and Constitutional right. Yet it muzzles the same in the name of “ethics,” which by their practices they themselves have no moral right to pass judgment upon.
Trigger mechanism
OVER the past several weeks there have been efforts by some quarters to force PBBM out of office either by extra judicial or Constitutional means like resignation. This appears to take advantage of the ongoing flood control corruption scandal engulfing PBBM’s government. So far, however, there are no takers and rightly so. After all, removing a head of state before his legal term expires is complicated and a difficult process. In fact, if we look at the two experiences that we had in forcing presidents out of office, the current effort is weak and lacks many of the elements that successfully drove two presidents out of office. For instance, the group demanding the resignation of PBBM so that VP Sara Duterte can take over as president is doomed to fail. As former Secretary Solita Monsod quipped, it is like dousing the fire with gasoline to make it bigger. Still another group like the Bayan of Teddy Casino who suggested that a civilian transitional group headed by the
Senate President can take over until an election can be held for a permanent president will not happen either. It is very much like a military junta which the public abhors and will not support.
The efforts of one side like the military establishing a military junta or any other civil society group demanding the resignation of PBBM are not enough
All these efforts do not fit the recent models that have taken place in our recent political history. For one, in the two instances wherein two presidents had to leave office before their legal terms officially ended had the military and civil society joining forces to succeed.
Unfounded allegations
WITH his Philippine passport now canceled by the Department of Foreign Affairs after the filing of various graft charges against him, the former chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations and resigned Ako Bicol Party-List Rep. Elizaldy Co must be worried sick about the prospect of deportation from his hiding place abroad to face justice in this country and spend the rest of his life in jail if found guilty.
The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft and malversation of public funds cases against him and others over an allegedly irregular ₱289.5-million flood-control/roaddike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
That’s just the tip of an iceberg. Co has been cited for falsification of public documents (submitting or approving false/altered documentation), and violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019).
He is also charged under Section 3(h) of the same law for allegedly receiving “unwarranted financial or pecuniary benefits.”
But the former legislator and now wanted fugitive from the law appears unrepentant and wants to evade culpability for the charges against him by dragging no less than President Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez into the mess of his own making by claiming the two top officials allegedly received kickbacks from budget insertions for anomalous
public works projects. President Marcos Jr. and Rep. Romualdez have both stoutly denied Co’s baseless allegations.
The defense of Romualdez remains fact-driven, respectful of due process, and focused on legal arguments rather than emotions or political rhetoric
While the President can defend himself should an impeachment complaint be filed against him, Leyte Rep. Romualdez, a lawyer and Constitutionalist, can defend himself in any judicial forum should formal charges be lodged against him. As things now stand, Romualdez
has already appeared before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
The ad hoc body has no adverse finding against the former Speaker nor recommended the filing of charges against him.
In fact, there is no sworn testimony, document, or credible evidence that has directly linked Romualdez to any irregular flood control project transactions or kickbacks.
He has repeatedly emphasized this and highlighted his clear conscience, which remains the foundation of his defense.
Romualdez has also declared his full cooperation with investigative bodies, appearing voluntarily before the ICI, remaining in the country, and submitting relevant documents and statements.
The former Speaker has also underscored his trust in the independence of the Ombudsman and fairness of the legal system.
Reaffirming faith in an impartial, thorough evaluation by constitutional bodies supports his stance that justice will prevail through evidence-based scrutiny, not political pressure.
In defending himself, Romualdez can challenge statements not made under oath or lacking evidence, as he has done regarding unsubstantiated allegations from contractor testimonies and accusations.
His defense remains fact-driven, respectful of due process, and focused on legal arguments rather than emotions or political rhetoric.
Ukraine war fuels debate on neutrality in Austria
VIENNA – For 70 years, neutrality has been the cornerstone of Austria’s foreign policy, but debate on it has resurfaced since Russia invaded Ukraine.
The Alpine nation has sided with other EU members to condemn the war, raising concerns that it is swaying from its neutral stance.
“For us, neutrality is a fundamental element of our national identity,” Andreas Wimmer, representative of citizens’ initiative Voices for Neutrality, told AFP.
The far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), which won elections last year but failed to form a government, has also campaigned for maintaining neutrality and opposes aid to Ukraine, calling it a “betrayal”.
In Austria, the policy of neutrality was imposed by the then Soviet Union as a price for the end of the Allies’ postwar occupation of the country.
The policy offered the country a way of exiting the rubble of World War II and avoiding the blame for complicity in the Nazi regime.
Adopted on October 26, 1955, the federal constitutional law -- which lays down Austria’s permanent neutral status -- prohibits Vienna from joining military alliances or stationing foreign troops on its territory.
Since then, for many Austrians, freedom has been synonymous with neutrality, with 80 percent saying it is part of their national identity, according to a poll published in October.
In 1986, the generally accepted winner in the snap national elections, Corazon C. Aquino, was proclaimed the winner and inaugurated as the legal President.
In the case of former President Joseph Estrada, he was considered resigned by the Supreme Court and Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was sworn into office as President by the Chief Justice. Regardless of how some quarters interpret these two changes in leadership, a legal process was at least followed which were based on the provisions of the existing Constitutions at that time.
In both instances, the civil society and the military agreed to join forces even if they had very different political ideologies for the common goal of removing the sitting president.
If the public will recall, in 1986, it was the military establishment that first broke away from the government.
The effort however was not enough for the sitting president to leave office
‘No longer protects us’
For many years, the country of nine million has hosted one of the four UN headquarters and numerous other international agencies, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the OPEC headquarters in Vienna.
—“—
The Voices for Neutrality group, for its part, calls for a return to the role of active mediator that Austria played during the Cold War
But unlike its Swiss neighbor, Austria’s neutrality “is evolving... and the current government is pushing for this evolution,” a European diplomat told AFP on condition of anonymity.
“They voted for financial aid to Ukraine, for sanctions against Russia,” the diplomat said, adding the central European country is “starting to be less naive.” Austria has said its neutrality does not prevent it from condemning breaches of international law and has condemned the invasion of Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reis-
but when the late Cardinal Sin made that broadcast to the Filipino people to support the soldiers barricaded in Camps Crame and Aguinaldo, that was the trigger mechanism that ended the Marcos Sr. government in just four days.
In the case of President Joseph Estrada, it was civil society that started the effort but could not bring the government down even with all the demonstrations.
But when the military leadership threw their support behind the civilian effort, it also did not take long for President Estrada’s government to vacate the Palace, paving the way for VP Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to assume as President.
It is very clear that in our experience, the efforts of one side like the military establishing a military junta or any other civil society group demanding the resignation of PBBM are not enough.
The military and civil society must again find a common goal for both to again coalesce.
inger of the liberal NEOS told German newspaper Die Welt in July that, faced with “an increasingly aggressive Russia,” “neutrality alone no longer protects us” and that her country must consider investing in its “own defense capabilities”.
Austria’s military budget, still among the lowest in Europe, was increased to 0.95 percent of GDP by 2024, and the government aims for two percent by 2032.
Former Austrian diplomat Franz Cede said neutrality must not be “romanticized” as it has clearly been “eroded” since Austria’s accession to the European Union in 1995.
While Finland and Sweden responded to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by joining NATO, Austria “missed the moment”, he said.
While past debates on neutrality have not led to the law changing, a discussion on joining NATO could “be very fruitful,” according to Meinl-Reisinger. She, however, emphasized in her Die Welt interview that “there is currently no majority in parliament or among the population in favour of NATO membership”.
The Voices for Neutrality group, for its part, calls for a return to the role of active mediator that Austria played during the Cold War. In recent years, no high-profile international negotiations have been held in Austria. AFP
That trigger for this to happen could be some kind of incontrovertible evidence that PBBM is personally involved in the ongoing flood control corruption scandal.
But since no such evidence has been presented so far, then there is no reason for the two groups to be joining forces. Besides we should just stick to the traditional way of changing political leaders and that is thru elections.
The two trillion peso marches which showed the passion and outrage of the citizenry should be enough to trigger a change for our leaders to stop the unbridled corruption and plunder of government funds.
The other effort by some lawmakers to pass the Anti-dynasty law should also be pursued, with a law lessening the number of members of the House Representatives instead of increasing the number to lessen corruption.
This includes Party-List representatives because there are also too many of them.
Macron visits
China with Kyiv on agenda
– French President Emmanuel
BEIJING
Macron was due in Beijing Wednesday, where he is expected to put pressure on his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to help secure a ceasefire in Ukraine and discuss trade relations.
Macron, on fourth state visit to China since taking office in 2017, will meet Xi and Premier Li Qiang at the capital’s Great Hall of the People before heading to Chengdu, where two giant pandas loaned to France have recently been returned.
Efforts to bring an end to the nearly four-year war in Ukraine are expected to be on the agenda.
“We are counting on China, like us a permanent member of the Security Council... to lean on Russia, so that Russia and, in particular, Vladimir Putin can finally agree to a ceasefire,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Monday.
“China can play a crucial role in guiding Vladimir Putin’s Russia to make the right decision,” Barrot told French radio.
Macron made similar appeals during his last trip to China in April 2023, as well as during Xi’s visit to France in May 2024, without much success.
China regularly calls for peace talks and respect for the territorial integrity of all countries, but has never condemned Russia for its 2022 invasion.
Western governments accuse Beijing of providing Russia with crucial economic support for its war effort, notably by supplying it with military components for its defense industry. AFP
IN BRIEF
Taiwan: China simulates ‘attacks’ on navy ships
TAIPEI – Taiwan’s intelligence chief said Wednesday Chinese military aircraft have “simulated attacks” on foreign warships passing through sensitive waters separating China and Taiwan.
China says Taiwan is part of its territory and claims jurisdiction over the Taiwan Strait, a major international shipping route.
The United States, Britain and other countries view the strait as international waters open to all vessels.
Eight countries, including the United States, Japan, Australia and France, have sent naval ships through the narrow stretch of water so far this year, National Security Bureau director-general Tsai Ming-yen said. China shadows “every vessel”, Tsai told lawmakers in parliament.
“It will deploy corresponding naval assets to conduct necessary monitoring, and at times... it will also mobilize air forces to carry out simulated attacks to signal its military presence and claim of dominance in the Strait.” AFP
Peru presidential bet bloodied but safe
LIMA – Peruvian presidential hopeful Rafael Belaunde escaped bloodied but not seriously hurt Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) from an attack by gunmen on his car south of the capital Lima, police said. Two gunmen on a motorbike fired “eight or nine” shots at the SUV the 50-year-old politician was driving and the candidate returned fire, according to police chief General Oscar Arriola.
Three bullets shattered the front window, police said, leaving Belaunde with blood stains on his face and shirt from cuts caused by broken glass, widely seen in images on TV and social media.
