BANGKOK — When Team Philippines needed a lift on a long, emotional Sunday at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games here, Agatha Wong once again proved why she is one of the country’s most reliable champions.
The 27-year-old veteran wushu artist steadied the national campaign by clinching the gold in the women’s taijijian and taijiquan, delivering the Philippines’ brightest moment of the day and her sixth career SEA Games gold medal at the Ratthaprasasanphakdi Building Government Complex. Wong topped the field with 9.783 points, edging Brunei’s Lachkar Basma (9.780) and Singapore’s Law Zeanne Zhi Ning (9.766), and capped another composed performance that reaffirmed her status as a pillar of Philippine wushu.
Senate vows pork-free budget
Funding for medical program, farm-to-market roads flagged
testimony needs to be vetted
By Ram Superable
THE Senate is prepared to “fight to the very end” to ensure that the 2026 budget is free of pork-barrel-type provisions, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said yesterday.
In particular, Lacson and Senator Erwin Tulfo jointly flagged sharp funding hikes for the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program as well as for
constructing farm-to-market roads. He asserted that he would refuse to sign the bicameral conference committee report on the 2026 budget unless
By Pot Chavez
By Katrina Manubay
THE Philippine government can use a United Nations anti-corruption treaty adopted in 2003 to help locate and arrest fugitive ex-lawmaker Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co, Senate president pro tempore Panfilo Lacson said on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippine Embassy in Portugal has yet to receive information on the whereabouts of Zaldy Co in the European country, DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said. Lacson explained that the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), ratified by the Philippine Senate in 2006, remains a valid international agreement that allows
LAWMAKERS are closely scrutinizing next year’s funding for flood control projects, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) fighting vigorously to persuade the Bicameral Conference Committee to spare it from significant budget cuts.
On the second day of the bicam meeting, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon spoke before solons to explain why his agency’s funding should not be reduced. Meanwhile, the proposed funding for Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational
Assessment of Hazards) coasted along the bicameral deliberations with relative ease, getting P1 billion for next year.
The project, originally managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is currently operated by the University of the Philippines (UP) and remains the country’s flagship disaster risk reduction and management program.
“We will work with urgency, discipline, and full accountability to ensure that every centavo of the ₱1 billion entrusted to us delivers meaningful and measurable value to the Filipino people,” said Project NOAH chief and UP Resilience Institute (UPRI)
Vince Lopez
By Ram Superable, Rex Espiritu, and Vito Barcelo
provisions increasing allocations for Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients and certain infrastructure projects are corrected.
“Sorry… I cannot sign to ratify a bicam report with P51 billion for MAIFIP, with nothing but guarantee letters from politicians, and it is not compliant with the Universal Health Care Act. Further, I will not associate myself with the P33-billion spending for unplanned and unvetted farm-tomarket roads,” said Lacson, who also chairs the Blue Ribbon committee.
During initial bicameral deliberations, lawmakers raised the MAIFIP allocation to P51 billion for 2026, exceeding both the House proposal of P49 billion and the Senate version of P29 billion, and is significantly higher than the P42 billion approved in 2025.
“All health-related funds must be subsumed under the Universal Health Care program of the Department of Health. Guarantee letters from politicians will only guarantee patronage politics but not the health care needs of Filipinos, especially the indigents,” he reminded.
As this developed, Kalookan Archbishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David warned lawmakers that patronagebased health and social assistance programs, such as MAIFIP, undermine human dignity and weaken constitutional governance.
The prelate criticized what he called
lighted the urgent need to strengthen maritime protection, warning that repeated acts of aggression continue to endanger Filipino lives within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
“I strongly denounce China’s relentless aggression against our fisherfolk. Our fishermen are already struggling to earn a living in our own seas, and yet they are also harmed?” she said in a statement.
Meanwhile, United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson condemned China’s use of water cannons that injured three Filipino fishermen near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal off Palawan on Friday, December 12.
In an X post on Sunday, December 14, Carlson described the attacks as “aggressive tactics,” emphasizing that they threatened the lives and livelihoods of Filipino fishermen.
“China Coast Guard’s aggressive tactics—water cannoning and cutting anchor lines—against Filipino fishers at Sabina Shoal threaten lives and livelihoods,” the post read. She also commended the Philippine Coast Guard for assisting the affected fishermen and upholding the country’s sovereign rights.
“soft pork” in health and social services, saying aid tied to political intervention degrades the poor and erodes public institutions, noting that access to aid often depends on guarantee letters issued by legislators.
During Sunday’s bicameral conference committee deliberations, Lacson emphasized that the chamber’s position is anchored on protecting public funds and preventing the reemergence of abusive practices that allow lastminute insertions and discretionary allocations to creep into the budget.
“It must be pork-free. It is unacceptable that despite so many people being charged, some still insist on engaging in wrongdoing and profiting from public funds, a level of greed that cuts to the bone,” the lawmaker said.
Tulfo echoed the concern by questioning whether the massive increase for farm-to-market roads could invite the same problems that have long plagued flood control spending, particularly in the absence of clear safety and oversight mechanisms.
“The Filipino people who are watching us right now cannot help but think that there might be problems with this. That the issues in flood control will only transfer to farm-to-market roads,” said Tulfo.
“When public assistance is delivered through patronage, through discretionary lump sums, lists controlled by politicians, and post-enactment intervention, it transforms rights into favors and citizens into supplicants,” David said.
He urged lawmakers to ensure that
medical assistance is provided through rules-based systems such as government hospitals and PhilHealth, without political mediation.
“The poor do not need benefactors, they need justice,” David stressed.
The bicameral panel discussed the P33 billion for farm-to-market roads, an amount higher than the House allocation and more than double the P16 billion originally proposed in the National Expenditure Program.
Senator Pia Cayetano argued that when unreleased funds from 2025 are tallied, the total spending for farm-tomarket roads in 2026 could reach as high as P43 billion, nearly triple historical levels.
Questions were also raised about the absence of a finalized master plan, with lawmakers warning that spending without a clear roadmap could undermine transparency and effectiveness.
House appropriations officials maintained that a comprehensive plan exists but acknowledged gaps in coverage, particularly in geographically isolated areas.
“FMRs are needed but must not be distributed according to Congressional Districts, but must be distributed or implemented according to the needs of the area, based on population, land area, and others, and not through politically divided districts,” Senator Loren Legarda suggested.
Meanwhile, Lacson clarified that compromise is inherent in bicameral conference committee deliberations, but stressed that the integrity of the spending bill must remain non-negotiable.
“The bicam could be a matter of
ered by the National Bureau of Investigation from Co’s condominium unit to complete committee records and support future legislation.
countries to cooperate in fighting corruption across borders.
“We are a signatory, along with 191 other countries worldwide, to a UN anti-corruption agreement among different nations. Imagine 192 countries.
If the Philippine government taps the resources of the other 191 countries, you can imagine how wide the reach would be in locating and arresting Zaldy Co,” he said.
The veteran lawmaker pointed out that Article 38 of the convention obliges state parties to assist one another in investigations and criminal proceedings related to corruption cases.
He said the Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Foreign Affairs could study this option as a way to strengthen ongoing efforts to locate Co
According to Lacson, tapping the convention could complement the Philippine government’s request for an international police alert through Interpol, especially since Co’s passport has already been canceled.
Lacson also said the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which he chairs, may formally obtain documents recov-
such reports misleading and inaccurate.
Executive Director Professor Mahar Lagmay in a statement.
During his presentation, Dizon asked the committee to restore about ₱45 billion in cuts to the DPWH’s 2026 budget, explaining that more funding is necessary to properly apply updated Construction Materials Price Data (CMPD) for ongoing projects. He then denied claims that the agency is reverting to higher construction costs or reviving scrapped projects, calling
“Sixth SEA Games gold medal of my career. For God and my country,” Wong said after her win, which added to her taijiquan titles in 2017, 2019 and 2021 and taijijian crowns in 2019 and 2021.
“Ang payo ko is if you want something, you have to keep on working… I think my no. 1 fear is mapahiya ko ang Pilipinas, but today, I’m glad that I performed and I delivered,” she added, dedicating the victory to her family and the nation.
Wong’s golden effort set the tone for
Senator Erwin Tulfo, who questioned why the DPWH chief was called as a resource person, warned that this could set a precedent for summoning agency heads.
Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez countered that committees have the right to call resource persons to clarify unclear budget matters.
On Saturday, Senate Committee on Finance chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian disclosed that senators and congressmen were inclined to make significant cuts in the DPWH’s budget. The funding reduction is seen as being
a mixed, but hopeful day for the Filipinos, highlighted as well by another strong showing from Olympic medalist Kayla Sanchez, already the most bemedaled Filipino athlete in this edition of the Games.
Sanchez narrowly missed a fourth gold after settling for silver in the women’s 50-meter freestyle, finishing just 0.12 seconds behind Singapore’s Amanda Lim Xiang Qi.
The Philippines completed a podium double as Heather White captured the bronze.
Despite the slim margin, Sanchez’s silver further embellished a historic campaign that has already seen her collect three golds and two silvers, sur-
give-and-take, but we must ensure the integrity of the budget and not allow self-interest. The interest of constituents is important, but not the interest of kickbacks in infrastructure projects,” he said in a radio interview.
Lacson pointed out that the Senate’s version of the 2026 budget already contains several key reforms aimed at eliminating mechanisms that resemble pork barrel as well as those that weaken accountability in the allocation of public funds.
Among these reforms is the removal of so-called “allocables,” which Lacson described as a new form of pork barrel that allows funding for unspecified projects and opens the door to bidding irregularities favoring select contractors.
Live streaming budget deliberations from committee hearings through bicameral meetings, the veteran lawmaker added, has also strengthened transparency by making lawmakers accountable for amendments they introduce.
The Blue Ribbon panel chairman also urged the media and public to remain vigilant to prevent manipulations in the 2026 budget bill as bicameral conference committee proceedings are livestreamed for the first time.
Six senators missed the second day of the bicameral conference committee meeting on the proposed P6.793trillion national budget for 2026.
The absent senators were Pia Cayetano, JV Ejercito, Camille and Mark Villar, Ronald dela Rosa, and Bong Go. With Vito Barcelo
Ako Bicol party-list representative as a “fugitive from justice.”
He also rejected claims of demoralization in the Senate despite the possibility that some lawmakers could face arrest in connection with the flood control controversy.
The senator acknowledged that the situation has caused sadness among senators, but said there remains strong enthusiasm to continue legislative work and push reforms aimed at ending corruption.
“Filipinos are getting hit from two sides. They are hit on the expenditure side and hit on the revenue side. The people are completely beaten down,” Lacson said. “There should be a limit. Some people really don’t know when to stop; they don’t know when to quit.”
In an interview with DZBB on Sunday, Dec. 14, Escalona explained that the embassy has not received any report on the Co who fled the country ostensibly for medical reasons, but has not returned since he was implicated in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal.
The Philippine government has yet to determine the exact location of Co af ter the DFA canceled his passport on Dec.10 following a Sandiganbayan order, which declared the former
connected to a string of corruption controversies currently besetting the department.
“Later on, we will see the budget decrease. For example, in flood control, there will be a big decrease. Within DPWH, there will be other budget cuts because the funds are not being used,” Gatchalian said in Filipino.
In a separate motion for reconsideration submitted to the Senate, the DPWH requested that the deducted amounts be restored and that the agency be allowed to implement project cost adjustments using the updated CMPD Special Issuance as part of its executive functions.
The department said this would en-
passing the mark set by Akiko Thomson as the winningest Filipina swimmer in a single SEA Games.
On the roads of Prachin Buri, Philippine cycling continued to grind out results as the men’s team time trial squad claimed a bronze medal, finishing behind Indonesia and Thailand in the 48.50-kilometer race.
“It was a tough race but our training paid well for us,” said Mark John Lexer Galedo, part of the road coaching staff.
Meanwhile, Gilas Pilipinas provided a rousing note on the hardcourt, opening its men’s basketball title defense with an emphatic 83-58 rout of Malaysia at Nimibutr Stadium.
Ray Parks Jr. led the way with 18
explained that all evidence must first be filed before the DOJ for verification.
“These are serious accusations. However, all evidence must be filed with the DOJ to first be verified along with a proper complaint for us to initiate investigation into the appropriate criminal charges,” he said. The Office of the Vice President (OVP) described Madriaga’s testimony as “fishing expedition” to create semblance of legitimacy for an investigation. Gadon said he recalled the Vice President’s tendency to order assassination citing her earlier remarks against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Madriaga, who is currently being detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, alleged in his affidavit that Duterte’s campaign funds were sourced from POGO and drug dealers. Yesterday, Sara Duterte described the matter as “another fishing expedition” to create a semblance of procedural legitimacy for an investigation.
However, Gadon defended Madriaga’s statements noting that it is “full of authenticity and truth”.
He added that there were also enough evidence including the issue of confidential and intelligence funds, as well as the OVP’s grossly overpriced procurement of equipment.
“Sara can no longer issue statements of sweeping denial written for her by her employee , mere facetious and hypocritical denial will no longer work. She should quit referring to the people which she psychotically believe are still supporting her,” he said. While Gadon acknowledges that the DOJ) must first verify all evidence, he stressed that he was calling for the Vice President’s resignation to avoid possible alteration or suppression of evidence.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. also directed the DFA and the Philippine National Police to coordinate with embassies abroad, as well as with governments of other countries, to help bring Co back to the Philippines.
Escalona explained that when the DFA cancels a passport, this action is reported to the Bureau of Immigration and the local INTERPOL office, which subsequently alerts INTERPOL globally to flag the passport in its border control system.
However, she noted that the DFA cannot verify whether Zaldy Co holds a foreign passport, such as a Portuguese one.
“The DFA cannot answer if he has a foreign passport, not ably a Portuguese passport. Not all Filipinos who obtain foreign citizenship and passports report this to the DFA),” she added.
Earlier, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla said they are coordinating with Portuguese authorities amid suspicions that Co acquired a passport from Portugal many years back.
Remulla emphasized that while the cancellation of Co’s Philippine passport will restrict his ability to travel abroad, the alleged existence of a Portuguese passport might complicate matters.
sure accurate costing and the proper execution of projects.
The DPWH stated that its request was necessary to avoid inaccurate estimates that could render projects unimplementable, potentially leading to underspending and related legal and administrative issues.
The increased funding was approved alongside other amendments to the P18-billion budget for the country’s state universities and colleges during the first day of the bicam deliberations led by Gatchalian and House Appropriations Chairman Mikaela Suansing.
“Once we give them this amount,
points as the Filipinos clamped down defensively to turn an early deficit into a runaway win.
“We have to get better as the tournament goes on,” Gilas coach Norman Black said. “Defensively, we played well in the second and third quarter… Hopefully, we’ll get another victory against Vietnam in our next game.”
Not all results went the Philippines’ way.
Alas Pilipinas bowed to Vietnam in straight sets in the women’s indoor volleyball semifinals, falling short of a long-awaited finals return.
In weightlifting, Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz endured a difficult return to the SEA Games, finishing fourth in
we are committed to contributing to a meaningful Christmas to everybody through improved peace and order measures,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief said police commanders were tasked to secure churches and other places of convergence. Millions of devout Catholics are expected to participate in the traditional masses, which will be held for nine days, leading up to Christmas eve (December 24) and Christmas Day (December 25).
As part of security measures, the PNP will intensify foot patrols, checkpoints, and mobile units around churches while strengthening coordination with local government, barangay officials, and church authorities for crowd management and emergency preparedness.
Nartatez said among their primary concerns are possible cases of theft, pickpocketing, and ensuring safe traffic flow around crowded areas.
they can help the DPWH design flood control projects such that there would no longer be any opportunity to place such projects in areas you’re not supposed to,” Suansing said.
The P1 billion budget for Project NOAH was already earmarked in the House version of the General Appropriations Bill and sourced from the over P255-billion cut made to the DPWH. Other advocates like Negros Occidental Rep. Javi Benitez touted Project NOAH’s ability to produce real-time, high-quality hazard maps used by local government units for their disaster management and resilience programs.
the women’s 58kg division and missing the podium. The two-time SEA Games gold medalist was candid afterward.
“First, I want to say sorry but I did my best… it’s not an excuse. At the end of the day, hindi ako sumuko,” Diaz said, citing lingering injury issues and the challenge of returning after nearly two years away from competition.
The horizon, though, remains bright for Team Philippines, with Alex Eala set to begin her singles and mixed doubles campaigns in tennis as she chases a breakthrough SEA Games gold, and the Philippine U22 football team on the cusp of history as it faces Vietnam in the semifinals, eyeing the country’s first-ever finals appearance.
DOH eyes zero balance billing to LGU hospitals by 2026
THE Department of Health (DOH) bared that some local government unit (LGU) hospitals could be covered by zero balance billing by 2026, after the Senate included a P1 billion budget for the program’s expansion during the Bicameral Conference Committee (bicam) meeting.
“We’re thankful to the Senate for including the Zero Balance Billing expansion for local government unit hospitals. In last night’s discussion, it seems there will be a P1 billion allocation,” DOH spokesperson
Thousands gather to honor, FPJ on his 21th death anniv
THOUSANDS of Filipinos, young and ol, came together to commemorate the 21st death anniversary of Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ), highlighting how the legacy of “Da King” continues to bridge generations and inspire Filipinos from all walks of life.
The event drew longtime supporters who stood by FPJ during his lifetime, alongside hundreds of youth leaders and young Filipinos who learned about him through his films, values, and stories passed down by families and communities.
More than two decades after his passing, FPJ’s influence remains evident among both those who witnessed his journey and those discovering his legacy for the first time.
Friends and family members of FPJ were present throughout the commemoration, standing alongside supporters who have kept his memory alive for over 21 years. The presence of both veteran campaigners and youth groups such as FPJ Youth and Kabataan sa Kartilya ng Katipunan reflected a rare continuity, where admiration for FPJ transcends age and time.
Youth leaders said FPJ’s character continues to resonate even among those who never saw him serve in public life.
“We in the youth may not have personally witnessed FPJ’s service, but his films left a deep mark on us. In FPJ Youth, we continue his legacy, such as helping the people and understanding what they truly need,” said FPJ Youth spokesperson Sandro Atillano.
Veteran supporters recalled the passion and courage that defined their early involvement with FPJ’s advocacy, underscoring the depth of loyalty that remains decades later.
Others reflected on how FPJ’s onscreen heroism mirrored the compassion he quietly showed in real life.
Albert Domingo told Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.
Domingo explained that with the proposed budget, the DOH can tap Level 3 LGU hospitals.
“The bicam is not done yet. We
are hoping that the allocation will increase, but if not, we can cover Level 3 hospitals in around six to eight provinces for zero balance billing,” he said.
In selecting hospitals, Domingo said it is important that LGUs have organized accounting systems and sound public management.
“Candidate LGUs include Sarangani, Laguna, Aklan, and Benguet, while Pampanga, Bataan, and Quezon are also being considered,” he said.
“Ideally, P29 billion would
have been allocated to that program, but we’re also okay with around P1 billion so it can be pilot-tested by 2026,” Domingo added.
Malacañang earlier said more than 1.078 million Filipinos have benefited from the government’s zero-balance billing policy in four months. To avail of zero-balance billing, patients must be admitted to basic accommodation or ward facilities for PhilHealth to cover 100 percent of the hospital bill.
Salceda denies role in alleged 2024 budget add
FORMER Albay Congressman Joey Sarte Salceda has denied allegations linking him to the “insertion” of a special provision in the 2024 National Budget that was cited as basis for the government’s withdrawal of billions of pesos from Government-Owned and -Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), particularly the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
The allegation was raised by retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio in an interview with journalist Christian Esguerra on the YouTube program Facts First Tonight, referring to a bill Salceda allegedly introduced for the 2024 budget.
In a letter to Esguerra, Salceda said the allegation was “incorrect.”
He also cited a report by the Institute of Risk and Strategic Studies Inc., which he chairs, detailing the facts of the issue.
“First, I was never a member of the Appropriations Committee, the bicameral conference committee, or the small committee in the 19th Congress. An insertion by me is procedurally impossible,” Salceda said.
“Second, the claim that the 2024 provision was lifted from my bill does not stand. My bill never became law. It sought to amend the 2023
budget and allowed GOCC excess funds to be tapped only if they were unencumbered by benefit obligations. Under that rule, PhilHealth could not remit anything if it had legal liabilities to fund,” he added.
Salceda said the 2024 provision was “completely different,” as it mandated GOCCs to reduce reserves to historical levels and imposed
PAGASA: Three weather systems to bring rains over PH
THREE weather systems are forecast to bring rains over parts of the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Sunday.
The weather bureau said the shear line will bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms over Aurora and Quezon.
Caraga and the Davao Region will have cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to easterlies. Metro Manila and the rest of Calabarzon will experience cloudy skies with light rains due to the northeast monsoon.
The Visayas, Bicol Region, Mimaropa, and the rest of Mindanao will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by easterlies.
The rest of Luzon will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rains due to the northeast monsoon. Strong to gale-force northeast winds and rough to very rough coastal waters will prevail over Northern Luzon. Central Luzon and the eastern section of Southern Luzon will have moderate to strong northeast winds and moderate to rough seas.
The rest of the archipelago will experience light to moderate northeast winds and slight to moderate coastal waters.
IN BRIEF
Cops arrest teacher in alleged abuse case
OPERATIVES from the Manila Police District–Police Station 12 arrested a teacher who allegedly threatened a boy student to keep quiet about what he witnessed inside a school comfort room in Tondo, Manila. The suspect, a 52-year-old teacher at Torres High School on Juan Luna Street in Barangay 174, Tondo, is now detained at MPD-PS 12. He was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued by Presiding Judge Maria Lorenza Barias-Siosana of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 38 dated December 11, 2014, with recommended bail set at P120,000. A 12-year-old boy told police he saw the suspect molesting a young girl inside the comfort room. The teacher allegedly noticed him watching, chased him, and cornered him. The boy said the suspect threatened to feed him cockroaches and kill him if he reported the incident. The suspect denied the accusations as police continue their investigation. Itchie G. Cabayan CamSur lawmakers push roll-over data
CAMARINES Sur lawmakers on Sunday called for the passage of the Roll-Over Internet Data Bill in 2026 to remove expiry dates on prepaid and postpaid internet subscriptions. Representatives Miguel Luis Villafuerte of District 5, chair of the information technology and communications committee, and Renato Luigi Villafuerte of District 2 urged the Senate to pass its version of the measure. They said the bill would allow sub-
submission deadlines, effectively compelling the release of free cash on hand. He said this raised constitutional issues, particularly for GOCCs whose charters protect their reserve funds.
“I introduced House Bill No. 9513 to fund the 2023 COVID-19 borrowings, which was passed by the House of Representatives but did not become law,” he said.
HOLIDAY CRAWL. Motorists endure heavy tra c along northbound EDSA in Pasay City as the holiday season nears. Norman Cruz
XMAS FOOD BOXES. Residents line up before dawn in the Parola area of Tondo to receive Christmas food boxes from the Manila City government, with queues stretching until sunrise. Norman Cruz
REMEMBERING ‘DA KING.’ Thousands gather to mark the 21st death anniversary of Fernando Poe Jr., underscoring how ‘Da King’s’ legacy continues to unite and inspire generations.
PNP-PDEA team bags P176-m drugs, arrests five in buy-bust
By Vince Lopez
IN BRIEF
Central Luzon police report drop in crimes
THE Central Luzon police reported on Sunday, Dec.14, that crime incidence in the region declined last month, reflecting the sustained impact of intensified law-enforcement and proactive policing efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Comparative crime data showed that total crime incidence decreased from 3,576 cases last October to 3,366 cases in November, registering a reduction of 210 cases or 5.87 percent.
Crimes classified under the Eight Focus Crimes, specifically murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, and carnapping (vehicles and motorcycles) also decreased. from 1,522 in October to 1,460 in November, equivalent to 62 fewer cases or a 4.07 percent drop.
Last month, the regional police force also recorded the arrest of all “Top 10 Most Wanted Persons” in the region within just four days, following intensified manhunt operations supported by actionable intelligence and close coordination among operating units. Vince Lopez
Troops shoo away Reds in Northern Samar town
SOLDIERS repelled a band of suspected communist insurgents during an armed skirmish in Brgy. Osmeña, Palanan, Northern Samar on Thursday, Dec. 11, the Army reported.
“Before these encounters, the armed group had threatened civilians by planting IHL-banned anti-personnel mines along farm-to-market roads frequently used by local residents,” the report stated.
The troops confiscated an M653 rifle, .a 45 caliber pistol, several rounds of ammunition, and personal belongings of the New People’s Army guerillas.
“The insurgents who choose to surrender are assured of humane treatment and full support through government reintegration programs that help rebuild their lives and allow them to return to the community with dignity,” the Army said. Rex Espiritu
Central Luzon police report drop in crimes
THE Central Luzon police reported on Sunday, Dec.14, that crime incidence in the region declined last month, reflecting the sustained impact of intensified law-enforcement and proactive policing efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Comparative crime data showed that total crime incidence decreased from 3,576 cases last October to 3,366 cases in November, registering a reduction of 210 cases or 5.87 percent.
Crimes classified under the Eight Focus Crimes, specifically murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, and carnapping (vehicles and motorcycles) also decreased. from 1,522 in October to 1,460 in November, equivalent to 62 fewer cases or a 4.07 percent drop. Last month, the regional police force also recorded the arrest of all “Top 10 Most Wanted Persons” in the
By Rex Espiritu
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Armed Forces of the Philippines Pension and Gratuity Management Center (AFPPMC) on Friday modernized its services for military veterans with the inauguration of a newly renovated Heroes Lounge and the launch of a dedicated mobile application for AFP pensioners. The renovated facility provides a more comfortable and accessible space for pensioners transacting at the AFPPMC, while the newly launched mobile application offers a faster and more secure platform for retirees to manage their pension information. Through the app, pensioners can update their records, access personal
details, and receive timely notifications without the need for frequent inperson visits.
In his message, AFP deputy chief Lt. Gen. Rommel Roldan paid tribute to the veterans, underscoring their enduring role in the nation’s defense.
“To our pensioners, let me speak from the heart: you may no longer wear the uniform, but in the eyes of every soldier standing guard today, you are the reason why we continue to fight, every single time for the country,” Roldan said. The AFPPMC said the twin initiatives reflected the AFP’s continuing commitment to honor the sacrifices of its pensioners by delivering “accessible, transparent, and reliable public service, in line with ongoing modernization efforts.”
PEPA marks 75th year, cites Win for pushing
reforms
THE Philippine Educational Publishers Association (PEPA) marks its 75th year in ceremonies honoring its partners and supporters led by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Committee on Education during the 19th Congress. The event with the theme “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Public in the Future” was held last Dec. 5 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
Gatchalian was particularly cited for his “diligence in pushing for educational reforms” in his capacity of the Education committee.