Belaunde said the injuries were “scratches sustained after the incident,” in the town of Cerro Azul, about 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of Lima.
Using his own weapon, Belaunde fired “at least 12 shots” at his attackers, Arriola told news outlet Peru 21. No gunshot injuries were reported. AFP
SK ‘shouldn’t take sides in China, Japan spat’
SEOUL – South Korea’s leader said Wednesday his country wouldn’t take sides in an escalating war of words between Japan and China, calling for the two sides to “coexist.” Tokyo and Beijing have been locked in a dispute after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Tokyo could intervene militarily should China invade Taiwan. The comments triggered a sharp diplomatic backlash from Beijing, which has urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan. Speaking in Seoul, President Lee Jae Myung told a news conference that taking sides would only worsen tensions.
“The ideal approach is to coexist, respect one another, and cooperate as much as possible,” he said, describing northeast Asia as a “highly dangerous region in terms of military security”. AFP
US, Russia find ‘no compromise
MOSCOW – High-stakes US-Russia talks on ending the war in Ukraine failed to yield a breakthrough on Tuesday, as the Kremlin said “no compromise” had been found yet on the key question of territory.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met
US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law
Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff in the Kremlin, after earlier signaling that his forces were ready to fight on to achieve Russia’s initial war goals.
The meeting is a crucial moment for Ukraine in what could be a fraught week following days of frantic diplomacy. At the heart of it is a US plan to bring peace, which has since been revised under pres-
sure from Kyiv and its European backers.
On occupied Ukrainian territories, “so far we haven’t found a compromise, but some American solutions can be discussed,” top Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said after the meeting in the Kremlin.
“Some proposed formulations do not fit us, and work will continue,” he added.
Trump said progress on ending the nearly four-year-long war would not be easy.
“Our people are over in Russia right now to see if we can get it settled,” he said during a cabinet meeting at the White House.
“Not an easy situation, let me tell you. What a mess.” But in an interview broadcast Tuesday night on Fox News, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said talks with Russia “have made some progress” to end the war with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that any plan must end the war for good, and not just lead to a pause in the fighting that began with Moscow’s offensive in February 2022. He also said in a social media post that “there will be no simple solutions”.
“What matters is that everything is
assets... and about security guarantees.’ AFP
US halts immigration requests for 19 nations
WASHINGTON, DC – The US government has halted immigration applications for citizens from 19 nations including Afghanistan, Yemen and Haiti, an official memorandum said Tuesday, deepening the nation’s sweeping crackdown on migration. Authorities paused green card and citizenship processing, according to the memo, for people from countries already subject to travel restrictions announced in June by President Donald Trump. Those 19 nations also include Venezuela, Sudan and Somalia.
Senior US officials have signaled in recent days they would starkly tighten restrictions on immigration, a move fueled by the shooting of two National Guard soldiers last week.
The main suspect in the shooting, which killed one, is an Afghan national.
The man, who on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to murder charges, entered the United States during mass evacuations as foreign forces withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021.
“USCIS plays an instrumental role in preventing terrorists from seeking safe
Letdown in Indonesia, Sri Lanka as flood survivors await assistance
TUKKA, Indonesia – Officials in Indonesia and Sri Lanka battled Wednesday to reach survivors of deadly flooding in remote, cut-off regions as the toll in the disaster that hit four countries topped 1,300.
In Indonesia, there is growing frustration among survivors of catastrophic flooding and landslides over the pace of the rescue effort and aid delivery.
Humanitarian groups said the scale of the challenge was almost unprecedented even for a country that has faced no shortage of natural disasters.
Monsoon rains paired with two rare tropical storm systems, sometimes known in the region as cyclones, dumped record deluges across Sri Lanka, and parts of Indonesia’s Sumatra, southern Thailand and northern Malaysia last week.
In Indonesia, the toll hit 753 on Wednesday, but the number of missing also increased to 650.
The rising figures reflect information that is only trickling in as many regions remain either physically cut off by flood damage or isolated by electricity and communications failures, or both.
“It’s very challenging logistically to respond,” said Ade Soekadis, executive director of Mercy Corps Indonesia, an aid group.
“The extent of the damage and the size of the affected area is really huge.”
The group is hoping to send hygiene equipment and water both from Jakarta and locally.
He said reports of food and water shortages were already “very concerning” and the situation will be “more problematic as time goes by.”
At an evacuation center in Padan, 52-year-old Reinaro Waruwu told AFP he was “disappointed” in the government’s immediate response and the slow arrival of aid. AFP
fair and transparent. That there are no games played behind Ukraine’s back. That nothing is decided without Ukraine -- about us,
US plan was broken down into four parts, which were discussed during the five-hour meeting in the Kremlin.
“There were some points we could agree on,” the top Putin diplomatic aide said, but “the president did not hide our critical, even negative, stance on a number of proposals”. AFP
haven in the United States and ensuring that USCIS’ screening and vetting and adjudications prioritize the safety of the American people and uphold all US laws,” the memorandum said, referring to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The memorandum said the US had recently seen “what a lack of screening, vetting, and prioritizing expedient adjudications can do to the American people,” citing the suspected shooter in last week’s attack as an example. AFP
SYDNEY – YouTube on Wednesday attacked Australia’s looming social media ban for under-16s, denouncing the world-first laws as “rushed” and saying they will make children less safe online.
Australia will from Dec.10 ban users under the age of 16 from a raft of the world’s most popular social media platforms and websites, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
“This law will not fulfil its promise to make kids safer online, and will, in fact, make Australian kids less safe on YouTube,” the company’s public policy manager Rachel Lord said in a statement.
“We’ve heard from parents and educators who share these concerns.” Video streaming giant YouTube, one of the most-visited websites globally, was originally slated to escape the ban so children could watch educational videos. But the Australian government changed tack in July, saying young users needed to be shielded from “predatory algorithms.”
YouTube said all Australian users under 16 would be automatically signed out on December 10, using the ages linked to their Google accounts.
Underage users could still visit the website without an account, but would lose access to many of YouTube’s features -- including “wellbeing settings” and “safety filters.”
Lord said the “rushed regulation misunderstands our platform and the way young Australians use it”.
“At YouTube, we believe in protecting kids in the digital world, not from the digital world.”
YouTube said it would archive accounts so they could be reactivated when users turned 16. AFP
RUSSIAN PRESSURE. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left) speaks during a meeting with Ukrainian officials headed by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov (2nd right) in Hallandale Beach, Florida on Nov. 30, 2025. Russia’s Vladimir Putin has demanded Kyiv surrender territory Moscow claims as its own. The Kremlin also rejects any European force in Ukraine to monitor a truce. In his social media post, Zelenskyy said ‘the most difficult questions are about territories, about frozen (Russian)
Brazil, Portugal enter semis in Women’s Futsal World Cup
WORLD No. 1 Brazil and No. 3 Portugal flexed their muscles and ripped their respective opponents by five to barge into the semifinals of the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup Tuesday night at the PhilSports Arena.
Matches on Friday (Philsports Arena)
6 p.m. Argentina vs Portugal 8:30 p.m. Spain vs Brazil
Emilly, the Brazilian megastar considered the planet’s best, fired a hat trick to power the rampaging Group D topnotcher past Group C second seed Japan, 6-1, and into a livewire Last-4 duel with waiting Spain.
Lidia Moreira netted thrice, as well, as she spearheaded the Portuguese, the Group C rulers, to a 7-2 disposal of Group D runnerup Italy for a semis date with Argentina.
The titanic showdown of the last four teams standing in the showpiece backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Football Federation will explode on Friday with the victors battling for the gold on Sunday.
Emilly struck in the fourth, 11th and 39th minutes as Ana Luiza (9th), Debora Vanin (13th) and Luana (14th) joined the fray as Brazil put the quarterfinal match out of the reach of the fifth-ranked Asian champions, who only got on the board via Julia’s own goal (36th.)
The Seleção booked a semis faceoff with Group B ruler and world No. 2 Spain, which advanced with
Loman exits ONE Championship, rejoins BRAVE CF
By Nissi Icasiano
STEPHEN Loman is officially taking his talents back to BRAVE Combat Federation.
This article’s author has obtained firm confirmation from a highly reliable source that the beloved Filipino mixed martial artist has signed an exclusive contract with the Bahrainbased outfit. The reunion comes several months after the expiration of his ONE Championship deal in August.
The development is a major win for BRAVE CF, which has been strengthening its roster throughout the year. The organization previously brought in former URCC bantamweight champion Drex Zamboanga, and Loman’s arrival continues that upward trend.
Loman’s addition is significant. During his stint with ONE, he established himself as a ranked contender in the bantamweight division, highlighting the value of his return to the BRAVE CF lineup.
For the 30-year-old, the move brings him back to familiar ground. He competed for BRAVE CF from
Van Sickle joins elite group with 3rd MVP
BROOKE Van Sickle cemented her status as one of the Premier Volleyball League’s all-time greats after claiming her third Most Valuable Player award in the 2025 Reinforced Conference on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
By Peter Atencio
and recorded four successful defenses during that reign.
Loman joined ONE in 2021 and made an immediate impact. He authored notable victories over former divisional king Bibiano Fernandes, Shoko Sato, and Yusup Saadulaev, which elevated him to the No. 2 spot in the rankings.
His most recent bout took place in September 2023 when he dropped a competitive unanimous decision to UFC veteran and ex-ONE bantamweight titleholder John Lineker.
Loman has been absent from action since that defeat, spending the past two years in limbo and publicly calling on ONE this past September to release him, voicing his frustration over his prolonged inactivity.
The Lions Nation MMA representative now has the opportunity to restart his career with the promotion that helped launch him onto the international stage.
With the bantamweight throne currently occupied by Serbia’s Borislav Nikolic, Loman sets his sights on reclaiming the seat of power that once belonged to him.
Miado faces Kholmirzaev at ONE Fight Night 38
JEREMY “The Jaguar” Miado aims to keep his flyweight momentum rolling against dangerous Uzbek contender Avazbek “Ninzya” Kholmirzaev at ONE Fight Night 38.
The flyweight MMA showdown goes down at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, this Saturday, December 6, closing out ONE Championship’s 2024 U.S. primetime schedule. The move to flyweight has revitalized Miado’s career after challenging times at strawweight.
The 32-year-old Albay native secured a unanimous decision win over Gilbert Nakatani in his flyweight debut at ONE Fight Night 28 last February. Miado looked sharp across three rounds, showcasing the speed and precision that made him a name to watch early in his ONE tenure.
Armed with polished boxing and explosive finishing ability that’s delivered six stoppages, the Filipino has wasted no time making noise at 135 pounds. However, Kholmirzaev presents a serious challenge to his flyweight aspirations.
The Uzbek striker brings a blistering four-fight win streak into the contest alongside an impressive 14-2 career record with 13 finishes.
In his last appearance, the 24-year-old locked up a firstround armbar finish against unbeaten South African Willie van Rooyen at ONE Fight Night 37 last month.
7-Eleven Run ‘26 winners to get slots at international races
Van Sickle, who also won the league’s MVP honors in the last two All-Filipino Conference seasons, now joins Creamline stars Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos as the PVL’s winningest MVPs, each with three crowns. The 27-year-old outside hitter from Battleground, Washington, also added her second Best Outside Spiker award to her haul, following a nother stellar allaround performance that carried Petro Gazz to the Reinforced Conference final s. Van Sickle finished second among locals and 10th overall—including reinforcements—with 160 total points. She also ranked ninth in spiking with a 35.48-percent success rate during the eliminations and eighth in digs with 3.23 per set, showcasing her reputation as one of the league’s most complete and dependable players.
Meanwhile, Anna DeBeer of ZUS Coffee earned the Best Foreign Guest Player honor after an electrifying campaign that helped the Thunderbelles reach their first-ever franchise finals. The 24-year-old University of Louisville product tallied 210 points—second-best in the eliminations—powered by 197 attacks, eight blocks, and five aces. She also ranked third in spiking with a 39.40-percent success rate and third in receiving at 45.68-percent efficiency.
PLDT’s Savannah Davison joined Van Sickle on the Premier Team wings after winning her second Best Outside Spiker award. Davison led all local scorers with 178 points—sixth overall—while ranking second in blocking (20 total, 0.71 per set) and sixth in spiking with a 36.86-percent success rate. Farm Fresh’s Trisha Tubu claimed her third Best Opposite Spiker award, finishing first in spiking with a 39.53-percent success rate and 13th
PROMISING runners, who earn podium finishes in the 7-Eleven Run 2026, will have a chance to represent the country in international meets.
Organizers said this as they launched the yearly road race on Tuesday, with the competitions slated to happen on February 1, 2026.
Jose Ang Jr., General Merchandise Division Head and Managing Director for eWallet and eCommerce, said this in a press conference at the Verse Cafe 3:16 in San Juan on Wednesday.
“For 2026, what will happen is that we will focus more on the grassroots. Athletes who have never made it to the national team will have a chance to represent the country in international meets,” said Ang.
Footraces in nine categories will take simultaneously in Manila, Cebu, and Davao, with the top three finishers in the men’s and women’s 42km, 32km and the 21km events set to get tickets to an international meet scheduled later in the year.
Online registrations have started on November 26, 2025, and will run until January 11, 2026, or until slots are full.
Ang said organizers of the 7-Eleven Run take pride in having supported runners chosen for the national athletics’ team for the coming Southeast Asian Games.
These athlete include the likes of
Christine Hallasgo, Artjoy Torregoza, Ricky Organisa, Richard Salano and Arlan Arbois, who all earned podium finishes in 7-Eleven events for the past years. The five runners have been selected to compete for Team Philippines in the coming Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
Gun start for runners in the vary-
ing categories of 42km, 32km, 21km, 16km, 10km, 7km, 5 km, 3km and at 711 meters will be held in different waves in Filinvest, Alabang in Manila and in the City di Mare, in Cebu.
A race route has yet to be mapped out in Davao City.
Registrations and signups are ongoin g at www.r un711.com.
Portugal players rejoice after sinking the Italians, 7-2.
a 6-1 demolition of Group A second placer Morocco in their side of the quarterfinals last Monday. Meanwhile, Moreira’s strikes in the sixth, 21st and 35th, Janice Silva’s brace (24th and 39th), Carolina Pedreira’s opener (fifth minute) and Kika’s closer
(28th) keyed Portugal’s sinking of the No. 7 Italians. Up ahead for the Luis Conceicao-coached Portugal are the world No. 6 Argentines, who took care of the quarterfinal business against Colombia, 4-1, last Monday.
Jeremy Miado
Stephen Loman
Brooke Van Sickle
Officials of the 7-Eleven Run 26 unveil their event on Tuesday at the Verse Cafe 3:16 in San Juan Shown here are (from left) Josephine Ferreras-Cagang - Category Manager Ice, Events and Services; Jose C Ang Jr. - General Merchandise Division Head and Managing Director for eWallet and eCommerce; Michelle Saludes - 7-11 Run Series Project Head and Section Manager for Exclusives and Events; and Bianca Lorraine Pascual - Brand Communications Specialist.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Baby Tams stun Tiger Cubs to enter final round
THIRD-RANKED Far Eastern University-Diliman exorcised the ghosts of the past, toppling second-seeded University of Santo Tomas, 82-75, to advance to the UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Basketball Tournament Finals on Wednesday morning at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. With the win, the Baby Tamaraws are set to face the still-unbeaten National University Nazareth School Bullpups — who defeated FEU-D in both elimination round matchups, 6678 in the first round and 68-72 in the second — in the best-of-three championship series beginning this Saturday, December 6, also at the Big Dome. This will mark the second championship clash between FEU-D and NUNS in the division since the tournament’s inauguration in Season 86, when Rob Celiz’s buzzer-beating triple secured the Bullpups’ first-ever UAAP 16-and-under title.
The triumph carried extra significance for the Baby Tamaraws, who snapped a five-game losing streak to their Season 87 nemesis and avenged last year’s Final Four setback to the Tiger Cubs. It was FEU-D’s first victory over UST since a 90-83 first-round win on October 5, 2024, in Season 87.
“Syempre, very much happy na nakabawi kami. Nakabalik kami dito at natalo namin sila dito sa knockout game. Lagi ko sinasabi sa kanila na kung paano kayo bumagsak, kailangan matuto kayong bumangon — hindi lang sa basketball, pati sa bahay. Hindi pwede na bumagsak ka, doon ka na lang,” Baby Tamaraws head coach Muriel Garcia said.
FEU-D trailed by as much as 12 points (13-25) in the first half, but a back-and-forth third quarter kept them within striking distance at 59-57 heading into the final period.
The Baby Tamaraws then caught fire at the perfect moment, opening the fourth quarter with 11 straight points — highlighted by a triple and layup from Dwyne Enriquez — to put the Tiger Cubs in a 68-59 hole with 7:02 remaining.
One free throw each from Wayne Anggot and Dave Regala, along with a Gab Castro three-pointer, trimmed the deficit to 68-64.
NU edges Ateneo by a point, makes UAAP women’s finals
Medallo, De Paz bag bronze for PH in world kickboxing
By Randy M. Caluag
THE Philippine kickboxing team made a strong impression in its debut at the WAKO Senior World Championships, bagging two bronze medals in the elite global tournament held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Jovan Medallo spearheaded the country’s campaign with a podium finish in the Male Musical Form Hard Style category. The Filipino standout delivered a precise and high-energy performance that earned 46.7 points—good for the bronze medal.
He placed behind Italy’s Edoardo Francesco Boscolo, who ruled the event with 49 points, and the United States’ Rashad Eugene, who claimed
silver with 48.5. In ring action, Gretel De Paz added to the Philippines’ medal tally after clinching bronze in the Low Kick Senior Female -52kg division. De Paz opened her campaign on a high note, dominating Portugal’s Julia Carlini Dornelas with a convincing 3–0 sweep in the quarterfinals. Her run ended in the semifinals against France’s Lyndsey Thomas, who ultimately captured the gold medal. Croatia’s Andelina Videc took home the silver.
De Paz previously won gold in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.
DEFENDING champion
National University displayed championship composure in the clutch, rallying from a six-point deficit in the final 2:35 to edge third-ranked Ateneo de Manila University, 67-66, and secure a spot in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament Finals, Wednesday afternoon at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Lady Bulldogs, the second seed in the stepladder playoffs with a 12-2 record, advanced to the Finals for the 11th consecutive season. They will once again face the still-unbeaten University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses in the bestof-three championship series, set to begin this Saturday, December 6, also at the Big Dome. It will be a trilogy of sorts for UST and NU, with the Growling Tigresses having ended the Lady Bull-
PH to host Red Bull Half Court 2026 World Finals
FOLLOWING the conclusion of the Red Bull Half Court 2025 World Finals in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Red Bull shifts the global spotlight to the Philippines as the next official host of the Red Bull Half Court 2026 World Finals, marking the the first major 3-on-3 world championship staged outside FIBA.
As the next host country, the Philippines invites the world to witness firsthand the heart and grit that define Filipino streetball in Manila.
The Red Bull Half Court 2026 World Finals aims to showcase the Philippines’ energy, passion, and creativity for streetball on the global stage, inviting fans around the world to experience what makes 3-on-3 basketball truly one of a kind.
Red Bull Half Court’s signature format will once again take center stage, featuring its fast-paced
3-on-3 half-court system, where games run under a 12-second shot clock, capped at 10 minutes, or end when a team scores 21 points. The format demands speed, creativity, and relentless hustle, pushing athletes to showcase pure instinct and high-pressure decision-making on every possession.
Follow the journey to the World Finals for this landmark moment in Philippine basketball culture as this once-in-a-lifetime event will see the world’s top 3-on-3 teams converge on Philippine soil. Keep up with all the action by visiting the official Red Bull website and following Red Bull Philippines on social media. For more information and updates, visit the official Red Bull website and the following social media pages (Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok )
dogs’ seven-year reign in Season 86 before reclaiming the championship in Season 87. UST secured an outright Finals berth after completing a sweep of the 14-game elimination round.
“Speechless. Sabi ko nga, we were not playing that well during this game, but ang positive thing for this game is our players, everybody, did not quit. Hindi sila sumuko hanggang dulo kahit things are not going our way. Yung kagustuhan manalo, hindi ko na maituturo sa kanila ‘yon — sila mismo, they did not quit hanggang final buzzer,” NU first-year head coach DA Olan said. The Blue Eagles looked poised to reach the Finals for the first time since Season 78 in 2015, as three consecutive triples by Camille Malagar and Hannah Lopez gave Ateneo an eight-point, 65-57 lead with 4:09 remaining.
However, the Lady Bulldogs methodically fought back, executing a pivotal 9-1 run capped by three consecutive inside finishes from presumptive MVP Ann Pingol, Tin Cayabyab, and Marga Villanueva to tie the game at 66-all with 64 seconds left. After consecutive misses by Ateneo’s Kacey Dela Rosa, the game seemed destined for overtime — until a dramatic finish unfolded in the final two seconds. With Pingol missing a potential gamewinning triple, Angel Surada boxed out and drew a foul on Nigerian center Sarah Makanjoula during her putback attempt, earning a trip to the free throw line with 0.6 seconds remaining.