In his acceptance speech, Gatchalian reiterated his belief that public schools should be permitted to select the textbooks best suited for their students and their conditions, citing the practice of private schools whose textbooks are chosen by subject coordinators and teachers.
Other honorees were Senator Rodante Marcoleta, former congressman Antonio Cerilles of Zamboanga del Sur, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and Rodelio Dascil, director general of the Senate Tax Study and Research. They were cited for their role in the crafting of the Book Industry Development Act (RA 8047).
Plaques were likewise presented to government and private agencies like the Department of Education, the National Book Development Board, the Private Education Assistance Committee, and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines.
PEPA, one of the oldest associations of Philippine publishers, was founded in 1950.
PHILIPPINE
National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Sunday, lauded the arrest of five “high-value individuals” and seizure of 27.27 kilos of illegal drugs and paraphernalia with an estimated street value of P176.2 million during a buy-bust operation in Taguig City conducted on Saturday, Dec. 13.
“There is no safe place for drug syndicates in Metro Manila or anywhere in the country. It doesn’t matter how big your operation is, you will be found and brought before the law,” he said. The suspects were identified as John Walter Bernaldo Carlos, 24, from General Trias City, Cavite; Danny San Jose Ordoñez, 54; Alvin Zabala Escovidal, 29, from Brgy. Rizal, Taguig City; Joniel Coricor Almeda, 40, from Tanay, Rizal; and Elmer Rabanes, 25, from, Napindan Taguig City. A joint operation led by the PNP Drug Enforcement Group – Special Operations Unit National Capital Region, with support from the Southern Police District Intelligence Division and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), resulted in the arrest of the five suspects around on C6 Aura Duterte Street, Purok 5, Brgy. Napindan. Operatives confiscated more than 25.5 kilograms of suspected shabu worth P173.4 million, about 1.77 kilograms of suspected high-grade marijuana (kush) valued at P2.6 million, and 140 pieces of marijuana oil cartridges worth P210,000. Also seized from the suspects were the buy-bust money, a Glock 17 pistol with four live ammunitions, five mobile phones, and four identification cards.
PEPA president emeritus Dominador Buhain said Gatchalian’s proposed solution for providing each public school student with a set of textbooks through liberalized procurement was being adopted by advanced countries with high ratings in international assessments like China, Japan, Finland and Singapore, whose students score high in international assessments like PISA.
DAR, Landbank launch new online payment platform
By Rio N. Araja
THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Central Visayas, in partnership with state-run Land Bank of the Philippines, has launched a new digital platform called LANDBANK Link.BizPortal, designed for faster and more efficient online payment system for government transactions.
DAR-Central Visayas regional director lawyer Sheila Enciso said adopting the new digital payment systems directly benefits agrarian reform stakeholders by improving service speed and accountability.
“This partnership with LandBank enables DAR to deliver services faster and with greater transparency. Digital payments help us ensure secure, traceable transactions while making our services more accessible to agrarian reform beneficiaries,” she said.
DAR recently formalized the partnership through a memorandum of agreement with LandBank branches on Mango Ave., Osmeña Blvd., and Tagbilaran City.
The agreement strengthened DAR’s digital transformation efforts and ensures more convenient, transparent, and secure financial transactions for its clients.
The LANDBANK Link.BizPortal allows clients to pay government fees online anytime, anywhere via various digital channels.
By reducing manual processing and cash handling, the system enhances operational efficiency, lowers administrative costs and strengthens financial security.
The initiative forms part of DAR’s broader digitalization drive in support of the government’s e-governance agenda.
PEPA TURNS 75. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is conferred a Plaque of Recognition highlighting the Philippine Educational Publishers Association observance of its 75th year. Also in photo are (from left) Danda Crimelda Buhain and lawyer Dominador Buhain of REX Education, Jose Paolo Sibal of Phoenix Publishing House, and John Emyl Eugenio of C&E Publishing Inc.
OPINION
Uneasy lies the un-crowned head
HERE we go again. With the highly distrusted leadership still unable to recover from the worst corruption scandal in Philippine history, in part caused by the worst national budget ever, the enemies of Inday Sara Duterte have once again gone on the offensive. On what are now billed as “genuine reform” initiatives such as asking Congress to pass priority measures like the antidynasty bill, an empowered investigative commission, even a blockchain “transparency” bill called CADENA, Malacanang reacts to LEDAC suggestions after seeing its new popularity numbers plunge.
But more of that make-believe in future articles.
Because Inday Sara is still the most preferred presidential candidate for 2028, and her trust and approval ratings double those of the current leadership, the DDH (Diehard Duterte Haters) are once more on the warpath.
The extreme left who likes to call themselves “progressives” are preparing another impeachment complaint, because the one-year ban ends a scant eight weeks from now.
Self-styled reformists among civil society led by a priest whose human rights crusade has earned for him a CIA-sponsored Magsaysay award have filed a complaint against the embattled vice-president before the newly-minted Ombudsman.
And the bellicose Bienvenido Abante, bishop of a Protestant denomination who lost the count but won George Garcia’s Comelec-tion in Manila’s sixth district, wants to initiate another inquisition “in aid of legislation” in the Congress that many now want abolished.
Uneasy lies the un-crowned head.
For Inday Sara, it will be a case of parrying unkind blows from now till May of 2028.
Reluctant to run for president in 2022 even if she could bank on the historically high approval and trust ratings of a father with whom she had running personal issues, she was hoodwinked to join a “Uniteam” that eventually crowned the leader now determined to decapitate her as princeling.
Let me take a page from my own recollections of contemporary political history: In June 2014, at the belated birthday blow-out of then Makati Rep. Butz Aquino, conversation between this writer and the late Fulgencio “Jun” Factoran of the Cory Cabinet centered on the forthcoming elections of 2016.
Jun was a close buddy from UP student days of Vice-President Jojo Binay who squeaked into a stunning victory over PNoy’s partner Mar Roxas in 2010, and was doing 41 percent in the early presidential surveys among numerous candidates the research firms labelled as “presidentiables.” All the others were biting Binay’s
dust, with single-digit preferences.
This writer told Jun that if I were Jojo, when the next survey predictably gives him sky-high ratings, my reaction would be: “I thank our people for their continuing support, but while I should be happy at this, it also gives me worry, that my political enemies (I described this in Tagalog as mga naghaharing-uri), will never accept someone as dark-skinned as me, someone from the poor working class, to ever become president.”
“So I am sure that heretofore, these ‘naghaharing-uri,’ the political and economic elite who have long ruled this country, will come up with lies and unfounded charges to besmirch my reputation.”
For Inday Sara, it will be a case of parrying unkind blows from now till May of 2028
Two weeks later, in our regular Thursday lunch in the now 24-year-old Thursday Group, Jun Factoran pulled me aside and reported that Jojo Binay’s negative reaction to my suggestion was this: “With my high survey ratings, and the fact that I am and always have been a Cory loyalist, the Aquino family and even PNoy will eventually endorse me in 2010.”
“Pustahan tayo, Jun, I added: hindi siya ie-endorso ni Pnoy.”
In the next few months, the trio of Alan Cayetano, Sonny Trillanes and Koko Pimentel mounted an offensive using the Senate as their soapbox. And Jojo’s survey ratings started to plummet.
On Jan. 8, 2015 this writer, together with Sonny Dominguez, Bingbong Medialdea, Bebot Alvarez, with the ubiquitous Bong Go present, prevailed over the longtime mayor of Davao City to move around the country, beginning in my adopted hometown, Butuan City, and start what Dominguez labelled a “listening tour.”
Duterte did not do a listening tour. He regaled the initial Bisaya audiences with long-running monologues about imperial Manila, with touches of 1521, when LapuLapu, the Bisaya chieftain, killed the invader Magellan in Mactan Island.
And elsewhere, beginning with his classic “I hate drugs” in a De La Salle convocation at the invitation of my friend Dr. Jules Teehankee, he began to slowly capture the imagination of Luzon voters.
The rest of course is history.
For the last two years running, an embattled Sara has endured, whatever the truth or un-truth of the dirt thrown at her.
But she cannot rest. Nunca descansar.
The AI phase of the ASEAN–Korea partnership
DIGITAL innovation now sits at the heart of ASEAN–Korea relations, shaping conversations around growth, security, and resilience as both regions navigate a rapidly changing environment.
This strategic role was underscored at the recent ASEAN–Korea Forum, organized by Geopolitics Insight in cooperation with the Korea University ASEAN Center (KUAC), the Stratbase Institute, and the University of the Philippines Korea Research Center (UP-KRC).
The discussions underscored a shared view that artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity are now core pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, shaping everyday economic life for consumers and small businesses across the region.
Speakers emphasized that cooperation must be pragmatic, inclusive, and people-centered, principles that align with ASEAN priorities and with the Philippines’ direction as incoming ASEAN Chair.
For ordinary Filipinos, this will shape whether families can safely pay bills online, whether a neighborhood store can accept digital payments without fear, and whether MSMEs can use e-commerce to grow sustainably and securely.
The upside is exciting. ASEAN’s digital economy continues to expand, with sector
profitability growing from about US$4 billion in 2022 to US$11 billion in 2024 (e-Economy SEA Report 2025).
AI has helped drive this growth by improving efficiency and scaling services. Yet rapid digitalization also exposes vulnerabilities, particularly for countries like the Philippines where cybersecurity readiness still lags behind regional peers.
For Filipino consumers, that is what meaningful digital transformation should deliver: a future that is dynamic, secure, and has the public’s trust
International benchmarks such as the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index place the country below regional leaders in overall readiness, reflecting gaps in technical capacity and implementation.
For Filipino consumers and MSMEs, this gap has real consequences.
Cyber threats are escalating in volume and sophistication, increasingly amplified
Come out, come out
SENATOR Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa posted a picture on social media over the weekend, cradling an infant in his arms.
“Happy to see you, my apo,” he wrote.
The birth of a child is always a happy occasion for family, and it is good that the senator has welcomed a grandchild into the world.
Unfortunately, he also used the private occasion to taunt the rest of the country who have been speculating on his whereabouts. The former police chief, who now derives an income from being a lawmaker tasked to craft laws, deliberate with his colleagues, and such similar acts, has not been showing up at work.
He has also been conspicuously absent from the proceedings of the bicameral conference committee as it reconciles the House and Senate versions of the 2026 budget. This is the first time the process is being live streamed.
Dela Rosa has not been seen for several weeks already, after word first got out that the International Criminal Court already had a warrant for his arrest for crimes against humanity. Being the chief implementor of the drug war, dela Rosa is
supposedly facing the same charges as those faced by his boss, former President Rodrigo Duterte. No less than the Ombudsman, Jesus Crispin Remulla, said he had seen a soft copy of the warrant.
In recent weeks, there was speculation on his whereabouts. It was said he was in the country, and then in Pampanga, and then his lawyer said the senator was making himself unavailable because of safety concerns.
And now we see the happy grandfather.
The people will be Filipinos are being shortchanged, again and again
Dela Rosa forgets that although he owes his political ascent, to a large part, to the backing of Mr. Duterte, protecting and defending his patron will only get him so far. The job he had applied for and got requires a dif-
By Jose Antonio Goitia
IN LAW enforcement, leadership is not proven by how often one speaks in public.
It shows in what gets done.
Under Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., the Philippine National Police has taken a quieter but more deliberate approach, one that prioritizes operations, discipline, and outcomes rather than optics.
The focus has been consistent. Do the work, do it right, and let the results speak.
A Clear Sense of Direction
That approach was evident on Dec. 13, 2025.
At around 1:00 pm, a joint anti-illegal drug operation was carried out along C6 Aura Duterte Street in Barangay Napindan, Taguig City. The operation was led by the PNP Drug Enforcement Group through its Special Operations Unit NCR, with support from the Southern Police District Intelligence Division and PDEA NCR.
It followed proper pre-operations procedures and was based on developed intelligence.
High-Value Targets Taken Off the Streets
Five high value targets were arrested during the operation. They were identified as John Walter Bernaldo Carlos, Danny San Jose Ordoñez, Joniel Coricor Almeda, Alvin Zabala Escovidal, and Elmer Rabanes.
by AI. In 2024, hacking incidents in the Philippines surged by 234 percent (PSA).
Cybersecurity teams remain critically understaffed, with fewer than one dedicated expert per 100 employees, while IT spending averages just 15 percent, or roughly 1.4 percent of revenue. This underinvestment leaves consumers exposed to phishing, fraud, and data breaches that can wipe out savings or disrupt livelihoods.
Global risk assessments reinforce the urgency.
The World Economic Forum identifies cyber insecurity and adverse outcomes of AI technologies as among the fastestaccelerating non-traditional security risks worldwide.
The Philippines already posts a suspected digital fraud rate far above the global average, businesses have lost trillions of pesos to fraud, and data breaches can cost firms millions of pesos per incident (Transunion.ph).
Each high-profile breach does more than drain wallets; it weakens confidence in digital systems that the public is being encouraged to adopt.
This is why ASEAN–Korea cooperation on AI governance and cybersecurity is strategically critical.
ferent kind of loyalty – not to any single personality or family, but to his constituency. In the case of the Senate, his constituency is the entire country, even those who did not vote for him and those who do not share his blind subservience to anything Duterte.
Mr. Dela Rosa invoked toughness in the performance of his erstwhile job with the Philippine National Police. They vowed to rid the country of drug pushers and drug addicts, stopping at nothing to achieve their objective. But if he did believe, from Day One, that what they were doing was necessary and justified, why is he cowering now?