By Peter Atencio
KAREN Tanchanco Caballero will once again serve as the president of the Pilipinas Sepak Takraw Association (PSTAI). Caballero was recently reelected for another term, which will run from 2025 to 2028.
In an interview with the Manila Standard, Caballero thanked the community for reaffirming its trust and confidence in her leadership.
During her first term 2015, she served as chef de mission for the Philippine team in the Asian Beach Games.
Joining Caballero, who is also the deputy secretary general of the Philippine Olympic Committee, is Army Capt. Edrian Resueño, a retired national athlete, who was elected as vice president. Resueño is a known veteran of the Marawi siege. Irene Tanchanco will remain as secretary general, while the Board of Officers and Directors will be composed of Dr. Mark Austin Ramirez (treasurer), Jeremy Go (auditor), Luciano Caballero (board director), and Abegail Sinogbuhan (national athlete), elected Chair of the PSTAI Athlete Commission.
The polls were witnessed by POC representative Ali Sulit, who heads the Philippine Judo Federation. The board appointed Rodolfo Eco as national training director, Emerardo Claridad as Technical Chairman, and Allyssa Bandoy as Safeguarding Officer. Caballero said the PSTA remains committed to strengthening grassroots development, uplifting its national
and advancing the Philippines’
athletes
presence in the global sepak takraw arena.
PBA CARES. The Philippine Basketball Association, together with Rain or Shine and Sorsogon’s Beau Belga (in photo), held a donation drive at the Macapagal Gym in Libon, Albay, with the help of Libon Mayor Mak Sayson, Vice Mayor Janero Saclag, Gov. Noel Rosal and Ang Probinsyano Partylist. Some 4000 residents of Libon, Albay a ected by the typhoon Uwan were the bene ciaries of the said charity event. PBA Images
Players from the Philippines and Japan are shown prior to their world final showdown.
Jovan Medallo unleashes his full energy in his routine at the WAKO World Championships. WAKO/UAE Muaythai-Kickboxing Federation
NU topscorer Marga Villanueva drives to the basket in a semi nal game won by the Lady Bulldogs, 67-66, against the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
CUSTOMS REFORMS. Department of Finance Secretary Frederick Go (center) visits the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Nov. 28, 2025, where he was briefed by Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno on the bureau’s key accomplishments, ongoing reforms and priority targets. Go expressed his full support to the BOC’s efforts to improve revenue collection, modernize customs procedures and intensify anti-smuggling efforts to protect Filipino consumers from counterfeit goods.
Anti-trust body PCC clears Prime Infra-First Gen deal
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has approved the proposed joint ventures between Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. and First Gen Corp. after concluding a Phase 1 review, finding no substantial competition concerns across interlinked energy markets.
The transaction involves Prime Infra, whose ultimate parent is Razon & Co. Inc., acquiring majority stakes in seven First Gen holding companies. These holding firms collectively possess indirect interests in the Santa Rita, San Lorenzo, San Gabriel, Avion and planned Santa Maria gas-fired power plants, along with an LNG terminal facility in Batangas. Under the P50-billion deal, Prime Infra will get 60 percent of gas-fired facilities, while First Gen will retain the 40 percent.
The PCC’s Mergers and Acquisitions Office assessed six markets—two horizontal and four vertical—and determined the deal is unlikely to significantly reduce competition in any of them. Prime Infra has interests in renew-
DOLE sets labor check priorities amid holiday economic rush
THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) aims for a safe and productive holiday season as it mandates more targeted labor inspections of high-risk workplaces to reinforce workers’ safety.
Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive for proactive government action to ensure the safety and welfare of workers, Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma has signed Labor Advisory No. 14, series of 2025, defining the key instances for priority inspections from November 30 to December 31, 2025.
Secretary Laguesma said that such labor checks are essential to guarantee that the holiday season’s increased economic activity does not come at the expense of worker safety and legal compliance.
DOLE shall prioritize inspections triggered by formal worker complaints and Occupational Safety and Health investigations conducted after major disruptive events. The Department will also maintain its focus on critical technical safety inspections, including inspection of boilers and electrical systems.
The Labor Department shall also inspect high-risk establishments identified under Department Order No. 252, where workers are exposed to imminent danger. This focus extends to sectors with surging seasonal demand, including manufacturing, construction, pyrotechnics, and public transportation. Technical and Advisory Visits to micro establishments will also continue as a priority.
All follow-up monitoring and enforcement from previous inspections will proceed in accordance with the standard department regulations.
Workers are urged to file formal complaints or report violations through the DOLE Hotline 1349, Mondays to Fridays from 6AM to 10PM, via email at hotline1349@ dole.gov.ph, or through the official DOLE Facebook Page.
able energy, water and construction. Through subsidiaries Prime Energy Resources Development B.V. and Prime Oil and Gas Inc., Razon & Co. Inc. holds a combined 45-percent participating interest in the Service Contract 38 Consortium, which operates the Malampaya Gas Field. First Gen, a company under Lopez Inc., operates a varied portfolio that includes geothermal, hydro, wind, solar, and natural gas power plants. In the renewable energy generation market, the combined companies would become the largest player by a slight margin. However, the PCC noted the market remains unconcentrated, characterized by strong competition from both established players and new entrants.
of transaction
Infra’s stakes in gas assets First Gen’s stakes in gas assets
IN A LANDMARK move to support the sector of persons with disabilities (PWDs), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bicol, through its Albay Provincial Office (APO), in collaboration with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Camalig, formally awarded livelihood assistance to the Haplos ng PWD Masseurs Association in Camalig (HAPMAC). The awarding ceremony was held at the
Visitor’s Information Center (VIC) in Sumlang, Camalig, Albay. Under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), the project titled “Haplos ng PWD: Massage and Wellness Service” granted a total of ₱370,647.00 worth of tools and equipment to 15 PWD beneficiaries. These resources will support the association’s therapeutic and wellness services, which include
and LGU
Swedish massage, back massage, daydagay, pinoy hilot, and ventosa. Aligned with the ideals of Bagong Pilipinas under the Marcos administration, the initiative is a joint effort between DOLE Bicol and LGU Camalig, with support from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) and the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO). It aims to uplift the economic status of vulnerable groups, particularly PWDs, by enhancing their capacity to earn sustainable income through skill-based services. DOLE Bicol Regional Director Imelda F. Gatinao emphasized the importance of inclusive opportunities: In her statement, “Salamat sa napakagandang collaboration ng mga government agencies, at natupad na rin ang ating layunin na makamit ang inklusibong oportunidad para sa lahat. Ang PWD Wellness Center na ito ang patunay ng ating pagbibigay ng pantaypantay na oportunidad na trabaho at kabuhayan.” A TOTAL of 211 senior citizens and 41 persons with disabilities (PWDs) were successfully hired on the spot (HOTS) during the two-day
Demonstrating the ideals of
joined forces to support 15 PWDs in Albay with a wellness livelihood project that fosters inclusive growth across the region. Photos by DOLE RO5
LIVELIHOOD
livelihoods keep kids in school in Nueva Ecija
THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) brought renewed hope to families with its DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) through the distribution of livelihood packages to 33 parents of child laborers in Guimba, Nueva Ecija.
Families from the towns of Cuyapo, Guimba, and Aliaga each received Php 30,000 worth of livelihood packages, which include four backyard goat-raising projects, 27 sari-sari stores with rice and vegetables, and two rice farms, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s commitment to strengthening family livelihoods and addressing child labor. The beneficiaries, parents of profiled child laborers between 2022 and 2023, are expected to use the livelihood projects to support their families and keep their children in school.
DOLE Nueva Ecija Field Office Chief Maylene Evangelista emphasized that the program is meant to serve as a bridge for families, so children will no longer be forced to work.
“Nauunawaan namin ang realidad na mahirap ang buhay, kaya’t hangad naming kayo’y matulungan lalo na sa pag-aaral ng inyong mga anak. Ang handog namin ngayon ay unang hakbang lamang, at kayo ang magpapatuloy nito,” Chief LEO Evangelista said.
PWDS WELLNESS TOOLS.
Bagong Pilipinas, DOLE Bicol
Camalig
MPIC seals acquisition of Franklin Baker
By Jenniffer B. Austria
METRO Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) announced Wednesday it has completed the acquisition of Mindanao-based coconut manufacturer and supplier Franklin Baker Company of the Philippines to expand the conglomerate’s agribusiness portfolio.
The deal, carried out through its subsidiary Metro Pacific Coconut Holdings Corp. (MPCH), will provide Franklin Baker with fresh capital to address export backlogs, stabilize operations and ensure long-term growth, MPIC said in a statement.
“In our drive to build a stronger agricultural sector, this acquisition supports key industries such as coconut processing,” said MPIC chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan.
“By bringing Franklin Baker into our portfolio, we are strengthening an important segment of the supply chain and helping ensure that thousands of Filipino farmers and communities benefit from a more efficient and stable industry,” he said.
The acquisition gives MPIC the capacity to process more than 2 million coconuts daily. Together with its significant stake in listed coconut manufacturing firm Axelum Resources Corp., MPIC’s coconut entities now account for nearly 70 percent of the country’s food-grade coconut exports, bolstering the
Philippines’ position in the global market.
Metro Pacific Agro Ventures (MPAV) president and chief executive Jovy Hernandez said the integration of Franklin Baker into the group would help create a more competitive coconut sector.
“Integrating Franklin Baker into the MPAV group allows us to accelerate our goal of creating a truly globally competitive Philippine coconut sector,” Hernandez said.
“With renewed capital and operational support, we will focus on enhancing efficiencies, reinforcing sustainability initiatives, and leveraging our combined scale and support local coconut farmers,” he said.
MPCH’s investment strategy aims to unlock long-term value across the agricultural supply chain through investments that integrate infrastructure, capital, technology and market access. These efforts are also intended to improve farmer livelihoods, promote sustainability and support food security, the company said.
Jollibee Group’s lawyer Vera Marie BautistaKing, general counsel for Corporate & Commercial Global, continues to earn recognition across Asia and the Philippines as a leader in corporate law, most recently named finalist for In-House Lawyer of the Year and Woman Lawyer of the Year at the ALB Philippine Law Awards.
INCLUSIVE banking infrastructure
startup Higala has closed its $4 million seed funding round and is preparing to roll out a nationwide payments platform designed to transform how millions of Filipinos access digital financial services.
The investment is a major milestone for the company, which was founded through a partnership between Chemonics International and Talino Venture Studios. The funding positions Higala to play a central role in the next phase of the Philippines’ payments revolution.
Higala’s platform aims to address persistent gaps in financial inclusion, which continue to affect rural customers and smaller financial institutions due to high transaction costs, unreliable services, and limited interoperability. The current ecosystem also relies on a single national switch, a structural weakness that complicates resilience and competition.
Developed in close collaboration with global development firm Chemonics International, Higala has built a new open-source payments switch based on ISO 20022 standards and
Mojaloop technology. The platform is designed to provide seamless, realtime, low-cost transactions across banks, cooperatives, microfinance institutions, and e-wallets, creating a more inclusive and interoperable payments system.
Chemonics’ decades of experience driving financial inclusion and market-systems reform were central to the project’s early traction, helping design the architecture, ensure interoperability standards, and position the platform for scale.
“We believe inclusive innovation is the key to solving the world’s toughest challenges,” said Jamey Butcher, chairman of Higala and chief executive of Chemonics International. “Our partnership allows us to take techenabled solutions further, faster, combining strong local leadership with scalable infrastructure to create lasting impact.”
Since completing the seed round, Higala has partnered with several leading universal banks, which act as gateways for thousands of rural and thrift banks to connect to instant digital payments. The company has
already onboarded eight rural banks, giving consumers in underserved regions access to secure, real-time digital transactions for the first time.
Higala’s low-cost digital banking platform enables smaller institutions to deploy modern services quickly and with minimal investment. This shift could reduce transaction costs by up to 60 percent and eventually reach an estimated 50 million unbanked or underbanked Filipinos. Higala has also launched a new core banking solution aimed at accelerating the modernization of smaller financial institutions. With early success in the Philippines, Higala is in exploratory discussions to replicate its model in Southeast Asia and Latin America, where similar infrastructure gaps constrain financial inclusion.
“What makes Higala stand out is how quickly our model can scale,” said Winston Damarillo, chief executive of Higala. “We’ve proven it works in the Philippines, and we know it can be replicated across Southeast Asia. The demand for inclusive, interoperable payment systems is huge, and we’re moving fast to meet it.”
PH stocks drop as investors await inflation data; peso sinks
PHILIPPINE stocks went down Wednesday, closing lower despite gains in U.S. and regional stocks, as investors awaited the release of the November inflation rate.
The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) closed at 5,905.84, down 88.56 points or 1.48 percent. The broader all shares index ended at 3,464.79, lower by 10.71 points or 0.31 percent.
The peso likewise slipped against the U.S. dollar, closing at 58.92 on Wednesday from its Tuesday close of 58.521.
“The local bourse closed lower as profittaking and selling pressure emerged in today’s session,” said Luis Limlingan, head of sales for Regina Capital Development Corp.
Limlingan added that market sentiment was subdued due to the depreciation of the peso against the dollar. “Overall trading remained cautious as investors await
clearer market signals,” he said. U.S. stocks, on the other hand, ended higher on expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates soon, despite lingering economic uncertainty.
Among the sectors, only the mining and oil index ended higher, up 0.34 percent.
The services sector saw the steepest decline, down 2.61 percent, followed by financials, which declined 1.14 percent. Industrial and property sectors also dropped by 1.04 percent and 0.51 percent, respectively.
Market turnover reached P6.56 billion. Foreign investors were net sellers, with outflows totaling P1.25 billion.
Converge ICT Solutions Inc. was the day’s top index gainer, climbing 3.63 percent to P16, while DigiPlus Interactive Corp. was at the bottom, slipping by 5.46 percent to P22.50. Jenniffer B. Austria
By Darwin G. Amojelar
METRO Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC)
raised P20 billion from a fixed-rate bond sale, securing capital to fund existing and new tollway projects while simultaneously reducing the company’s debt.
The debut public issuance for MPTC in the Philippine capital markets was oversubscribed by more than three times its base issue size of P15 billion, demonstrating strong investor confidence.
company’s commitment. “The strong take-up was driven by the confidence of our institutional and retail investors,” he said. “Building on this trust, we remain committed to supporting the country’s economic growth through the construction of the Manila-Cavite Expressway, CaviteLaguna Expressway, and accelerating the development of new projects such as the Lapu-Lapu Expressway and others.”
The bonds were rated PRS Aaa with a stable outlook by Philippine Ratings Services Corp. on Sept. 26, 2025. They are now tradable on the Philippine Dealing Exchange (PDEx), with interest to be calculated on a 30/360-day count basis and paid quarterly in arrears.
BPI Capital Corp. and First Metro Investment Corp. served as the joint issue managers, and together with BDO Capital & Investment Corp., China Bank Capital Corp., PNB Capital and Investment Corp., and Security Bank Capital Investment Corp., acted as the joint lead underwriters and joint bookrunners for the offer. MPTC’s portfolio of expressways includes CAVITEX, the
The company said the funds are earmarked for vital infrastructure development, including the continuing construction and maintenance of major expressways such as the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) and the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX). The capital will also accelerate the development of new projects like the future Lapu-Lapu Expressway (LLEX), and be used for new investments and general corporate needs.
MPTC president and chief executive Gilbert Santa Maria affirmed the
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Higala, backed by Chemonics International, secures a
switch in the Philippines. Shown are (from left) Reggie Cariaso, president and
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
PH launches ‘Tatak Pinoy’ to boost industries
By Othel V. Campos
THE government has launched Tatak Pinoy, a program designed to strengthen local industries and give Filipino-made products a competitive edge in state procurement through a 25-percent price advantage and other support measures.
Under the new initiative, companies using domestically sourced materials in government projects can enjoy a significant price edge, allowing them to secure bids even if their offers are higher than imported alternatives.
“You get a 25-percent advantage just for using Filipino-made materials. Even if your bid is higher, you can still win,” said Bryan Ang, vice president for trade at the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the official private sector representative to the Tatak Pinoy Council. The program is built around three key measures: referential bidding, which gives preference to contractors and suppliers using Filipino-made materials such as cement, steel or copper; “green lanes” to fasttrack permits and clearances for accredited Tatak Pinoy investors; and expanded financing provided by the
Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines to help small and medium-sized manufacturers.
The Tatak Pinoy Council, composed of officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Economy, Planning and Development Authority, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the private sector, will oversee accreditation and program implementation.
Priority sectors are expected to include steel, cement, semiconductors, electronics and agriculture, although details on local content requirements are still being finalized.
The Tatak Pinoy Act, or Republic Act 11981, aims to increase domestic procurement, strengthen local manufacturing and promote Filipino entrepreneurship across key sectors.
CYBERSECURITY EXPERT. Edmund Ray Milanes, head of Orion Managed Services at Nexus Technologies, earns dual SANS Challenge Coins, a rare feat among elite cybersecurity professionals from around the world who attend the SANS Institute Amsterdam Training in The Netherlands, recognized for its “world-class, expert-led” cybersecurity education. Milanes received the certification for the Digital Forensics & Incident Response NetWars Tournament and another for the FOR589 Cybercrime Investigations Course.
DOOMSAYERS, again, are predicting the collapse of the Philippine economy amid the anomalous flood control projects exposed in Congressional hearings and media reports.
The economy bore the brunt of the flood control scandals after the gross domestic product grew slower 4 percent in the third quarter of 2025. Infrastructure projects were delayed in the third quarter in the aftermath of the controversy, with procurement and governance issues hounding them.
The controversy led to government underspending, slower project execution and a drag on construction and related services.
Doomsayers and those bent on bringing down the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. surmised that investors’ confidence on the economy would soon taper off because of corruption, especially at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
But the economy is not stalling and investor confidence is not waning a bit.
Debt watcher S&P Global Ratings has even affirmed its investment-grade rating on the Philippines. S&P, in its latest report released at endNovember, kept its ‘BBB+/A-2’ rating on the Philippines, believing that the growth slowdown seems temporary. “The government is continuing its fiscal consolidation, with its debt burden stabilizing. The country’s
PSALM receives 2 bids for Agus-Pulangi plant repair
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE state-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) has received two unsolicited proposals to rehabilitate the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Plant Complex (APHPC) in Mindanao, according to president Dennis dela Serna.
The government entity is focused on the APHPC rehabilitation program next year and hopes to proceed with a concession-type agreement to restore the power plants to their rated capacity.
Dela Serna said the unsolicited proposals came from a consortium and another company, with the second proposal clearing the publicprivate partnership (PPP) process just recently. The official expects
the rehabilitation to begin in 2027 or 2028.
“It’s an asset rehabilitation.
Hopefully with a concession type of agreement to rehabilitate and restore the capacity of those power plants to its rated capacity,” dela Serna said. He said the power plants are currently “operating at less than ideal capacity.”
“Well, what’s for them and for the national government is the rehabilitation of the power plant. Currently, they are operating at less than ideal capacity. Hopefully, the winning concessionaire or bidder or proponent brings it back to capacity and they’re able to sell that electricity,” he said.
Following the PPP code timelines, dela Serna expects the 10-day period for acceptance or rejection, 90 days
for evaluation and 90 to 150 days for negotiation to be completed in 2026.
PSALM will evaluate the feasibility studies on the rehabilitation.
The Agus-Pulangi complex includes seven hydroelectric projects in Mindanao: the 260-megawatt (MW) Agus 1 and 2 in Lanao del Sur, the 213-MW Agus 4 and 5 in Lanao del Norte, the 273-MW Agus 6 and 7 in Lanao del Norte, and the 255-MW Pulangi 4 in Bukidnon.
Dela Serna said the facility would not be privatized, citing a request from Congress and existing limitations in the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) on the direct sale or privatization of the asset.
In 2022, the Department of Finance (DOF) estimated a budget of P16.71 billion for the APHPC rehabilitation projects.
Aseana enrolls properties for retail aggregation program
D.M. WENCESLAO & Associates Inc. (DMWAI) has teamed up with MPower, the local retail electricity supplier (RES) of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), to enroll its properties in Makati and Parañaque under the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP).
The move, continuing a relationship that began in 2019, will see DMWAI subsidiary Aseana Holdings Inc. (AHI) transition its commercial spaces and offices in Aseana City to MPower to secure a competitive and reliable power supply.
The RAP allows smaller electricity end-users to combine multiple accounts within the same franchise area and purchase power in bulk from retail electricity suppliers.
This partnership follows DMWAI’s
external position remains a rating strength,” said S&P, in reference to the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals.
“S&P’s rating decision confirms our view of the favorable long-term economic growth prospects,” said Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona, who met with President Marcos recently to review the country’s economic outlook.
Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, in an earlier report, said the economy remains on a growth trajectory. The third-quarter growth of 4 percent, according to him, “reminds us of the urgent need to address key challenges and strengthen our foundations for rapid, sustained and inclusive growth.
There was a sharp contraction in public construction in the third quarter due to stricter validation measures for the DPWH civil works and the implementation of more rigid requirements that delayed billings and disbursements for government projects.