Unfortunately for the rest of the country, Dela Rosa’s continued refusal to go to work – which for the common Filipino would merit a firing or even a case – carries with it a cost in terms of taxpayers money. It is immaterial whether we are getting our money’s worth in terms of quality of work; more fundamentally, the question is that he could not even be bothered to show up at all. Everyone will be happier to see Dela Rosa showing up to work, doing his job, and bravely facing the consequences of his acts and decisions.
Nartatez leads a results-driven PNP
Investigators said the group played key roles in an organized drug distribution network, and their arrest disrupted ongoing illegal drug activity in Metro Manila and nearby areas.
Authorities seized more than 25.5 kilograms of suspected shabu, about 1.77 kilograms of high-grade marijuana kush, 140 marijuana oil cartridges, and assorted smuggled cigarettes recovered during the operation. With an estimated value of over PHP 176 million, the seizure represented more than just a large haul. It cut into an active network and removed a serious threat from the streets.
The PNP continues to show that progress is built through sustained action, not applause
Doing It by the Book
Operatives also recovered a Glock 17 firearm with ammunition, buy-bust money, mobile phones, and identification cards.
All suspects and non-drug evidence are now under the custody of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, while the seized drugs have been submitted for forensic
Cyber risks now carry direct economic and social costs that no country can manage alone.
Regional cooperation allows partners to pool expertise, harmonize standards, share threat intelligence, and strengthen capacity-building, including the talent pipeline the Philippines needs.
The forum’s emphasis on MSMEs is crucial: small firms are often the least protected, yet they underpin jobs and local economic activity, and they carry the heaviest consequences when cybercrime hits.
South Korea is an important partner in this effort. Its leadership in digital government and public service delivery is well established, with the UN E-Government Survey consistently ranking Korea among the world’s top performers.
Korea’s experience in building secure, integrated systems offers proven lessons for ASEAN economies trying to expand online public services without sacrificing security, privacy, or access.
Trust also matters in cooperation involving data and critical systems.
As Ambassador Lee Sang Hwa observed, “Over the past 36 years, ASEANKorea relations have steadily deepened across political, economic, and socio-cultural spheres.”
examination. Alternative recording devices were used throughout the operation, reflecting the administration’s emphasis on proper documentation, transparency, and accountability.
Leadership Seen in Execution More than the volume of drugs seized, the operation showed how the organization is being run.
Under Nartatez, units are given clear direction and expected to deliver. There is emphasis on coordination, command responsibility, and trust in field operatives.
The result was not accidental. It came from preparation, discipline, and leadership that stays focused on execution. Quiet Work, Real Impact When public attention often gravitates toward statements and press conferences, this operation is a reminder that real leadership often works quietly.
Under Nartatez, the PNP continues to show that progress is built through sustained action, not applause, and through results that hold long after the cameras are gone.
(The writer serves as Chairman Emeritus of four civic-oriented organizations: Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya, People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, and Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement, where he advocates for truth, stability, and the dignity of the Filipino people.)
That long arc of engagement helps when the agenda includes sensitive questions of governance, accountability, and safeguards.
Philippine leaders have also been clear about the way forward.
House Foreign Affairs Chair Maria Rachel Arenas identified the responsible and ethical use of AI as a priority area for partnership, alongside cybersecurity and MSME development.
DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega likewise emphasized that “we hope to continue working closely with Korea and all the ASEAN member states to sustain momentum in the digital transformation agenda,” while urging closer examination of AI’s role as new areas of cooperation emerge.
As the Philippines prepares for its ASEAN Chairship in 2026, the opportunity is timely.
Digital cooperation with Korea can move from vision to action, translating innovation into safer online environments, more efficient public services, stronger consumer protection, and inclusive growth.
For Filipino consumers, that is what meaningful digital transformation should deliver: a future that is dynamic, secure, and has the public’s trust.
IN BRIEF
Tokyo-bound United plane returns
NEW YORK – A United Airlines Boeing 777 bound for Tokyo had to turn back to Washington’s Dulles International Airport on Saturday after an engine failed during takeoff, igniting a brush fire near the runway, officials said.
No injuries were reported among the 275 passengers and 15 crew members aboard the wide-bodied jet, which had to make an emergency landing.
“Shortly after takeoff, United Flight 803 returned to Washington Dulles and landed safely to address a power loss issue with one of its engines,” the airline said.
The engine failed as the 777-200ER departed for Tokyo’s Haneda Airport at around 12:20 pm Saturday, sources told AFP.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on X that a piece of the engine cover “separated and caught fire, sparking a brush fire on the ground.”
“The fire was extinguished and the flight returned to Dulles, landing safely at about 1:30 pm, when it was checked by airport fire responders,” an airport spokesperson said. AFP
Germany says Islamist plot to attack foiled
BERLIN – German authorities said Saturday they had arrested five men on suspicion of involvement in an Islamist plot to plow a vehicle into people at a Christmas market.
Officials have been on high alert during the festive season, after a deadly carramming attack at a market in the city of Magdeburg last Christmas shocked the nation.
Police and prosecutors said they had detained an Egyptian, three Moroccans and a Syrian on Friday over the plan to carry out the attack in southern Bavaria state.
Investigators suspect “an Islamist motive” for the plot, according to the statement.
The Egyptian, aged 56, was an imam at a mosque in the Dingolfing-Landau district, German newspaper Bild reported.
According to authorities, he had called for an attack to be carried out on a Christmas market in the area “using a vehicle in order to kill or injure as many people as possible”. AFP
Vietnam’s ‘Sorrow of War’ sells out after going viral
HANOI – When “The Sorrow of War” was honored by Vietnam’s government as one of the 50 greatest works of literature and art since reunification, some conservative figures reacted with fury -- suggesting the novel’s unvarnished depictions of the war diminished the victors’ heroism.
But the controversy that exploded across social media has only sparked renewed interest in Bao Ninh’s haunting classic and forced bookstores to scramble to keep pace with surging demand.
“I only knew about this novel because of these online discussions,” said Le Hien, 25, who tried to buy the book at several bookstores in the capital Hanoi this week but found they were all out of stock.
“I was very surprised the book was sold out that quickly. I couldn’t believe its sales went crazy,” he told AFP. First published in 1987 as “The Destiny of Love,” the novel is narrated by a young North Vietnamese soldier who, like Ninh himself, served in a battalion that was almost entirely wiped out. AFP
LONDON
– Around 1,000 people gathered in London Saturday for a “Christmas” rally organized by far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson, as bishops said they were gravely concerned by the use of Christian symbols to “justify racism and anti-migrant rhetoric”.
People waved Union Jack flags and others that read “Jesus is King” at the rally in the center of the capital while a counter protest was also held, AFP reporters on the ground said.
“It’s great to see one is not alone... our Christian faith is important, more than ever, and we have to protect it,” job seeker Joe Burke, 38, told AFP.
Mary Bills, a retired teacher wore a Tshirt with the slogan “Make Christmas Great Again”.
“I think it’s positive and important to celebrate our Christian values,” she said.
“This country is a Christian country and yet it seems complicated to claim our heritage,” she added.
Police estimated around 1,000 people had turned up. They said two people had been arrested: one for assaulting a police officer and another over the alleged homophobic abuse of an officer at a previous Tommy Robinson rally.
Some 200 people took part in a counter-protest, a spokesperson added.
Robinson had billed the rally as a Christmas “religious celebration”.
Writing on X, Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, urged anyone attending Saturday’s rally to “honor our faith, our culture, and our heritage in the very best way we can.” AFP
Border clashes enter second week
BANTEAY MEANCHEY, Cambodia – Renewed border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand entered a second week Sunday after Bangkok denied US President Donald Trump’s claim that a truce had been agreed to halt the deadly fighting.
The conflict, rooted in a colonial-era demarcation dispute along their 800-kilometre (500-mile) border, has displaced around 800,000 people, officials said.
“I have been here for six days and I feel sad that the fighting continues,” 63-yearold Sean Leap told AFP at an evacuation center in Cambodia’s border province of Banteay Meanchey on Sunday.
“I want it to stop,” he said, adding he
was worried about his home and livestock.
At least 25 people have been killed, including 14 Thai soldiers and 11 Cambodian civilians, officials said.
Each side blames the other for instigating the clashes, claiming self-defence and trading accusations of attacks on civilians.
Trump, who earlier backed a truce
and follow-on agreement, said Friday the Southeast Asian neighbors had agreed to halt fighting.
But Thai leaders later said no ceasefire deal was made, and both governments said Sunday morning clashes were ongoing. Thai defense ministry spokesman Surasant Kongsiri said Cambodia shelled and bombed several border provinces overnight. Thai defense ministry spokesman Surasant Kongsiri said Cambodia shelled and bombed several border provinces overnight and into Sunday.
Cambodia’s defense ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata, meanwhile, said Thailand continued to fire mortars and bombs into border areas since midnight.
After Trump’s promised truce did not
claim that a truce had been agreed on to end the deadly fighting. The conflict, rooted in a colonial-era demarcation dispute along their 800-kilometer border, has displaced around 800,000 people, officials said. AFP
Trump vows revenge after troops in Syria killed
DAMASCUS – Two American troops and a civilian interpreter were killed in central Syria during the weekend after an alleged member of the Islamic State (IS) group opened fire on a joint US-Syrian patrol, officials said. “We mourn the loss of three Great American Patriots in Syria,” US President Donald Trump said on his Truth Social platform, vowing “very serious retaliation.”
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the attack took place in Palmyra, home to UNESCO-listed ancient ruins and once controlled by the IS group — also known
as ISIS — during the height of its territorial expansion in Syria.
The deadly attack had been “an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman,” who was “engaged and killed,” US Central Command said on X. Trump called it “an ISIS attack against the US, and Syria, in a very dangerous part of Syria, that is not fully controlled by them.”
Three other wounded US troops were “doing well,” Trump said.
The soldiers “were conducting a key leader engagement” in support of counter-terrorism operations when the attack
For children of deported parents, lonely journeys to a new home
MIAMI – One recent day at Miami’s international airport, Andy, age 6, was getting ready to fly to Guatemala.
He was anxious, this was no year-end vacation to visit his relatives.
Andy was moving to his ancestral country to reunite with his father, recently deported as part of President Donald
Trump’s aggressive policy to expel undocumented migrants.
“They took my brother and I’ve had to take care of the little one,” said Osvaldo, Andy’s uncle who brought him to the airport but was not getting on the plane with him. Across the United States, cities with large immigrant communities are primary targets of US President Donald Trump’s virulent anti-immigrant policies and rhetoric.
Trump’s administration has deployed heavily armed, masked agents, and onlookers have filmed them in various cit-
ies tackling people in the street or dragging them from cars. Andy was making the trip with six other children aged 3 to 15 -- three of them US citizens, the others Guatemalans who grew up in Florida. They were all moving to a country where they either had never been, or one which they barely remembered.
The sprawling city of Miami on Florida’s east coast is about 70 percent Hispanic, and often called the Gateway to Latin America.
Born in the United States, Andy is a US citizen. Until November, he lived with his father Adiner, who had been in Florida for a decade. His mother hasn’t been in his life since the parents separated.
One day, when Andy’s father came to pick him up from school, a police officer stopped him. He had neither a visa nor a residency permit. AFP
come to pass, Cambodia shut its border crossings with Thailand on Saturday, leaving migrant workers stranded. Under a makeshift tent at an evacuation site in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey, Cheav Sokun told AFP her husband in Thailand wanted to return home. She and her son left Thailand alongside tens of thousands of other Cambodian migrant workers during July’s deadly clashes, but her spouse stayed to work as a gardener with his “good Thai
occurred, Parnell said, while US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said the ambush targeted “a joint US–Syrian government patrol”.
The incident is the first of its kind reported since Islamist-led forces overthrew longtime Syrian ruler Bashar alAssad in December last year, and rekindled the country’s ties with the United States.
Trump said Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who visited the White House last month, was “extremely angry and disturbed by this attack.” AFP
PROVIDENCE – A gunman killed two people and wounded nine others on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) at Brown University, plunging the eastern US campus into lockdown as hundreds of police hunted the suspect late into the night. The streets around the university in the state of Rhode Island were filled with emergency vehicles hours after the gunfire at a building where exams were taking place.
“It
Six hours after the shooting, the gunman was still at large, and some 400 police ranging from FBI agents to campus cops swarmed the quaint New England campus.
“I can confirm that there are two individuals who have died this afternoon, and there are another eight in critical status, though stable,” Providence, Rhode Island Mayor Brett Smiley told a news conference.
A ninth person who “received fragments from the shooting” was later taken to the hospital, authorities said. Police released ten seconds of footage of the suspect walking briskly down a deserted street, seen from behind after opening fire inside a firstfloor classroom.
University officials stressed that the campus was still in lockdown as midnight approached. AFP
Trump has been stepping up pressure on Kyiv to reach an agreement since revealing a plan to end the war last month that was criticized as echoing Moscow’s demands, including Ukraine ceding crucial territory. The 28-point proposal has triggered a flurry of diplomacy between the United States and Ukraine’s European allies, with Kyiv officials recently saying they had sent Washington a revised version. AFP
CLOSED BORDER CROSSINGS. Displaced residents walk at a temporary camp in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province on Sunday amid clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border where renewed border clashes entered their second week after Bangkok denied US President Donald Trump’s
Tigresses reclaim UAAP crown, their 13th overall
UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas has proven that setbacks only fuel their fire.
After suffering their first loss of the season in Game 1 of the Finals—a defeat that brought them to the brink of a title heartbreak—the Growling Tigresses roared back to capture the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball championship.
In a thrilling winner-take-all Game 3, UST bounced back from a shaky start to dethrone National University in a 79-64 victory, celebrated by a lively Sunday crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The championship was the Growling Tigresses’ second title in three seasons, reclaiming the crown they lost to the Lady Bulldogs last year and solidifying UST’s position as the winningest program in the women’s division with 13 titles overall.