National Treasurer Sharon Almanza meanwhile, said key market indicators showed no sign of weakened investor confidence, noting that recent Treasury auctions point to calm investor behavior, with broadly stable yields on both shortterm and longer-tenor bills and bonds.
The administration’s promise to jail key scandal
shift last year to the Competitive Retail Electricity Market (CREM), which offers businesses with an electricity demand of at least 500 kilowatts the option to select their electricity provider.
DMWAI first participated in the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) program in 2019, which enables large load consumers to choose their electricity supplier based on their unique needs.
DMWAI president and chief executive Delfin Angelo Wenceslao expressed confidence in the ongoing collaboration.
“Our relationship with Meralco and MPower has grown over the years of working closely together— from planning and building to full operations. Today’s milestone
…the economy is not stalling and investor confidence is not waning a bit.
figures by year-end will help sustain investor confidence. “I think the investigation has been progressing. So we’re really hoping that we address the concerns of our people and investors, and show that the system is working,” she said. Improving credibility, providing a clearer policy direction and holding people accountable for their misdeeds will sustain investment momentum.
“At times like this, what matters most for markets and businesses is not the noise around us, but the strength of our institutions and the steadiness of our long-term fundamentals,” SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) chairman and former BSP Gov. Amando Tetangco said at the BusinessWorld Forecast 2026 forum.
Tetangco added that the country’s institutions remain stable and that the Philippines’ macroeconomic strengths continue to “prevail over instability.”
BDO Capital & Investment Corp. president Eduardo Francisco said business executives remain committed to investing in the Philippines even as they wait for stronger government action.
The Marcos administration has heard the protests and public cries to jail those involved
continues that strong partnership, and we are confident the Meralco and MPower team will remain by our side as we move into the next phase,” Wenceslao said. Meralco first vice president and MPower head Redel Domingo said the milestone with Aseana reflects the deep trust and shared goals that have shaped their partnership since 2019. MPower maintains its position as a preferred local RES, holding more than 30 percent share of the competitive retail electricity market within Meralco’s franchise area. The company is committed to delivering competitive energy solutions and high-quality service, further supporting customer choice programs such as RAP.
Alena Mae S. Flores
in anomalous flood control projects. It has taken the call for accountability and transparency seriously.
For starters, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the DPWH have referred to the Office of the Ombudsman the criminal prosecution for plunder and graft charges against eight so-called “congtractors,” led by resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co The ICI also asked the Ombudsman to conduct further investigation for possible violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act on other lawmakers, ICI chairperson Andres Reyes Jr. explained that “congtractors” refer to congressmen who, by themselves or through their family members, own or control “construction firms that receive project awards or obtain contracts from the DPWH.”
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), in addition, filed tax evasion cases against several former officials of the DPWH First Engineering District in Bulacan, or the so-called “BGC Boys” or “Bulacan Group of Contractors.” It may take time to prosecute the guilty contractors. But as soon as the wheels of justice start to grind, the Philippine economy will be on a more stable footing to resume its robust growth trajectory.
E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com
JOYRIDE PROMO. JoyRide bikers are spotted making a few trips around Metro Manila to deliver cute and cuddly
JoyJoy plushies to the first batch of lucky winners from its giveaway promotion. Norman Cruz
28 Hangzhou companies explore PH investments
By Michael Wong Ho
TWENTY-EIGHT companies from Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China attended a business seminar jointly organized by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Filinvest Development Corporation, and Anvil Business Club from Nov. 22 to 26, 2025.
The delegation included major enterprises such as Alibaba and Xiuzheng Pharmaceutical Group, along with other leading firms from the manufacturing, energy, and logistics sectors.
During the event, the companies explored potential investment opportunities and business expansion plans in the Philippines.
More than 100 Chinese companies have established operations in PEZA-
registered zones including PBCom Tower, Northgate Cyberzone, Filinvest Innovation Park, Filinvest Technology Park-Calamba and Filinvest Cebu Cyberzone, among others.
These Chinese enterprises have generated over 16,000 direct employment opportunities for Filipinos.
PEZA officials and business leaders expressed optimism that the visit would further strengthen economic ties between China and the Philippines and encourage more foreign investments in key growth sectors.
Earlier this year, delegates from PEZA and FilInvest Development Corp. went to Hangzhou city and visited the renowned Chinese companies.
Fujian delegation visits PCERC to enhance education
FUJIAN Province Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese led by its vice chairman Liu Si Yi visited the Philippine Chinese Education Research Center (PCERC) on Nov. 27, 2025.
The seven-member delegation was warmly welcomed by Lin You Nai, director of the PCERC Exchange Department, who shared insights about the history and development of PCERC.
PCERC chairman Huang Duan Ming highlighted that Chinese education in the Philippines has a rich history of 126 years.
There are about 136 Filipino Chinese schools across the country, with 18 of them operating for over a century.
He noted that these schools have thrived without government funding, relying solely on the support of the Filipino Chinese community for fundraising, construction, and development.
This dedication underscores the Chinese cultural emphasis on education and continuous selfimprovement.
Huang also introduced various PCERC programs and initiatives designed to support and advance Filipino Chinese schools.
Liu expressed his admiration for the growth and achievements of the Filipino Chinese education system.
He conveyed a strong interest in future cooperation with PCERC and proposed three key initiatives for collaboration.
These include organizing summer and winter camps to foster the younger generation’s interest in learning Chinese while enhancing their emotional connection to their cultural roots, expanding the scope of these camps to allow students to experience the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of their motherland and jointly developing teacher training programs to elevate professional skills and teaching quality among educators in Filipino Chinese schools.
Both parties expressed optimism about deepening their cooperation and working together to promote the sustainable development of Chinese education in the Philippines.
Michael Wong Ho
‘Ginto’ marks 50 years of PH–China relations
By Julie Ann Lope
THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) launched “Ginto”, a commemorative coffee-table book marking the Golden or 50th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China at the Goldenberg Mansion near Malacañang Palace on Dec. 1, 2025.
First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara and Chinese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Zhou Zhiyong attended the event.
Also present were business leaders including Sergio OrtizLuis Jr., president of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) and Enunina Mangio, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), along with leaders of FilipinoChinese organizations and diplomatic officials.
Speeches were delivered by Zhou; FFCCCII president Victor Lim; FFCCCII honorary president Cecilio Pedro; and FFCCCII board member and public information committee chair Wilson Lee Flores.
Lim said the book “Ginto” commemorates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China and reflects the enduring ties between the Filipino and Chinese peoples.
He described the publication as a testament to the long-standing partnership, cooperation and collaboration between the two countries, highlighting areas where both sides have worked successfully together, including trade, investment, finance, energy, agriculture, food security, infrastructure, tourism,
PH, China celebrate ‘historical
A CULTURAL exchange event in Parañaque City highlighted the centuries-old ties between China and the Philippines, focusing on the historical connection between China’s Dezhou city and the Sulu Sultanate. Hosted by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, the Dezhou Municipal People’s Government and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Association of the Philippines Foundation (FFCAP), the event, titled “Dezhou and Sulu: Historical Bond and Future Ties by the Chinese Cultural Courier @ the Philippines,” drew about 500 diplomats, delegates, and Filipino Chinese community leaders on November 26. Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime
The ‘Dezhou and Sulu: Historical Bond and Future Ties’ event draws about 500 diplomats, delegates, and Filipino Chinese community leaders on Nov. 26, 2025.
bond’
with Dezhou-Sulu event
FlorCruz, in a video message, emphasized the 21-generation-long friendship between the Sulu Sultanate and China.
He described the unique historical bond as a symbol of deep friendship and mutual respect between the two nations and called on both to strengthen their 600-year-old relationship as they mark the 50th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations.
Chinese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Zhou Zhiyong said China is committed to advancing cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations.
He said China would continue promoting modernization while creating more opportunities for shared global development and will take greater re-
THE Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou
sponsibility in fostering global cooperation and harmony.
FFCAP chairman Keeping Tiu echoed this sentiment, saying the historical roots of the Sulu king in China reflect the deep integration of the two civilizations and the enduring friendship between the Filipino and Chinese peoples.
The history of the Sulu king’s tomb and the friendship monument in China was shared by An Jing, a 19th-generation descendant of the Sulu king.
Liu Zhirong, head of the Dezhou delegation, introduced the city’s industrial strengths and strategic location, noting that Dezhou has been listed among China’s top 100 advanced manufacturing cities for four consecutive years.
cultural exchange, scientific, technical, educational cooperation, sports, youth exchange and communication.
“The title, Ginto (or Jin in Chinese), was chosen to reflect the strength, endurance, and timelessness of Philippine-China relations,” he said.
Lim noted that even in the face of challenges, the two nations have continued to support one another, reflecting the strength and endurance of bilateral relations.
“FFCCCII will continue to expand efforts to promote business partnerships and people-to-people
exchanges, and deepen mutual understanding to advance inclusive economic growth and social development in both countries,” Lim said.
Flores co-led the book’s development along with co-chairman Eduardo Cobankiat.
The more than 200-page book contains essays, archival photographs, and accounts on diplomacy, trade, business cooperation and cultural exchange between the two countries over the past five decades.
The book took nearly a year to complete through research, writing and editorial work.
According to FFCCCII, “Ginto” aims to serve as both a historical reference and a visual narrative of five decades of evolving Philippines–China relations.
China is the Philippines’ biggest trading partner.
FFCCCII hopes to help boost Philippine exports to China’s market of over 1.4 billion consumers and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
Group denounces corruption, calls for good governance
ANTI-CORRUPTION watchdog
Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran has denounced pervasive government corruption, citing the recent Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) controversy as evidence of schemes that have stolen “billions from the Filipino people’s future.”
The group warned that the entire political system has “devolved into a systematized looting protocol” and called for immediate public vigilance and accountability.
Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran said the DPWH scandal, which it alleges is just one of many “ghost projects” popping up across different government agencies, reflects a decades-long pattern of abusing public funds without accountability.
The organization cited notorious past controversies including the PEA-Amari deal, the NBN-ZTE deal, the fertilizer fund scam, and the Napoles pork barrel scam as historical
examples of this deep-seated issue.
The group also criticized political dynasties, arguing that power struggles among elites have transformed public office into a battleground for selfinterest. The organization invoked national history, paraphrasing national hero José Rizal, who described Spanish colonial rule as a cancer. “127 years after the liberation, the cancer is still there, but even more insidious in that it is our own political elite plundering the people,” Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran said.
Despite the Philippines being rich in natural resources, the organization said the people remain poor due to misgovernance, crumbling infrastructure and underfunded social services. The group lamented that many skilled Filipinos continue to seek opportunities abroad while those remaining at home are “asleep” to the corruption that plagues the country.
Julie Ann Lope
officer
The FFCCCII launches ‘Ginto’, a commemorative coffee-table book marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China at the Goldenberg Mansion near Malacañang Palace on Dec. 1, 2025.