Berayo, Lorayes named top junior volleyball players
DIZA Berayo of National University Nazareth School was named the top individual player in the UAAP Season 88 High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
The 17-year-old outside spiker from Silay City dominated the race for the league’s top individual award, earning 97.959 statistical points — 5.193 SPs ahead of Far Eastern UniversityDiliman’s Nigerian opposite spiker MJ Udeagbala.
“Hindi ko in-expect ‘tong award. Actually, ang goal lang namin this season is to retain the championship. Thankful ako na binigay sa ‘kin ni Lord to, pero ang focus namin is to win the championship again,” said the wing hitter as the Bullpups go for the clincher later in the day.
Berayo was the league’s secondleading scorer with 199 points, generated from 170 attacks at 36.09% efficiency (third in the league), nine blocks, and 20 aces (seventh). She also ranked fifth in digs (2.41 per set) and third in reception efficiency at 32.70%.
The graduating spiker led NUNS to a 13-1 record in the elimination round and joined an elite Lady Bullpups club alongside former MVPs Faith Nisperos (UAAP Season 79, 2016), Bella Belen (Seasons 80 & 82, 2017 & 2019), and Kianne Olango (Season 85, 2022) In the boys’ division, University of Santo Tomas’ Rainier Lorayes was named MVP after topping the statistical points race with 92.708.
The 18-year-old Pasigueño led all scorers in the elimination round with 245 points, ranking fourth in attacks with a 42.45% success rate, 10th in blocks at 0.42 per set, and first in aces at 0.29 per set.
“Unang-una po talaga, nagpapasalamat po ako kay Lord kasi kung wala po ‘yung skill, ‘yung talent na binigay niya hindi ko po ‘to magagawa. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa IPEA, sa UST community, sa coaches namin, and sa lahat ng naniwala at nagtiwala. And para po ‘to sa papa ko, sana proud siya sa ‘kin,” said the graduating ace.
The win also served as a triumphant send-off for graduating seniors Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano, who conclude their UAAP careers as champions.
In Game 1, NU stunned UST, which had swept the elimination round, with an 84-79 win. But the Tigresses roared back in Game 2, 95-70, to even the series.
“Siyempre, sa dalawang nasa harapan ninyo, Kent and Eka are my cornerstones. Without them, siguro mahihirapan kami to get another championship. We played for each other, we played with heart and pride together. Down in the second quarter, hindi bumigay ang mga bata,” said Growling Tigresses’ head coach Haydee Ong.
UST struggled offensively in the first quarter, making just four of 29 attempts as NU pulled ahead, 17-11.
But Pastrana, Karylle Sierba, and CJ Maglupay led the Tigresses’ fightback in the second quarter, turning the game around and
taking a 37-30 halftime lead.
In the third, the floodgates opened as Soriano, Coi Danganan, and the rest of UST combined for 34 points to extend their lead to 71-53 heading into the fourth.
“Sobrang happy lang kami kasi ‘yung sakripisyo namin, ilang years na magkakasama kami ng UST, ito na ‘yung bunga. Nao-overwhelm ako kasi wala naman sa goal ko na makuha ‘yung Finals MVP, goal ko lang makuha ang championship. Mami-miss ko ang teammates ko, mamimiss ko ang mga kalaban dito sa UAAP kasi ito na ang last game namin ni Eka,” said Pastrana, who was named Finals MVP. Pastrana, a four-time Elite Team member, capped her UAAP career with Finals averages of 13.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 3.8 steals.
In the winner-take-all game, she led UST with 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists, five steals, and one block, finishing with a plus-22 rating in 25 minutes and 55 seconds on the court.
Morrison: This is the worst SEA Games
BANGKOK—William Morrison III has voiced strong concerns regarding the quality and consistency of officiating during the athletics’ competitions at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games held at the Suphachalasai National Stadium, saying the games are the “worst he’s ever been to.”
Morrison expressed disappointment over what he described as questionable decisions that, in his view, affected the fairness and flow of competition.
“Man, lots of issues, man. They’re saying that my shot put didn’t weigh in. This is the only place my shot put hasn’t weighed in. I’ve used that shot put at Asian Games, Asian Championship, in the States, in Canada, Japan, everywhere I’ve used it. It’s never been lightweight. And all of a sudden here, it’s lightweight,” said Morrison Morrison highlighted instances where delays disrupted events, noting that such issues can have a direct impact on athletes’ focus and results.
“And then I’m throwing, and they’re going to stop me in the middle of my throw? Like, why would they do that? Like, why would you stop me in the middle of my throw? Just to fix my bib,” added Morrison.
“That’s not important. Would you stop one of the sprinters from running when they’re about to get in their blocks? And then the shot puts that they provided were dog sh_t. They were not balanced,” Morrison rued.
“If you spin it on the ground, you can see the central... I don’t know. What do you call it? There’s no balance in it. It won’t even stay still when you balance it. And they’re brand new. Like, who’s going to throw with a brand new shot put? Just the fact that they’re talking to me between every single throw and stopping me in the middle of my throw is dog sh_t. Like, this is the worst SEA Games I’ve ever been to.”
Despite the challenges and delays, Morrison managed to bag the bronze medal with a throw of 16.66, losing his SEA Games record to Malaysian Jonah Chang Rigan, who took home the gold. Morrison’s record is 18.14-meters, which he established in 2021 edition in Vietnam before Rigan threw a 18.78 to set a new record.
Future bright for young Filipino para athletes
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—The future looks bright for young Filipino para athletes after exceeding their overall expectations at the 2025 Asian Youth Para Games that concluded on Saturday, Dec. 14, here.
Pending the official release of overall medal results at press time, Team Philippines collected eight gold, 14 silver and eight bronze medals -- a far cry from the country’s previous medal haul in Manama, Bahrain where they brought home one gold, six silver and two bronze medals.
Philippine Paralympic Committee
president Mike Barredo lauded the efforts of the 48-member PH team supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, which surpassed its overall previous performance in just two days of competition.
“I’m very proud of them because we have outdone our medal tally in Bahrain more than five times,” said Barredo.
“There may be sports where we didn’t get medals, but I think this is a
of Pototan National Comprehensive High School in Iloilo, became the most bemedalled Filipino para athlete in this edition after bringing home three gold medals in the boys 12-16 200-meter individual medley SM10, 100m back S10, and 100m butterfly S10, as well as one silver in the 100m free S10 and one bronze in the 100m breaststroke SB9.
Para athletics also delivered two gold medals courtesy of John Rey Diano in the men’s long jump U20 T20 and RJ Brucal in the men’s long jump T20 U17. They also pocketed five silver medals from Mark Lorence Suarez (men’s long jump U20 T20), Edwina Aquino (women’s 100m U20 T12), Lexia Sianen (women’s javelin throw U20 F46) and Charmel Bada (women’s 400m T20 and women’s long jump T20), as well as two bronze medals from Jolly Poquiz (men’s long jump U20 T20) and Kyle Norte (men’s 100m U20 T20), with other results still pending for official confirmation.
Winning NCAA tradition continues for Red Lions
By Peter Atencio
CONTINUING a winning tradition was a dream that the San Beda Red Lions fulfilled when they claimed the Season 101 crown of the National
Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament. They’ve won it first in 1927, and it did not stop there. It went on for the next 97 years until last Saturday, when they took Game 2 and swept
their best-of-three finals series with the Letran Knights, 83-71, at the Araneta Coliseum, for their 24th championship.
“Nanood lang ako sa kanila. They really wanted the championship,” said Red Lions’ coach Yuri Escueta on members of the squad in showing hunger and desire to get the crown -- making the Mendiola dribblers the most decorated squad in league history, with the Letran Knights behind with 20.
“Hats off to the players, to the leaders, Yuki (Yukien Andrada) and Bryan (Sajonia), and the other guys, for stepping up, and for really taking on the mantle of leadership, and leading this team back to the championship,” added Escueta.
The Red Lions’ run of titles also includes a ‘three-peat’ from 1934 to 1936.
Then, there’s the ‘five-peat’ from 2010 to 2014 and two other ‘threepeats’ from 2007 to 2009 and 2017 to 2019.
“Just thankful for the hard work that the players did throughout the season.
Last year was really as struggle for us,” said Escueta after the Red Lions bowed to the College of St. Benilde Blazers in the Final Four last season. Past rosters included the likes of legendary players, who went on to have successful careers, including Carlos Loyzaga, Abe King, Frankie Lim, Ronnie Magsanoc, and LA Tenorio. This current batch of players includes Andrada, who has been drafted as the sixth overall pick in the first round of the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft. He will soon play for the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots. For Andrada, this will be his second championship, as he was around when the Red Lions conquered the Mapua Cardinals in the Season 99 finals. Then there’s Sajonia, another recently drafted player in the PBA set to begin his professional career with the NorthPort Batang Pier. Escueta commended Sajonia for the things he has done in the tournament, after he was hailed as the Finals’ MVP.
The UST Golden Tigresses rejoice in their title run—the school‘s 13th overall.
Members of the San Beda team celebrate their title conquest
The PH para swimming team good start for our youth program. We are headed in the right direction and this is a good showcase of what our youth can do,” he added.
Para swimmers accounted for the most medals for Team PH with six
gold, six silver and two bronze medals courtesy of Ric Daniel Pasadilla, Mary Hannah Diesto, Raemond Adefuin, Zach Lucas Obsioma and Bladimir Sebastian Gonzales. Pasadilla, a 13-year-old student
William Morrison
Foreign debt hit $149b in September, says BSP
PH garments sector eyes modest growth with US tariff cuts
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippines’ garments, textile and apparel sector expects a modest rebound next year, with exports expected to rise 2 percent to 5 percent from this year’s anticipated $1 billion in sales.
This optimism is led by government efforts to seek reduction in the 19 percent US tariff and exporters’ active exploration of new markets.
Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines (FOBAP) president Robert Young said 2025 turned out to be “surprisingly good,” largely due to
DOLE brings in aid to Sta. Ana locals
delivering employment and livelihood aid to over 800 residents. The initiative, conducted in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Sta. Ana, directly supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to uplift marginalized sectors and to reach far-flung communities across the country. In partnership with the Local Government Unit of Sta. Ana, DOLE led the conduct of the activity bringing vital employment and livelihood assistance directly to its constituents.
DOLE Regional Director Jesus Elpidio B. Atal, Jr., and Cagayan Field Office Head Laura B. Diciano facilitated the distribution of wages amounting to PHP 2.03 million for 440 beneficiaries under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program. Meanwhile, 72 skilled workers received livelihood kits worth PHP 1.5 million under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), boosting
advance deliveries made to cushion the impact of higher tariffs.
The industry remains hopeful that this growth will carry into 2026, especially if ongoing government efforts to renegotiate tariff terms with Washington bear fruit.
“We are still hoping that with government intervention there will be adjustments,” said Young, who also serves as trustee for the textile, yarn and fabric sector of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc.
“They are trying to talk to Washington about reducing the 19 percent tariff, similar to what
President Donald Trump did for other countries, where rates were lowered and in some cases reduced to zero,” said Young.
As part of their strategy, exporters are actively diversifying their market presence, targeting opportunities in the European Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Canada and Australia.
The industry is also counting on the expansion of free trade agreements (FTAs) to unlock new markets, noting that the Philippines lags behind its ASEAN peers in terms of FTA coverage.
AID IN ACTION.
Elpidio B. Atal, Jr.,
wages
TUPAD
of Labor and Employment
by RO2
efforts to enhance local enterprise and self-sufficiency.
THE Philippines’ outstanding external debt climbed to $149.09 billion as of the third quarter of 2025, a marginal 0.1 percent increase from the previous quarter, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
The BSP said the debt level “remained broadly stable” in the third quarter and that the country’s external obligations stayed manageable, supported by solid economic conditions and prudent policies.
The slight quarter-on-quarter increase was led by the net acquisition of Philippine debt securities by nonresident investors, totaling $1.47 billion. This was partially offset by net repayments of $764.56 million and valuation adjustments of $442.50 million due to the appreciation of the US dollar during the reference period.
Data showed that on a year-onyear basis, the external debt saw a larger increase of 6.8 percent. This was attributed to new borrowings, including bond issuances by the government amounting to $3.33 billion and external financing secured by local banks totaling $1.58 billion.
The external debt level is equivalent to 30.9 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), an improvement from the 31.2 percent recorded in the previous quarter, the BSP said.
It said key metrics indicate the debt burden remained sustainable.
The country’s short-term external debt based on the remaining maturity
$149.09 billion $148.87 billion 30.9% Foreign debt as of Q3 2025 Foreign debt as of Q2 2025
ratio
concept (STRM) stood at $27.16 billion as of end-September 2025. This is well-covered by the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) of $109.06 billion, providing 4.01 times cover for short-term obligations. The GIR-to-STRM debt ratio in June 2025 was 3.85, a level the BSP noted is better than most of the country’s emerging economy peers. The debt service ratio, a measure of the country’s capacity to service its debt, improved to 8.5 percent from 11.5 percent a year earlier. This resulted from lower principal and interest payments by resident borrowers for the period. The debt service ratio compares loan payments with the country’s
WORKERS and fisherfolk in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur now have more sustainable sources of income after receiving more than P2 million worth of livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
In a ceremony held recently, DOLE Surigao del Sur Field Office awarded P700,000 worth of livelihood supplies for the MMDC-SU Rice Trading and Agrivet Supply project of the Marcventures Mining Development Corporation—a legitimate labor organization of the Supervisory Union Association of Professional Supervisory Officers and Technical Employees Union, affiliated with the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.