A delegation of 28 companies from Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province in China attend a business seminar jointly organized by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Filinvest Development Corporation and Anvil Business Club from Nov. 22 to 26, 2025.
Members of anti-corruption watchdog Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran join a protest rally to denounce corruption.
NATIONAL EXPORTERS’ WEEK 2025
Making waves
National Exporters’ Week 2025 cites PH role in global trade
By Patricia Taculao-Deligero
DECEMBER signals the final push toward the end of the calendar year, bringing a sense of reflection and renewed purpose. For the country’s business community, particularly those whose livelihoods are tied to international trade, the first week of December marks a much more focused occasion: National Exporters’ Week (NEW).
The National Exporters’ Week 2025, scheduled from Dec. 1 to 4, sails forward under the energetic theme, “Making waves: Exporters driving the nation forward,” a title that perfectly captures the current moment of national ambition and the pivotal role of the export sector in charting the country’s economic future. This annual celebration is a critical working convention, a gathering where public commitment meets private enterprise, all dedicated to propelling the nation onto the global stage.
Making waves
The foundation of National Exporters’ Week lies in a commitment made decades ago. The event’s designation is rooted in Presidential Proclamation 931, series of 1996, a decree signed by the late President Fidel V. Ramos that declared the first week of December as the dedicated period for recognizing and reinforcing the country’s export development efforts. Its core philosophy behind this proclamation remains deeply relevant today.
National Exporters’ Week was established to achieve the total commitment of both the government and the private sector to continuously work together, sustaining the necessary macroeconomic framework that supports growth in international trade. In simple terms, the week is a powerful mechanism designed to catalyze a “total national commitment to exports” from all corners of society, ensuring everyone moves as one toward a common vision of economic prosperity. Without this concerted, unified approach, the challenge of competing in the vast and complex global marketplace would be significantly more daunting.
Led jointly by agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT), and the Export Development Council (EDC), the observance honors the export industry not just as a revenue generator but as a central pillar of national development, a key driver of economic resilience, and the primary engine for global market expansion.
When consumers in other countries buy Philippine-made goods or avail of Filipino services, they create jobs, stimulate local industries, and inject foreign currency into the domestic economy. This is the simple yet profound relevance of the week for everyday Filipinos; it directly translates to increased opportunities and a more stable economy at home. The 2025 celebration is therefore designed to revisit these fundamental principles while aggressively setting sights on future advancements, particularly within the context of a new, national economic roadmap. National ambition
The urgency and importance of the 2025 National Exporters’ Week are amplified by its direct alignment with the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2023–2028. This ambitious fiveyear strategy, officially launched by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., lays out a clear and challenging trajectory for the nation. The plan’s vision is
straightforward: to transform the Philippines into a leading exporter of high-value products and services by the year 2028. National Exporters’ Week serves as a crucial midterm checkpoint, providing the opportunity to take an
honest, in-depth look at the nation’s progress and highlight the milestones achieved under the PEDP’s strategic targets. For the year 2025 specifically, the plan sets an interim target of reaching $163.6 billion in export revenues. These figures represent more than just statistics; they represent thousands of new jobs, the growth of small businesses, and significant investment in new technologies and production capabilities across the country.
A major strategic action of the PEDP, which is heavily addressed during the week’s sessions, involves overcoming a long-standing weakness in the country’s trade profile: the lack of product diversification. Historically, the Philippines has faced the challenge of having a comparatively concentrated export portfolio, with as much as forty percent of all exports coming from a single product group. To address this structural issue, the PEDP focuses on developing and strengthening four key
industry clusters. These clusters are designed to future-proof the nation’s economy by promoting growth in sophisticated areas: Industrial, Machinery and Transport (IMT); Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT); Health and Life Sciences; and Modern Basic Needs and a Resilient Economy (MBNRE). By shifting the focus to high-value, design-driven and technology-enabled exports, the country intends to move beyond simply exporting raw materials and become a true agile powerhouse in the global economy. This transformation requires strategic actions such as aggressively addressing existing production constraints, cultivating a robust and innovative export ecosystem, and actively increasing the Philippines’ presence and mindshare in major international markets.
Capacity building To achieve the goals of the PEDP, National Exporters’ Week 2025 organized an intensive, four-day
platform for knowledge sharing, robust collaboration, and vital networking. The event brings together the entire export community from seasoned industry leaders and government policymakers to nascent Micro, Small, and Mediumsized Enterprises (MSMEs) and ambitious start-ups. It kicks off with a powerful focus on inclusion, highlighting the crucial contributions of women entrepreneurs.
An opening day information session titled “Navigating barriers, breaking waves: Women entrepreneurs in global trade” is specifically designed to shine a light on women-led businesses, including members of the SheTrades Philippines Hub. This session provides women business owners with essential knowledge on strategic logistics, pathways for financing, and the specific government support systems available for MSME exporters, recognizing that empowering this demographic is a direct path to diversified and sustainable export growth.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
By Nickie Wang
ACTION star and senator Robin Padilla is making a highly anticipated return to showbiz with projects under a new partnership between Viva Films and his own RCP International Productions.
Senator Padilla recently signed the contract just a few days before celebrating his 56th birthday. He called the deal his “greatest birthday gift.”
“This is my ultimate birthday gift because I don’t dream of anything else but to return to Viva. I’m happy here. This is my greatest gift. Thank you,” the senator said in the vernacular, expressing his gratitude to Viva Entertainment COO and chairman Vic del Rosario Jr. Del Rosario welcomed him back warmly and expressed that the partnership is the start of more meaningful collaboration between them.
“This is your world, and you’re welcome at Viva anytime. Your picture is right in front of me every
SHOWBIZ
What to expect from Robin Padilla’s showbiz comeback
day, so I’m thankful that what I entrusted to you—to not do what’s wrong—you’re following. I’m proud of you,” he said. The first project under the collaboration is Bad Boy 3, which will be available on Netflix. Padilla said he resumed shooting after being encouraged by Del Rosario.
“I got emotional. I said, ‘Okay, Boss, I’ll continue it.’ So we resumed shooting around August of last year,” he recalled.
Padilla also revealed plans to revive action-comedy films, a genre he feels has been missing and deserves renewed attention, as most production companies no longer focus on it.
INCLUSIVE STORYTELLING.
Go
who make their movie debut in ‘I’mPerfect’
Krystel Go opens up about biggest break in ‘I’mPerfect’
By Jasper Valdez
KRYSTEL Go is making her movie debut this Christmas through I’mPerfect , one of the entries in the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival. The role is a first for the debuting actress, and part of what drives her is how it reminds her of her father.
Krystel plays Jessica, a woman who falls in love with Jiro, played by Earl Amaba. The movie lets two actors with Down syndrome play characters who live and love on their own terms—something audiences hardly ever get to see in local cinema.
In an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment, Krystel recalled how she reacted when she learned she got the part.
“I was so shocked,” she said, adding that she never found the work intimidating. “Memorizing lines was easy. Just focus. Direk [Sigrid Bernardo] helped me a lot to stay focused.” She shared that she looked forward to shooting each day. “This is the most exciting moment. I was excited every day.” Working with Earl, she said, made filming even more enjoyable. They were already friends before the project, which helped them settle into scenes easily. She added that there was even “a little bit of kilig while filming,” which she thinks audiences will feel, too.
Her time on set also pushed her to grow as an actress. She prepared by studying performances she admired, particularly from The Greatest Love and Huwag Ka Mangamba—projects where her castmate “Mama Sylvia” [Sanchez] starred.
“I prepared on my own. I would mirror what I watched— The Greatest Love and Huwag Ka Mangamba taught me a lot.”
But while the role was fun and memorable, it also brought back feelings that Krystel rarely talks about. When asked what makes her emotional, she immediately mentioned the
people she loves, especially her father.
“When I think about the people in my life… the people I love, just like my father,” she said. The holidays make her think of him even more. “I feel in my heart that he’s very proud of me. Not just proud—my Daddy supports me. He’s my guardian angel.”
Faith has helped her handle both the nerves and the excitement that come with the film’s release. When asked where she gets her confidence, she answered, “God. I always pray.”
She said her prayers are mostly for health, her family, and her I’mPerfect family—a group she now considers a lasting part of her life. “What’s memorable for me is that I gained a new family,” she said.
A line from the film has stayed with her long after shooting wrapped: “Mom! I’m smart, beautiful, talented, sexy! I’m perfect!” For Krystel, it sums up not just her character but her renewed sense of self. “I’m perfect in the eyes of the people who see me now,” she said.
Krystel is not rushing what comes after I’mPerfect and hopes opportunities will unfold when they’re meant to. “We’ll see what happens next. If God opens another door for me, I’ll take it.” For now, she is focused on the release—excited and nervous at the same time, still finding herself without words when talking about it. “I’m speechless,” she said, “speechless but excited.”
I’mPerfect opens in cinemas nationwide on Dec. 25 as part of the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival.
“I missed the humor because action nowadays has become too serious. Even comedy is separated from action. The combination of actioncomedy that we used to have is gone,” he said. As part of his return to Viva, the senator said sequels to past hits such as Maging Sino Ka Man (1991) and
Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum (1991) are on the agenda.
“Boss Vic really wants to do Maging Sino Ka Man Part 2. He said, ‘It’s time for you to do it.’ I said, ‘Okay, as long as Ma’am Sharon [Cuneta] agrees.’ He replied, ‘We’ll talk to Senator Kiko [Pangilinan],’” Padilla added.
GMA exec leads PH jury at ASEAN Kids’ Video Festival
GMA Network vice president and head of Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz led the Philippine jury at the 5th Southeast Asia Video Festival for Children (SEAVFC), held from Nov. 13 to 16 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Javier Cruz and the Philippine panel reviewed child-focused content aimed at inspiring imagination, authentic expression, and stories that reflect the experiences of today’s youth.
“It is a privilege to be a voice that encourages the creativity of children. Giving support and a platform for children are just among the meaningful ways we can nurture their imagination and confidence,” Javier Cruz said. “At GMA Network, we believe that every child has a story worth telling, and we are committed to producing programs and other content that are childfriendly, innovative, informative, educational, and highly engaging.”
Among the festival’s guests were Anak TV president Elvira Yap Go, who founded and convenes the festival; multi-awarded journalist Jessica Soho, host of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho; and Unang Hirit host Suzi Entrata-Abrera
In her opening speech, Yap Go encouraged children to embrace their potential. “Humanity can only move forward on the strength of your courage, your compassion, and your vision. That vision begins the moment you believe you are an author. So, write boldly, write beautifully, and let the magic of peace be the ink that fills your pages,” she said.