(DOLE) Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) and in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cantilan. demonstrating the current administration’s commitment to strengthening the delivery of vital government assistance to vulnerable workers in rural communities.
The awarding of livelihood packages is part of DOLE’s continuing initiatives to empower workers in the formal and informal sectors by supporting sustainable enterprises that promote local development.
According to Regional Director Atal, the service caravan reaffirms DOLE’s commitment to bringing services directly to the people.
“Ang Kagawaran ay patuloy na magdadala ng serbisyo, trabaho, at kaalaman sa bawat sulok ng ating rehiyon upang sama-sama tayong makaahon at umangat sa buhay,” he assured.
The youth sector likewise benefited from the activity, as 200 students were oriented on DOLE’s Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), offering opportunities for employment to support their studies. Furthermore, DOLE Cagayan Valley facilitated a mini job fair alongside a labor education session, promoting awareness of workers’ rights and labor standards among applicants and employers.
BOOSTING PH’s WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
(Top photo) Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma (2nd from right), alongside Undersecretary for Employment and Human Resource Development Cluster Carmela I. Torres (rightmost), present signed Memorandum of Agreement with I.T. and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), represented by its Chief Operating Officer Celeste Ilagan (2nd from left) and Executive Director Jeanette Carillo (leftmost), in Clark, Pampanga, for the co-implementation of JobStart Philippines and Adjustment Measures Program. The partnership, aligned with the current administration’s goal of expanding opportunities for youth job seekers, will enable JobStart trainees to gain industry-required skills; assist displaced or at-risk workers transitioning to in-demand jobs; engage industry stakeholders in recruitment, training, and mentoring; and expand career opportunities to ensure a steady talent pipeline. Witnessing the signing were Labor Undersecretaries Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio, Jr., Felipe N. Egargo, Jr., and Warren M. Miclat; Assistant Secretaries Amuerfina R. Reyes and Lennard Constantine C. Serrano; OIC-Assistant Secretaries, Labor Arbiter Maria Consuelo S. Bacay and Patrick P. Patriwirawan, Jr. Photos by Alikaine A. Creo, DOLE
The DOLE also awarded P1.3 million worth of equipment to the NAGMAKAYO Fishermen Cooperative for its enterprise business named Production of MalunggayCorn Coffee, Herbal Liniment Oil, and Ginamos na Amahong. The projects were funded through the Department of Labor and Employment’s
Aside from providing livelihood packages, DOLE will continue to monitor and assist beneficiaries to ensure that government-funded initiatives are properly managed, generate long-term impact, and contribute to the overall development of local communities. Representatives from both beneficiary associations expressed their gratitude for DOLE’s support and committed to sustaining and nurturing the livelihood projects entrusted to them.
Department
Regional Director Jesus
together with the Cagayan Field Office Head Laura B. Diciano, distributed
to
beneficiaries at the Serbisyo Caravan in Sta. Ana, Cagayan. Photo
Outlook remains positive as PSEi rises above 6,000
By Jenniffer B. Austria
SHARE prices are expected to move sideways with an upward bias this week as market sentiment turned positive on a dovish outlook for interest rates.
Last week, the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) both cut interest rates by 25 basis points. The Fed and the BSP also hinted at another round of rate cuts early next year.
Analysts said the rate cuts help create a supportive backdrop for companies to continue their expansion plans.
“The local market is back above the 6,000 level again, attributed to the rebound driven by the Fed and BSP’s monetary easing,” said Japhet Tantiangco, research head of Philstocks Financial Inc.
But while the rate cuts provide a boost to consumer and investor confidence, Tantiangco said lingering corruption concerns will continue to
weigh on economic activity.
“Sustaining a position above the said level remains questionable, however, amid lingering concerns and challenges over our economic growth outlook,” he added.
Last week, the Philippine Stock Exchange index jumped 1.47 percent to close at 6,036.72, while the broader all shares Index declined 1.23 percent to 3,434.94.
Average value turnover improved to P7.9 billion, up from the previous week’s average of P6.23 billion.
Foreign investors were net sellers, with total outflows at P4.48 billion.
Despite the market’s recent rise, analysts said most stocks are still at bargain levels.
We built this city on flood control
GREEN LIGHT Adrian A. Mabalay
OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF BDO UNIBANK, INC., Mortgagee, FRE-MC25-2101 EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE
-versus- OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER ACT 3135 AS AMENDED BY 4118
MARK ALVIN OLIQUIANO VALDORIA Debtor/Mortgagor, x--------------------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Upon Extra-Judicial petition for sale under Act 3135 as amended by Act 4118 filed by BDO UNIBANK, INC., as Mortgagee, against MARK ALVIN OLIQUIANO VALDORIA as Debtor/ Mortgagor, with postal address/es at (1) Unit 2101 Avida Centera Tower 3 Reliance Corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City, to satisfy the mortgaged indebtedness which as of November 21, 2025 amounts to NINE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED ONE PESOS & 55/100 (945,301.55) ONLY, Philippine Currency, including interests, penalties and expenses incidental thereto, the Ex-Officio Sheriff of Mandaluyong City or his duly authorized deputy will sell at PUBLIC AUCTION to the HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH OR MANAGERS CHECK and in Philippine Currency on the 16 day of January 2026 at 9:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter but not later than 12:00
We paid for infrastructure that does not exist, approved by officials who remember nothing, benefiting contractors who answer to no one.
BEFORE 2025 ends, take a moment to play Starship’s 1985 hit “We Built This City.” As the synths kick in and Grace Slick’s voice soars, replace “rock and roll” with “flood control.” Suddenly, the song transforms into an anthem of the scandal that sunk the Philippines underwater this year.
The lyrics fall eerily into place.
“Say you don’t know me or recognize my face; Say you don’t care who goes to that kind of place” captures the amnesia that gripped congressional hearings, where officials claimed ignorance about trillions of pesos in ghost projects. The parade of “Hindi ko po alam, your honor” and “Wala po akong maalala, your honor” became a national punchline, if only the joke were not at our expense.
“Knee deep in the hoopla, sinking in your fight” hits differently when you have watched Filipinos wade through chesthigh floods in Bulacan, Pampanga, and Metro Manila, their homes submerged by waters that should have been controlled by projects worth P545 billion. The Department of Finance estimates P118.5 billion may have been lost to corruption since 2023. That is the money that should have built seawalls, dredged rivers, and installed pumping stations. Instead, it bought Chanel bags, fleets of jet planes, and luxury condominiums.
“Too many runaways eating up the night.” Suspects scatter like roaches when the lights come on. Some flee to the United States, others to New Zealand and Jordan.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla warns: “No matter where you are in the world, we will find you.” The nights grow restless for those who plundered public funds.
And then there is Marconi. In the original song, he plays the mamba, a nod to radio’s power to unite people. In our scandal, Marconi represents the shadowy personas everyone knows but no one names in official records. The fixers. The bag men. The district engineers who testified under oath about hierarchies of kickbacks ranging from 25 to 30 percent, flowing from DPWH officials up to legislators. Filipinos already know who their Marconi is. The question is whether the justice system will finally play its tune.
“Someone’s always playing corporation games; Who cares, they’re always changing corporation names.” describes the contractor carousel: construction firms that multiply like amoebas, winning bid after bid through shell companies. The Discayas cornered over P31 billion in flood control projects during the Marcos administration’s first three years. The Cos secured P15.7 billion through Sunwest Corporation. These are corporations playing games indeed, with our taxes as their chips.
“We just want to dance here; someone stole the stage.” Perhaps this is what the corrupt whisper among themselves now. They were all enjoying the party until someone from within broke ranks. Whistleblowers came afront. District engineers sang. The music stopped, and suddenly everyone scrambled for the exits.
“They call us irresponsible, write us off the page.” This one stings because it describes us, the Filipino people, the taxpayers. For years, we shrugged. We accepted that corruption was simply how things worked. We wrote ourselves off the page of accountability, too tired or too cynical to demand better.
“Who counts the money underneath the bar?” the song asks. In our version, the counting happens in hotels, offshore accounts, hideouts, and cryptocurrency exchanges. Investigators recently uncovered links between flood control funds and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, with stolen pesos converted to USDT and laundered through the same networks that ran online scam syndicates. The bar has become a blockchain.
“Looking for America, coming through your schools” evokes the nepo babies who flaunt wealth on social media, children of contractors and politicians whose lifestyles cannot be explained by declared income. They attend elite schools, post luxury vacations, and inherit empires built on public funds meant for public safety.
This scandal matters beyond accountability. It speaks directly to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The 2025 World Risk Report again named the Philippines the most disaster-prone country in the world. Climate change intensifies our typhoons. Sea levels rise. And yet the infrastructure that was meant to protect us exists only on paper or crumbles at first contact with floodwaters. Many wondered: where did the money go?
So, as we close 2025, play the song. Let the chorus loop in your head. We built this city on flood control. We paid for infrastructure that does not exist, approved by officials who remember nothing, benefiting contractors who answer to no one. Until accountability flows as freely as floodwaters through our streets, the song remains our national anthem of corruption. The chorus repeats. So do the scandals.
Adrian A. Mabalay is a faculty member of the Department of Management and Organization of De La Salle University. He can be reached at adrian.mabalay@ dlsu.edu.ph.
The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.
RENEWABLE CONSUMER. First Gen Corp. chief customer engagement officer Carlo Vega (left) hands to Divine Mercy Wellness and Medical Center president Godofredo Cruz (center) a plaque recognizing the medical center as a renewable energy consumer after the hospital partnered recently with First Gen for supply of electricity from a geothermal power plant in Leyte of First Gen subsidiary Energy Development Corporation. Also in photo is Arlene Soriano, First Gen head of sales.
IN BRIEF
Industry group sees vehicles sales topping 500,000 mark
By Othel V. Campos
THE Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) said over the weekend total vehicle sales may reach 500,000 units in 2025 and increase further by 5 percent in 2026 on improving supply conditions and the entry of more electrified models.
Although full-year 2025 sales figures are not yet consolidated, early indicators suggest the industry will hit the half-million mark, according to outgoing CAMPI president Rommel Gutierrez.
“We don’t have the figures yet, but from all indications, we will be able to hit 500,000 units,” Guti-
FAST Logistics sees ‘bullish’ logistics growth in 2026
FAST Logistics Group, a leading endto-end logistics solutions provider in the Philippines, expressed a bullish outlook for the nation’s supply chain in 2026, citing strong domestic demand, business expansion, technology adoption and sustainability as key growth drivers.
The company expects momentum across warehousing and transportation to remain strong despite disruptions, such as severe weather events and infrastructure constraints, faced in late 2025.
The growth outlook aligns with the World Bank’s projection for the Philippine economy to grow around 6 percent annually through 2026, positioning it as one of Asia’s fastergrowing economies.
These trends are anticipated to drive higher demand for end-to-end logistics services, faster replenishment cycles and broader regional coverage beyond Metro Manila, particularly across Visayas and Mindanao.
Citing industry projections, the company noted the Philippine logistics market value is expected to rise from $55.65 billion in 2024 to nearly $102.52 billion by 2034.
“2026 will be a year where agility and foresight separate market leaders from followers,” said Manuel Onrejas Jr., chief executive for logistics at FAST Logistics Group.
The company also sees forward stocking and cargo consolidation as key strategies for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and other highvolume industries.
errez said.
The projected growth follows a largely steady performance in 2025. Vehicle sales totaled 383,424 units in the first 10 months, virtually unchanged from the 384,310 units recorded a year earlier.
Gutierrez said sales would
need to be faster in 2026, with the organization projecting an average growth rate of about 5 percent, which he called a conservative estimate. Performance will depend on several factors, including vehicle class, manufacturers’ supply capability and the pace of new model introductions, especially for electrified vehicles.
Electrified vehicles, encompassing hybrids and battery electric models, could account for around 12 percent of total vehicle sales as early as next year, a share that is expected to rise as consumer acceptance grows, Gutierrez said.
“Even models like the Vios
now have hybrid variants. We’re moving towards that, and we see that consumers are really embracing electrified vehicles more than ever,” he said.
Gutierrez said CAMPI continues to welcome new members and has recently signed up additional automotive brands, including some offering electric vehicles.
Formal announcements, however, will be made by the companies themselves, he said.
Decisions on pricing, product mix and compliance with evolving government regulations will be handled by carmakers on a company-by-company basis, said Gutierrez.
ERC raises secondary wholesale power price cap to P7.423 per kWh
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has raised the secondary price cap (SPC) in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) to P7.423 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from the previous P6.245/kWh.
The new SPC will be imposed as a pre-emptive mitigating measure when the cumulative price threshold (CPT) of P12.413 per kWh is breached over a 72-hour
rolling period. Previously, the SPC of P6.245/kWh was triggered upon breach of a P9/kWh rolling average price over a three-day period.
The regulator issued Resolution No. 26, series of 2025, which amends Resolution No. 07, series of 2021.
It said the measure is intended to limit the impact of extreme price volatilities and excessive price levels in the WESM while ensuring fair compensation for power generators.
The ERC noted that the new CPT
Value of confiscated counterfeit goods fell 27% to P29.2b
THE value of counterfeit goods seized nationwide reached P29.2 billion as of November 2025, marking a 27-percent decline from P40 billion recorded in the same period last year, according to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
IPOPHL director-general Nathaniel Arevalo said the decline may indicate fewer instances of counterfeiting, but he cautioned that the figure needs to be read carefully as the year is not yet over and reporting levels can vary.
“If the instances of counterfeiting really went down, that is good. It would mean stronger collaboration between government law enforcement and rights holders,” Arevalo said.
“But we also have to ask why it went down. Are incidents not being reported enough or are reports not being acted on?” he said. Apparel products continued to dominate the seizures, accounting for about 40 percent of the total as of November, which is unchanged from last year.
Arevalo noted that apparel has consistently been the biggest category, reflecting its high demand and ease of replication. Major complaints received this year included cases involving counterfeit Nike shoes and luxury bags such as Louis Vuitton.
sites were taken down this year following three formal complaints, an increase from 17 sites removed last year.
Most of the sites involved the illegal streaming of movies and TV content including pirated films and Asian dramas.
Arevalo cited recurring issues with mirrored websites, which reappear after takedowns and require repeat enforcement actions.
of P12.413 per kWh already factors in the average marginal cost of more expensive plants, such as those that are liquefied natural gas and oilbased, which are expected to clear during peak demand periods.
The CPT is defined as the predetermined maximum price for a rolling average over a set time frame that activates the SPC.
The resolution maintains the regional or island SPC mechanism established under a prior resolution,
subject to the updated parameters. The regional/island SPC will only be applied when the grid interconnection is on outage, using the same SPC value, CPT, and rolling average period applicable to the system-wide SPC. It will be imposed if the CPT is breached on the system-wide rolling average on the 72nd hour and a high voltage direct current link or island interconnection subsequently goes on outage.
HYDROPOWER PROJECT. Repower Energy Development Corp.’s (REDC) subsidiary Maramag Hydropower Corp. breaks ground on the P6.3-billion, 25-megawatt Pulangi IV Hydropower Project, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continuing expansion of renewable energy capacity in Mindanao. Joining the groundbreaking ceremony in Maramag, Bukidnon is Energy Secretary Sharon Garin (sixth from left), along with DOE director Marissa Cerezo, PSALM president and CEO Dennis De la Serna, Undersecretary Sammy Young, National Power Corp.’s Albert Antonio, Pure Energy chairman and CEO Dexter Tiu, REDC president Eric Roxas, REDC shareholder and Tokai president Mitsugu Hamazaki and community leaders and stakeholders. INSURANCE LITERACY. As graduation season nears, FWD Life Insurance and JA Philippines empower future professionals with critical financial skills and insurance
IPOPHL reported increased action against pirated websites and illegal streaming platforms. Twenty-one web-
Under existing procedures, IPOPHL requests site blocking through the National Telecommunications Commission which then orders internet service providers including Globe PLDT and Smart Sky and DITO to comply. Othel V. Campos
AGRICULTURE
Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has urged Department of Agriculture (DA) officials and staff to accelerate data collection ahead of the launch of the agency’s new command center, a central platform designed to drive digitalization and support evidence-based policymaking.
Speaking at the DA’s quarterly management meeting, Tiu Laurel said the department’s modernization efforts depend on the quality and completeness of the data feeding the system.
The command center is set to become the DA’s nerve center, consolidating real-time information on crop production, livestock inventory, weather patterns, import and export flows, price movements,
satellite field monitoring and supply chain conditions.
“I encourage everyone to gather and provide data that will populate the command center,” he said.
“We need real data, not fake information, to make the right decisions and take effective actions,” said Tiu Laurel. By centralizing these metrics, the platform aims to reduce guesswork, anticipate shortages, prevent oversupply, speed up interventions, and improve coordination across regional units.
To enhance the system’s analytical capabilities, the DA is exploring artificial intelligence (AI) tools to process the large volume of data and generate actionable insights.Othel V. Campos
GOCC CARAVAN. Finance Undersecretary Rolando Tungpalan (seventh from right) leads the opening of the Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) Service Caravan on Nov. 27 to 28, 2025 at SM City Pampanga, together with GCG chairperson Marius Corpus (eighth from right), SSS president and CEO Robert Joseph de Claro (sixth from right), LandBank executive vice president Leila Martin and representatives from other participating GOCCs.
ESTATE
Colliers sees resilient real estate growth in 2026
THE Philippine real estate market is heading into 2026 with a mix of caution and guarded optimism as sector continues to face lingering pressures as well as pocket of opportunities across residential, office, industrial and hotel segments.
Based on its latest property report, Colliers Philippines said the coming year will be “critical phase” for the industry and developers should to sharpen adaptability, diversify portfolios, and embrace new technologies to stay relevant.
“2026 will test the resilience of Philippine real estate players,” said Joey Roi Bondoc, director and head of research at Colliers.
“Future-proofing strategies – from embracing flexible workspaces and suburban expansion to leveraging industrial growth and retail innovation—will be critical for developers aiming to thrive in this cyclical market.”
Office showing signs of recovery
Metro Manila’s office market is slowly regaining its footing with market take up expected to improve in 2026, supported largely by ITBPM firms and traditional corporate tenants.
Colliers Philippines said supply
SM Prime advances eco-friendly malls
SM PRIME Holdings, Inc. is strengthening its commitment to climate action by integrating practical, climate-smart solutions into the design and operation of its malls. As sustainability becomes a central concern for businesses and communities alike, the company is expanding efforts that make retail spaces more efficient, resilient, and responsive to everyday needs.
Beginning with LED retrofits in the 1990s, SM Supermalls has steadily broadened its sustainability initiatives. Today, these range from solar-powered outdoor parasols to refreshed open-space concepts that enhance comfort while reducing environmental impact.
One of the most visible examples is the MOA Sky at SM Mall of Asia. The entire roof deck operates on solar power, with walkways shaded by solar panels that supply energy to the expansive grounds—home to an amphitheater and a FIFA-grade football pitch.
SM Supermalls’ approach focuses on creating environments that serve businesses, support communities, and elevate the experience of mall
will remain manageable, with only 350,000 square meters of new office space projected annually from 2026 to 2028, well below pre-pandemic construction levels.
Premium business districts such as Makati CBD and Bonifacio Global City are positioned for rental recovery.
Beyond Metro Manila, flexible workspace operators are expanding aggressively in Cebu, Pampanga, and Iloilo.
“This decentralization trend highlights the need for developers to integrate business continuity solutions into their offerings,”
Colliers Philippines said. Sill buyer’s market for residential sector
The condominium market in Metro Manila remains firmly a buyer’s market as 30,000 ready-foroccupancy units are still unsold as of third quarter of 2025.
To reduce its unsold inventory, developers have been offering
promos, like extended payment terms, attractive discounts, and rentto-own schemes.
Residential projects located along C5 Corridor and Katipunan meanwhile continue to draw interest, with some projects recording 100 percent take-up. However, with elevated mortgage rates still weighing on buyers, Colliers Philippines advises developers to rethink pricing structures and strengthen value propositions to engage increasingly cautious end-users.
Central Luzon surges ahead
The industrial segment remains the industry’s most resilient performer. Colliers Philippines said Central Luzon is poised to dominate new supply, with 870 hectares of industrial land expected to be delivered from 2026 to 2028—four times Southern Luzon’s pipeline.
It noted that the newly enacted 99-year land lease law positions the Philippines more competitively in the region, particularly for manufacturing and high-value industries such as semiconductors, automotive components, and renewable energy.
Developers with large landbanks in Clark, Tarlac, and nearby growth corridors are encouraged to ramp up
the development of PEZA-accredited facilities and modern logistics warehouses.
Hotel and retail sectors to remain strong Despite soft foreign arrivals, the Philippine hotel market is being boosted by domestic tourism and the resurgence of MICE (Meetings,
Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events.
For 2026, Colliers Philippines expects over 3,000 new hotel rooms to be completed in 2026, the highest annual addition since 2018. Makati and the Bay Area are expected to lead the supply growth.
Hotel operators however need to diversify source markets and enhance event facilities to offset weak arrivals from key foreign markets such as South Korea and China.
Meanwhile the retail sector remain strong, with Metro Manila retail vacancy forecasted to fall below 10 percent by end-2026. Foreign brands and aggressive mall refurbishments are driving demand, while developers expand outside Metro Manila into Cebu, Bacolod, and Davao.
From 2026 to 2028, an average of 111,000 sqm will be completed, signaling sustainable growth. To attract consumers, Colliers Philippines recommends refreshing tenancy mixes and investing in experiential retail concepts. Jenniffer B. Austria
ALI develops new mixed-use district in Mandaue
AYALA Land Inc. (ALI) is enhancing the development of Gatewalk, a new mixed-use district in Mandaue with the opening of Gatewalk Drive, a new access road linking Lopez Jaena Street to M. Logarta Avenue. The road marks the first step in the development of Gatewalk, which is envisioned as the city’s next commercial and lifestyle hub.
Building on its successes with Cebu Business Park and Cebu I.T.
Park, ALI sees Gatewalk as part of Metro Cebu’s next wave of growth, as it offers stronger connectivity, modern urban design, and inclusive development in one of the region’s most dynamic areas.
Strengthening Connectivity
Mandaue City has long been a key link in Metro Cebu’s northern corridor, home to industries, businesses, and residential communities that drive the local economy. Gatewalk Drive improves mobility between major thoroughfares, easing travel and opening strategic access to surrounding commercial and residential zones.
“The opening of Gatewalk Drive is a strong start to the district’s longterm vision,” said Jennylle Tupaz, head of Central Luzon and VisMin Estates of ALI.
“Gatewalk is designed to become a central hub in Mandaue, where accessibility, commerce, and community come together. This milestone reflects our continued commitment to shaping dynamic, wellconnected districts across Metro Cebu.” Gatewalk is planned as a vibrant mixed-use district integrating offices, retail, leisure, civic spaces, and green open areas. Anchoring the development is a next-generation Ayala Malls, scheduled to open by the end of 2026, which will feature modern dining, immersive entertainment, and communityfocused spaces.
Complementing the mall is a 1-hectare Greenway, landscaped parks, and pedestrian corridors designed to encourage walking and foster more enjoyable, communitycentered experiences. Together, these features reflect ALI’s approach to building estates that balance progress with livability, connecting mobility, work, and lifestyle.
Gatewalk will form part of ALI’s growing portfolio of Cebu estates, including South Coast City in SRP and Seagrove in Punta Engaño, LapuLapu City. These emerging districts complement established hubs while opening new opportunities for business and community growth.
Rhodessa Montano Belen ends reign as Mrs. Asia Pacific Intercontinental 2024
RHODESSA Montano Belen formally
concluded her reign as Mrs. Asia Pacific Intercontinental 2024 during the Mrs. Asia Pacific International 2025 competition held in Singapore and Malaysia.
The coronation night took place on Dec. 6, when Belen crowned Anastasiia Viktorovna Usova of Russia as the Mrs. Asia Pacific Intercontinental 2025.
The pageant is organized by Lumiere International Pageantry, led by Quek Siew Bee, its CEO and founder, who also serves as international director of the Mrs. Asia Pacific International Pageant. The competition features married women from across the Asia Pacific region and focuses on leadership, advocacy, and purpose.
During her reign, Belen also served as mentor and acting national director for four Philippine delegates, whom she personally selected and prepared for the international competition. They were Han Lamarroza, Mrs. Philippines Asia Pacific Global 2025; Angelica Faye Louisse G. Busante, Mrs. Philippines Asia Pacific Tourism 2025; Sunshine Dulay, Mrs. Philippines Asia Pacific All Nations 2025; and Novelyn Natividad, Mrs. Philippines Asia Pacific Cosmopolitan 2025.
The Top 5 winners and reigning court of Mrs. Asia Pacific 2025 included Han Lamarroza of the Philippines as Mrs. Asia Pacific Global 2025, Misa Sugitani of Japan as Mrs. Asia Pacific All Nations 2025, Sunhi Kim of Korea as Mrs. Asia Pacific Tourism 2025, Usova Anastasiia Viktorovna of Russia as Mrs. Asia Pacific Intercontinental 2025, and Novelyn Natividad of the Philippines as Mrs. Asia Pacific Cosmopolitan 2025.
Belen described her year as titleholder as a period of personal growth shaped by balance and authenticity. A mother of three and a software and data engineer, she said she relied heavily on the support of her family while carrying out her responsibilities.
“My husband and children were my greatest source of strength, allowing me to pursue my dreams while staying grounded,” Belen said. She also expressed pride in the performance of the Philippine delegates, saying their participation showed the capability of Filipino women on the international stage.
“The crown is not only a symbol of achievement. It is a responsibility to uplift, inspire, and serve,” Belen said. “I am honored to pass it on and to see the Philippine delegates represent the country with grace and determination.”
By Angelica Villanueva
I‘Being Ice: Live!’ at the New Frontier Theater
FOLLOWING a critically praised and sold-out first run, Ice Seguerra will bring back the memoir concert Being Ice: Live! for a one-night-only performance at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao on Feb. 27.
First staged as an intimate, cinematic look at Seguerra’s life, Being Ice: Live! drew a strong response from audiences, many calling the show healing, emotional, and among the OPM icon’s most honest performances.
The upcoming performance marks a homecoming at the historic Cubao venue, long associated with milestones from Seguerra’s childhood acting years and later work in music.
“Some stories never really leave— they find their way back home,”
N Ang Happy Homes ni Diane Hilario, award-winning director
Marlon Rivera turns a simple tenement building into a reflection of a growing worry many Filipinos understand all too well— the fear of losing one’s home and the community that was built around it.
The film follows Diane Hilario, played by singer-actress Quinto, as she returns to Happy Homes on New Year’s Eve. She discovers that the place she grew up in is no longer as safe or familiar as she remembers. What she finds now is a community on edge. Several residents begin to die in different circumstances— one from a fall, another from a shooting, and one from outdated medication. The incidents make everyone unsettled, but the film shows that the deeper worry comes from talk that the building may soon be sold to developers. The possibility of having to move out, with little control over the situation, becomes the film’s quiet but steady source of tension.