Soho, who led the panel “Shaping Young Minds: Teaching Kids to be Good Storytellers of Peace,” highlighted the power of storytelling to inspire, help others, and foster understanding. Entrata-Abrera spoke at the panel “Deep Dive into the Ecosystem of Youth and Children’s Media, and Collaborative Pathways Toward the Sustainability of ASEAN Children’s Media.”
Founded in the Philippines in 2017, SEAVFC promotes television literacy and child-sensitive, family-friendly programming across ASEAN. The festival gathers video enthusiasts, media professionals, young filmmakers, and children from the region, featuring screenings, discussions, talks, and workshops. This year’s theme, “Magic of Peace,” focused on storytelling as a tool to inspire harmony and understanding among ASEAN children. The
the
Philippine winning entry in
Children Videomakers (16–17 years old) category Ang Batong Hindi Ibinato from Pasian National High School in Monkayo East, Davao de Oro.
Robin Padilla (center) poses for the cameras with Vic del Rosario Jr. (left) and Vincent del Rosario after signing with Viva Films for his showbiz return
Senator Robin Padilla speaks to the press about resuming work on ‘Bad Boy 3’ and reviving action-comedy projects
GMA Network’s Angela Javier Cruz (right) leads the Philippine jury at the 5th Southeast Asia Video Festival for Children
Anak TV president Elvira Yap Go highlights children’s creativity at the Southeast Asia Video Festival for Children
From left: ‘I’mPerfect’ cast members Royce, Angela, and Jonathan posing for the cameras as they promote their MMFF 2025 entry
Award-winning broadcast journalist Jessica Soho leads a panel on shaping young storytellers at the Southeast Asia Video Festival for Children
Seasoned actress Sylvia Sanchez (center) supports Earl Amaba (left) and Krystel
(right),
Wellness destination debuts heritage-focused brand makeover
By Nickie Wang T
HE Farm at San Benito has introduced an updated visual identity as it celebrates its anniversary this December, presenting a design that draws from the energy, history, and natural features of its property.
mWell with
RESIDENTS in Palawan’s 1st District now have expanded access to digital healthcare services through virtual medical consultations and electronic health records, developed in partnership with Taytay Mayor Norbert Salvame Lim and Rep. Rosalie Salvame
During a three-day rollout, the company introduced health kiosks equipped with tablets and printers for remote doctor consultations, along with a digital app for Barangay Health Workers to collect and manage patient data. mWell also launched its Health ID, which allows residents to store medical records, prescriptions, vaccination histories, and laboratory results in a single digital profile.
mWell President and CEO Chaye Cabal-Revilla said the initiative aims to reach communities with limited access to healthcare. She noted Palawan’s geography makes digital tools essential to improving local medical services.
“This project reflects what we stand for, ensuring that every Filipino, even in the farthest island, can reach a doctor when they need one,” said Cabal-Revilla. “Palawan represents the strength and resilience of the communities we aim to serve. Through mWell, we are proving that world-class
healthcare can reach them wherever they are.
This is how we build a nation where care truly knows no boundaries.”
Mayor Lim said the program will help residents reduce travel time for consultations and allow local health workers to deliver services more efficiently.
“With mWell now in our district, families who once had to travel far just to see a doctor can now consult online. Our health workers can deliver services more efficiently, and our communities can finally experience the kind of healthcare they deserve,” said Mayor Lim.
“This partnership shows what happens when innovation is driven by compassion. We are bringing hope and healing to our people.”
mWell officials, including head of government and community programs Tisha Quinitio, joined Taytay municipal leaders and health officers during the rollout. Quinitio said the project is designed to integrate digital healthcare into daily community routines and support frontline workers through improved data systems.
The eco-luxury wellness resort described the refreshed identity as embodying the “healing energy” associated with its landscape.
The update centers on the property’s mango tree, considered a landmark on the grounds and believed by some to sit at the convergence of two energy lines. The tree has long been used for intention-setting, ceremonies, and other gatherings, and now serves as the central symbol of the revised branding.
Rahul Chaudhary , managing director of CG Corp Global and CEO of CG Hospitality Holdings, said the evolution
of the resort’s visual identity acknowledges its
The launch is part of a wider public-private effort to strengthen digital health services nationwide. mWell is also working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology on possible integration of its services into the government’s eGov PH app, a move the company said could expand digital access to doctors and health records for millions of Filipinos.
SANTÉ International, a Philippine health and wellness company known for its barley-based products, received the Export Excellence Award at the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines Inc. (ICCPI) Leadership Awards 2025.
The ceremony recognized 20 Filipino and Italian organizations cited for leadership and performance. Awardees were selected through a vetting process overseen by the ICCPI board and judging committee, reflecting the chamber’s standards and its efforts to strengthen ItalianFilipino business ties.
The event was attended by representatives from winning companies and the Italian ambassador
The redesign introduces two
with a refined crossbar on the letter “A,” echoing the curve of the tree’s branches.
According to the resort, the updated identity aims to reflect its integrated wellness programs, which draw from science, tradition, and nature. It is designed to appeal to a broad audience that includes wellness travelers, families, leisure guests, and corporate groups seeking experiences tied to culture and natural surroundings.
The Farm cited activities ranging from ceremonies held under the mango tree to digital detox programs as part of its offerings that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
to the Philippines.
Santé International president and CEO Joey Marcelo said the recognition underscores the company’s export efforts and its work in distributing barley products sourced from New Zealand. He said the award reflects the contributions of the company’s team, business partners, and network of distributors. Santé, which works with several Filipino personalities to broaden its consumer reach, has expanded its presence in the health and wellness sector in recent years. The company said it aims to continue promoting sciencebacked wellness products in local and international markets.
The Santé International team attends the ICCPI Leadership Awards 2025, where the company received the Export Excellence Award for its global wellness initiatives
that
Taytay Municipal Mayor Norbert Salvame Lim (left) and mWell Head of Government and Communities Tisha Quinitio officially seal the partnership to expand digital healthcare access in Palawan’s 1st District and the mWell Kiosk
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
By Nickie Wang
OVER the weekend, the Philippines broke another record. But there’s a bigger story worth telling about the event.
Despite intermittent rain on Sunday evening, Watsons Philippines and Premiere Condoms set a new Guinness World Records title in line with the World AIDS Day commemoration, achieving the World’s Largest Condom Donation in One Hour at the Protected & Proud event held at UP Sunken Garden.
A total of 13,312 condoms were donated in 60 minutes, underscoring the brand’s commitment to promoting safer reproductive health and turning the day into a platform for open conversation and nationwide health awareness.
Campaign expands reproductive health access in PH
that, apart from prevention, reproductive health is also about confidence and informed choices. The event became a platform to talk more openly about protection, conversations that are often avoided or treated with discomfort.
Watsons health director, Joweeh Liao put it plainly when she addressed the audience: the donation mattered because it made protection accessible. That kind of access remains a challenge in
areas where reproductive health resources are limited or clouded by stigma.
“This donation isn’t just about setting a record—it represents access. It means more people can get protection and support for their reproductive health. It’s a practical way to help Filipinos stay safe, informed, and confident, and we’re proud to be part of that,” Liao added.
Part of the effort was tied to purchases of Premiere Condoms’ Love Bundle Pack, which helped fund the donation and UP Babaylan’s HIV prevention programs.
It’s a model that puts community organizations at the center—groups that regularly face the realities of misinformation, limited supply, and
Lullabies have limits
A new sleep clinic redefines comfort and care in sleep testing
SLEEP is one of the most important building blocks of a child’s health and development. Yet for some, even bedtime can pose hidden risks.
In the Philippines, 5 in every 50 children experience a form of sleep apnea, a condition that disrupts breathing and causes kids to wake up, snore, or sleep with their mouth open. Symptoms such as low energy or unusual hyperactivity are often observed, but they are rarely recognized as signs of a sleep disorder, leaving many children undiagnosed.
Recognizing this concern, a new sleep clinic in
Makati is reimagining pediatric sleep testing by combining hospital-level diagnostics with a more comfortable, family-friendly experience.
Hele was founded by Jacky Ang and Perkin Chai , whose own children were diagnosed with sleep apnea.
The couple said their experience with traditional sleep testing, which involved overnight studies in hospital settings, revealed how intimidating the process can be for children and their families. They launched Hele to create a more private, stress-free environment for sleep studies.
listen, and encourage conversations often met with judgment.
“Our partnership with Watsons and UP Babaylan is a reflection of DKT Health’s commitment to community-focused action. For us, sexual wellness goes beyond the product; it means actively supporting organizations on the ground who are fighting HIV stigma, providing essentials like condoms, and driving important education and awareness initiatives,” said Van Dijk.
“We’re all for normalizing conversations on sexual wellness and protection among young people, as well as making essentials like condoms easily accessible. This is about building confidence in our choices—being both protected and proud,” she added. The crowd at the Sunken Garden— umbrellas out, still cheering—offered a glimpse of what open dialogue could look like if made part of everyday health discussions. The record-breaking moment may pass, but the message it carried remains urgent: reproductive health needs to be easy to understand, easy to access, and free of shame.
Watsons, with its nationwide presence and long store hours, sits in a position to push that message further. But the real progress will come from continued partnerships with campus groups, community workers, and young advocates who know the gaps firsthand.
Patients at Hele stay in a private room at Makati Diamond Hotel, with facilities for caregivers and flexible scheduling. The clinic provides hotel-level amenities at no additional cost while maintaining tests monitored by sleep-trained technicians, with results interpreted by partner sleep doctors.
“We wanted to build a clinic where patients and their families can feel safe, relaxed, and cared for,” Ang said. Chai added that many families may be unaware of the risks of pediatric sleep apnea, making early diagnosis and care critical.
Hele aims to provide families with a clearer, smoother path to understanding sleep issues, offering the same standards of hospital care in a setting designed to be more reassuring for children and caregivers.
Parents are advised to consult a doctor if children frequently snore, wake during the night, or sleep with their mouths open.
More information is available at facebook.com/ sleepbyhele and www.sleepbyhele.com.
Makati Diamond Hotel serves as Hele’s
sleep testing suite for overnight studies Hele
Hele patients stay in private rooms at Makati Diamond Hotel with caregiver facilities and flexible scheduling
Fans brave the rain at UP Sunken Garden as Watsons and Premiere Condoms gather participants for the record-setting event
‘Drag Race Philippines’ Season 3 winner Maxie Anderson electrifies the crowd in a performance at the ‘Protected and Proud’ event at the UP Sunken Garden
OPM singer Maki had the massive crowd singing along to his charttopping songs
young people who want answers but don’t always know where to find them.
DKT Health president Denise
van Dijk noted that sexual wellness goes beyond distributing condoms by backing organizations that teach,