Seguerra said in a statement. “Bringing this show to New Frontier feels like completing a circle.”
Marketed as a memoir concert, Being Ice: Live! features live performances and spoken narratives, touching on themes of identity, loss, healing, and love. The show presents Seguerra’s journey as an OPM artist, LGBTQIA+ advocate, and storyteller.
The first staging sold out, prompting requests for another performance. Organizers said the Cubao edition will feature changes designed for the venue rather than a direct repeat of the original production.
Tickets are now on sale via TicketNet
The film explores how ordinary routines are unsettled by rumors of redevelopment, reflecting social realities many Filipinos face
She also reflected on how her performance was shaped by the cast’s support.
“Honestly, parang halo yung excitement and pressure. Pero dahil sa mga katrabaho ko, lalo si Direk Marlon, tinulungan niya ako sa bawat eksena, lalo sa mahihirap na scenes,” she said, noting the role’s relevance to current social issues. “Very timely siya, na sumakto siya sa mga nangyayari sa mga kapwa nating Pilipino.” Angeline also shared her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to Filipino storytelling. Sobrang thankful ako kasi itong mga kasama ko, yung mga cast talaga, yung mga supportive din po sa akin. At natutuwa ako na pumayag sila na makawork ako para sa Pilipino namin ,” said Angeline.
Inside look at tenement life and drama in
‘Ang Happy Homes ni Diane Hilario’
While these incidents create immediate tension, the movie’s deeper focus is the looming threat of displacement. Rumors circulate that developers may buy the building, forcing residents to leave. For families who have lived in aging apartments or government housing for years, the fear of being uprooted is real, and Rivera captures that anxiety with care and subtlety. Meanwhile, Angeline anchors the film with a grounded, approachable performance. Her Diane is compassionate and steady, someone who looks out for others even when she has little control over the larger forces at play.
In an interview, Angeline said that playing a character like Diane was a first for her.
“First time ko po nga gumawa ng isang character na ganito, na parang tapang-tapang. Parang ang nasa isip ko nga talaga na ginawa namin itong panlipunan na ito,” the singer said. She then added that her preparation involved one-on-one sessions with director Marlon.
“Nag-one-on-one talaga kami sa Direk Marlon Rivera. Dahil first time ko rin na makatrabaho si Direk Marlon at si Ms. Eugene [Domingo]. Then si Ms. Eugene, napaka-supportive na katrabaho,” she continued.
The supporting cast—including Paolo Contis, Luis Alandy, and Richard Yap —brings the community to life, with their everyday routines, conversations, and disagreements adding texture and authenticity to what a tenement world looks like.
Rivera balances humor and drama effectively, using small, everyday interactions to show how communities try to carry on despite fear and uncertainty. Political pressure arrives in the form of congresswoman-mayor and motherson duo Sherry Lara and Richard, who support redevelopment plans for the tenement where they once belonged. Though the film does not fully explore their backstories, their presence raises the stakes for the residents and highlights the tension between political power and ordinary lives.
As a mystery, the film moves at a measured pace. Plot twists may be predictable for some viewers, but the movie’s impact is not in surprise, as it lies in showing how people respond when their homes and sense of security are threatened. The fear builds slowly, through rumors, daily struggles, and subtle moments of doubt that ripple through the neighborhood.
The ending leaves several questions open, mirroring the uncertainty many communities face. Ang Happy Homes ni Diane Hilario shows that a home is a place shaped by people, memories, and shared daily life.
Ice Seguerra
Rhodessa Montano Belen formally reflects on
‘Ang Happy Homes ni Diane Hilario’ centers on the quiet anxieties of displacement and community loss
Singer-actress Angeline Quinto portrays Diane Hilario, a nurse facing uncertainties surrounding the tenement she once called home
Meandering through the Crown Colony
MANY years ago, Hong Kong was often referred to as the “Crown Colony.” It was a colony of the United Kingdom for almost 150 years, beginning with the British occupation in 1841. This colonial period saw Hong Kong’s progress in its economic and political systems.
The British monarch was its head of state until the transfer of sovereignty back to the People’s Republic of China in 1997, when it became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China.
But the name “Hong Kong” is the
anglicized version of the Cantonese “Heung Gong,” which means “Fragrant Harbor.” It was named so because the boats in the harbor always carried the aroma of the goods they transported: opium, spices, incense, agarwood, and the fragrance of warm silk. These days, such aroma no longer exists, but Hong Kong still banners its unique charm. No matter how many times I have visited, I am still captivated by its appeal.
A business trip brought me back to the city once again, and when I was free from my corporate chores, I found myself meandering through the city, covering as much area as I could and checking out what new things there were.
A few steps out of my hotel brought me to Times Square, which was filled with families as the huge space fronting the building was converted into a Zootopia Kingdom. You can imagine the young ones, including the young once, swarming the place and taking selfies with the various fantasy structures. What I found beautiful was
the dense row of attractive poinsettias that lined the borders of the square. Also across from my hotel was Lane Crawford, one of my favorite “money magnets,” which had something I found unique. It is the first and only curved escalator that I have ever seen in my life. Amazed by such a discovery, I had to chat with the store manager to get more details about this unique engineering marvel.
I found out that this visually striking flagship feature was developed by Mitsubishi Electric and is found in all Lane Crawford stores in the city and in Singapore. These escalators have been produced in limited numbers, making them really special
and a conversation piece among the stores’ customers. It certainly is a design statement that blends engineering and a unique artistic concept.
One thing that has never changed about Hong Kong, in my opinion, is how busy the city looks. Cars and buses always fill up the roads, people walking the streets are always in a hurry, and vehicles always run fast. Being downtown gives me the feeling that everything around me is whirling so fast that I have to keep up or be lost in the maelstrom. In fact, any pedestrian crossing in the city is always crowded, almost like the famous Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing in Tokyo.
I also passed by another building in the downtown area and was stunned
Unwrapping holiday experiences
CITY of Dreams Manila is celebrating the holiday season with festive packages, family activities, and shopping experiences across its integrated resort. The resort’s three Forbes Travel Guide-rated hotels are offering two-night holiday stays starting at P19,600 at Hyatt Regency, P20,600 at Nobu Hotel Manila, and P22,600 at Nüwa Manila. Packages include daily breakfast for two adults and two children, a Christmas welcome amenity, a complimentary minibar, DreamPlay tickets, and a Gingy plush toy. Reservations are open until Dec. 29, with stays available through Dec. 30. The Shoppes at the Boulevard hosts the Gift Market bazaar until Jan. 4, featuring more than 40 local and international brands, including Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, Coach, Swarovski, Samsung, Dyson, Nike, and Pottery Barn. City of Dreams Manila merchandise and seasonal treats from Café Society are also available.
Café Society offers a selection of holiday breads, pastries, chocolates, and gift hampers through Jan. 4.
Items include Christmas hampers starting at P7,980, gingerbread houses from P1,500, Panettone at P3,600, and themed cakes such as the Christmas Gift Box Surprise Cake (P2,400) and Pistachio Wreath Cake (P2,200). DreamPlay, the resort’s indoor
by the number of people I saw on its escalators. This building had four, and all of them were full. I was so transfixed by the volume of guests on them that I forgot to take note of the building’s name.
At another building, I almost stumbled over a two-foot-high robot that was polishing the floor. I did not see it right away, as it was covered by pedestrians in the lobby. I hit it lightly with the tip of my shoe, and it scuttled away. When I realized what it was, I ran after it and took the photo you see on this page.
After meeting with some friends at the top floor of the Park Lane Hotel, I took time to marvel at the breathtaking view it has of Victoria Park, the largest in Hong Kong and similar to New York’s Central Park. It is named after Queen Victoria and offers many wellness and fitness facilities, including a massive swimming pool. It is also the venue for the city’s main celebration of the Chinese New Year. I am sure there are more interesting things to see in Hong Kong, but that will have to wait for the next visit. Meantime, I am looking forward to a couple more domestic trips before I finally settle down for the “Happiest Day of the Year!”
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com
on Dec. 29 at 8:00 p.m., featuring Chloe Foston and renditions of classic Carpenters hits.
Guests can book reservations or find more information by calling 8800-8080, emailing guestservices@cod-manila.com, or visiting City of Dreams Manila’s website.
city’s fast pace
resemblance to Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing
PRA-branded tramcars move through Hong Kong’s busy central district, reflecting the city’s constant motion and dense urban rhythm
Victoria Park, Hong Kong’s largest green space named after Queen Victoria, offers wellness facilities and serves as a major venue for city celebrations
A curved escalator designed by Mitsubishi Electric stands out as a signature architectural feature inside Lane Crawford in Hong Kong
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
Editor
NICKIE WANG,
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA,
JASPER VALDEZ,
Writer
Writer
By Nickie Wang
E
ARLY this year, during a junket in Tokyo, I met some new friends from Central Asia, most of them from Kazakhstan. While having a drink and cruising in Tokyo Bay, I asked the beautiful lady sitting beside me if everyone in her country looked like her. She smiled and replied, “Filipinos are cuter.” At the time, I thought she was just being friendly.
Another girl across the table said, “There are many beautiful people in Kazakhstan, but I would have to agree with her. My country is not just about the people, the place itself is even more beautiful. If you ever visit, we can show you around.”
Why Kazakhstan
hottest travel pick
Pinoys in
THE College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM) at Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST) has earned Level 4 accreditation for its Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) program, the highest recognition from the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) Inc.
“The accreditation of the BS Hospitality Management Program reflects what collective effort can achieve. It is proof that our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders are committed to excellence,” said Dr. Loida R. Banzuelo, department head of hospitality management.
The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training, internships, and industry-led projects to prepare graduates for careers in hotels, resorts, travel agencies, aviation, and other sectors.
“Our degrees provide skills in leadership, crisis management, service design, and cultural intelligence needed across the hospitality and tourism industry,” said Dr. Maria Rhoda D. Dinaga, dean of CHTM.
The path to Level 4 accreditation took years of development, starting with preliminary accreditation under the College of Industrial Technology led by Dr. Esteban T. Robiso. The program achieved Level II and Level III accreditations under Dr. Celia E. Cariño, before reaching Level IV under Dean Dinaga, who implemented outcome-based education, boosted research productivity, expanded international partnerships, and strengthened community engagement.
“Every success story of our alumni, whether managing a luxury hotel, working on a cruise ship, launching food and beverage businesses, or running a travel agency, validates our efforts,” Dinaga said.
Dr. Banzuelo added that the program aims not only to meet accreditation standards but to exceed them, ensuring graduates are globally competitive and adaptable. Both she and Dinaga said they hope students develop technical competence, values, discipline, and innovation to contribute meaningfully to society.
The BSHM program
industry.
We ended up following each other on Instagram, and that was my first encounter with Kazakhstan’s famous friendliness.
Since then, I’ve started researching the country and what to see and do there. At one point, my TikTok algorithm was filled with videos about Kazakhstan’s tourist spots. And I thought, why not? Kazakhstan seems like a place worth discovering. For many Filipino travelers, the annual planning ritual follows a familiar map. Japan in spring. Korea in autumn. Somewhere in Southeast Asia when time or budget runs short. Comfort lies in the known, but comfort can also dull the sense of discovery that travel promises.
And I think that is where Kazakhstan enters the conversation.
Online publication radar.ph has named the Central Asian nation as its travel destination for 2026, nudging Pinoys to look past the usual pins on the map. In an article by psychologist and feature writer Gel G. Galang, Kazakhstan is framed as a place that quietly rewards curiosity, especially for travelers willing to trade routine for something less predictable.
Galang describes the country as a backpacker’s dream that many Filipinos tend to skip when building itineraries. The appeal, she argues, lies in choosing the unfamiliar. Kazakhstan, in her words, suits travelers who want to begin a new year with a reset, shaped by a place that offers a different pace, scale, and worldview.
The piece also pushes back against lingering perceptions of Kazakhstan as a risky or inaccessible destination. Galang positions it instead as a country waiting to be understood, one whose size and diversity often work against easy categorization. It is not the kind of place that trends overnight, and that may be
part of the attraction.
Practical considerations strengthen the case. Filipinos can stay in Kazakhstan for up to 14 days without a visa, removing a common barrier for spontaneous travel. The local currency, the tenge, stretches travel budgets further, especially when compared with the costs of Japan or South Korea. For travelers who count both experiences and expenses, that balance matters.
radar.ph also turns its attention to Astana and Almaty, two cities that reflect different sides of the country. Astana, the capital, is defined by bold, futuristic architecture that can feel almost cinematic, from the Baiterek to the towering Abu Dhabi Plaza. Almaty, the former capital, moves at a gentler rhythm and is known for its historic sites, efficient metro system, and proximity to nature. Galang describes it as a place where culture and landscape sit side by side without competition.
Chris Cahilig, publisher of radar.ph, situates the recommendation within a broader media moment. Travel feeds, he notes, have recently been dominated by celebrity trips and influencer itineraries, often circling the same destinations. For radar.ph, pointing readers toward Kazakhstan was a way to widen that lens and suggest a place still absent from many Filipino conversations.
Whether Kazakhstan becomes a staple on Pinoy travel lists remains to be seen. But the idea itself says something about how travel choices are evolving. The hunger now is not only for postcard views but also for places that feel undiscovered, or at least underexplored, where stories are shaped by the journey rather than the algorithm.
Cultural sites across Kazakhstan offer travelers a deeper look into the country’s layered history and traditions
